I'm in New Orleans to pick up the track car that now has a fresh motor in it.

The engine is the one that came out of my 86.5 Turbo car that had only 76k on the clock. The "rebuild" was done at Greff Motors by John Nothcutt who is one of the pit mechanics for Tafel Racing, which is one of the top teams in the ALMS series.

Before installing the engine, I decided to have them go through it and freshen everything up. In doing so, I also did some things that I hope will help prevent engine failure anytime in the near future. To start, the crank shaft was cross drilled at Taylor Engine. I think most would agree that this is the first step and the most proven step in preventing 2/6 bearing failure. In addition to that, the I-J Scraper and windage trays were added, as well as the oil pan baffle system from 928 Motorsports along with their silicone oil pan gasket upgrade. I also replaced the Accusump with a new 3qt unit and added the 55-60 EPCV valve system. IMHumbleO this is about the best you can do to protect from 2/6 failure without going to a Dry Sump in addition to the cross drilling.
New bearings were installed as well as all seals, WP/TB, new tensioners, intake gaskets, oil and vaccume lines, exhaust manifold gaskets, cam seals, cam cover gaskets and pretty much everything else we could get to while we were at it.

The car is now in pefect running condition and ready for a regimine of DE's. I will be taking the car back to Georgia with me next week, where I'll drive it a little next weekend, and then will be heading to RRIII in Daytona for the first weekend in November. In mid-November I'll be participating in my first DE with the car at the PCA Races and Blast'n on the Bayou DE event at No Problem Raceway in Donaldsonville, La.

Really looking forward to having a lot fun with the car. Randy Greff (shop owner) has been racing Porsche 911's his entire life and currently races a GT3 Cup car. John Northcutt's credentials as a top shelf race car builder and pit mechanic are well validated, and both of them have told me this 928 is by far one of the nicest if not THE nicest track versions of the breed they have ever seen. I spoke with John tonight and he told me that I found a very unique and very nice car that was a hell of a deal.

While Tim Westby initiated the cars transformation, Constantine deserves much credit in getting this car to the level it is, and I fully intend to see that it progresses in the same manner he would have taken it. It's rare that you purchase a car that you consistently feel lucky to have purchased, and I can tell you that I knew I was getting something special when I started considering the purchase. In addition, I gained a good friend that I hope will be proud of the first steps I have taken with the car.

Now my focus is back on the Turbo car which is very close to being finished. I would anticipate having the car tuned and dyno'd by mid December.

 

Congratulations on getting the car back. Sounds like they did the job right. I wish the best of luck
as you track this car. Also, look forward to seeing you finish the turbo, and put up some big numbers.

 

Congratulations Abby!! I hope you have half the mount of fun I had with the car.

Looking forward to the Rennsport Reunion gathering in a few weeks. Be safe in your travels and keep us posted.

Oh, by the way, don't get too spirited in your first test drives when you get it home. Hate to hear about an "oops!" before we get to see it again!

Have fun,
Constantine
P.S. After reading your post more carefully, I must say I'm humbled by your very kind words.

 

Congratulations! That was some quick work! Glad to hear it's going to be 'back on the track'.

Good job doing the oil system upgrades, I'm sure they'll pay dividends on the track and in peace of mind.

 

Congratulations, Abby; can't wait for you to get it out on the track.!

 

Kick ***!!!! We need to get you up here for one of the PCA DE's at Road America. Memorial weekend is a great weekend to "break your cherry" at RA.

You purchased the red Coca-Cola car, correct?

 

That's correct, and I'd love to make the RA event next year. Toughest thing about that is it's during the school year. So even if I take vacation, my oldest has to be back for school. Taking a vacation without the family is just not in the cards either. I would however really love to attend that event because I know so many of you here participate.

 

Great news Abby. I can't wait to see it again.

 

Way to go Abby! I'm excited for ya brother!
Kevin

 

Nice!

I'll be in New Orleans next week for a friend's wedding.

How was the return for you?

 

We come back and visit family at least every 2 or 3 months and hit some of out favorite places and sites. Last night we went to the LSU vs Auburn game which was an incredible game. Heading to The Dome for the Saints game today. Since we now live near Auburn, it will be nice to go back with bragging rights!

The City is recovering little by little but somethings are still a mess. The great food and party atmosphere still lives strong, so I hope you have a good trip next weekend!