Tomorrow at VIR - end of a 6 year restoration

[Croc]

Many of you know I have been pursuing the restoration of a BMW CSL race car for the last 6 years.

 

It started like this when I pulled it out of storage in Australia

 

 

 

 

It was then a complete back to bare metal body shell strip down

 

 

Taking it back to bare metal allowed us to work out what previous colors the car had been to decipher it’s history. The BMW Heritage folks were very helpful in this respect.

 

The CSL aluminum panels had to be fabricated from scratch. New fiberglass body work.

 

[Croc]

At this point then a correct gearbox was found with the close ratio 2-5 gears. An LSD diff was sourced.

 

A few test sessions took place at this time to see where we were. Engine was known to be sick so it was more to assess progress on what we had changed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There was a pretty big list - steering, suspension, and engine.

 

So it went to Korman Autoworks in Greensboro NC to get the engine built and installed. Sadly the first one melted down on the dyno thanks to a faulty batch of dry sump pumps.

 

[Croc]

Second engine was eventually built - took forever to source the rare period correct internals. I think I have waited a collective 3 years just for camshafts from Schrick in Germany - two lots! Dyno’ed the 3.5L straight six makes 350hp at 8000 rpm. Exactly where I expected it should be.

 

 

 

So now it’s test day for real. Doing the VIR Club event Friday to Sunday.

 

 

 

I am giving first drive duties to Ray Korman, who has raced these and so knows what they should drive like. Slightly apprehensive to throw something this expensive out on track.

[Croc]

I see a Caterham R400 is signed up for the same event? Anyone on here?

 

I brought my Caterham too since I suspect Ray will be hard to extract from the BMW....

[panamericano]

So, since watching F1 Friday practice is a waste of time, we will just wait for your posts. Will you be in conflict with the F1 race? 9:00 in Virginia?

[Croc]

Probably.

 

I guarantee I will be slower than an F1 car!

[JohnCh]

Please tell me you brought the video gear? I would love to hear that straight six running up to 8000rpm!

 

Is that the factory air filtration setup or did they use a cold air induction box?

 

-John

[Croc]

Redline is 8500. But really no point going much beyond 7-7500 based on the power and torque curves.

 

Normal intake would have been different as the quick ones ran Kugelfischer fuel injection. These are unobtainium now so the workaround is Weber carbs. Better mid range and more flexible but not as good in the top end as the fuel injection.

 

I have the video gear. Plan to put a camera in with Ray.

Edited August 13, 2020 by Croc

[SanderGA]

What a car. Congratulations on the restoration and enjoy.

[Kitcat]

Great work Croc! All it took was a keen eye, tons of time, and even more money:). It looks like it was worth it as you have a true piece of history.

 

As to the test day on track, in all honesty, I will be more interested in your Caterham experience, tho will be keenly following any BMW updates as well. What track configuration will you be running? I think you may discover your Caterham's top speed there. I will be interested in how fast you go thru the "Up hill" S's, AKA, the "Climbing "S's". One of several places the track separates the men from the boys.

 

Have fun!

[SENC]

Looks fantastic, can't wait to hear about the drive!

[Pokey]

Beautiful and a really nice restoration to racing livery to include Alf's name on the door.

[Croc]

 

Wow - what a track. Very technical. Lots of blind sight lines coming into corners. Three sessions in and still learning the lines. Taking it easy. Old school and loads of fun.

[Croc]

 

Ray and Allen have driving duties today. We have a list of items to remediate but not a bad list all things considered.

 

First session saw us puzzling with what looked to be coolant under the rear of the car. It turned out the oil catch tank valve was open which was fun to clean up. The dry sump tank and oil catch tank has to be mounted in the trunk given the size of it.

[Croc]

So I have been happily playing with the Caterham.

 

[Croc]

[Croc]

Beautiful and a really nice restoration to racing livery to include Alf's name on the door.

 

Alf is still around living in Topeka Kansas and is involved in bringing along the next generation through his involvement in a karting Center.

[panamericano]

Great update, Croc. More interesting than Barcelona practice.

[Croc]

Meanwhile at VIR....

 

 

 

 

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[Croc]

 

 

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