427Hotrod

The plan is to run the heck out of this sucker!! With moving, work etc...I just haven't had time to play with this thing over the last few years like I'd prefer. So trying to make up for things!

As may you recall...back n November I took it to the Half-Mile race at the Sulfur Springs TX runway. Had a great time and didn't hurt anything...including me! Managed a few 176-177 MPH runs and tested the brakes real well on the short stopping area.

So now I've signed up for the "Quick 30" race in February. http://texasspeedsyndicate.com/q30-general-information/

It's a track rental with only 30 or so cars at the Baytown 1/4 mile track. Hoping to nail an 8 sec time slip if I can figure out how to launch the beast. I think we've got plenty of power even without leaning on it hard...just gotta put it to the track. It will be another fun event full of new Lambos, Vipers, Vette's etc...so I will stick out like a sore thumb!!

THEN....I'm planning to run the TX Mile at the end of March! I want to earn a 200 MPH title.

To put all of this together I've got some work to do. I've got an appt. with my rollbar guy in Houston to modify my bar so I can install my buddy's hardtop. The 'ole softop might stand a few 1/4 mile runs but as out of shape as it was at 177 MPH...don't think it will look too good at 200 MPH.
•Also planning to add a parachute mount behind the license plate to help the slow down issue.
•We're trying to coordinate all of this around his big projects and now I've thrown in this 1/4 mile race to make it a little trickier.
•Gotta install a fire extinguisher inside so I can reach it if needed.
•Need to get some racing pants, shoes etc.
•Need to order the parachute and cable/handle
•Got the approval to run NASCAR tires. I found a supplier for them at a good price...so ordering those.
•Working on some new wheels for the NASCAR tires...but good news is I can stay 15".
•My friends at The School of Automotive Machinists (SAM) have offered me some chassis dyno time to do some more tuning if I want to.

I'm sure there is a lot more.....but you get the idea. I have to put it in "drag mode"...which really only amounts to installing the slicks and skinnies... adjusting the rebound on the front shocks and installing the hood latch extensions to let air out from under hood. Not sure where to start with clutch adjustment. I had a dead on the money Naturally Aspirated setting...but with the turbos it's going to be a new game. Might take a few runs to figure it out.

So if everything in the drivetrain survives the 1/4 mile fun...then I've got a little time to make sure rollbar is done and then convert to TX Mile format.

Install NASCAR tires. readjust front shocks...maybe lower it some in the front.....not really much more to do.

What I'd LIKE to do is swap some gears around in the G-Force 5 speed to convert it to a .90 O/D. Looks like it will take 3 new gears....so need to think that through. Considering it will take 7400 RPM or so to get to 200 MPH....and I expect it will want to go past that.....I'd like to knock 500 or more RPM out of it to make things easier. Still working on that plan. If not....I'll just spin the bejeezus out of it like always!

So lots to do in a little bit of time.....but if this thing will knock off an 8 sec 1/4 mile time, run 200 MPH...and drive to the Sonic afterwards....I'll be a happy camper!

If I missed anything let me know...but stay tuned...we're going to have some fun!!

JIM

gkull

I go to Bonneville. OD is not the way to go because of excessive drive line speed. Racing fire systems from summit racing like I used spray both the motor and the driver. They are cheap and required by most every racing association. I wouldn't have a hand held. I actually feel great wearing a the total fire suite, boots, socks, gloves, head sock and helmet.

As to propping up the rear of the hood. ...... typically low on the windshield is higher pressure. Cold air induction hoods draw there air at the bottom of the window. The side vents and under the car draw air out with the use of an air dam and body rake.

High speed cars limit the ram air to the radiator So it never exceeds the lower pressure behind the radiator. Under the hood in the engine compartment has to be a lower pressure for air to flow through the radiator. Look at the front end of any Vette for the past 30 years or any modern aerodynamic car...... Very little opening to the front. In fact my new Nissan has variable slats that regulate air flow to the radiator. When closed by thermostatic control the car has the highest CD.

You need to block off front grill area. Then you are going to have less underhood air causing lift. My twin Turbo front end has limited opening for air flow.

69ttop502

Absolutely awesome Jim. I have no doubt you will accomplish all three. I will be watching for sure!

Sky65

Very very cool! I wish i could make it out to watch the Tx Mile.
What rear gears are you running?

Tom

AirBusPilot

I love your car, dude!

427Hotrod

Thanks guys.

I've got 3.07 gears....it's going to take 7400+ RPM to bust 200 MPH without OD. The engine can handle it..not worried about that really. Driveline speed is going to be whatever it is to go whatever speed right? The only way to get it lower is to change rear end gearing and that's not practical on my Dana 60. I've already got modified gears to get a 3.07 in there because the highest they make for a Dana 60 is a 3.54. Had to modify a set from a Dana 61 to fit.

I'd use taller tires..but these NASCAR tires are going to be 27.5-28" tall....so that's about it. BTW- GKULL....thanks for the info on where to find them!!

I definitely plan on blocking grille this time. Certainly can't hurt.

I went out and checked the valves tonight to make sure everything was still happy after my last 1/2 mile run, a couple hundred miles of street driving and about 10 runs up through 130 MPH over the Holidays when buddies came to visit. All was sweet.....

JIM

AirBusPilot

Obviously, your driveshaft will spin the same rpm as your engine, 7400 rpm. If it were me, I'd contact whoever made it and confirm that is safe. There might be a math equation to determine that.

TheSkunkWorks

It sure sounds like you've planned out a lot of fun this year! Look forward to your reports, but by all means be safe out there.

Les

That sounds like a lot of fun, Jim. Good luck, be safe, and please keep those updates coming!

427Hotrod

It's been a long time...but we actually did do the math way back when and the driveshaft should be OK. Vette's have an advantage in that the shaft is so short and it doesn't have to travel up and down.

Thanks,

JIM

427Hotrod

Ok...got new seat belts ordered (old ones out of date), new pants, shoes, socks, bacalava, fire retardant underwear ( I know TMI!!), parachute, fire extinguisher mount, etc. Also have the tires on the way.

Nothing to make it faster.....just better for me if something doesn't go right!

Moving ahead!!

JIM

69ttop502

How wide are you going on the tires Jim?

427Hotrod

The rears will be 11".

JIM

Les

After seeing the run off area (or lack thereof) for that event you entered, anything you spend to slow the car down faster is money well spent!

427Hotrod

LOL....hopefully the TX Mile event has a little more room! Of course hopefully I'll be going a little faster too!

JIM

gkull

RCI Racing cam lock sfi 16.1 5 point belts are worth buying because belts expire every 2 years. But rci have a free recertification so they are good for 4 years

v2racing

You will be getting a fair amount of tire growth at 200 mph, so that will help with the gearing. You shouldn't have too much tire slip on pavement in the top end. At Bonneville tire growth and slip always seemed to equal out for us on the salt.

I would think about wheelie bars for the strip too. With all that power if it hooks really hard, you may be looking skyward a whole lot more than you would like.

Mike

TheSkunkWorks

FWIW, the times that I've actually put a harness to "use" (including impacts that sent me to hospital), I've been thankful to have had 6-point systems that fit around rather than over the family jewels. Hope anyone with only a 5-point setup never learns the hard way whether it actually makes a difference. YMMV

gkull

I ve driven 5 and 6 point belts. But I ve never had the joys of a nice big crash or roll over. I only got to fly off into gravel traps or skid into another car.

gkull

The RCI 6 point is about the same price as the 5 at summit racing