When I build a motor, I always use CP Pistons...period. The quality control and finish are second to none.

 

Stephen at ImagineAuto told me that they have a customer with a Stage IV (600hp) with 90,000 miles no issues at all...

 

Hamann7,

The engine's built and is in the car now, I'm just waiting for it to be shipped back to England now. I was planning on driving it back from Ruf, like normal, but it's snowing all over Europe, which doesn't mix well with a 600bhp+ GT2 on Corsas.......

Guy

 

One of the fairly recent Le Mans winners used Woosner (Germany) www.woessner-kolben.de that would be a good place to start. In addition, there is another custom manufacturer who is currently making a set for our motor right now. Will have them in about three more weeks and I'll tell you all about it.

 

Guy,

Is this Ruf's Nardo motor or is Ruf doing something different for you? I am also looking forward to your feedback.

 

cjv,

I have Ruf's Nardo motor in my car now. I wanted a complete package that was already developed and had been proven and tested for some time.

The motor was fully stripped and rebuilt and includes the titanium rods and many other 'bits'. They are already building motors with GT3 heads on as well, but I'll wait for that.........

Guy

 

Guy,

If you know anything about what was done and would care to share ......... that would be appreciated.

I'll tell you the GT3 heads run into a whole new can of worms that I can attest to. I'm not sure if I have found all the worms yet.

 

Chad,

Ruf are very secretive about what they do for each of their packages, they generally make far more changes to the engines for each package than their literature might suggest.

This is probably why they are considered expensive by some (who do not know what has actually been changed) and why they also seem to 'punch above their weight' considering the claimed power outputs.

All I know is that they have been playing around with GT3 heads and knowing Ruf, they'll get it too work and work properly.

Guy

 

Chad,

With all due respect, I would venture to guess that Ruf will get it right faster than you will. After all, I'm sure they have more resources and a more intimate relationship to the factory than you or S-Car-Go.

This is not meant as a swipe towards you or Rob, but rather a compliment for pioneering into new territory without much factory support!

From what I understand about the Nardo, its rated 590hp is to the wheels. I also am willing to bet it's more reliable over time than any other tuner's package. You get what you pay for.

 

Guy,

Looking forward to hearing your impressions. You definitely have one of the ultimate GT2's.

I don't think those pesky SL 65's or Murcielagos will be giving you much trouble at the airstrip or the track!

BTW, how do you like the Manthey suspension bits?

 

Thanks.

The Manthey bits were only fitted a week before it went to Ruf, all that was fitted was the front strut-tops that allow more castor at the front (though what that does I have no idea). Their track suspension settings were also done for the alignment. I had not tried it on a circuit (where it should excel), but it made the car very twitchy and nervous on the road.

It might be better for track-work, but I'm not sure I'm going to keep the full negative camber they've used, as for the street I'd rather have more straight-line stability and outright grip under acceleration/braking.

I drove in the wet (on an airfield) and just did not want to go over 170mph as it felt much more nervous than before.

I may have to use two different settings on the car, one for the track-days (with lots of negative camber) and one for road-use, with much less camber, but more stability and straight-line grip. That does mean two alignment jobs for each trackday though (before/after) which is a bore, but the reality is anything else is a compromise for either.

Guy

 

Tyson,

Everything is taken constructively. I'm sure Ruf would get it right faster. However, I don't believe Ruf has any interest in taking a motor in the direction we are going. I have seen a Ruf Nardo motor torn down. We are pretty much aware of what they have done. At least on this 2004 motor. You have to keep in mind we are building a motor that should have about 100% more power. After reading about the 9ff motor in Excellence, I was amazed at where we are by comparison. They are talking about things for their next motor that we have already implemented.

As for reliability, a 1200 hp motor will not be more reliable than a 600 hp motor. Especially given the displacements we are working with. Our motor has only approx. 600+ cc more displacement than the Nardo. I can assure you we have pulled every stop to make sure it is done right. Some parts have been re manufacturered three times. The thing I can't assure you is that it will work as anticipated. Oh well it has been interesting.

The more interesting part about this whole motor cycle is, no sooner than we get 1200 rwhp ......... someone else will have 1201+. Remember the good old days when a GT1 had 600 hp and 500 hp was outrageous for the street.

 

Guy, what suspension are you using w/ the ruf engine?? Motons, JRZ's...........

 

Stock.

I have the Manthey front strut-tops which allow more caster and camber and run 24/7 on Pirelli Corsas.

Guy

 

Guy, you should have Manthey re-tune your whole suspension with some adjustable links, RS uprights, JRZ's, etc. It will make a night and day difference, especially given your setup.