KS's hillclimbing odyssey

[KS]

If you get any oil pickup issues in a long corner, that bearing would be the first to suffer?

Absolutely - as you know, oil surge is a big problem with the 914 engine. I've done the best I can with a billet 'tuna can' (short of going dry sump, with all the added weight and complication), but will do baffle mods, as pioneered by FAT Performance, now the engine case is split. Another alternative is to install an Accusump oiler, which I'm seriously considering.

[KS]

Well, the more I think about this, the more likely it is down to starvation, and I guess I just got lucky not to lose the bearing altogether, along with the crank. The oil light came on a couple of times at Wiscombe before I fitted tuna can, and once after.

I've bitten the bullet and ordered an Accusump and electric valve set-up, which will automatically discharge oil into the galleries if the oil pressure drops below 20-25psi - that means it will pre-pressurise the system as soon as the ignition is turned on and 'top it up' if pressure drops due to starvation. Not cheap, but cheaper than losing an engine...

[Gary71]

Good call on the Accusump, having oil pressure before you even start the car must be great for peace of mind.

[neilbardsley]

As an aside. When I sprint raced my 356. I spent about 10-15 mins warming the oil up before starting. I made sure the temperature was above 180 before starting

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[KS]

Indeed - anyone who cares about their engine will make sure the oil is up to temp before pressing it hard...

[Ignatzcatz]

I ask, just purely out of interest, in order to compete in these various hillclimbs, does one need a competition licence, also is there the requirement to have date stamped equipment such as crash helmet, seat and seat belts plus wearing apparel. I mention this solely as an enquiry as I have no desire to punish any of my cars to such a required degree nor to test my vastly inadequate driving skills, hey, I'm a cruiser not a bruiser.
BTW great story of your ascending trials.

[KS]

Yes, you need a (basic) competition licence (RS Interclub - so no medical, etc), in-spec helmet, race suit and gloves. For the Production classes the car just needs to be road legal, with road legal (MSUK-approved) tyres. Front and rear tow points clearly marked, ignition 'off' position marked, battery earth taped up in yellow and a timing strut fitted to the front. Regular seat belt is OK. That's about it. For Modified Production classes and above, then things get more strict. Basically, in Production you can run your everyday car with the minimum of fuss...

[neilbardsley]

Don't forget, like me, you need a timing bar at the front of the car too and numbers

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[911hillclimber]

Worth noting on numbers:
Need to be 9" tall and contrasting to the car body colour, so may need a white background if black numbers. Car must have race number on each side, and you will get a big smile if you rpeat the number on the bonnet too. The paddock marshals can see your bonnet, not your sides.

The timing strut has to be made and installed in the correct position and be robust(!)

Everything you need to know is on line at Motorsport UK or Shenstone and District Car Club.

Finally, if you are tall, check there is adequate head room when wearing a helmet to the roof liner of the car when sitting comfortably.

[KS]

Joined Weight Watchers…

[Lightweight_911]

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Things are getting serious ...

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[anglophone1]

Crikey- really serious now Keith!
Did you get them in UK?
C

[DustyM]

That Slippery Slope is getting steeper.......

[KS]

Precipitous in fact…

[Gary71]

Nice. No more orange than absolutely required going on there I guess!