Vespa Dry Lake Racer lives...

See cars and bikes being built for the salt

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internetscooter
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Re: Vespa Dry Lake Racer lives...

Post by internetscooter »

An update - I am building a smoke generator compression tester for simultaneously testing that the system holds pressure and showing where the leaks are.

This is built out of a $55 RC smoke machine (used for things like model steam trains), a hacked 12v compressor and a bunch of tubing etc


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This is the first iteration and the next will have a pressure sensor which regulates things by switching of the machine once pressure is reached. At the moment I don't need to worry about the regulator as the system doesn't hold any pressure :(

So far I have found the system leaking like a sieve from the manifold (two big pinholes at least) and I am pretty sure that when I fix those I will find leaks in the seals.

Once I fix all the leaks I am hoping to have my 32Hp again and then I can get back to work on the supercharger :)
Paul
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Re: Vespa Dry Lake Racer lives...

Post by RGV »

Seems like a lot of work Paul and not sure you would see any smoke coming from a small leak. Soapy water works well.

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=pre ... 06CD81910A

Dave

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2010 MPS/G 250 118 MPH
2011 Washed Out
2012 Washed Out
2013 MPS/G 250 131 MPH (RECORD)
2014 MPS/G 250 140 MPH (RECORD)
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2016 MPS/F 250 114 MPH (RECORD)
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Re: Vespa Dry Lake Racer lives...

Post by internetscooter »

RGV wrote:Seems like a lot of work Paul and not sure you would see any smoke coming from a small leak.

Dave
Oh - I am seeing them pretty clearly :wink:

Found 2 major ones on the manifold I did 89.6mph on within a few seconds. I started on the one that only let me did 69mph by bolting it to a sheet of metal but found that I needed gasket as it leaked around the edge. Even then I found leaks smaller than the one on the scoot.

The reason I am going with smoke is that I want to see leaks coming out from behind the flywheel and out te gearbox relief valve. This is where soapy water can't work and what I think is the biggest cause of lost power.
Paul
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Re: Vespa Dry Lake Racer lives...

Post by internetscooter »

Here you go - real life is better. You might need to view it in HD to get a better impression of how effective it is


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Re: Vespa Dry Lake Racer lives...

Post by RGV »

IC that is better than I thought it would be.

Dave

Last Minute Racing
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2010 MPS/G 250 118 MPH
2011 Washed Out
2012 Washed Out
2013 MPS/G 250 131 MPH (RECORD)
2014 MPS/G 250 140 MPH (RECORD)
2015 MPS/F 250 DNF
2016 MPS/F 250 114 MPH (RECORD)
2017 MPS/F 250 DNF
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Re: Vespa Dry Lake Racer lives...

Post by internetscooter »

Some media from the 2013 Oil Stained Brain exhibition I attended. Note that I mention in the video the dyno telling me I could do 105mph - that statement was correct but unfortunately based on an old 2012 dyno result and I lost 33% of my power between that dyno run and the actual salt run - it will be easy to get it back!!!

Also note that the supercharger is only mounted I am still in the process of setting up pulleys.

Video http://vimeo.com/106154629

http://oilstainedbrain.com.au/2013-builders/

Image

http://oilstainedbrain.com.au/2013-bikes/

Image

Image
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Re: Vespa Dry Lake Racer lives...

Post by RGV »

Looks like a good show Paul.

Dave

Last Minute Racing
DLRA #928

2010 MPS/G 250 118 MPH
2011 Washed Out
2012 Washed Out
2013 MPS/G 250 131 MPH (RECORD)
2014 MPS/G 250 140 MPH (RECORD)
2015 MPS/F 250 DNF
2016 MPS/F 250 114 MPH (RECORD)
2017 MPS/F 250 DNF
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Re: Vespa Dry Lake Racer lives...

Post by internetscooter »

RGV wrote:Looks like a good show Paul.

Dave
Yes - it was pretty good and friendly atmosphere with lots of salt pictures :)

The next one is coming up and they are taking submissions http://oilstainedbrain.com.au/

Worth doing for those near Melbourne.

Paul
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Re: Vespa Dry Lake Racer lives...

Post by DLRA »

Saw this today and thought you would be interested.
It's not too late to modify your bike....
Image
Keep the shiney side up........
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Re: Vespa Dry Lake Racer lives...

Post by momec3 »

So why do cows always turn their arse to approching storms?
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Re: Vespa Dry Lake Racer lives...

Post by harky »

So do horses
Taking an AIR PRESSURE READING ! Simples
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Re: Vespa Dry Lake Racer lives...

Post by Stayt`ie »

I'm impressed with the aerodynamic hooves :mrgreen:
First Australian to ride a motorcycle over 200mph at Bonneville,,,
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Re: Vespa Dry Lake Racer lives...

Post by internetscooter »

Ok - it has been a long time!!! Been distracted by stage 3 bowel cancer (full remission), a separation (happily moved on) and a pandemic (hmmm). I have also been struggling with a lack of powered workshop and money. However the major life lessons I have learnt are to connect with what I value and be flexible with how I get there :) so I am planning a new approach :D Goodbye two-stroke, hello EV :!:

I don't have much time but the plan is to convert the Vespa to electric and run in the Production Omega class. I am getting a kit from my friend at www.retrospectivescooters.com which is custom but plug+play with a top speed of 100km/hr (road registered).

I am seeing if I can then build a second engine config which can do the 160km/hr+ I have always been aiming for. I have commandeered the kids 3D printer and have been planning things out while I wait for bits. This is where I am at but the motor will have to be different (I need more power). I have 3D printed out a copy of the engine so I know it will work before hacking into the engine casing.

Image

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BTW if anyone wants a brand new Rotrex C8-8 supercharger, contact Tom Rabold (he's selling it for me)
Paul
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Re: Vespa Dry Lake Racer lives...

Post by gennyshovel »

Welcome back Paul.
What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger,,,you have had more than your fair share of proton pills mate, well done, & good luck with the clean Vesperado :wink:
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Re: Vespa Dry Lake Racer lives...

Post by DLRA »

Once that salt bug bites, you stay bit.
Amazing work so far Paul.
Keep the shiney side up........
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