Robbomaz

The low-down from the man in the hot seat, and some specs too



NEWS:



Oct 13th 2003



Test and Tune - Kwinana Motorplex

2 years of hard work came to a head on Saturday, with the debut of the rex down at the track. We only wanted to pass scrutineering and make a few burnouts and half passes, and the ANDRA officials had a few minor technical hitches that only allowed burnouts/launches. We had difficulty starting the blown deal again, but Zap and a few other blown guys gave us the secret, and once tried was successful every time after that.



First pass was very rushed indeed, with my new crew having difficulty getting me strapped in in time, so by the time I got to start up I was a little frazzled. Remember I have never made a pass on a drag strip ever! The car when it starts is so strong, and extremely responsive on the throttle. Idle only moved the car into the water area, and a short burnout came up short after I let the revs drop. Fuel was pissing out of the nozzles in the hat, which freaked the ANDRA guys a little, but we were waved through. Staging was easy, but when trying to leave the line it pays to let go of the trans brake - goose!



Back in the pits we tried fixing the nozzle problem, and came back out for one last pass before retiring the standard 20B block for extensive modifications. I was calmer in the staging lanes this time - got buckled up in the pits earlier. In the water the burnout started really strong and the revs climbing very quick (it sounds a lot higher than it actually is - maximum revs was only 6,600), so I was on/off the throttle a little. I noticed fuel pissing out of the nozzles again, and was half expecting the alcohol to go up in flames - then bango! the blower backfired, and the alcohol on the outside of the engine went up. All in all a little spectacular, but not so much drama from the inside of the car really.



Back in the pits we discovered the intake manifold burst panel blew as it should, but so did the rest of the manifold - one twisted heap of aluminium! The bonnet, windscreen and a few other bits were stuffed, but generally all is OK. The engine will now come out for dowelling and overhaul as planned, then we will be back to make some more noise.



Movies:

Right click and "save target as"

First burnout/launch Blower backfire Blower backfire 2

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SPECIFICATIONS:

Chassis: Series I Mazda RX-7. Three quarter tubular chassis, with 38 x 17 tubs. Two Top Doorslammer type 36" 4130 swing-arms

Rear Wing: 2024T3 Aluminium lightweight aerospace.

Weight: 2300lb

Wheelbase: 97 inches

Engine: 20B Rotary

Horsepower: Estimated 800 - 1000 horsepower

Maximum RPM: 8,000.

Fuel: Methanol.

Injection: Enderle "Birdcatcher" Injection Hat, Enderle 110A Fuel Pump and Nitro style alky barrel valve, with a total of 8 fuel nozzles.

Compression: Standard

Supercharger: 8/71 Littlefield Alcohol Supercharger (Teflon stripped) - Driven 3% under.

Housings: Standard Mazda 20B

Crankshaft: Standard Mazda 20B

Bearings: Mazda

Rotors, Apex Seals: Mazda



Ignition: Bendix DSLN22-30 aircraft dual magneto

Spark Plug Leads: Bendix High Tension aero leads

Spark Plugs: NGK

Exhaust Headers: Three funnycar type straight through pipes

Hoses & Fittings: Aeroquip.

Component Coatings: TBA.

Oil Pan: Mazda.

Lubricants: Kendall

Oil Filter: K & N

Bell Housing: Cosmo 20B

Gearbox: WAR Race Powerglide Auto

Clutch: WAR High Stall auto - 5,500 rpm

Differential: 9" HD braced housing, 35 spline Moser axles, Mark Williams billet yokes, Strange noddy case 3.50" bearings, Spicer solid uni joints.

Wheels: Front: 3.5 x 15 Cragar; Rear 15 x 15 Cragar.

Tyres: Mickey Thompson - Front: 24.5 x 4.5 x 15; Goodyear Rear: 33.5 x 15 x 15.

Safety Equipment: Deist 5 Point Racing Harness

bacca

thanks for the info..... looked like it would have been a great ride