S197 3V Fabman's build; How did we get here? Build Thread

[bob]

Do you guys considering or running E85 think about how ethanol burns colerless in a fire and what kind of fire fighting equipment you have on board or in the paddock? Don't some groups not allow E85?

 

[Fabman]

Do you guys considering or running E85 think about how ethanol burns colerless in a fire and what kind of fire fighting equipment you have on board or in the paddock? Don't some groups not allow E85?

SCCA allows e85 in only two classes. ITE and SP. NASA allows it everywhere as do oval tracks and drag racing etc. it’s far less volatile than gasoline so it’s harder to light and burns much more slowly than gasoline so in these ways it’s far safer. I have had to burn spilled e85 and it was not completely colorless like Methanol Is. E85 is ethanol and gasoline so it does burn with some color while straight ethanol may not.

 

[Frank.JD.Perez]

What I really need is a volunteer to help me get this motor out....I just HATES wrenchin'.

were you waiting for me to read this??

 

[Fabman]

were you waiting for me to read this??

I dunno...are you volunteering?
I just thought that now you're a couple you'd have better things to do than listen to me go on and on about how things need to be....

 

[PaddyPrix]

Do you guys considering or running E85 think about how ethanol burns colerless in a fire and what kind of fire fighting equipment you have on board or in the paddock? Don't some groups not allow E85?

My firsthand experience says that e85 doesn't completely burn colorless, and you'll know where it's burning, it'll be plenty hot.
A standard type B+C extinguisher should be enough, or if you are using a system, the AFF (aqueous fighting foam) should more than suffice just fine.

 

[Fabman]

Okay, now we know.
I believe what we are seeing is the gasoline in the e85 burning with some color.
I poured this right out of my fuel jug so no doubt about the contents.
Notice how it doesn't just go "woof" and flash into total mayhem.....it burns more slowly, similar to lighter fluid.

 

[Fabman]

In addition, when you use e85 it is a good idea to add top lube. I add it straight into the tank as I add fuel so it’s always the correct amount and any unused e85 stays pure until I add fuel next time. Top lube is an oil, which will further color the flame so I’m not the least bit worried about seeing the fire. The fuel in the previous video was pure e85 and contained no top lube. I was going to do a gasoline video for context but apparently my generator ate it all up at the last race.

 

[Frank.JD.Perez]

I dunno...are you volunteering?
I just thought that now you're a couple you'd have better things to do than listen to me go on and on about how things need to be....

wrenching is always a top priority. also since i wake up usually a few hours earlier than amber it gives me something to do in the mornings while she sleeps in

 

[Fabman]

wrenching is always a top priority. also since i wake up usually a few hours earlier than amber it gives me something to do in the mornings while she sleeps in

If you have a desire to work on this thing with me I could use the help.

 

[Frank.JD.Perez]

If you have a desire to work on this thing with me I could use the help.

you know how to reach me, let me know when and where. why and how not necessary. i already got those answers last time lol

 

[Fabman]

you know how to reach me, let me know when and where. why and how not necessary. i already got those answers last time lol

Well at least you now know that all my picky little things do matter, and that they do work, so I'm not picky for nothing. You have seen the results first hand. For you the benefit is, if you learn all the those little things then you can do it too. And if you learn the right mindset, and it is a mindset, you can do what I have done or even be better at it. BUT, you gotta wade through all the little details until the light goes off in your head....and then you get it.
I have trained many many successful racers, fabricators and car builders and many of them have become business owners and instructors.....so the system works....if you work my system.
Think of it as a sort of "Mr. Mayagi" of race car fab.

 

[Frank.JD.Perez]

Well at least you now know that all my picky little things do matter, and that they do work, so I'm not picky for nothing. You have seen the results first hand. For you the benefit is, if you learn all the those little things then you can do it too. And if you learn the right mindset, and it is a mindset, you can do what I have done or even be better at it. BUT, you gotta wade through all the little details until the light goes off in your head....and then you get it.
I have trained many many successful racers, fabricators and car builders and many of them have become business owners and instructors.....so the system works....if you work my system.
I'm sort of the "Mr. Miagai" of race car fab...remember that movie?

weld on, weld off? er....

 

[Fabman]

 

[Fabman]

 

[Fabman]

 

[Fabman]

 

[Mad Hatter]

View attachment 70879

This is before the larger wingplates right?

 

[Fabman]

This is before the larger wingplates right?

Yes, this was the beginning of the season.
A photographer contacted me and said he had pics of my car so I have been getting them from him and editing them one by one.

 

[Fabman]

They were all taken as a wider shot so I tweaked them a bit.

 

[Fabman]

Whoops...whats this?