Taming the beast...

So a bit of a large update of the last 3 months...

First off: In putting the head back together the stud ripped out of the number 4 pedestal..again.

 And went back to the shop to be repaired where they amazingly put a fillet in and saved the head!

Unfortunately on putting it all back together again something was clearly wrong...

The ridiculous lift of the 649 camshaft in a small bore engine was resulting in massive spring binding, which would explain the snapped tappet adjuster and earlier issues. Unfortunately it had also resulted in several bent push rods....

A decision was made to strip out the 649 camshaft and 4 point oil pump. Replace with a standard 948 camshaft which with the modifications of: +0.060 overbore, flat top pistons,  cooper S head, 1.3 roller rockets, balanced drive train, bigger carbs and 3 to 1 manifold would still provide excellent power from the small engine whilst making it a damn sight more driveable and less likely to break stuff. 

So out came the engine and then back in she went. Purrs like a beauty now.

As an aside here are some photos from the Exeter Trial this year: Absolute madness :)