Update chaps!

I've just pulled the trigger on a set of Mahle motorsport big end bearings for Monty.

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Mahle motorsport bearings are...

* Tri-metal (steel + copper/lead + overlay)

* Designed for high load + high RPM environments

The standard Ford aluminium bearings are fine for the mains, but now Monty can rev to 8,000rpm aluminium bearings on the big ends are not going to cut it.


And obviously, with the caps being cracked now to fit the main bearing upgrade, it makes sense to button the bottom end back up with a set ARP rod bolts, these to match the ARP head bolts being used.

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* Made from ARP2000 alloy steel

* Around 220,000 psi tensile strength

* Up to ~20× better fatigue resistance than standard bolts

I continue with my plan to limit the engine to 7,500rpm, the above are there for additional peace of mind thumbs

I've also now consulted James at M2R Motorsport on my cam timing theory, he 100% agreed in principle but recommend a less agressive aproach:

1. Retard the exhaust cam by only 1 degree to recover some of the idle quality by effectively moving the onset of valve overlap above our new and very slightly lifted target idle speed of 1,000rpm. This small 1 degree change over the Newman cam timing figures will also improve urban drivability at the lower engine speeds used during town driving

2. Advance the inlet cam also by just 1 degree from Newman's recommended number, this is to give Monty even more mid-range punch but allow the engine to still keep making power ot to 7,500rpm. I neither need or want to go to the 8,000rpm potential, so let's dial it back a fraction to trade ultimate engine speed and horsepower for more mid range torque.

Dave.