[CJSREDPRA]

Seamus Epp & Jamie Bergen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Are the 2 of you paying attention???????? Payment deadline is in about 2 weeks!!!!!

BTW Jamie, my Redpra WON'T be mesquito fogging the PacNW group this year, the car is currently in the shop getting the valve stem seals replaced, along w/ a few other things that needed to be done.

I'm hoping that many of you MKII & MKI owners that are up here in the PacNW can come to this event & participate (the MKII will be there for sure, not sure if the MKI is coming). The Noon parade lap alone is worth it.

If any of you don't want to use Paypal & would rather send Vinnie a check for the $35 entry fee, PM me, I have his mailing address in Beaverton, OR.

 

[CJSREDPRA]

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Aw don't worry, we'll just tell everyone that your car is a work in progress!!! Josh Rapier came last year!!!! Sure, his car needs a repaint, and I make fun of his "Blue Door" (shhhhhhhh.......), but it's all good!!!

Heh, don't worry. mine's not a trailer queen either... It just looks nice, but at least this year, I won't be mesquito fogging the group during the parade lap..... Heh, we can just bug Don Culbertson about his trailer queen (well, he won't be trailering his to Portland, but the plan is to trailer it to Vegas this year).

Glad to see that we have at "least" 5 MKII's coming. Myself, Don, Shawn Pease, yourself, and "hopefully" Seamus Epp (Suprafiend) will bring his SDR 85 as well,

Now if I can just get my temp guage to stay stable, then I can bring the Silver Slug as well, but then I need someone to drive it down for me.. :?

LOL!!!! Yeah, you're wife is in for a surprise when she finds out that we'll be there till Sunday as well.... Hopefully she won't be tossing her cookies after we're done driving like maniacs during the Noon parade lap.. :shock:

 

[CJSREDPRA]

Shawn,

Don't think it's the injectors. Ran the Toyota injector cleaner in the tank after I got it back from you in October & the car runs better (in fact, NOW it goes into fast idle, where it never did before). I just got done running a bottle of the Redline FI cleaner through the tank & everything is fine.

Don't think it's a BHG or cracked head... Not loosing any coolant, the anti-freeze color is still red, and the color of the oil is still fine (it's sort of dark/black, but that's because it's ready for a oil change), it's not looking like a chocolate milkshake. The overflow tank is not puking coolant after motor shutoff.

The head retorque Don did should have prevented a BHG, for now.

At this point, I'm going to swap out the thermostat (it probably got fubar'd when it got a bit warm when you drove it back down at the end of July after it's first visit, thus it's doing some subtle opening & closing), and I'm also going to change out the temperature guage sending unit. The temp guage needle is doing some very SUBTLE moving around, but everything is still within the normal operating range. Has not gotten close to the red mark yet

 

[CJSREDPRA]

Carfreek,

Yep, the Slug did have a minor coolant leak & that has now been fixed. The connection was loose on the upper heater hose, where it connects to the heater VSV. The original hose clamp that was on there would not maintain tension, thus the clamp would stretch when I would tighten it. Got another hose clamp (one of those threaded adjustable ones) & the connection is now nice & tight. So no more leak there.

 

[CJSREDPRA]

Josh & Leslie will like this one!!!!!!!!!

AND,.... This year, I won't be looking at the tailights of Jamie Bergen's 84 6M on both days !!!!! Yep, she can't make it this year!!!! I'll just be staring at someone else's tailights instead, during the parade lap!!!! Hopefully, I won't be looking at someone's MKIV, as they accelerate away on the backstretch :?

******REMINDER******

Payment deadline for this year's Baxters gathering is coming up VERY FAST!!!! Vinnie needs everyones $$$$$$$ IN HIS HANDS BY THIS SUNDAY, MAY 11TH!!!!!!!!! Vinnie will probably be turning the $$$$$ to Campbell Productions on Monday.

 

[CJSREDPRA]

Grrrrrr.....

Forgot about that damn box of rice from last year :bad-word: :grab:

Won't have that to worry about this year.... WOOHOO!!!!! And Leslie Grover & Dave Anders won't be there either to instigate her as well. :shock:

Now, I just have to remember about bringing that 50 lb bag of Niko Niko japanese grain next year, so that I can put it on top of Jamie's hood.... Or I can hide it in her trunk somewhere... 8) :lol:

 

[CJSREDPRA]

Baxters Historical Races Registration is now CLOSED!!

All,

Unless Vinnie gets a few more Checks or Money Orders that were postmarked before 5/11, registration for this even is now closed. Looks like we did VERY well & attendance is going to kick ass!!!!!!

---------------------------

Fellow Baxter Historic Attendees,

I AM PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT WE HAVE REACHED THE MAGIC NUMBER (32), THIS WILL BE THE BIGGEST SHOWING EVER!!

THANKS TO ALL THE GUYS & GALS WHO STEPPED UP TO HELP MAKE THIS EVENT A SUCCSESS!!

THE LATEST MEMBERS TO JOIN THE PACNW SUPRAS AT THE HISTORIC RACES WILL BE:

32. Ophir Ronin (Seattle, Washington) *First time to the Historics*


* STEP UP PEOPLE, WE ARE RUNNING OUT OF TIME !! I WILL *NOT* BE MAKING ANY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE NOT PAID BY THE DUE DATE !! IF YOU SNOOZE ON THESE DATES U LOSE *

Attendees as of 5/8/2003

1. Vinnie Reed (Coordinator)
2. Joe Schesso (Horsepower Freaks)
3. Brad Mangum (Corvallis Or)
4. Keith Hart (PacNW Coordinator)
5. Chris Eng (Asst PacNW Coordinator)
6. Brandon W ( Eugene Or)
7. Jim Edwards Jr. (Portland Or.)
8. Steve Olmstead (Seattle Wa.) First Confirmed Wa. Member
9. Don Culnertson Jr. (Marysville, Wa.) NIX 99
10. Chris W *Quick(Sammamish Wa.)
11. John Waldeck (Issaquah, Wa)
12. Jim Edwards Sr. (Old Dawg) Baxters 2000 Best of Coral Winner
13. Mark Payne (Milwaukee Or.)
14. Jake & Glen Groseclos (South Eugene Or.)
15.Tim Swearingen (Sexual Panda) Portland Or.
16. JoJo Pagulayan (Green Ghost) Vancouver Wa.
17. Dominic Quinn (Eugene Or.) *New Supra Owner
18. Shawn Pease (Everett Wa.)
19. Jerry Shotsky (Portland Oregon)
20. Jack Chuang (Hillsboro Oregon)
21. Christopher Lee (Corvallis, Oregon)
22. Seamus Epp (Burnaby, Canada)
23. Lori & Michael Peterson (Auburn Wa.)
24. John M. Pearce (West Linn Oregon)
25. Chris Jensen (Seattle, Washington)
26. Bill Phillips (Snohomish Wa.)
27. Todd Retzlaff ( Everett Wa.)
28. Greg J. Wellnitz (Warren, Oregon)
29. Danilo Reyes (Forest Grove, Oregon)
30. David Engel (Bothel, Washington) **WE DID IT PEOPLE !!*
31. Larry Bates (Vancouver, Washington)
32. Ophir Ronin (Seattle, Washington) *First time to the Historics*

-------------------------

If I'm looking at my numbers correctly, I'm counting 7 MKII's, and 2 (and "possibly" 3) of them are 7MGTE conversions (Don Culbertson & Ophir Ronen, and "MAYBE" Bill Phillips, if he can get his conversion done in time, otherwise, hopefully he'll still be able to make it w/ his 6M).

Thanks to those of you from the PacNW AND the CS.Forums for participating this year 8) I'm looking forward to seeing you guys in July.

 

[CJSREDPRA]

Shawn,

Looks like it's going to be 8 MKII's.

Replace # 3. with Mark Payne (CRF_Rider)

Jake & Glen Groseclos are the Father/Son gang that has a White 89T MKIII, & they installed a T78 onto their 7MGTE. They came to the Centralia Meet. Damn thing was HUGE on a 7M!!! I'm so used to seeing T78's on a 2JZ. :?

Yep, the last I heard, Seamus is not bringing his 85 Redpra, he's coming down w/ Duane Stephens & his MKIII Turbo that has the Carbon Fiber hood up in Vancouver.

I'm going to post a copy of Vinnie's Master List here, w/ descriptions of what everybody will be driving, shortly.

 

[CJSREDPRA]

Master List of who is bringing what.

Shawn & anyone else interested.

This is Vinnie's Master List that I edited, that will show who will be bringing what to this years Baxters meet. It's as follows:

1. Vinnie Reed (Coordinator) (MKIII)
2. Joe Schesso (Horsepower Freaks) (MKIII)
3. Brad Mangum (Corvallis Or) (MKIV)
4. Keith Hart (PacNW Coordinator) (MKIII)
5. Chris Eng (Asst PacNW Coordinator) (MKII, still don't know if MKI is coming).
6. Brandon W ( Eugene Or) (MKIII)
7. Jim Edwards Jr. (Portland Or.) (MKIV, don't know if it's the Red daily driver, or the Black Beast, or BOTH??)
8. Steve Olmstead (Seattle Wa.) First Confirmed Wa. Member (????)
9. Don Culbertson Jr. (Marysville, Wa.) NIX 99 (MKII)
10. Chris Wick (Quick. Sammamish Wa.) (MKIV)
11. John Waldeck (Issaquah, Wa) (MKIII)
12. Jim Edwards Sr. (Old Dawg) Baxters 2000 Best of Coral Winner (MKIV)
13. Mark Payne (Milwaukee Or.) (MKII)
14. Jake & Glen Groseclos (South Eugene Or.) (MKIII)
15.Tim Swearingen (Sexual Panda) Portland Or. (MKIV)
16. JoJo Pagulayan (Green Ghost) Vancouver Wa. (MKIV, IF the Green Ghost is ready)
17. Dominic Quinn (Eugene Or.) *New Supra Owner (MKIII)
18. Shawn Pease (Everett Wa.) (MKII)
19. Jerry Shotsky (Portland Oregon) (????)
20. Jack Chuang (Hillsboro Oregon) (MKIII)
21. Christopher Lee (Corvallis, Oregon) (????)
22. Seamus Epp (Burnaby, Canada) (MKII, UNLESS he's coming w/ Duane Stephens in his MKIII)
23. Lori & Michael Peterson (Auburn Wa.) (MKII)
24. John M. Pearce (West Linn Oregon) (????)
25. Chris Jensen (Seattle, Washington) (MKIII)
26. Bill Phillips (Snohomish Wa.) (MKII)
27. Todd Retzlaff ( Everett Wa.) (????)
28. Greg J. Wellnitz (Warren, Oregon) (MKII)
29. Danilo Reyes (Forest Grove, Oregon) (MKIII)
30. David Engel (Bothel, Washington) **WE DID IT PEOPLE !!* (MKIV)
31. Larry Bates (Vancouver, Washington) (MKIII NA - T)
32. Ophir Ronin (Seattle, Washington) *First time to the Historics* (MKII)

WHOOPS, better make that 9 MKII's if you also include Greg Wellnitz, but it will drop to 8 if Seamus comes in Duane's MKIII).

For those w/ "????"'s at the end, those are the ones I'm not sure about.

 

[CJSREDPRA]

Baxters Historical Races URL.

For those that are looking for information about the Baxters Historical meet ITSELF, information can be found at the below URL:

http://www.portlandhistorics.com/

I "BELIEVE" they have hotel information listed as well. FOR THOSE THAT ARE COMING FROM LONG DISTANCE'S, BOOK YOUR HOTEL NOW!!!!! The MAJORITY of the hotels that are within 3 miles of Portland International Raceway WILL be booked up for that weekend (hey, 30 - 50 other clubs are participating), so don't procrastinate on this!!!! Your other options are to book a hotel in Vancouver, WA, rather than on the PIR side in OR.

(Heehee, I'm staying @ Keith Hart's place that weekend....). 8) :shock:

 

[CJSREDPRA]

Baxters Meet in 3 weeks. Latest Meet Information.

All,

For those that will be attending the Baxters Historical Races in 3 weeks, this is the latest from Vinnie Reed, who is our Meet Coordinator. Please read all!!!! Any RSVP's that you need to send, PLEASE send them directly to Vinnie at [email protected]. Be aware that the Saturday evening activites are OPEN to those who are not participating in the PacNW Corral activity that is taking place during the day. Just make sure to RSVP Vinnie.

------------------------

Ok PacNW Members Here is the latest info...

We (I) have just received the tickets, so we are just that much closer to the largest showing of Supras yet for the Historic Races event in history!

These are the Event Plans:

Friday:
There will be a "Official PacNW Supras Only Car Wash" This will be held at the Beaverton Car Wash on Canyon Road & Hall Blvd in Beaverton. This is a special "Supra Only" event, do to the fact that the facilities will close to the public at 5:30pm and prepare for us at 6:00pm. This way we can get our cars nice and cleaned up before the Historics on Saturday. For those who don't with to use the drive thru car wash they will have vacuum and wheel cleaning available, all at a reduced rate. * *YOU WILL HAVE TO RSVP FOR THIS * *

Sat Morning July 12th:
Meet at Jantzen Beach (Portland Oregon) BJ's /McDonalds parking lot at 9:00 am, We will be headed into PIR at 9:30 AM sharp.

I have also arranged for a Photographer to be available for group and individual car pics just for the PACNW Supras at the Historic Races!

Sat Evening July 12th: There will be a BBQ at my House starting around 5:30PM. All are invited
**YOU WILL HAVE TO RSVP FOR THE BBQ ** send me an e-mail letting me know if you plan on attending the BBQ, even if your not going to the Historics, ALL PacNW MEMBERS ARE INVITED!!

**On the menu: Baby Back Ribs, Chicken, Potato Salad, Baked Beans, soft drinks, and the first time ever PacNW Supra's Cake.**

**Any alcoholic beverages you wish to have will be provided by you (BYOB)**

To cover Food , Paper Plates, and Non-Alcoholic beverage cost, there will be a charge of per person of $10. This cost will also pay for the cooks here doing the preparation for us. TK's the official "After the Historics" feeding place will be here to prep all the food Thurs & Friday but will not be attending the BBQ on Sat. (We are looking for a 20 person minimum to make this happen).

**YOU WILL HAVE TO RSVP FOR THE BBQ OR IT WILL BE CANCELED**

Roughly between 9-9:30 we will be headed over to Starbucks, for a PacNW Supras Invades the Ricers Hangout. Be Prepared for a lot of REALLY dumb questions. This is a fun outing, it's like a late night car show for dummies

Sunday For day two of the Historics, again we will meet at Jantzen Beach (Portland Oregon) BJ's /McDonalds parking lot at 9:00 am, We will be headed into PIR at 9:30 AM sharp.

The Historics event ending is Sunday at 4:00pm...

Any Questions, R.S.V.P's, or request... Send them to me directly


Vinnie
PacNw Historic's Coordinator Extraordinaire

 

[CJSREDPRA]

Saturday/Sunday AM meeting location @ Jantzen Beach.

For those who are new to this event & are also coming in from out of town, THESE are the directions on how to get to BJ's Restaurant, which is @ Jantzen Beach on Hayden Island, which is at the last exit before you cross the Columbia River into Washington. We will be meeting here @ 9:00 AM & leaving for Portland International Raceway at around 9:30 AM.

You WILL NEED to come here to pickup your participants "packet" which will include your tickets to get into PIR. PLEASE BE ON TIME!!! We will be leaving BJ's just a little after 9:30 & will be heading to PIR. We need to BE IN PLACE in our Corral by 10:00 AM!!!!! If you are going to be late & need to make other arrangements, please email Vinnie (see previous post).

-----------------

Saturday July 12 we will be meeting at 9:00am at the BJs parking lot on Jantzen
Beach (Hayden Island) - the island between Oregon and Washington.

Directions from I-5 Northbound:
Take the Jantzen Beach exit - the last one before hitting the big green bridge
to Washington.
Stay in the right hand lane.
Turn right onto the road in front of Safeway.
Follow this road around Safeway, Waddles, and under the highway.
When you come out the other side you will see a Chang's Mongolian Grill... Keep
going.
You will soon see the BJs and the McDonnalds on your right. We will meet in
there.

Directions from I-5 Southbound:
Take the Jantzen Beach exit - the first one after the big green bridge to
Oregon.
Turn left at the light at the bottom of the offramp.
Turn left just past the gas station into the BJs and McDonnalds parking lot.

--------------

Looking forward to seeing everyone there in a few weeks!!!!

 

[CJSREDPRA]

Mark,

If you can, have your passenger run the video cam during the parade lap. I'll probably be doing the same, but I'll have mine strapped to the tripod & will be held in place w/ the rear seatbelts... Hopefully w/ that arrangement, the camera won't fall over. :shock: This should be interesting, usually I have the tripod strapped to the passenger seat. Don't think my gf will want to hold the camera.

 

[CJSREDPRA]

Redpra NOT coming to Baxters this year!!!!

The subject line says it all..... GGGGGRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR.....

Saturday night, was driving home from Redmond on West 520. Was going up the big hill & approaching the 51st street exit (the exit for Microsoft). Happened to glance down @ the guages & noticed that the temp guage was zooming over to the red. Was able to pull over to the shoulder & noticed that the motor was idling a bit rough..... Uh oh..... Shut the motor off & 2 seconds later, this big white cloud of smoke or steam came from the exhaust...... SHIIIIIITTTTTT......

The good news is that prior in the day, both myself & my GF had to do seperate errands & we met up later for dinner, so she was following me & noticed that I pulled over. I asked to borrow her large flashlight & I popped the hood. Radiator was empty, the overflow tank no longer had green antifreeze in it, it had turned clear like water, AND the cap for the radiator overflow tank had blown itself off of the tank & coolant was all over parts of the engine compartment in that area. Could not believe that the system had pressurized itself that much. Called AAA & had it towed to my mechanic in Ballard (north central Seattle)...

My mechanic won't get to it until tomorrow, but at this point, I'm 99% sure the the HG finally decided to let go.. Oh well... 278K miles, I was wondering "when" at this point.

So.... The Redpra will be in hibernation for awhile, while it's being fixed. At this point, I'm now about 80 - 85% sure that the Silver Slug will be making the trip to Baxters in it's place. Won't exactly be able to do a "hot" parade lap this year (handling in the MKI vs the MKII is not the same, esp when the MKI has a inherent understeer problem that the magazine back in the day complained about), but at this point, I'm pretty sure that I will still be there. "Hopefully" the car will be done by the time Don Lew comes up for the Bremerton AutoX at the end of July & I'm sure that the Redpra will be ready in time for Vegas.

Such a fun evening.... :shock:

 

[CJSREDPRA]

Yep, I'm thinking about that possibility as well.

At this point, all I can do is wait & see what Dave (my mech) finds when he tears into the motor.

 

[CJSREDPRA]

All,

Mike, when the valve stem seals were done, the head was not pulled off, just both of the cam towers. The head stayed on the block. Yeah, if I can get "REALLY" lucky, the car "might" be ready by the end of next week & I'll bring the Redpra down, but if anything, it will be ready by the end of the month when Don Lew comes up here for the Bremerton AutoX & it SHOULD be done, by the time the PacNW Nationals comes in August (where I plan on bringing both Supra's). So hopefully, you'll finally get to see the Redpra at 1 of those other 2 events. Maybe a 3rd event, if you plan to come to Vegas.

Senor Wick. Just before I shut the motor off, I could feel the motor having a slightly rough idle to it. My mechanic said that it was a good idea that I shut the motor off right away, because basically 1 of the cylinders was "hydraulic'ing" (ie: coolant was going into 1 of the cylinders). So in this case, the choice was to either circulate coolant, or have a bent rod. Having a bent rod (and having it possibly exit the block) didn't sound like fun, so it sounds like I made the right choice.

Pretty sure it was not a external coolant leak. I've had 2 water pumps & 2 radiator's go & it's a slow & gradual process. And I would notice a gradual change in the temp guage. The temp guage was normal through out the day, then when it happened, it was pretty sudden & abrupt.

Don't think it was the radiator cap either... This was a new Toyota cap that was installed last year. Pretty rare that these things crap out within a year & when they do (usually after 5 years), the overflow tank is puking coolant after I shut it off. This is the first time I've heard of a overflow tank cap blow off!!! Even Keith Hart was surprised...

Senor Anders: Nope it was not the suicide hose under the intake plenium. Had that replaced within the last 2 years, so it should have been fine. All of the coolant that spewed out, came from the overflow tank, when the cap for the tank blew off.

P.S. Yes, I usually tend to bring my own food & avoid the overpriced PIR food. However, if I'm in a good mood for something decent, the Baxter's Wine & Cheese Tent has some EXCELLENT munchies (and Dove Bars), that I can scarf on... :0) It's worth the $12 to avoid the greasy overpriced PIR grub.

Seamus: At this point, it will depend on where the HG decided to let go. If it was in the middle of the block (like around 3 - 4 cyl) then the head might be warped beyond spec. If it was at the end (like around 5 - 6 cyl or 1 -2 cyl) then the head "might" be saved & it can be machined/decked. Then it will depend on how busy the machinist is & how backlogged he is (my mechanic outsources things like this). My mechanic said that both cams were still spinning around, so the head should'nt be too warped (crossing my fingers).

At this point, there is a 10% chance the Redpra will make it to Baxter's but I'm not holding my breath. Right now, I'll plan on bringing the Silver Slug & I'll go in the back of the pack when we do our parade lap... Right now, I feel VERY relieved that the Redpra is in good hands w/ my trusted mechanic that I've been going to for the last 18 years (he specializes in Japanese imports) and that I'll eventually get my baby back!!!! On the other hand, the Silver Slug is feeling quite happy, because she now get's to park in my carport space for the time being..
So now I have a nice covered place to finish getting it cleaned up for next week.

As I've always said throughout the past, the 5MGE is definitely one of the most RELIABLE motors when it comes to BHG's (compared to the 5ME & the 7M motors, where BHG's are more frequent), and to have a OE gasket last for 18 1/2 years & 278K miles, this to me is really impressive!!! (as that "Oh What a Feeling" jingle is ringing in my head....) :shock:

Hopefully tomorrow, I will have a update. I also plan on going back to my mechanic & hopefully getting some pics of the HG.

BTW!!!!!! The answer is NO!! I don't plan on using this opportunity as a excuse for a 7M upgrade.... For those of you who were thinking of it...

 

[CJSREDPRA]

LOL!!!!!

Yeah right...... Don't get me started on that subject Mr. Wick!!!! Don Culbertson gives me enough grief as it is about doing a conversion!!!!!

ANYWHO........ The verdict is in!!!!!

Somehow today, I was able to time it just right, that I paid a visit to my mechanic just when he was ready to pull the head off...

In a nutshell, it appears that it was a "normal/typical" BHG. The water jackets on numbers 5 + 6 cyl's finally gave up. AND........ Numbers 1 + 2 were on their way out, but they didn't let go. Cyl's 3 + 4 were still intact. Cyl's 5 + 6 were wet inside w/ coolant and the cylinder ring (on the gasket) for #6 was pushed in. All of gasket & ring material that is BETWEEN all of the cylinders were intact, this was just the water jacket pieces that crapped out.

Both my mechanic Dave & his partner Pat agreed that I'm VERY VERY VERY lucky that the HG managed to last this long!!! Then again, THIS is the only 5MGE that they've worked on, that is close to pushing 300K miles (and they are the only ones that have worked on the car since I've owned it for the last 12 1/2 years). For them, this is definitely WAY above normal... Most motor's don't even make it this far, & they have seen their share of Supra's & Cressida's pass through the shop over the years.

The head is being sent to the machinist on Weds. A full Toyota gasket kit has already been ordered & is being sent to the machinist.

At this point, the head is going to get cleaned up & the surface is going to get decked so that it's flat again. Also, we've decided to have the machinist go ahead & do a overall cursory inspection on the entire head assembly to check for general wear & tear on everything. This is not based on the BHG, but on the fact that the head has 278K miles, so we're interested to see how much wear has occurred & if anything needs to be replaced. I had a discussion w/ my mechanic about the possibilities of a light P&P + a 3 angle grind, and I was basing my decision on doing this on any possible gains from it, $$$$$$$, and downtime needed. Since my mechanic indicated that there is a VERY EXCELLENT chance that the car will be ready in time for me to drive it to Baxters & that a better time to do this is when I finally get around to rebuilding this motor (when the results would be more beneficial), we decided to pass on doing this & concentrate more on what "possibly" needs to be replaced, due to the 278K high miles. Given the choice, I would rather like to drive the Redpra to Baxters, than the Silver Slug. So that's the goal that we're going for right now.

I did take pictures of the motor w/ the head off, but I forgot to take pics of the bottom of the head. I have the BHG in my possession, & I'll probably bring this w/ me to Baxters if anyone is interested.

Both the head & the piston tops have quite a bit of carbon build up on them & there is probably quite a bit behind the valve's as well. This is what happens when your valve stem seals don't get changed for 140K miles & you're burning oil for the last ~40K or so.

I have a pretty light shopping list for tomorrow when I go & visit Toyota. Toyota Red Antifreeze, Thermostat, the 2-piece lower heater hose (this has never been replaced), and the hidden lower intake hose (aka the suicide hose, we noticed that this hose felt pretty soft & it was sort of flopping around, despite the fact that it's been replaced within the last 2 years. We think the heat may have damaged the hose). And oil & filter (which I have already).

At this point, there is now a 60/40 chance that the Redpra might make it to Baxters after all this year!!!! YAY!!!! Will see what happens!!!!

 

[CJSREDPRA]

LOL!!!!!

I'm still going to pass on the porting for now. When it's time for rebuilding this motor, then I will seriously consider it.

Bob. I "have" thought long & hard about the 7M conversion & what it will take & what I have to go through (Besides, Mr. Culbertson REMINDS me about it, everytime I see him)... The main problem at the moment is $$$$$$ I don't quite have the $5K+ to easily spend on it. Plus, after looking at all the little things that are done during the conversion & noticed that I will have to give up a few minor things (like functioning headlight washers), I'm still in the "I'll pass for now" stage. I've visited Shawn Pease's garage in Everett & have seen at least 4 - 5 conversions & I've asked questions along the way. The power is nice to have, but after thinking about it & looking at the total BIG picture, I've decided that I'm okay without it for now. I'm sure that I'll change my mind someday, but not at this moment. Thanks for asking tho!!! Am looking forward to actually racing this time in Vegas (now that you have a proper battery tie down & you'll pass Tech!!).

 

[CJSREDPRA]

Last minute things from Keith. For all the newbies coming to the meet, read below.

---------------------

WOOHOO! I can't believe it is finally almost here.

The weather looks spectacular so far. Bring your sunscreen. Saturday currently looks like 85 and mostly clear. Sunday cools down a bit as the clouds come in to draw the temperatures down to the 70s.

What to bring:
Sunscreen
folding chair
Cooler with food and drinks (be sure to check the what not to bring list) Camera Two Way Radios etc

What NOT to bring:
NO glass bottles
NO alcohol
NO BBQ
NO hondas (oops)

There is food and drinks available at the track if you don't want to cart your cooler out.

There will be plenty of cars to see (both Supra and non-Supra).

Thanks again to Vince for coordinating this event for our group. BTW: the MR2 guys pay $40 + PayPal fees to participate in this weekend... hmmmm... maybe I should try that next year. $5 * 33 = a free pass for Keith + $130. hmmmmmmmm.....

See a bunch of you guys this weekend.

KeithH
89T

-----------------------

As I had sort of previously mentioned, you can either bring in your own munchies, or buy PIR's expensive & greasy burgers/hot dogs/fries, or spend the $$$$$ & check out the Baxters Wine tasting tent & eat some REAL food. Up to you.

DEFINITELY bring your 2-way radio's with you (go to any electronics store & look for the Motorola FSR radio's, we will be on channel 38, code 14) so that you can hear what is going on w/ the group.

Just in case our corral is out in the open & away from the trees, Keith will be bringing a canopy to set up, if needed.

 

[CJSREDPRA]

Redpra status

Latest news on the MKII Redpra.

Heard back from my mechanic today, who had earlier heard from the machinist.

Head is going to get pressure tested to see if there are any cracks or leaks anywhere. If anything, it should be fine.

Unfortunately, due to the 278K miles, the valve guides are worn & need to be replaced.

I asked if the machinist will be able to squeeze in a possible port & polish on the head & he said, no, this is going to require at least another week of downtime. So I'm going to pass on this.

Any damage at this point from the BHG appears to be repairable, otherwise.

If things go well, my mechanic will get the head back on Thursday & will start reassembling the motor. Both my mechanic & the machinist know that I'm on a deadline for a car show event in Portland, so they will expidite this as quickly as possible. Hopefully I'll get the car back sometime on Friday & I'll be up late Friday night @ Keith's place trying to get the car cleaned up.

Will see what happens in the next few days. If all else fails, the Silver Slug is basically ready to take to Portland instead.