41 replies to this topic

[Greg Locock]

I hope Lukin didn't do the fuel calcs for Skaife!

Excellent race, as usual made interesting by the weather. Good drive by Lowndes and the ice racer.

[McGuire]

I love these cars. Can't wait for Surfers Paradise when I will see them again.

[Lukin]

Lol, I was on the other car, but to say that went to plan is another story.

Mac, what day you arriving here?

[ScottNC]

I was recently involved it a reaserch project that caused me to use a piston forging that the manufacturer told me was created for Austrailian Supercars. He went on to explain a little about the series but about all I got from it was that they were 5 liter, four-door Holden road race cars....and hughly popular. Can someone enlighten a Yank as to what you're up to down there? Where are the engines being built? What are the engine rules? Would it be feasable financially to build engines in the U.S. for use in the series?

[McGuire]

Originally posted by Lukin
Lol, I was on the other car, but to say that went to plan is another story.

Mac, what day you arriving here?

Don't know yet, haven't booked the itinerary. I expect sometime Thursday, though it would be nice to get in early and hang out if my schedule allows.

[phantom II]

They show the series on Speed during our off season. I don't think that there is better racing anywhere. I can't understand why they don't cover it on Speed News.

Originally posted by ScottNC
I was recently involved it a reaserch project that caused me to use a piston forging that the manufacturer told me was created for Austrailian Supercars. He went on to explain a little about the series but about all I got from it was that they were 5 liter, four-door Holden road race cars....and hughly popular. Can someone enlighten a Yank as to what you're up to down there? Where are the engines being built? What are the engine rules? Would it be feasable financially to build engines in the U.S. for use in the series?

[Greg Locock]

Scott

The engines do come from the states, although rebuilt over here, I think.

http://www.v8supercar.com.au/

The bodyshells are somewhat related to the current production vehicles, the rear suspension is pretty similar to the Ford production suspension from 15 years ago, and the front suspension bears more than a passing resemblance to what Ford use today.

Basically they are big and fat and overpowered and undertyred and underbraked, which, despite all the whingeing, makes for good racing. Many of the aspects of the car are laid down, eg axle ratios are defined for each circuit, and the tyres are fixed.

[Lukin]

Originally posted by Greg Locock
Basically they are big and fat and overpowered and undertyred and underbraked.

That's about the best description around. James Courtney drove for us yesterday and he got out of the car laughing and smiliing and said 'that was so much fun!' because the cars have absolutely no rear grip, especially when your in the rain on slick tyres.

Should try and catch up for a beer Mac.

[275 GTB-4]

Originally posted by McGuire


Don't know yet, haven't booked the itinerary. I expect sometime Thursday, though it would be nice to get in early and hang out if my schedule allows.

Hey McGuire, I hope you have a fat ole time in Surfers Paradise buddy.....

Even better, why not think about emigrating?? we need people who know engines the way you do

[McGuire]

Originally posted by 275 GTB-4


Hey McGuire, I hope you have a fat ole time in Surfers Paradise buddy.....

Even better, why not think about emigrating?? we need people who know engines the way you do

Don't tempt me...is your government operated by moral imbeciles?

The most recent scandal here (before Katrina I mean)... my state govt invested its entire workers' compensation fund in rare coins and sports collectibles, and a cash hedge fund. I am not making this up. Of course the whole $300 million vanished into thin air. And these are Republicans who are supposedly good with money haha. "Rare coins," can you imagine? Next they will invest in Magic Beans, I suppose.

I am not a True Patriot like Brian. He stays in the USA but keeps his money offshore. If I like how you folks run things, you can have all of me. Canada has been looking mighty good lately but maybe Oz would be even better.

For anyone who is going to be at Surfers, please let me buy you a beer.

[Lukin]

Desmo will dish out a arse kicking for any political talk, but I havent seen him around for a bit. We are led by someone who follows your said moral imbecile. Doesn't matter though, everyone knows it, gets on with things.

It's my bday on the Thursday of Surfers. So I'd be more than happy to let you buy me a beer. And a lapdance if you got the coin!

[Bill Sherwood]

Originally posted by McGuire
For anyone who is going to be at Surfers, please let me buy you a beer.

I live about 20 minutes from the track, but will be working overseas when the race is on I think.

[desmo]

Originally posted by Lukin
Desmo will dish out a arse kicking for any political talk, but I havent seen him around for a bit. We are led by someone who follows your said moral imbecile. Doesn't matter though, everyone knows it, gets on with things.

It's my bday on the Thursday of Surfers. So I'd be more than happy to let you buy me a beer. And a lapdance if you got the coin!

My computer died and despite my best efforts at fixing it, I've finally given up and bought a new one. Thus you are all on notice, recess is now officially over

[phantom II]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by McGuire
[B]


I am not a True Patriot like Brian.

[275 GTB-4]

Originally posted by McGuire


Don't tempt me...is your government operated by moral imbeciles?

The most recent scandal here (before Katrina I mean)... my state govt invested its entire workers' compensation fund in rare coins and sports collectibles, and a cash hedge fund. I am not making this up. Of course the whole $300 million vanished into thin air. And these are Republicans who are supposedly good with money haha. "Rare coins," can you imagine? Next they will invest in Magic Beans, I suppose.

I am not a True Patriot like Brian. He stays in the USA but keeps his money offshore. If I like how you folks run things, you can have all of me. Canada has been looking mighty good lately but maybe Oz would be even better.

For anyone who is going to be at Surfers, please let me buy you a beer.

Ohhh....sadly...politicians are the same the world over...so the answer is ...most likely...

as an example we often have the bizarre situation where one, hick, elected by a slim margin, never been past the outskirts of town, **** sucking bottom feeder actually holds the balance of power in one of our houses of parliament....this ludicrous situation usually leads to the most inane waste of time, small town issues and thinking dominating the headlines....the press have a feeding frenzy....digging up all sorts of facts about the yokel concerned...it turns my stomach

However, on a more positive note (exhaust note if ya like )you know we Aussies all live in one of the best countries in the world and despite our faults we are generally good people and good to be around....so come on over

I just have to tell somebody a good friend of mine has just imported a big block Shelby 500 KR.....and I have to say....you yanks did come up with some awesome machinery every now and then

[McGuire]

Yo, Ray Bell...got your email but my reply bounces. By all means let's hook up at Surfers.

[McGuire]

Originally posted by Lukin
It's my bday on the Thursday of Surfers. So I'd be more than happy to let you buy me a beer.

Absolutely. And I want a paddock tour of your V8 if you can swing it.

[shaun979]

Take some pics guys

[Wuzak]

Originally posted by ScottNC
I was recently involved it a reaserch project that caused me to use a piston forging that the manufacturer told me was created for Austrailian Supercars. He went on to explain a little about the series but about all I got from it was that they were 5 liter, four-door Holden road race cars....and hughly popular. Can someone enlighten a Yank as to what you're up to down there? Where are the engines being built? What are the engine rules? Would it be feasable financially to build engines in the U.S. for use in the series?

Engines are built over here, but based on imported components to varying degrees.


I guess Stone Brothers Racing supplies more Fords than anybody - their own cars, Larkam's and Triple 8's. SBR are in Brisbane.


On the Holden (GM) side Holden Motorsport builds many of the motors, as do Perkins Engineering.

They are both based in Melbourne.


The engines are restricted to 7500rpm, 10:1 compression ratio, flat top pistons, weight restrictions on components (like crank). Injection is allowed, and is used across the board. Fuel is 100 octane unleaded, exhausts are silenced.

In the last couple of years the Holden guys have been allowed to use the Ford style heads (instead of the siamesed port heads). The deck heights are also controlled.

The result is around 620-650hp.

[Lukin]

HMS only do engines for HRT and the Dealer Team.

Perkins make time bombs for his cars and the PWR cars.

The other teams (Tasman, TKR/Morris, GRM) all do it inhouse.

[McGuire]

On one of my previous visits to Oz I walked into a McDonald's in Coolangatta and they served me a hamburger with a slice of beet in it. What is the matter with you people?

[naiboz]

yeah, what the heck is up with the beet thing?

[Lukin]

Mate! Beetroot on a burger is tops.

[naiboz]

no way

I remember being at coffs harbour, and getting something to eat in the big banana cafe thingy

waitress brought out a gorgeous massive big burger for me, following burger etiquette I took the top off to cram some more stuff and fries etc in there and what did I find?

A bloody massive, and i mean massive slice of beetroot, jesus I nearly cried, cant stand that stuff

[shaun979]

[Lukin]

Bloody girls.

[Ray Bell]

Just remember not to ask for a 'McOz'...

On the other hand, you can ask for a 'McOz grill... without the beetroot'.

Better yet, go to Hungry Jack's and get an Aussie Burger and find out what real food is.

[naiboz]

sine when has Burger King "hungry jacks" ever been real food??

[Ray Bell]

Well, as far as burger chains go, they seem to be the best to me...

Whether or not it's 'real food' is a matter of opinion. I would rather cook my own steak, but sometimes I don't have the chance.

[naiboz]

true

as a burger chain goes BK is as close as u get to real food

anyways, enough of this thread hijacking and back to the V8s

[Ray Bell]

As far as racing cars go, burgers are as close as you get with the V8s...

[McGuire]

Attention beet lovers...scheduled to alight in Surfers approx 1300 hrs Thursday. Staying through 0600 hours Monday. Cell phone will be inoperative due to local inverted topography (i.e. ground above, sky below, opposite normal calibration) but email still functional. Or can be reached at the Courtyard Marriott at Paradise and Hanlan.

If I recall correctly I have promised to purchase a number of beers.

[Bill Sherwood]

Slight chance I can make it.
Turns out I'm not working then.

[phantom II]

We want a full report. My brother goes there for Rugby events. He says they are the nicest people in the world. I plan on going there in 97 for the first time. Be mind ful of the female hormones in the beer mate.

Originally posted by McGuire
Attention beet lovers...scheduled to alight in Surfers approx 1300 hrs Thursday. Staying through 0600 hours Monday. Cell phone will be inoperative due to local inverted topography (i.e. ground above, sky below, opposite normal calibration) but email still functional. Or can be reached at the Courtyard Marriott at Paradise and Hanlan.

If I recall correctly I have promised to purchase a number of beers.

[McGuire]

Originally posted by phantom II
We want a full report. My brother goes there for Rugby events. He says they are the nicest people in the world. I plan on going there in 97 for the first time. Be mind ful of the female hormones in the beer mate.

First preliminary report...after 28 grueling hours in Airline Jail arrived at Surfers Thursday afternoon. Rained just about all day Friday. Stopped by Lukin's outfit to say hi...found him deep in discussion with a Pi guy regarding some seriously squiggled lines showing up on the monitors. He seemed to have his hands full so I left him to it. Will try to check back in with him today (Sat) but suddenly I more on my plate as well. More to follow.

[Ray Bell]

e.mail sent... Ben has been prowling around the grounds looking for you!

I will e.mail again with home phone number, best bet you try to phone him Saturday night. 0600 Monday means I won't be able to get there, I'm sorry. Unfortunately I was away when you posted your itinerary, but I don't think I could have been there before Monday anyway.

[phantom II]

Far out.

Originally posted by McGuire


First preliminary report.... More to follow.

[Ray Bell]

Not that far out...

The Gold Coast's not far from here, at least!

[Lukin]

Originally posted by McGuire


First preliminary report...after 28 grueling hours in Airline Jail arrived at Surfers Thursday afternoon. Rained just about all day Friday. Stopped by Lukin's outfit to say hi...found him deep in discussion with a Pi guy regarding some seriously squiggled lines showing up on the monitors. He seemed to have his hands full so I left him to it. Will try to check back in with him today (Sat) but suddenly I more on my plate as well. More to follow.

Hey Mac,

Sorry I didnt end up being able to catch up again. You came in just as we found a problem that took all morning to fix (well actually till half way through Prac 2) and it was hair pullin stuff. Bloody computers!

I was sick all weekend. By lunchtime Friday I could barely stand up and still feel pretty crap. Got 3rd for the weekend so thats good, now the top placed Holden driver in the championship. Outside shot for the title, but weird things will no doubt happen.

Enjoy your stay?

[Ray Bell]

I guess he's surface again soon, Lukin...

I spoke to him Sunday night, he was totally embroiled in completing his work for the weekend so he could get onto the 'plane Monday morning at six.

Give him a 28-hour flight home, a day to recover, a day to unpack... he should be with us in a few hours!

[McGuire]

Sorry I didn't get to spend more time with you guys... but at least I got to shake hands with Lukin and had a couple of nice phone calls with Ray Bell. The next time we are in the same hemisphere let's do it again.

[Ray Bell]

If next time is a year away...

Well, let's just say a ride in the Dodge is on the cards. Make sure you have a day or two in hand, okay?
























By the way, what kept you? I expected you on here hours ago!