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John Colbert
 IP: 74.222.199.71 Feb 9, 08 - 2:42 PM |
Crazy Kiwi Midget Engine
If you go to link they've also got a picture of this thing: http://thedirttrackchannel.com/New_Zealand_.html NEW MIDGET ENGINE TAKES DAVEY RAY TO INTERNATIONAL SERIES FEATURE RACE WIN FIRST TIME OUT IN NEW ZEALAND By The Dirt Track Channel-New Zealand PR Staff A small piece of history was made on January 30th at Western Springs Speedway when the #88 Aggressor Midget driven by US ace Davey Ray won the night’s feature race. What is most interesting is that the car is powered by a New Zealand designed and built engine. The design work of Mechanical Engineer Simon Longdill, the engine uses Kawasaki ZX12R 1200 cylinder heads and cylinder blocks to form an 80 degree V8 displacing 2400cc (147C.I.) Remarkably, perhaps reflecting the degree of development already achieved by Kawasaki, the cylinder heads, camshafts and cam chain drives are stock standard. The same goes for the pistons, running the standard 12:1 compression in the standard nickasil iron liners. First departure from stock is the con rods, custom made with smaller width larger diameter journals. A custom made 5 bearing crankshaft configured as “flat” with 180 degree throws, with pairs of con rods on four journals spins in plain copper lead bearings in a custom made crankcase machined from billet T6 aluminum. As a concession to rules the engine is fed a methanol diet via a mechanical injection system, the by now customary electronic ignition taking care of ignition chores firing stock plug top coils. Initial in car testing showed up that the lube oil was having a larger role in cooling than envisaged and an oil/air oil cooler was fitted, solving that particular problem. Longdill displays the traditional designers’ coyness when questioned about power outputs, admitting only that he sees dyno pulls ”in excess of 360HP at around 12,000rpm”. Similarly, questioned re future plans for the engine, all that was forthcoming was the intention to move towards a production engine, “and not just as a Midget power plant”. Development driver Davey Ray is similarly reserved, allowing only that the engine “is doing all I want it to”. While justifiably proud of “his” baby, Longdill freely credits assistance he has received from Neil Gray and Kerry Jones Engineering in performing the extensive machine work, the technical assistance of the entire team at Lynn Rogers Automotive and also the long term support of Ian Mc Callum and Transitainer as tireless sponsors for his project, in particular making it possible for Davey Ray to drive the car here as part of the development program. |
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Openwheel44
IP: 67.52.226.224 Feb 12th, 2008 - 11:25 AM |
Re: Crazy Kiwi Midget Engine
This is nothing new. Canaday's had a double GSXR top end motor back about 1989/1990. Think they ran it for a guy up in Iowa for 5-6 years. Talk about a smooth running, sweet sounding motor. Jack C. really had that baby figured out. I was lucky enough to get to run it for them a couple of times. In fact, it was my very first ride in a full midget. Don't think they're legal here in the U.S. unless they let them run with SMRS????? USAC (Pronounced USUCK) killed off double over head cam engines by really reducing their allowable cubic inches. Killed this motor and the Cosworth. Anyway......This guy hasn't come up with anything that hasn't already been tried and proven. They mention a price? Probably right up there. Of course when you compare it to the going price of $26,00-$35,000 for an up front midget motor now, it may be reasonable? |
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