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.....Richard re-used the Vulcan-spec head (which he did an unleaded conversion on too) and started his work lightening and balancing the bottom end - aiming for revs, not torque, at Owain's request. And to avoid any similar oil surge problems in the future, he made up a dry sump kit and fitted a huge front mount oil cooler. The pistons and valves were uprated, a new cam was added and bigger and better fuel and oil pumps were also included.
With the engine back from Vegantune, Owain took the car to his mate Tommi at Wilfield Motors to get the carb jetted and give it a tune-up on the rollers. Result - a very respectable 130 bhp at 6400 rpm. And that's pretty damn fast in such a small, light shell, especially with Owain behind the wheel.
And with a second-hand four-branch manifold, some bargain Compomotive MOs, the pod headlights, new brakes and a DIY exhaust system, she was ready to rally again. So how was she? "She went super - I was well chuffed. She had plenty of revs, which is just what I like, and she's so stiff now too - handles a bit like a rear-wheel-drive car on the edge. On the loose stuff - rabbit blood, gravel and diesel - she's very tailhappy. The rest of the time, she leads with her nose and is a great point and squirt rally car - you can keep her neat and tidy or let her go loose safely. I love driving her. After all the bobble-hatted car comparisons, burger eating and nervous chat before the event starts, she comes alive. She may not look the neatest car, but that's practical in rallying. I think I've only washed her twice, but that's what I like."
And why not - like we said, everyone needs a vice these days.
Thanks
Girlfriend Kate, co-driver Chris, Halfords and Ripspeed, Tommi at Wilfield Motors (01443 740798), Richard at Vegantune (020 8343 0618).
Captions -
Bottom-Left - Above. Loads of graft went into getting the shell up to spec, including fitting the FIA-friendly roll cage.
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