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4 Jul 2003, 12:43 (Ref:652104) | #1 | ||
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Lola-MG
One for the engineers...
It's pretty clear that the MG-Lola EX257 (or Lola-MG B01/60, in customer guise) is extremely quick but hobbled by unreliability. I've heard it said more than once that one of the problems is the enormous load being placed on a small, four-cylinder engine; so here's the thing. Would it be possible (and/or desirable) for a customer to run a Lola B01/60 with a larger, normally-aspirated six-cylinder powerplant? |
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4 Jul 2003, 12:54 (Ref:652173) | #2 | ||
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I don't think so, the chassis has probably only been designed for the lighter weight engine and is a little fragile....
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4 Jul 2003, 14:06 (Ref:652337) | #3 | ||
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I would think the all up weight of the AER engine and ancillaries would start to rival or maybe eclipse an atmo V6, which wouldn't have all the manifolding, intercoolers, turbos units, additional cooling capacity etc.
You would sacrifice power, but probably end up with with an easier to run package (I wouldn't want one of the JPX engines however. They seem to less reliable then the MG package!) I think you would have to totally reengineer from the bulkhead back, you would change aero and weight distribution. Buy a courage instead. |
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4 Jul 2003, 14:33 (Ref:652374) | #4 | ||
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Literally everything I have read about this Lola chassis indicates that the changes behind the driver would have to be extensive if the engine were changed...
Everything in that car's design had been tailored to fit around that powerplant and there is no room back there to go with another power option without revising it...a lot... |
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4 Jul 2003, 16:39 (Ref:652464) | #5 | |
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If the MG-Lola is raced for class wins, it has proved pretty reliable. When it is pushed to the limit lap after lap in the pursuit of overall wins, the cracks, and limitations of an LMP675 begin to show.
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4 Jul 2003, 18:21 (Ref:652584) | #6 | ||
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JAG, you are correct, the MG/Lola has gone well when not pushed beyond it's limits. Honestly, I think the Audi's would crumble if run the way the MG's were at Le Mans in 01 and 02.
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6 Jul 2003, 21:55 (Ref:654230) | #7 | ||
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Yeah JAG, you hit it right on. Intersport has had true success with that car because of the goal in mind. They had as much a shot as anybody else for the class win at Le Mans. The factory team and Dyson want the David and Goliath tale, but there is just not enough car. I think Dyson can pull one off by the end of the year. The next race is a twisty one, I think that's the knid of environment the little thing needs.
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8 Jul 2003, 16:39 (Ref:655983) | #8 | ||
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The fastest race lap for Infineon was set by Intersport in their Lola/Mg. This might be the best chance for that car to get an overall win.
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8 Jul 2003, 22:22 (Ref:656301) | #9 | |
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So what does Dyson do now? Winning the LMP light class is not what he signed up for.
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8 Jul 2003, 23:14 (Ref:656356) | #10 | ||
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Lets wait for a race or two before deciding that the Dyson effort is unsuccessful - Those guys have a habit of surprising us all from tome to time
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9 Jul 2003, 00:52 (Ref:656401) | #11 | ||
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Seeing as how they did what they did for as long as they did with the MkIIIa i really wouldn't be surprised to see them pop off a couple wins this season. I don't think it really matters what track either; Road America could be just as likely as Infineon. After all, the little Lolas were faster on the straightaway at Road Atlanta than the Audis (at least they were at PLM '02...I'm not sure about the Chevy Grand Prix) so they could pull an upset at any of the remaining tracks, in my opinion.
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9 Jul 2003, 06:26 (Ref:656512) | #12 | ||
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I watched a tape of the ALMS race in Atlanta last night and other than the restart problem in the pit the Weaver / Leitzinger car ran faultlessly and was challenging for the lead. They may be close to an overall win especially in the shorter races.
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9 Jul 2003, 07:36 (Ref:656563) | #13 | ||
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That's what I'm saying, shorter races. With all the seat time Chris Dyson has been getting, the #20 car has a great chance as well.
Danhx, I get what you're saying, and it's definately true, but I truly believe the power of the R8 will be too much for the Lola to contend with. They have proven to be fast straight liners, but look at the cost. What would do my heart even better, an Intersport overall win. The Audi can break (very rare), and we've seen lots of R8s spin out. If Intersport can get there to capitalize on something like this, the outside chance becomes definate reality. |
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