Nirvana at 0600hrs and 210kph at 7000RPM

[GaryFitz]

I have finally blooded the Grp4 early this morning in Tokyo. Guys, I can only now say that I understand what you have been talking about. Increadible kart like handling (possible that the steering wheel was too small as it was non-orginal, note the original is in the boot), and the response from the open piped 24v engine was amazing. Noise was also defening, most traffic heard me coming and moved over long before I arrived.

It pulled crip and clean from low revs all the way through to my self imposed red line of 7000RPM, and it was increadibly quick and free reving without any hesitation. It felt like I was driving a Formula 3 car. Let go of the steering wheel at 210kpm and she went as straight as an arrow. Brakes were fine once they were warmed up (may need to change the pads). Oil/water temperature and pressure were spot on the money.

I think I have found the defination of Nirvana - empty twisty roads early in the morning driven over in a Lancia Stratos Grp4.

[SUSIT]

You lucky lucky man, Long may you enjoy

[chris.richard]

Sounds good Gary! Nice to hear it's everything you thought it would be!

[rutthenut]

Great - love to read about enthusiasm like this, especially with such a special car...

[tryphon]

Welcome to the club and quite a select one at that.

210Km/h sounds quite high, are you using an A ratio? If so switch to a C ratio and get double the pleasure....

Cheers,
Tryphon

[GaryFitz]

I have the spare gears but have not yet started to experiment, this was a shake down. We did have a few minor issues most of which have been solved. I cannot describe how amazing this 24v engine is. If you have driven a formula car you will know, but the time between burying the accelerator and reaching for a new gear seemed to be quicker than my brain was able to co-ordinate crashing through the dog box. The thing simply spooled up very quickly without hesitation - warp, warp, warp, warp,warp = 210kph.

As you will know, I am going to put the 12v engine into her for future running until I can secure enough of the right spares to be able to properly maintain the 24v engine. I have tried to buy a second 24v engine recently and now understand their value (bloody hell), and after having driven one, also understand why they are so special. So out she comes, and I hope the big valve 12v engine does not disappoint.

These were mostly gentle curving roads. I cannot wait to try the run up Mt Fuji. I am a rally guy, and I have a new found respect for the guys who were driving these beasts on their limit on dirt as the car has very direct steering, and kart like handling.

[SUSIT]

Gary any chance you would make Abingdon one year with the car

[tryphon]

You can't tell the difference between a properly built Group4 12V and the 24V. The 12V has even more grant below 7000RPM. The 24V is more powerful above 7500PM to its 8200 redline.
They sound identical too.