K.O.T.H.

2.2L Tear Down and Build

2016-02-06T18:51:00.001-06:00

Howdy,

Well, the engine has been taken apart down to the block. Pistons weren't pulled, everything looked fine for our purposes. The engine should be ready to drop into the next car in a week or two (due to have limited time to work on it). Pulled it apart, cleaned it up, and prepped my mating surfaces. It's ready for the timing kit to be set up, as well as re-installing the intake then it shall be worthy of being put into another car. Freshly machined and new upgraded head gaskets have already been installed and torqued appropriately. You'll notice that two of the pistons have some scoring on top of the piston head. Not sure what caused this, as nothing was found in the motor, and the cylinder walls were perfectly fine.

I've been greatly enjoying learning how to work on these cars and how to drive vehicles on dirt effectively. Today I was at the BCR Test and Tune event. I went 10 runs a stock AWD Subaru Wagon (that thing is capable of some intense drifting). Followed by 5 runs in a 95' Impreza AWD manual running a 2.5L motor from a Forester. Has a Borla exhaust on it, making the car sound gnarly! However, on my last run at the finish line I had a drift go wider than I desired aiming me directly for the timing equipment (which is a huge no-no to hit), I got on the brakes and halted the car. In the process I barely stopped in time to avoid the timing equipment, it was right next to my passenger side door, and I managed to break off the muffler during these last few moments. I'm sure I'll be hearing about that one for a while.

Enjoy the photos, there is more to come!

1st Engine Pull - 2.2L Subaru 1995

2016-01-31T19:41:00.000-06:00

Howdy,

Accomplished my first engine pull yesterday with the assistance and guidance of Brianne Corn, a semi-professional driver with an excellent pedigree. https://www.facebook.com/BrianneCornRacing

It is a 2.2L boxer engine from a 95' Subaru Outback. The car had been part of the floods in San Marcos over the past year (2015). Normally that would disqualify a car from purchasing, but in the case of BCR it's an opportunity for an inexpensive purchase that can be used as a parts car, for the engine namely. Currently the plan is to redo the heads, clean the block, new head gaskets and such, followed by installing it into a M2 or P2 car for LoneStar RallyCross.

More photos to follow as the build continues.

There is a test and tune this coming weekend, where I'll be participating as a driver. However, it may not be in the same vehicle as previously mentioned.

Keeping y'all posted. Have a blessed work week!

RallyCross

2016-01-24T15:12:00.001-06:00

Rally Cross.

If you haven't tried it.

Then you haven't lived yet.

If you're a driver looking for an opportunity to improve your skill, this is the place to start. Driving any car in the dirt as fast as possible can be difficult. Throw in all types of condition variants and you'll end up with numerous different scenario's in any given moment. Each time around the track or stage, the course will change making it into a different track. As a driver you have to learn how to adapt quickly and effectively to survive.

That's the beauty of Rally, it is an ever changing variable. To become good at this sport, you must develop driving intuition and muscle-memory above anything you're used to.

I highly suggest starting with RallyCross, it's a closed course with cone gates to pass through or around. Much lower speeds than stage Rally. Don't let that dampen your spirits as it is possible and likely to reach highway speeds on these small courses.

This blog will cover my journey as a driver working towards Stage rally as a professional driver.

For Texans, Central in particular, there is a venue where you can bring almost any street legal car to come race. All are invited, it doesn't cost much. Family friendly and lots of fun! Once a month.

Brianne Corn Raceway (BCR) https://www.facebook.com/Brianne-Corn-Raceway-255179714554745/

Aaron Stoddard

New Business: Continued

2015-03-15T16:06:00.003-05:00

Howdy,

It's been a while, I do apologize.

I am doing research on the possibility of running a hot shot delivery service on the side of my full time job/part time college. My intention is to create a website, purchase the equipment, gain insurance and legal means, and become an official sole-proprietorship. I intend on using a late 90's Dodge 2500-3500 diesel 4x4 manual 5 speed and the largest goose-neck trailer I can purchase used.

My intended markets are ranch and agricultural, construction, freight, vehicle transportation, and heavy equipment transportation. Anything that will fit on my trailer is the goal.

Adios for now!

Aaron

Tax Refund

2015-02-28T19:06:00.000-06:00

Howdy y'all,

I just received my tax return, meaning that here real soon I'll be able to purchase the preliminary materials for the table project.

Good bye for now,

Aaron

Possible Future Business

2015-02-24T18:50:00.000-06:00

Howdy,

I'm currently doing research on a possible side business, in addition to my part-time school and full-time job. I currently own and drive a 2006 Jeep Rubicon TJ, which is awesome. I love the Jeep and it's capabilities. A Rubicon is insanely capable, in the hands of a competent driver. Due to the locking differentials, 31" tall tires, 4.10:1 Axle gears, a 4:1 transfer case, 6 speed, and 4.0L I6. Without a lift kit and larger tires, this Jeep can conquer some pretty serious obstacles, so long as you don't bottom out on anything. It can make very capable trail rigs look pathetic.

I bring this vehicle up as I plan on selling it, sadly. IN order to purchase a diesel truck for towing. I'm currently looking for a 2006 and older Dodge 2500-3500 4x4 Diesel with a manual transmission. Haven't decided between a dually or a pickup. I desire to then get a large flat bed trailer, and start my little enterprise.

Of course, ideas are simple. As for carrying them out, that's another story.

To the future,

Aaron Stoddard

Continually Prepping

2015-02-24T18:42:00.000-06:00

Howdy,

This is slowly starting to happen. I should be working on the table here in a month or two, if time allows. Waiting on that tax return to come in.

Patience y'all,

Aaron S.

Polyurethane

2015-02-14T20:00:00.000-06:00

Howdy,

The issue with oxidation and water stains is now resolved. I plan on coating the metal surfaces with a clear gloss polyurethane, I desire to spray apply it. I'll be working on designing the table more this weekend.

Out for now,

Aaron

Project 1: Water

2015-02-13T23:59:00.000-06:00

Howdy Readers!

         Another issue that I'll be looking at is the water portion of the table. I want to incorporate a perpetual waterfall throughout the table. The design goal is to have a quiet pump system, plumbing, and LED lighting. I'm looking at using 1/4 steel plating to create channels from each corner of the table (underneath the glass), leading into the center. At the center underneath the table I want to create a hollow, upside down pyramid, for water collection. At the tip of the upside down pyramid I intend on hiding a pump within some metal work, and have the lines for the water to flow back up to come down again. Within all of the tracks for water to flow, I want to install LED light strips.

         Some issues are:

                 1. Evaporation
                 2. Algae
                 3. Corrosion

         And a few more.

         I'm out of time for now! I'll be working on schematic drawings here shortly.

Til' later,

Aaron Stoddard

Project 1: Table Design

2015-02-11T21:24:00.000-06:00

Good evening,

For this table I'm planning on welding together, I'm contemplating a few things.

         1. An implemented water fountain, underneath the glass. (Just an idea, as there are issues with humidity and algae.

         2. Hammered metal frame.

         3. LED lighting with a remote system.

I'll likely be using metals from:

       http://www.kingmetals.com/Home.aspx

Lighting from

      http://www.ledlightsworld.com/

Good bye for now!

Aaron

1st Project: Custom Metal Table With Glass Insert

2015-02-10T20:02:00.000-06:00

Howdy,

Today, I'll be discussing my current planned project. I'll be creating a metal table with a glass top, along with some custom lighting inserts, perhaps more. It'll be about 4' x 8' in size, about 3' off of the ground, and be full of art and modern design. Somewhere in the mix, I intend on implementing LED lighting throughout, so the table is more enjoyable at night, or during a party. If it's good enough, and sells well, I may make a few more.

I intend on sharing my design, pictures, experiences, and product sources. Follow me as I learn, it'll be worth your while, as you won't have to make the same mistakes as I do to learn from them.

Aaron

Starting On The Journey

2015-02-09T09:45:00.000-06:00

Good morning,

         This blog will be my journal as I learn and develop new skills and abilities in the realm of motorsports. I've dabbled in it here and there. Including a stint in a little bit of rallycross, which I fully intend on pursuing again as money allows.

         I will be attending car shows in Texas, motorsport events, and more. Along the way, I'll be pursuing personal projects to develop my talents and abilities. The first of which will be in metal working, I have a glass patio table I'll be welding together here in a few short weeks. It'll be a 4' x 8' with tempered glass, and a steel frame. I'll be aiming toward a unique design, possibly some LED lighting, and more. The goal behind this, is to develop metal working skills.

         Current future goal:

         Sell/or trade my current vehicle, in order to purchase a diesel truck. Preferably, a Dodge 2500 4x4 short bed cummins turbo-diesel with a manual transmission. I'll then be working on modifying it lightly, to improve performance on a budget as well as efficiency.

         It's a while coming, but it's what the plans are.

         For now, I'll be working on developing my ability to weld, and manipulate metal. That way, when I do get this truck, I can weld together accessories for it. After the truck is finished, a trailer will be the next goal.

        With only more to come!

Regards,

Aaron Stoddard