Cavanaugh Racing Heads

07/13/2019

Status...

I've been diagnosed with something called Amyloidosis. It's rare and there is no cure. My bone marrow is producing too much of a protein called amyloid. The excess protein attacks internal organs and nervous system, eventually destroying them.

At this point I have massive fluid build up because my liver is being attacked. Every Wednesday I get, on average, 3 liters of fluid drained off my abdomen..

I'm loosing feeling in my hands. My feet feel like they're on fire most of the time and all my muscles are shrinking away as the disease progresses. I have zero energy and struggle just to get around the house most days.

The doctors want to start chemo next. They say the chemo may slow the process down by killing of the blood platelets that are causing the excess amyloid protein. This will involve going once a week for the next 6 months for treatment. It's a temporary fix if it even works at all..

Long story short, I'm in pretty sad shape and the future doesn't look promising.

So there it is.I'm doing the best I can under the circumstances.

05/14/2019

Months of tests and doctors has so far proven to be about useless. I have one motor in progress and one head in progress at this point. Those I will finish. The rest is getting shipped back to the owners. If, at some point the doctors do manage to figure out what's wrong and cure it, I will decide at that point on continuing with working on these old engines. As it stands as of 5/14/19 I'm forced by health issues to stop..

04/07/2019

This engine is for sale. If interested, send me a message and I'll put you in touch with the owner. 1135cc J motor, 13:1 pistons, MTC billet basket, CRH Ported Head with 38.5mm intakes, 38mm Lectrons, Web 109 Grind Cams.

04/03/2019

A big thank you to everyone who's being so patient while I'm going through this period of illness. I have to say I'm quite shocked at the lack of diagnostics in a field where they have all sorts of technology at their disposal.

I''m pretty sure the doctors hate me at this point but when you've had 2 CAT Scans, MRI, Colonoscopy,and several other tests that clearly indicate there's a problem with the liver, the logical next step is to see someone who specializes in the liver.

My feet have been swollen with fluid so badly that I can't even wear regular shoes......and yet I was told to get another CAT scan, this time of my brain and then return in 2 weeks. Having been told that on Monday I decided to go to the emergency room at a larger hospital where my insurance will cover. They were great! I have a better feeling that they are going to get the train on the right track.

03/15/2019

I spent the better part of the week tied up at the hospital for a battery of tests. Except for Tuesday next week for MRI, I will be in the shop working diligently to play catch up. Sorry for delays. I've been not feeling right for a while now and finally had to submit to being poked, prodded and having things stuck in places that I'd sooner not.....

03/08/2019

Another flow test at Smithberg Racing with C&D Blue Box
https://www.facebook.com/smithbergracing/videos/1593170720737064/

03/08/2019

Smithberg Racing flow testing with one of our Blue Boxes on a Saenz 600 flow bench.

Flow test results and flowing with injector at .750 lift.

03/01/2019

Gone home to Maryland

02/28/2019

Over the past weekend I was able to get some painting accomplished. Getting closer.....possibly get everything moved in and setup in March....

02/21/2019

Here's an example of head that's just not worth the cost to repair.

Never throw good money after bad. This came in with a note to repair the bolt holes painted orange plus any others found bad, replace cam bearings, new guides, valve job. It was already ported. The porting looked OK but that's all this head had going for it.

The first thing I noticed was mismatched cam caps. Two are KZ1000 and two are 900 caps. The retainers were mostly beat up, the valve stem tips were a mess,etc. etc.

02/20/2019

Some days, things just fight you to the end.

02/16/2019

Finishing up another 1075 motor