Unofficial Royal Enfield Community Forum

Royal Enfield Motorcycles => Bullet Iron Barrel => Topic started by: ace.cafe on October 31, 2013, 02:29:38 pm

Title: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on October 31, 2013, 02:29:38 pm
BIG news!

Paul Henshaw(Bullet Whisperer) and his Enfield racing team have selected Ace to assist in technical modifications and support for their Bullet 500 racing engine.

We will be working jointly on this project to make next year's season even better than the last.

We are very honored and pleased to have this tremendous opportunity with a high profile team on the UK racetracks.

We thank Paul and his team, and hope you all will be rooting for us to win!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Chuck D on October 31, 2013, 03:51:32 pm
This bike will be a Norton slayer.
Congratulations to Team Ace and best of luck.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on October 31, 2013, 05:48:57 pm
Good luck!  :D

Scottie
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on October 31, 2013, 06:25:54 pm
Yes, as Ace has already pointed out, exciting times may be ahead, the 500 'Big Head' racer engine is totally stripped and will be looked at in all areas in the quest for more power and speed 45.95 BHP @ the rear wheel to beat, as a previous best. There is a package being collected for shipping to you tomorrow, Ace, that will set the ball rolling. There is no shortage of 'stuff' to do here, as well  8)
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: 1 Thump on October 31, 2013, 06:28:11 pm
Fantastic !
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on October 31, 2013, 07:16:32 pm
I can't even describe how excited I am about this. I was up all night thinking about it!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on October 31, 2013, 08:35:18 pm
Ace & BW - This is really exciting!  If my new plan goes without too many hiccups I may be seeing you at Bonneville next year.  How cool would that be?  A Bullet and a Twin going for speed records at the same event!

Scottie
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: 72westie on October 31, 2013, 09:03:10 pm
Do you have a crank in the works or are you using a Hitchcock's? That is first on the list of things that my bike needs. I need to get off my ass this winter and get it running again. Ace, how much to get my current head checked over and flow tested?
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on October 31, 2013, 09:36:49 pm
Do you have a crank in the works or are you using a Hitchcock's? That is first on the list of things that my bike needs. I need to get off my ass this winter and get it running again. Ace, how much to get my current head checked over and flow tested?

We rebuild cranks, either stock or Hitchcock's, but we don't make any cranks at this time.
We do a couple variations of Carrillo con-rods, and big end bearings, but not any whole cranks yet.
Maybe next year.
But, we can rebuild what you have.
Chumma does all the crank rebuilds in NJ.

The flow tests are about $75 each, and the check-over of the head condition is minimum bench charge of $75, plus any extra time if they need to do anything.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on November 13, 2013, 10:24:49 pm
We have received Bullet Whisperer's cylinder head and have done the initial flow tests to establish a baseline performance benchmark.
The head flowed very well, and we have presented some ideas for improvements, for his consideration.
We will be discussing this shortly, I presume.

Sorry, no numbers coming up for public consumption on this one.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: cyrusb on November 13, 2013, 10:45:27 pm
Great news, this endeavor can only improve the mill you are developing.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on November 14, 2013, 05:27:44 am
+1   :D
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on November 14, 2013, 06:58:42 pm
I am sure improvements will result from this collaboration and perhaps some of what is done might be of use replicated in some fast road going machines in the future, both in the U.S. and here in the U.K.
 I have also had visions of an 84mm bore, short stroked 350, with tuned 'Big Head', revving beyond 9,000 rpm with ease  and fitted in modified Crusader type cycle parts, like our current 350 racer. A 612cc with 'Big Head' would also just squeeze into such a rolling chassis - just imagine a Crusader sized race bike with around 60 BHP  ;D ;D ;D. Anyway - back in the real world and the present time, we should end up with a pretty handy bit of kit with the next incarnation of the 500 Fury Special !
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on November 16, 2013, 12:41:09 am
I think those things sound like fun to me.
 ;D
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on November 17, 2013, 10:35:06 pm
This race bike is  getting some exotic mods!

It's gonna be really cool!

Had a nice long Skype conference call  from the UK again today. Lots of cool ideas coming out of this project.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on December 03, 2013, 08:51:29 pm
Little update on the progress without spilling any beans. ;)

This head is really flowing well with these latest mods.
Everything is doing even better than expected.
I think this engine is going to make huge power.

I'm really really happy with what I'm seeing so far from this project!
 ;D 8)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: 72westie on December 06, 2013, 05:21:39 pm
Ok Ace. What do you need for the flow test on my cylinder head? Send me off a e-mail, its in my profile. Hitchcock's has a 10% discount this weekend, gonna order a crank. Any idea which one I need? I sent them off a e-mail, they offer:

200160    PERFORMANCE CRANKSHAFT, 500cc (Metric, indian models)
or
200160B    PERFORMANCE CRANKSHAFT, 500cc, IMPERIAL, alternator type
or
200160D    PERFORMANCE CRANKSHAFT, 500cc, IMPERIAL, no alternator type

My bike is a 2001 Kickstart only Export 500. I do run a total loss electrical system, but I do use a crank triggered ignition in the rotor mounting keyway.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on December 06, 2013, 05:31:47 pm
Ok Ace. What do you need for the flow test on my cylinder head? Send me off a e-mail, its in my profile. Hitchcock's has a 10% discount this weekend, gonna order a crank. Any idea which one I need? I sent them off a e-mail, they offer:

200160    PERFORMANCE CRANKSHAFT, 500cc (Metric, indian models)
or
200160B    PERFORMANCE CRANKSHAFT, 500cc, IMPERIAL, alternator type
or
200160D    PERFORMANCE CRANKSHAFT, 500cc, IMPERIAL, no alternator type

My bike is a 2001 Kickstart only Export 500. I do run a total loss electrical system, but I do use a crank triggered ignition in the rotor mounting keyway.

Okay Westie.
It's #200160 metric Indian type. Specify kickstart only when ordering.
Probably wouldn't hurt to order a new engine sprocket for the primary, and have them check it on the shaft splines to be sure it fits right, when you make the order.
There are some issues with the splines and some gears from other year engines.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: 72westie on December 06, 2013, 06:08:12 pm
Crank is ordered. Good thing I sold my Atlas today, OUCH!  :o
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on December 08, 2013, 04:14:54 pm
Little update on the progress without spilling any beans. ;)

This head is really flowing well with these latest mods.
Everything is doing even better than expected.
I think this engine is going to make huge power.

I'm really really happy with what I'm seeing so far from this project!
 ;D 8)
Thanks for the update, Ace, that sounds very promising! Hopefully, work will soon begin on what changes we will implement below the cylinder head level of this engine  ;)
 Without 'spilling any beans', but as a point of interest and maybe reference, the highest figure we ever recorded, on what appears to be an exceptional day as far as favourable conditions go, from the 500 was 45.95 bhp. On the same Dynojet dyno and on the same day, the 350 recorded 37.13 bhp. These figures remain an all time best for both our racers. That dyno [and the entire bike shop] were destroyed in a terrible fire soon after that, meaning we were forced into using another Dynojet dyno a little further away from us and this seems to use about 3 bhp more from any machine we put on it, by comparison. The best we have seen from the 500 on this dyno is around 42 bhp and the 350 manages around 33 bhp. A Crusader belonging to Steve Cotrell, which we also race, came down from 28.5 bhp to just short of 25 bhp on this dyno, while a Kawasaki ZXR 400 lost 3-4 bhp as well.
 This will be the dyno we will test the reworked 500 engine on and the 350 will continue with last year's short rod engine, so this machine could give us some sort of benchmark or 'constant'. If this shows 32 / 33 bhp on the day, anything over 42 bhp from the 500 will be going the right way.
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on December 08, 2013, 05:00:41 pm
Thanks for sharing the info on hp from the past dyno runs, Paul!
This gives me a nice lead-in for a technical post on how this all comes together to get results.

We have just seen some horsepower figures on Paul's racing engines. and we have also seen first-hand information that dynos are not all the same, so their main function is for a comparison basis of the same bike on the same dyno.
Now, what is horsepower? We talk about it a lot, but do we really know what it is?
It's a measurement of work.

Horsepower is comprised of torque and rpm(rotations per minute) of the engine.
Torque is defined as how much force can be applied to the crankshaft by the engine in one "push" of the piston. It's "how hard" it can push.
But, we need to do more than one push, and we need to push it far, in order to do our work.
So, we push the piston down a lot of times over a time period like a minute, and then we get a push(torque force) times the revolutions of the engine over the time span of a minute(rpm), and then divide by a mathematical constant(5252), and that gives us horsepower.
Tq x Rpm/5252 = Hp

In short, horsepower is what we get when we push the piston down a whole bunch of times during a minute, and that gives us the amount of work we can do. If we have just one amount of force pushing down each time, then the more times we can push it down in a minute, we will get more horsepower to do our work. And if we can push it down harder to get more force, then taht will also give us more horsepower to do our work.
So, to get more horsepower, we want to increase how hard we can push the piston down, and also increase the number of times per minute that we can do it.

Okay. So, big deal. Everybody knows that, right?
All right.

So, this is where the tech stuff starts. How are we going to get more "push", and how are we going to get more rpms?
Well, to get to the meat of the issue, to get more "push" we need to get better cylinder filling, so that the engine can operate at highest efficiency. So, it needs air flow.
And, as the rpms get faster and faster, there is less time for the air to get into the cylinder, so it is likely that less will get in. And, when it's enough less getting in to not be able to produce any more power, then the engine will not be able to productively rev any higher, or make any higher power. It's the amount of air getting in that makes the limits.

How can we improve it?
Well, the main methods are to open the valves higher, and to hold the valves open longer for more time for the air to flow in at higher rpms, and also to make the sizes of the valves and ports(also shape of ports) correct to get more air flow in during the same amount of time.
So, this is why we talk about valve lift, and duration, and how much cfm(cubic feet per minute) of air the inlet system can deliver. The more cfm it can deliver, then the better it can fill the cylinder in less time. The longer the valves are open, the more air can get in per revolution. The higher the valves are lifted, the more air can get in(assuming the port is done to match). These are our methods. There's a lot of high tech processes in doing this, but at the basic level, these are the things we are doing.

We are going to open those valves a lot further, and we are increasing the port air flow to take the best advantage of those higher-lifted valves, and we are going to hold those higher-lifted valves open for a longer time than before. The goal is to keep getting enough air in there to fill that cylinder really full in a very short period of time, for a much higher engine speed(rpm) so that we get more  "push", and hold on to it for a much higher rpm speed, so that we make a significant amount more horsepower.

And that, in basic terms, is what it's all about.



Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: DanB on December 08, 2013, 06:07:52 pm
Thanks Ace. That's a great overview!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: 72westie on December 10, 2013, 07:10:13 pm
E-mail from Hitchcock's says the crank is on the way. Woohoo! My wallet is still hurting though.  :o

Hope to get the head pulled off tomorrow, been to busy with other people's stuff to work on my own stuff.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on December 10, 2013, 07:20:11 pm
Sounds good, Westie!
Looking forward to it!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: 72westie on December 13, 2013, 04:32:37 pm
Cylinder head is getting boxed up as I type. Going down to Mondello.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: 72westie on December 13, 2013, 04:35:20 pm
Just tracked my package from Hitchcocks, crank has landed in the USA.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: RGT on December 13, 2013, 04:52:05 pm
just like tracking Santa....
Good luck with it all
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: 72westie on December 13, 2013, 11:00:19 pm
Just got this picture while I was on my way to Buffalo. Nice!!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on December 13, 2013, 11:02:19 pm
Looks like they have started using Carrillo rods on those cranks.
Same rod as we use.
It's a nice crank set-up.
Real strong.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: 72westie on December 13, 2013, 11:34:28 pm
I have put a hurting on a Carrillo rod. They take abuse, that's for sure
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on December 14, 2013, 01:42:28 am
It is clear now that some of the top Bullet road racers and a few performance oriented street riders are seeing the potential in this new Ace system.

This advance represents a "sea change" in Bullet performance, and things really are never going to be the same again. We're very pleased to be bringing this important performance upgrade to the Bullet world.

For some of those reading who might not understand the impact of a system like this on a Bullet world in which it was not available, it cannot be overstated how important this is.
It's all about increasing the flow in and out of the cylinder, you need more flow to make more power. This allows the Bullet to be on an equal(or perhaps better) playing field as the Norton Manx or Matchless G50, or any of the legendary racing 500 single cylinder motorcycles.

Our goal for this engine is to provide competitive/winning Bullet engines that can compete and win on the vintage road racing track against any other single out there, at a cost that is significantly less than the others. We feel that this will breathe new life into the vintage racing scene, because these other vintage bikes are rare and expensive collector items now which people are hesitant to race, due to the risk of wrecking. If we can make a bike which is just as fast(or even faster) at a much lower price, and is an affordable and available machine not a priceless collector item, it could become the mainstay of vintage single 500 racing.


Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: 72westie on December 17, 2013, 06:32:57 pm
Ups delivered my cylinder head to Mondello's yesterday!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on December 17, 2013, 08:11:23 pm
Ups delivered my cylinder head to Mondello's yesterday!

I checked on it, and they said it's there.
The bad news is that they won't be able to get to it until they re-open after the holiday.

Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: TejK on December 20, 2013, 07:09:27 am
Great history in the making is what I am thinking reading the thread !!

I am kind of picturing both Paul and Ace at the salt flats very soon. And I guess most of it has to do with me watching 'The world's fastest Indian' multiple times !!!

Good Luck to you guys ! Hope you share this journey will all of us - make a video journal !!  :)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: jedaks on December 20, 2013, 09:13:02 am
Congrats Ace! We are all pleased for you and honoured that a bit of your knowledge is in a lot of our bikes!
Yankee ingenuity and Pommy persistance...great blend! :)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on December 20, 2013, 09:41:01 am
Looks like they have started using Carrillo rods on those cranks.
Same rod as we use.
It's a nice crank set-up.
Real strong.
That conrod will probably be made by Alpha bearings for Hitchcocks, as they have recently started making such things. They [first?] made a rod like that a couple of years back, that being a one - off for our 'short rod' 350 race engine, which retains the standard 70 X 90 dimensions. This machine was taken to 8000 rpm on the dyno on countless occasions and even saw 10,000 rpm once on the track! So, probably not Carillo, but vey strong nonetheless  ;)
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on December 20, 2013, 09:42:53 am
That conrod will probably be made by Alpha bearings for Hitchcocks, as they have recently started making such things. They [first?] made a rod like that a couple of years back, that being a one - off for our 'short rod' 350 race engine, which retains the standard 70 X 90 dimensions. This machine was taken to 8000 rpm on the dyno on countless occasions and even saw 10,000 rpm once on the track! So, probably not Carrillo, but vey strong nonetheless  ;)
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on December 20, 2013, 03:32:41 pm
I have to give props to our porting expert.
Again and again, he consistently gets more flow out of any given size port than the theoretical guidelines say he should be able to get.

The quality of this porting work also shows up when measuring the flow at the valve curtain at various valve lifts, and comparing against the theoretical maximum flow thru the valve curtain area at these lifts. This is the "discharge coefficient at the valve". Consistently in the top ranges for this discharge coefficient.

I know the techniques which are used in order to do this, but I don't think many other people do. It's not a "trick". It's just knowing how to reduce flow losses in a really expert way.
You should see the amount of flow that is coming thru Bullet Whisperer's port now! It's really moving some BIG air. Most people would say it couldn't be done.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: GreenForce82 on December 22, 2013, 09:04:30 am
I might not show up much, especially in these "expensive work that I one day hope to be able to afford" threads, but, I just have to say how proud I am to "know" you guys, doing something so awesome for such a cool bike. Also the tech side of this stuff is very well written. I am a tech geek and am gifted with the ability to understand machines and the like without reading much about them, but you guys take it to a different level.

One question, regarding heads: Have any of you heard of "Coates" engines?

http://www.coatesengine.com/ (http://www.coatesengine.com/)

If so, to what extent do you feel the design feasible as far as adapting to an Enfield? the idea being higher revs and better flow efficiency right?

thoughts?
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on December 22, 2013, 03:44:57 pm
The rotary valve idea has been around since the 1930s, and maybe even earlier. It does have some strong points over the normal poppet valve system. However, the sealing issues have never really been solved, so the rotary valve engines have never been commercially viable.
I have looked at the Coates rotary valve system before, and it looks good but I am not sure if they have really solved the sealing problem. We'll see.

Anyway, it could be implemented on any cylinder head that was designed, cast, and produced to use it  it is not an add - on type of system. I don't think it would be allowed in vintage racing classes.

If we undertook something like this in the future, it would almost certainly be for the modern production engine like the UCE. But it's not likely.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ERC on December 22, 2013, 04:03:38 pm
OMC came out with those in the early 70s. They won every outboard race going at the time except they couldn't make them stay together. Went to school for them and they were the big thing then. Probably still have all the tech stuff I was given at the time.  ERC
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: GreenForce82 on December 29, 2013, 05:09:16 am
The concept is sound but the perfection of design and materials are yet lacking eh?

Like the Wankel Rotary Engine and its similar issues...

I appreciate the answers, I wondered if they could be adapted easily to any engine or not, and not seems to be the answer.

the thing about pistons and valves is the same as the fall not killing you, the sudden stop.

They have to reciprocate and come to a near stop at some point... I'm just a sub-genius-wannabe-electro-mechanical-engineer, trying to find a way to make a better wheel...


I come from inventor blood and I'm itching to figure out something... I have more steam and smoke and gears in my brain than the industrial revolution had.

Thanks again! You Guys ROCK!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on December 29, 2013, 02:32:51 pm
The concept is sound but the perfection of design and materials are yet lacking eh?

Like the Wankel Rotary Engine and its similar issues...


Not to hi-jack, but Wankel Rotories are in a class of their own.  And if they were flawed they wouldn't still be making them today.  Have seen a turbo 20B Cosmo Turbo in action?
They eat V8's for breakfast.  The twin turbos lay down over 700hp @ 9,000 RPMs.  But they are lot like an Enfield.  You have to tear them down a fairly regular basis for decarbonization and apex seals (the equivalent to piston rings).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gK8536vxMas

http://www.srmotorsports.com/Stage5.jpg

Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on December 29, 2013, 04:11:19 pm
Not to hi-jack, but Wankel Rotories are in a class of their own.  And if they were flawed they wouldn't still be making them today.  Have seen a turbo 20B Cosmo Turbo in action?
They eat V8's for breakfast.  The twin turbos lay down over 700hp @ 9,000 RPMs.  But they are lot like an Enfield.  You have to tear them down a fairly regular basis for decarbonization and apex seals (the equivalent to piston rings).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gK8536vxMas

http://www.srmotorsports.com/Stage5.jpg

I'm here to tell you that a rotary valve isn't required to get a huge amount of flow like that one does, and Bullet Whisperer's head is living proof of it.

I can't publicly say how much flow we're getting out of this head, because it is private information for the racing team, but I guarantee that your jaws would drop to the floor if you knew what we are getting from this head!

I have always been quite conservative about doing head mods on street bikes to preserve their "street manners" and get high longevity and reliability over many thousands of miles.
However, on this job, it's getting "all the marbles". It's a race bike, and the checkered flag and the podium are on the line, and we're giving it all we've got!

I would like to put this bike on the Isle of Man. I haven't mentioned this to BW yet, but my wish would be to get this package sorted and fine-tuned to a winning combination during this year's race schedule, and then aim right at being the first 500cc single across the finish line at the Isle of Man TT.
I think that this bike will have a real shot at it.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Chuck D on December 29, 2013, 05:47:50 pm
Paging Dave Roper!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: GreenForce82 on December 31, 2013, 07:31:25 am
I know rotary engines are sweet and can be slam bang powerful, the replacement of apex seals was what I was equating to the issues with the seals on a Coates head system.

The idea I am addressing Tom, is simple smooth rotation in the engine, like a Wankel, but in the heads of an engine.

I wish I was smarter, better employed, and better set financially, I'd have you guys fireball my bullet in an instant, It would add to my Klingon Battle Prowess! (hee hee)

And I would never want you guys to let all your secrets out of the bag, it would be like knowing how the magic trick works...

But are we all in agreement that the idea of a system of internal or for that matter external combustion, that uses a rotational system without a TDC and BDC, but somehow manages to harness the explosion in a manner so as to smoothly and with longer life and higher rev potential and therefore (hopefully) power potential, is a worthy goal.

And I am the original "hijacker" here...

my posts simply fell in here due to the discussion of heads and flow and whatnot, it sort of mushroomed from there.

On another note, the only engine styles that I know of that do make better use of the existing technology are boxer engines, and radial airplane engines, as far as power usefulness and balance of load and all that jazz...

I love radial engines.... (falling into a state of dreaming, tongue lolling out and visualizing P&W R985s in a Grumman Goose... "drool")

Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on December 31, 2013, 12:11:41 pm
You'd love a turbine engine.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: AgentX on January 01, 2014, 08:47:05 pm
You'd love a turbine engine.

I think they made a movie about that...

(http://sim03.in.com/62/b0920aa5e62f21ff5bc6589d9122e715_pt_xl.jpg)

Perhaps less realistic than Hagrid's flying Enfield in Harry Potter, but still...
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on January 10, 2014, 01:17:59 pm
Just to confirm all the work on this project is still going ahead, Christmas and some other less welcome events have slowed us down a bit at this end, but it is all still very much ON !!
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on January 10, 2014, 05:49:01 pm
The head will be ready to ship by next week.
Just some minor final assembly needed.
I will be contacting B.W. about the details later today.

It's awesome!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on January 10, 2014, 06:20:17 pm
Awesome!   :D
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Nixie on January 10, 2014, 06:32:32 pm
I't would be great to come watch the first event this engine is used for!

Please keep us up to date  ;D
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on January 10, 2014, 10:16:47 pm
I't would be great to come watch the first event this engine is used for!

Please keep us up to date  ;D
Hi Nixie!

We are all excited about the prospects for this year's effort with the new engine. I'm sure that it will take some sorting. After all, it is now able to flow WAYYY more air than any Bullet ever could before(except maybe Linsdell, and we don't know what he has). At any rate, this is going to give him a run for his money, that's for sure.

I don't know how much Paul is wanting to say about the head in public, so I will wait until he decides about what is to be said, or what isn't.

From my point of view, we have never done any Bullet head that has the performance potential of this head. This is the best we have ever done.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on January 11, 2014, 09:33:27 am
Ace, you can say whatever you like about the head work, including before / after flow figures for it. I know I ported the head by hand previously, using pretty crude and basic methods, but it worked well like that and soon it will work better. I think the flow figures for my previous efforts will be respectable enough to share here, along with the new, improved ones as a comparison.
 I was told a few years ago at Cadwell Park, as we watched our 350 Clipper beat that year's champion, Graham Buller back to 3rd place on his very quick Manx Norton 350 - [the Clipper came second to Tim Jackson [AJS 7R if I remember right] in the last race of the last meeting] - that I tune my bikes using 'brute force' rather than finesse - well now we will be mixing brute force with finesse, could be a knock out combination!   8) 8) 8)
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on January 11, 2014, 01:42:35 pm
Okay!

First, as Paul said, the head came in with a very decent flowing port to begin with. He had done a very good job with it, especially for someone who wasn't working with a flow bench. So, hats off to Paul for a job well done there!

The flow bench tests were very revealing. We flow tested the ports all the way up to .600" lift, because that was the lift goal that we had in mind for the new head mods. I'll discuss primarily the inlet port here, because the exhaust port will just flow a percentage of the inlet, and we adjust it to suit.

Paul's inlet port as it came to us flowed 263 cfm at .600" lift. This is a hefty amount of flow, and it should support 60hp in a race engine like that.
So, how come it wasn't making 60hp?
Well, this is where the interesting part comes in.

In the Bullet, the cams are located on spindles which are close to the crankshaft seal area in the timing chest. This means that the cams cannot withstand much lobe enlargement, or they hit the case around the crankshaft oil seal. So, even with all the creative methods for dealing with cam lobes to get bigger ones in there, the biggest lobes that I have ever heard about are .442" peak lift, and that takes a bit of clever work to get them in there. This means that cam lobe lift is limited in the Bullet to about that figure, or less.

In the case of the Bullet Whisperer engine, it was using a different cam with about .420" peak lift, which is still quite a hefty lobe size for a Bullet. This is also the case with virtually all of the Bullets out there in the racing world, because there are only a few cams to pick from, and there's a limit to how high they can lift at the lobe, so everybody out there on the track is running similar lift in their Bullets. So, this isn't Paul's fault. It's what everybody out there has to face with their Bullet engines on the track. It's afflicting all the racers, and the street hot-rodders too. Cam lift is too limited.

So, what does this mean?
This means that even though the head could flow a very good amount of air at .600" lift, this engine never could lift to .600", and could only lift to .420", so the amount of air it could let through was limited by that valve opening to about 220 cfm, according to our flow tests. So essentially, the head had a port that was too big for the valve lift available from the cam. What was needed was to exploit that existing flow available at the higher lifts, and that's what we did.

First, we knew where we were going with the lift, because we had already developed that kit, and although Paul was getting higher lift than we had ever done with that kit before, we figured we could squeeze .600" out of it, so we looked at the ports and assessed the improvements we could make on it, to make it even better than it was.
The first thing we saw was that the port angle was a little lower than we would have preferred. It made a fairly sharp short turn on the floor, and we feel that was cutting down the flow because it couldn't use the entire circumference of the valve to flow the mixture in. It was way too costly to weld up the entire port, and start over with a completely new port angle. So, we worked with the lower port angle, and it came out nicely. Flows PLENTY.
It's now peaking flow at 285 cfm at .600" lift. And since we can access .600" lift with our roller rocker kit now, we can use every bit of that flow to make power.

Since the port size was already set at the usual 1.5" size that is seen in the Fury heads, and is able to reach somewhat over 8000 rpm, we did not change that size, but just re-shaped it to achieve the flow increases. And to make the most from this flow, a higher rpm limit is necessary to make the additional horsepower we want. So, the rpm limit is going up now.

To this end, a lot of lightening of parts was involved, including titanium valves and beryllium-copper valve seats, lightweight racing springs and titanium retainers, alloy roller rockers, custom valve guides, etc. The full kit of high rpm goodies went into this head.

The alloy roller rocker kit with high ratio is basically the same kit which we previously designed for the Big Head, but in this instance the desire was to use a bigger cam than the Ace cams which were part of the original kit. So, this meant that we needed to be able to make provision for .600" lift, instead of the .510" lift that we had in the last head we did with this kit. This presented some issues, but in the end we got it in there. It's the most lift we have ever gotten in a
Bullet head.

And to tie it all together, we now have a racing Bullet which is finally going to reach a higher level of potential than ever before. This bike is a methanol-burning, ultra-high compression, very high rpm, racing engine which should be able to use all the flow we are providing here.
And while I am not going to make predictions about what the horsepower is going to be, I will say that it's going to make a LOT more hp than it did before. If the guidelines of flow to hp are correct in this application, it has the possible potential to hit 60 hp at the rear wheel. Since things rarely are perfect, we could expect it to end up somewhere in the 50's for hp at the rear wheel.

Basically, the estimation figuring would go like this.
The "rule of thumb" for estimating hp from head flow is that hp at the crank should be 25.6% of the peak cfm flow of the head, in a full-race prepared engine.
If we take our 285 cfm, and subtract about 20 cfm for the flow losses involved from adding the manifold and carb on, that leaves us with about 265 cfm for the complete inlet tract.
25.6% of 265 cfm is 67.84 hp at the crankshaft, theoretically, if everything goes perfectly, and the moon aligns with the stars.
Subtracting the typical 7hp in drivetrain losses that we normally see with the Bullet, and that would leave 60 hp at the rear wheel, theoretically.
Since things are rarely theoretically perfect, we can expect some lesser amount, hopefully not too much lower. I am hoping for 56-58 hp at the rear wheel.

Whatever it ends up with, it's going to be way more powerful than any other Bullet out there that isn't running our kit, and it's going to be way more powerful than it was before. 
I am very keen to see how much can actually be gotten out of this thing in the real world, and not just theoretical. It has tons of promise. If any Bullet head has the chance to do these kinds of horsepower numbers, it's this head. It has the most of everything that we have ever done, or have ever seen in any Bullet head.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on January 14, 2014, 10:50:12 pm
Had a long Skype conference with B.W. and the race team today. Went very well.  Just tying up the last few things now.
Very much looking forward to seeing what this kit will do on the track in the real world.

I'm about as excited as anyone could possibly be about this!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Blltrdr on January 14, 2014, 11:18:41 pm
Man that is Vincent BS HP specs which had a top speed of 125 mph and is also about 150 - 175 pounds heavier than a Bullet. This bike when completed should be listed in the single cylinder monster category.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on January 15, 2014, 12:17:08 am
It is going to tear the other bikes in the class a new a-hole for sure!  I can't wait to see what this bike is going to do on the track!      :o   ;D   8)

Scottie
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on January 15, 2014, 12:30:14 am
Man that is Vincent BS HP specs which had a top speed of 125 mph and is also about 150 - 175 pounds heavier than a Bullet. This bike when completed should be listed in the single cylinder monster category.

I can only estimate the hp based on the fact that it has enough flow and compression and rpm to meet those estimates. We don't really know what the real world hp will actually be until it is done and sorted, and on the dyno.
It may or may not meet the estimates.
I'm optimistic that it will.

Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: REpozer on January 15, 2014, 03:51:46 am
Ace , I think you just gave away all your industrial secrets.
I can hear  compittion / opposition grinding away in there work shops now.
The Bullet Whisperer may have to consider installing an antique super charger just to stay ahead of the pack on race day.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on January 15, 2014, 12:03:27 pm
Ace , I think you just gave away all your industrial secrets.
I can hear  compittion / opposition grinding away in there work shops now.
The Bullet Whisperer may have to consider installing an antique super charger just to stay ahead of the pack on race day.

I hope your not serious!  All Ace did was put out some figures, there isn't a freezing chance in Hell that someone could take that info posted and replicate it.  Short of actually buying one and scanning it with a 3D CAD laser scanner.

Scottie
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on January 15, 2014, 02:40:24 pm
Okay well, briefly to the point about copying.
Copying is a fact of life. Especially in racing. "Racer see, racer do".
So, it's going to happen, once the impact of this thing hits home.
Our position on this is that we developed it, we have produced the parts and done the implementations in various applications, and we can do it better for less money than if they try to re-invent it themselves. So, if they want it, they should come to us.

This engine is the combined efforts of a lot of talented people working together toward a goal. Previous barriers have been broken down, and new techniques developed, which will now and forever be known as originated by us and B.W.
We are the leaders, and all copycats will be copycats. This is what it means to lead.

Our efforts are meant to win. We are not aiming at second place. It is going to run the gauntlet of real head-to-head competition on the real race tracks, against the best that anyone else has to offer.
If anyone else can do it better, then they will win. If not, then we will win.

I can tell you this. This engine is on the ragged edge limits for every possible performance parameter, and has gone well beyond what was previously was considered possible in a Bullet. It's got the most flow, the most duration, the most valve area, the most compression, the most lift, the most rpms, that is able to be gotten out of a Bullet with the stock 90mm stroke. To get any more than this would require a supercharger.
So, I don't know exactly how much it is going to put out on the dyno, but I know that we didn't leave anything laying on the table that we could have made more power with.
IMO, the biggest challenge for this engine is going to be holding it together while it is making big power at big rpms. And Paul and the team know this is a tough task, and have taken many steps to ensure that it will hold together.

It's a new powerplant in a lot of very big ways. It will need sorting. If we find out some new things by using it, and have to make some adjustments, we can do that.
This is racing. You push the limits, gather data, and make improvements. Things sometimes break during the process.
We want to win.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: 1 Thump on January 15, 2014, 04:34:10 pm
Wow!

How do you gear a bike that makes more than three times the stock HP ? How about the transmission ?
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on January 15, 2014, 04:48:37 pm
Wow!

How do you gear a bike that makes more than three times the stock HP ? How about the transmission ?

The whole drive train needs to be upgraded to suit.
The gearbox is known to be able to take this much, but it might need frequent overhaul.
When increasing the loads to this kind of magnitude, everything wears out pretty quickly. It's part of the cost of racing.
The team is well aware of this. They have been racing most of their lives.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: REpozer on January 15, 2014, 11:59:12 pm
I hope your not serious!  All Ace did was put out some figures, there isn't a freezing chance in Hell that someone could take that info posted and replicate it.  Short of actually buying one and scanning it with a 3D CAD laser scanner.
Scottie
A few drill bits, files,quart of Teflon , pizza oven, maybe some exhaust tape,reread  Ace's notes , and
few hours spanner time. How
 hard can it be?
;)
Okay this is really a fun call out ( and my other silly post)in recognition of Ace and team, to some incredible performance work.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on January 16, 2014, 09:56:03 am
Just for clarity, here is the machine we are talking about in this thread, taken a couple of years back, this picture shows our 500 at a meeting in Pembrey, South Wales, where it won 3 out of 4 races [one second place due to complacent rider looking back just before the flag!]. This machine and our 350 Clipper which also scored a win and other good placings were at the top of their game back then. But, a couple of years is a long time in racing, where development work and wear and tear rarely, if ever, stand still and although the 350 has been sorted, the 500 last ran on a race track with a rattling big end and a fair amount of other wear after recording 110.5 mph on Pendine Sands just prior to that and this all brings us to where we are now ...
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ERC on January 16, 2014, 01:35:47 pm
Nice what are you using for ignition on it?  ERC
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on January 16, 2014, 01:41:11 pm
Nice what are you using for ignition on it?  ERC
Hi ERC,
 Both our racing Enfields use a PVL / Rex Caunt Racing crankshaft mounted, self generating twin spark digital CDI ignition. These are ultra reliable and very precise in their operation.
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on January 16, 2014, 01:48:42 pm
In case it needs to be pointed out to anyone, that Bullet 500 racer is using the famous Norton "Featherbed" frame. A sharp eye will notice quite a few other exotic features all over this machine.

I think it looks great too!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on January 16, 2014, 02:00:14 pm
That frame brings up another topic nicely, I have always aimed for a 0.66 balance factor on my cranks, for both the 350 and 500cc machines, both machines having pistons and cranks of very different weights obviously. This brings me to this, I read very recently about a Cammy Norton expert using 0.66 B.F. for rigid and plunger framed machines, but 0.85 for Featherbed framed machines. We have experienced instances of cracking on our shortened 'Manx' frame and I am considering going for 0.85 B.F. this time round, once we know the weight of the new type piston we will be using.
 Also, a lighter piston than the big, heavy thing we have used up to now would shift the B.F. in the right direction, without altering the flywheel drillings etc and we may even be able to pre determine the desired piston mass in this case in order to leave the flywheels unaltered, although they will have to be split in order to replace that worn out big end, so they could be altered then if needed.
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: 72westie on January 16, 2014, 03:04:50 pm
That is one nice looking ignition system. I didn't realize PVL offered the crank trigger set-ups.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on January 16, 2014, 03:19:42 pm
The balance factor will relate to the frame's characteristics in resolving the vibrations in the different planes. I can't comment on the featherbed. On the standard Bullet frame, we like 63%. That's what we use on the Fireball,  and it rides as smooth as silk. You can even see clearly in the mirrors!  Of course, the Fireball isn't doing over 8000 rpm, but it's great at 6000.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on January 16, 2014, 10:10:38 pm
I was Googling around for a while trying to find out how much power these latest high-spec racing Manx and G50 bikes have these days. Just to see how the competition stacks up, of course!

I came across this 2013 article which described a Summerfield 92 bore Manx, and a Molnar 95 bore Manx, both of which are some of the hottest big-bore short-stroke Manx racers out there on the track. The cream of the crop.
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:jn2BPFsK0JMJ:www.cycletorque.com.au/new-head-new-handle/+&cd=6&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=firefox-a (http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:jn2BPFsK0JMJ:www.cycletorque.com.au/new-head-new-handle/+&cd=6&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=firefox-a)

Anyway, the upshot is that the Molnar 95 bore Manx was stated to have 53hp at the rear wheel, and the Summerfield 92 bore Manx was stated to have 54-55 at the rear wheel.
These bikes cost $55000 plus, for buying a new one.

Walmsley Matchless G50 bikes are rumored to be in the same power range, and perhaps even have a touch more hp maybe. They cost about the same, too.

So, if we can get to that 53-55 rwhp level with the Bullet racer, we're doing pretty good to stay right with the best, and ours doesn't cost $55000. It's down to the best rider at that point folks!

If we can get more than 55rwhp, then well......!

The interesting thing is that we have the same displacement, same valve size, same cam duration, same compression, same carb size, and similar/same 8000rpm+ rev range,....just about same everything as they have.
The main difference is that after a very exhaustive search of all the available cams for these other race engines, I couldn't find a single one that had as much lift as we have in this Bullet. The highest lift for a racing Manx that I could find was .545" lift on the inlet valve, with the hottest full race cam that I could find for it. We have .609" lift in this Bullet.
So, we have about everything they have, PLUS we have higher lift valves.
It's going to be very interesting!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on January 16, 2014, 11:47:22 pm
What an exciting build!  Great work Ace and BW!   :)

Scottie
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on January 17, 2014, 12:16:38 am
That bike is gonna look killer with an ACE sticker on it!
 8)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: AgentX on January 17, 2014, 12:36:32 am
That race bike pictured is f'n awesome with the featherbed frame.  Would love to know more about that oiling setup if it's not top secret.

But I do have to ask--did the exhaust bracket break, or is there just some optical trickery going on?  Or is the silencer really hanging that low??
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on January 17, 2014, 02:08:18 am
That really is a great looking bike!   :D

Tom, I know another bike that will look good with an ACE sticker when it's done.   ;)

Scottie
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on January 17, 2014, 09:28:08 am


But I do have to ask--did the exhaust bracket break, or is there just some optical trickery going on?  Or is the silencer really hanging that low??
That exhaust is all there is of it and it tucked right under the engine, just off the centre line, so it never touched down, although it got a dent in it once when a conrod broke while racing and leading a championship at Lydden a few years back  :o
 Here are a few incarnations of this bike, from when we first built it, the oil filter part of the timing cover was cut off so we could sit the engine lower in the frame and a remote spin on filter can be seen above the gearbox, with lines to and from the timing cover. My Brother, Ian, cut 4" out of the Manx frame cradle, to shorten it because there were big gaps everywhere when we first placed the engine in the frame. It is one of the best handling Featherbed rolling chassis around - an advantage no Norton can enjoy, due to the space those engines require  ;) Our original high level exhaust is similar to the 'Woodsman' style one to emerge from India a few years later - but we did it first !
 I will try to find and add a picture of the most recent exhaust system used on this machine as soon as I can, to bring things right up to date.
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: AVL Power! on January 17, 2014, 11:59:36 am
BW! Please get few Gopro cams for this bike! Would love to see some onboard video of this beast nailing other vintage 500cc+ bikes! :D
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on January 17, 2014, 12:20:53 pm
BW! Please get few Gopro cams for this bike! Would love to see some onboard video of this beast nailing other vintage 500cc+ bikes! :D

+1000  ;D
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on January 17, 2014, 03:11:23 pm
Okay, so we are really pulling it all together now.
We have the technical theory working with the real world data, and we now have all the tools at our disposal to make these engines do what we want them to to.

I feel pretty confident in saying now that we can make a Bullet at virtually any range of power and rpm that is consistent with its displacement and stroke. All the way from lowly stock Bullet to something like this racer of BW's. And anything in between.

We know how to set the valve and port and lift and carb requirements to reach the flow delivery and target rpm for virtually any build. We have the data on enough cams and head flow and power output, and we have the tools and valve train parts to accurately set up any targeted outcome.

We have reached "nirvana". We are "at one" with the Bullet.
We are within it, and it is within us.
We can snatch the pebble from the master's hand, and walk across the rice paper mat without leaving a trace, Grasshopper!
 8) 8) 8)
 ;D
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on January 19, 2014, 09:48:47 pm
A little later than anticipated - but here is the most recent incarnation of our 500 racing Royal Enfield, with the latest exhaust system fitted. This gave a considerable boost of some 3 bhp to the midrange power, while nothing noticeable went from the max power at the top end of the rev range. A shorter inlet manifold was fitted and used a little later, though, and it gave a tiny increase in max power.
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on January 22, 2014, 11:21:26 pm
Okay, I got the final paperwork on the race head today.
With the carb on, and the whole inlet tract flowed in toto, the max flow recorded was 260 cfm. It took a little more loss with the carb and inlet tract than I expected, but that's what it was.

To put this in perspective, on the way the head came in from last year's season without our rockers or port work, the max flow at peak valve lift with that set-up was about 210 cfm with the carb and inlet tract on.
So, even in the worst case scenario, or you could say the most accurate scenario that will have everything on it the way it will be on the track, we picked up 50 cfm at max flow and max lift with these mods. That is calculated to be worth about 12.5 hp of flow increase.
They had 43.5 rwhp on the dyno last year, so add 12.5 hp to that, and we estimate 56 rwhp with this set-up, after it is sorted and optimized on the bike.
Attached is a pic of the inlet tract with the beryllium copper valve seats in place.
Also attached is a pic of the combustion chamber view.

We also saved a lot of weight in the valve train with the titanium valves and lightweight spring stack parts.
Saved 18.1 grams on the inlet valve, and we used a bigger valve there.
Saved 23.3 grams on the exhaust valve.
Saved 7.8 grams on the valve spring.
Saved 3.2 grams on each spring retainer.
Total savings in valves and spring stack parts was 63.4 grams of moving mass in the valve train.
To put this into perspective, our new exhaust valve weighs 61.1 grams, so we saved as much weight in all these parts as our whole exhaust valve weighs!

We also adjusted the shape of the combustion chamber to modify the squish area and reduce chamber volume, and at the same time the chamber walls were sculpted to be advantageous to flow after the valve.
The surfaces of the port are done with a rough finish to assist re-atomization of any fuel drop-out that may occur on the way into the engine. Valve seat angles are also cut to have these same effects.

Estimates are estimates, and we can't really say exactly what hp this engine is going to wind up with.
However, we can very confidently say that when you add almost .200" to the valve lift, and flow this much more air into the engine, and add about 1000 rpm to the rpm range, that it is going to have a very big positive effect on power. It's going to be much more powerful than what it was. We will see exactly how much it gets when it's sorted and on the dyno, and how it does on the track.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on January 23, 2014, 12:00:10 am
Beautiful Work!   8)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: da punds on January 23, 2014, 11:38:45 am
Hi I was looking at the combustion chamber shape and see that it is no longer round. I was curious, as to whether pockets had been cut around the valves or the other area had been filled in ?. I have seen pictures of squish zones, (and I am assuming this is one), how efficient would one this small be ?.

Great commentary and insight as per usual Tom, and I wish BW lots of success.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: cycleicons on January 23, 2014, 12:58:52 pm
Great stuff! Best of luck to all involved! Knockem' dead Tom and BW!

Cheers,
Leon
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on January 23, 2014, 01:34:40 pm
Hi I was looking at the combustion chamber shape and see that it is no longer round. I was curious, as to whether pockets had been cut around the valves or the other area had been filled in ?. I have seen pictures of squish zones, (and I am assuming this is one), how efficient would one this small be ?.

Great commentary and insight as per usual Tom, and I wish BW lots of success.
First of all, let me just say that this is all looking very promising, Ace and thanks for all your input with this project!
 There will also be other mods to compliment the cylinder head modifications and hopefully contribute to an increase in power, such as a much lighter custom made piston, for one.
 Now to the squish areas - I have added these to several Bullet cylinder heads, both 350 and 500 size, with success. I get them welded in locally and in the past, have matched them and the crown profile of the piston to be used with each one to become a matched pair of features working in harmony. This time around, we have no piston as of yet, so the head and squish area have been 'optimised' as best as possible by Ace and his team and we will try and match a custom made piston to what there is above it.
 Here is an idea of what I have done in the past [and still do, for lesser machines] ;)
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on January 23, 2014, 01:50:40 pm
Hi I was looking at the combustion chamber shape and see that it is no longer round. I was curious, as to whether pockets had been cut around the valves or the other area had been filled in ?. I have seen pictures of squish zones, (and I am assuming this is one), how efficient would one this small
Hi Kevin,
It's a little bit of both. The chamber was welded up with aluminum and then re-shaped. B.W. had already done much of this process, and we just filled a little more and did some shaping. The chamber now has a lot of 3 - dimensional contouring.
The squish is small, but it does reduce the chamber volume, to allow a smaller and lighter piston dome for high rpm use.
So, it gets some of everything we wanted, but of course it still is much too deep from the valve angles in these heads. This is just part of the vintage design, and we can only do some things without designing a whole new cylinder head. There are limits to what is financially feasible and also still fit the vintage rules. This result should be enough to reach the goals they set. If it does what we estimate, it should be enough to win the championship.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: cyrusb on January 23, 2014, 09:27:10 pm
Where is that racing happening? I see that there is no safety wire, anywhere. Have the rules changed?
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on January 23, 2014, 09:45:55 pm
It's in the U.K.
I don't know the rules for the vintage classes there. B.W. would know.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: 72westie on January 25, 2014, 03:48:36 am
Hey BW,
Any chance you have a spare set of featherbed mounts laying around? I have a modified slimline sitting in my shop. It's just waiting to get something tossed into it. 
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on January 25, 2014, 09:04:01 am
Hey BW,
Any chance you have a spare set of featherbed mounts laying around? I have a modified slimline sitting in my shop. It's just waiting to get something tossed into it.
Hi Westie,
 As you probably realise, our machine is currently in bits so it is a good time to take photos of our engine plates etc, if that would help? At a push, I suppose I could even draw around them for you, but our frame loop is shorter than standard, so, unless you cut yours down, changes would be required. Don't forget that I also cut the oil filter housing off the timing cover, to mount the engine nearly 2" lower than would otherwise have been possible and made a remote filter work in place of the original.
 Cyrusb - I don't know what you mean by 'safety wire', but whatever it is, we don't need one here.
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on January 25, 2014, 09:46:22 am
Safety wire is required in most US racing to keep bolts and nuts from backing off. The bolt heads and nuts are angle drilled across two flats and small gauge wire run thru, and the tied to a fixed piece nearby. I think it is a vestige from before thread locking compound existed.
We also require belly pan catch pans which can hold all the engine oil, in case of a hole in the engine.
They won't let you on the track without these things in the US.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on January 25, 2014, 10:11:49 am
Aha, I misunderstood - lockwire - yes, we use that in abundance, for some reason I was thinking of those wires attatched to the rider that kill the engine when a rider comes off! My mistake, sorry  ::)
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: 72westie on January 25, 2014, 11:11:46 am
I had forgotten about the oil filter mod. The frame I have has had the top frame loops cut off and a central backbone installed. Modifying this frame would not hurt it's originality at all. Hmm, maybe I could raise it up slightly to clear the oil filter.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on January 25, 2014, 02:11:32 pm
Aha, I misunderstood - lockwire - yes, we use that in abundance, for some reason I was thinking of those wires attatched to the rider that kill the engine when a rider comes off! My mistake, sorry  ::)
 B.W.

BW - You MIGHT able to answer this, but may be irrelevant due to us living in different countries.  When you lock/safety wired you bike were you required to wire every single nut and stud that bolts the engine cases together?  Also, when doing this, you drill thru the nut AND stud, correct?  Curious as this is officially my first race vehicle build and new to having to use safety wire.  I'm thinking I'm going to need a few new drill bits to accomplish this task.

Scottie
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: 72westie on January 25, 2014, 03:26:52 pm
For WERA and Ahrma, they have in the rulebook what needs to be wired up. On our bike, there are things wired that don't need to be, but it gets us through tech quicker. For the land speed stuff you are doing, read the rulebook and follow it to the T. I am sure they will point out missing things.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: cyrusb on January 25, 2014, 03:36:38 pm

 Cyrusb - I don't know what you mean by 'safety wire', but whatever it is, we don't need one here.
 B.W.
Ah, Just asked because I don't see any in the pics.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on January 26, 2014, 02:35:06 pm
BW - You MIGHT able to answer this, but may be irrelevant due to us living in different countries.  When you lock/safety wired you bike were you required to wire every single nut and stud that bolts the engine cases together?  Also, when doing this, you drill thru the nut AND stud, correct?  Curious as this is officially my first race vehicle build and new to having to use safety wire.  I'm thinking I'm going to need a few new drill bits to accomplish this task.

Scottie
Hi Scottie,
 I drill through just the flats on the nuts or bolt heads - usually in through one flat and out through the one next to it. A drill of about 1.5 mm works well for me and I start by drilling straight in at 90 degrees to the flat and tilt the drill once I have gone in by about 1 mm, so that the drill is pointing at where I want it to come out and that is the job done. It is just as easy to do this job free hand with a pistol drill and a vice, as it is to use a pillar drill, I have found.
 The only parts we have to secure are things like drain plugs, the screw in oil strainer plugs, rocker feed unions, oil filter cap nut [350 only for us], the spin on oil filter element on the 500 has a large 'Jubilee' type clip around it, with lockwire going through it and onto a nearby mounting stud, primary cover nuts - even on the dry clutch 500 and the gearbox fill and drain plugs. There may be one or two more that I have missed here, but that's about it in general.
 Don't forget to trim and tidy any stray ends of any lockwire you use and tuck them in out of the way - scrutineers really hate getting cuts from it, when feeling around under an engine, as I have witnessed on occasion, though not from our machines, I hasten to add  ;)
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on January 26, 2014, 03:14:01 pm
BW - Can you please post a couple pics of examples of how you wired things?  I don't want to screw this up.  I'd be pissed to build this bike, drive all the way to Utah only to be denied because I didn't wire my bolts correctly.    :-\

Scottie
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on January 26, 2014, 04:36:45 pm
Scottie, I have just looked through all my pictures and there is nothing of much use on the lockwire front. I think this is because most of the 'close up' shots are taken in the workshop, when the lockwire is usually removed, or not yet fitted before racing.
 These two are about the best I could find:
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on January 26, 2014, 05:00:18 pm
Good enough!  Thanks!  So it looks like you drill thru the "corner" of the head as opposed to directly thru the center of the head?

Scottie
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on January 26, 2014, 05:19:54 pm
  So it looks like you drill thru the "corner" of the head as opposed to directly thru the center of the head?

Scottie
That's how I do it at any rate, Scottie and I've had no complaints so far  ;)
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Arizoni on January 26, 2014, 11:00:35 pm
Scottie J
Follow this link for information on lockwiring plus drawings of the correct way to position the wire.
http://www.byrongliding.com/technical/lockwiring/

Notice that in the drawings are for  normal right hand bolts that will unscrew if they rotate counterclockwise.

Notice that any attempt of the bolt or nut to unscrew in a counterclockwise direction will result in the twisted strands of lockwire going to the next bolt or nut to be stretched before the bolt head or nut could move.
This is the basis for deciding which side of the bolt/nut to put the lockwire on.

In the case of a large screw on item like a oil filter body, after the lockwire has gone thru the hole in the filter or filter housing tab, the twisted wire will be going around the housing clockwise until it reaches the lockwire hole in the static part.
Here again, any attempt of the housing to unscrew will try to stretch the twisted area of the lockwire.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ERC on January 26, 2014, 11:05:21 pm
They also make a tool that twists the wire up quickly and looks real nice. I worked with an aircraft guy that used them.  ERC
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: scottynewitt on February 01, 2014, 10:15:56 am
Keep us updated on what sort of BHP you manage to get it sounds all very interesting

Scotty
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on February 01, 2014, 01:41:53 pm
Keep us updated on what sort of BHP you manage to get it sounds all very interesting

Scotty
We are all very keen to see how much hp there will be, and also how broad the power curve will be. We want to look at the breadth as well as the peak. The cams have lobe centers which generally are expected to round off the hp peak a bit , for the benefits of broader power curve and more rpm extension above the peak hp rpm. We shall have to see how all these things come together on the Dyno and on the track.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: scottynewitt on February 02, 2014, 02:57:10 pm
Thought I'd show my race bike project I'm preparing at the moment the engine in the frame is just a mock up so I could make up the engine plates
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on February 02, 2014, 03:04:31 pm
Looks cool!
Where do you plan to do your racing? Are you in the US?
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: scottynewitt on February 02, 2014, 03:17:09 pm
In a wet England so be getting lapped by Bullet Whisperer probably  ;)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on February 02, 2014, 04:22:34 pm
Sweet project!  You should start a new thread so we can follow your progress.  :)

Scottie
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: scottynewitt on February 02, 2014, 05:44:40 pm
Good idea that if I get 5 mins tomorrow will start putting something together

Scotty
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on March 11, 2014, 01:31:43 pm
Just in case anyone was thinking no more was going to be heard about this B.W. / Ace project, it is still very much 'on', but there hasn't been much to report while we have been waiting to fine tune a piston design. This is almost done, now, so we will soon know the numbers we need for crank balance and once the big end and crank are done, the engine will be put together again. The valve and rocker gear from Ace look the business and we are aiming for a very high standard with all of the other components. Even the frame has been checked, repaired and modified for more strength and better handling, the forks have also been overhauled and modified a little, so this bike ought to be quite different in several positive aspects in comparison to its' last incarnation. Hopefully it shouldn't be too long before I can post some worthwhile pictures  ;)
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on March 11, 2014, 03:09:16 pm
Do you care to mention who is designing and fabbing the piston?    ::)

Scottie J
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on March 12, 2014, 12:48:47 pm
Do you care to mention who is designing and fabbing the piston?    ::)

Scottie J

Since it appears that B.W. is busy, I'll just say it is being designed be B.W.'s team to certain specs needed for the application. I have seen the drawing of the crown, and it looks real good.
I don't know who will make the final product, or if they will do it themselves.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on March 29, 2014, 07:09:22 pm
Some news - sorry for the delay - there have been some developments, our 'mock up' piston arrived and a temporary bottom end has been assembled and fitted with it. This has enabled me to get an accurate enough idea of the required cylinder barrel height, to begin machining work on a barrel. We will then be able to make any last detail changes [if required] to the piston design, before going ahead having them made in alloy. As soon as that is done and it won't take long, we will know the weight of the pistons and therefore the balance factor counterweight required for the crank which can be modified as required and fitted with a new big end. And then, we just have to put it all together and see what happens !! You can see our 'Big Head in the pictures, with Ace's special high ratio rockers fitted. It also has titanium valves and special springs by Ace, to suit our needs.
 [As usual with my pictures, it may be necessary to click on the links below them to avoid them being totally huge  ::)]
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on March 29, 2014, 07:35:29 pm
Aha!
I see what you are doing there!
Looks awesome!

BTW, I wanted to say that if you want easier access to the lash adjuster on the rocker arms, you can drill and tap access holes in the tops of the rocker boxes above each of the adjusters, and plug them with brass pipe plugs. This allows you to grind down a narrow 12-point spanner to get in from the rocker covers and on to the lock nut, and you can put a screwdriver down thru the access hole, and make lash adjustments without removing the rocker arms.

Everything is looking great!

I have contacted the webmaster of a popular motorcycle blog(The Kneeslider), to see if we can get some coverage about your bike and this project out on the web. I haven't heard back yet, but I will try to get him to contact you for some info/quotes for the article, if he decides to write about this.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on March 30, 2014, 07:59:17 pm
Aha!
I see what you are doing there!
Looks awesome!

BTW, I wanted to say that if you want easier access to the lash adjuster on the rocker arms, you can drill and tap access holes in the tops of the rocker boxes above each of the adjusters, and plug them with brass pipe plugs. This allows you to grind down a narrow 12-point spanner to get in from the rocker covers and on to the lock nut, and you can put a screwdriver down thru the access hole, and make lash adjustments without removing the rocker arms.

Everything is looking great!

I have contacted the webmaster of a popular motorcycle blog(The Kneeslider), to see if we can get some coverage about your bike and this project out on the web. I haven't heard back yet, but I will try to get him to contact you for some info/quotes for the article, if he decides to write about this.
Hi Ace,
 Glad you like it and thanks for the info regarding rocker adjustment access, I will see how it goes as is, but it is good to know there is a back up plan if needed.
 I would be happy to co-operate with any possible write ups and hopefully we can have this machine running for mid season, all being well.
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on March 30, 2014, 09:50:09 pm
Here is a short clip of a cylinder barrel being shortened, by yours truly ...
 B.W.

(http://i956.photobucket.com/albums/ae50/rossemma/th_RE500No2rebuild20147.jpg) (http://i956.photobucket.com/albums/ae50/rossemma/RE500No2rebuild20147.mp4)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on March 30, 2014, 10:14:02 pm
Sweet!

You know what's the best part about all of this?  For 50 years or more, people have said that what you are building is completely and insanely impossible.  But yet here you are,  attempting to TRIPLE the HP in a 500 Bullet!  It's such an awesome time to be a part of!  But of course, Ace the Mad Moto Scientist has a big part to do with these accomplishments.  :D  And as you know, Tom is also helping me to triple the HP output on my 700 twin.  Again, previously insanely impossible.  Doesn't it feel great to push the envelope into new realms!?   :D

Scottie J
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on March 30, 2014, 11:31:41 pm
Interestingly, I just got an email nibble about this Big Head high-lift headwork from a racer in Oz.
Seems the word is getting out.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on March 30, 2014, 11:52:27 pm
Interestingly, I just got an email nibble about this Big Head high-lift headwork from a racer in Oz.
Seems the word is getting out.

EDIT/DELETE:

On second thought.......  Let's just say you're taking over the Enfield Performance industry!  You're kicking ass and taking names!

Scottie J
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on March 31, 2014, 07:06:35 pm
We inched a little closer to our goal today, with the cylinder barrel machined down to the shorter height required [count the fins], the bottom of the liner also coming off. Just quickly collecting about 70 percent of what came off the barrel gave a reading of nearly 600g on the scales - you would need to drill lots of holes to get rid of that sort of weight!
 The top end was roughly assembled to reveal the squish and bumping clearance of the mock up piston and cylinder head are virtually perfect with one barrel spacer and a couple of suitable base gaskets fitted, one on either side of the spacer.
 Tomorrow, we will know how well the valves clear the piston [or not], going over TDC overlap. This means we may be putting the piston design into metal very soon. Exciting times draw nearer!
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on March 31, 2014, 07:44:44 pm
I predict you need a quarter inch of room for lift over TDC on the inlet side.

The rig is looking awesome!
I am absolutely on the edge of my seat with anticipation!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on March 31, 2014, 10:27:23 pm
Looking fantastic BW!  Absolutely can't wait too hear/see you fire this baby up!   :D

Scottie J
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: cafeman on April 01, 2014, 07:59:13 am
Not sure if it's been mentioned somewhere else, but I gather that crankcase is English vs made in India?
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on April 01, 2014, 12:44:50 pm
Not sure if it's been mentioned somewhere else, but I gather that crankcase is English vs made in India?
Yes.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on April 25, 2014, 08:21:06 am
We now know what the weight of our custom made pistons will be, so this has enabled us to box the crank up and send it off for a new big end, further lightening and rebalancing. This will be a major step forwards, as once we have the crank back here after being sorted, I will build the bottom end ready for trial assembly work on the top end, as we should have the pistons here by then as well  ;)
 Here is a link to a dark, murky video showing the play in the big end as it was when the engine became rattly at a Mallory Park practise session - it was clearly time to strip the engine and take a look at it !!
 B.W.
http://s956.photobucket.com/user/rossemma/media/RE500No2crankwithwornbigend2.mp4.html
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on June 21, 2014, 02:10:41 pm
The rebuild process has begun at last !
 The reconditioned and much lightened [even more] crank assembly came home the other day and after much admiration of such a thing of beauty, new main bearings [four of them] were fitted into the crankcases and the crankcases assembled into a working bottom end.
 A modification was made to the drive side case, to enable fitment of a modern type lip seal, instead of the old bit of cork sandwiched between two washers, which never really works properly - this will also help prevent any air being drawn into the crankcase when the piston is on its' upstroke, a one way valve will be fitted on the crankcase breather  ;)
 [FAB in the picture titles stands for Fireball Asbo Bullet]
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on June 21, 2014, 02:11:55 pm
More pics ...
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on June 21, 2014, 02:42:48 pm
Looking very nice indeed!

I noticed in the  picture, which is labeled  RE 500 No2 FAB rebuild 6.JPG, that between the cam spindles, there is no oil catcher or passage to feed the roller bearing from behind, like there is in the India-made cases. In the India-made cases, there is a drilling from above, between the cam spindles, and also a larger spot drilling at the entrance of it to act as an "oil scoop" for this oil passage drilling.

What's up with that?
Is that the way all the old Redditch cases were?
Maybe adding the oil drilling there might help lubricate those rollers?
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on June 21, 2014, 05:11:19 pm
Hi Ace.
 Originally, there was a bronze bush where that small needle roller is now sited and the bush would have been scrolled internally, to assist with the lubrication of the one and only roller bearing fitted as standard. I surmised that the small needle roller which I have added [included in previous builds] would allow plenty of oil past from the timing chest when the engine is running. It seems to work just fine for us  8)
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bulletbaz on June 21, 2014, 08:49:58 pm
Forgive my ignorance Paul - but what's that big red tool in the top picture, and what is it doing to the crankcase? Thanks!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on June 21, 2014, 09:52:18 pm
Forgive my ignorance Paul - but what's that big red tool in the top picture, and what is it doing to the crankcase? Thanks!
Hi Bulletbaz,
 That is an enormous valve seat cutting tool, from my days as a marine engineer - in the picture, I am using it to remove a lip in the drive side crankcase [Redditch type], in order that a modern press in lip seal can be fitted in place of the old cork ring squashed between two washers. I have used it for various other similar operations, including reclaiming a broken through timing side main bearing housing on a 350 Redditch Bullet, after an alloy welded repair - this damage was caused by someone not fitting the thrust washer on the timing side, allowing the timing side main bearing inner race to wander around and merrily grind its' way through into the timing chest ! Nasty  :o :o
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on June 21, 2014, 10:14:23 pm
Paul, you are one handy man.    I hope to one day have a garage with lathes and industrial valve cutters and what not and hopefully be half as talented as you.  Great job once again.   :)   

And speaking of you doing custom work, how much would it run me to have you build me one of those custom 5 speeds you do?  I'm going to need something like that once I get my motor built.   ;)




Scottie J
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on June 21, 2014, 10:43:58 pm
Hi Scottie, and thanks for those kind words!
 The gearbox job is not expensive [£200 here], that's stripped right down, two modifications and put together again. I don't know about shipping and taxes, though, they might be another matter  :o
 The 5 speed gearboxes have a shorter mainshaft than the twins, as is the case with the four speed Bullet type gearboxes. You would need to overcome that with either a custom made offset clutch centre and / or mainshaft in order for one to work on a twin - there is not much in it, something like 3/8", I think. The 5 speed clutch centre is also different to the 4 speeder, but there is no difference in the basket and plates that I am aware of.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on June 25, 2014, 01:49:41 pm
The project inches ever closer to completion and the pistons are due to arrive any day now!
 The crank seal modification on the drive side has worked fine, just the crankshaft electronic ignition to fit and the bottom end assembly will be complete.
 This project has sown the seeds of a killer 350 Enfield race engine project, too  ;)
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on June 25, 2014, 02:32:32 pm
Very exciting, indeed!

I tell you, I am right on the edge of my seat waiting to see this thing go!

And the killer 350 race project, O M G!!!!!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: AVL Power! on June 25, 2014, 08:25:36 pm
An onboard video! That's all I want :D
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: DanB on June 25, 2014, 10:31:35 pm
An onboard video! That's all I want :D
+100!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on June 27, 2014, 12:57:51 am
I will have to try and sort some kind of filming out  ;)
 Meanwhile, we 'mocked up' the top end and checked the fit of a new, smaller fuel tank and new alloy seat unit we have had custom made for the latest incarnation of this beast ...
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on June 27, 2014, 01:31:59 am
(http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-excited002.gif) (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)


This is such a historic build!  It has been so exciting seeing this monster coming together.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on June 27, 2014, 01:42:06 am
Looking SO awesome!
 8)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bill Harris on June 27, 2014, 05:54:46 am
I really like it.  Just love the Royal Enfield big-head motor!

Royal Enfield people are good people

Cheers,
Bill
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Chuck D on June 27, 2014, 01:01:18 pm
Now everyone will want one! >:(
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on June 27, 2014, 01:18:02 pm
This whole package is far too extreme for street use.
It's intended for engine speeds higher than 8000 rpm.

However, it could be "toned down" a bit, as a more streetable package, if desired. We can scale the head work to whatever rpm range is desired, and we have already done that for Kevin in Shetland with his Big Head Super Fireball, and our raised port GP head conversions for the India-made Bullet cylinder heads.

It's all a matter of scaling the modifications to the application, and since this race bike is the most demanding of racing applications, it has a very exotic set of modifications, many of which would not be needed nor wanted on a street machine. Just too radical for street.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Chuck D on June 27, 2014, 01:25:18 pm
This whole package is far too extreme for street use.
It's intended for engine speeds higher than 8000 rpm.

However, it could be "toned down" a bit, as a more streetable package, if desired. We can scale the head work to whatever rpm range is desired, and we have already done that for Kevin in Shetland with his Big Head Super Fireball, and our raised port GP head conversions for the India-made Bullet cylinder heads.

It's all a matter of scaling the modifications to the application, and since this race bike is the most demanding of racing applications, it has a very exotic set of modifications, many of which would not be needed nor wanted on a street machine. Just too radical for street.
Sorry, that wont stop us from "wanting" it.
What's the expression? If ten will kill me, gimme nine? ;D
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on June 27, 2014, 01:32:32 pm
Sorry, that wont stop us from "wanting" it.
What's the expression? If ten will kill me, gimme nine? ;D

LOL!
 ;D
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on June 27, 2014, 01:38:12 pm
 A [not too] toned down version of the whole bike could be built for the street and replicas could be built for racing, too.
 Our 350 racer has what was built as an identical twin sister out there somewhere, although it was built about 8 years ago, so ours has moved on some since that build. That machine's last known whereabouts was Denmark, but it was for sale at the time, so it could be anywhere by now.
 A 500 Bullet engine, suitably tuned and fitted in a shortened Manx frame would make for a cheaper alternative to a real Manx Norton, while being just as quick and enjoyable / competitive. A Manx Norton can never be as short as our Manx framed machine, so cannot enjoy the handling and steering benefits that brings  8)
 For the road, 40 BHP, or thereabouts should be attainable and good enough to give a very enjoyable and exciting machine made along the same lines  ;)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: AgentX on June 29, 2014, 10:06:48 am
Love, love that frame.  Maybe someday I'll get that 350 engine I now have sitting around into one of these Manx style frames and let the smart people here have a go at it to make a fastish, lightweight, high-revving-but-streetable bike...
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on July 08, 2014, 10:22:02 pm
After making sure a modification to the rear engine / gearbox mounting involving an Interceptor type bracket on the back of the gearbox all lined up and fitted, the frame, swingarm and new alloy seat unit all went away for painting. I wanted to polish the alloy seat unit, but was outvoted  ::)
 Anyway, what you see below is no longer a mock up [apart from the top end], everything else is going together for keeps. I replaced one broken spoke in the rear wheel and checked and adjusted all the others and put a used racing tyre on, in readiness for running in and dyno testing, which shouldn't be far off now  ;)
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on July 09, 2014, 01:14:46 am
That is a VERY exotic bike!
I love it!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on July 16, 2014, 08:30:23 pm
More news - My Father, Dave is going to the Midlands tomorrow to collect the pistons which have been specially made to our [Ian's] design !!
 The top end assembly work will start on Friday, if all goes to plan.
 Meanwhile, I have fitted the top and bottom yokes and forks to the frame, put a new tyre on the front wheel and the rear wheel is ready, with a used tyre fitted in anticipation of some runs on the dyno, before racing at Darley Moor in just over one week's time, if all goes to plan.
 This machine's stable mate, the 350 Clipper is 'on fire' at the moment, having taken 4th and 2nd places on the Saturday at Lydden Hill a couple of weeks ago and after some adjustments, two wins on the Sunday at that venue, hopefully its' larger sibling will soon be doing likewise  ;)
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ERC on July 16, 2014, 08:55:17 pm
VERY impressive. Beautiful job. Was wondering it looks like the stand it's on has no ramp. Do you just pick it off when done.  ERC
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on July 16, 2014, 08:57:07 pm
Absolutely FAB !!

Dying to see/hear the running report!
 ;D
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on July 16, 2014, 10:37:49 pm
VERY impressive. Beautiful job. Was wondering it looks like the stand it's on has no ramp. Do you just pick it off when done.  ERC
Hmm ... yes ... that 'stand' is a new workbench specifically built quite recently by Ian for frame work. The frame was worked on ... then the bottom end and gearbox were put in to aid in the fabrication of an extra rear mounting point, which bolts to the back of the gearbox. The head and barrel are 'empty' of a piston at present - soon to be rectified - the front forks and swingarm have been added - and - before anyone realised it, a racing motorcycle is almost fully grown on the bench !!
 Team handed, we will lift it down before the wheels go on, but usually, bikes are built up on a bike lift, with the centre of the frame loop, or base of the engine resting on this wooden box, which has seen many projects through to completion ...
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on July 18, 2014, 09:27:06 am
Here's what I will be putting into the race engine today ...
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on July 18, 2014, 01:02:14 pm
Beautiful!
Glad to see the coatings on it too.

Anticipation is intense!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on July 18, 2014, 01:11:26 pm
Nice!  I think that is the most massive piston crown I have ever seen in ANY bike motor.  :)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on July 22, 2014, 08:35:13 am
More progress, although we probably won't be racing this machine this weekend, unless anything short of a miracle happens [I was waylaid by a Suzuki DR 350 needing its' front forks rebuilt for a couple of days. The forks did not come apart as they are supposed to and took AGES  ::) ]
 Anyway, I am now in the middle of setting the squish and bumping clearances between the head and the piston, before moving on to see what happens between the valves and piston when I know the required length of the pushrods and tailor them to suit and install them.
 I know I have to make a little more clearance between the sides of the combustion chamber and sides of the piston crown - I need to grab about 0.5 mm on either side adjacent to the exhaust valve area to achieve perfection. This engine could have been hastily assembled to top anything it has achieved previously, in order to have it racing this weekend, but that just wouldn't be good enough - there is so much more potential here, with the job done properly  ;)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on July 22, 2014, 07:04:27 pm
Looking nice!
How thick is that lead solder wire?

BTW, once you find the right length for the push rods, it might not be a bad idea to have a set of 3/8" chrome moly steel ones with ~.100" wall thickness standing by, just in case.
There is a hell of a lot of spring pressure in there, multiplied x 1.45 at the pushrod side by the ratio. That will fold most pushrods in short order. I know you have unique pushrod design, and I'm not discounting that, but I do have concerns about it with such high forces involved. A spare pair of one-piece chrome moly won't hurt to have on hand, IMO.

I also recommend some molybdenum disulfide break-in lube be put on all the valve train contact surfaces, to reduce friction and wear.
And I recommend that the cam spindle fit into the timing cover be nice and tight. All this force will be acting directly on the cam spindles, and if they can wiggle around, they will. And that might cause them to fret/work loose on the end that is pressed into the engine case. Well supported spindles on both ends will help longevity.

I am SOOOO dying to witness the running of this thing!
I feel like a nervous relative when a baby is being born!
 8)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on July 22, 2014, 07:45:02 pm
Hi Ace,
 The solder is 1.5mm thick and after some doctoring, I now have a very good piston to combustion chamber side and squish clearance.
 The inlet valve to piston clearance is a little closer than I was expecting, but not dangerous by my reckoning. There is plenty of room between the exhaust valve and the piston crown when they reach their closest proximities.
 The engine top end is now assembled 'for keeps', and the C.R. is 14.25:1, according to my calculations, with 39cc of oil going into the combustion chamber at TDC and the permissible +0.060" overbore giving us an actual 517cc swept volume.
 I take on board your comments about the pushrods and even though everything is just about ready to go, the rockers will be coming out again, for shimming the end float. We also have to come up with some rocker cover studs to clear the rocker bodies, so I can get at the pushrods to measure them.
 The cam spindles are the Redditch non adjustable type and a good fit in the timing cover.
 Rest assured, everything will be well lubed, checked and monitored when start up time arrives !
 We had a good day with it today and it is back on the ground with the wheels on, here are the pictures:
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on July 22, 2014, 08:39:26 pm
My calculator says this:

Camshaft, Rod Length, and Altitude Correction to Compression

Your engine summary is as follows: Bore 3.367 inches, stroke 3.54 inches, rod c-c length 6.875 inches, with a static compression ratio of 14.25 :1. Your camshaft specifications call for an inlet valve closing of 75 degrees ABDC @ .050"(1.25mm) lift point.

Your chamber volume is 38.98 cc's. With this camshaft your dynamic, or effective stroke is 2.44 inches. Your dynamic compression ratio is 10.13 :1 corrected for cam timing, altitude, and rod length. Your dynamic cranking pressure, corrected for cam timing, rod length and sea level altitude is 215.17 PSI.



Pictures are looking awesome!

EDIT:
Looks like the intake valve is pretty close at TDC. There is a lot of piston dwell after TDC, and the valve will still be opening rapidly. Did you check it for clearance at 5-25 degrees ATDC?
About 1.5mm clearance is good, and it can go a little closer in a pinch. I woudn't go any closer than 1mm clearance.
And you can take into account that there will be at least .25mm-.3mm lash clearance added in when it's hot. Your closest proximity of piston to valve will be when it is cold.

I realize that you know this stuff, but I'm just nervously double checking everything!
 :)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on July 22, 2014, 11:14:53 pm
Hi Ace,
 The space between the inlet valve and piston crown was a little tight, as per the picture, the minimum clearance was 0.8mm, with no free play in the pushrod. However, I decided I would add an extra base gasket of 0.25mm, to give things a bit more room. Other options are running a slight valve clearance and / or retarding the inlet timing by a small amount. We also need to shim the long spark plug on the original plug side by a small amount, as the gap on this was closed right down as the piston was taken over TDC.
 The compression makes it feel like there is a brick in there when turning the engine via a spanner on the rotor nut ! [no such resistance with the plugs out, though]  ;)
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on July 23, 2014, 01:57:44 am
Hi Ace,
 The space between the inlet valve and piston crown was a little tight, as per the picture, the minimum clearance was 0.8mm, with no free play in the pushrod. However, I decided I would add an extra base gasket of 0.25mm, to give things a bit more room. Other options are running a slight valve clearance and / or retarding the inlet timing by a small amount. We also need to shim the long spark plug on the original plug side by a small amount, as the gap on this was closed right down as the piston was taken over TDC.
 The compression makes it feel like there is a brick in there when turning the engine via a spanner on the rotor nut ! [no such resistance with the plugs out, though]  ;)
 B.W.
Regarding the options, the standard practice when changing rocker ratio is to add .001" of cold lash for every tenth of rocker ratio that we add.
So, in your case of increasing the std 1:1 ratio to 1.45:1 ratio, should add at least .004"-.005" cold lash clearance at the valve when cold. This keeps the cam's lash ramp in proper relationship, so that the valve is not opening on the lash ramp.
Check this valve lash clearance at the valve, with an automotive style feeler gauge between the lash cap and the rocker roller wheel. Just like you do with a car that has solid tappets.
With .005" cold lash clearance, plus the .012" lash clearance that the typical Bullet grows to when hot, would give a working valve lash clearance of .017". That's nearly  a half millimeter when hot.
That is not an excessive lash distance for very high performance valve trains, and some automotive racing valve trains use as much as .028" lash on big lifting valve trains in racing. So, please don't be tempted to use the regular zero lash when cold type of valve lash setting with this new rocker package. We really will need to have this added lash for proper working with the cam.

So, for checking purposes, you could set a .015" cold lash, and then run your TDC check for valve clearance, and this will reflect very closely to what the actual clearance will be when the engine is hot with correct lash(being .002" on the conservative side). Then you can set the lash back to .004"-.005" at the valve for regular running.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on July 23, 2014, 02:03:30 am
This bike is so freaking bad ass!  I can't wait to hear/see it run!    :D
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: dginfw on July 23, 2014, 05:33:44 am
I am thoroughly enjoying this thread. Reading the back and forth conversation between Ace and BW is like listening in on two mechanical geniuses talking!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on July 23, 2014, 12:39:25 pm
I am thoroughly enjoying this thread. Reading the back and forth conversation between Ace and BW is like listening in on two mechanical geniuses talking!

That's because that is exactly what they are.  ;)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on July 23, 2014, 05:49:03 pm
I am thoroughly enjoying this thread. Reading the back and forth conversation between Ace and BW is like listening in on two mechanical geniuses talking!
That's because that is exactly what they are.  ;)
Thanks guys, you are too kind! I am still learning stuff from this as I go along - it is very interesting work!
 Here, we see things looking tantalisingly close, but friends, family a barbecue and some beer have halted proceedings for today ::)
 We hope to make some noise tomorrow afternoon, though  ;)
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on July 23, 2014, 07:09:09 pm
Thanks guys, you are too kind! I am still learning stuff from this as I go along - it is very interesting work!
 Here, we see things looking tantalisingly close, but friends, family a barbecue and some beer have halted proceedings for today ::)
 We hope to make some noise tomorrow afternoon, though  ;)
 B.W.

OMG!
I can barely stand to wait!
This is going to be SO cool!
Title: THE FURY 1970
Post by: jimbocan on July 24, 2014, 06:24:45 pm
I have posted a picture of yours truly aboard a Big Head Bullet raced between 1963-1971. This bike built by myself with the help of Royal Enfield Factory was the only Bullet 500 of its type used in the sport in the UK. It is interesting reading the posts on racer types now operating but I can assure everyone that Enfield were well aware of the Bullets capabilities and potential. If anyone is interested about The Fury as shown I will try an answer any questions.
Title: Re: THE FURY 1970
Post by: ace.cafe on July 24, 2014, 07:04:25 pm
I have posted a picture of yours truly aboard a Big Head Bullet raced between 1963-1971. This bike built by myself with the help of Royal Enfield Factory was the only Bullet 500 of its type used in the sport in the UK. It is interesting reading the posts on racer types now operating but I can assure everyone that Enfield were well aware of the Bullets capabilities and potential. If anyone is interested about The Fury as shown I will try an answer any questions.
Very cool photo!
The Fury was also popular here in the US, especially on the Flat Track racing.

Please tell us as much detail about your Fury that you are willing to share.
We'd love to hear about it, and you won't have to worry that you'll lose us in the technical details. We'll know what you are talking about.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on July 24, 2014, 07:36:03 pm
I would like to learn more about that Fury, too  8)
 Well, at 18.30 this evening, we wheeled our 'Fireball Asbo Bullet' around the corner and gave it a push ... I would like to say it started straight away, but it was a 50/50 call with the ignition wires and once we swapped them round, she burst right into life for the first time in well over a year!
 I only ran her up and down the lane, probably not exceeding 3500 rpm, but the Newby clutch slipped with ease in 2nd and 3rd gears as I opened the throttle. The throttle response is very lively and that clutch has never slipped before ...
   ! will recap on the basic specs and improvements soon, but we have more work to do to get her ready for the racing this weekend, where practise will be used for evaluation and running in, then we will see how Henchy feels about twisting that throttle open in a race or two  ;D ;D ;D
 Thanks for all of your help and input, Ace  8)
 Here is a link to some film of the first start up and run. Hopefully, I will be able to put it directly on here later.
 Thanks to everyone for their interest in this, watch this space!
 B.W.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10154392583335573
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: boggy on July 24, 2014, 07:42:27 pm
Sounds like a pissed off beast that wants off its chain.  Too cool.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on July 24, 2014, 08:56:08 pm
I just watched that video on Facebook.  What a sick beast!  The throttle response is insane, just blipping the throttle makes her want to scream.  Hope you get the clutch figured out.  Possibly worn plates from prior racing?
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on July 24, 2014, 11:00:09 pm
Drat!
I am not on facebook!

However,  hearing about the Newby clutch slipping in 2nd and 3rd at fairly low rpms(for this race engine) leads me to believe that there is quite a lot of power there.  8)
And it never slipped before, and it had quite a lot of power before. 8)

I'm thinking this thing is going to be a monster!

I wish I could see/hear it running.

I can't remember the last time that I was this emotionally involved in a build. I have my heart and soul in that head!

I would love to see that bike on the podium on its maiden race!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: boggy on July 24, 2014, 11:06:22 pm
You shouldn't need to be on facebook to see the vid.  I'm not and I can see it.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on July 24, 2014, 11:17:16 pm
You shouldn't need to be on facebook to see the vid.  I'm not and I can see it.
I am out with my phone at present, and I am being asked to log in or create an account.
When I get home, I'll see if I can view it on my computer. I hope I can!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on July 25, 2014, 01:15:41 am
Okay, I got home, and I saw the video.
Holy crap! That thing has a bark!

From what I could tell, it seems like it gets moving pretty fast even at low revs. I think the torque looks good!

When that engine gets into the high revs, it is absolutely going to howl!

Job well done, Paul, Ian, and Dave!

 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on July 25, 2014, 09:07:44 am
Video now on Photobucket, just click on the image ...

(http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad127/Henchee/th_500FirstStart_zpsb8dc35aa.mp4) (http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad127/Henchee/500FirstStart_zpsb8dc35aa.mp4)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on July 25, 2014, 11:28:31 am
Now loaded into the back of the van to go to the racing, here's what the 500 looks like, all done, out in the sunshine:
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: DanB on July 25, 2014, 12:33:41 pm
Good luck Paul! 
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on July 25, 2014, 05:51:49 pm
Absolutely beautiful!  Good luck at the races!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: boggy on July 25, 2014, 08:57:50 pm
Looks incredible. Nice to see a race bike and have some insider knowledge about what's under the fairing.  Not that understood half of what was written - but nice to try and keep up.

Good luck. Go fast.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Sailorjohn on July 25, 2014, 09:08:24 pm
Let 'r rip.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: 1 Thump on July 25, 2014, 09:43:06 pm
Give them hell !
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: cafeman on July 26, 2014, 02:21:31 pm
Sweet! 8)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on July 28, 2014, 09:24:36 am
Well, sometimes things don't quite go to plan.
 Some practise laps on the Saturday morning showed lots of promise, going up to about 6000 rpm for short bursts, but this was cut short when Ian thought the engine was starting to feel tight.
 Talk about always expect the unexpected - swarf from inside the new fuel tank had got through to the carb and starved the engine of fuel, no filters are used because of the high flow rate required and all fuel is filtered as it is poured into the tank in any case, so it is not usually something to worry about. Also, the cylinder head nuts had settled, allowing a blow at the head joint - these were tightened again to fix that.
 With the tank flushed out and a few other 'teething issues' dealt with, we tried some practise again on Sunday. Again, Ian reported the engine as feeling very 'punchy', but it was decided to pull this machine from the races, as further fine tuning, preparation and setting up are required to get her running at her best.
 Next up, Cadwell in a few weeks time, we will be aiming to run her in the races there  ;)
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: AVL Power! on July 28, 2014, 12:45:03 pm
Great Stuff! :D Good luck Paul!!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on July 28, 2014, 01:02:45 pm
Things happen!

Always takes some sorting on a new build.

Glad to hear that it was "punchy". That is a very good sign of high torque. And we need high torque to make high hp at high rpms.
So, that report makes me happy about that part of it.

I read in the Darley Moor results page that Ian had some nice finishes on the other bikes. Congratulations on those!
He was quite a busy rider over that weekend!

Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on July 28, 2014, 10:34:20 pm
I took the top end apart today, nothing too alarming, I have seen what I need to do  ;)
 Meanwhile, these pictures are for Ace in particular - hopefully they will soon be a source of pride !
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on July 28, 2014, 11:25:45 pm
Thanks for showing those pics, Paul.
It most definitely is a source of great pride to see those Fireball stickers on your 500 racer!

I'll tell you a little story.
When I was in my very early stages of learning about Bullets, I did some internet searches for info, and I read some articles and saw a website which told about these "Henshaw Brothers" who were racing Bullets, and a Clipper(or Crusader?). I read all that stuff, and I thought(still do think) that you guys were the coolest. I studied the pics of your machines for any hints that I might find. So you guys were very influential in my early years of Bulleteering. I find great personal happiness to have been able to participate in the efforts of your team. You guys are like my heroes.
I want SO much for you to win the championship, and also see you at the Isle of Man race. The thought of having our parts and efforts on your team at the  IOM would be like a dream come true!

I think we would definitely have to find a way to create replica racers of your 500, then. This is all just SO cool! I am loving every minute of this!
 ;D 8)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on July 29, 2014, 12:23:37 am
I'll tell you guys a little story too.  Watching the early stages of this project develop is what made  me pull the trigger on my Twin race project.  Both Ace and Paul are my inspirations for wanting to race a vintage bike and doing performance mods that all competition tells you that can't be done. 

The best of luck to you, Ian and the rest of the Henshaw Team this season.  I will continue to watch from this side of the pond with great anticipation which each of your races.   :)

Scottie J
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on August 17, 2014, 02:58:44 pm
Calling Dr. Ace!!!!!

BW just posted a video on facebook that you want to see..........    8)

OH wait a minute, this may be an old video.  I think Paul may have tricked me.   ???  Looks like this video is from 2013
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on December 12, 2014, 11:15:29 am
Sorry for the long absence on this topic, but there hasn't been anything to say about it for a while. Due to technical issues, we were forced to revert to the 'ordinary' head to catch the last round of racing at Cadwell Park in September and other work commitments put this project on the back burner for a while. However ... yesterday, I removed the 'ordinary' head [which gave us 40bhp on methanol and 41.5bhp on special 'petrol' when dyno'd recently] and adjusted the barrel spacers to accommodate the Ace/B.W. head [I include my initials, as I am responsible for the squish bands alone, Ace reworked the head for his high ratio rockers, titanium valves, special seats and some more porting].
 Anyway, long story short, it is running again and back on 14.5:1 C.R., as opposed to 11:1, as well as the above improvements.
 I started her up this morning, but it is very cold and wet at the moment, so it stayed within the confines of the workshop. It was filmed and here is a link to it on F.B., I will try and get another means of accessing the video soon.
 B.W.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=407437576099468&set=o.132597770120179&type=2&theater
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on December 12, 2014, 11:41:21 am
That 500 sounds like a pissed off tyrannosaurus rex jacked up on Red Bull!!!  That thing is soooo nasty sounding!  Wow!!!     :o
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on December 12, 2014, 12:52:37 pm
Definitely sounds like POWER!
 ;D

The fuel reversion out of the carb mouth is interesting, but not unexpected.

Loved hearing it!
It IS a monster!
Thanks Paul!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on December 12, 2014, 01:07:49 pm
Thanks, guys !
 It is good to have her up and running again, in this latest and hopefully, most potent form.
 Incidentally, Ace, I can access your site to read the messages etc, but still cannot contribute in any way, but if you want to quote any of this yourself, please feel free !
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on December 12, 2014, 02:15:03 pm
Thanks, guys !
 It is good to have her up and running again, in this latest and hopefully, most potent form.
 Incidentally, Ace, I can access your site to read the messages etc, but still cannot contribute in any way, but if you want to quote any of this yourself, please feel free !
 B.W.
B.W.,
I have posted the link and a brief caption at the Ace site, so all our Fireballers can enjoy!
Thanks!
Tom
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Chuck D on December 12, 2014, 03:19:14 pm
Wowee wow wow! 8)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ERC on December 12, 2014, 03:55:23 pm
Sorry for the long absence on this topic, but there hasn't been anything to say about it for a while. Due to technical issues, we were forced to revert to the 'ordinary' head to catch the last round of racing at Cadwell Park in September and other work commitments put this project on the back burner for a while. However ... yesterday, I removed the 'ordinary' head [which gave us 40bhp on methanol and 41.5bhp on special 'petrol' when dyno'd recently] and adjusted the barrel spacers to accommodate the Ace/B.W. head [I include my initials, as I am responsible for the squish bands alone, Ace reworked the head for his high ratio rockers, titanium valves, special seats and some more porting].
 Anyway, long story short, it is running again and back on 14.5:1 C.R., as opposed to 11:1, as well as the above improvements.
 I started her up this morning, but it is very cold and wet at the moment, so it stayed within the confines of the workshop. It was filmed and here is a link to it on F.B., I will try and get another means of accessing the video soon.
 B.W.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=407437576099468&set=o.132597770120179&type=2&theater
Not that it matters much with all the work you've done. But it looks in the video that you painted the cases. Am I correct on this? If so is there a reason for this?  ERC
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on December 12, 2014, 04:57:08 pm
Hi ERC,
 No, the cases are just plain, [slightly] polished alloy, no paint at all.
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on December 12, 2014, 07:05:11 pm
Another short clip of this machine running outside this afternoon, after the rain stopped ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5O6vK6KzvU&feature=share
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ERC on December 12, 2014, 07:05:11 pm
Thanks B.W. must be these old eyes. In the video looks like a yellow or gold color to me.   :P     ERC
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on December 12, 2014, 07:14:50 pm
Thanks B.W. must be these old eyes. In the video looks like a yellow or gold color to me.   :P     ERC
I think it's the lighting, or reflections of the lighting.
I noticed the colored appearance on the cases too.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: DanB on December 12, 2014, 07:48:31 pm
Holy shitake mushrooms... that thing is... beyond words!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ERC on December 12, 2014, 08:38:28 pm
It really is something they do some fantastic work.  ERC
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on December 15, 2014, 04:56:09 pm
For those who have not witnessed this kind of reversion of fuel fog outside the carb mouth, it is not unusual for very high performance engines to have this occur in some rpm ranges. It happens with highly tuned individual intake runner applications, due to wave behavior in the intake tract.

Here is a video of a racing 4-cylinder with individual runner intakes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nn00VYmPfhc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nn00VYmPfhc)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on January 09, 2015, 07:04:51 pm
Since the last video was made, we took this machine to the dyno just before Christmas, but sadly we were let down by a faulty barrel, the liner of which sank downwards into the alloy jacket, signalling the end of play before we even got her warmed up and under full load and that another top end strip and rebuild was on the cards  ::)
 There were also a couple of other details showing possible future weakness and / or failure, among these, I have [believe it or not] fitted some pre war steel pushrods, which are much stronger, but no heavier than my own reinforced alloy ones which have served us very well until now.
 We had her running again today, more cold checks will be made tomorrow, followed by more running time for observation and if things look to be holding together for us, another dyno session should be on the cards sometime soon.
 Here is a video from earlier today ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nh_smexANw

 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: AVL Power! on January 09, 2015, 07:08:02 pm
I love that exhaust note! Wish you all the luck Paul!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on January 09, 2015, 07:52:59 pm
Very excited about getting some initial data from the dyno run.
 :)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on January 09, 2015, 07:55:56 pm
I too can't wait for the dyno numbers.  Sounds great BW.  :)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: DanB on January 10, 2015, 03:07:59 am
That is an awesome sound!  Hope Murphy's law has run its course.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on January 10, 2015, 04:30:20 pm
 I did some work to increase the oil feed to the rockers and pushrods and this will be further increased by fitting a larger bore pipe to the rocker banjos. This morning, I went round the cylinder head nuts and they only took a 'nip', so that is a good sign where the cylinder liner is concerned. I checked the pushrods' adjustment and there was nothing untoward with them, either, so I wheeled the bike outside and started her up again and warmed her through, to find the carb was playing up with a sticky float, so the carb was taken off for a going over, put back on and the engine run once more. There is so much oil going to the rockers now, that an oil leak appeared where there has NEVER been one before !!
 The engine appears to be happy at last, but more running time will be accrued before we make any trips to the dyno - I want to be as sure as I can that any bugs will be ironed out before we go there again !
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: single on January 13, 2015, 03:34:48 pm
Always nice to see real determination and an ability to proceed in spite of issues.I have just read this thread for the first time and it is very exciting.Modifications to this extent always generate teething problems.This has become your engine,now,the whole machine is one of a kind.Best of luck to all involved.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on January 21, 2015, 09:31:09 pm
I got wrapped up well this afternoon and we took the 500 racer to a quiet spot in the hills for some testing, but snow and ice suddenly appeared on the road in front of us and prevented the van getting us to anywhere near the usual spot we aim for. Instead, we came down [carefully] out of the ice and unloaded the bike where we were just clear of most of the hazards and I started her up and aimed for home, stopping at a quiet spot just before reaching civilisation again and loading her back into the following [ many minutes behind] van!
 11 fun filled miles were covered very quickly on damp, twisty roads, the engine never missing a beat. At one point, I gave her a big handful from about 6000 rpm in third [5 speed] and the front wheel raised a little and bounced a couple of times while doing so, the rear wheel also hopping and skipping as the rear tyre fought to grip the road - it felt like a big surge was just coming on tap! However, I kept my cool and didn't push my luck, the main criteria being to get some initial mileage done and assess the settling down process. 11 miles is as much as any practise session we ever get and probably more and checking over afterwards revealed no issues - no rattles, no leaks, no smoke.
 A dyno session has been booked for next week ...
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on January 21, 2015, 09:43:48 pm
Luvving the sound of that report!
 8)

I don't think many Bullets are lifting the front wheel off the ground at 6000 rpm in 3rd!!!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on January 21, 2015, 10:16:57 pm
Ooh man!  I can't get this smile off my face!

;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on January 22, 2015, 04:10:14 pm
I don't know what final drive sprocket is on the race bike, but I would estimate that 6000 rpm in 3rd would be around 60-70mph.

Imagine the power this bike has, to pull the front wheel off the ground and break the rear wheel loose, from just a handful of throttle at HIGHWAY SPEEDS!!!

The torque of this bike must be off the charts!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on January 22, 2015, 08:49:28 pm
Just ran a few calculations.

According to my calculator, at 6000 rpm the port velocity should be about 424 feet per second, and the mach index at the valve is about .42 mach.

My prediction for max torque, based on our previous work, would expect to see a torque peak at 7000 rpm, with a .49 mach index at the valve.

My prediction for max hp, based on previous work, would expect to see the hp peak at 8200 rpm, with a .57 mach index at the valve.

So, based on that, I think we have not seen torque peak yet, and the real power range should come between 7000 rpm - 8200 rpm, and the shift point could be as high as 8500 if necessary, and if it can hold up to that. This is going to be a high rpm powerband, and it was designed to be that, so I hope it turns out that way. :P

This is based on flow speeds, and it is possible that the wave tuning, and also that "sausage" in the exhaust header may affect things that are outside of my prediction envelope with this calculation. But I think this will be a close prediction.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on January 22, 2015, 08:57:48 pm
Just ran a few calculations.

According to my calculator, at 6000 rpm the port velocity should be about 424 feet per second, and the mach index at the valve is about .42 mach.

My prediction for max torque, based on our previous work, would expect to see a torque peak at 7000 rpm, with a .49 mach index at the valve. However, with this reported result at 6000 rpm, it would seem that the torque curve is pretty wide and fat.

My prediction for max hp, based on previous work, would expect to see the hp peak at 8200 rpm, with a .57 mach index at the valve.

So, based on that, I think we have not seen torque peak yet, and the real power range should come between 7000 rpm - 8200 rpm, and the shift point could be as high as 8500 if necessary. This is going to be a high rpm powerband, and it was designed to be that, so I hope it turns out that way. :P

This is based on flow speeds, and it is possible that the wave tuning, and also that "sausage" in the exhaust header may affect things that are outside of my prediction envelope with this calculation. But I think this will be a close prediction.

It's always interesting when making a head design, just to see how close it comes to what was intended. Especially so, when including all the other stuff that has to play nice with it, like the cams and compression ratio, and have it come out the way we want.
It's like a contest for me to do this stuff, and see how close I can come to achieving what we want to happen in the real world on the dyno and on the track. It's not a real easy task, considering something like this hi-lift roller rocker thing that has never been done before, and is really uncharted territory. It's a challenge.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Hoosier Bullet on January 22, 2015, 10:33:11 pm
Just ran a few calculations.

According to my calculator, at 6000 rpm the port velocity should be about 424 feet per second, and the mach index at the valve is about .42 mach.

My prediction for max torque, based on our previous work, would expect to see a torque peak at 7000 rpm, with a .49 mach index at the valve. However, with this reported result at 6000 rpm, it would seem that the torque curve is pretty wide and fat.

My prediction for max hp, based on previous work, would expect to see the hp peak at 8200 rpm, with a .57 mach index at the valve.

So, based on that, I think we have not seen torque peak yet, and the real power range should come between 7000 rpm - 8200 rpm, and the shift point could be as high as 8500 if necessary. This is going to be a high rpm powerband, and it was designed to be that, so I hope it turns out that way. :P

This is based on flow speeds, and it is possible that the wave tuning, and also that "sausage" in the exhaust header may affect things that are outside of my prediction envelope with this calculation. But I think this will be a close prediction.

It's always interesting when making a head design, just to see how close it comes to what was intended. Especially so, when including all the other stuff that has to play nice with it, like the cams and compression ratio, and have it come out the way we want.
It's like a contest for me to do this stuff, and see how close I can come to achieving what we want to happen in the real world on the dyno and on the track. It's not a real easy task, considering something like this hi-lift roller rocker thing that has never been done before, and is really uncharted territory. It's a challenge.

Between hearing and thinking about this, and seeing the video of Scottie's twin fire up again, and sound good therein, this is a pretty awesome package of news for Enfielders.

How about that nitrous bung for us road going super fireballer's?
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on January 23, 2015, 12:24:49 pm


How about that nitrous bung for us road going super fireballer's?
Waiting for a schedule opportunity on that subject.
It's basically full until the UCE billet heads are done.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on January 30, 2015, 10:48:56 pm
We dyno tested the 500 racer today and found we are going the right way with it, with 45 BHP recorded at 7100 RPM and over 30 lb torque from 4000 RPM right up to 7600 RPM. Max torque was 35.33 lb/ft @ 6400 RPM
 I was just ready to start more testing after some adjustments, when I felt some flexing of the bike and we realised the frame had cracked, so we had to stop. It's early days, the engine is settling in well and it has shown more power than ever before on this dyno, but I am confident more is to come !
 Here is a link to a video ...
 B.W.
https://fbcdn-vthumb-a.akamaihd.net/hvthumb-ak-xfp1/v/t15.0-10/s480x480/10952972_433344210175471_433341296842429_7340_1620_b.jpg?oh=189883334df5408eb5d2c51dabdd09eb&oe=556973B3&__gda__=1432484385_0018168f0188d4183b25903de615e74f
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on January 31, 2015, 12:19:10 am
That's too bad about the frame cracking, but I am pleased to see that a new high rear-wheel hp has been reached. Taking the usual drive train losses of 7hp on a Bullet, that would put the engine hp at approximately 52 hp.

I think there will be more there too. I notice that the peaks are a little lower than I expected, in both power and rpm for peak power. I agree with you that there will be more to come with some more sorting and adjustment.

The thing that I notice most is that there is a relatively narrow powerband between 6400-7100 rpm, from peak tq to peak hp. I would expect it to be wider. Especially on the hp peak rpm, since we were aiming for higher. So, I think something is inhibiting further power production at higher rpms, and I don't think that it is breathing. I might suspect that there could be a mixture adjustment involved with the higher amount of air breathing in now may be possible. However, I would not rule out the possibility of needing leaner because our valve seat work has resulted in getting better power off leaner mixtures in the past. We first expected to need more fuel and got nowhere with that, and then tried leaner and got results. So I would recommend trying mixture adjustments in both directions just to see what works.
Also, I know that a lot of effort went into tuning the exhaust and inlet lengths and features at the previous 7200 rpm peak, and this may need some adjustment to help move the wave tuning up the rpm band somewhat.
I'm just guessing at these particular things, but I feel sure that after the frame issue is solved, further sorting will prove productive.

Thanks very much for reporting the latest news, and congratulations on the new peak hp record! That is definitely a move in the right direction, as you say, and anything more to come would be just that much better. I hope to hear some more info as soon as the frame is repaired, and there is another opportunity to work on getting even higher results!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: mattsz on January 31, 2015, 12:23:42 am
This is good stuff!  BTW, as far as I can tell, that link only brought me a still photo...
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: chumma7 on January 31, 2015, 05:49:03 am
I found 2 videos here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/132597770120179/
sounds fierce!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on January 31, 2015, 09:21:27 am
Thanks Ace, Matt and Chumma !
 Here are some dyno sheets from yesterday. Notice how the torque really kicks in just past 4000 RPM and basically flat lines all the way to just after 7000 RPM. The highest power readings - there were just a couple that topped 45 BHP - came when I gave a burst of throttle from around 6000 RPM, but in one instance I let the revs drop right down to 3000 RPM in top gear and the engine pulled cleanly with full throttle from the start, right up to over 7500 RPM.
 Funnily enough, I had just fitted a smaller main jet to try, when we realised the frame was cracking, so it was not tested, although I think we have nailed the ignition timing.
 P.S. ignore the date on the dyno sheets - Ian forgot to update that on the dyno's computer !
 B.W.
 Here is a clip of the dyno screen showing a couple of runs ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&x-yt-ts=1422579428&v=OU4K1fJ9PIs&x-yt-cl=85114404
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on January 31, 2015, 01:29:45 pm
It revs up to max pretty quickly. The general behavior looks good. We just need about 8 more horsies.

Yesterday I conversed with one of the top header makers for the NASCAR teams. He has made headers for most of the big teams for the past 30 years. He says that he gets best results from stepped header pipes, and that if you don't step up the pipe diameter after 12 inches, you are losing power.
He recommends that our pipe should match the port exit diameter, and then step up to the next size diameter that sleeves over(1.75" I.D.) at 12", or as near to that as is feasible before or after the bend. The bend radius should be as gentle as possible in the application, preferably at least 4"radius, and the larger radius, the better. And then step up again to the next size that sleeves over(1.875 I.D.)    at 24"(or 12" after the first step). Make the OAL of the header pipe 29" long, and then sleeve the megaphone on over that.
He says the purpose of this is to keep the exhaust speed up for as long as possible to help prevent reversion, but then open up the diameter a little bit to avoid restriction after 12". Then do it again after another 12". He says it also spreads out the wave action to provide some scavenging pulses at several times during the exhaust stroke. The final one at the transition to the mega would be the one tuned to scavenge the chamber during overlap at the intended peak hp rpm length.
This is the current header primary pipe design philosophy being used in NASCAR today, except the usually have shorter primaries and then collectors in their multiple cylinder applications for 9500 rpm. Even though we don't have multiple pipes and collectors, the primary pipe design is consistent with our single header pipe, because all we have is a primary pipe.

You may want to make one of these up as an experimental alternative, and see how it works.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Adrian II on January 31, 2015, 02:40:38 pm
So once Ian has repaired the frame, it looks like he will have a bit more welding to do!

A.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on January 31, 2015, 03:09:02 pm
Fantastic BW!!!   8)   I couldn't help but notice how erratic the power curves are, no real defined curve per say.  Is this typical of RE motors, or is there another issue that has not been worked out yet?  It definitely leads me to believe that the fuel isn't being atomized correctly, but you know way more about this stuff than me.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on January 31, 2015, 03:32:54 pm
Fantastic BW!!!   8)   I couldn't help but notice how erratic the power curves are, no real defined curve per say.  Is this typical of RE motors, or is there another issue that has not been worked out yet?  It definitely leads me to believe that the fuel isn't being atomized correctly, but you know way more about this stuff than me.
It's the torque curves which appear jagged with peaks and valleys. Two reasons for this. First, the scale for the torque curves on the right side of the graph is a different magnitude scaling than the scale for the power curves, leading to an exaggerated impression of the differences in amplitude.
Second, the torque curve reflects the dips and peaks created by the wave behaviors in the inlet and exhaust systems, which cannot be consistent over the whole rpm range because of their frequency-tuned nature. There will always be peaks and dips at various locations on the curves because of this when there are no wave breakers such as mufflers involved.  You tune for the rpm range intended, and try to do what you can with the unwanted harmonics. Tuned airboxes can help out with it.

I would point out tjat while the torque curves look wild, they actually hold within 15% of peak tq for over 3500 rpm bandwidth,  and within about 6% of peak for about 3000 rpm bandwidth, which is quite "flat and broad" for a torque curve. The high compression and the big lift are contributors to this.

However, the hp curves are very progressive and pretty smooth, which should enhance ride-ability, and be real good coming out of corners.
It is important to understand that peak hp numbers at the top of the range are critical for top speed, but the power band width from tq peak to hp peak is where most of the action happens. What we are ideally seeking is both, high max hp AND broad strong progressive power band, if we can get it.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on January 31, 2015, 03:49:00 pm
I think that as the rings become more bedded in to the shape of the bore, they will seal better and give more torque. At the low running time that the engine has seen so far, I think that it has some more to go with ring seal, and the torque and hp should increase some due to that. I guess at least another hour of run time to get there. I think the engine should potentially give at least 38 lbs/ft torque, and maybe even up to 40.

I might recommend trying some slightly different lash clearance(+/- 3 or 4 thou cold) settings to see if some minor changes in duration point out any information that we can use.

Another thing is maybe try the 40mm carb on there. Mondello's thought that it might have a slight edge over the 38mm, if you remember me mentioning that to you. It might not, but it might, especially at the top rpms.

And, if you don't have it on there already, I would recommend using a velocity stack on there too, trying various lengths between 2.5" - 6" long and see what effects happen to the power curve.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Henchy4 on February 02, 2015, 02:31:35 pm
Hi there all, thanks for the info on the exhaust Tom, I am going to check it all out against what we have on the bike at present. From your description I am pretty close however I think that our current length is still optimised for the old power curve aiming for peak power delivery between 7000 and 7500 rpm. Also I will check out the diameters you recommend. As for bell mouths I am thinking of getting some 3D printed as an easy and relatively cheap way to get a few for comparison on the dyno back to back. I'll keep you posted.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on February 02, 2015, 03:28:12 pm
Hi there all, thanks for the info on the exhaust Tom, I am going to check it all out against what we have on the bike at present. From your description I am pretty close however I think that our current length is still optimised for the old power curve aiming for peak power delivery between 7000 and 7500 rpm. Also I will check out the diameters you recommend. As for bell mouths I am thinking of getting some 3D printed as an easy and relatively cheap way to get a few for comparison on the dyno back to back. I'll keep you posted.

Hi Ian,
Sounds great!
Please drop me an email if you would like to discuss.
I'm really looking forward to getting this baby dialed-in!

Thanks!
Tom
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on February 12, 2015, 11:18:31 pm
Here is the 500 racer on the operating table, awaiting removal of what is now a pretty good engine, to provide access for repair of the frame. The other machine is an AJS Stormer, with unit Triumph 500 engine fitted  ;)
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on February 12, 2015, 11:51:06 pm
Looking good!
 8)

Just a point of clarification on that stepped exhaust. The first step would preferably be at 12 inches from the exhaust valve, so it includes the exhaust port length in that 12 inches. I did a calc on the recommended typical pipe diameter for 8200 rpm, and it was bigger than the 1.75" pipe that fits into the head, so it could benefit from the relatively short 1.75" pipe up to the first step for blowdown and to fight reversion, but then opens up to have less restriction at the next size pipe after the step, and then again at the next step.
I think the 1.75" pipe could have been influencing the torque curve to drop off earlier than anticipated.

Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Adrian II on February 13, 2015, 01:31:39 am
Am I right in thinking that the whole exhaust is effectively a long curved megaphone?

A.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on February 13, 2015, 02:12:49 am
Am I right in thinking that the whole exhaust is effectively a long curved megaphone?

A.
In a certain manner of speaking, yes. But there are some differences with wave action.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on March 24, 2015, 01:47:57 pm
The racing season will soon be upon us and the repairs and modifications have been made to the frame for the F.A.B. 500. Next, it will go up the road for painting, before being built back into a race bike once more and ready to go!
 As an aside, the 350 will kick off the season using the last engine, this being our 'Short Rod' unit, but a much more exciting engine is coming along very well and should be ready to run soon!
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on March 24, 2015, 02:06:54 pm
I have been wanting to hear updates from the top vintage team in the UK!
But I didn't want to be a pest. :)

Anyway, please do post any/all things that you think may be of note, especially upcoming race events.
We want to be able to cheer for our team!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on March 28, 2015, 06:36:01 pm
This just in ...
 The frame for the 500 racer has been repaired, strengthened and repainted. I took the cylinder head off the engine to make refitting it a lot easier. It was noted that last time the engine ran [45BHP on the dyno], the piston closed the plug gaps down and there was a tiny polished area on the piston crown, where the inlet valve had literally just brushed over it. With this in mind, I lifted the barrel and fitted another green [0.5 mm] base gasket, on top of the one already there, which had settled considerably. This might put the squish clearance a little on the high side of ideal, but should give a tiny bit more room for the burn to travel more easily and actually, possibly, boost the power a little. It will certainly make for a more content top end of the engine !!
 It's starting to look like a bike again, at any rate ...
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on March 28, 2015, 06:39:41 pm
Good move!
1.5mm is still okay.
Sometimes, as you say, it might actually improve things like that. Just have to try and see.
It's looking good!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Veeman on April 03, 2015, 08:47:57 am
BW
  the opening classic race meeting at Pembrey this weekend, is on your doorstep. Will you be there?
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on April 03, 2015, 09:41:22 am
BW
  the opening classic race meeting at Pembrey this weekend, is on your doorstep. Will you be there?
No, that is a CRMC event, we are in the BHR [British Historic Racing] series, which kicks off the following week at Mallory Park. We are almost ready ...
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on April 05, 2015, 09:57:35 pm
Check this out - I think we might be there!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eN4-gmStt-Y
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on April 06, 2015, 01:39:30 am
Looking good!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Adrian II on April 06, 2015, 01:56:06 am
That sounds pretty healthy too!

A.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on April 07, 2015, 09:07:25 pm
Ian reports after a track day at Anglesey on the weekend, the 500 F.A.B. is revving to 8,000 RPM with no problems and quite willingly. He reckons it feels more willing and faster than ever to date! Also, he says the handling is much improved after the frame repairs and modifications he made. The engine remained clean and oil tight throughout the track sessions.
 All looking quite promising  8)
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on April 07, 2015, 09:10:12 pm
Super!!!!

We are all cheering for you guys to win !
 ;D

Edited to add:
That touching of parts at TDC seems to be showing that there is crank flex occurring at the high rpms, which brought the clearance closer than the  static measurements showed.
If that is the case, then there may well still be a close squish gap there, taking that crank flex into account.
Also, that closed-up spark plug gap didn't help matters any, either.
I'm really glad that is sorted out and it's revving the way we expected it to.

So, by your previous dyno chart, you were making about 33.5 ft-lbs torque at your peak hp rpm of 7100 rpm.
If it can hold that 33.5 ft-lbs torque until 7900 rpm, you will have your 50+ rear wheel hp(57+hp at the crank). ;)

I think since it is revving willingly to 8000 rpm now, with some very careful wave tuning and fine-tuning, you have a good shot at it. I will be glad to help with some calcs and details if you want.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on April 07, 2015, 11:11:45 pm
Thanks, Ace!
 Any input from you is always welcome. We never got to try a number of 'tweaks' on the dyno last time, because the frame broke, but we cleared 45BHP at the rear wheel on a dyno that generally reads 3BHP down on the one that gave our previous best of just shy of 46BHP a few years ago [this also showed our 350 as giving 37 BHP at the same time, but on the current dyno 33BHP is about all it can do]. Based on that, we could have been getting 48BHP on that old dyno, as things stood when the frame broke. If the frame had remained ok, jetting and other carb adjustments were to follow, although we had already found the optimum ignition timing by then. It was noted after the frame broke, that as a result, the rear wheel was moving out of line under load, causing the sprockets to go out of line and some of the chain links had gone stiff. Also, the engine is still loosening up. Throw all of this into the equation and there is surely more power available to be recorded  ;)
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on April 08, 2015, 12:19:33 am
Okay, so if we go by the old dyno, we're pretty close already.

I'd say to go to the races and get some points and see what she can do. Then, let's get another dyno chart with the latest revs and graphs, so we know where we are at. Then, I'll use that to figure what rpm we want to set the velocity stack lengths to, and try both 2nd harmonic and 3rd harmonic to see what works best.
Maybe try the stepped exhaust too, since there's a whole lot more air going thru the engine now, and even my basic calcs say that the 1.625" I.D. of the Bullet header is too small for 8000 rpm on 500cc displacement.

Sound good?
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on April 08, 2015, 08:12:24 am
Sounds like a plan!
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on April 08, 2015, 06:11:44 pm
I'm still along for the ride!  Awesome stuff!  :D
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on April 08, 2015, 06:50:35 pm
I want to hear the race report.
Sometimes peak hp isn't everything. The overall package is where it's at.

However, I still want to see 53 ponies at the rear wheel(60 crank hp) out of this engine, and would like to work at that, as long as we don't sacrifice anything else that we need to get it.
That would be 2hp per cubic inch, and that's what I targeted.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on April 09, 2015, 10:42:00 pm
My goal is to do anything that I can do to help you win the British Championship Series.
And once that's done, try to be the fastest 500 single at the IOM.
 ;D
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on April 13, 2015, 05:38:22 pm
The first weekend's racing was held at Mallory Park for the F.A.B.'s debut in the 500cc specials class. Unfortunately, due to an admin mess up, our machine was put in with the pre '62 machines, starting on a grid right behind the pre '72 specials until we pointed out the mistake, but we still had to start from the back of the specials grid in all races, as a late entry.
 In the first race, it soon became apparent that the clutch was playing up and Ian retired with a D.N.F.. however, this was sorted and in the next race, he took an unconfirmed 9th place out of 19 starters. In another race the following day, he appeared to be 10th out of 16, but again, at present this is unconfirmed as he has not appeared in the results, due to the above admin problems.
 The 500 ran very well and beat at least one machine it has not been able to get close to for some time, so we all feel it is going the right way.
 Here is a video from one of the two races it ran in, another race would have taken place but was cancelled after a serious accident in the first race of day two meant there wasn't time to run a full racing programme, all machines getting one race only, instead of two.
 B.W.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBwiJ-JOxfQ
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on April 13, 2015, 06:20:38 pm
Wow! That was a fun video to watch!
Thanks!

I don't know what kind of bikes were behind all those fairings, but it looks like Ian was dicing it out with that #3 Manx for most of the race, and then the Manx nipped him near the end.
I think you got into the points in the first outing!

What kind of bikes were leading the race?
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on April 13, 2015, 06:29:14 pm
There were a good few Seeley G50's and at least one very quick Seeley Manx, 'ordinary' fully faired G50's and many other very capable machines. I don't think there was anything with pushrod operated valves ahead of us, at any rate  ;)
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on April 13, 2015, 06:41:32 pm
Well, I'd like some feedback from you and Ian about what it did well, and what needs improvement, so I can come up with some ideas to help move the bike up closer to the front.

It looked to me like it had some good power off the line, showing off some midrange torque.
Hopefully it was coming out of the corners well too.
How was the top speed in the fast bits?

Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on April 13, 2015, 07:13:37 pm
As far as I know, Ian was held up more by the first bit of throttle, during and just after cornering, where it was just a little lumpy and hesitant, but a bit more on the twistgrip was bringing power in with a surge and upsetting the plot a little. I leaned off the pilot screw to improve it and, seeing as it worked, I would probably have lowered the needle a notch for the next race, had there been one.
 More testing and setting up will be aimed at the low into mid range power, rather than seeking maximum power as in the past. I think it has the legs around the top end.
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on April 13, 2015, 08:07:54 pm
That sounds like a good plan BW.  She is definitely a rocket on top, get the low and mid range dialed in for the turns and its going to be a force to be reckoned with!  I can't believe that launch off the line, he took 2 positions before the other guys even got their clutches out!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on April 13, 2015, 08:25:18 pm
BW,
That sounds like good news to me!
If the bike is competitive on top speed, then that is a big thing!
And the bike really looks sharp out there on the track. It's a good looking bike, and it has a unique style that sets it apart so it is easy to see it from the infield. Fun to watch!

My gut feeling is still that the exhaust system could benefit from some adjustments for the new engine. It may be a bit too long overall, and could be coming on the power a bit too early from that, and contributing to that surge too. That exhaust pipe has a pretty long OAL. Perhaps a shorter OAL might move that surge up a little, and smooth things out some.
I think that the torque curve is so broad that it might be able to be moved up in the rpm range some, bringing the peak hp figures up nearer 8000 rpm, without really losing anything down low. A shorter exhaust system could theoretically also do that.
Only need to make up about 5-6 seconds per lap to be in the lead.

The upcoming dyno run will help to show where the power curve is now, since so much has changed with the added base gasket and the spark plug gap no longer closed up, and getting more willingly up to 8000 rpm. I'd like to put that peak hp point right on 8000 rpm, or maybe even a little higher if we can get it.
 ;D

Very excited! It's showing well for its first outing, and I love seeing it ahead of all those Manxes!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Veeman on April 14, 2015, 08:03:13 am
ACE, in a few posts thus far you have said your goal is to have the fastest single in the IOM.
I very much doubt that BW and his brother will be with you in this. They surely know what the IOM is all about, but you clearly do not.
To be in with any chance of success in this, you will first have to show the machine can compete on equal terms with the best classics in the country, and they are not to be found within the ranks of the BHR, they are racing in CRMC.
BW and Ian are racing in a class they are comfortable with. They have enjoyed good results in the past, and I sincerely hope they will continue to do so. With a new engine format they are at the beginning of a steep learning curve, and quite possibly it will take a while before they are happy with the results of their endeavours.
For yourself ACE, I would suggest you take a trip over for this years Classic TT races in September, and see what it's actually all about, and if pushrod engines are your particular interest, there will be a Egli Vincent Comet competing which will most certainly be competitive. A great opportunity to see what you would be taking on, and a wonderful place to race a motor cycle.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on April 14, 2015, 10:06:09 am
Thanks Veeman.
 I would love to visit the country, and see the IOM TT. That would be a wonderful time.

In the meantime, I'll try to help my friends  with their racing efforts, and make progress with the engine development. I realize that my eventual goals may take years to accomplish.

I am not unaware of what the other competition singles can do. This engine platform with this head has very good potential, and we will try to exploit that further. It's not even sorted yet.

I'm happy that you have gotten interested in watching the progress. It will be a fun season of racing!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on April 14, 2015, 01:18:31 pm
Veeman,
 I don't know whether to be flattered or offended by some of your comments above, but rest assured, I am not one for being 'comfortable' in any competitive arena. I don't ride myself in racing, being one who gets the 'red mist' all too easily, so I won't try to comment from a rider's point of view, but there were some very fast riders and machines present last weekend - go and check on some of the names entered in those races - I don't think the Molnars do it for fun alone, among others present.
 Regarding the I.O.M., as a family, none of us would push Ian to ride there, but we would support him all the way if he chose to do so and the bike would be set up to suit and to the highest standards to boot.
 A Rob North Trident I rebuilt last year was entered at very short notice [three weeks from unfinished project to race day] for the last Classic TT and even after it stopped firing on one cylinder due to a broken rocker, it did two laps at 89mph [on two cylinders] to qualify, but on my advice, the team pulled it from the race to allow more development time. I was not comfortable at all with the time frame for preparation for that one, but the owner and his team were pretty insistant and took full responsibility.
 I have no delusions about having the fastest single on the IOM - I doubt Mr Linsdell does either, although he has the fastest PUSHROD single, which is another matter.
 I am not one for sitting around accepting things and being happy where I am - I want better, faster, more powerful. As for where it will take us, we will have to see, but I have risen to much larger challenges mechanically than this and overcome them and I intend to do likewise with this [and our other] race projects.
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on April 14, 2015, 01:56:52 pm
I would like to add that having pushrods is not impeding the abilities of this engine. These rockers are rated to 10k rpm, and the other valve train parts are selected for the specified rpm at present(~8000+rpm) This valve train can be made to run at any rpms that any of those OHC singles will run at.

This engine's ports are sized for the intended rpm range as previously stated.  There is enough flow thru the inlet to support at least 67.75hp at the crank. These OHC engines do not have any flow advantage over us.

If a desire is expressed for a shorter stroke and larger bore for more rpms, we can certainly help them in making that if they want us to. We understand that rpms are the name of the game in fixed displacement classes.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Adrian II on April 14, 2015, 07:39:03 pm
It would be nice if B.W. did have a bike and rider in the CRMC series too, but I suspect that would be asking way too much with the family's existing BHR commitment AND people wanting road bikes worked on and engines built!

A.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on April 14, 2015, 09:26:42 pm
One thing I have learned from over 10 years with the Royal Enfield racers is that it is MUCH easier [and cheaper] to make a 350 competitive, than it is a 500. A new 350 engine is nearing completion as we speak, the old 350 can cover the ground as fast as many 500's.
 As for the racing itself, we shall have to see where it goes - I would need to live to be about 200 years old to do everything I want with all the bikes I have to sort, although they will probably be passed on to the next generation at some point - the line up for racing may soon include the Crusader 250 [owned and fettled by Steve Cotrell], our 350 and 500 machines, two Ducatis, a Rob North Trident and another rider. I think the BHR series will keep us occupied and me busy enough for some time to come, but I want all these machines giving their best !!
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Veeman on April 15, 2015, 08:45:44 am
ACE
    your comments in reply 266 make for interesting reading.
 First comment re the rockers rated to 10K rpm, how exactly did you rate them?

Comment re CFM equating to a potential for a certain amount of crankshaft horsepower. I am assuming your calculation is based on a simple formula contained in the Superflow handbook.
  I would like to ask how you can evaluate continuous flow measurement to equate to chopped, or interrupted flow, as found in any running engine. The vacuum required to pull air through the duct may well be beyond the capability of the engine in question, so this alone places a huge question mark over the  calculated potential. Finally, valve lift design  determines how long the valve is open, and  by what amount at any given time, and this further complication makes nonsense of any prediction based on CFM.
  The only measurement worth considering is how the machine measures up against the opposition on the track. A winning machine speaks for itself, and any predictions from any source whatever are immaterial. If you want to work on something more meaningful than CFM, work on flow velocity.

One day I still hope to see you at the IOM, but don't leave it too long or I may run out of time.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on April 15, 2015, 11:42:49 am
ACE
    your comments in reply 266 make for interesting reading.
 First comment re the rockers rated to 10K rpm, how exactly did you rate them?

Comment re CFM equating to a potential for a certain amount of crankshaft horsepower. I am assuming your calculation is based on a simple formula contained in the Superflow handbook.
  I would like to ask how you can evaluate continuous flow measurement to equate to chopped, or interrupted flow, as found in any running engine. The vacuum required to pull air through the duct may well be beyond the capability of the engine in question, so this alone places a huge question mark over the  calculated potential. Finally, valve lift design  determines how long the valve is open, and  by what amount at any given time, and this further complication makes nonsense of any prediction based on CFM.
  The only measurement worth considering is how the machine measures up against the opposition on the track. A winning machine speaks for itself, and any predictions from any source whatever are immaterial. If you want to work on something more meaningful than CFM, work on flow velocity.

One day I still hope to see you at the IOM, but don't leave it too long or I may run out of time.

I'm not trying to be a dick here.....  But did you just jumped into this thread without reading any of the old posts?  The high-ratio roller rockers have been in HUGE discussion on here since the R&D stages.  Like, since the very first post on this thread.  Post #54 has very detailed information on how they are achieving their numbers.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on April 15, 2015, 12:15:27 pm
ACE
    your comments in reply 266 make for interesting reading.
 First comment re the rockers rated to 10K rpm, how exactly did you rate them?

Comment re CFM equating to a potential for a certain amount of crankshaft horsepower. I am assuming your calculation is based on a simple formula contained in the Superflow handbook.
  I would like to ask how you can evaluate continuous flow measurement to equate to chopped, or interrupted flow, as found in any running engine. The vacuum required to pull air through the duct may well be beyond the capability of the engine in question, so this alone places a huge question mark over the  calculated potential. Finally, valve lift design  determines how long the valve is open, and  by what amount at any given time, and this further complication makes nonsense of any prediction based on CFM.
  The only measurement worth considering is how the machine measures up against the opposition on the track. A winning machine speaks for itself, and any predictions from any source whatever are immaterial. If you want to work on something more meaningful than CFM, work on flow velocity.

One day I still hope to see you at the IOM, but don't leave it too long or I may run out of time.
Veeman,
The rockers are rated for 10k rpm by the company that makes them for us as a custom item. They have been making them for about 60 years, and have supplied NASCAR, and many other forms of racing, with roller rockers for many years.

Regarding the port flow, yes, that is from the flow bench. We understand the limitations, and we also understand the strengths of it.
Your point about vacuum (demand) and such is well taken, and of course we have done all the work on port areas, and valve and throat areas in relation to air demand , flow velocities, and mach index limits, and coefficients of discharge.

I can assure you that I did not fall off the turnip truck last night, and this is not the first performance engine headwork we have done. We are performing this work at the shop of the late Joe Mondello, using their full resources. I knew Joe personally. Perhaps you have heard of him?

We are currently in process with Paul with the sorting and fine tuning of this head and engine combination, working out the wave tuning, and gathering data on dyno and track. It is a process. We shall see how it does, and what kinds of changes/improvements might be indicated/desired as the data rolls in during this season.

Perhaps you would like to tell us who you are and what racing machine and number you run and the venues, so that if Paul happens to meet you at an event, he'll know who he's racing with.
Everyone here already knows who Paul and I are.

We would welcome any help. We know that we are imperfect humans, and we are doing our best diligence toward our goal of success in this venture.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on April 15, 2015, 02:07:00 pm
I will just add that while we have bags of enthusiasm, skill and energy, we don't have access to a bottomless pit where finances are concerned, unlike some.
 I work on the race bikes when time permits, between working on classic motorcycles of all types and sizes for a living. If we were rich enough not to need to work, the race bikes would be faster by now.
 We don't have the world's fastest rider in my Brother, Ian, but he doesn't throw machines up the track every other race, like some that spring to mind and he's pretty capable with the machines he rides.
 For those who might be wondering where we stand in the BHR championships, I suggest you read this from my Father, to the BHR, it will give some insight into the sort of stuff we come up against on a regular basis ...

'Hi Both,
 I really don't know what on earth is going on but for the second time we have had Ian gridded in the wrong race, it first happened at Cadwell last year and now at the Mallory meeting! But it has now got even worse! It appears Ian is riding the invisible bike as he doesn't appear in the results! In the first race  he had a DNF as he pulled out due to a clutch problem, in the next race he started at the back due to the current cock ups, with nineteen riders in front he manage to make 9th place. In the Sunday race a similar situation he finished 10th, as you appreciate having to come from the back is a lot more difficult than starting from near the front!
 It has been suggested that we should put the bike down as 1970 instead of 1960! apparently to avoid confusion with the entry.  This is all very strange as Ian has been riding this machine in BHR races since 2006 and until now we have never had a problem, why are we having it now?
 We have film of the two races in which he finished 9th and 10th so I suggest he is awarded the points or have his entry refunded as on paper he never raced on the 500 at Mallory!
 His Ducati sponsor who is working at producing a competitive machine for this event is already making mumblings about racing it with the Classic Club as he reckons they are better organised, on this basis he seems to be right!
 We have the Anglesey entry in so I would suggest things are put right for this meeting, we enter four machines so I would think its in the Clubs interests to sort this out!

 Awaiting your responses with interest.

 Dave Henshaw'
 
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on April 15, 2015, 03:30:15 pm
Well, I just spent some time reading the Mallory Park results for last weekend's races.

First, I will say I immediately noticed that Ian on the #4 bike was not listed. This is troubling. Hopefully they will correct that, and give the points where due.

Second, I see that there was a very strong field there, including the Molnars and some other big names with top machines. So, I see it as a good test against some of the top competition in the class.

Third, I watched Ian dice it out most of the race vs the #3 Manx of Nick Bedford, and they were very close, and Nick just edged Ian out near the end. So while Ian's results and lap times did not appear on the results, it was easy for me to get a very close idea about Ian's performance on the #4 bike by looking at Nick Bedford's numbers. It seems to me that Ian was only about 5 seconds per lap off the leader's lap times. The lap speeds were about 5mph below the leader, too. And this is while contending with traffic in the pack, partly because of the error in grid placement, putting Ian way back on the grid.

So, my feelings about the actual performance of the bike on the first outing with a whole new engine still being developed, were quite positive.  A points-scoring finish against some of the very best competitors in the class on VERY expensive machines, and our bike isn't even fully sorted yet.  Just a few seconds per lap to improve, and contend for the lead. And a proper starting grid position would be nice too, along with inclusion in the results sheets!

I am even more optimistc than before, after seeing these results against some of the best in the world. And we will be getting stronger as we go.

Good show, Henshaws!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Veeman on April 15, 2015, 11:25:45 pm
High on Octane
I suggest you stay out of technical posts - you obviously don't know what you are talking about. Post 54 emphatically does NOT detail exactly how the rockers are rated, and to rate them in a strict technical sense certain tests would be required, mainly in the case of ACE's requirements, using loads compatible with what would be applied in racing use. I'm therefore left to assume that such tests have been done for use in Nascar, and as such are considered to be more severe than anything that the Enfield might present. The rockers therefore are considered suitable for use, but they are not rated .

ACE, for the time being you must know me as Veeman. I retired from racing myself in the early 60's, my last race being co rider at the 1964 Barcelona 24 hours. I take my forum name A/ from the era between the wars when I was born, and B/ because I have always had a love of the Vee twin engines built during that same period. Obviously then I will never be on the grid with Paul, but if opportunity presents I hope to be able to attend a BHR meeting sometime this year, although the thought of masses of scooters milling around does rather turn me off.
During my years in racing, I at one time worked for three of the four main Japanese factories. I have been involved in a behind the scenes capacity with a number of TT winners, British Championship winners, and World Champions.
My racing interests have involved me in both two and four wheeled competitions.
Currently I am still working as a consultant on a number of projects, both two and four wheeled.
For all my years in racing, I was fortunate in my early days to have some very gifted engineers take me under their wings and give me encouragement to think for myself.
I don't profess to know it all, not a bit of it. No one does that's for sure, and the guy who tells you he does is the biggest fool of all. I think possibly by the time I do packup I will have made a reasonable attempt to scratch the surface of what there is to know about the high performance side of the 'infernal' (?) combustion engine.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Veeman on April 15, 2015, 11:39:28 pm
BW
    your fathers letter to the organisers of BHR will in all probability be treated with some disdain. I have always failed to understand how a person can change once he/she puts an 'OFFICIAL' arm band on. Not all, but a good many.
I hope you get some satisfaction with your protest, but don't hold too much hope.
I will always remember a comment made by the late Gordon Jennings when describing  a spark plug from an over jetted engine 'As black as a race official's heart'. I hope this doesn't prove to be the case with you.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Warwick on April 16, 2015, 02:54:54 am
To ACE and BW. I am really enjoying reading and watching the progress of your RE racer. I am thrilled about your initial results and the potential for future development. Thanks for the updates and the video. Keep up the great work.

Warwick
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on April 16, 2015, 12:19:02 pm
High on Octane
I suggest you stay out of technical posts - you obviously don't know what you are talking about. Post 54 emphatically does NOT detail exactly how the rockers are rated, and to rate them in a strict technical sense certain tests would be required, mainly in the case of ACE's requirements, using loads compatible with what would be applied in racing use. I'm therefore left to assume that such tests have been done for use in Nascar, and as such are considered to be more severe than anything that the Enfield might present. The rockers therefore are considered suitable for use, but they are not rated .


I actually DO have a pretty good idea of what is going on.  But based on your posts I was trying to enlighten you with helpful information that had already been posted.


BW, that is bizarre that Ian and the #4 bike were completely omitted from the standings, twice even.  I hope they are able to rectify that problem by the next race.  So, now that you have a little track time, it sounds like you have a good idea of where you want to go with the tuning.  Is there another dyno day in the near future, or do you plan on doing more hands on track and load tuning first?
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on April 16, 2015, 12:35:55 pm
Veeman,
Thank you for insight into your illustrious career. It's nice to be acquainted with you. Welcome to the forum.

Warwick,
Thanks, and I'm happy you are following and enjoying the action! A similar head is also in Oz, with Guy Brown, for his racer.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on April 16, 2015, 01:22:14 pm
Thanks, Warwick!
Scottie - All sorted, we are now in the results with one D.N.F. [clutch gremlins], one 9th and one 10th.
 I don't know if we will be dyno testing again at present, but there is a track day the day before racing at Anglesey which we will be partaking in. Ian reckons if we can smooth out the initial power delivery coming out of corners, it should cut his lap times  ;)
 We are just taking the current engine out of the 350, to make way for something rather special ...
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on April 16, 2015, 01:38:59 pm
"Clutch gremlins"?  Is it not holding?  Glad to hear they got the points situation fixed.  :)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: mattsz on April 16, 2015, 02:38:37 pm
We are just taking the current engine out of the 350, to make way for something rather special ...

(http://d26ya5yqg8yyvs.cloudfront.net/lurker.gif)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Veeman on April 16, 2015, 11:49:06 pm
ACE
    having sketched a basic outline of where I'm coming from, perhaps you would be good enough to reciprocate and update me on you own motorcycle origins.
If you have already advised the forum in this respect, I shall await from High on Octane notification of the appropriate post.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on April 17, 2015, 12:16:49 am
(http://d26ya5yqg8yyvs.cloudfront.net/lurker.gif)
Won't be long, now  ;)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on April 17, 2015, 12:19:02 am
"Clutch gremlins"?  Is it not holding?  Glad to hear they got the points situation fixed.  :)
We're glad about the points too, Scottie. Clutch sorted now, with new friction plates  ;)
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Adrian II on April 17, 2015, 12:30:51 am
Quote
If you have already advised the forum in this respect, I shall await from High on Octane notification of the appropriate post.

 ;D

Not that it's immediately relevant to the subject of this thread, but I suspect many of us are now trying to guess the identity of this distinguished former racer. :-X
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on April 17, 2015, 12:33:49 am
Sure.
I am not a motorcycle racer, but I have participated in SCCA amateur sportscar racing in the 1970s. My own car was an H-Production Austin Healey Sprite "Frogeye" 950cc.
I worked at a garage which specialized in British sports cars for road and for racing. The shop campaigned a Lotus 23B sports racer. We also did prep work on many types of production racers and some formula racers such as Formula Ford and Formula B.
That was where I got my start in racing and engine performance work.

After that, I got interested in motorcycles(mostly Italian ones at that time) and had a few 1970s Ducatis. I had a couple of bevel twin 750 round case models, and also the "odd duck" parallel twin 500 GTL. During that time I made acquaintance with Syd and Malcolme Tunstall who were some of the most successful Ducati racers in the US, and spent some time with them and their racers, and did some pit crew work for them, and did a performance rebuild of one of my 750s with their parts and their coaching. During this time, Syd Tunstall won the #1 plate at the Daytona races for the 250 class on his Diana 250. Malcolme was always near the top with his 750 Sport, but Jimmy Adamo always got the factory money from Ducati, and this was a problem with Malcolme, and they eventually switched to Bimota. I moved away around that time.

Later, I had a Laverda 3c 1000, which was kitted to 1200 and Imola cams and bigger carbs with high compression pistons. That was a real white knuckle ride!
Benelli SEI 750 rounded out the pack for my Italian machines.

Took a hiatus from bikes for a while, doing some automated data acquisition and controls work for a company, and didn't come back to bikes until the early 2000s, when I got interested in the Enfields. I had never had a Brit bike before, and was interested in what a big single was all about, so I started studying about them for a few years before I bought a used one.

After the studying about them, I realized that I would need to rebuild the engine to make it reliable, due to the factory issues that were built into it, and my performance interests got the better of me, and soon I was getting into making modifications. I got in touch with Joe Mondello, and we started doing a cylinder head mod for the Bullet, which turned out very successful for a fast road Bullet. We also  contracted out for some lightweight 87mm bore high compression pistons which are the lightest ones available. And we also do some cams  ground to my specifications. With the Carrillo steel rod and our other necessary bottom end mods, we came up with a package for sale called the Ace Fireball 535. That has been our "bread and butter" Ton-up road package for about the last 7 years.

Not to be letting any moss grow under our feet, we addressed some of the shortcomings of the design, such as the limited cam lobe sweep room holding back the valve lift with the 1:1 rockers, and began to move forward with some higher ratio roller rocker packages, first for the Fury type Big Head, and then later some replacement clamshell style rocker boxes with shaft mounted roller rockers in them, so that the regular Bullet head could have similar advantages as the Big Head had. This worked out very well, and has advanced the Bullet into a performance area which had not really been seen by anyone else outside of Steve Linsdell.

Currently working on a performance billet cylinder head for the new UCE 500 or 535 Continental GT engines, which will feature performance re-design including narrower included valve angles, beehive valve springs, high ratio roller rockers, larger valves, twin spark, compact combustion chamber design with squish area, increased compression ratio, higher inlet and exhaust flow with new optimized ports, all basically aimed at a "bolt on" performance kit that is essentially all contained in the head that we make, so that it presents the easiest possible installation for the novice end user.  This is still in development, but we hope to have it out in about a month.

So basically, I am more of a parts developer, and not a pro racer. But my previous racing and race engine work experience have helped me to do a reasonably good job at what we are doing, and I have help from my friends and resources at the Mondello shop. I am continuing to learn and put the lessons to use as I move along with the products.

As of this time, we are producing the parts for the highest output Royal Enfield Bullet 500/535 bikes that are currently available for sale in the world.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on April 17, 2015, 03:10:43 am
Aaaahhhhh.  I'm a nobody.  Just a backwoods Wisconsin boy living in the Big City now.  I've never been a man of money and fancy rides, but there hasn't been a single mode of transportation that I've owned that I haven't pushed to its absolute limits.  Anything with wheels has become a competition between me, my brother, and my friends.  Skateboards, BMX bikes, dirt bikes, go carts, sport bikes, street bikes, hot rods, street rods...  It doesn't matter, I ride it fast.  Got my first dirt bike when I was 13 and started turning wrenches.  Rebuilt my 1st carb the same year, built my 1st small block Chevy when I was 18, did my 1st road side tranny swap at 19, the same age I 1st went over 140mph in my 1975 Formula Firebird, 1st did 150mph on a street bike at age 23, did my 1st wheelie in a car in my bosses '66 Chevelle Pro Street at 28.  As I said, I haven't owned anything real special, but I have always been around fast cars and bikes.  And even the stuff that I've owned that was slow I still rode/drove fast. 

In my mid 20's, I stepped away from cars and bikes and started amateur kickboxing.  I was pretty successful with an overall record of 21Wins 9Losses and 3Draws.  About 4 years into it I became such good friends with the promoter/organizer of the fights I started helping with the set up of the ring and started announcing the fights when I wasn't actually fighting.  One night we set up for the pro MMA fights and I was sitting there with the cards of the night as I was keeping time that evening.  A guy bailed out on his fight and was asked if I had my fight gear and if I wanted to fight.  30 minutes later I was in the ring for my 1st professional MMA fight.  I lost as I totally wasn't ready for that type of fighting, but I stuck with it and finished my professional career 1-2.

I don't have a professional racing career, because I'm poor.  But I have plenty of wins on the streets and trails.  I have also been in a few different pit crews for circle track, 1/4 mile and demo derbies.  But my heart is in horsepower, so 10 years ago I started doing auto body and paint.  2 1/2 years into it, I got out of collision work and started building street rods and classic restorations.  Currently, I rebuild wrecked Subarus from auction to pay the bills, and I have a friend that I build hot rods with on the side.  Actually just picked up a '72 440 Charger that we will be starting on next week.  :)

I'm a jack of all trades.  I can build you a room.  I can fix your plumbing.  Do your electrical.  Fix your car or bike or anything else with an engine or wheels.  I'm an excellent cook.  I'm good with math but all my money goes towards toys.  I can knock out a man with a single punch.  My wife says I'm good in bed......  I don't know.  What else do you want to know?  ;D

Oh, I'm also brutally honest and go by "High On Octane" because I love the smell of burning race fuel and also love smoking Colorado's FINEST legal marijuana.   ;)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Chuck D on April 17, 2015, 12:32:53 pm
;D

Not that it's immediately relevant to the subject of this thread, but I suspect many of us are now trying to guess the identity of this distinguished former racer. :-X
Racer X?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pITX84KGW48
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on April 17, 2015, 01:44:16 pm
Racer X?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pITX84KGW48


Awesome!  Thanks for posting that, I'll be watching it when I get home. :)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on April 17, 2015, 01:46:05 pm
Looks like I didn't have to wait forever to get this sorted - here are the race results for the 500 last weekend, they are for both groups together, and the specials class on their own:
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on April 17, 2015, 01:46:56 pm
Here's the second race :
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on April 17, 2015, 03:35:46 pm
Very pleased to see that the officials came through with the proper results.
As I understand it, this means points in both races for the team!

Congratulations!
 ;D

Please keep us posted about any info that you might feel inclined to share between now and the next race.
Thanks!
Tom
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on April 17, 2015, 07:20:39 pm
It didn't take much searching to find that this Dave Matravers fellow and his Seeley G50 is a pretty fast cat.

Very interesting to note that in the IOM TT results listed for last year(2014), Dave Matravers finished well ahead of the Linsdell short stroke Bullet too.

Guys, we really are not far off.
I think it is going to surprise some folks this year!
 ;D
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Jellyroll on April 17, 2015, 07:59:13 pm
Congratulations on the fine results, fellas! Needless to say we're ALL very proud of you! It's fantastic to have contact with dedicated people who are representing a brand that I own, and although I'll never get mine on the track, in my mind I'm right there with you! Being retired and not rich sucks, but if you fellas need some donation money, I 'd like to see some way to get a T-shirt, hat, or patch proclaiming I'm a team supporter...give it some thought, okay? Actually, I'm so stoked because of yalls effort I'd be proud to be told, "No, sod off ya tosser"!  ;D
Please do keep us informed during the season, and thank you very much for thinking about the rest of us. Cheers, Cheers, I'll buy the Beers! ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Veeman on April 17, 2015, 11:24:24 pm
It didn't take much searching to find that this Dave Matravers fellow and his Seeley G50 is a pretty fast cat.

Very interesting to note that in the IOM TT results listed for last year(2014), Dave Matravers finished well ahead of the Linsdell short stroke Bullet too.

Guys, we really are not far off.
I think it is going to surprise some folks this year!
 ;D

ACE, at this rate it's you that will be surprised. Olie Linsdell didn't ride the Enfield at the 2014 Classic TT.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on April 17, 2015, 11:41:08 pm
ACE, at this rate it's you that will be surprised. Olie Linsdell didn't ride the Enfield at the 2014 Classic TT.

Well, I could be wrong.
I was going off the official IOM TT qualifying times for the 2014 IOM TT, where he was listed on the Flitwick Enfield with timing data.
http://www.iomtt.com/~/media/Files/2014/Downloads/ClassicTT/Practice-Results/Monday18/Classic%20500%20Monday.pdf (http://www.iomtt.com/~/media/Files/2014/Downloads/ClassicTT/Practice-Results/Monday18/Classic%20500%20Monday.pdf)

Please note the listing of Oliver Linsdell at the 29th position on the list, riding the Flitwick Royal Enfield with a lap of 25:31.237 at 88.705 mph on that day..

So, that is where my info came from, and if I was in error about the official race, then I stand corrected. Just an observation off a timing sheet.

I do understand that he has been involved with a sort of Paton reproduction with a modern Japanese twin cylinder engine in it, or something like that lately.

In any event, we will continue to move forward on our path.


Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bill Harris on April 18, 2015, 02:08:41 am
Veeman,

Lighten up man.  Don't be such a killjoy.  Show a little love.  We're doing the best we can and just having fun here.  Join us in a nice way and enjoy the fun.  I think you'll like it. ;)

Royal Enfield people are good people

Cheers,
Bill Harris
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Chuck D on April 18, 2015, 06:02:35 am
Veeman,

Lighten up man.  Don't be such a killjoy.  Show a little love.  We're doing the best we can and just having fun here.  Join us in a nice way and enjoy the fun.  I think you'll like it. ;)

Royal Enfield people are good people

Cheers,
Bill Harris
Really.

Go BW and ACE!! 8) 8) 8)
And I'll take a T shirt in medium please. ;D
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on April 18, 2015, 08:47:02 am
ACE, at this rate it's you that will be surprised. Olie Linsdell didn't ride the Enfield at the 2014 Classic TT.
No, it was Ian Lougher riding it, that's why and he got a lap of 107 MPH. I knew that and I bet you did too. It was and is a remarkable achievement, but this sort of info and negative shit like we are seeing here just makes me want to try harder, not give up and go away. I will be keeping at it, no matter what.  >:(
I hope that is the kind of reaction you were looking for and you got what you wanted from it.
 B.W. AKA Paul Henshaw, in case you didn't already know.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: AVL Power! on April 18, 2015, 09:54:00 am
Veeman,

Lighten up man.  Don't be such a killjoy.  Show a little love.  We're doing the best we can and just having fun here.  Join us in a nice way and enjoy the fun.  I think you'll like it. ;)

Royal Enfield people are good people

Cheers,
Bill Harris

+1

No, it was Ian Lougher riding it, that's why and he got a lap of 107 MPH. I knew that and I bet you did too. It was and is a remarkable achievement, but this sort of info and negative shit like we are seeing here just makes me want to try harder, not give up and go away. I will be keeping at it, no matter what.  >:(
I hope that is the kind of reaction you were looking for and you got what you wanted from it.
 B.W. AKA Paul Henshaw, in case you didn't already know.

Paul, I think you can use the negativity for good and make more challenging stuff like you always did. I am sure you like challenges that is why you've made an Asbo 11 out of nothing, the fastest AVL which is not in your racing territory. You are doing what you do best and people who know you will be always there for you, supporting you and your work! Cheers!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Veeman on April 18, 2015, 10:55:46 am
BW
     Great! If my posts have had the effect of giving you a kick up the backside, that's what was intended. The race results you get from your Bullet will be as a result of your brothers riding efforts, but the responsibility will be sitting fair and square on your shoulders, you are the one who is wielding the spanners.
You won't get best results by dreaming about them, only by hard graft, dedication and commitment, and I'm sure you are well equipped to handle the task in this respect.

  The link ACE gave by way of trying to prove something that was a complete fallacy, was interesting for another reason. Positioned in 9th place on the qualifying list was Bruno Leroy riding an Egli Vincent Comet, at a lap speed of 95 mph plus.  Most will be aware that this is a pushrod engine. What perhaps is not so well known, it is at present considerably quicker now than it was then, and in all probability this year will also be joining the Linsdell Enfield by making a 100 mph plus British pushrod single lap.
Pushrod technology - fascinating despite it's complexity!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on April 18, 2015, 12:31:57 pm
This is a process of development, and there will be time and effort involved.
We are already faster than last year, and we intend to continue to improve in the standings.

I consider the two top-10 finishes on the first weekend for this bike this season a very good start, and we are happy to take those points and move forward.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on April 18, 2015, 02:12:27 pm
8)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: da punds on April 18, 2015, 02:48:12 pm
I can't wait to see the new 350, although I am keen on the 500, having a similar head on my bike, it is the potential of the 350 that has me on the edge of the seat. I think it may be towards the end of this season or next season that the 500 will start to shine, there is a long development path, but the flow figures show huge potential.
Just my 2 cents worth, keep up the great work BW and Ace.

Kevin
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on April 18, 2015, 03:11:41 pm
I can't wait to see the new 350, although I am keen on the 500, having a similar head on my bike, it is the potential of the 350 that has me on the edge of the seat. I think it may be towards the end of this season or next season that the 500 will start to shine, there is a long development path, but the flow figures show huge potential.
Just my 2 cents worth, keep up the great work BW and Ace.

Kevin

Yes, being as we know basically what the new 350 will consist of, it will give some very interesting insight into the development program for both classes.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on April 18, 2015, 03:30:34 pm
Honestly, after seeing B.W.'s different videos that he has posted, I think I'd rather have a built 350 over a built 500.  And I keep thinking of a Fireball or possibly a F.A.B flat tracker in my future.   ;)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: cafeman on April 18, 2015, 03:54:34 pm
This is a great thread with all the updates on high performing Enfield's and updates on race efforts, from positive and nice people doing it with passion, having fun enjoying life, and sharing it with us Enfield enthusiasts. Negative naysayer curmudgeonly arrogant posts be damned!  ::)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on April 18, 2015, 06:01:43 pm
We can accept comments from everyone. Not everyone takes the same view on things. I have learned some things from all the comments.

I am in support of the racing team with our efforts from Ace.  The race team belongs to the Henshaws. We will work with them to help them, to whatever extent they decide. Of course, I would like to try to go all the way to the top, if we can. I will make suggestions and perhaps other modifications which I think will be helpful to the cause, upon their decisions.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Blltrdr on April 18, 2015, 06:03:13 pm
Veeman isn't the first Brit to stir the pot on this forum. I wouldn't give his post's a second thought/read. Really he is just looking for a dustup and to get someone going.........Scottie.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ERC on April 18, 2015, 06:19:09 pm
Veeman isn't the first Brit to stir the pot on this forum. I wouldn't give his post's a second thought/read. Really he is just looking for a dustup and to get someone going.........Scottie.
Frankly I just think he was just pointing out the errors of some of the statements in this discussion. I really don't think his point was to make anyone angry over it. ERC
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: 1 Thump on April 18, 2015, 06:23:22 pm
Frankly I just think he was just pointing out the errors of some of the statements in this discussion. I really don't think his point was to make anyone angry over it. ERC

Yes, but its his style that puts people off, more sarcastic than it needs to be.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bulletbaz on April 18, 2015, 07:45:58 pm
;D

I suspect many of us are now trying to guess the identity of this distinguished former racer. :-X

Do I get a prize if I can identify Mr Veeman?

I reckon his first name begins with "R" and his surname is a bit "fishy" ;) !
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: cafeman on April 18, 2015, 08:30:36 pm
 :o
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Adrian II on April 18, 2015, 09:55:22 pm
Just a troll, or a grain of sand in the oyster? Hmm. I'd hold back on calling down fire from Heaven a little longer.

Wanting to spur people on is fine, though if the encouragement is barbed it risks causing offense, whether it was well intentioned or not. As someone who is afflicted with a Loose Cannon on Deck sense of humor, I know what's said isn't always received the way it's meant. We shall see if Veeman has anything to add. I shall be hiding behind the sofa until the Daleks have gone... (Ooops. Age AND location given away!)

A.

Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on April 18, 2015, 10:53:46 pm
I am going to respectfully ask for everyone to return to the technical topic of the thread, and avoid the diversion into any emotional directions.

Thank you.
Tom
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on April 19, 2015, 12:03:44 am
I am going to respectfully ask for everyone to return to the technical topic of the thread, and avoid the diversion into any emotional directions.

Thank you.
Tom
Well said, Ace, although emotions can run high where racing is concerned, for me at any rate !
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Veeman on April 19, 2015, 12:19:02 am
ACE and BW
  you certainly have supporters who will go to great lengths to protect you from what they perceive to be unjust negative criticism. My intention had been to submit in the future, informative posts for your consideration, but in view of certain forum members attitude, this will not now occur.
Good luck with your joint effort
Veeman
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Arizoni on April 19, 2015, 05:00:19 am
I'm always puzzled by individuals who say such things as:

BW
     Great! If my posts have had the effect of giving you a kick up the backside, that's what was intended....
, and then bow out when a few others return the action.

If one is giving anyone a "kick up the backside" they should expect to have a few others give them a few rump kicks in return.

If Veeman indeed possesses informative knowledge which he intended to share with us, allow me to suggest that he should contribute his knowledge by posting it so we may all learn.

Learning is what we are all here for. :)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on April 19, 2015, 06:58:27 am
ACE and BW
  you certainly have supporters who will go to great lengths to protect you from what they perceive to be unjust negative criticism. My intention had been to submit in the future, informative posts for your consideration, but in view of certain forum members attitude, this will not now occur.
Good luck with your joint effort
Veeman

Thank you for your well wishes.

We shall carry on with our program.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on April 19, 2015, 11:13:32 am
Back on track, then ...
 We are working on getting a film taken from Ian's on board camera uploaded and then a link put in here. It shows an entire race on the 500 at Mallory, including the sighting lap and the ride back to the paddock. It also shows where he was losing speed and time in the corners, due to poor initial throttle response and the throttle sticking shut momentarily when he was opening it again, causing him to give ground to other machines..
 The next work will be to deal with these issues and help him stay nearer the front of the pack, if we go to the dyno again, I will focus more on the smaller throttle openings and smoothing out the response to the twistgrip, until now the focus has been on 4000 rpm and above and for maximum power at the top end of the rev band.
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on April 19, 2015, 01:38:54 pm
I really enjoy the videos!

Also, I would be interested in seeing/hearing the hesitation behavior at lower rpms.

Aside from getting that cured, I wonder if the bike could just be in a lower gear, and thus in a better part of the powerband coming out of the corner? There's plenty of rpm room above 4000 rpm.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on April 19, 2015, 02:23:10 pm
I really enjoy the videos!

Also, I would be interested in seeing/hearing the hesitation behavior at lower rpms.

Aside from getting that cured, I wonder if the bike could just be in a lower gear, and thus in a better part of the powerband coming out of the corner? There's plenty of rpm room above 4000 rpm.

I was thinking about our discussion the other day Tom and was just thinking the same thing.  If it's just a carb tuning issue, no biggie, easily fixed.  But if that "rough" spot down low on the RPMs is something beyond carb, like too much cam, perhaps a gear can be dropped before entering the turn while braking to overcome the problem RPM range.  My only concern with doing that is coming into the lower gear at higher RPMs the rear wheel may hop while engaging the clutch, which would be bad for the turn entry.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on April 19, 2015, 02:34:06 pm
Yes, of course, Ian will have the answer for our questions.
I'm just thinking aloud.
 :)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on April 19, 2015, 02:37:34 pm
Me too.  It's this damn trouble-shooting mindset I have.   ;)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on April 19, 2015, 11:00:42 pm
Here are the links to three videos making up one race featuring the 500 F.A.B., including the sighting lap, slowing down after the flag and going back to the paddock. A cameo appearance is made by yours truly at the end of part 3!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNXvIywoKcE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZj6TKw8SdA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0A4OvYRAOQ
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on April 19, 2015, 11:33:33 pm
Wow! I loved seeing those! I felt like I was riding the bike.
It really does have the legs at the top. No problems getting well over 7000 rpm, and what appeared to be around 8000, but I couldn't see the tach dial at 8000.
Goes really well up there!
It sounds awesome, and goes like a rocket!
I love it!

I could see/hear that issue you mentioned. It almost seems like a throttle bog and then a surge. I do think it sounds mixture related.

But oh boy, was that some fun video to watch!
Thanks!
 ;D ;D
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: DanB on April 20, 2015, 01:54:00 am
These were great BW!  Thanks for sharing. Can't wait to see more of the same.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bill Harris on April 20, 2015, 02:56:33 am
Thanks for the videos, BW.  I was dragging my knees on some of those corners, seating here in my chair at the computer.  Good stuff!  :)

Royal Enfield people are good people

Cheers,
Bill     
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Warwick on April 20, 2015, 03:17:33 am
WOW i want one  :)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: AVL Power! on April 20, 2015, 08:14:37 am
Finally some on-board video! Awesome stuff Paul!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Ice on April 20, 2015, 12:21:40 pm
WOW i want one  :)

Are you for certain ?  ;)


  Be forewarned that the only thing more addicting than addiction is motor racing. ;D 8)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on April 20, 2015, 02:22:34 pm
Great stuff B.W.!  Can't wait to see it go after the tuning is sorted.  What a beast!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on April 22, 2015, 09:00:05 pm
Yesterday, we took the 500 and a misbehaving Ducati 250 to a top secret location, for some tweaking and fine tuning.
 Notch by notch, I lowered the needle on the 500's carb from the richest to the leanest notch, testing the changes each time - there is also a spacer under the needle clip which I put in years ago, this can probably go now - an improvement was noted with each change of setting, however, a little lumpiness was still evident on the first bit of throttle when opening up out of corners.
 I checked the slide cutaway - it was a No3. I looked in my tin of carb spares and found a No3 1/2, so I fitted that, with the needle as on the last run.
 Similar work was done on the Ducati and the upshot was I was able to go into and round numerous corners in one gear higher on both machines by the time I had finished.
 The irony with the 500 is although I have ridden it [but not raced it] on both track and dyno, it wasn't until I saw Ian's on board videos that I realised what was troubling him and as a result, once a 'best' carburettor setting for maximum power and good starting had been settled upon some years back, it has never been altered. Until now ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPQihZjiNhc
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on April 22, 2015, 09:31:37 pm
Sounds like it is responding to treatment!

Very powerful sound, and a lovely bit of countryside too!

Thanks!
 8)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: AVL Power! on April 22, 2015, 09:55:16 pm
That torque! I like how it takes off around 0:53 secs in that video.


Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on April 22, 2015, 10:34:55 pm
All of our heads have always liked it on the leaner side.
I realize that with methanol fuel, it's very risky to get too lean.
But, I think you see what I mean. Our heads atomize the fuel very well, and generally don't need to be as rich as many other heads need.
The advantage of this is that since methanol requires a very heavy fuel laden A/F ratio, running less fuel leaves more room in the port for air, and this makes more power. The more room the methanol occupies in the port, the less air can fit in.

Also, it can have slightly better fuel economy, which I am not sure makes any difference in the current racing series, but might make a difference in the future.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on April 22, 2015, 10:58:03 pm
Very nice stuff!  Cool video too!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on April 25, 2015, 08:06:54 pm
Next race is May 16-17.
 ;D
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on May 14, 2015, 10:15:37 pm
 Next British Historic Racing event coming up this weekend at Anglesey!

The Performance Classics team will be fielding the F.A.B. 500 Bullet with our Ace roller rocker head, and also we will see the debut of the new short stroke 350 racer with a big head and 63mm short-stroked Alpha crank.
Visions of 9000+ rpm are dancing around in our heads with this one. The idea is to surprise the field with something new and exciting....a short stroke 500 Big Head with the reduced displacement of 350.

We will be cheering them on, and I am keen to see the performance of the F.A.B. 500 with the new tune-up that improved the fueling issues that plagued them last race. It raises expectations for an even better finish this coming race! I am hoping to see some more on-board video, such as we saw last race. It was very exciting to watch.

Best of luck to Paul, Ian, and Dave!
 8)

Tom
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on May 15, 2015, 12:33:20 am
Thanks, Ace!
 The new 350 looked very promising indeed on the dyno, pretty much matching the power of the previous engine before 8000 rpm, but, sadly, a piston seizure stopped us in our tracks last night.
 This morning, I honed the bore and fitted a replacement piston, I also changed the cams for some 'softer' ones.
 We ran her up and all seems ok, Ian and Dave have gone on ahead, with the bikes, to attend a track day tomorrow, I shall travel to meet them in the evening before the racing commences on Saturday.
 I think around 38 bhp might be attainable from the 350 once it is 'dialled in', but it will be tuned by the seat of the pants for this meeting.  ;)
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on May 15, 2015, 12:42:16 am
Your updates are always exciting B.W.  Good luck to you, Ian and Dave!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on May 15, 2015, 01:22:28 pm
Thanks, Ace!
 The new 350 looked very promising indeed on the dyno, pretty much matching the power of the previous engine before 8000 rpm, but, sadly, a piston seizure stopped us in our tracks last night.
 This morning, I honed the bore and fitted a replacement piston, I also changed the cams for some 'softer' ones.
 We ran her up and all seems ok, Ian and Dave have gone on ahead, with the bikes, to attend a track day tomorrow, I shall travel to meet them in the evening before the racing commences on Saturday.
 I think around 38 bhp might be attainable from the 350 once it is 'dialled in', but it will be tuned by the seat of the pants for this meeting.  ;)
 B.W.

B.W.,
Well, it's a shame to lose a piston, but at least you got it back together in time! That was good work to get that done for the race.

I think it's great. I view all of this stuff as a process toward the eventual goals. Establish some benchmarks and then make improvements and gauge them against the competition as you go along. It is very rare that anyone would just walk into a competitive venue with a new product and dominate everyone from the get-go. It has happened, but it isn't a common occurrence. It generally requires some time and patience to work it into full potential.

So now, there's a couple of new exotic mills in this stable which have some considerable potential, and can be worked over the season's time to hopefully reach their full potentials.
It's an exciting thing to see, and I am very hopeful to see Ian on some podiums very soon!

We are all cheering for you!
 ;D
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bill Harris on May 15, 2015, 01:45:33 pm
Your updates are always exciting B.W.  Good luck to you, Ian and Dave!

+1 from me.  This is good stuff!

Cheers,
Bill
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Adrian II on May 18, 2015, 03:12:00 pm
Just read the latest update from Performance Classics post Anglesey races on their f/b page. I think B.W. will want to tell you all about it!  ;)

A.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on May 18, 2015, 03:30:15 pm
Just read the latest update from Performance Classics post Anglesey races on their f/b page. I think B.W. will want to tell you all about it!  ;)

A.
Dying to hear the report!
 8)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on May 18, 2015, 05:22:25 pm
It was good.  :)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: 1 Thump on May 19, 2015, 07:47:29 pm
Results : http://www.theresults.co.uk/theresults/Results/2015/Motorsport/bhr-round2.pdf

Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on May 19, 2015, 07:51:26 pm
Thanks for that, 1 Thump !
 Here is an update after the track day [Friday] followed by racing on Saturday and Sunday.
 Dave and Ian travelled to Anglesey on Thursday evening, after some frantic work to get the 350 running again after it suffered a piston seiziure on Wednesday evening while on the dyno. This machine had a change of cams, piston and a cylinder hone and left home untested, apart from verifying it ran and sounded like it might be 'in the zone' - even the cam timings had been set using felt pen marks and a straight edge and were largely guessed  :o.
 Both 350 and 500 machines ran for the track day, but finished off as non runners. I had my work cut out, but knew I needed to replace a broken cam follower on the 350 - this was done and she was up and running again, but missed out on the first 350 race in the morning [Saturday]. In the second race, Ian thought it tightened up while leading on the last lap and wisely stopped.
 The 500 had a bent inlet pushrod and a seized two piece H&C camshaft - this cam has been used for over 5 years with no trouble, but now the bushes had stuck on the cam spindles and the shrunk on ring gear had slipped, causing the stoppage. This is where Ace will start to cringe !! - the cam spindle was removed with a special puller and the seized on bushes were ground off. The cam spindle was knocked back into the crankcase and another, almost identical, but one piece camshaft was fitted, after timing by felt pen and straight edge [as on the 350]. The steel inlet pushrod looked like a letter 'S' and I had no spare of the required length, so I stuck it between a steel upright part of a building and the concrete blockwork and pulled. Same again for the other end and it was straighter than some new Indian ones I have seen. In it went and the engine was soon running again, but there was clutch trouble and we had a 5th place for the first race. I sorted the clutch [another long story] and it raced again, but got a DNF rounding off day 1.
 Sunday saw the 350 win both races, but the 500 suffered valve train issues in the first race and ground to a halt with a dislocated pushrod.
 A troublesome Ducati 250 scored one 5th place all weekend and was enough of a distraction to make the Cotrell 250 Crusader miss one race altogether, but the little R.E. scored two wins and one second place over the weekend.
 There will be spanner work to do before we attend the next meeting at Croft in a month's time  ;)
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: 1 Thump on May 19, 2015, 08:25:37 pm
Thanks for that, 1 Thump !
 Here is an update after the track day [Friday] followed by racing on Saturday and Sunday.
 Dave and Ian travelled to Anglesey on Thursday evening, after some frantic work to get the 350 running again after it suffered a piston seiziure on Wednesday evening while on the dyno. This machine had a change of cams, piston and a cylinder hone and left home untested, apart from verifying it ran and sounded like it might be 'in the zone' - even the cam timings had been set using felt pen marks and a straight edge and were largely guessed  :o.
 Both 350 and 500 machines ran for the track day, but finished off as non runners. I had my work cut out, but knew I needed to replace a broken cam follower on the 350 - this was done and she was up and running again, but missed out on the first 350 race in the morning [Saturday]. In the second race, Ian thought it tightened up while leading on the last lap and wisely stopped.
 The 500 had a bent inlet pushrod and a seized two piece H&C camshaft - this cam has been used for over 5 years with no trouble, but now the bushes had stuck on the cam spindles and the shrunk on ring gear had slipped, causing the stoppage. This is where Ace will start to cringe !! - the cam spindle was removed with a special puller and the seized on bushes were ground off. The cam spindle was knocked back into the crankcase and another, almost identical, but one piece camshaft was fitted, after timing by felt pen and straight edge [as on the 350]. The steel inlet pushrod looked like a letter 'S' and I had no spare of the required length, so I stuck it between a steel upright part of a building and the concrete blockwork and pulled. Same again for the other end and it was straighter than some new Indian ones I have seen. In it went and the engine was soon running again, but there was clutch trouble and we had a 5th place for the first race. I sorted the clutch [another long story] and it raced again, but got a DNF rounding off day 1.
 Sunday saw the 350 win both races, but the 500 suffered valve train issues in the first race and ground to a halt with a dislocated pushrod.
 A troublesome Ducati 250 scored one 5th place all weekend and was enough of a distraction to make the Cotrell 250 Crusader miss one race altogether, but the little R.E. scored two wins and one second place over the weekend.
 There will be spanner work to do before we attend the next meeting at Croft in a month's time  ;)
 B.W.

Oh you are so welcome. I have been following this thread closely.

Congrats on the Clipper and Crusader !
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on May 19, 2015, 09:02:54 pm
That's a nice group of wins for the smaller bikes. Very happy to see that!
Congratulations!
 ;D

Scoring 5th place points with the 500 having engine problems is quite a remarkable achievement too! I think this bodes well for future races, as it has moved from a 9th place last month, to a 5th place this month, and both times there were some issues interfering with the bike behaving its best. I think that once it gets sorted out, it will be quite the force to reckon with. Even as it is now, it is running tight with the G50 and Manx 500s, and even beating some of them, which is a very good thing for any kind of Bullet to be doing!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on June 03, 2015, 09:53:02 pm
 At my suggestion, we will not be attending the next round, which is at Croft in just under two weeks time. It is a long haul for us and we would be a man down in the team, as Dave will be in China of all places, by then. I also have a huge workload to get through.
 The 350 is running again as of today, after a major rework of the top end to accommodate the cams and timings used from the previous engine without risk of piston / valve interference. The 500 will be running again very soon, after some issues from Anglesey have been dealt with.
 Bottom line is that I don't want to rush with these two machines - there is already little hope of winning a championship - but I would rather miss out on a potentially troublesome and difficult round by attending at short notice with machines needing more fine tuning and rather bank it for next time round, when more time will have been spent on both bikes and we will be better prepared.
 Hopefully, we can still put on a bit of a show with them from the following event onwards and maybe beat  some future end of season champions in a race or two along the way.
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on June 03, 2015, 10:28:56 pm
B.W.,
We are all cheering you on, in all your decisions and efforts!

Please do keep us apprised of any exciting news along the way.
 :)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on June 03, 2015, 11:52:28 pm
Thanks, Ace.
 Here is a short video of the 350 running earlier today. Note the issue of reversion of the mixture at the intake has been dealt with, by cutting the inlet valve seat back enough to enable me to advance the inlet cam by the one tooth I had to over retard it by in my last attempt, just to make sure the valve did not get too close to the piston. I now have the same set of cams, timed to the same numbers as in our last 70 x 90 350 engine, giving over 33bhp in that one, so I hope to top that with this set up on the short stroke motor.
 B.W.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQkq3dqK08M
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on July 22, 2015, 06:01:01 pm
After some waiting and not knowing if a replacement inlet valve for the 500 would reach us in time, I can say I got the 500 running again, just in time to join our 350 in the trailer to go racing at Lydden Hill this weekend. Fingers crossed, watch this space, etc.
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on July 22, 2015, 06:05:37 pm
After some waiting and not knowing if a replacement inlet valve for the 500 would reach us in time, I can say I got the 500 running again, just in time to join our 350 in the trailer to go racing at Lydden Hill this weekend. Fingers crossed, watch this space, etc.
 B.W.

VERY happy to hear!
Fingers AND toes crossed, wishing you all the best, and hoping for a win!
I know that you guys can do it!
 ;D
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on July 22, 2015, 08:35:32 pm
Good luck B.W.!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Adrian II on July 24, 2015, 12:17:36 pm
I'm hoping to get some pictures at this meeting, hopefully one or two might be good enough to share, though the weather forecast is not so good.

A.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on July 24, 2015, 12:50:59 pm
I'm hoping to get some pictures at this meeting, hopefully one or two might be good enough to share, though the weather forecast is not so good.

A.

Thanks,Adrian! That would be super!
Any pics and reports that you could give would be appreciated.
I hope you enjoy the weekend out there at the race.

We are so hopeful for the guys to do well!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on July 26, 2015, 11:21:16 pm
Just a brief update, with more details to follow soon, as well as links to some videos.
 I am sure Ace will be pleased to learn ...
 The Fireball Asbo Bullet has scored an outright win at Lydden Hill !!
 All in, it scored 4th, 3rd, 1st and 2nd places over the weekend, the latter two were wet races. Not many competitors taking part, but those present were serious contenders on very quick bikes.
 Sadly, we had even greater hopes for the 350 shattered when a missed gear in the first lap of its' first race resulted in top end damage, so it was sidelined for the weekend.
 The Cotrell Crusader 250 won every race it took part in, with one outright win over the 250 specials which were also out with the pre '62 machines this machine runs with.
 The Ducati 250 took four podium places in the Ducati Championship races [positions were 3rd, 4th, 2nd and 3rd], but the 2nd was a 2nd overall, with only a 450 Ducati beating it, there were also a couple of 350's out there over the weekend.
 More very soon, we are all exhausted and need some sleep, but are a bunch of very happy bunnies  ;D
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Adrian II on July 27, 2015, 12:17:00 am
My sister joined me for the Saturday (when it wasn't raining), she got this shot of Ian on the 500 at the hairpin, or North Bend as it is officially known:

(http://img.imagesia.com/fichiers/zz/lydden-vintage-racing-021_imagesia-com_zzru_large.jpg) (http://en.imagesia.com/lydden-vintage-racing-021_zzru)

and this one of Ian on the Ducati, waiting to go out onto the start:

(http://img.imagesia.com/fichiers/zz/lydden-vintage-racing-043_imagesia-com_zzrx_large.jpg) (http://en.imagesia.com/lydden-vintage-racing-043_zzrx)

for reasons that will soon be obvious my camera isn't one for action photos, but I did my best. Same location as the top picture, Ian accelerating out of north Bend on the 500 (lousy camerman couldn't even hold the camera straight!)

(http://img.imagesia.com/fichiers/zz/dscn7226_imagesia-com_zzs2_large.JPG) (http://en.imagesia.com/dscn7226_zzs2)

and opening up on the Crusader, with the track pointing the right way:

(http://img.imagesia.com/fichiers/zz/dscn7232_imagesia-com_zzs4_large.JPG) (http://en.imagesia.com/dscn7232_zzs4)

Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on July 27, 2015, 12:23:44 am
Thanks, Adrian - nice pictures  8)
 Here is a link to a video of the complete race the 500 won ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANzNG8Yax9Q
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Adrian II on July 27, 2015, 12:31:52 am
Glad we both got some worth posting.

Some paddock shots:

The 500 waits for its moment of glory.

(http://img.imagesia.com/fichiers/zz/dscn7197_imagesia-com_zzs6_large.JPG) (http://en.imagesia.com/dscn7197_zzs6)

and the 350 before things went a bit wrong:

(http://img.imagesia.com/fichiers/zz/dscn7198_imagesia-com_zzs7_large.JPG) (http://en.imagesia.com/dscn7198_zzs7)

which inluded this unhappy exhaust push rod:

(http://img.imagesia.com/fichiers/zz/dscn7220_imagesia-com_zzs8_large.JPG) (http://en.imagesia.com/dscn7220_zzs8)

Now if i'd been prepared for a soaking on the Sunday I could have seen the 500 win! 

Well done, glad your trip down from Wales was worth the fuel!

A.



Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on July 27, 2015, 03:00:20 am
Excellent!
 ;D

Awesome weekend for the 500! I would say from that video, that it was clearly the fastest bike in that race it won. It was pulling away from the 2nd place rider on every straightaway. It looked good to me!
 8)

I would say that it's hard to beat a weekend with an outright win, and a 2nd, 3rd, and 4th!!!

I knew it would come. You guys are awesome!
Please convey my congratulations to Ian on his great riding work.
And congrats Paul, on your getting the 500 engine together in time for the race, and tuning it up to winning form!

Very happy! Very happy, indeed!
 ;D
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on July 27, 2015, 12:32:01 pm
Thanks for posting the nice photos, Adrian!

And thanks, B.W., for the link to the video of the winning race. I enjoyed seeing Ian out front!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on July 27, 2015, 02:40:13 pm
Awesome news!  Congrats on all the fine podium finishes!  Excellent work team!  :)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on July 28, 2015, 01:10:28 am
Just in case there is any question about this, the Fireball Asbo Bullet(F.A.B) 500 beat a very competitive Seeley G50 and some Norton Manxes to win that race.
 8)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on July 28, 2015, 11:13:16 pm
Thanks for all the positive words!
 All being well, the 350 should be running again tomorrow, subject to the expected arrival of a rocker spindle. Everything else is sorted and back together on this machine.
 The F.A.B. 500 will have a check over and gearing change, to make it ready for Darley Moor in just over two weeks time, when the next round takes place  ;)
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: KenKZN on July 30, 2015, 06:13:25 am
Congratulations on the win, you guys are awesome. Perseverance and teamwork even beyond the family and nation, very well done!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Otto_Ing on July 30, 2015, 08:54:08 am
Congrats! It is a very potent machine this F.A.B. 500...
...but what does Asbo mean???
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on July 30, 2015, 09:56:22 am
Congrats! It is a very potent machine this F.A.B. 500...
...but what does Asbo mean???
There is a little story behind that name. In Britain, we have [or had until recently] a thing called an 'Antisocial behaviour order', or 'Asbo' for short. These were issued to badly behaved people who were not bad enough to be put 'inside' - like noisy neighbours, for example.
 I had started tuning Royal Enfield Bullets before I had even thought of giving them a name of any sort, but one day, I was out on my own tuned 500 Bullet, when a name came to mind. Starting up in the street in my local town, the bike gave a sudden, loud bark as it fired up and several people in the street turned to see where the noise was coming from, but one guy jumped right into the air, then shouted and swore at us !
 Mentioning this on the MBR forum, I commented that if any machine deserved an 'Asbo', this was it. The rest, as they say, is history  8).
 That bike is pictured below. It could raise the front wheel in 1st and 2nd gears and topped out at 90mph. Still running, it now lives quite local and belongs to a friend of mine who never gave up trying to persuade me to sell it to him.
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Otto_Ing on July 30, 2015, 12:02:33 pm
Nice a story and a good name  :)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on July 30, 2015, 06:01:58 pm
Interestingly, the basis for this F.A.B. 500 engine is the venerable Iron Barrel Bullet 500 engine, and not the newer AVL or UCE platforms.

I regularly read on the forums about how the newer platforms are "so much better" than the old Iron Barrel engines, which I find very amusing.
This might be true in the case of a totally factory stock engine comparison between the Iron Barrel and the UCE. However, I assure you, and it is self evident in the discussions on this thread, that a properly modified Iron Barrel engine is quite capable indeed, and the comparison vs the UCE or AVL engine platform ends when the performance modifications begin.

I am not aware of any AVL or UCE engines producing in the neighborhood of 55hp at the crank, or reaching 8200 rpms regularly in any kind of use, including on the track like this bike does.

As far as I know, this Fireball Asbo Bullet 500 is the fastest and most powerful 500cc Bullet in the world that is still running the factory specified 90mm stroke.
 8)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Otto_Ing on July 30, 2015, 06:18:26 pm
However, in theory the UCE should be equally tuneable.... ;D

Although you are probably right that an UCE will not give any advantage if tuned for max. performance.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on July 30, 2015, 08:53:22 pm
However, in theory the UCE should be equally tuneable.... ;D

Although you are probably right that an UCE will not give any advantage if tuned for max. performance.
Yes, I think that with our Ace Billet Head for the GT, which is essentially the equivalent head for the GT, it is possible. For that kind of rev range, there would need to be the same kind of racing transformation done to the bottom end of the engine, and of course a larger inlet tract of at least 38mm(perhaps 40mm, since the throttle plate is in there). With the smaller valves in the GT head, we could port for more flow with the larger throttle body or carb, and probably get fairly close to the overall flow capacity, while being able to take advantage of a much smaller dome shape in the combustion chamber.
It would be an interesting project!
 8)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Otto_Ing on July 30, 2015, 09:05:55 pm
Im going to see a classic race here nearby in Linköping this weekend and try to find out the rules and regulations. I doubt however that efi will be permitted. This race is usually dominated by a guy with a Seely G50.

you guys are a great inspiration!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on July 30, 2015, 09:53:12 pm
Im going to see a classic race here nearby in Linköping this weekend and try to find out the rules and regulations. I doubt however that efi will be permitted. This race is usually dominated by a guy with a Seely G50.

you guys are a great inspiration!

The GT can be fitted with a carb of any size necessary, as long as the ignition side is handled without the ECU, and is able to reach the necessary rpm limit without a rev limiter interfering..
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Farmer_John on August 03, 2015, 09:04:35 pm
Im going to see a classic race here nearby in Linköping this weekend and try to find out the rules and regulations. I doubt however that efi will be permitted. This race is usually dominated by a guy with a Seely G50.

you guys are a great inspiration!

I'd love to see a G50 Condor in action!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on August 03, 2015, 09:32:21 pm
I'd love to see a G50 Condor in action!
Click on that YouTube link that Bullet Whisperer posted earlier on this page, about the FAB 500 winning the race.
The bike that finished in 2nd place was a Seeley G50.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on August 03, 2015, 10:23:46 pm
Check out the result sheet for race 24 on Sunday 26th July  ;)
 B.W.
http://www.theresults.co.uk/theresults/Results/2015/Motorsport/bhr-round4.pdf
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Otto_Ing on August 03, 2015, 10:31:51 pm
Click on that YouTube link that Bullet Whisperer posted earlier on this page, about the FAB 500 winning the race.
The bike that finished in 2nd place was a Seeley G50.

YouTube and the RealThing live are two pair of shoes however.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on August 03, 2015, 10:39:59 pm
YouTube and the RealThing live are two pair of shoes however.
Yes, nothing beats being there.
But at least it's a video of the race, where you can see and hear.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Adrian II on August 03, 2015, 10:58:55 pm
For the next round not only will the 350 be running, but they might even get Ian's name right!  ;D
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on August 03, 2015, 11:03:55 pm
I can confirm the 350 is running again and I ran her up to 9000 rpm in neutral on three occasions, building the revs up steadily to that point and all seems well. Hopefully, it will have a rev limiter fitted by the time it races again, though  ;)
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Adrian II on August 04, 2015, 11:54:39 pm
Some sort of 7R and Manx limiter would be a bonus! That must be the rider's job.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Otto_Ing on August 05, 2015, 05:37:16 pm
There does not seem to be many racing tires availabe for vintage racers. If it is not a secret, may I ask what sort that is you use?
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on August 09, 2015, 10:42:34 am
There does not seem to be many racing tires availabe for vintage racers. If it is not a secret, may I ask what sort that is you use?
Hi Ottonian,
 We use Dunlop KR 124 on the rear of both, KR 825 on the front of the 350 and KR 145A on the front of the 500, all are 18".
 For anyone who may be interested, we finally have the footage taken from on board the 500 from when it won that race, there are two films, nearly all the event is captured on the first one, with the final moments leading up to the win seen in the second film. I apologise in advance for the poor film quality, but it was raining very heavily and the first four minutes or so of 'warming up', with not much else happening at the beginning of the first film and also for the long wait in the paddock after the race, but Ian had to jump straight on to the Crusader after winning on the 500, with no time to mess with the camera. He won all four races on the Crusader, by the way  ;)
 B.W.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFEhIkBy95M

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp3AIp1FX8g
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ERC on August 09, 2015, 03:28:45 pm
That's great B.W.  ERC
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Otto_Ing on August 09, 2015, 06:08:13 pm
Cool! What top speed did you hit in the race? I read somewhere that the Manx can do up to 150 mph.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on August 09, 2015, 06:23:12 pm
Cool! What top speed did you hit in the race? I read somewhere that the Manx can do up to 150 mph.
I don't know what speeds were reached, I doubt that Ian, my Brother and the rider of these machines knows either, but Lydden is not a fast circuit and low gearing is a must there and even then, I think he only gets to use three gears out of the five most of the time.
 I know the 350 used to be capable of 114 mph with either of the 'old' engines fitted and the new one should be faster. The 500 was able to top 125 mph [certified 110.51 mph on sand] before we had the Ace high ratio rockers modification done and power has increased by over 5 bhp as a result, so no doubt it can go a fair bit faster on the right gearing  ;)
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Otto_Ing on August 09, 2015, 06:38:30 pm
 ;D
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on August 17, 2015, 01:21:39 pm
Having just returned from racing at Darley Moor over the weekend, here is a brief write up of how things went. For almost the first time in its' life, the 500 was probably the luckiest of the bunch and the only one out of four machines to make it home in full working order...
 Pictures, videos etc will be shared soon, when my regular computer comes back from being fixed.
 It was a roller coaster weekend for us, the 350 suffering the same again because a rev limiter we tried to fit was not compatible with our ignition system, so it went out unprotected again and with the same inevitable results ::) It did manage to go for long enough in the first race to show it is now [was] VERY fast, though.
 The 500 is usually the one which will throw a tantrum, but this was mechanically reliable all weekend, with 7th and 6th in class on Saturday, followed by what would have been a 5th in class on Sunday, had the chain not come off on the last lap of this third race. This looked bad for me when it came back to the paddock and the rear wheel was loose, but it turned out that the wheel spindle had sheared right through and only the brake plate anchor nut was keeping the wheel on !! Ian reckons he was doing around 110 mph when the chain came off >:D
 I borrowed the rear wheel from the broken 350 and the 500 went out for its' last race, also now fitted with a larger main jet, of 1700 size. It scored a very respectable 4th overall and in its' class - pre '62 500cc machines were out as well in the same races - so we were very happy with that.
 C.C.'s Crusader had the 250 championship in the bag by the end of racing on Saturday, but was involved in a nasty smash on Sunday, where Ian had no choice but to run over a Greeves and its' rider, which went down right in front of him. Miraculously, no one was badly hurt, but the poor Crusader is badly bent now. We will help C.C. in any way we can to try and straighten it out ...
 The Ducati 250 behaved unusually well, with first 250 home three times in the Ducati championship and one DNF in the last race, due to a slight loss of power, where Ian decided he had better quit while it was still running.
 B.W.





Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on August 17, 2015, 03:11:35 pm
Good to hear the nice report!
Things are going well! I'm sure that the 350 will be sorted shortly. Sounds like it has great promise.

Sad to hear about Ian's collision on the Crusader. Glad nobody was seriously injured.

Looking forward to any pics/videos that you might have for us to see.
:)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on August 21, 2015, 03:51:44 pm
I love reading your race reports!  Sounds like the FAB 500 is competing like a solid contender.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on August 23, 2015, 03:20:44 pm
Here is a picture of that broken rear wheel spindle suffered by the 500, it let go at over 100mph !
(http://i956.photobucket.com/albums/ae50/rossemma/672.jpg) (http://s956.photobucket.com/user/rossemma/media/672.jpg.html)
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on August 23, 2015, 03:24:04 pm
Here is a video of the 500 racing to 4th place overall [and in class] in the last race on the Sunday, using the rear wheel borrowed from the non running 350.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXVt7HeoE94
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Ice on August 23, 2015, 08:05:04 pm
Fantastic as usual and congrats on the strong finish !
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on August 23, 2015, 11:23:16 pm
It appears that the 500 gets a very good jump at the start, and goes well pulling out of the corners. Where are the other bikes making their gains in the lead? It is at the top speeds on the straights?
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on August 25, 2015, 09:17:21 am
It appears that the 500 gets a very good jump at the start, and goes well pulling out of the corners. Where are the other bikes making their gains in the lead? It is at the top speeds on the straights?
Hi Ace,
 After firstly taking 7th then 6th places in Saturday's races, Ian suggested I try increasing the jetting, so I went up from 1500 to 1600. I also lowered the gearing by 2t on the rear sprocket, as he had reported not seeing much over 7000 rpm in top gear in those first two races. In the third race, he was holding a strong 5th place until the chain came off [see above]. For the last race, we decided in spite of what the last dyno run told us [a while ago], we would raise the jetting to 1700, having noted an improvement in the unfinished race. For the last race, a 4th place was achieved with our machine running much closer to the 3rd placed Seeley G50 of John Fawcett [117]. Maybe even more fuel will give us even more top speed, although, the winning machine was being shaken down for the I.O.M. and is known to have around 12 bhp more than ours, with a Molnar 95mm bore engine costing £15000 by all accounts and possibly being a 4 valver  :o
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Adrian II on August 25, 2015, 12:27:11 pm
(http://img.imagesia.com/fichiers/10t/1544404_imagesia-com_10tk0_large.jpg) (http://en.imagesia.com/1544404_10tk0)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on August 25, 2015, 12:51:37 pm
Hi B.W.,
So, it sounds like the machines finishing ahead of us are large bore and short stroke machines from very high dollar teams. I know that John Fawcett used to run a Molnar powerplant, and perhaps still does. They are very expensive and powerful engines, as you mention.

However, our task is to try to engage them at the same level, so I was wondering about where the increases might need to be.

Our engine is an 84mm bore, with a small allowed overbore size, and the full 90mm stroke. The issue arising from the smaler bore, aside from the longer stroke issues, is that the cylinder walls impinge on flow, even in a hemi. So, it is conceivable that we may be hitting up against a "power ceiling" here by virtue of the bore size and its "shrouding" of the flow.  We have a very large inlet valve for the bore size, which could potentially even exacerbate this bore shrouding matter.

But, we realized this when making the head mods, and selected that 50 degree valve seat angle. The 50 degree valve seat angles accomplish a few main goals for this engine.
 First, it narrows the cone of flow around the valve, directing it more toward the center of the cylinder than a wider valve seat angle would do. This should mitigate the bore shrouding matter to some degree.
Second, we have a very long duration cam in the engine, which is done so that the original design with low lift rockers can have a chance to get the cylinder full at high rpms. After adding the high lift roller rockers with so much more lift, this brought the higher lifts closer to the ends of the opening and closing cycles of the both valves, but especially the inlet valve in terms of importance, showing us some noticeable reversion indications in the form of stand-off outside the carb, and even a reversion cloud when revved on the centerstand, as we saw in previous videos.  The 50 degree valve seat angles were also picked because the steeper valve seat angle delays the wiindow of opening and closing of the significant flow portion of the valve curtain area a little bit later in opening, and a little bit earlier in closing. This helps to control the reversion issues seen from a very long cam with very high lifts. Also, the 50 degree valve seat angle with its more direct flow toward the center of the cylinder allows higher flow at higher lift portion of the flow curve, with the valve way open, so that it will get the most of its flow at the middle of the flow cycle. So, in essence, we trimmed the flow at both ends of the inlet cycle to control reversion, added higher flow at the "meaty" segment of the inlet cycle, and directed the flow more toward the center of the cylinder and away from the walls to some degree, in an effort to get the most flow into the smaller bore. This may or may not have been sufficient to overcome the smaller bore handicap, but we took a shot at it because that was the bore size being used and we wanted to make the most of it. I suppose it is possible that we are up against a "power ceiling" with the 84 bore, and that not much more may be available from it. I don't know exactly how much more could be gotten with the 84 bore, but as far as I know, we have acheived the highest power seen up to this date from a 84mm bore Bullet 500, so we can try to do better.

My idea for improvement in this particular circumstance where we have plenty of midrange torque/hp, but seem to be getting out-powered at top speed, is to raise the rpm range where peak hp occurs in our engine. This is typically accomplished with diameter increases in the inlet/exhaust tracts, or shortening of said tracts. My first recommendation was to utilize the stepped exhaust concept to make a larger average diameter of the exhaust system, which should raise the rpm for peak hp by changing the scavenging velocity to a higher rpm.  I would also recommend a shorter exhaust system overall, and especially a bit shorter header length, in order to raise the wave-tuning rpm up to nearer 8000 rpm, aiming at bringing the peak hp rpm up near 8000+ rpm where we originally targeted it, and where it apparently needs to be. This raising of the rpm for the peak hp point should permit a higher hp figure to be achieved, at some slight expense of the lower midrange rpm power. In the current scenario, I think this may be a worthwhile exchange.

Then, going along with what Ian recommended about shorter gearing for increased top speed, it should be possible to access the higher rpm power better by shortening that final drive gearing by another couple of teeth on the rear sprocket, to essentially force the majority of engine operation up near the 8000 rpm range, to keep it on the higher rpm peak hp range. I think that we agree that the bike needs to do at least 8000 rpm to run with this fast company crowd, and so I think we need to push it up there and run it up there, and adjust the hp curve to make the power we need up there around 8000+. I know it is stressful on the engine, but it seems that is where it will need to go to get closer to these other expensive bikes on the high speed straights. It's demoralizing to do all that good work making up time on the corners, only to be passed in a few seconds on the long straight!

After hearing you mention the level of the competition that was on the track at that last event, I am encouraged by the performance of the bike and the team. I am happy it is doing well, and making good power, and staying together reasonably well. I am just thinking as a racer, and that it needs to do more to get on par with the very top level machines in the class. I am thinking about winning outright against these other machines, and I think that this machine is getting close enough now that with some additional sorting in the right direction, it might even happen. Or, we might find that we have taken the 84mm bore as far as it can take us. Whatever happens, I am always trying to think of ways to go faster!

 :)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Adrian II on August 25, 2015, 01:14:56 pm
Going for a 95mm bore short stroke 500 would need a 70mm stroke crank if my math(s) is correct. Hmm... Would BSA C15 flywheels be tough enough?  :o

A.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on August 25, 2015, 01:53:02 pm
Going for a 95mm bore short stroke 500 would need a 70mm stroke crank if my math(s) is correct. Hmm... Would BSA C15 flywheels be tough enough?  :o

A.
We may not need  95 bore. But I think that 90 would be really  nice with a 78mm stroke, like a G50 has.

Rumor has it that the Continental  GT 535 barrel can be bored to 90mm, and it has the same stud pattern. It would need a shorter rod length to work with it.

That is a shorter barrel, and that shortens the engine height, so we might then have room to raise the port and carb for more downdraft angle under the tank.

There are possibilities, if needed.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on August 25, 2015, 10:40:28 pm
For now, we will satisfy ourselves with the knowledge that we are back 'in the fray', rather than struggling just to midfield with the 500. Less than 5 years ago, this machine won three out of four races at Pembrey, with a second place for the remaining event, against some pretty stiff competition. As can be seen, development of other competitors' machines doesn't stand still either, many of us have moved forwards. I very much doubt we will go much further with our machine and a big bore / short stroke is not the way I want to go with the 500 - the 84 x 90 mm dimensions go back about 70 years and are a crucial part of a Bullet 500's identity to me, also the cost involved in something like that would be beyond us.
 It is a different matter with our short stroked 350, however, as this is tailored to make full use of the 500 head's bigger ports and valves - in our case a Fury 'Big Head' and this engine is showing great potential at relatively little cost in comparison.
 There is one two day round left to do at Cadwell Park this season, then there will be minor tweaking to fuelling, ignitions and exhaust systems before they come out again for next season's racing.
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on August 26, 2015, 01:35:59 am
I think it has been a very successful season of racing, and the 500 has placed will every time it has gone out.
A congratulatory note is in order for your achievement of what I believe is the fastest Bullet 500 with the 84 x 90 dimensions that has been fielded in history(as far as I am aware).
That's an amazing achievement, and I am proud and happy to have played some part in that effort.
 :)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Adrian II on August 26, 2015, 01:36:08 pm
After all the blood, sweat, tears and welding rod that's gone into the 500 we all hope that with perhaps a few more tweaks to come, it's still competitive for a good while yet. Sadly I can't help seeing the words "rearguard action" forming in my mind, as we see the rest of the pack throw money at the problem of how to beat not only each other but also a team which has had the nerve to win by skill and determination on a long stroke pushrod single.* Or should we be clubbing together to buy B.W. a state-of-the-art CAD/CAM machining suite with a nice little aluminium foundry on the side?  ;D RE's have had four-valve heads before...

A.

* Speaking of long stroke push rod singles, what happened to all those Norton ES2s being raced just a few years ago, (those whose owners had steel flywheels fitted to them, at least), they can't all have been relegated to parade bike status, can they?

(http://img.imagesia.com/fichiers/10v/dscn7293_imagesia-com_10v1y_large.JPG) (http://en.imagesia.com/dscn7293_10v1y)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on August 26, 2015, 01:46:39 pm

* Speaking of long stroke push rod singles, what happened to all those Norton ES2s being raced just a few years ago, (those whose owners had steel flywheels fitted to them, at least), they can't all have been relegated to parade bike status, can they?
Hi Adrian, Ace and everyone else who has shown an interest and support. We will keep doing what we can, with what we have, you can be sure of that.
 Regarding the quote above from Adrian, there are still some such machines running in these events, but fewer than in the recent past. There is a 'Pushrod Championship' running within all the BHR events and it might be reasonable to assume we could lift such a title with one or more of our machines, except we have to keep those big BSA and Triumph Triples in mind, before getting too carried away with that one  ;)
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bulletbaz on August 26, 2015, 02:26:07 pm
I totally understand where Paul (B.W.) is coming from here. If you try racing beyond your financial means, much of the enjoyment (what it's all about at the end of the day!) goes out of the window, only to be replaced by frustration and angst. Far better, in my humble opinion, to continue chasing down (and embarrassing!) superior machinery on a budget that you can afford. The sweetness of that achievement cannot be bought ;)!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on August 26, 2015, 06:19:12 pm
The entire season has been a complete success. Everything is better than previously, and the race results were excellent, with only the most stellar(and expensive) full-race short stroke G50 and Manx entries finishing ahead. And last month, the 500 finished in front of them, with an outright 1st place win! It's an awesome accomplishment.

I think that there may be some room to squeeze some more power out of this engine during the winter off-season with some dyno time, and especially some detailed work on the exhaust system and wave tuning areas, which is very low cost. It doesn't necessarily cost a lot more money. There has already been a lot of money spent on what is there now, and I feel there is some more that can come out of it when there is time to really get into it over the winter. The bottom line is that anything remaining tuned/optimized from the previous 7200 rpm engine should benefit from re-optimizing for the higher rpms around 8000 rpm. That's a pretty big jump in rpm.
 :)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on September 24, 2015, 11:00:04 pm
Last race of the British Historic Racing series coming up this weekend!

Bullet Whisperer and the team will have the 500, the new short stroke 350, and the 250 Crusader all out there competing!

We are excited, and wish them all wins in each of the classes.
Let's finish up with some champagne!
 8)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Adrian II on September 25, 2015, 01:56:19 am
That is, of course, after some hard work by Ian to get the Crusader's frame and swinging arm straightened after the crash last time, as well as B.W. managing to sort out a rev-limiter for the 350 to stop any more incidents of trashed valves/rockers/pushrods, etc!

Hope final meeting of 2015 is the best one.

A.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on September 26, 2015, 04:07:23 am
Go Team ASBO!  Good luck guys!  :D
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on September 29, 2015, 10:54:20 am
The last BHR race meeting of the season at Cadwell Park was a very mixed bag for us, with a track day on Friday beforehand showing both 350 and 500 RE racers to be going well, the new rev limiter on the 350 helping the engine to stay in one working piece!
On Saturday, Steve Cotrell's Crusader 250 joined the lineup, as did Dave Darby's Ducati 250. The Crusader won its' first race and came 4th overall, as the 250 specials were out at the same time as the pre '62 class. The next 250 race saw the Crusader taking 2nd place and its' last race came to an untimely end when the gearbox packed up.
The 500 was on for a 4th place in its' first race, but this was stopped just short of halfway, due to a crash and restarted. Unfortunately for Ian and many others, some thought it was a straight restart, while others, including Ian thought a sighting lap was also being run again - it wasn't and Ian lost a lot of ground and finished further down the field in 7th place, 12th overall out of 35 starters.This machine suffered a loose ignition rotor in its' next race, costing some power and it took 7th place again. The last race for the 500 ended on the start line, when Ian let the clutch out to go, there was a loud bang and it stopped.
For the first 350 race, the little Clipper was flying round and guaranteed a 3rd place, by the look of things. Pressing Jack Hebb for 2nd place and an unlimited machine getting in their way, resulted in Ian coming off on the last lap. Checking the points scored, DGH reckons had Ian stayed put in 3rd place, this would have bagged him 3rd place overall in the championship, but he was 6 points short in the end, this for just a handful of races, six out of a total of 23 races all season. By the end of this meeting, Ian had followed up on Sunday with 2nd and 3rd places on this machine, after we straightened it out enough to scrape through scrutineering again on Sunday morning.
The Ducati took two second places for a 250 in the Ducati Championship, and one DNF for an exhaust pipe which had worked loose.
The high side for us is just how well the 350 is starting to go - it has been an uphill battle with the new engine configuration, but I think we have turned a corner. A big thanks must go to Rex Caunt Racing for all their help in getting those excess revs under control with the new ignition system !!
Sorry there are no pictures or videos of the action, but Cadwell is such a long circuit, there would be no point trying to film the action from any one spot. There was to be video footage, but somebody damaged the on board camera bracket on the 500, so this didn't happen after all  ::)
 Just off to the workshop, to see what happened to the 500  :o
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on September 29, 2015, 12:49:47 pm
Congrats on a fine racing season for the entire team!

I hope the 500 isn't too badly hurt!

You guys have held the Enfield banner high all season, and we are so happy for that, and we cheered for you the entire way.
 ;D

Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on September 29, 2015, 01:29:22 pm
Thanks to all for the support  8)
 Sadly, I already know with the amount of work done already, that we are looking at a broken crankpin on the 500  :(
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Adrian II on September 29, 2015, 09:49:39 pm
Thanks to all for the support  8)
 Sadly, I already know with the amount of work done already, that we are looking at a broken crankpin on the 500  :(
 B.W.

It's not the most stress-free job for a short piece of steel, especially on a race bike!

ISTRC that there was some reporting in the Classic magazines a few years ago that Alpha Bearings' one-piece Matchless crankpins were developing an alarming failure rate for shearing, and so they started making them from some ultra-special grade of steel used by the French air force as an attempt to improve reliability (though the problem was later reckoned to be down to something other than the metallurgy). Perhaps they still have some in stock?

A.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on September 29, 2015, 10:33:30 pm
It's not the most stress-free job for a short piece of steel, especially on a race bike!

ISTRC that there was some reporting in the Classic magazines a few years ago that Alpha Bearings' one-piece Matchless crankpins were developing an alarming failure rate for shearing, and so they started making them from some ultra-special grade of steel used by the French air force as an attempt to improve reliability (though the problem was later reckoned to be down to something other than the metallurgy). Perhaps they still have some in stock?

A.

For super steels, 300M or Aermet 100 might be good, or even S7 at a lower cost might do for end shafts.

Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on October 04, 2015, 05:48:08 pm
I am sure we will get the big end issue sorted for the F.A.B. 500 in time for next season, but meanwhile, a little surprise - Dave Henshaw has been checking the results from this season and it would appear the 500 has taken third place, after two very fast G50 based machines, in this year's BHR championship  ;D
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on October 04, 2015, 07:11:30 pm
I am sure we will get the big end issue sorted for the F.A.B. 500 in time for next season, but meanwhile, a little surprise - Dave Henshaw has been checking the results from this season and it would appear the 500 has taken third place, after two very fast G50 based machines, in this year's BHR championship  ;D
 B.W.

Awesome!
 ;D

So happy to hear that, Paul!
Congratulations!
 ;D  8)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on October 04, 2015, 07:31:06 pm
Thanks, Ace and everyone else who has been following our efforts. Hopefully, next year, we will be able to field a 350 and a 500 that will be in tip top shape and capable of doing a season with only routine maintenance and servicing, most of the 'teething troubles' appear to be behind us with both machines now.
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: High On Octane on October 05, 2015, 01:25:36 pm
That's great BW!  Impressive finish for how many bugs you guys had to sort out.  Great work!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on October 05, 2015, 03:27:02 pm
That means they finished with points totals ahead of ALL the Norton Manx racers for the season, and only the two fastest G50 based bikes (Seeley?) scored higher!

I would say that's doing very well, especially for a Bullet!
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: pknopp on October 06, 2015, 01:54:52 am
 I've been following on Facebook and I enjoy the posts and video's.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on October 06, 2015, 01:14:56 pm
On board race video!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=share&v=ts_LDFggDrQ&app=desktop
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Chuck D on October 06, 2015, 04:38:36 pm
HOT DAMN!
That's what a real bike sounds like! 8)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: malky on October 16, 2015, 01:53:45 pm
I have loved reading this thread, because it just goes to show what development and enthusiasm can achieve. I have always thought the Bullet is one of the most underrated bikes of all time. I wonder what could have been if Bill Lomas had stayed with Enfield and the company had the foresight to fully develop the d.o.h.c. engine. Looking at the race results, what ever happened to that fast B33 B.S.A. made ?. I think it was called a gold something or other. (Tongue firmly in cheek).
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on October 16, 2015, 02:17:39 pm
I have loved reading this thread, because it just goes to show what development and enthusiasm can achieve. I have always thought the Bullet is one of the most underrated bikes of all time. I wonder what could have been if Bill Lomas had stayed with Enfield and the company had the foresight to fully develop the d.o.h.c. engine. Looking at the race results, what ever happened to that fast B33 B.S.A. made ?. I think it was called a gold something or other. (Tongue firmly in cheek).

I personally believe that the pushrod valve gear can be(and has) improved to the point that it can do as well as OHC up to the rpms that these relatively long stroke engines can operate up to. There are pushrod drag racers and NASCAR racers which push 12000 rpm on pushrods with extremely high spring loads. I will grant that this places a lot of stress on that kind of valve train, and it might have short life, but it can do it in a racing application and be successful.

I consider the DOHC format more necessary for engines that rev higher than that. In our case, the valve gear is not the limiting factor. The limiting factor is clearly that we are running a longer stroke length than anybody else on the track, and that is highly stressful to the crank, including some breakages. The valve gear is handling the application, so far.

Now, with the pushrod vs DOHC situation, there are some advantages to the pushrod over the DOHC, particularly in vintage engines where the cams are physically located at one point above the valve buckets and cannot be moved. The cam buckets have a certain diameter, and the cams sit a certain distance above the buckets. This limits valve lift, and also some other things regarding valve motion. There is no form of "ratio multiplier" that typically is employed on these DOHC engines with the cams over the buckets. And even in some SOHC situations, the ratio is fixed by the dimensional layout of the parts.

In our Bullet with the pushrods, we were able to add a significant amount of rocker ratio with our package, and increase valve lift to over .600" , which AFAIK is higher lift than any of the competing engines with OHC can manage. So, in our case this pushrod package actually gives us an advantage over the OHC engines because we can lift higher, and the valve train can withstand the application of just as much revs as the others. With a shorter stroke length similar to theirs, we could reduce the crank stress and raise the rpm range to equivalent to theirs, and quite possibly then have the power advantage. Racing is all about pushing limits till things break, and then finding ways to push them further.

Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: malky on October 16, 2015, 03:38:09 pm
Reply much appreciated, and understood. Up here in wild and wooly Highland Scotland good engineering shops are few and ever decreasing. So we sometimes have to employ a bit of lateral thinking to get round"problems" .
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on May 17, 2016, 10:46:09 am
After missing the first round at Mallory Park, the 500 could be ready for the second round of this year's racing ...
 The 500 RE racer's engine is going back together and hopefully, this machine will be joining the rest of the bikes at Darley Moor for racing. The 3 piece crank has been specially made by Alpha Bearings, to, jointly mine and Alpha's specifications, to give an immensely strong component and much stronger than the standard setup on the timing side. There are two timing side roller bearings and the inboard one is huge, compared to the standard ones. The small, outboard bearing is just there to give a little extra support - every little helps, as they say! I made sure this crank design could fit into unmodified Redditch crankcases, so other Redditch engines of both 350cc and 500cc could benefit from a crank like this, without any modification work required in order to fit one.
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on May 17, 2016, 10:47:28 am
More pictures ...
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on May 17, 2016, 12:11:09 pm
Looks very robust!

Are there any oil drip feed drillings in the case above the bearing like the India Bullets have?
We extend them behind the outer race when we install the 2205 bearing on the timing side. I think it helps.
 :)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: mevocgt on May 17, 2016, 09:09:34 pm
Woohoo! Gentalmen start your engines! ;D
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Otto_Ing on May 17, 2016, 09:40:56 pm
More pictures ...

That is a serious bearing in there. The case looks as if it could be modified to take even a bigger one?
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on May 17, 2016, 09:46:28 pm
Are there any oil drip feed drillings in the case above the bearing like the India Bullets have?
Only on the drive side. The Redditch Bullets had a close fitting crankcase mainshaft boss, or sometimes a bronze bush on the timing side and these were scrolled to allow some oil from the timing chest to get to the bearing. I replaced the bronze bush in ours with a small needle race, so plenty of oil can get into both timing side mains with ease and give a bit of extra splash lubrication to the piston and barrel. The 500 and 350 have both used this design of mine for a few years, but this is the largest main bearing I have used to date  ;)
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on May 17, 2016, 09:50:12 pm
That is a serious bearing in there. The case looks as if it could be modified to take even a bigger one?
That might be possible, but the bearing I have chosen is huge and should be up to the job. It is also over 30% wider than any others usually found in there and no crankcase modification was required to fit it  8)
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Otto_Ing on May 17, 2016, 09:58:16 pm
That might be possible, but the bearing I have chosen is huge and should be up to the job. It is also over 30% wider than any others usually found in there and no crankcase modification was required to fit it  8)
 B.W.

With this sort of bearings additional width is more worth than a slightly bigger diameter if I am not mistaken. Optically without knowing the exact size it looks well proportioned. Good luck for the season anyway. :)
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on May 17, 2016, 10:41:51 pm
With this sort of bearings additional width is more worth than a slightly bigger diameter if I am not mistaken. Optically without knowing the exact size it looks well proportioned. Good luck for the season anyway. :)
Thanks !!
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Ice on May 18, 2016, 06:25:35 am
 It's a jewel.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on May 18, 2016, 08:30:50 pm
It's a jewel.
Thanks, Ice - it is now a runner once more, too  ;)
 B.W.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fDw6r16nTY
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Otto_Ing on May 18, 2016, 08:45:38 pm
Sounds very good!  8) ...so what is the Run-In procedure for a race bike or is there any?
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on May 18, 2016, 09:08:34 pm
There isn't really the option of racking up hundreds, or even thousands of miles. In the case of this engine, the only new component is the crank and timing side main bearings, so it is pretty much good to go.
 However, for a newly built race engine, I start off with a couple of trips up and down the lane, maybe get 15 or 20 miles on it at a top secret location  ;), then go to the dyno for setting up and testing. the first couple of runs may be just up to 6000 - 7000 RPM, then engine speeds are built up until max power is produced. If all is well, I usually push them 500 RPM or so past peak power revs and if things have held together after several of these runs, we are good to go, although I like new builds to go out in any available practise sessions before racing, or maybe even do a track day before going racing.
 I run my newly built road bike engines in quickly, too - here is a Bullet 65 'Asbo 21', with under 60 miles on its' fully rebuilt and tuned top end, being run in ...
 B.W.
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jos3GOvQ2hE
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on September 15, 2016, 06:27:52 pm
Rather than just leaving things 'up in the air', here is a brief update on the FAB 500 racer.
 Since being rebuilt with Ace's high ratio rockers and other modifications, we gained power, but have been plagued with reliability issues and it was hard to understand why - we even had a big split occur in the left hand crankcase and I was seriously thinking of giving it up altogether with this machine. Was it the crank? Was it my modified main bearings' arrangement? Were the high ratio rockers a bridge too far? ... Well, actually, none of the above, not directly, in any case.
 It turned out that even with a matched Redditch factory pair of crankcases, the main bearing bosses were out of line on the vertical plane by 0.018", this was all ok for all the years where just the one timing side race had been used and even where two timing side races were fitted, with a 5 piece crank assembly. The last straw was when I fitted a 3 piece crank and an even larger inner timing side bearing, along with the smaller outrigger one, as before. Now we had a crank assembly trying to force the bearing bosses into line, resulting in the cracked crankcase.
 I won't go into fine details, but I have fixed the problem and a test ride earlier today was very promising, with the engine much smoother [surprise] and the whole bike much smoother, too. The power from low to medium rpm's appears to have increased by a large amount and there may be a small gain at the top, due to the above being sorted, as well as piston to bore clearance issues dealt with and a better squish clearance now being possible.
 I have always had reservations about the 500, preferring the 350 by far, until today, when the 500 rode and performed better than I have ever felt it to before.
 All being well, it will be present at Cadwell Park for the last round of this year's BHR racing, where a championship position is out of the question, but I hope we may find some big gremlins laid to rest at last  ;)
 B.W.
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DTpjvcOM8k
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on September 15, 2016, 06:36:54 pm
The crankcase after welding ...
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: ace.cafe on September 15, 2016, 07:08:14 pm
The crankcase after welding ...
Looks good!
Wishing the best for your success on the remaining season, Paul.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Bullet Whisperer on September 15, 2016, 07:53:21 pm
Looks good!
Wishing the best for your success on the remaining season, Paul.
Thanks, Ace !
 B.W.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Adrian II on September 16, 2016, 12:32:40 am
Maybe we tend to view Redditch products through rose-tinted glasses and tend view the Chennai produced material with enough scepticicsm to want to test or check every Indian item thoroughly. However, the last generation of cast-iron Bullets' crankcase castings were manufactured on CNC machines, not something Redditch could have had access to!

Sounds good in the video, I hope this is the final piece in the puzzle that lets all the other super parts finally mesh and do their job as they were designed to do.

A.
Title: Re: Ace assisting Bullet Whisperer racing effort
Post by: Aus.GT on September 17, 2016, 09:12:07 am
Nasty looking crack, glad you repaired it.
Nice test track you have there. Sounds good.