Sidewinders

[dwilderacer]

Maybe at Francis

Might not get time to test it, but I'll try to have the OMC at least.

[Graham 18ce]

Restriction of Speed

So,
just on the comment of speed restriction.
I like the idea that the speed is intended to stay about where it is...

But how easy is it to check the timing at a local race if that is the speed limiter. Having not actually looked at one up close, not sure if this an easy check or not, but sounds like something that can be adjusted to suit the race weekend and get an extra mile an hour to win the week by week points and run legal at the Nationals and Divisionals.

[MGallagher]

The designer of the motor is usually the chief inspector at all Stock Outboard National Championships, so I am sure he made it easy to check.

[csh2z]

The motor was designed so that a stop can be installed to limit advancing the timing.

[blueskyracer]

The motor was designed so that a stop can be installed to limit advancing the timing.

This motor really sounds like a lot of thought was put into the design by folks that actually raced. One of these days I would like to see one and watch it run

[csh2z]

It's inspector friendly too! It was designed by one of our top inspectors.

[Gunjumper]

Inspection...

It can be torn down to pistons with 3 wrenches! Hows that for simplicity?!

[14-H]

New Versus Old

Every engine that has been brought into an existing class in the Stock Category in the last 30 years has been slower than the old engine it was introduced to replace. With only a couple of exceptions, the new engine eventually outpaced the old. In case you don't know it, I have always supported new equipment and continue to do so. Our sport will never survive if new equipment is not readily available.

The Sidewinder is the wave of the future. While I might have some disagreements with how its introduction has taken place, I definitely believe that these engines must be the engines of choice in a few years. The AXS classes are a good model. The Merc was eventually brought in, later became competitive and then, due to availability and competitiveness, it became the engine of choice. The same thing happened in the C classes although the transition took way too long. This transition is exactly what should happen in the Sidewinder classes.

The only departure I have with the current SORC administration is that I would NEVER eliminate old engines. First, there is no reason to do so when old, faster engines can simply be slowed down. That is what happened in AXS and C Stock and it is what should eventually happen in every Stock class that has a new engine. Second, availability of inexpensive engines is very important to keeping a class alive. Right now, there are very few Sidewinders and they all cost $4500.00. In a few years, there will be used engines and the entry-level price will drop. In the mean time, the old equipment needs to be available and inexpensive. Eventually, it must go. But not by elimination by rules. Rather, the old equipment should be eliminated by choice.

Eddie.

[Mrs blueskyracer]

Well said Eddie, well said.

[sponsonhead]

Every engine that has been brought into an existing class in the Stock Category in the last 30 years has been slower than the old engine it was introduced to replace.

Not to be nit-picky (ok, maybe), but what about the 25XS? It was waaay faster than the 25SS.

R-19

[Gunjumper]

Two points...

For the record, Racing Outboards has nothing to do with the phasing out of old motors, they are simply producing a motor that will run competitivly in all participating classes. The elimination of 'old' motors is by our governing body, and/or atrition, not Sidewinder/Racing Outboards.

And second, I agree Ed. Why put perfectly good engines on the chopping block? We need cheaper used equipment for rookies and to make existing equipment illegal in economic times like these is going to put a bad taste in everyones mouth. Forcing people to purchase the Sidewinder will hurt all involved, we will lose members and Racing Outboards themselves will lose prospective buyers. Why can't we leave all engines as they are, and just introduce the Sidewinder to each class. Eventually, they will start to really do well and you can decide to purchase one when your equipment is in need of parts or you want to run better, either way in your own time not by Nov. x, 20xx, a date set by APBA. GL

[blueskyracer]

For the record, Racing Outboards has nothing to do with the phasing out of old motors, they are simply producing a motor that will run competitivly in all participating classes. The elimination of 'old' motors is by our governing body, and/or atrition, not Sidewinder/Racing Outboards.

And second, I agree Ed. Why put perfectly good engines on the chopping block? We need cheaper used equipment for rookies and to make existing equipment illegal in economic times like these is going to put a bad taste in everyones mouth. Forcing people to purchase the Sidewinder will hurt all involved, we will lose members and Racing Outboards themselves will lose prospective buyers. Why can't we leave all engines as they are, and just introduce the Sidewinder to each class. Eventually, they will start to really do well and you can decide to purchase one when your equipment is in need of parts or you want to run better, either way in your own time not by Nov. x, 20xx, a date set by APBA. GL

These last two posts hit right on the head. Now we are getting somewhere.

[steve smith 150m]

Ed and Greg are both right and have said what most of us feel. I'm sure the Sidewinder will be the dominant engine in many classes soon, and after a few years when they are available used, most racers in those classes will have one. Boats will be purpose built to take advantage of the Sidewinder and all will be good. I just want us all to urge the current commission to use a little common sense, allow a little more time, and let true competition dictate when change takes place. The true test will be when a Sidewinder crosses the finish line first both days at the Marathon Nationals. Charlie would like to test a 20ci. on his 25ssr boat and put 100-200 miles on it in an afternoon.

[laddies]

When I asked this question about the Sidewinders the question was were were they at the Marathon Nationals. I had presumed that there would be a couple to at least look at and when none were to be found, I asked a couple Hod Rod guys and it was evident that there were bad feeling with the much touted replacement to their engines but I didn't realize it would start this discussion. So were were they, are they not fit to run the 44 miles, are there not any for display or is this area just not important enough to bring them too? Thease were some of the reasons I was told.

[Andrew 4CE]

I think it is unrealistic to have these motors on display at all races given the size of the sport and company... and even though TopO is a "Nationals" it's really is just a wicked cool cult race. Why wouldn't this motor survive the race? By all accounts it sounds like it is better than the hot rod. I've never heard of one failing yet and I'm sure they tested it for hundred of laps/miles during development.

By that I mean no disrespect to anyone in the race or that has won it... just that there are likely larger events to show the motor off at. I had the most fun racing in my life there... I hope to make it back again some time.