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Posted by: HoundDog06
Afterburner,
I admire your creativity but I have some curiosities concerning your bike. First of all, I am curious how an engine (rocket) which is uncapable of propulsion of the vehicle on its own power is supposed to assist the motor in any discernable way. My understanding of physics and the laws of summation of forces leads me to believe there would be no advantage. Also, you mentioned being able to throttle the thrust of your rocket. How can you create a variable thrust with solid state fuel? I am also curious about the fuel itself. I would assume that you would have to use a fairly large amount of PVC. Isn't there a risk of releasing gaseous polyvinyl chloride (a very deadly gas) into the surrounding area?
~HoundDog
Posted by: HoundDog06
Afterburner,
I have a fairly good understanding of JATO (Jet Assisted Take-Off) rockets (more correctly called RATO [Rocket Assisted Take-Off] Rockets. I agree with some of the things you have said, yet much still rings false. First of all, according to the first law of motion, in order for an object to move, a force must be applied to it greater than that equal to the object's static friction. A person can easily roll a bike by pushing it. However, you claim that your engine exerts 300 lbs of thrust but will not move the bike on its own. There is no way a person is exerting 300 lbs of force on the same bike, yet it moves easily. Ergo, your engine cannot be exerting as much force as the person.
Further, you claim that you can throttle your rocket by increasing the amount of oxidizer. However, solid rocket grains are designed to have the correct amount of oxidizer premixed into the grain. Adding extra oxidizer would simply create excess and provide no contribution to the combustion.
I have a couple of other questions. What metal did you use for your combustion chamber and is it single or double walled. Is the chamber insulated? If so, with what material.
Also, you mentioned that the rocket can only be engaged in second gear. Why would the position of the transmission have any effect on a completely external engine?
~HoundDog
Posted by: HoundDog06
Afterburner,
First let me apologize. I never meant for anything I have said to insult you or attack you. I don't doubt that there is a good possiblity that your rocket could work. I have simply been trying to gain a better understanding of its physics. I spoke to chris at alba about your bike and I am fully aware of your creditials. Your reputation and your background in engineering preceeds you. I work for the USEPA and have a background in biochemistry and chemical engineering. Again, I beseech you, please don't take offense to anything I have said. I have simply been trying to probe for information for better understanding for myself and the other forum members.
As to my comment on the proper naming of such an engine, I visited the national aeronotics division's historical page for a little info on the evolution of JATO's. They are the ones claiming improper use of the name and renaming it RATO. The US Air Force's JATO history also mentioned the maluse of the term.
Regretfully, I will not be able to make it to the Oregon dunes. I simply cannot afford a trip of that distance. I do appreciate the invitation however.
Could you enlighten me as to the composite shell of your rocket. I am still curious of the alloy you used to construct it and what insulations you might be using. You mentioned getting a burning temp of 2500 degrees. That is the average melting point of carbon steel. Are you using something with molybdenum to bring your melting point higher?
I am sorry about the questions regarding your fuel grain. I simply missed you mentioning it being a hybrid in an earlier post. What is the oxidation mixture threshhold for your fuel?
With humblest curiosity,
~HoundDog
Posted by: HoundDog06
Afterburner,
I hope Chris didn't get the wrong idea. I at first thought the bike was a joke. After talking to him, I soon realized the contrary. The guys at Alba are world class. Matt in the parts dept. is a good friend of mine. I even run one of their graphics kits.
I figured the shell was probably aluminum. Are you using any inhibitors to help prevent the burnthrough? Do you know what the consumption rate is for the PVC grain you are using?
I would never have thought to use graphite for the nozzle. I was thinking more along the lines of a high temp alloy. How did you attach the graphite securely to the nozzle area? Did you have any problems with damaging the graphite due to its brittle nature?
I love my 686. I shiver when I think how much money I have put into her though. I'm sure you can relate.
Alpha Raptor,
I'm glad we can keep you entertained.
~HoundDog
Posted by: HoundDog06
LOL. I remember that discussion Annihilator. Thanks for the kind words. I apologize for my absense on the forums today. One of my colleagues was injured during a sampling expedition at a local Air Force Base and I had to help get some of his technical directives turned in by due date. Made for a pretty busy day for me.
Afterburner,
I haven't had a chance to check out your thread concerning your ram air system yet. I have some ideas for an EFI system that might work well with such a setup however. Look forward to talking with you about it later.
I will be absent from the forums this weekend. I am leaving early in the morning for a weekend trip to Little Sahara, OK. Look forward to talking with you gentlemen next week. Happy Riding!
~HoundDog
Posted by: Trx440
What, no Flux Capacitor??? My Delorean would smoke your Raptor. -Marty McFly
Posted by: garyc660R
Bottom line is your engine essentially thinks it is pulling 300lbs instead of 600lbs. I do not see that equating too 2 seconds in 300'. I could see 1 second difference though. It's good too be thinking outside the box though.
Gary
Posted by: Dextreme
Your Raptor has surely been a hot topic amonst many ATV forums on the internet.
Posted by: MichaelAZ
Quote
Originally posted by: HoundDog06
Afterburner,
I admire your creativity but I have some curiosities concerning your bike. First of all, I am curious how an engine (rocket) which is uncapable of propulsion of the vehicle on its own power is supposed to assist the motor in any discernable way. My understanding of physics and the laws of summation of forces leads me to believe there would be no advantage. Also, you mentioned being able to throttle the thrust of your rocket. How can you create a variable thrust with solid state fuel? I am also curious about the fuel itself. I would assume that you would have to use a fairly large amount of PVC. Isn't there a risk of releasing gaseous polyvinyl chloride (a very deadly gas) into the surrounding area?
~HoundDog
Yeah , what he said, Bike looks nice but Im calling bull$hit on the "rocket" however it is original BR>
Posted by: SCOOT400EX
That is one nice Raptor there. Looks like you had a close call on the video.
That guy must have road back to camp to change his pants after pooping in them.
Posted by: BigBadScrambler
I dont care if it works or not....................................................Thats just down right BAD AZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0">
Posted by: thunderalley400ex
Ill race your "super fast rocket raptor", when you going to be at pismo next?....
Posted by: SANDMAN430
talk of the internet try around camp, we keep wanting to break out the marshmellows and dog for roasting.
Posted by: SANDMAN430
hey you better watch those 30 hp jets i'm stuck at 25 without the jets
Posted by: SANDMAN430
it for when there no fire we can still roast the dogs
Posted by: Bing
oh,,,i thought that was a smoke machine from a stunt plane!!!!
Posted by: Bing
Quote
If you really need proof that it works, come to Oregon Dunefest, have some BBQ with us, and line up at the starting tree. (Wear earplugs-it's REALLY loud)
when is that???
Posted by: Bing
i agree shady
Posted by: Bing
Quote
Originally posted by: afterburner
Bing and Shady,
You're both right. That's what happens when two egg-heads argue. It's very obvious that HoundDog knows his stuff. I commend him for a good debate. My Dunefest BBQ invite holds true for you two as well as HoundDog. Dunefest is the last week of July. Go to www.dunefest.com for info. If any of you show, look for the ALBA Action banners at the RV1 lot or contact the Reedsport Chamber of Commerce for info on my gathering, they know who I am. I'll be part of a large group composed of ALBA and TVI Power and Sports. We'll be frying up two turkeys and a whole lot of other BBQ stuff. New riding friends always welcome. See ya!
Thanks afterburner,,,,,,I dont make it to Oregon dunes that much,,,,,but I like to make the trip at least once a year. Ive got a good bunch of friends that go down regularly.
Maybe we will make an effort to get down that weekend to check it out. Anything to go faster is cool in my eyes.
Its nice to see a respectful heated conversation about complicated stuff.....i know nothing about rockets.
How many bottlerockets will I need to tape to my raptor to gain 1 horsepower?????
Posted by: Bing
afterburner,,,do you have any #s on it
like with/without at any distance???
numbers would speak volumes for either side of the argument!
Posted by: Bing
afterburner,,,,get your pic/bio page up and running,,,,for the rest of us to see.....
good looking rappy (similar to my own),,,,,watch out for traffic......
Posted by: Bing
Quote
Originally posted by: bansheeesmoker
I just watched the video and I must say. THAT IS THE DUMBEST THING I HAVE EVER SEEN.
brutal!!!
Posted by: FarmStud
I've got to see this thing!
Posted by: ANNIHILATER
This is great to read, I personally would not want to get into a chemical debate with either houndog OR afterburner. I comend you fellas for debateing in such a respectfull way.
I am curious to see how consistant the E-ram is though. Ive wondered about this type of air ram, But always thought efi would be needed to moniter fuel and air. But what do I know.
Houndog, I still think a more rounded out paddle hooks up better. Remember the argument?(lol) I WILL NOT argue the fact that you know your stuff when it comes to rockets..
Posted by: ShadyRascal
This is the funnest thread in a month. Afterburner and Houndog are both knowledgeable folks and even though these responses are long they are great entertainment. Thank you both.
Much better reading than the thirteen year olds arguing over "which is faster".
Posted by: bansheeesmoker
I just watched the video and I must say. THAT IS THE DUMBEST THING I HAVE EVER SEEN.
Posted by: bansheeesmoker
yea cool bike. dosent hert to try something new. It just doesnt look like that rocket is big enough. Try 2 or 3 rockets. I would'nt want to ride behind you thats for damm shure.
Posted by: atvaddict01
That is too cool.
Posted by: AlphaRaptor660R
This IS a great thread! I haven't enjoyed reading a thread this much in a long time. Thanks HOundDog and Afterburner!
Posted by: SandyBear
For those of you that dont know afterburner, he hangs around with DS guys alot. Gathers all of his intelligence from us. Hes a quality guy to have around. Now, about his wisdom......a rocket??? He has taken the hobby of speed to a new level. WOW! BR>
Should be a good grudge match at Dunefest!
How come your nick is afterburner. Pieface sounds so much better. LOL. Man, he's gonna get even...........
Posted by: SandyBear
Quote
Originally posted by: afterburner
Quote
Originally posted by: DSXBEAR
For those of you that dont know afterburner, he hangs around with DS guys alot. Gathers all of his intelligence from us. Hes a quality guy to have around. Now, about his wisdom......a rocket??? He has taken the hobby of speed to a new level. WOW! BR>
Should be a good grudge match at Dunefest!
How come your nick is afterburner. Pieface sounds so much better. LOL. Man, he's gonna get even...........hr>
DSXBear,
You are sooooooo gonna get it at Dunefest. By he way, the grudge match is back on this year. Team relay, winner pies the loser publicly, no excuses-bring towels! Instead of a hodgebodge team for me like last year, it's pure Team Alba versus pure TVI Powersports. In all fairness, it should be good entertainment! Between the two teams, we're putting the most group ponies and torque to the sand. And yes, as team captain, I will take the pieing again if necessary, but I'm not that worried. And YES, I am the anchor bike and the rocket is coming on. (checked with the ASDA, they're gonna OK it and clear the area for ignition BR>
Hey Lapeer Banshee, I'll try to get some pix up soon. In the meantime, check out the video on the Albaaction.com website. It's on the homepage and trust me, you CAN'T miss it. Enjoy.
See ya.
And for the record, the guys at TVI are first class (as well as their riding friends). I can't say enough good about them, but I feel it's a responsibility to hang around them at the dunes so that they fit in. If I don't, they mope around like they're part of some sad Bomber DS support group BR>Kidding.......They really are the best.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Pie Face. Its gonna be good. If you want to see the pieface "AFTERBURNER", go to:tvipowerandsports.com and see how the pie fits the ALBA guys soooooo well! LOL. It is sooo much fun, the comaraderie and friendships that we all have! Dunefest is a sure fun time for all Oregon Dunefest 2004 click here
I hope you can make it to SandLake this weekend for some practice.
BR>
Ken
Posted by: SandyBear
For those of you that dont know AFTERBURNER's bike, it is wicked fast without the rocket. He was by far the fastest out there on Sunday at SandLake. That bike runs good, even with a leaking gasket!
Thanks for the ride Terry, we had a good time! Look forward to seeing you again!
Ken
Posted by: MikeSVOR
Love the fire!
hate to be a skeptic
but, 300 lbs of thrust would rip the handle bars from your hands.
300 lbs of thrust is MORE than enough to propel your quad, in neutral, up a 60 degree hill.
Are you sure about that 300 lbs of thrust?
Posted by: MikeSVOR
If you put wings on a 400 lb quad with a 200 lb rider, and gave it 300 lbs of thrust, You could take off and accelerate in the air while traveling upward at a ~35 degree angle!
I can't understand why 300 lbs of thrust won't move your quad.
Posted by: cRazyJ
yea what i dont get is the power isnt being transferred to the wheels, so do you clutch it while using the rocket? and wouldnt engine braking hurt it as well?
Posted by: lapeerbanshee
is he putting pictures up?
Posted by: speeeedy
bring it to dumont for memorial day weekend. please please. the beer and food is on me!
Posted by: speeeedy
let us know if you are ever going to be in vegas or at dumont. i will be sure to meet up with u. one ? can i ride it PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE.
Posted by: DEMENTED660R
Let me know if your coming to oregon!!
Im 99% sure Theres no way I could keep up,
By I just want to see it and hear the sonic boooommmm!!!! J/K LOL
Posted by: afterburner
Greetings duners! I have been getting A LOT of questions regarding the mysterious Oregon dunes based rocket powered Yamaha Raptor. Well, it's mine and it's the read deal. My raptor started life as a newly purchased 01. I then changed the tranny to an 02, had ALBA port it, drop in a 700 12:1 piston, install a gorrilla rod, true and weld the crank, put in a Plasma booster, K&N intake and ALBA exhaust. It was ok, but not enough. So, I then installed a wet NX NOS system set to a 30HP hit. This required my beefing up the drive train to stainless, extending the swingarm +4, widening it 4" with a Lonestar axle and +2+1 a-arms, then going to a Works Pro Series suspension to handle the added ponies. As my allowance permitted, some look-good stuff was added. Power wise, this wasn't enough either (I apparently have issues, according to my wife). So, I built a solid fuel hybrid rocket motor capable of 300lbs of thrust. It uses PVC as the fuel grain and O2 and NOS as the oxidizer. I can throttle it between idle and MAX POWER. It essentially assists the motor, but will not push the ATV on it's own. It's mounted on the swingarm and made to be disconnected rapidly for race application (sand-drags). It's designed to vector the thrust slightly upward the faster I accelerate so it keeps me planted. The guys at ALBA made a music video of it and it can be seen at www.albaaction.com. My current project is the development and installation of a supercharger. It's already installed and I ran it on the DTR dyno, but we had fuel scheduling issues. So, I am making an injection system to run with the supercharger. Wish me luck. Take care and have fun, fellow duners!
Posted by: afterburner
Houndog06 and MichaelAZ, I understand the skepticism....really, I do. In fact, I don't blame you. After all, a rocket on an ATV is unusual. But, if you understand the concept of a JATO rocket engine, it is simply that, a JET ASSIST device. It essentially unloads the combustion motor and allows it to work harder/faster. Think power to weight (physics and the laws of motion). If the rocket provides 300 pounds thrust, the combustion engine needs only to overcome another 300 pounds (rider and bike) and inertia. Once intertia is overcome, the bike continues to accelerate. And as for actual thrust, yes, we have throttled it up to where it can propel itself, but it is extremely unstable. Oh, and by the way, we throttle it by regulating the NOS/O2 pressures, which are nothing more than oxidizers. No, it takes very little PVC, and at 2500F, there is very little bi-product because chloride is completely consumed at 1300F, that is why it is an effective fuel grain. These type rockets are not my personal creation, they have been around for several years are typically referred to as "hybrid" motors. They are ATF legal and have no HAZMAT applications. In fact, my motor was conceptually designed by Ky Michaelson himself. He is the "Rocket Man" that was profiled on Discovery Channel recently during rocket week. This particular rocket design has propelled his mountain bikes and sleds under their own power. Mine is a larger version essentially on steroids. If that doesn't convince you, Dunefest 2004 is a public event. It'll be debuted there and I intend to run it at 400lbs thrust. During 100 yard drag tests, it has reduced the elapsed times nearly two seconds. Unfortuneately, it can only be engaged at second gear roll-on, and a good portion of a race is over by then, so sometimes it becomes a game of catch-up. Hope this helps explain the project. And yes, the rumors are true, I am also working to apply a gas turbine engine and hydropneumatic drive system to my Raptor when I retire the rocket this summer after Dunefest.
Posted by: afterburner
TRX440, that was too funny......loved it! To answer the questions. Yes, 300lbs will move the quad from a static stop. In fact, I have a hilarious test video where I ignited the the first generation motor and the quad ran away for about 20 feet before I pulled the safety tether. During this test, we measured the pull using a simple 500 pound protracted lateral scale on the tether. The reason only 300 pounds setting was chosen is that anything more is inherently unstable and downright scary, especially on a quad. Also, the 300 pounds, when ignited is almost immediate, meaning it would impose huge stresses on it's mounting (swingarm and shock mount), that's the reason for waiting till inertia is overcome by having the Raptor already moving. As for the one versus two seconds, it has been tested and measured as accurate, depending on reflexes, track conditions, etc. I can't be very consistent since I'm not very good at sand drags, especially at my ripe old age. I'm sure a younger and faster rider could get better results.
By the way, I apologize for being so long winded on these chats. My background is in engineering and I'm a fed, so that's two strikes against me. I have to constantly remind myself to simply GET TO THE POINT. Have fun!
Posted by: afterburner
HoundDog,
I appreciate the fact that you are obviously knowledgable and I respect that-REALLY. But, is there a sound reason for the bashing (i.e. "rings false")???? Has my rocket design insulted you in some way? If so, you have my sincerest apologies, wasn't my intent. I only published this project development for the simple sake of sharing in the fun. But, to further answer your questions:
First, second gear to overcome inertia and inherent structural stresses at ignition.
Second, it's a HYBRID, meaning the oxidizer is injected and throttled, not mixed, in the grain as in typical solid fuel applications.
Third, a jet is appropriate terminology for JATO. In aviation applications, there is no common term as RATO, neither in military or commercial application. (Trust me, I AM a noted authority on this topic and we run JATO capabilities on our DC-9-30 and Metroliner series aircraft) The reason for the common “jet” term is that a jet is, by definition, an engine that produces motion as a result of the rearward discharge of a jetted reactionary mass in motion. For instance, an airplane or rocket engine uses atmospheric or stored oxydizer to burn fuel and produces a rearward discharge of heated air or exhaust gases, i.e. JET.
The idea behind my simple solid-fuel hybrid rocket is straightforward. What you want to do is create something that burns very quickly but does not explode. As you are probably aware, gunpowder explodes. Gunpowder is made up 75% nitrate, 15% carbon and 10% sulfur. In a rocket engine, you don't want an explosion -- you would like the power released more evenly over a period of time. Therefore you might change the mix to 72% nitrate, 24% carbon and 4% sulfur. In my case, instead of gunpowder, you get a simple rocket fuel such as PVC (poly vinyl chloride) and add the oxidizer until the appropriate burn is achieved. This sort of mix will burn very rapidly, but it does not explode. My rocket is cylindrical, with a tube drilled down the middle of the PVC. When you light the fuel, it burns along the inner wall of the tube. As it burns, it burns outward toward the casing until all the fuel has burned. The "combustion" chamber is the PVC.
I understand your concerns that my system has certain aspects that "ring false". I hope I alleviated your curiousity and negativity. You don't have to believe it and I don't fault you for it. After all, it is unique and different. Everyone has an opinion, and I respect yours. BUT, I am the one with the working JATO. As the video credits show, it was jointly developed by NAPA, ALBA, Marion Performance Specialties and in design collaberation with a nationally recognized rocketeer. If you really need proof that it works, come to Oregon Dunefest, have some BBQ with us, and line up at the starting tree. (Wear earplugs-it's REALLY loud)
Posted by: afterburner
Bing and Shady,
You're both right. That's what happens when two egg-heads argue. It's very obvious that HoundDog knows his stuff. I commend him for a good debate. My Dunefest BBQ invite holds true for you two as well as HoundDog. Dunefest is the last week of July. Go to www.dunefest.com for info. If any of you show, look for the ALBA Action banners at the RV1 lot or contact the Reedsport Chamber of Commerce for info on my gathering, they know who I am. I'll be part of a large group composed of ALBA and TVI Power and Sports. We'll be frying up two turkeys and a whole lot of other BBQ stuff. New riding friends always welcome. See ya!
Posted by: afterburner
Sorry Speedy, I'm hooked into local races for that weekend. Come up here! If you've never ridden the Oregon Dunes, they're pretty awesome, but probably nothing as good as you have down there. By the way, I forgot. The rocket will be in Poway by August and may be installed on another raptor. I'll let ya know as summer approaches.
Posted by: afterburner
Around 150 bottle rockets will work, but that's not important. What is important is that you don't want to be there when all 150 suddenly expire and go "BANG".
As for times & numbers. The quickest we ran with the rocket was 4.6 seconds, but using a stop watch on a closed local 100yd sand dragstrip. The fastest was 102 mph using the installed trailtech computer and in a wide open dune area. BUT, THAT WAS PANT FILLING SCARY! It got real squirrly above 90mph and progressively worse. I wouldn't do it again without AT LEAST a steering stabilizer and a lowering kit. My ride sits tall, wide and long. The tall part hurts the rocket's performance.
I'm too old for this....................................
Posted by: afterburner
No worries, I really do enjoy a good debate. EPA? I'm impressed. I work for the safety and enforcement arm of the FAA. Chris gave me a ribbing over your chat, too. They're a great bunch at ALBA down there. As to the shell, it's aluminum. Most hybrids don't use a shell, just the PVC and they measure the consumption rate to prevent burnthrough. As to the temps, the only critical component is the convergent/divergent nozzle, which is the actual motor. It was machined from graphite (what a mess on the lathe!). Without using expensive exotic metals, it was the only option for the temperatures we were gonna run. Later! By the way, how do you like your 686?
Posted by: afterburner
We have a steel mill locally that utilizes graphite for casting. I got a big square chunk donated and I milled it into a nozzle. I won't kid ya, it's beefy and heavy. That was to allow me to tap it out and insert high stress rods that could sandwich the fuel grain case between the nozzle and the intake plate. I use no inhibitor, not necessary as long as I monitor the burn consumption rate by way of a caliper. The burn is extremely predictable and consistant along the ID wall. Not a real safety issue either since the fuel grain chamber pressure is very low under the flow characteristics being experienced within the PVC (Bernoulli's Principle). I concur about ALBA, they are the best in the industry. At my age, I consider myself fortunate that they sponsor me as a racer. Also, it's funny that there has been so much focus on the rocket. Didi you know there's a separate string in this forum addressing (arguing) my supercharger (E-Ram) development?
Posted by: afterburner
Annihilator,
I think you may have contributed to the discussions under the Yamaha Forum about my E-Ram development (or I could be wrong-feeble minded and all), but the biggest hurdle was compensating for the positive pressure within the carb intakes in lieu of the typical vacuum. I went two ways to overcome this. One was to route a presure line to the bowl vent system to equalize the bowl pressures to the same psi as the intakes. That works, but you need to have a regulated fuel pump that will overcome the bowl pressures but not unseat the float s/o pin when the bowl fills. My second and best working option was to install dual injectors into the carb intakes. Both have been tapped for main jet installations that are one size larger than my normal mains. So, at wide open throttle, when the supercharger kicks in and forces my normal mains to stop flowing, a fule pump kicks in and sprays fuel into the carbs with the hiflowing air. The E-ram only produces slightly above 1psi, but at 750 cubic feet per minute flow. The dyno results are only 3-4 horses, but it's the torque and acceleration curves that were dramatic. On my Raptor, the peak HP (without NOS activation) is 62 at 4500 rpm and stays consistent till it tapers off at higher rpms. With the E-ram, my torque curve was nearly vertical and maxed at 65 HP BEFORE 2000rpm. On the sand, it nearly pulls your arms out of their sockets. the feeling is similar to the NOS hit at a 30HP jetting setup (I normally run only at 15-20 HP jet setting). ...........................Geez, I'm a blow-hard!!!!!
Posted by: afterburner
Quote
Originally posted by: DSXBEAR
For those of you that dont know afterburner, he hangs around with DS guys alot. Gathers all of his intelligence from us. Hes a quality guy to have around. Now, about his wisdom......a rocket??? He has taken the hobby of speed to a new level. WOW! BR>
Should be a good grudge match at Dunefest!
How come your nick is afterburner. Pieface sounds so much better. LOL. Man, he's gonna get even...........hr>
DSXBear,
You are sooooooo gonna get it at Dunefest. By he way, the grudge match is back on this year. Team relay, winner pies the loser publicly, no excuses-bring towels! Instead of a hodgebodge team for me like last year, it's pure Team Alba versus pure TVI Powersports. In all fairness, it should be good entertainment! Between the two teams, we're putting the most group ponies and torque to the sand. And yes, as team captain, I will take the pieing again if necessary, but I'm not that worried. And YES, I am the anchor bike and the rocket is coming on. (checked with the ASDA, they're gonna OK it and clear the area for ignition BR>
Hey Lapeer Banshee, I'll try to get some pix up soon. In the meantime, check out the video on the Albaaction.com website. It's on the homepage and trust me, you CAN'T miss it. Enjoy.
See ya.
And for the record, the guys at TVI are first class (as well as their riding friends). I can't say enough good about them, but I feel it's a responsibility to hang around them at the dunes so that they fit in. If I don't, they mope around like they're part of some sad Bomber DS support group BR>Kidding.......They really are the best.
Posted by: afterburner
Bing, ya can't please them all. But, no offense intended, I built it for pure entertainment....mostly mine. We all pursue different ways to extract that extra umph! In any event, the JATO will be retired and sent to ALBAAction this summer when they go back home from Dunefest. By the way, it was running only at 50% power for most of the video runs since it was still being tested. At Dunefest, I plan to go double the thrust. Also, It'll look a lot different from the video. I am working with Fullbore to develop and have them create a molded seat shroud and vertical stabilizer (batwing??) that matches the raptor styling. It'll hide the two ten pound NOS bottles that'll be mounted behind me for the high power runs. By the way, Jeff (owner of Fullbore) is a genius at this stuff and I consider myself lucky to have him as a friend. He respects and supports the sport like no other.
As for Dunefest racing, I just learned they (ASDA) probably won't let me run in any class except my own at Dunefest using the JATO. Apparently, they feel it gives me an unfair advantage. I understand the concern, but trust me, the rocket will only shave off 1-2 seconds at the very most without being unstable and inherently dangerous. I am working to get them to understand it's only a rocket "assist". We'll see how it goes.
DXBear, I will try to see if I can get away to Sandlake tomorrow. No rocket though. It's having some mods done currently. But, that's ok, I'll keep it reined in so I don't smoke ya too bad in public.......... BR>
DEMENTED660R,
I live in Oregon. You'll see me at the dunes almost any given week. Usually at Florence or Winchester Bay. Join us any time, we have great group rides and all are welcome.
Posted by: afterburner
Thanks for the kudos, it was a good day for riding, wasn't it? Those poweroll 770's never stood a chance @:-D Too bad I couldn't use the NOS, that woud've been too funny! But, you saw how much I was bleeding oil, didn't want to chance it. I pulled the cylinder last night and nearly 2 inches of gasket was blown out and one of the stay bolts was stretched. I need to find out if anybody has put out a stronger cylinder base gasket for high compression raptors. I'm sure the stock ones will work for awhile, but this is the second change since going to a 12:1. I also need to fab a hi stress stay bolt (rod?) that'll hold better than stock as well as stronger inserts like I did in the fronts. I'll let ya know what we come up with. By the way, those front tires of yours was awesome. They nearly spit me off when I turned your DS that first time. Thanks for not running me over in the tight stuff! See ya at the dunes again soon. Be good!
