Mikelly

Pete, that is exactly why I bought the unit I bought. It is the 24271 unit. On other unrelated notes, I got my fire system in today. I will start the install on it once I have the accusump issue resolved. Mike

Pete, This is why I bought the EPC (from Canton): "For high performance applications that require rapid refill and constant discharges we recommend the EPC electric valve listed below. For those looking for the convenience of an electric valve and the fast refill rate required in racing applications our (electric pressure control) E.P.C. electric valves are recommended. The pressure control system keeps the electric valve in the off position during times of normal oil pressure. With the valve in the off position it is able to quickly recharge the Accusump with oil pressure after discharge, thus being ready for the next oil surge. When the engine's oil pressure drops below the EPC Valve's preset level the valve opens and releases the stored oil in to the system. Like our standard electric valve the EPC valve can be wired to a remote dash-mounted switch or can be wired directly into the ignition so it will turn on and off automatically when the ignition is in the 'on' or the 'off' position." In my old configuration before this rebuild, I had only a standard pre-oiling valve. But after the problems with oiling and this motor, I ordered the EPC last fall and installed it because I wanted a rapid response and wanted something that would allow for more than pre-start oiling. After lengthy discussions with the folks I bought it from and from reading on Canton's site, I ordered the EPC. If I can't get this thing sorted, I'll just remove it all together and see how the combo of the 6.5 quarts of oil and the cooler handle it. If that doesn't work, Maybe I'll convert to a drysump. The tank and lines will be able to be re-used when I convert to the LSjuan build. Mike

Thanks Mark. We will check it again this coming week.

Motor is carrying 40-45PSI constant at idle. I believe when I called RacerParts Wholesale, they told me I would need the 20-25# unit. I questioned them and they said it should be fine... Funny thing is now that I have it all installed and the motor running, it clearly isn't working. Mike

Marc, We are running a new EPC valve I installed late last summer. It "was" working. Mike

Go drive one. If I hadn't gone out and drove the Mustang, I would have had the same poorly informed and somewhat biased opinion of the car, and you already know the end result there. Go find an RX8 and drive it. Mike

Mark, I did take it to 60PSI. The other thing is the pressure gauge doesn't move when the car is running or not. Mike

Few shots of the interior now that it's mostly buttoned up... all business, that's for sure...

Took her down to the gas station today to fill up and man this car is fast... Forgot how quick... She actually scared me with the acceleration. The station is 1/4 mile from the house, but every time I go to fill it up, I spend 30 minutes answering questions and letting people take pictures!

I've cycled it several times between yesterday and today. I scribed a mark on the dipstick with the unit completely discharged, started and ran the car, and then took a measurement. the unit took out about a quart, based on that scribe mark, and refilling it. Mike

My first track day now is a three day event scheduled for VIR on May 17-19. I am in the middle of checking all my systems out. One issue that cropped up yesterday is with the accusump. I charged the system for the first time since the new motor was installed, connected the line, and started the car. It only took in a quart of oil. It should hold 2. Any ideas? This unit is 20 years old so who knows, maybe it's time to change it out and upgrade to a 3 quart unit. Mike

Sypherslayer, I'm sure you're already aware how hard it is to find a clean AWD EVO or STi. The M3 isn't a bad choice. You could still look at Camaro and Mustang platforms, but at $15K don't leave out the Pontiac LeMans. You could also find a higher mileage C5 Corvette. I have fond memories of the 99 model I once owned. The other three that come to mind are th Miata, S2000, and the BMW Zseries. If you can get over the macho BS stigma, the Miata Speed version in 2004-2006 timeframe was turbocharged, had RAYZ wheels from the factory and was a serious asshauling sports car with lots of mod potential for not a lot of money. Miatas also get decent fuel mileage and are very durable. Some guys like the S2000. I've never owned one so I can't recommend one way or the other. The Zm Roadster I owned (2002 model) is out of your price range, but the regular Z3s are still pretty decent pics. You could also think about a used Porsche Boxter for that money. That's all that comes to mind from my end right now. Happy hunting. Mike

Just ordered the fire system for the car... Should be here by Tuesday. I'm down to the dregs of the list to make this thing ready for heavy duty tracktime. Mike

John Tedder, John Hines, Mark Icard, Tom Barnett, Thom Harris and Austin H. Participated in the last test. All of you guys did such a great job, and I would accept any assistance working with the cars will be running through the tunnel. I want to stress that we'll be funding this out of our own pockets this time, so anyone wanting to run a car through, as we get more firm details and dates, I'll let everyone know the cost breakdown on the time in the tunnel. I have about 6-8 simple tests I'd like to conduct on my car. Only one would require removing the car from the tunnel. I'll start working on a plan for my car specifically, and Matt I. if you can send me a list offline of the items you want to test, we'll start building out a plan. Mike

Matt Isbell and I are in discussions about going to Aerodyn2 for a day in their tunnel. We're looking for a few other candidate cars/owners. This is not a donations event gang, as there is likelihood that some of the information would not be shared with the community (all of Matt's data should be assumed proprietary since he is competing). I'll be reaching out to members here, but if you know of a WILD ride that should be in the tunnel, then have them contact me offline. Mike

You know THIS is cheap and works really well: http://www.jegs.com/i/Auto-Meter/105/7921/10002/-1?parentProductId=#moreDetails Snake the copper tubing in thru the firewall and you're good to go. I never liked or trusted the OEM gauges. I'd ONLY use the mechanical Autometer stuff. their electric gauges are suspect. Beyond that, I'd get that roadrace oil pan Tony mentioned and the Turbo oil pump, AFTER you install that mechanical gauge and confirm you don't currently have an issue. Mike

I'd be on suicide watch if I lived out there man... You have my sympathies. Mike

Tony, they're getting there, but they have a gap to close. Better suspension but power deficit of 80-100HP is pretty tough to overcome, especially with the improvements made by the Ford camp. If any of you guys close to me want to test drive mine, you're more than welcome. Wish we had someone close by that could let us do some back to back test drives on a 370Z touring model and this platform before I do the suspension swap on this car. Mike

Nissan and a number of other manufacturers were present, and still the '"classics" stole the show!

So, two weeks in, and I'm truly impressed with this thing. If you get the chance to drive a manual/6speed version, do it. The car doesn't "feel" big at all. Let my buddy drive it yesterday evening and he broke traction grabbing 4th, and it's still bone stock. Couple of "planned" upgrades include the addition of GT500 upper strut mounts, longer camber bolts, and a complete American Muscle Eiback Pro+ suspension kit upgrade. I'll also buy some summer only tires to install on those Silver 5 star TSW Thruxstons that used to be on my Zcar. They bolt right up and are the perfect backspacing/offset. They're 9.5 inches wide too, which will help the traction/cornering. Kinda glad nobody bought them when I was trying to sell them. Mike

Can't wait to see how this build turns out Ron! Bookmarked it. Mike

Oh yea, 2 seconds is a sea of time. You spent your money well. The Callahan car... I remember when Jim bought that car in January 2008 from the dealership in Warrenton Va. He put break in miles on the car and shipped it off to :LG mototsports. They did a bunch of suspension/brake/driveline mods, and added their aero package and sent the car back. The #7 cylinder liner unseated itself after less than 1100miles and GM voided the warranty because of the headers, if memory serves. Anyway, after that, Jim sent the car BACK to LG and they installed a former Texas mile motor and a world challenge transmission, along with all the coolers. It was unfortunate that the car caught fire during the UTCC last summer, but a rod let go and hot oil hit the headers. That car was a street car still, so there was no fire system to save some of the damage it suffered. I hope Matt builds that thing to winning standards this time around. Back when Jim and LG built the car in 2008, the depth of knowledge on those new 427s was shallower than it is now. I'm sure whatever they built will live longer. Mike

At least you're driving yours on a regular basis, so quit bitchin'. Mortensen's right. There are a bunch of options out there that are cheaper. Last time I added mine up, I wanted to cry, because the total was much higher than I could have paid for some class winning Porsche Racecars. It's all perspective and what you like.

Ugh, the event this coming weekend has been cancelled. I'll be on the lookout for a DE/open track day in the coming weeks... I really need to get this car out on the track ASAP. Mike

Mike Skeen got your car down into the .28s??? Amazing. Mike drove Matt Callahan's Z06 (the car Jim Mcnemar had and a deal I worked between the two to move the car for Jim) to win the Ultimate Street Car Challenge last year. Mike was at Summit Point Last year and was really taking an interest in my Zcar. Last year he was a guest coach with Trackdaze.com often. My guess is this year he wont be available as much.