We have to be careful or we could loose it all!

/ @barumengines
We have a few changes we need to make on the Kitcar to be more competitive, but we love the thing. We discuss our spending on content for the channel vs future projections and ask for your advice on the topic

[@davidmclean6178]

The idea of swapping your labour for the blackbird sounds like a great way to go for getting the horsepower without taking money away from all the other projects. Plus no taxes. Really enjoying the 2 channels Lee, keep up the great work!!

[@casperme6552]

The Tax man might disagree with that unfortunately 👎

[@davidmclean6178]

When you sell your car to a dealer as a trade

[@davidmclean6178]

You don't pay taxes on the TRADE VALUE

[@Jester-Riddle]

Have you thought about converting something like a small coach to be bespoke to your travelling needs ? You have most of the skill sets and contacts needed, plus a larger engine could provide the grunt to tow the two vehicles ... Additional benefit is that it would provide a fairly 'different' project for Barum Engines for the Channel to expand it's spectrum of reach. I believe that your needs and vision would be sufficiently different regarding a conversion to be successful despite the recent glut of van conversion builds ... You might even consider the radical idea of inboard storage of the kit car, which solves the security issues, plus an awning could connect to your gazebo for larger exhibitions ... Just some thoughts.

[@AdiFury]

Blackbird needs a drysump in a car for track work (as does a BUSA). You might not with a blade or ZX but at least a swinging pickup sump or Accusump. R1 you only need a sump baffle and some breather mods. Cheap way with wet tyres is 14" steels off a Pug/Citroën van and a set of Uniroyal Rainsports. Painted black they look OK. I can keep up with Evo's in torrential rain with them when everyone else is sat in the paddock. I might look at doing Oulton

[@bluemule3891]

As an x TA (top alcohol) guy, you will never go wrong with a Noonan 612 Ci Hemi, go big or go home, homie. Lee, a lot of performance guys get waaaay in over their heads, even with buying equipment, let alone race car etc stuff. Be careful, nice new stuff is nice, but at 66yrs of living, I can tell you paid off stuff is better. Blue Mule

[@huwzebediahthomas9193]

Methanol - crazy times.

[@judgementalTX]

Blackbird engines are great. I did about 30k miles with one. Not peaky as a bike, just solid drive from fairly low-down and keep it pinned to the about 1k below the red line. Nothing like a Hayabusa power but will be great fun on the kit car.

[@Impulse5596]

Car SOS found a place that can reproduce any profile of window rubber.

[@neptuneblood6916]

wasn't it in Coventry

[@richardhewitt.easyvanlife.6957]

As a retired motorcycle mechanic, you cannot go wrong with the Blackbird engine.

[@minigpracing3068]

Several comments about Blackbird, I'd approve if the swap is agreeable. Lots of mods you could do for more power.

[@stevenbusk539]

A blackbird engine would be a great useful upgrade and it would make sense to get a PGMFI version, as if you fit a power commander or similar, you could get it set up fairly easily on a dyno to suit the airbox and exhaust system set up used in the car. A ZRX or ZZR 1200 would be a good alternative, but then you'd have to start re-jetting carbs to suit the engine as installed in the car.

[@davidmoss8993]

Get a cover for it when you leave it outside the unit, hate seeing it neglected 😢

[@robdefire4747]

I kinda cant see the point of the blackbird motor for little gain. If you are going to change it then go for a decent gain.

[@huwzebediahthomas9193]

5:30 - Noise? research the company that did RC40 silencers - amazing tech. Think they are still about in some shape and form. Sound deadening with near zero BHP loss.

[@texr2000]

Just an idea for the dig leak. My 7" ford kept looking to leak/being wet after i fitted a ZF LSD. What i found was it was coming from the breather, so i needed to fit a longer pipe with a loop in on the breather. Can't see the breather nipple on yours. Just an idea to keep a eye on

[@mikeyg4297]

When you looking at doing oulton its my local track so maybe able to come see you, On another note you need to tell everyone about Perranporth track issues more people that are aware the better

[@markdurrant3330]

The Blackbird engine is strong however, the same cannot be said for the gearbox when fitted in a car. There were many examples of gearbox failures when Blackbirds were fitted to Caterham 7's. I would go for a Hayabusa but you will need to go dry sump.

[@Threelinkdave]

A motor home soundsa good idea. We have a caravan rather than a motor home and when I volunteered on Severn Valley Railway, had to give up through health issues, it was an ideal base for galas and special weekends. As welll as my booed turns I was available to asssist as required

[@richardhartley7094]

I have Yokohama’s a510s on my Westfield really good in the wet on hill climbs👍

[@Craig-wp3pz]

Blackbird engine is awesome 👌 low down grunt AND power to the red.... Smooth, reliable, very linear power delivery, F1Pgm fuel injected after '99ish, it is a bloody good engine 👌 👍 👏

[@alanrichardson1672]

Looks like you are going to require a second trailer and tow vehicle or one of those hydraulic transporter type trailers to take both cars providing the van can tow the weight legally of course!

[@davidheap880]

Good video ss usual Lee. I am glad you are keeping your feet on the ground with these projects.. Realism rules no matter how much Issac loves his track days😂😂😂

[@carguyuk7525]

What about a Duratec 2.5 engine or a honda s2000? Bike engines are all revs and little torque, but a sequential shift would be nice.

[@barnesandrewj]

Re motorhomes trust yr gut and say no! You are correct🤛 They depreciate hugely. Not easy to liquidate to cash if needed urgently! I'd do those tracks first and see what others do. Can't the vans fit people? Could pop a dome tent under new gazebo/ canopy and quick to throw van in am 😅 Worst case scenario see what hotels and holiday caravans close to each track!?

[@steen8156]

Blackbird or Hyabusa and you being an engine builder, building either one up for a turbo at a later date is an option.

[@johnhayles16]

Try East Kent trim lee they do lots of trim and seals .

[@lorditsprobingtime6668]

I'm not familiar with that particular engine but, I did have 165 hp in my BMW S 1,000 R and I was thinking how great that power would be in that awesome little car. The only difference that might affect you is that it revved to 12,000 rpm which would probably work well with your current gearing, 'I think'. I'm not sure what top speed the bike/gearbox arrangement gave in the bike or rather what final ratio and potential rotational speed at the output shaft but I absolutely loved the power delivery of that. It was pretty torquey at lower revs and very very progressively came on stronger as the revs rose so an easy engine to live with just cruising around and a fire breathing monster one wound up. The RR bikes engine has lighter Titanium valves and revs to around 14,000 rpm and puts out around 200 hp from essentially the same engine, it loses some torque down low to do it though. I guess that would be a better engine for the track but, not bad but, not as easy and relaxed on public streets. The engine you mentioned does sound good, at least a pretty decent upgrade without going nuts, like a turbo Hyabusa engine (drool drool lol) but just enough to make it hard for anything but the very serious ones to slip past you every time you hit a straight. I love the idea of a motorhome but, I don't know your financial situation or, whether it would get enough use to justify it, whether it can tow your rig reliably so you don't need another vehicle for that, how much it'll devalue or any of that, only you can make a good judgement call about that. I know I want one bad and just might lol.

[@nicksimpson7735]

i think we are all heading into bad times , bolt down the hatches

[@craiglaing2417]

Dunlop direza’s did awesome things for my mki mx5. Fantastic in wet or dry conditions, firm side wall and very predictable.

[@PeterWeir1]

Those R888s still work well in the wet. They surprised me considering the layout of the tread pattern

[@trevorwoods2580]

If you were going to change the engine in the kit car I might have an interest in your old engine and what ever else comes with it as I'm building a mini and am going to be putting a bike engine in it.

[@huwzebediahthomas9193]

You can put a BMW motorbike 16 valve cylinderhead on a Mini block with petrol injection, rather than going Yamaha Hyabusa.

[@trevorwoods2580]

@@huwzebediahthomas9193 yes I know but you haven't got that sound are sorry that music 🎶 from the 16v mini

[@dennissheridan1550]

Perhaps the tracks should group cars according to engine classes and have a time slot for each with maybe a free-for-all at the end of the day. As for the "kit car" maybe a little tuning to capture a few more ponies and a bit more speed. The big thing is that you don't want to over power the chassis and your bank account. 😆😆 I don't know what kind or how big the trailer for hauling the kit car is but if you had a flat bed trailer that held the car with a bit to spare you could erect a tent on the trailer, after level and support it, and then you could tell the hotels o stick it. It wouldn't cost you a ton of cash, and it wouldn't take a lot of space to store it, and the there's the license & insurance thing you wouldn't have to worry about. 👍

[@mikeandrews8690]

Some little queries, Lee: What happened to that geezer in the US who made you the too-good-to-be-true offer of shipping you a whole load of machinery for nixers? Did he just disappear into the ether? Or is he still lurking? Do you not worry about the longer-term future for Barum Engines in terms of modernising your machinery and keeping up to date? Some of it could well do with swapping-out. Might this not be prioritised? Does all the conspicuous expenditure on having fun with the toys not clash with keeping up to date and making your and the blokes' lives a little simpler with some more modern machinery? Appreciated that it is all designed to generate business and I'm sure it makes a difference to turnover and nett profit. But if you have a major machine failure resulting in scrapping a bit of important kit, what happens then? Still enjoying both channels and all the best.

[@catxls1835]

A caravan would be cheaper and can be stored when not in use. A motor home is way too expensive my friend! Cool video!

[@williamholmes9129]

Some KZbin'rs sole income is from their channel content not based as a subsidiary income to an existing business, risk is then your income is solely on youtube algerisium and financial direction, if they chose to change it as multiple channels develope or online video competition its a direct impact on your financial receipts, better to have a mixed bag. People like Cleetus McFarland are now providing their own direct pay per view content and murch diverse income

[@martinthompson7160]

Is the current engine pulling max rpm in top? If so the new engine would not be faster top end unless you put a higher ratio diff in.

[@-EC002-]

You were almost there, it's "asymmetrical" as in, not symmetrical. They made a nice job of it. 👍

[@michaelevans2975]

I'd be wary of borrowing money on the basis of future KZbin revenue but then I have no experience of how much money you can make from KZbin. I think KZbin should be considered your marketing budget for your main business. From what i've read in the media I don't believe interest rates will go much higher but they're gonna take a while to come down unfortunately.

[@althalus401]

40 years ago Ford put a 3 cylinder two stroke in a Ford Fiesta, it went like greased weasel turd off a shiny shovel. If you could find one of those that would suit you down to the ground. With that engine above 7000 revs it was unequaled and getting it to 150 mph was not a problem, it had standard Fiesta brakes so stopping it was a tad difficult and accompanied by a burning spell, we lost one that caught fire from burning brakes. They were only ever provided to Police Forces for trial purposes, they were just too fierce and never went into production.

[@dhes2809]

Love both channels. Really like you as a person and your honesty. None of my business at all. But you do seem to have a LOT of disposable income.

[@AdiFury]

What date/organiser is Oulton?

[@samuel_towle]

Are you going to reverse the hood graphics on your van so that it can be read in peoples rear view mirror? I would have thought being an engine builder and the track car being Barum Engines livery, it would stand to reason to have a Barum Engines built power plant.

[@alanrichardson1672]

Problem with those smallish camper vans is they don't have much spare towing capacity, just be aware.

[@samrodian919]

And three guys farting in it at night will be fun!

[@wowser2009]

AD08R’s … ok in wet, but not especially good. Better are A052s (still a Yoko) … but they don’t last as long which makes sense as they are stickier. On an Echo track car you’d get a whole day racing 100% of the time, in the wet. But only a half day in the dry. The AD08R’s will last 2/3 to whole day

[@huwzebediahthomas9193]

I used to swear for Dunlop CR65's in the wet, red spot, with an extra couple of sneaky grooves put on them. But that was over forty years ago now, in my Mini on Epynt.

[@charliejackman2953]

Wait until you're in your 50's If you think you don't give a monkee's now 🙃

[@superbrit3845]

Another 30-35 bhp won't be enough to give you another 25mph on the straights. Do it once and do it right, get a 180 - 200bhp engine in there and that will deliver the performance that you are looking for.

[@Paxmax]

Oh, I believe Daily Driven Exotics (and 100 others) are in a bit of pain due to Vermont car registration changes. They have been enjoying that but it has come to an end.

[@craigbourne4792]

1, yes to the blackbird engine + the £ you get from engine in it lol. AND for the motor home.... well it's a no brainer. I used to do stage rally's. NO hotels' ££££ car and van always with you. And when at circuit what a god send to have some where to sit, eat drink etc. and the prices are not going down, so if you sell it, well need i say more.

[@matthewharlowehrscyclespor668]

The blackbird motor could be the biggest bang for the buck within the parameters of the possible trade. Another issue to keep in mind is the possibility of overpowering the chassis. You and I both know the issues regarding proper chassis design and the physics involved due to the background in SB racing. Reliability of a production based motor is helpful in itself. Blackbird motors can be tuned well by the appropriated vendor. Issues regarding future costs and revenues is always of paramount importance. Watch the ebb and flow of all aspects of your revenue stream. Take advantage of other opportunistic revenue streams that may come your way. Be aware of the costs you create. You already know this. You possess the business acumen. Whenever in doubt....ask....do the research. Be good. Remain safe. Go out and have a Deluxe day.

[@williamholmes9129]

A 7 is not the most aerodynamic car for top speed, to get an extra 20-25mph within the confines of a track straight could require double the power. For example caterham max speeds. 84bhp - 105mph 180bhp - 130mph 210bhp - 136mph 310bhp - 149mph

[@samrodian919]

Wow! You certainly opened my eyes in those figures. Twice as much power for half the extra speed . Only one word for that Lee..... expensive!

[@Paxmax]

Yeah, the air resistance increases by V². Other components are just car frontal area and drag coefficient. Going fast enough and anything looks like a daym brick by comparing numbers. Also, the max speed numbers you must optimise gearing to match peak power.

[@markpetniunas198]

Don't know about the UK but in US motor homes depreciate like crazy. Do yourself a favor, just rent them when you need one. If you really like it you can buy one latter.

[@geordiegibson1210]

Hi Lee, for the E30 window seals, try Schmeidmann or Wallothnesch, I'm in NZ and have bought stuff off both companies, highly regard them in terms of price, communication, speed of shipping and quality of stock. They both specialise in the older generation BMW's, well worth having a look.

[@user-wc1ey9is1k]

Need a power upgrade ! Hyabusa !!

[@phatford37]

You should go help Jo at a race meeting if he’s on his own 👍

[@STANLIZ4]

take a prudent approach, there is too much fickleness and uncertainty to take financial risks, better safe than sorry

[@TheRastler]

Maybe put hobby on the back burner for a season or two just to see how the volatile economy pans out. Priority number one is a roof over you and your families heads.

[@habliutfish]

Perhaps something that will completely change the sound of the kit car? Something like a Ducati Panigale V4 R engine? 😮

[@richardhartley7094]

👍

[@5rgs17]

About time for an engine upgrade. I would change the cable ties on the drive rubber boots to proper metal ones. Most good garages will have the kit for doing it. You are a machine shop and not a garage so you wouldn't have the kit. 5 minutes of preventative work.

[@sumkunt0r]

Keep a bike engine. It sounds epic. especially when Jacob drives, he uses more revs. Hayabusa? with a turbo?

[@jamesarmitage8399]

DDE's svj...$7,700 per month, though it is the best sound ever...especialy with the exhaust! The mclaren gtr is something else as well!

[@davidmoss8993]

When you start going on long trips, rather than buy a box trailer you could put a small box frame on your trailer and cover it with canvas, there you go saved you money 😂

[@abzzeus]

@BarumStories same colour & with logos as the Gazebo!

[@stevebarnes7873]

not that i ever had enough money to need to do it keep everything split around in different companies guy i know has had several companies go skint but always had the asset in a different company who leased it all to the sacrificial ones probably like me you prefer to be a straight runner its the clever ones make the money ]#

[@stephenflower2486]

It's great to own a motorhome but it's much better if somebody else owns it and lets you borrow it. save your money for the bad times ahead.

[@kwakgreen]

ZX 10R is the perfect replacement or the Hyabusa. Be careful in the wet though.

[@TheOriginalDaveJ]

I second the Busa.

[@tellitasyouseeit7555]

Hi Lee. If the blackbird engine has similar top revs as the hyabusa, if you are looking for more speed, is it not better to change the diff gearing to gain the top end speed??

[@Hman205]

Hyabusa all the way! If you look at typical engines for the caterhams etc, don’t see many running away from the usual R1 , hyabusa engines.

[@composedlight6850]

yep that sounds like the ticket -if you can get aother 15 mph out of it (the Kit Car ) and some more torque to get out of the corners faster it will go great. If its not to expensive in time/work then go for it . Dont over exend yourslf and as you say dont borrow on the fun side , if you cant afford it, then go with out.

[@neilmaguire5665]

Hi Lee take the deal m8

[@mattwills87]

Think about a towbar and a second trailer on the little van. If your really looking at budget maybe a caravan or tents 😅

[@den2k286]

Would love to see the 900 with some trick internals and a turbo for good measure. Maybe an NOz kit.

[@fredjames9867]

Make sure you got enough to pay the tax man . As they are starting to ban cars . Or charge . The future is not so bright for classics

[@AndrewNeilBaird]

You can have my Volvo T5 for its engine , map it and you'll be having 300hp .

[@thefreedomguyuk]

We can all lose everything !

[@davidcoyle7125]

Perhaps Lee is concerned about over spending with the 50/50 for the motor home or new trailer? Lee said about interest rates rising and the cost of everything keeping going up plus other Utube channels that seem to be in trouble?

[@Expatkeys]

I've often wondered why you and Matt Armstrong haven't done a video together. I notice that he has been rebuilding engines, successfully but in an amateur kind of way, maybe he could feature you on a video and he could learn a lot from your expertise as to what is possible and what is not.

[@johnhanson535]

ZX R engines are bulletproof and can be tuned up no problem

[@stevekelly5166]

Go 'Busa. I've got one. I film at Santa Pod and it's all Hayabusa based with that sort of engine in general and therefore loads of knowledge and spares. I know of NO blackbird engines. I've ridden one and Busa is chalk and cheese. Blackbird, you will be out on a limb and struggle in this day and age. Faster than your current setup, but foolish.

[@jacketrussell]

*LOSE .........NOT LOOSE!

[@abzzeus]

Who knows what way the interest rates will swing? Grow the channel steadily plus the engine swap would be great content for the winter, how many track days are you going to do over winter? Work out a timeline of having the car ready two weeks before first track day and work backwards - even stuff like checking the brakes is content where you can explain your choices of caliper/pads. You've done some of this on the E30 already so you can compare and contrast

[@casperme6552]

I don't think that I would be advertising on KZbin that I'm getting paid for work with an engine. The Tax mans ears might perk up a bit👎👎

[@5tevenH]

That's not the engine, change the diff 🙄 Get another gear in the gearbox and get a longer diff. You need another 20mph, not a rocket ship.

[@brianyoung9014]

Hayabusa engine.

[@ouroborosirvington]

Oooooooh click bait..... _& duck tape_

[@huwzebediahthomas9193]

Click bait fest - you what???