Time between engine rebuilds for HP

[lateapex911]

Bruce, the short answer is, the typical old school HP engine will require boatloads more care and feeding (new bearings, new parts, valveguides, etc etc etc, ) over any given period than a current tech SM engine, or IT type engine of relatively modern standards (Honda/Acura, etc).

One reason SM is sp popular is because you don't need to be a full time mechanic that can deal with the constant upkeep and tuning issues the old cars demand.

For your SM money, you can be within a hp or 3 of the top builds for a much longer period....that same yardstick in HP will cost you time and money many fold over. That said, the level of competition in the HP type classes is generally thinner, and it's probably easier to score a 3rd in an HP car at a regional race...but...it might also be called "last".

[BruceG]

Bruce, the short answer is, the typical old school HP engine will require boatloads more care and feeding (new bearings, new parts, valveguides, etc etc etc, ) over any given period than a current tech SM engine, or IT type engine of relatively modern standards (Honda/Acura, etc).

One reason SM is sp popular is because you don't need to be a full time mechanic that can deal with the constant upkeep and tuning issues the old cars demand.

For your SM money, you can be within a hp or 3 of the top builds for a much longer period....that same yardstick in HP will cost you time and money many fold over. That said, the level of competition in the HP type classes is generally thinner, and it's probably easier to score a 3rd in an HP car at a regional race...but...it might also be called "last".

Jake..talk about help and a fountain of knowledge on so many subjects!! Thanks to you and all you guys out there for your help. I was looking at an HP spitfire but no longer .....LOL.

[lateapex911]

There re better things to spend your money on that will be front runners and help you spend time driving, not wrenching...one is in my garage, LOL.

[Flyinglizard]

I do a compression test every monday morning post race. My new build shows 210# on my gauge. When the test shows 195 or less, I re lap the valves. Total seal rings seem to go all season. Synthetic oil keeps the whirly gigs whirling.
British race car?? They are a hobby and love, not a race car...
Run the airfilters on any high compression race engine. SCCA is just a flush of cash, flushes faster without airfilters.
I just had to do a complete TR 6 Race engine, due to injesting a small stone, smack the head, ruining a rod bearing, ruined the crank, etc.
If you are racing for money, and the airfilter will make you another 2000$ or more, than by all means leave it off. If you run with, and without the filters, without rejetting, then maybe you are off on jetting enough to negate any gains. IMHO. MM