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Social => Your Builds / Photo Gallery => Topic started by: opa1 on March 29, 2018, 08:26:47 PM

Title: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: opa1 on March 29, 2018, 08:26:47 PM
This is my new to me FED. It's my first. It was built by Ed Mabry in 1971. I know some of its history but, not all. I'm going to build a simple 355 at first and see how that works out. It has a current 7:50 cert too.

I'll post up a bit as I go.

 
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: Roger on March 29, 2018, 09:25:31 PM
That's Gary's old car, I always liked the paint job. Enjoy:)
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: opa1 on March 29, 2018, 09:33:34 PM
Yes sir, you are correct. The paint job will stay. I really don't want to change much. Here's a few more pics.
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: Frontenginedragsters on April 01, 2018, 04:57:16 PM
Great looking FED.
I love the narrow front end.
Good luck!!

Matt
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: opa1 on April 01, 2018, 08:12:12 PM
Thanks! Starting this week I'll be doing inspection checks on the whole chassis. Also the PG parts should be here , so I should be able to get it done too. 
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: GlennLever on April 03, 2018, 06:07:06 AM
Keep us posted with the progress.
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: opa1 on April 14, 2018, 10:47:03 AM
Set up the glide. Now I have to machine the output shaft to fit the mid length housing.
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: Rainmaker on April 16, 2018, 07:50:39 AM
None of my business, but......might make it a 'shorty' with a funny car drive shaft. Makes them real easy to take in and out. (Just More Money)  Or......might get in touch with Rick Marshall and find out what he used in it.
Good Luck / Have Fun............~Johnnie Laird~....... :)
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: opa1 on April 16, 2018, 09:02:32 AM
I've been in touch with Rick. He still has a few parts for the car. I thought about using the FC driveshaft. It's not in the budget at this point.

Mark
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: Rainmaker on April 17, 2018, 07:14:48 AM
I completely understand !  There has to be a place to stop spending.  It's suppose to be fun,  if you get yourself in a bind, it's no longer fun.
Hope you have a lot of fun with it, it's a real nice car.
 :)......~JL~
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: opa1 on April 21, 2018, 03:59:22 PM
Thanks Rainmaker. I really want stack injection but, that's not in the budget either.  On a good note, my son bought a 32 ft. enclosed trailer fully equipped today. Generator, full lighting, AC, electric winch, stainless work bench and misc. hangers. Guess he really wants to drive it. :)
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: opa1 on May 07, 2018, 02:37:23 PM
Here's the trailer.
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: Roger on May 07, 2018, 08:39:22 PM
Nice trailer, looks like the operation is coming together.
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: opa1 on May 08, 2018, 01:06:42 PM
Nice trailer, looks like the operation is coming together.
Making progress. Should have engine finished soon. Waiting on machine shop to finish up some things. :)
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: opa1 on May 12, 2018, 03:05:41 PM
Grandson took it for a spin today. :)
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: opa1 on May 25, 2018, 08:37:41 PM
Some more progress. Should be firing up soon.
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: jeff/21 on May 26, 2018, 05:40:54 AM
tell us about your motor looks similiar to the 302 i'm have. but they all look the same on the outside.
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: coupemerc on May 26, 2018, 06:07:56 AM
Hmmm? Back in April there's a reply that says stack injection is not in the cards right now. Funny how things escalate ;). Nice car...get er done!
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: opa1 on May 26, 2018, 08:07:56 AM
tell us about your motor looks similiar to the 302 i'm have. but they all look the same on the outside.
It's a simple flattop 355. 539/555 lift, 240/246 on a 108 Howards solid cam. Heads are Performer RPM. I will be using a Victor Jr. and carb on gas at first. I'm still looking for a few injection system parts. Trying to find a Hilborn timing cover. 
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: Roger on May 26, 2018, 08:52:55 AM
It's gettin' there! Will be running before you know it.
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: opa1 on June 06, 2018, 06:33:20 PM
Today was a big day. Fired the engine for the first time. Cranked right up and sounded solid. Oil pressure is a little high. Might have to change spring in the pump when I change the timing cover. Other than that all is great.
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: Roger on June 06, 2018, 07:25:47 PM
Congrats! Hope you can take it out to the track soon. At least high oil pressure is better than low/no pressure.
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: opa1 on June 09, 2018, 03:26:18 PM
Congrats! Hope you can take it out to the track soon. At least high oil pressure is better than low/no pressure.

The oil pressure was high (100+) at first startup. Now after about 30 minutes of run time it has settled down to 75 @ about 2000rpm and 62 at idle. I think I'll leave it there. I have a few more parts to order this week for the injection system. So it will be going into the car soon.
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: jeff/21 on June 10, 2018, 06:47:48 AM
that is a lot of pressure what are you running for oil. high oil pressure is hard on the dist, and cam gears.
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: opa1 on June 10, 2018, 07:09:08 AM
that is a lot of pressure what are you running for oil. high oil pressure is hard on the dist, and cam gears.

I have 10w30 with ZDDP additive in it now. The filter bypass is plugged. The pump has the highest melling spring in it. I could change it when I pull the pan.
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: opa1 on June 11, 2018, 08:44:56 PM
I have my engine torn down to install the Enderle timing cover. The oil pump has the pink spring which is the most pressure. I'm thinking the green melling spring(49psi) should lower it to around 50psi. I'm thinking this is more inline with what I really need.
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: Roger on June 11, 2018, 09:06:20 PM
For what it's worth, I agree. 50# is plenty.
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: opa1 on June 15, 2018, 02:08:25 PM
More progress today. Engine is in and squared up. It was more work than it looks like. :)

Thats my son in the pic. I'm a old fart. :)




Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: Roger on June 15, 2018, 05:17:29 PM
Your digger is looking much closer to heading for the track:) Keep it up old fart!
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: opa1 on June 19, 2018, 11:53:32 AM
I have a question on throttle connections on the Hilborn unit. I'm going to mount the throttle cable on one side of the injector stack and run the cable across to the other shaft for throttle hookup.(between the center of injection)  Where is a good place to put the dual return springs? Mount the return springs on the outside of throttle shaft? I have a morse cable with a spring loaded throttle pedal.


EDIT: I think I figured out a way to do it. Just have to make a bracket to hold the springs.
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: opa1 on June 29, 2018, 05:48:40 PM
A lot of parts arrived today. Still have to order a few things. :) I tried setting up the extension for the pump and ran into fitting problems. I'll have to machine clearance at the bottom of the extension to clear the balancer. Also have to get another extension shaft for the pump. The one sent is too short and wont engage with both drives.
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: Paul New on June 29, 2018, 06:59:47 PM
I'll have to machine clearance at the bottom of the extension to clear the balancer.
Pretty normal thing to do
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: opa1 on July 07, 2018, 03:01:37 PM
Lot of progress today. Shifter is in and working. Throttle is mocked up and should work. Figured out how to mount the water manifold where it doesn't look bad. Also made another parts list. Seems like the parts buying never ends. :) All the empty boxes are from parts orders. Gotta clean up garage!
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: opa1 on July 09, 2018, 04:16:43 PM
Finally got the fuel pump shaft corrected. Pump and returns mounted.


Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: opa1 on July 12, 2018, 11:49:13 AM
I'm needing to buy a engine diaper. What are some of the better fitting brands out there. RCI makes a SFI 7.2 # 7809A approved diaper. Does it fit well? My engine mount use the two upper mount holes on a SBC.
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: George on July 15, 2018, 07:03:18 PM
I have DRE diapers on our SBC FED and our 1964 Mercury Comet SS/MA 289 CID. Great guy and product. I have been to his shop. http://www.enginediapers.com/
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: opa1 on July 16, 2018, 08:27:44 AM
I have DRE diapers on our SBC FED and our 1964 Mercury Comet SS/MA 289 CID. Great guy and product. I have been to his shop. http://www.enginediapers.com/

Thanks for the link! I'll give them a call.
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: JrFuel Hayden on July 17, 2018, 12:44:43 PM
After getting sick and tired of fighting a blanket , mostly, between the 2 pc oil pan and rear motor plate, we added a belly pan [ with a lip] under the engine , which is NHRA legal.
Jon
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: hemidakota on July 17, 2018, 10:01:01 PM
Belly pans still oil the track when it breaks, run a diaper. Been there done that... Sorry John but it is true for everyone. Had the safety guys at famoso yell at me when I was just with the team at the time.
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: opa1 on July 18, 2018, 10:58:14 AM
I sent DRE the pan measurements. I'm really wanting the 7.2 diaper. Hate to think about a oil down, getting burned or hitting the wall.

 
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: JrFuel Hayden on July 18, 2018, 01:00:12 PM
My oil retion pan has about a 2" lip all the way round the pan, we would have to get allot of oil in the pan to over flow. As you can see on my pan the pan gets installed on the inside of the frame rails. We also put oli absorbing  towels in the pan.
In our 15 years with this car we have only thing we have put on the track was water when a freeze plug rusted out ans leaked. And we have had a couple of busted rods.

Jon
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: opa1 on July 20, 2018, 01:09:52 PM
More done today. Burndown tubes and finishing hose ends. Ordered a custom DRE Kevlar diaper. Dennis took the order and made sure all things are covered. Building this has been fun but, every time I start to finish a job, I need another piece. I thought I had enough 6AN fitting to finish fuel line. Nope, the old fittings were for Teflon tubing. So another order going out.  I plumed the water manifold from the back of the intake. The Moroso filler is just a little higher than the hoses. I'm running out of excuses.
 Took a few pics.

     
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: rooman on July 23, 2018, 05:26:27 AM
It should not be an issue with your application but as a matter of principle please lose the clear plastic burn down hoses. In any sort of fire situation those things will be gone in an instant. A few years back I re bodied the Boss Bird Pontiac nostalgia funny car after a fire.  They had a fitting break on the fuel pump to start the incident and the fire was bad enough but it got lots worse when the clear hose connecting the puke tank to the shoulder hoop bosses went away and let the fire get to the nitro diluted oil in the tank.

Roo
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: JrFuel Hayden on July 23, 2018, 11:33:56 AM
Good advice from Rooman, we use flex hoses to and from the valve cover going to the vacuum pump and the puke tank.
If you notice , on the photo, we run our vacuum system different than most others. We had Jeff Johnson build an extra camber on top of the left valve cover, because we pull the vacuum from the oli pan not the valve cover. The idea is there is alot of oil in the valve cover at high RPM, that needs to drain thru the head and block to return to the oil pan. Most other racers are pulling vacuum from the valve cover which is pulling up the engine when the oil needs to go down the engine, so you are fighting the flow of oil. Again we have a fitting in the oil pan that gets hooked to the valve cover camber that gets hooked to the vacuum pump, and then the puke tank. There by the vacuum is being pulled down from the oil pan, not up to the vavle cover.
Last year we thought we had a problem with not enough vacuum and put a regular valve cover on her, but we noticed the rod bearings did not look as good, we normally get over 100-120 runs on our rod bearings, so we put the camber cover back on and now the bearings are looking great again.  The camber cover has a few small holes into the VC to drain any oil to the cover.
Any questions feel free to call me, 805-444-4489
Jon
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: opa1 on July 23, 2018, 11:55:44 AM
Thank you both for some good info. I could see where the hoses would be a problem. This is the way the car was set up before. The puke tank was custom built to fit the frame so I just put it back where it was. 

I do like the vacuum system. I might have to change to that with the next engine.

   Heres a pic from about six years ago when Gary ran it.

 

Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: opa1 on August 04, 2018, 05:54:39 PM
Today was the day, almost. Have everything done. Set up the injection the way Don told me to. .002 blade/18% leak. Fired right up with a prime. Then the batt was dead. I forgot to charge it up. I'll have it running tomorrow. More to follow. Here's a few pics.
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: THE FRENCHTOWN FLYER on August 04, 2018, 07:42:38 PM
NICE
Good luck.
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: Roger on August 04, 2018, 09:16:39 PM
Glad it's all coming together!
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: opa1 on August 04, 2018, 09:52:46 PM
Glad it's all coming together!

My two sons have been pushing me a bit. It is nice to have the help though. :)
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: opa1 on August 05, 2018, 08:40:28 PM
It's alive! After charging the new Braille battery. Had to use a little air pressure to the tank vent to prime the first time. After that it fired right up. It was running lean and popping so I reset the injection. I had a slight bind on one of my linkage arms too. I set the leakdown to 20% and it sounds a lot better. Nice and crisp and no milking. Oil pressure came out exactly where I set it at 50lbs. All that's left to do before running is mounting a neutral safety switch and a transbrake button. My valve body wont reverse without it.
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: opa1 on August 07, 2018, 03:34:38 PM
Finished it today. It's ready for testing. I still need to order firesuit and other safety stuff. Should have a test report soon. I hope! :) This has come along way from just wanting a carb. :)
 
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: gregm784 on August 07, 2018, 03:52:52 PM
Ben Conant @ DJ Safety is a great person to talk to about fire suits. I love mine!
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: Paul New on August 07, 2018, 08:44:40 PM
Ditto on Ben at DJ
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: opa1 on August 14, 2018, 11:04:39 AM
Ok, All safety equipment is on the way. I do still have a few problems to fix. My injector hoses are old and needed to be replaced. They are on the way also.

I do have another question. Where can I get or what can use to support the car when hauling in the trailer? I don't want the frame to flex too much.
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: gregm784 on August 14, 2018, 12:13:02 PM
Pitpal makes air bladders.  Mine works out to fit perfect over a 4x6 on the short side, then i ratchet strap over it (the 4x6 is positioned under the mid plate).  Car is 100% solid and will not move in the trailer.  I also tie down over rear slicks. If you do this, i recommend airing them up. I take mine to 15psi after the race. it keeps the chassis very still on the highway.
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: JrFuel Hayden on August 14, 2018, 12:38:49 PM
We use on our JrFueler a dolly to lift the front end off the ground , to easier move the car in and out of the trailer. Once loaded in the trailer, we lower the car onto wood supports located at the rear motor plate for support while towing. We have never had any towing damage in the 20 years of racing this car.  I  have seen other teams use a jack to lift the car to locate the wood support. We also just tie the rear slicks down with the double straps deal and that's all we use.
I have also seen teams buy a rubber bladder under the motor, then add air to support the motor, but we have a belly pan under the engine instead of a blanket, so it would have to be removed to use the bladder. I know of a Ford JR car that after it's last race had the bladder go flat and ithe lower frame rail are still broke., it's still for sale.
On my BB/GD that I won the 69 US Nationals, we had a dolly that we had built with the end of it attach to the trailer hitch on our tow truck, real easy to tow around the pits.

Jon
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: opa1 on August 14, 2018, 01:25:06 PM
Wood support sounds like a good idea. I'm planning on strapping the slicks. I'll have to load the car and golf cart and see how it works out. Might have to buy a few D-rings for the floor. We're working on the trailer this week. Have to get inspection sticker. The AC isn't working so we're going to fix that too. It's Hot down here!
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: gregm784 on August 14, 2018, 02:08:08 PM
Might i recommend e-track?
Trucking stuff. Holds great, very versatile. I have it on the walls, the floor, etc.  My straps are all e-track on the ends. makes it quick & simple.

https://www.etrailer.com/s.aspx?qry=e-track (https://www.etrailer.com/s.aspx?qry=e-track)
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: JrFuel Hayden on August 14, 2018, 08:34:15 PM
If you are trying to fit your FED and a golf cart in your trailer, one thing I have seen is to load the dragster in backwards [ rear of the car toward the front of the trailer,] then scoot the front of the dragster over to one side of the trailer, there-by giving you room to store the cart.
Another trick I've seen is to build a ramp for the cart, after you take the winshield of to make it lower, store the dragster under the cart ramp. It makes the trailer crowded but it will work with a short trailer, untill you take the cart ramp out of the trailer at the races.
The most creative race car trailer combo I've seen is the stacker tool box loaded in the very front of the trailer, the backwards FED but the front end is lifted up to the roof [ winch] so his Vega SuperGas car fits under the front of the dragster, and then the golf cart behind the Vega, all in a dual axle 28' [ ?] trailer , crazy Heh ? No I didn't take any photos.

Cheers, Jon
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: opa1 on August 24, 2018, 08:18:23 AM
Today is the day. Figuring out the placement in the trailer. Then off to the track this afternoon. Hope to get at least two runs.

Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: racerken on August 24, 2018, 01:45:46 PM
Good luck.  Be safe
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: opa1 on August 25, 2018, 06:23:54 AM
Got to make three runs last night. Car ran better than I expected. My first ever pass in a FED was a eye opener. :) We forgot to check the tire pressure and I paid for it. I launched off idle and immediately got out of the groove. I held it ok and still made a decent run. Runs two and three were much better. :)
The track let me make single passes and also signed off for three of the five runs for the IHRA license. Really a good night.

First run ever. 5:92/110
2nd- 5:63/115 best of the three
3rd- 6:12/let off before 1/8.

I'm  needing to get the car down to 5:49 to get my class B license. I also have to get close to 5:50 to run SHRA NE/3. Looks like I might get there with the current simple combo. Fuel injection worked out great. It's still on the fat side. I need to get used to the car too. :)

I need to say thanks to @Roger. He has helped me a bunch.
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: Roger on August 25, 2018, 07:17:37 AM
Those are some good numbers from a little engine with a small flat tappet cam, low compression, and small heads. I'm glad everything worked so well; those fellas in the SHRA NE/3 might want to start looking over there shoulders to see if you're coming after them:) Enjoy and stay safe!
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: opa1 on August 26, 2018, 07:01:14 AM
Those are some good numbers from a little engine with a small flat tappet cam, low compression, and small heads.

I'm really surprised at how it works too. Many told me the combo wouldn't work. To make it to 5:50 I'll have to change a few things but, I think it's possible. For now seat time will be the biggest time improvement. :)





Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: opa1 on September 19, 2018, 12:37:38 PM
This was 8/24/18. I have it pickled and on stands until my knee gets better. My son wants to try his hand at running it. Hoping to have it back out soon.




 
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: opa1 on February 16, 2019, 12:59:29 PM
Had cert/license day at my home track today. My cert would have run out in March 19. Got the new cert no problems! Now I have to put it all back together. :)
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: janjon on May 24, 2019, 12:02:08 PM
I believe I saw in one of your earlier pictures that the connection from trans to rear is yoke to yoke through a u-joint. Is that legal? Is that considered safe?
Obviously couplers would be optimal. I'm asking because I have the same setup. Shielded within a steel tube guard cover.
John
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: jeff/21 on May 24, 2019, 04:39:03 PM
that's what we ran for years no problem pg to a 9" everything has to be aligned  and the u-joint slips right into the yoke
Title: Re: Ed Mabry 71 Jr. Fuel
Post by: janjon on May 24, 2019, 07:52:21 PM
Well, that's reassuring, though everything does NOT have to be aligned to the extent that I would think it would need to be with couplers. The u-joint interface would tolerate some left-right and / or up-down misalignment as long as the yoke bearing centerlines coincide at the u-joint trunnion centerline, where, as you say, the u-joint cups slip right into place. Mine do as well, but on my car, there is evidence that there has been at least one other drivetrain combination in the car at one time or another, because of visible mounting holes in the rearend upright that are not currently filled. I have no idea whether a line-up bar was used to set up my present combination.
 Thank you very much for your input on this. I'll worry about it a lot less now, hearing you've run the same thing with no driveline failures.
John Williams