FJ engines used in race cars

[fjbiker84]

Some may not be aware of it but the FJ engine is used in a race car series that runs on high bank NASCAR tracks.  Pretty amazing what the FJ is capable of.  I recently ran across this engine builder who supports these racers.... there are probably others.

http://www.rrcperformanceengines.com

[FJmonkey]

Hank Scott is well known, we also have our own favorite Legends racer/builder and FJowner. check out Randy and his sons at www.rpmracingca.com. Plus there are also a few more legends racers here on this forum as well. It is quite a demonstration when they fit an FJ/XJ engine in a small car go at redline for 20 laps and the engine gets a little basic maintenance and is ready for another 20 laps.

[fjbiker84]

Oh, OK!  Those are the guys who advertise on the website.  Looked around the site - good stuff - and they have FJ parts that I may use in the future.  It's my understanding that this race series is based solely on the FJ engine.  The cars can't use anything else.  I wonder why they selected the FJ engine?  Even when it was first built it was outdated in comparison with other manufacturers who made water-cooled, high performance engines - Honda's V45 Sabre or Kawasaki's Ninja.  For that matter, Yamaha made the V-Max engine starting in 85 (I think) that surely would have had a greater ultimate capability when used in a race car.  Oh well, long-time owner, kinda new to the website, and still learning about the FJ's interesting place in motorcyling history.

[moparman70]

Fjbker84  -- any plans on attending the rally next week

[FJ_Hooligan]

They selected the FJ motor because it has plenty of power to overwhelm the spec tire that the series uses.  It is reliable, simple and it is NOT watercooled.  Thus no radiator to puncture or clean up on the track.  Back when I had some involvement with the series the top 5 would get their compression tested after every race.  Those that pumped more than stock were disqualified.  Some days we "passed" more people in the pits than on the track.  :-)

I remember reading about the series when it was first getting started.  There was a picture of a warehouse in Japan and it was filled floor to ceiling with FJ motors sitting on shipping pallets.  At the time the series had signed a deal that Yamaha would supply engines and parts for at least 20 years. 

[fjbiker84]

I first became aware of the race series while riding thru the Carolinas almost ten years ago - forget which town.  We had to stop at a bike shop in a town that had a NASCAR track to get a battery for one of the bikes in our group.  The bike shop owner talked about the series after seeing my FJ.

As for the rally?  Wasn't aware of it and probably shouldn't try at the moment but will try to attend one in the future.  The bike is ready but I'm recovering from minor surgery resulting from a colonoscopy.  Pretty sure the wife would blow a fuse.  Here's a maintenance tip for all those out there over 50 - get your exhaust systems checked out regularly!

[rlucas]

...recovering from minor surgery resulting from a colonoscopy.

Time to find a new doc...this one sounds kinda clumsy.

[fjbiker84]

No, the doctor is fine, head of the GI clinic at one of the largest hospitals in SoCal.  It's me.  I seem to grow these damn polyps that are more imbedded in the wall of the colon than normal and require metal clips to secure the colon back together.  Takes a little longer to recover.  Too much information?   

[Mark Olson]

sounds like they tore you a new one. 

reminds me of that joke :  rectum hell! nearly killed'em .   

just kidding , don't get all butt hurt. ..... 

alright , I'm done now .

gonna be my turn in July.

take care and heal well.