Start up, First Fire...Love and Angst.

It was seven years ago. I walked back and forward. Nervously. I was in engine test cell area surrounded by other engineers and we were just about to start up the first prototype of the all new 1,5L 3 cylinder turbo engine for which development I'd been in charge. There was cool champagne in case of success.

Fast forward four years. We're in California. This time for Salt Slush Racing and were about to race. There was tension in the air. Exciting, exhausting and fun.

Then what happened? My wife found a second love and she found it in Erik's workshop in California. At first I ignored it. But it was a strong love. To an Ardun engine. It was complicated, but at some point I understood that I had act. I had to start the process. The process of building an Ardun Engine.

 

Carina in California Dreaming mode, at Erik's place. 

Where it always tends begin.

 One year later with support from Ferguson. Don Ferguson.

She was now in possession of a pair Ardun heads. 

She was in her throne with all cylinder heads she needed.

We needed a base engine as well, so we turn to Tomas Terräng, a man of (old) war (equipment) and French Connections. 

He provided a French Ford Flathead. With 4' Mercury crank. All good.

 

Fast forward to 2021. Our Ardun engine is built. Carina is proud and at ease.

I'm proud too...but...

...but again somewhat nervous. Because the Ardun First Fire is approaching fast and there's no engineering squad around to support there's no big corporate budget either.

Blood and oil pressure is raising.

There's spark. 

There's fuel.

 In a couple of days we'll know more.

Heaven or hell?

No clue.

Stay tuned.