Build Weekend... Again!

Blueberry - 4x4 Status

As Blueberry's track conversion continues, all of the wear and tear of daily driving is coming to light. Just before my other motor was rebuilt at Wankel Works, I began to notice increased drag from the rear wheels. The increased drag quickly lead to a loud whine from the differential. Since the differential was in need of replacement, it made sense to completely disassemble and clean everything else. I referred to the Factory Service Manual (FSM) for the removal procedure and I began to break down all of the rear suspension components.

Since Blueberry was my daily driver for years in the Northeast, I have one word: Rust. When disassembling the rear, I discovered that my tie rods were not only rusted, but completely frozen solid in place. That is when the RE-Zelse team and Luis from Wankel Works assembled together down in Pennsylvania to help me finish the work I started.

Getting Ready!

Getting help at Wankel Works with installing the oil pan

Racing season has already begun in some parts of the country, and it is almost time for it to start over in the east coast! With less than two weeks left before the first race, I've been working overtime to get ready. Most of the things I had to take care of over my winter break were maintenance related, but I still managed to pick up some new goodies as well. If you haven't noticed from the changes to the build page yet, here are some of the new parts for this year.

• Tomei Technical Trax Advanced 1.5-way limited slip differential
• Delrin differential bushings
• Bride Zeta III Sport racing seats in black, which should be here soon!
• The final version of the long tubed race header I've been working with BHR on
• GReddy Engine Oil Pan
• 18x10 +38 Enkei Racing RPF1 wheels, powder coated dark gun metal, with 285/30 A6 Hoosiers

Autocross Presentation At Wankel Works

When:

• Saturday, March 24th
• 12pm till everyone leaves!
• Presentation starts at 1pm

Where:

• Wankel Works
• 465 Lancaster Street
• Leominster, MA 01453

What to Bring:

• Notebook or Tablet if you want to take notes

Blog Redesign and Vision Statement

After getting some downtime, I finished putting together the new design layout of the blog. The new banner design, matched with the overall new look and feel is something I have been brewing up for awhile. Each page has been updated with new content that features the new members of the team, so feel free to check them out at your leisure.

Francesco's Motor Swap, Live!

Check out the live progress of the freshly built Wankel Works motor swap! 


Update 3/14: She's alive! Follow me on Google+ to get updates on the break in and more.

All updates can be found on my public google+ page!

Join us now over uStream!

Ready, Steady, Brap!

Yes "brap", and plenty of it! This past weekend the RE-Zelse team was working on the Blueberry's motor at Wankel Works. Luis and Raul from Wankel Works allowed the team to work with them throughout the build. When the motor was broken down Luis was able to spot weaknesses in my previous porting. Needless to say, Luis custom ported the irons.

Blueberry's Build Update

Good news everyone! The Blueberry's motor has been ported and rebuilt thanks to Lui and Raul from WankelWorks. I will be creating a complete post about my absolutely wonderful experience working with them and everything about the motor rebuild.