148kw at the wheels? That must be a record.
"God like"
Please feel free to share any info on how to build such a beast? I imagine some competitors like to keep their secrets close to their chest (more so the Vic rally community and inner Datsun owners???), but I am of the view point (more as I get older and mellow so) that us fellow Datsun owners should openly share as much information as we can; so we can go out there and beat these damn escorts!
I am not willing to spend mega bucks though, but don't mind spending a sensible amount; from a cost/benefit point of view. I am after advice from someone that has been there, done that and can pave the way for a near "copy" build.
Are there any cost effective mods you would recommend or can you please start a new thread on such, with your thoughts/advice in either building the "ultimate L series engine" and/or its best bang for buck cousin? Where to spend money and time on, where not to? Parts sourcing/brand/cost ranges/contacts for specialist work - would all be appreciated. Effectively a log of your engine build, part by part, contact by contact. I am not interested in paying someone to build my engines, without me lifting a finger - that would be way too expensive for me, not as educational/challenging/satisfying and goes against one of my core beliefs in trying to do as much as I can on my own cars and only paying for the things I can't do. I believe in building the motor myself, but getting selective help - even if my engine produces 90% of the power but costs 60% of the cost.
I challenge others also to offer their advice freely and openly on building such a high level engine - not a 100rwkw or less (which has already been discussed on this forum), but a 120-150rwkw monster. Or do engine builders still today in 2012 heavily rely on keeping secrets for a 40 year old engine, so they maintain their "specialist demand"? Perhaps if they are not willing to talk, then the car owners and co-builders should; or at least provide a guide of who to see/what to do/what to get? I might be opening up a can of worms here - sorry, but like in life, we don't get anything if we don't ask.
Excellent power figures and car though. Good luck in the rally. I love your in-car and am an avid fan!
Call in and say hello, whenever in Hobart - love to meet fellow Ozdat members, especially rally nuts.
Surely your coming to Tassie for the St Helen's Classic Rally 22/9/12? The best roads in Australia - pure rally heaven.
I bags to navigate.
Mark
G'day Mark,
I'm not quite sure where to start.
Firstly, St. Helens was on the cards this year but unfortunately it clashed witht the last round of the VCRS. It's a pity as I have only heard great stories about the roads used for this event. Maybe next time?
As for my old girl, well she has been a slow work in progress to what she is today. What I have learn't since I started rallying 7 years ago is that, if you want to go fast, you have to spend the bucks. You also need to compete to become better and learn the art of driving on the dirt. (I still have a long way to go!) Fortunately I have been lucky to have a few people with more years of experience than I am old at the age of 41, who have been the back bone of my cars development.
(1) I have a retired father who is a mechanic by trade, who worked for Nissan for most of his life. He has had the time to do all the homework, research and unbelievable amount of hours working on the car so I can compete.
(2) I also very lucky to have a good friend who owns a engine recoditioning business that has a amazing factory full of machines and experience that produce all sorts of L-Series go fast bits! Ian knows his stuff!
(3) Ian also introduced me to one person who has been building and maintaining Datsun rally cars for many, many years. He made my old girl breath properly and always happy to answer questions along the way.
(4) Ian's factory also has a few Datsun nuts who also have their 2 bobs worth. Equally they are very important to my cars development.
(5) Lee at MPC has tuned my car since this motor was first put together. He also has done a terrific job making the numbers she makes now.
(6) Cam for putting up with Bob in the service park.
(7) Lucky I have these friends because I wouldn't know where to start. I'm just a dump chippy!
What we have done is a whole combination of things to get where we are today. We haven't re-invented the wheel with this build, just added some more things to enhance it.
Are you planning to come across for the "Alpine" next year? I met a bloke who ran "Rare Spares" in Tassie at the 2009 Alpine. Can't remember his name. He was over helping servicing for one of his mates. Have you entered St.Helens? Good luck if you have!
Thanks
Rob
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