JagLite
New Reader
7/30/08 10:04 a.m.
The Bezerkeley is my favorite project car.
An affordable (sort of anyway) car with an excellent blend of super car (the engine) and classic style. Looking forward to a lot more information to learn from. I keep checking for updates but am usually disappointed.
I have my own GSXR 750 engine waiting…
Read the rest of the story
We've really gained momentum with Project Berzerkeley. It seems that getting the engine to fire last week inspired a flurry of additional activity this past weekend. We've heard that success leads to success, so we shouldn't have been surprised when Per and Tom got the beast in motion.
Now that the engine was running, we affixed a somewhat rough facsimile of an exhaust system to prevent the roadside grass at our double-top-secret test facility from erupting into flames. This will also protect our test crew from going deaf.
Before we tried to drive it, we gave the whole Berzerkeley a thorough preflight inspection--we wanted to ensure that we'd be able to stop and turn when we were underway. Once we had checked all of our vital fluids and reinstalled the seat, we felt we were ready to test the core of the vehicle in motion.
We only drove about a quarter of a mile, but it was a long enough distance for us to make a few important determinations.
Our GSX-R 750 engine is running well and seems to be happy in its new home. The gearbox is also working as advertised--while we didn't rev beyond 5000 rpm or so under a load, we did row through the gearbox without incident. Mechanical controls for the clutch, brakes and throttle all work well, but we're still not 100 percent sure about the steering. The suspension seems to be pretty compliant and controllable up to about 30 miles an hour in a straight line, so it won't be long before we're ready to expand the test envelope to include some real driving.
This update is useless without video!!
Is your double-top-secret test facility your neighborhood? ;-)
No, we had a house built inside the double-top-secret test facility, so it's no wonder you're confused. ;-) Video might be coming soon, as long as we remember to wear some appropriate safety gear...
Note the highly detailed backdrop/mural also in use at the Top Secret Test Facility.. all aimed at providing a real-world experience.
Screw the updates, I want a ride! This thing is freaking awesome. You are all my heroes.
yes, i have to add, need the video of this beast running and just how loud it is.....
I'll be honest to say that I didn't like your proyect at first but now is starting to look really good. I have 2 questions though; Why didn't you guys install the bigger 1,000 GSX-R or 1,300 'Busa engine ?? Looking at the chassis, it should handle the extra power. And also; Dou you know of a similar concept car but with the motorcycle engine at the rear ??? Thanks and keep the good work !!!
Tom
None
8/17/08 9:36 a.m.
Why did you build a diff when you could have used one for a Radical Sr3. It has reverse and it built by qufai.
Tom, that's a simple one—ours was cheaper. We're still working within a $2008 challenge budget. The Radical SR3 diff setup would immediately wreck our budget.
PHeller
PowerDork
10/2/08 6:58 p.m.
Are you guys gonna post any videos? I wanna hear this thing.