Glenn's dragster thread

[GlennLever]

Well here is the finial update from the Blue Suede Cruise NDRL race for Throttle Stop Racing.

We made it to the semifinals. Went up to make that run, started our burnout and sheared all the bolts between the flex plate and the torque converter.

We were done.

When we got back to the trailer found out that we also had no power anywhere.

Got it home and started looking, though that it would be an easy fix (replace the flex plate and get a new ring welded onto the torque converter (six lugs this time instead of the three).

Talked with Lyndon of Rutland transmissions and he thought no damage would have been done to the transmission.

Pulled the transmission and took it to the local transmission shop to get the new ring put on the torque converter and have him look at the transmission. $1700 later all should be good.

Now we started to look into the electrical problem, very strange, had power everywhere but nothing worked.

Turned out that one of the bolts that flew off the torque converter cut the ground wire as clean as if it was clipped with a set of wire cutters.

Hooked the ground back up and everything works again.

Started to put it back together today and found that one of the alignment dowels from the engine to the bell housing was missing.

It has been suggested that the bolts were loose on the flex plate to the torque converter and that is why they sheared. I find this hard to believe.

Matt Shaff of Pro Formace Engines dropped off a new dowel alignment pin tonight and suggested that if that dowel had worked its way loose on the track that maybe that is what caused the bolts to shear as there would have been additional stress on them with the missing alignment dowel.

So....we should be ready for finial assembly tomorrow.

[Dolmetsch]

At our May race I had my bolts come loose in the converter when the car was warming up. I never had the trouble before and was lucky as we got it shut of before any damage was done. I burnt the back of my hands tightening them but have added  that now to my list of pre race checks. It is always those little things that you don't suspect that bite you. Usually at the most inappropriate time too. Anyway Congrats on making to the Semis. Next time all should be well!
don

[GlennLever]

Running the Gold cup this weekend, went out in the second round, red light. first round (running 1/8 mile) Had a bad light but the dragster ran a 5.07 on a 5.05 dial in.

In qualifying had a .404 (.004) Best reaction time in the class.

We were running .400 Pro Tree. I had a new valve body put into the transmission and the Pro Brake in it is quicker than the one on the old valve body. Up to now have never had a red light when running a Pro Tree, this weekend I had three, (2) .375's and a .380.

Need to slow the vehicle reaction time down with no electronics.

I'm going to try a longer throw button.

Suggestions?

[GlennLever]

Well it has been awhile since I posted an update.

This winter we put new aluminum rods and pistons into the engine from Venolia.

Ran the NDRL series of races in the 8.0 index.

We also ran the Hot Rod Reunion in both Bowling Green and Epping.

Highlights were

Gateway Motor Sports park. I was on top of the qualifying  pile running .023 over on his PC/A index until Troy Wilson in the third qualifier on Saturday afternoon to take that spot away and ran .019. Semifinal pairings had Lever downing Dale Fidler and newcomer Shorty Rader taking the bye to advance to the final. Lever sealed his fate on a breakout pass going .003 under trying to best Raders pass running dead on his index with Rader earning his first NDRL victory.

Blue Suede Cruise at Summit Motor Sport Park. Made it to the semi-finals and went to do our burn out and sheared all the bolts holding the flex plate to the torque converter.

We ended up being fourth in the points.

Hot Rod Reunion in Epping. Made it to the finals, where it was a double break out, where I broke out more.

Not bad for skipping one race and being the first season running a point series with a blower.

[GlennLever]

Been going over the dragster.

Looks like I need recertification on

HANS, Fire Bottles, Belts, Blower Bag, and Blower restraints.

Time to check yours now.

[GlennLever]

Merry
Christmas

[GlennLever]

Finial round, HRR 2014 Epping NH

[GlennLever]

I have been having terrible thoughts lately, thinking of selling the dragster, doing some traveling in the RV, and than getting back to the build on the gasser.

So here is the question.

What is a price that this stuff would actually sell at?

Fully equipped trailer (custom 28 foot) with generator, tools, extra parts, tow vehicle (Honda three wheeler).

8.0 dragster complete with current certifications, in great shape

Where to list it?

[Pipe Dreams]

Glenn, Sorry to hear your thinking of selling the car . I would list it on racingjunk.com if u are serious about selling.

[GlennLever]

The key question is for how much. Still not sure I will.

[Pipe Dreams]

I guess that's the million dollar question. I guess it depends on how bad you want to get rid of it. Seen some nice cars on there for a fair price,but I would'nt  sell myself short, your's is a beautiful car. 

[GlennLever]

I'm in no hurry. I haven't even taken the first step of making the ad.

Just wondering what a fair price is that would sell.

[Paul New]

From the prices on cars I have seen I would say in the 35-45% of what you spent on the car.... Your car is a piece of art though so it should go for more! Not wanting to insult you though

[GlennLever]

No insult, this is not my first project vehicle, and I know you never get out what you put in. I was actually thinking less.

My problem is I would want to sell everything, trailer,, tow vehicle tools etc. This will make it a big ticket item.

I still have not written the ad, but I might give it a shot and list.

Still going to Bowling Green for NDRL

[ricardo1967]

Glen, sorry to hear about your change in direction, I wish you happy travels, hope you’ll stay in touch with the forum crowd. Hope to see in Bowling Green if I get to go this year.

Car by Roo, fuel system by Spud, engine by Matt, transmission by Dan, owned by Glenn… that’s all A+ grade stuff. Good luck.