stuck my engine for first time

[Jeff Salak]

In practice at Road America a couple weeks ago. I stuck my engine.:bugeye: I had spare cylinder assembly and have several pistons. So I had the right piston for that cylinder ass. Thanks to help at track.
The one that got stuck. I need to hone, clean up. Where? How much approx.? And will they tell me what size piston then I would need. I can put all back together. Just need help with hone and size.
It's for my Sonik engine.
Thanks guys, Jeff

[Rick]

When I stuck my motor, I took it to VKP and was happy with their work. But there are 3 places in the Chicagoland area. VKP, LAD and/or CKT. LAD actually has a price list on their website. http://www.ladspec.com/

I would pick the shop that actually knows something about the Sonik. Also, I think LAD specializes in road racing applications. So you might want to check them out if you plan on mostly road racing.

[David Yourd]

Jeff, almost every Sonik that ran there stuck twice. You, Grenier, and Allen Declerk. The other two didn't even make it 1 practice. Something is up. Although, I blew my motor up as well so I cannot say anything.

LAD, has parts and will be at Blackhawk. Plus he brings a hone to the track, you may need it.

[Jeff Salak]

Thanks David and Rick. Thats what I heard that the Soniks were having problems. Mine blew up cause my lead for exhaust temp to my mycron went faulty. It was jumping around in temps. I figured it wasnt getting hotter than what it was showing at highest temp. Was I wrong!!! The rest of weekend i didn't get above 1040. Sonik they say max at 1125 for exhaust temp.
Yes LAD did help me. They were the ones that sized out my cylinder ass. then gave me piston size. Never had heard of them until then. Johnny West said he could do it for me. He is the USSK champ. Does ALL his own work. He said $50. Thought that was good. He is close to home too.

Thanks again, Jeff
David I sent pm on ekarting news to you. Glad to see you in better spirits!!! Hope Josh is doing well!? I didn't do it in pm. I will send another one with my phone number. Call me anytime.

[rystar]

Jeff and David, I will be joining you guys for my first Blackhawk Experience this weekend. I will probably be picking your brains for advise. As I know this will be a tough weekend, your input will be appreciated. I will be there on Fri. for practice and racing Sat. only. Probably tag heavy. Not sure if I will br sticking aroung for the first anual Adam Schatz Benefit. My wife and son are leaving very early Sun morning out of town.

[Jeff Salak]

Ryan, this is my first time out at Blackhawk racing. Went last year and thats were I bought my kart. I have alot of questions myself. Not realy sure for gearing on my Sonik. I heard 16-80, but that is a guy that was 40 lbs. heavier than me. I may race Tag heavy also. Take the dq for being lite. Don't want to put on another 30 plus lbs. for heavy. I have to add about 20 lbs. just to make senior!!! That would be 50 lbs. of lead. We will see. You will do quite well I would think. I wouldn't be surprised if you are in top 7. To me thats great in a big field. I'm hoping 30 or 40 karts.
I might go Thursday night. If you want to pit together that would be great. I'm looking for one of those standing outdoor fireplaces. I will supply the wood. Just don't feel like spending $100 on one right now. If you have one?!
Bring plenty of DEET bug spray. The GOOD stuff. It was hell at RA. Went through 2 cans. Let me know what you think. If you go Friday morning get there when gates open. Don't want to miss any practice time! I understand about the wife thing. I think Saturday Tag Team race for Adam, will be VERY special. David also said on Ekarting news about a Saturday night cookout. He is a big supplier of steaks to many famous down town restaurants. Thats just what I heard.:thumbsup:

[Jeff Salak]

Ryan, get a new set of tires. Dunlops DDM or DCS. Dont use the spec tires we use at Concepts. Grip way better to keep corner speed. Just my opinion.:whistle:

[Jeff Salak]

On further evaluation, by Johnny West. Have a crack in clyinder sleeve. Tiny one by exhaust.Garbage! Does LAD cary these? Anyone know? TS has them for $280,SP kart has them for $241. More of a problem than I had hoped! :shooting_smilie2::bugeye::kungfu:

[David Yourd]

Ryan, I talked to Rick about a set up for you for Blackhawk. I won't be there Friday but i will be Saturday morning.

For the Birel, Take all of the castor out. Meaning, take a 1 degree pill on top and point the fat part towards the back. Do the exact opposite on the bottom. Take out the front bar, narrow the front by one small spacer at least. If you have several axles, use the M., 3rd bearing in, at 54". I am not sure if you have the new or old steering post. If old, put the tie rods on over the other in the center hole.

Gear- Start with a 16-76. I think a 2 - 2 1/4 piece of flex. Start a little richer on the low speed needle than sprint.

Driving. First just get comfortable, but realize exit speed is king. Straight line brake before the turn, and test yourself to see when how early you can get on the throttle, not how deep you can go into the turn. When racing, make slow, deliberate passes and look to your side before making a move. It is a lot different than sprint.

Jeff, 16-80 sounds right, that's what I ran with my Motori last year.

[rystar]

David, Thanks for the set up info. Yeah, I just want to get comfortable out there. I will probably make a few chassis adjustments but most important I just wan to be comfortable.

Jeff, I will bring the fire pit. If I can I will for sure stay and race Sat night. If I do I have to hightail out of there right away. I will have to take a rain check on the BBQ. So the MGs are no good on the road?

[Jeff Salak]

Ryan, MG's are fine. But I think MG yellow's (forget what they are now) are better than the HZ's. I know it gets real expensive for a Road race. You have any yellows from last year? I have a pair for the front. Maybe 12 laps on them. Your going to want a new set for the race. With all the practice you get, you need a set to thrash and one for the show! I will be going up to Franklin to get a set of Dunlops. If you want a set I can pick it up for you and you can pay me at the track. (Going on Wed. after work) They seem to be what most guys run, from what i noticed. But some guys do run the spec tires from the sprint tracks they come from. I saw guys running YHC's. I practiced with some worn down HZ's at Road America. But in 3 practice sessions I did 3 laps. Broke down each session and never really got to push it.
David I'm sure you found a partner for Team race. I will be racing with Johnny West. Not sure he will like the tag ride. He will want another gear or two!
Jeff