ZLime Racing - Home of the Seize-Z-um, a 1992 300zx (more or less) and it's little sibling Ra-D-um the Wanna be D-type. Follow along as we attempt to keep both racing in the 24 Hours of Lemons.
Sunday, May 27, 2018
TRD Punisher Challenge
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
Ending of Vodden 2018
Were did we leave you?
Oh yeah, we started the second day...
To start the race, Sparky was in the Z and Torch in the D. After a few laps there was no word from the cars, and in this environment no news is good news. After the designated hour stint the pit radio crackled "pitting next lap", and all was going to plan. The Z rolled in, Sparky jumped out, and then the checks and refueling began. After a quick look it was determined that the front tires were now shot, and would not last the rest of the race. So, a fresh front set was placed on. A quick word from Sparky indicated the car was good, but the slight fuel hesitation was reappearing at the end of the stint. Planning to avoid this as much as possible, refueling would happen after each hour stint. After that, Muddy jumped in to begin his stint.
The D next came in after the planned 1 1/2 hour, Torch got out, the car got refueled, and Queen left and all was well....
Muddy's stint went well, at first... after about 20 minutes, the severe cutout seen in the beginning returned. After a lap, he brought it in and the team jump on it to determine the trouble. After a quick check of fuses and connections, the thoughts turned to our nemesis on this engine. On the bottom of the transmission bell housing there is a crank position sensor. When looked at, the electrical lines had some play in them and made contact with the hot exhaust system. The line appeared to show signs of scoring, so with a quick repair by Sparky, it was fixed and Muddy sent out to test. That appears to clear the problem, because Muddy did not call back and keep racing.
On the D side the only trouble was an interesting one for Queen. She must either really hate Hyundai, the Supreme Leader, or some Quantum Synergy exists between the two. For the second time this race a Black Flag for contact with the Safety Third - Kim Jong Elantra was issued.
In both instances the Hyundai could not penetrate the D's foam bumpers, and both times there was minimum damage to the D. The Hyundai however did not fair as well with doors and fender panels pushed in. (Sorry Safety Third about that). After a quick in and out penalty Queen finished up her stint with no further trouble.
This patterned continued for the rest of the race for the Z, Muddy was followed, by Lugnut, then by Torch, and then by Queen. The D had Muddy, then Lugnut, and then finished with Muddy. The only trouble in this exchange was at the end of Muddy's first stint in the D. At this point the Z was hot on the tail of the D for two laps. During the third lap, Muddy bounced off a curb that sent the car four wheeling followed by a quick recovery to get back on track. However, the damage was done and Black Flag imminent. Muddy took the D directly into the penalty box with the following exchange with Judges:
Judge, "So why are you here?" (They know why but want to hear from you)
Muddy, "Because I am an Idiot"
Judge, "What did you do?"
Muddy, "Four wheels off in the back somewhere"
Judge, "and why did you do that?"
Muddy, "Because I was trying to keep ahead of the team's other car"
Judge, "You know that it is the 3rd fastest car out there"
Muddy, "That is why I am an Idiot"
That fact that they knew the Z was 3rd quickest at that time is a bit troubling. As for the penalty, after the exchange things got friendly and Muddy was quickly on his way to exchange drivers with Lugnut.
The race ended with no further trouble, with both cars running and only one lap between them. So, in the end the D had 179 laps finished in 40th place. The Z with 178 laps finished 41st. Awesome!! Four Checkers this weekend. Nicely done team, and thank you for the Fun!
Oh yeah, we started the second day...
To start the race, Sparky was in the Z and Torch in the D. After a few laps there was no word from the cars, and in this environment no news is good news. After the designated hour stint the pit radio crackled "pitting next lap", and all was going to plan. The Z rolled in, Sparky jumped out, and then the checks and refueling began. After a quick look it was determined that the front tires were now shot, and would not last the rest of the race. So, a fresh front set was placed on. A quick word from Sparky indicated the car was good, but the slight fuel hesitation was reappearing at the end of the stint. Planning to avoid this as much as possible, refueling would happen after each hour stint. After that, Muddy jumped in to begin his stint.
The D next came in after the planned 1 1/2 hour, Torch got out, the car got refueled, and Queen left and all was well....
Muddy's stint went well, at first... after about 20 minutes, the severe cutout seen in the beginning returned. After a lap, he brought it in and the team jump on it to determine the trouble. After a quick check of fuses and connections, the thoughts turned to our nemesis on this engine. On the bottom of the transmission bell housing there is a crank position sensor. When looked at, the electrical lines had some play in them and made contact with the hot exhaust system. The line appeared to show signs of scoring, so with a quick repair by Sparky, it was fixed and Muddy sent out to test. That appears to clear the problem, because Muddy did not call back and keep racing.
On the D side the only trouble was an interesting one for Queen. She must either really hate Hyundai, the Supreme Leader, or some Quantum Synergy exists between the two. For the second time this race a Black Flag for contact with the Safety Third - Kim Jong Elantra was issued.
In both instances the Hyundai could not penetrate the D's foam bumpers, and both times there was minimum damage to the D. The Hyundai however did not fair as well with doors and fender panels pushed in. (Sorry Safety Third about that). After a quick in and out penalty Queen finished up her stint with no further trouble.
This patterned continued for the rest of the race for the Z, Muddy was followed, by Lugnut, then by Torch, and then by Queen. The D had Muddy, then Lugnut, and then finished with Muddy. The only trouble in this exchange was at the end of Muddy's first stint in the D. At this point the Z was hot on the tail of the D for two laps. During the third lap, Muddy bounced off a curb that sent the car four wheeling followed by a quick recovery to get back on track. However, the damage was done and Black Flag imminent. Muddy took the D directly into the penalty box with the following exchange with Judges:
Judge, "So why are you here?" (They know why but want to hear from you)
Muddy, "Because I am an Idiot"
Judge, "What did you do?"
Muddy, "Four wheels off in the back somewhere"
Judge, "and why did you do that?"
Muddy, "Because I was trying to keep ahead of the team's other car"
Judge, "You know that it is the 3rd fastest car out there"
Muddy, "That is why I am an Idiot"
That fact that they knew the Z was 3rd quickest at that time is a bit troubling. As for the penalty, after the exchange things got friendly and Muddy was quickly on his way to exchange drivers with Lugnut.
The race ended with no further trouble, with both cars running and only one lap between them. So, in the end the D had 179 laps finished in 40th place. The Z with 178 laps finished 41st. Awesome!! Four Checkers this weekend. Nicely done team, and thank you for the Fun!
Sunday, May 20, 2018
Race Day II is about to begin
After at bit of work last night, we got the cars mostly ready. We had Sparky in the Z and Torch in the D. The cars started right up this morning and are on track to take the start.
No word from the driver, yet, but here we go!!!!
Saturday, May 19, 2018
Day 1 done
The cell coverage was bad and for most of the day there was no internet access. So sorry for the lack of posts.
Well this was a rough day, but we ended up with 2 checker flags, both cars ran all the way to the end.
The Z had problems with fuel cutout all day, and plenty of spilled oil. Once the gas tank gets about 7 gallons low, we have to bring it in for more gas. The good news is that is about the same amount of time to bring it it for more oil too. Eventually we just hard wired the fuel pump to 12 volts to keep it on, but that did nothing to solve the issues with not being able to keep fuel going to the engine in hard corners. The oil leaks we are just living with.
After cleaning up the D’s oil spill, it ran pretty solid for the day. It is also losing some oil, but not nearly at the pace of the Z.
A fabulous pizza dinner has everyone spirits high and looking forward to tomorrow.
The D in the pits
Another black flag for the D. It blew an oil line to the oil cooler and was spilling oil, and more important to the judges, lots of smoke. Claus came to the penalty box and we pushed the car back to the pits. Torch is taking it apart to find the leak and then we ‘should’ be ok to go again.
That was quick
Muddy reported and issue before the track went green and Picasso was black flagged before even getting to the track.
Picasso was black flagged for being too tall, his head did not clear the roll cage enough so they pulled him from the car. Sparky was off taking photos, so Lugnut suited up and is driv my the D.
Muddy said the car wasn’t running well and was coming in to check the fuel line changes we made yesterday. 5 laps later he is still passing cars so we assume the problem has gone away and he is staying out on the track.
Race start
Everyone is staging on the grid. Both cars we think are in good shape, so looking forward to getting on the track and racing
Friday, May 18, 2018
Post Practice
We were able to run through all four of the drivers in practices. From this shake down the car did run, hot, but run. We developed a laundary list of issue to work on.
Many of these are normal fixes and some are new. The items of note that we can not do much is:
Many of these are normal fixes and some are new. The items of note that we can not do much is:
- The oil leak is from a crack in the oil pan. It's annoying, but we can live with a pint a day lose.
- For the fuel pump we think it is a pickup trouble on mid to low fuel level and generates a hesitation. We will be living with that.
So fingers cross and here we go!
Maddie Has the Right Idea
It is warm but not blazing. We have a few minutes to wait. Our mascot has the right idea as we wait.
Practice Laps on Going
We are turning practice laps now. Muddy and Lugnut has gone and went. The Z is turning out to run quite quick. Lugnut put down a 3:28. In comparison, last year the fastest lap was 3:40.
So yes quick.
Talk about a hot foot and just a little pickup. We are thinking of putting some insulation under the foot to help.
So yes quick.
There are some issues though. Lugnut was having engine cut out issues. We think it is the REV limiter. So, Torch is out now checking. Also the chatch can is overflowing , so we are getting a lot of head pressure. This might be a problem to watch. Finally, it is hot in the driver's seat.
Talk about a hot foot and just a little pickup. We are thinking of putting some insulation under the foot to help.
Tech and BS Inspection
The D arrived around 11:30 and we quickly turned the cars to get in the Tech and BS Inspection process. With some haggling with Evil Jon and fancy talking with Judge Eric we got....
Shocking... not really. I do hope we can keep up with the Class A "Likely to finish".
On to practice.
Shocking... not really. I do hope we can keep up with the Class A "Likely to finish".
On to practice.
Hurry Up and Then Wait
We are setup ready to go. Nice Audi moment.
However, Lugnut is getting antsy with cars circulating, and we are sitting.
Stig would be proud, or are we looking at the real Stig. You make the call.
However, Lugnut is getting antsy with cars circulating, and we are sitting.
Stig would be proud, or are we looking at the real Stig. You make the call.
We have Landed at Thunderhill
The caravan made it to the track. We hand landed near the end of the padlock, on the east (right as you enter) next pit exit. About the same spot as we were last race.
Thursday, May 17, 2018
Driving Schedule For the Weekend
For the race we will see practice from 9:00am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-4:00pm. We are think of running the full day, so we should get a lot of good track time.
For the Race on Saturday
9:00am is Drivers' meeting
9:45am cars on track
10:00am-6:00pm is the race
For our lineup we have:
For the Race on Saturday
9:00am is Drivers' meeting
9:45am cars on track
10:00am-6:00pm is the race
For our lineup we have:
Day 2 | Race Session I | |||||||||
| D | Z | |||||||||
| Start | Finish | Pilot | Notes | Start | Finish | Pilot | Notes | |||
| 10:00 AM | 11:00 AM | Driver | 1 | Estimated 15 laps | 10:00 AM | 11:51 AM | Driver | 1 | Estimated 28 laps | |
| 11:12 AM | 12:45 PM | Driver | 2 | Estimated 24 laps | 12:03 PM | 1:54 PM | Driver | 2 | Estimated 28 laps | |
| 12:57 PM | 2:30 PM | Driver | 3 | Estimated 24 laps | 2:06 PM | 3:57 PM | Driver | 3 | Estimated 28 laps | |
| 2:42 PM | 4:15 PM | Driver | 4 | Estimated 24 laps | 4:09 PM | 6:00 PM | Driver | 4 | Estimated 28 laps | |
| 4:27 PM | 6:00 PM | Driver | 5 | Estimated 24 laps | ||||||
For Sunday we have:
8:40am cars on track
9:00am-3:30pm is the race
9:00am-3:30pm is the race
| Day 3 Race Session II | ||||||||||
| D | Z | |||||||||
| Start | Finish | Pilot | Notes | Start | Finish | Pilot | Notes | |||
| 9:00 AM | 10:00 AM | Driver | 1 | Estimated 15 laps | 9:00 AM | 10:29 AM | 1 | Estimated 24 laps | ||
| 10:12 AM | 11:50 AM | Driver | 2 | Estimated 25 laps | 10:40 AM | 12:09 PM | 2 | Estimated 24 laps | ||
| 12:02 PM | 1:40 PM | Driver | 3 | Estimated 25 laps | 12:20 PM | 1:49 PM | 3 | Estimated 24 laps | ||
| 1:52 PM | 3:30 PM | Driver | 4 | Estimated 25 laps | 2:00 PM | 3:29 PM | 4 | Estimated 24 laps | ||
Wednesday, May 16, 2018
Prep Work Happening on All Fronts To Get Use To Thunderhill
Work to get ready for this up coming weekend is in full swing. Binder, tech sheet, tire, radio, you know all the boring stuff.
I think, no more needs to said....
However, for all who care, Sunday’s lunch is being prepared.
I think, no more needs to said....
See you there!
Tuesday, May 15, 2018
Menu for Vodden 2018
Z-Chef has made her choices. On Friday night we are enjoying an old favor of Lamb Chops with Garlic and Herbs. On Sunday it is back to Italy for some fresh pizzas.
Here is the rest of the fun:
Friday
|
Saturday
|
Sunday
| |
Breakfast
|
◦ Banana Bread on the road
|
◦ Croissant breakfast sandwiches with eggs, ham and Swiss cheese
◦ Fresh berries
|
◦ Sausage and Egg Muffins
◦ Fresh fruit
|
Lunch
|
◦ Deli Sandwiches
◦ Chips
◦ Fresh Fruit
|
◦ Chicken Cobb Salad Wrap
|
◦ Mexican Style Carnitas Tortas (sandwiches)
◦ Southwest Coleslaw
|
Starters
|
◦ Homemade Falafel
◦ Tahini Sauce
◦ Cilantro Hot Sauce
|
◦ Antipasto Platter
◦ Roasted Eggplant and Red Pepper Dip
| |
Dinner
|
Grill Fest
◦ Green Salad with Caramelized Balsamic Vinaigrette
◦ Lamb Chops with Garlic and Herbs
◦ Couscous Salad
◦ Grilled Broccolini
|
Pizza Fest
◦ Greek salad
◦ Luau Pizza
◦ Spinach and Artichoke Pizza
◦ Mushroom, Roasted Garlic Pizza
◦ Sausage, Mushroom, and Olive Pizza
| |
Dessert
|
◦ Baklava
|
◦ Hazelnut Chocolate Cake with Frangelico Strawberries and Crème Fraiche
| |
Beverages
|
◦ Craft Beer
◦ Wine
◦ Muddy Special Beers
| ||
Snack
|
◦ Chocolate chip cookies
◦ Chocolate crackle cookies
◦ Peanut butter cookies
(Note: Driver cookies are only for non black flag runs!)
|
Punchlist To Get us Ready For Our Adventure
Only three more days to get us ready for the Thunderhill Run. This last weekend we put in some good effort, and the cars are almost track ready. Sparky, is likely to visit tomorrow to get some of the final electrical items complete. I have some running around to get tire mounted, and some last minute parts. All in all we are really close. The biggest project is the painting to making the cars shine.
Here is the punch list.
Here is the punch list.
Work Checklist for: Vodden the Hell are we doing?
| |||||||||||||||
Electrical Systems
|
Status
| ||||||||||||||
Items
|
300z
|
Type D
|
Comments
| ||||||||||||
4
|
Descuzzify wires
|
Done
| |||||||||||||
7
|
Battery charged
| ||||||||||||||
9
|
Check ECU error codes
|
Done
|
Maybe
| ||||||||||||
10
|
Check Bus bar on fire wall
|
Done
|
Replace missing acorn nut
| ||||||||||||
Engine and Drivetrain
| |||||||||||||||
Items
|
300z
|
Type D
|
Comments
| ||||||||||||
3
|
Replace oil filter
| ||||||||||||||
4
|
Replace engine oil
|
Need 18 quarts for the race
| |||||||||||||
5
|
Check transmission oil
|
Done
|
Need 8 quarts for race
| ||||||||||||
12
|
Check and add water to overflow
| ||||||||||||||
14
|
Oil cooler and lines inspection
|
Done
|
D- New one coming
| ||||||||||||
Suspension and Brakes
| |||||||||||||||
Items
|
300z
|
Type D
|
Comments
| ||||||||||||
10
|
Tires and rims
|
Mount new tires
| |||||||||||||
11
|
Check tire pressures
|
Z – 29 f 28 r D – 28 f/r
| |||||||||||||
Safety Systems
| |||||||||||||||
Items
|
300z
|
Type D
|
Comments
| ||||||||||||
8
|
Check tow hitch
|
Make sure they are labeled
| |||||||||||||
Pit and Logistics Systems
| |||||||||||||||
Items
|
300z
|
Type D
|
Comments
| ||||||||||||
6
|
Menu
|
About to post
| |||||||||||||
7
|
Residual value memo to Marilee
|
Send Pending Response
| |||||||||||||
10
|
Radio
|
7 Radios (Four new Batteries)
| |||||||||||||
19
|
Binder
|
Pending Plead
| |||||||||||||
20
|
Pack For the Track
| ||||||||||||||
Décor
| |||||||||||||||
Items
|
Comments
| ||||||||||||||
1
|
Car number
|
Done
|
Apply
| ||||||||||||
2
|
Team logo
|
Done
|
Apply
| ||||||||||||
4
|
Paint
|
Touch Up
| |||||||||||||
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)