Oil Consumption

Congrats, David!  Looks like you may have answered your own question.  Good parts good builder ,  good oil, and driving like an adult .  Winning combo.

David, you're worried that your engine isn't burning up or leaking enough oil?

I can't explain what might be causing this problem, but there are some easy fixes you could try.

First, try revving your engine a lot, way up into the high rpm ranges, when you first start it up from cold. You'll notice all the car guys who really know engines do this a lot when there are other car guys within earshot.

Those first few miles when the engine is still nice and cold are critical. Really put your foot in it hard then and your oil consumption will jump up before you can say, "rebuild."

And it's pretty easy to make these engines leak, too. Sometimes all you have to do is look at them a little funny, and they start seeping. If that doesn't work, try pounding on the pushrod tubes with a hammer. A lightweight hammer is all you need.

The valve covers are even easier to get leaking. Just show up at a Cars and Coffee and brag that yours never leak. You should see some drips onto the heater boxes within about 24 hours.

There are lots of other remedies available. Just let us know.

VR1 is perfect for flat tappet engines, my british bikes love it,they still leak here and there, but they love it :}

One of my favorite ways is to unplug the breather hose and let it hang down. A baloney cut helps but if the hose is long enough to touch the road it will wear in that way by itself. 

Who the heck buys one of these cars to drive sensible?