Vespa Dry Lake Racer lives...

[internetscooter]

Not much of an update I was supposed to have developed a virtual racer by now and done hundreds of virtual runs... but seems I have got stuck fixing virtual "rust". The scan has lots of bits missing due to spots that couldn't be reached by the 3D scanner. I hoped that this would not be an issue, however the recent OpenFOAM course I went on taught me that the model needs to be fully sealed i.e. no virtual air entering holes and causing a calculation of both inside and out, which introduces errors.

So I have spent the last couple of months filling triangle holes... with still much more to do. The red bits below should not be seen...



Though it sounds/looks bad and I should give up on this approach - the end goal is not just CFD but to CNC new bits. So I need to become an expert in modelling/model adapting, not just for the CFD part. Most of the effort is in learning Rhino3D and I am gradually getting quicker

For those that expressed interest in doing CFD, make sure the model is full sealed

[internetscooter]

Although I am making good progress with the 3D modelling/CFD, I have resigned myself to the fact that partial streaming this time around will be extremely partial. I am continuing with the modelling as a lunch time exercise but focusing any other efforts on getting the scoot as-is ready for Feb (with a few last minute additions planned once the important stuff is done).

The last dyno result showed I was running lean , so I got a bunch of jets and needles but then had trouble getting to another dyno session. Plug chopping just annoys me so I bought an Innovate o2 system for $200 and it works a treat I completed the install today and first ride shows I am right on the money air/fuel wise - I now also have a system for easy rejetting at the salt



As part of the tidy up I fitted the unit permanently (though the o2 sensor part will only be plugged in as needed due to contamination problems with 2 strokes oil)

oh - and someone in the UK has just got an official 104mph on a Vespa, so my target is creeping up

[RGV]

Hey Paul is that 22.4 to one AF? If it is what sort of throttle opening?

Dave

[internetscooter]

It's hard to ride and take a picture - that is just when the scoot was up on the lift

I had ~15 at idle going down to ~13 opening it up. 14.7 is the ideal for efficient use of fuel, something around 12.5 is for optimal power (and of course the richer side is also safer operation for two-strokes).

[Stayt`ie]

yeah, (depending on compression), 12.7, 12.8 seams to be the optimum for LSR in both two and four strokes,

[internetscooter]

Still need to analyse the results but she revs out to 110 mph ok


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[AuotonomousRX]

Hey there sonny boy that there do'nt sound like no Vespa I ever heard before Sweet


Pete

[rgn]

Virtual racer as above is a work of art. If you decide to do prints in a reasonable format, I would be interested in buying one.

[internetscooter]

Virtual racer as above is a work of art. If you decide to do prints in a reasonable format, I would be interested in buying one.

Wait till you see the finished product I expect to spend another year at least perfecting it before I start producing the real thing. I'll keep this thread updated with the progress but I have been concentrating on the real racer for the moment

[internetscooter]

Ready to race!



Final 2013 updates

• Kill switch mounted
• Made front indicators smooth
• Balanced wheels using static wheel balancer (I don't know anyone else balancing Vespa 10inch wheels, even a motorcycle tyre shop told me I didn't need to but I did it anyway and found it made a huge difference - one wheel needed 45grams!)
• Added rear wheel speed measurement using a Sigma bike computer (I chose the rear wheel so I could quantify rear wheel slip on the salt)
• On rear wheel slip I now have 40kg of available ballast (lead and steel) to stick in the glove box

Bonus points if I get time - CNC'ing out the tail section - this is my first real attempt and getting the whole pipeline working...

I have the modelling done and foam to cut...



But due to limited size of my CNC machine, I have to do it all in 6 goes and the estimated time for each go is ~3 hours... all going well



Not looking good as I also have to get all the camping gear and everything else ready!

[RGV]

Look good Paul.

Dave

[internetscooter]

An update that this year is cancelled due to my wife being sick (nothing serious thankfully but with 2 two young kids serious enough for me to stay home). So this is where I got to...



I wasn't on planning on going to 2014 as I was going to do some major modifications based on the results of 2013. The plan now is to take it to Phillip Island on the 18th of March (already booked) and then decided what to do in year. This will probably include the CFD modelling complete and aerodynamics. I have some ideas around my major limitation which is gearing but we'll have to see if I get enough time to do that

Damn shame I can't go and see all the other builds I have been following back to virtual racing for another year See you in 2014 (or Lake Omeo if that happens)!

[Dreamliner 200]

Hi Paul, real shame that you got this close

I find your project and the tech stuff really interesting, keep it up and good luck for Phillip Island!

Cheers
Graham

[ChrisACT]

Sorry to hear that you've had to postpone, Paul. But stoked that I might get to see the mighty Vespa strut its stuff in 2014.

Hail 2 strokes!!

[Rob]

Bummer you couldn't make it Paul,

The salt was dry and hard as the hobs of hell. We had head and tail winds on the GPS track and apparently some cross winds on the main track.

Rob