Bonneville 2000 Update

[DBesic@domain.elided]

Alfisti -

Work has begun on this year's Bonneville entries on a much grander scale.  To 
describe the effort as "ambitious" would be an understatement.

"Bonnie," the 1991 Spider, is back at the body shop for a complete facelift.  
New front wheels have been ordered with severe negative offset to bring in 
the front track. Bonnie's nose will be lowered and narrowed to further reduce 
frontal area.  The opening for the air-to-air intercooler will be eliminated 
completely.

"Bonnetta," the 1979 Alfetta, is at Arrigo Metal Specialties getting a full 
roll cage fabricated before it makes the trip to the body shop.  Although its 
body will remain essentially stock appearing, its drivetrain will have a few 
radical surprises.

Jim Steck of Auto Components is in the process of constructing our ice water 
cooled water-to-air intercooler/intake manifold for both blown motors.  Each 
car will carry what amounts to a "live well" tank and 12 volt pump to 
circulate ice water through the intercooler.  Jim is also adapting an 
Electromotive fully programmable engine management system for both cars to 
offer onsite laptop tuning.

Both blown motors are being freshened and fitted with Vortech 
centrifugal-type blowers (replacing the Eaton roots-type from last year).  
Our goal is to get at least 20 lbs of boost and achieve at least 300 HP for 
the 1479 motor and close to 400 HP from the 2.0 litre.  Optimistic?  You 
betcha!!

Jack Beck of Orion Engineering has been recruited to rework the 1600 head for 
the normally aspirated 1479 and the twin spark head for the n/a 2.0 litre.  
Jack will also assist in the final tuning of all the motors at his dyno 
facility as work progresses.

We hope to have pictures of the 'works in progress' posted soon.......  Stay 
tuned.

Darren Besic
Mike Besic of Besic Motorsports

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