Thanks to John Runne for letting me take 'many laps' with the 20ci Sidewinder probationary engine on friday (test day) at Wilson, NC ...........as the current SORC Commissioner from Region 4 i wanted to test drive the motor.
I am on Record as not being a advocate for the engine in the 20ssh class since i believe the Yamato 302 which is currently available should be the motor of choice in the class but since i was outvoted at the National Meeting we need to now focus on moving the Sidewinder forward.
I was very happy with the performance and 'ride'. The rig felt like a 'big boat' ride and handled the choppy water very well. The engine never missed a beat and although it has a narrow power band it was showing speeds within 1/2 mph of my 20ssh Yamato! Johnny built a new boat for the engine which seems to be a cross between a BSH hull and a CSH hull. He has done very little prop work and the engine appears to be basically box stock. Several other drivers including Earl the Pearl Desiato and Paul Price went out and ran tons of laps with it and it held up fine!
Anyway, i thought it appropriate to post my thoughts. Thanks to John for allowing us all to test out the motor. This type of public testing i think is important to help the Sidewinder program stay in the spotlight and to allow the decision makers a opportunity to get some hands on experience with the new engine. It is a nice ride...........
Matt D'Agostino
Region 4 SORC Commissioner
I am on Record as not being a advocate for the engine in the 20ssh class since i believe the Yamato 302 which is currently available should be the motor of choice in the class but since i was outvoted at the National Meeting we need to now focus on moving the Sidewinder forward.
I was very happy with the performance and 'ride'. The rig felt like a 'big boat' ride and handled the choppy water very well. The engine never missed a beat and although it has a narrow power band it was showing speeds within 1/2 mph of my 20ssh Yamato! Johnny built a new boat for the engine which seems to be a cross between a BSH hull and a CSH hull. He has done very little prop work and the engine appears to be basically box stock. Several other drivers including Earl the Pearl Desiato and Paul Price went out and ran tons of laps with it and it held up fine!
Anyway, i thought it appropriate to post my thoughts. Thanks to John for allowing us all to test out the motor. This type of public testing i think is important to help the Sidewinder program stay in the spotlight and to allow the decision makers a opportunity to get some hands on experience with the new engine. It is a nice ride...........
Matt D'Agostino
Region 4 SORC Commissioner
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