RR20AC Build Thread

[Paul2STL]

Looking good Jim! ;)

[RR20AC]

Waiting for the weather

[RR20AC]

Weather is getting better. Sunday cruise with a new gopro mount. Getting ready for track day on April 6th. Works well and you can't even see the mount. https://youtu.be/DUPtHN_vhac

[wareaglescott]

That is a pretty cool vantage point! Looking forward to some track day videos.

[buddyb]

I got my complete kit plus coyote and tko600 a few weeks ago. I have the 18x9s and 18x11s whats the best tire size?

[RR20AC]

Front 255/35/ZR18
Rear 315/30/ZR18
I went with Toyo. Work really well. Soft. Lots of traction. Down side is they say they last about 5000 Miles and are more expensive.

[RR20AC]

Went to a local shop today as a preview to a Hooked on driving event at the Ridge Motor park in Shelton. Racer on Rails. Awesome guys there and glad to help everyone get going in driving fast on the track. Twin brothers that race BMW's. They also are into full blown simulators and practice daily. The sims were very advanced and they have their cars loaded so they control just like on the track. Paul and I drove the cobras up and had a great time as the weather is fabulous right now. My numbers are on my car and I did a complete tech inspection for the track. I'll pull it up there next Saturday but the weather forecast says rain, rain and more rain. Here 's some pics before I loaded it on the trailer. I did do a 360 video but it take time to edit and I'll get it done later. jim
P.S Also borrowed some Scales from Paul and corner weighted my car. Was very close so didn't have to adjust but the total weight was 2430 lbs empty.

[Jwheels]

Looks like you have a 4 legged furry speed bump in the 5th pic. I bet he'll move when you fire that thing up.

[wareaglescott]

Looks great! Hope the weather forecast improves!

[RR20AC]

Weather was Rainy. Hooked on driving had a great event though. Instruction was awesome and everyone showed up except one person. I'll do it again. Great way to experience time on the track.

[RXBill]

Jim,

With those webbed feet from growing up in the NorthWET, I'll bet you were in your element. I on the other hand was chasing down a screaching sound coming from the bellhousing. Clutch ajustment fixed it. All better now !!:o

As soon as I get more time behind the wheel (totally dependent on the weather gods) for some shakedown runs, I will be down to do a little cruising.

Great picture.

Bill

[RR20AC]

Hi Bill, Did a little cruising today. Spring is fantastic here when the weather cooperates. Yards all done and I'm up for a cruise. Just let me know. There is an event coming up end of the month at Pacific Raceways in Kent. It is SOVREN Vintage racing. Would be fun to have a cruise up there with all the cobras to watch Karen Salvaggio run her coupe. Here's a few pics of the weather last weekend and today in the yard....

[Paul2STL]

Nice pictures Jim and that FFR sticker on your trailer is pretty cool! Funny thing is I was off today working on the yard, guess I should of sent you a text.

[RR20AC]

Shoot could have been fun, Next time. Can't remember where I got that sticker. Oh yeh. It was from Paul.

[RR20AC]

My Buddy Paul2STL got some vintage decals for his car and thought I would give them a try. Got them today and put them on before going on a quick cruise for a bite to eat tonight. I think I like the look.

[RR20AC]

Paul looking at the pic now I guess I lost one already. I really liked that koni decal too.

[wareaglescott]

Decals look great. Really compliment your look.

[RR20AC]

Thanks Scott

[RR20AC]

Rode up to Pacific Raceways with my friend Paul in our cars on Sunday. Mark a future builder also rode along with us. He's talking of getting his kit in a couple of weeks as it is now done at the factory. SOVREN vintage racing had there first event of the year and there were 3 Factory Five Coupes running. Got to meet Karen Salvaggio and her Coupe she has been running for 3 years. Fantastic time with watching the cars going all out around the track. Thanks Karen for the time spent telling us about the sport. Truly an inspiration.

On another note, My friends noticed at WOT my car had a puff of smoke out the passenger side pipe. I pulled the plugs and determined the #7 cylinder is oil fouled. I'm thinking a valve guide is leaking. Guess I need to take off that head now. Busy times ahead. Just don't know when I will get to it.

[q4stix]

Wow, wish I would have been able to join you! Thanks for sharing!

[RR20AC]

Next two races are on Spokane Festival of Speed
June 8-9, 2019 | Spokane County Raceway
Test-n-Tune Friday

and then Pacific Northwest Historics
July 5-7, 2019 | Pacific Raceways

Karen said she goes to them all and the other coupe driver who is from Montana should be there too. He started his build in November and looks excellent.

[frankeeski]

I'm thinking a valve guide is leaking. Guess I need to take off that head now. Busy times ahead. Just don't know when I will get to it.

More likely a valve stem seal. I'd replace that first before removing the intake and the head.

Frank

[RR20AC]

Thanks Frank. Guess Forte said that to in so many words but I misunderstood. Thought I had to get the valve out but after watching several YouTube videos I see it's much less time consuming:) P.S Karen asked if I knew you and I said yes he took us on an awesome cobra trip up in the hills when at Huntington Beach last year.

[RR20AC]

Well, replaced the valve seal and said to myself these new seals are more robust. So I replaced them all. Now looking at adjusting the valves and there are at least 5 different ways to adjust the valves and not sure which way to go. Any recommendations on a 351w 427 on adjustment.

[edwardb]

Well, replaced the valve seal and said to myself these new seals are more robust. So I replaced them all. Now looking at adjusting the valves and there are at least 5 different ways to adjust the valves and not sure which way to go. Any recommendations on a 351w 427 on adjustment.

Assuming you have hydraulic lifters. If solids, ignore this response. On my two SBF builds, I followed the COMP Cam instructions. As each rocker is adjusted, you have to get the cam at the proper location so it's not pushing on that lifter. Do so by turning the crankshaft with a large socket wrench at the balancer, noting the rocker arm movement as it's going around. Set intake when exhaust just begins to move upward, set exhaust when intake opens and moves to nearly closed. Then turn the adjuster until there's zero lash in the pushrod. The usual way is to turn the pushrod back and forth between your finger and thumb as you turn the adjuster until you feel just the slightest drag meaning it's at zero. Then one-half turn (.030 +/- .010) on polylock down and lock. The main variation you'll see in my experience is how much to turn them down. Some will way 3/4 turn, etc. These were the instructions I followed. I think the main point is the hydraulic lifter has to be somewhere in the middle of it's travel.

[RR20AC]

Thanks Paul. I'll take a look at that info. Love to figure things out and this site has the best information on what make an engine work. I've adjusted solids before and all worked out. just trying to wrap my head around how hydraulics work. Jim

[FF33rod]

I found this video interesting and helpful. Another approach that's a bit different than the need to locate specific spots on the cam and having keep track of what you've done and haven't. No matter whether you take that approach or not, the big take away I got from this video was do not pump up your hydraulic lifter with oil before adjusting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EGlb_VpTAw&t=188s

[Gromit]

I would contact Forte, ask what cam is installed and see if you can find the install / spec sheet. Different cams and manufacturers can have different pre load specifications. the process of getting the lifter on the cam base as Paul described is dead on. what can be variable is how much pre load they use.

Chris AKA Gromit

[RR20AC]

Those are all the variables that had me scratching my head. Thanks guys.

[RR20AC]

Finally got to working on my engine after a busy week at work and trying to figure out the proper way to adjust my valves. Thanks Edwardb for the information on the comp Cam site. Very in depth. I also called Forte and he hooked me up with Jim his mechanic. Jim explained I did have hydraulic lifters and explained how many turns are needed after zero lash according to the stud size of the rocker due to the threads will make the lash more or less. I actually took off the distributor cap and marked each top dead center for each cylinder on the distributor and the process was easy to do. Seems to run smoother now as the # 7 plug is not fouled with oil any more. https://youtu.be/3ESlwtYihPI

[RR20AC]

Thank you to those who served. We wouldn't have these cars and all their history around us without you. Proud of my 2 F-16 fighter pilot sons and the country they serve. Did get the car out for a cruise with the wife and it is back to running strong again. We are very lucky to live here.

[RR20AC]

Latest pic from my car club event this weekend

[RR20AC]

Some more Pictures of my club based in Seattle.

[RR20AC]

Went to Idaho last week. Got to fly my next kit project. They are booked out a year. Guess I'll have to wait and just have more fun with the car.

[RR20AC]

Got to go to SOVREN vintage racing again with the guys. Fun day. Karen was racing again along with Tom in their Coupes. Two other cobras. One was a Kirkham. Both had troubles and were towed back in the session we saw. My car still runs well but the Smoking has not stopped. I guess the valve seals were not the problem. After the day. decided to go down to a local engine shop and ask their opinion. They said my engine didn't have time to seat all the rings as I started synthetic oil after 1000 miles. Still have oil in the #7 cylinder. Decided to go their route as it is much lest expensive and time consuming. Added some additive for cleanout and then went with a standard oil with a zinc additive. They said run this for another 5000 miles at least to stop the oil smoke. we will see as I don't want to take it apart now. Maybe this winter as I have a lot to do with the car this summer. Here is a few pics of today and a video of the race Karen was in today. https://youtu.be/pP9Wangq2Z0

[Boydster]

Cool video. There were some screaming Mustangs in there...

[BadAsp427]

FWIW, BluePrint Engines told me not to every put synthetic oil in the engine I got from them. But if I really wanted to, wait at least 20,000 miles. And it's pretty strange looking at your photos as they look extremely like my photos... down to the colors and badge on the side... :-)

[cv2065]

Not sure I'd build a plane, but I guess if you've been flying long enough, its mentally just like a car...Well, a little...:)

[RR20AC]

Always wanted to build a kitfox and a cobra . Finally get to. The plane is way more advanced than it used to be. Thanks

[RR20AC]

Out on a cobra cruise down the Oregon coast cars all tucked away for tonight. The red one is not my car but a superformance. Best weather ever.

[RR20AC]

Finally won something with my car even though it didn't matter as I'm still having a blast with it. Went to a car show called Hotrods for Hearts which raised money for the heart foundation. My friend asked me to go and I got a great pic of him on the road with me. Ended up winning best Muscle car and there were fantastic classic muscle cars there that should have won.

[RR20AC]

https://gopro.com/v/Lv0ReLPv8Mbrm https://youtu.be/7bKVHCt7FZ0 https://youtu.be/uZSjcIUFtIc https://youtu.be/DA2m_pYFVKM

[RR20AC]

https://gopro.com/v/V2MQqK8lRJNzX. Another adventure with my friend Paul. And a bobble head of me.

https://gopro.com/v/7adNXDz1evm3N

[RR20AC]

Still having fun with the cobra, as there are two parts to these cars. The build was great and seemed like once it ended I wanted more. There is a lot of guys around here to go have adventures with. Then again I always said I wanted to build a factory 5 and a kitfox aircraft. Picked up the kit a few weeks ago and started the build. Of course my cobra buddy came through to help unload.

[edwardb]

Still having fun with the cobra, as there are two parts to these cars. The build was great and seemed like once it ended I wanted more. There is a lot of guys around here to go have adventures with. Then again I always said I wanted to build a factory 5 and a kitfox aircraft. Picked up the kit a few weeks ago and started the build. Of course my cobra buddy came through to help unload.

That's awesome. The Kitfox is very cool and should be a great project. Would love to do something like that myself. But think I'll stay stuck to the ground.

[RR20AC]

Thanks Paul. Just keep building. I will too.

[Straversi]

I’m helping a friend build a Carbon Cub. It’s a lot of work but very cool. Enjoy the Kitfox.
-Steve

[wareaglescott]

Good luck with the build. Post some updates here from time to time please or do you have a build thread going on another forum?

[460.465USMC]

Thank you to those who served. We wouldn't have these cars and all their history around us without you. Proud of my 2 F-16 fighter pilot sons and the country they serve. Did get the car out for a cruise with the wife and it is back to running strong again. We are very lucky to live here.

Jim, didn't know you have two sons serving as fighter pilots. That's awesome! A big thank you from this former Marine to both of them!

Great to hear you are clocking some road miles in your MK4!

Happy Independence Day!

[RR20AC]

Carbon Cub. Same type of plane. But way more expensive. I’ll try to post some updates. Spent a few days just building some wing rotisseries and wing storage racks. Then got after it a bit, but a lot af things are getting in the way so one day at a time and it will always be there another day. Spar doublers were first thing I got to. Couple of kid pics. Going with my Seattle car club on an 80? Or so social distancing cruise around Mercer Island and then out to Tacoma to Griot’s main location for some Griot’s giveaways. Always lots of super cars on these cruises but I do get quite a few interested questions as our cars are built not bought.

[RR20AC]

Professional pic of me in my Avants car club. Over 186 cars did the loop around Mercer Island. There was another Shell Valley Cobra there but I was the only factory five there.

[wareaglescott]

awesome pic!

[RR20AC]

Couple more from the cruise

[RR20AC]

Over Chinook pass today with Paul. Mt Rainier in background.

[wareaglescott]

Awesome pics. Looks amazing!!

[RR20AC]

Scott, it was a good break from the plane build as I had to have it outside to put on some pieces that required the wings on. Can’t do it inside so I had a two day marathon build session outside. Paul took some good video too. 133684 https://gopro.com/v/rDoEnyqMa7dmd

[460.465USMC]

It's been a long time since I've been over Chinook. Can't beat the views, and what an awesome drive to enjoy in your Roadster! Going to have to add it to my list of drives to take someday once my Roadster is complete. Thanks for sharing, Jim!

[RR20AC]

Nice weather and a cruise with a COVID shot. Neither did me wrong Sunday.

[RR20AC]

And an update on my other project. Wings built and tail feathers in progress

[460.465USMC]

Looking good, Jim! Glad you had some nice weather to stretch her legs!

P.S. You still have the coolest avatar picture I've seen!

[RR20AC]

Car ran great. After 4 months of being parked. Nice sunny day. Took a neighbor’s son out for a ride. He’s hooked. If there are any local builders out there that need an inspiration ride or some visual help on their build. Let me know. Always ready for another cruise. Car is Six years old now and seems like the day I built it.

[Paul2STL]

Was a nice day unfortunately did get to get mine out maybe we could go on a cruise soon. Hopefully we have more nice days like yesterday.

[460.465USMC]

Looks fantastic! I don't have W. WA for work anymore, so don't get over there. Wish I lived closer so I could take you up on the offer for an inspiration ride!

[wareaglescott]

Good to see an update.
What is going on with the plane build?

[RR20AC]

Working on some of the linkages and wiring in the fuselage. Once done I will start on the covering of it and be ready to paint when the weather warms up here.

[RR20AC]

Worked on my car recently. Had a small coolant leak at the water pump gasket that has been there a while. I went to get the correct gaskets to make the repairs but had a hard time locating the correct parts. Seem it was not the pump I thought it was. All the parts lists at the local auto parts shops had something close. Finally I called Forte who built this engine tranny package and the answer was that the pump was a little different due to the clocking of the outlets. Part numbers came right off the top of his head. Car fixed I verified the leak was fixed by driving it all weekend. Went up North to a friends house to give him some incentive. His car has been at the painter for 7 months. We had a great time and I let him drive the car through his neighborhood. First time driving a cobra and he was excited.
Rain now and seems winter is setting in. Car is back to 100% and waiting for that cold bright winter day to take a quick cruise again.
Still on my plane build which seems to have taken forever. Couple of years off taking care of mom.
Back at it in the shop now as I spent all summer painting the fuselage. Working on linkages, wiring, and engine soon. Starting to get exciting again like my car build was, as I can see the end.

[Straversi]

The airplane looks fantastic. Keep up the good work.
-Steve

[edwardb]

Awesome Kitfox build. Thanks for posting the pics.

[RR20AC]

Panel in. Engine on. Hoping for a first start in march.

[RR20AC]

Very nice spring day had us gather down by the GreenRiver and end up at the Thunder Dome Museum in Enumclaw. And here is a race car that showed up at another local gathering that looks similar to a cobra. Built around 1953

[RR20AC]

Cobra engine is down. Just short of time to fix. All out to get this flying this summer. First time at the airport last Wednesday. Taxi and avionics check completed. Few more weeks then I will be flying and can get after the cobra repair soon. Probably just a manifold intake leak like last time. Just not sure yet till I get in to it. Last time the preheat tube in the center of the manifold seemed to be uneven and split the gasket there causing oil to go into the intake and blow smoke out the exhaust and run rough due to the vacuum leak.
Here is my plane project that is going past 3 years.

[edwardb]

Your plane looks great! Congratulations on the build. Will be anxious to get a full report when it's in the air. Get your Roadster fixed. But I understand there are priorities. :o

[RR20AC]

Paul, plane has been in the air a while now. Surreal experience flying again after 25 years after I got my pilot license. Test flying the plane as a test pilot is a challenge that few would want to do. You lay everything on the line that first flight. I went through all the phase one flight testing and am still here excited to start traveling with my completed plane. Totally different experience than the cobra as there is so much regulation matter to tend to. Plan on flying the backcountry of Idaho and Oregon. Here is a couple of pictures of my plane adventures. Finally will get my car back in my heated shop to work on. Two summers ago at full throttle an exhaust valve spring broke and the valve went through the piston. Sleeving the cylinder and will have it back on the road in a couple of months. Surely miss my cobra and cobra friends.

[edwardb]

Paul, plane has been in the air a while now. Surreal experience flying again after 25 years after I got my pilot license. Test flying the plane as a test pilot is a challenge that few would want to do. You lay everything on the line that first flight. I went through all the phase one flight testing and am still here excited to start traveling with my completed plane. Totally different experience than the cobra as there is so much regulation matter to tend to. Plan on flying the backcountry of Idaho and Oregon. Here is a couple of pictures of my plane adventures. Finally will get my car back in my heated shop to work on. Two summers ago at full throttle an exhaust valve spring broke and the valve went through the piston. Sleeving the cylinder and will have it back on the road in a couple of months. Surely miss my cobra and cobra friends.

Your Kitfox looks amazing. Thanks for the update and pictures. Huge congratulations on getting it done and legal. For all the discussion on here about getting our car builds legal, most don't have any idea what's involved with a homebuilt airplane. It's crazy. I haven't gotten beyond the N number reservation. But I have the roadmap of what's ahead. I'll be working with a build center so hopefully they can make it a bit less painful.

I wasn't aware your Roadster engine swallowed a valve like that. It's shocking how much damage can be done. Good luck getting it back on the road. Our Coupe has only been in winter hibernation for a month now and I'm already anxious for spring to get it back out.

[RR20AC]

Paul, I know you have relatives in Oregon you visit. Vans RV is located there. Will you be building a RV?

[edwardb]

Paul, I know you have relatives in Oregon you visit. Vans RV is located there. Will you be building a RV?

I have relatives in several Oregon locations. But mostly in Klamath Falls where we typically go when we visit. I knew Vans was in Oregon. In Aurora, which is up nearer to Portland. Some hours away from when we visit. But I have no plans for another airplane build. Including an RV. This was a one-time bucket list item.

[RR20AC]

“But I have the roadmap of what's ahead. I'll be working with a build center so hopefully they can make it a bit less painful.”
Paul, I guess I read this and figured you were working on one.

[edwardb]

“But I have the roadmap of what's ahead. I'll be working with a build center so hopefully they can make it a bit less painful.”
Paul, I guess I read this and figured you were working on one.

Midwest Sky Sports in Sandusky, Michigan is one of a few build centers in the U.S. that specialize in Sling aircraft. They are relatively local for me -- about 1-1/2 hours away -- and have me in their schedule for early next year for paint and final assembly. They also help with FAA requirements, first flights, initial fly-off, etc. They are who I was referring to in that quote.

[RR20AC]

Finally dyno is done on my redone engine. Broke an exhaust spring a while back. Dropped a valve into the cylinder and ground up everything. New head, sleeve cylinder, new pistons and rings. Finish work took about 7 months to get to as the local shop is busy as ever. I was in no rush as I was gearing up for a flight into the Idaho backcountry in my Kitfox. Flight was challenging getting there and back and SiriusXM weather radar on board kept me safe. 10 backcountry high mountain strips a day and a stay in a beautiful horse camp each night. Dyno resulted in about 500 horse power, up from 454 new and may be a few more with my larger header pipes. Great torque at 557 at 3700 rpm. Just staying low in the rpm’s with engine is enjoyable to me. Here is a couple of clips of my adventures.
https://gopro.com/v/db4KBoG12Prlz
https://gopro.com/v/72OqQL7nKoboN
https://youtube.com/shorts/UpcyhkL4zOI?si=JLQX9z4q1dXL68OY

[RR20AC]

Installed the engine over the weekend. Guess there is a couple of problems waking my car back up. Starter died after a few cranks. Would not hold an idle. May be the Holley fuel injection setting for 2 and a half years. Might have to buy some new injectors. All parameters are registering but the start was inconsistent. Went to an EAA club picnic yesterday and had a chance to see a member’s mini P-51 kit build. Great fun talking about his time flying it.

[RR20AC]

https://youtu.be/HWUlSuGsvJE?feature=shared

[Mike.Bray]

Beautiful!!

[RR20AC]

Few pictures to post here on my build site after getting my car running in August and pics with my plane build in October.

[RR20AC]

My next build: Factory Five GT40!

[q4stix]

I sure hope it is!
Also, fun seeing your two builds next to each other, both look great

[RR20AC]

Merry Christmas!