Successful weekend

Sunday, no rain in the forecast. Eric (Lola #8)was having some issues with the engine running a little rough and unable to get past 6000 rpm. The last work was done Sunday morning, and the test was going to have to happen in the race later in the day. The race went well, Eric was able to improve on his lap times the engine sounded much better. I was able to get a lot of photos I need for my Lola, and Brian, who will do the exhaust and other work I need, was at the track and got a look at 2 other Lola's similar to mine.

Sunday Watkins Glen

Saturday started out with rain in the morning, but remained rain free the rest of the day. The first qualifying was on a damp track consisting of only 2 F5000, Eric Haga in is Lola T190 and Ted Wenz in his McRae. Midday was the drivers from the original series signing autographs.

Saturday Watkins Glen

Friday morning was a session with the F5000 cars, 8 on track. The next qualifying session would happen at 5 pm. After waiting all day, 15 minutes before 5pm it started to rain. No one went out. Saturday forecast is rain on and off all day.

Friday Watkins Glen

Thursday being the school and test day only one F5000 car was out in the morning. But later in the day a few more went out. Today, if it doesn't rain, I'm sure more will be out on the track.

The blue #21 is a Lola T192, the same as mine.

Watkins Glen, NY

I'm here, and the day is starting out very nice. Today is testing and driving schools for the new drivers. I will be crewing for Eric Haga in is Lola T190. Will post photos tonight.

Watkins Glen

Will be heading up to Watkins Glen for the historic races this weekend. Got the car close but not ready for racing. I'll be taking lots of photos and will try to get a few on here if I can find a good Internet connection.

Old exhaust

Going through a few boxes of spare parts I did find a couple of original exhaust pipes. Found three, but need eight. Going up to Watkins Glen next weekend for the historic races. Will be two Lola T192's there.

Change in plans

The engine woes have put the end to getting the car on track this year. So now there's no big rush to get the exhaust done. I think that will be done in October or November. Now with the oil pump in the right location I can start working on the oil lines.

Oil pump

The new oil pump brackets are the fix. It places the pump in the right location, but now all the other belts are in the wrong place. With the engine installed, I also see the water pump needs more space, it hits the roll bar. They make and long water pump and a short water pump. I need the short one.

Not so bad

I was surprised to find all went smoothly in the engine install. There a few items in the way, but this was discovered months ago.

Engine installation

The day has arrived, time to install the engine. The last time this car had a engine in it, was 1975. Fingers crossed, hope it fits.

Getting closer

Eric called the other day and in his research discovered the brackets to put the pump in the correct location, are for a Ford 351 engine(i'm using a chevy 302). Have ordered the Ford brackets and should be here today. I have my fingers crossed.

Little news

Eric and Reinhold, who I have mention before also own Lola's. Have sent me photos of there oil pumps. It is very obvious mine is wrong. But I now know what is needed. I plan to install the engine in the car anyway(without the pump). I really don't have any idea what other problems might exist.

The pump is to the right on the belt.

Eric's engine the pump is lower and closer to the engine

Oil pump

No Good.... I have a few phones calls and emails out. I might have a better idea today as my next move. The pump really does miss by a mile. When I'm at Watkins Glen in September, a couple of Lola's very similar to mine will be there. Lots of photos and notes for sure.

Engine's back

Picked up the engine yesterday, looks nice. But I think there will be a problem. The external oil pump for the dry sump system appears to be mounted to far out. I believe this will interfere with the tub. So this, along with a few other items to complete by September 9, makes Watkins Glen a no go with the car. I'm disappointed, by not surprised.