Rock Bug Weekday Update for December 15, 2008
December 15th2008
By Thom Kingston on 2008-12-15T12:17:34-07:00 | The Rock Bug
With the Scat’s oil pan out of the way (check out our blog Scat V4 Bling), we shifted focus back on exhaust. There is no question here we are breaking all the rules for exhaust design. When fabricating any exhaust, it is always recommended that you consult your engine builder for precise dimensions on tube sizes and lengths, all of which are critical for proper engine tuning. We didn’t ignore that rule up front and in working with our engine builder, Powerhouse Motorsports, we came up with an exhaust design that starts with four 1-7/8” ID tubes that are exactly 31” long before entering a 4 in 1 collector that ends with a single 3” OD tube. Theory is great, and we certainly don’t deny the important science behind engine tuning. Problem here is there is simply no room within the small & compact design of the Rock Bug to make this exhaust design work. So, our exhaust tube starts with four 1-7/8” OD tubes with varied lengths, leads into two 2-1/2” OD tubes with varied lengths, and ends with a single 3” OD tube. The science behind this final layout is simple, we fit what we could fit :-). We finished it off with Tracy’s recommendation for a Coast Fabrication muffler, which carries and impressive weight of 3.31 lbs.
We also had a chance to install the front King quadruple bypass shocks. Don’t read too much into the shock mounting hardware, the Grade 8 bolts here are only temporary and will be replaced soon. The final plan today was to pull the Scat out of the Rock Bug and build a small crate for shipping it to the engine builder. However, it is so cold in Colorado today that we will hold on this one until tomorrow.
