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Social => Your Builds / Photo Gallery => Topic started by: Countn Carbs on March 21, 2016, 08:55:12 AM

Title: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on March 21, 2016, 08:55:12 AM
Well I've had this in my mind for a number of years and have decided to get busy and start making this a reality.  I've always enjoyed 6 cylinders and I want to start off by saying a huge inspiration for this build was a man by the name of Joe Umphenour who ran 6 cylinder dragsters here in Colorado in the late 50's through the 60's.  Joe passed in 2010 but many of us remember him and admire what he accomplished including being inducted into the Colorado Motorsports Hall of Fame.  I think of Joe often.

My build is based on K-88 Chassis Research (reproduction by Cornfield Customs in Loveland, Ohio) and will run a 302 GMC 6 cylinder with a '58 olds rearend - transmission tbd.  Currently I'm gathering parts and will be mocking up what I can.  I welcome any constructive input as I really enjoy the front engine dragster scene even though mine is maybe a bit different.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Van on March 21, 2016, 09:18:52 AM
Hi That K88 is going to be nice, you need to make sure to do a few updates to pass tec with it. If you need a Olds rear I have one ready to run with all the good parts.
 Van
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on March 21, 2016, 10:04:47 AM
Thanks Van - Yeah before I even started this build I made contact with Kevin (Bandimere's Head Tech Inspector) and continue to keep him updated and involved with the build.  He's been very helpful and I plan to keep him involved as we go.

Thanks for the offer on the Olds rear...I appreciate that.  Matter of fact I just picked up a housing last week that came out of a TE-448 back in the day and it's the right width. It's just the housing though so I'll keep that in mind.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on June 30, 2016, 06:57:52 AM
Well I've been gathering parts here and there but also have started to look into mounting 302 jimmy/PG into the chassis.
Here is the beginning of the mid-plate.  It's basically a spacer which will then allow me to use a 1/4" aluminum mid-plate to mount the engine/tranny into the chassis.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on June 30, 2016, 07:04:47 AM
Here is the main part of the mid-plate.  I'm transferring the bolt pattern to some HD plastic (1/4") thick that I can shape and fit to make a template before cutting the actual aluminum plate.
I hope to be able to have the mid-plate also act as a firewall at the front hoop.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: ricardo1967 on June 30, 2016, 03:47:17 PM
I love your whole project. I'm a big fan of inline-sixes myself. It may not beat a big block in power, but it does have a lot more character.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on July 01, 2016, 09:20:30 AM
Thanks ricardo I'm glad you like it.  No doubt it won't be able to run with the big dogs but looking forward to it. 
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on December 08, 2016, 08:58:20 AM
I've been gathering parts and have started to get a front end put together.  I was able to find an old chromed CAE axle (will have it rechromed at final assembly) that turns out it's batwing locations are just right for the width of the K-88 Chassis.  I won't mount the hairpins until we get the chassis loaded with drive train weight and determine how many leaves I'll need in the front spring.
From here we'll move to the back, get some axles made for the narrowed olds housing and start to determine the height of the drive train in the chassis.  The little adapter on the back of the block will be part of the full mid-plate.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: hotrod316 on December 08, 2016, 01:36:20 PM
like the dogs  ;D both cars are sweet
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: jeff/21 on December 08, 2016, 04:13:49 PM
nice! different is good too many cookie cutter cars the idea is to have fun.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on December 19, 2016, 12:21:20 PM
Thanks Guys.
I got it to a "roller stage" with new M/W axles and some pie crust slicks.  Rearend is just tack welded in at the approximate location for now and once I get a shorty powerglide transmission I'll finish the mid plate and finalize rearend mounts and anti rotation brackets.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: racerken on December 19, 2016, 12:31:04 PM
Looking great.   And that 58 wagon is going to make one xxxx of a tow vehicle!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: crider on December 19, 2016, 03:08:25 PM
That is looking great!!
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on December 20, 2016, 03:30:17 PM
Thanks guys - I appreciate it. 
You are right racerken - the nomad is slated to be the tow vehicle.  It's a 348/3spd car and has been the chase/tow vehicle for a couple of other fed's this past summer.  Fun times for sure.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: racerken on December 21, 2016, 11:20:35 AM
I would love a wagon to tow my FED with..  It's just not in the budget..
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: LZ on December 21, 2016, 07:35:18 PM
All looks great CC  8) Very nice.

Luke
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on January 10, 2017, 12:22:23 PM
Back to more parts gathering. 
I ended up finding a shorty powerglide that was modified by Tony Rossi back in the day.  The "Rossi" shaft plate is a nice touch in my opinion.  This will eventually get rebuilt with a trans brake added and I'll replace the stock dipstick tube with a short locker version.  I also need to get a current shield for it but at least for now I can continue with getting the drive line mocked up in the car, finish the mid-plate and rearend brackets.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on January 10, 2017, 12:27:24 PM
As I mentioned at the beginning of this build, Joe Umphenour was a huge inspiration for this build.  Thought I'd share a picture of his second dragster.  Still running a jimmy in D dragster but with a 120" homemade chassis.  This car was featured in Rod & Custom 1966.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on April 20, 2017, 09:48:25 AM
Progress has been slow but a few things have been happening.  I picked up a coupler shaft to go from the PG to the Olds rearend.  Put it in a lathe and took a few inches off it to end up with .250" end play once it's installed.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on April 20, 2017, 09:55:16 AM
I also got the vertical rear end tubes cut and tack welded up against rear end straps.  Coupler's end play moves easily from front to back and turns easily as well.
My final test will be putting the axles in the housing with the spool and turn the wheels to make sure there is no binding.  Any thoughts or other/better ways to check this is greatly appreciated.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on April 20, 2017, 10:14:33 AM
I decided to relocate the cross member in the car to behind the rear end.  I'll cut out the remaining pieces after mockup.
By moving this it frees up space for the rearend and a coupler cover plus will allow me an anchor point to build to for an anti-rotation set up.  Plus it will serve as the front bar of the seat bars.
Cross bar is fit and "forward to back" bars are in process.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Goinbroke2 on February 17, 2018, 06:18:10 AM
Wow, just found the picture section and here is exactly what I want to build!
Need an update, where are you with this?
Et,mph,etc.

LOVE the car!!!
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: GlennLever on February 18, 2018, 07:27:40 AM
 :D
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on May 22, 2018, 02:13:46 PM
Sorry for the lack of updates guys.  Progress has continued albeit I'm a bit slow with updates. The big news came over the winter when I was informed of a Fisher 12 Port GMC that was for sale.  I was lucky enough to land the deal but the kicker was the engine was in southern California (I'm in Colorado) and the owner wasn't willing to crate/ship it.  So....my brother and I booked a one way ticket, flew out to CA, rented an SUV and drove it 1100 miles back home.
Here is the picture the owner sent me of the engine when it was in a project he was working on.  He sold the project awhile ago but kept the engine then decided to go ahead and let the engine go as well.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on May 22, 2018, 02:46:56 PM
So when we arrived he (Jim) offered us a beer and we sat and bench raced for a bit.  Jim started reminiscing about drag racing in Southern CA during the 60's and into the early 70's.  I could have listened to him for days as him and his wife talked about the different tracks they'd raced at along with some play by play of individual races - classic deal where a 9 second pass is a 10 minute story - I love it.
He then says...."you realize that Kay Sissell owned that head right?"  I about fell over and said...."no I didn't realize that."  Jim went on to explain how him and Kay were lifelong friends and Kay ran that head in his '37 Chevy Coupe.  I would sure like to see some pictures of that.
He then says..."yeah there are also a couple of different intakes and what not that Kay built and tried on it that you can have too if you want them."  Didn't have to ask me twice.
It still hasn't sunk in and Jim asks me..."so what are you going to put it in?"  I show him a picture of the dragster and he said "oh that is a perfect spot for it."  I was glad to see that he liked the plan and I'm truly honored to be the next care taker of this piece of history.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on May 22, 2018, 02:54:52 PM
No trip to Southern CA is complete without a trip to In and Out Burger.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on May 22, 2018, 03:04:13 PM
The Eagle Has Landed!!  Once we got everything safely home in Colorado I did some whittling on the mid-plate and slid the little gem in between the rails.  I also had the wheels re-laced, trued and shod with new rubber. 

 
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: jeff/21 on May 22, 2018, 04:31:29 PM
looking good, nice story too.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Paul New on May 22, 2018, 07:13:55 PM
Wow looks great
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: opa1 on May 23, 2018, 10:47:18 AM
That's going to be a great looking rail! 
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on May 23, 2018, 02:46:21 PM
Thank you guys - I appreciate all the kind words.  Next up is the steering and I'm using an early Ross box.  I have it mocked up as being attached to the front hoop via a bracket and then a block on the left top rail and then also a block behind the Chassis Research gauge panel.
I thought I'd heard that the steering box can't be mounted to the front hoop but I can't locate it in the NHRA tech regs.  So once again I sent pictures to the Lead Tech Inspector at Bandimere for clarification.  I can't remember if I mentioned it or not but I'm keeping him abreast of the build so as we don't get down there and have issues.  Kevin is his name and he has been awesome!
He came back and said we're good and also said he ran it by "Sporty" (John Bandimere) and both said to "go for it." 
I need to find an expired flexplate shield and tranny shield for mockup but left plenty of room just in case.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Roger on May 23, 2018, 04:15:13 PM
Good lookin' dragster!
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: THE FRENCHTOWN FLYER on May 25, 2018, 06:58:55 PM
Nice project. I love inlines. I run one with a crossflow head in an altered.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: opa1 on June 20, 2018, 11:22:20 AM
Any progress pics?
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on July 10, 2018, 02:39:08 PM
Ran across this picture I took last winter of it when we had nice day.  Pushed it outside to clean out the garage and took this picture.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: opa1 on July 10, 2018, 02:43:53 PM
Love it. That is really what I wanted before I bought mine.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on July 10, 2018, 02:52:16 PM
Thank You.  I've been off it for awhile and have been missing it big time.  Glad to be back on it.
 I don't know man...if your dragster is what's in your avatar....looks pretty dang sweet (and fast) to me.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on July 10, 2018, 02:55:21 PM
Main steering box mount is now made out of something other than cardboard.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on July 10, 2018, 02:56:42 PM
Trial fit before shipping the box off for rebuild.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: THE FRENCHTOWN FLYER on July 11, 2018, 07:05:42 AM
Countin Carbs,
Don't just rely on that steering box mount to hold the box - add a diagonal brace to stabilize the box. That box takes a lot of stress, not only from the twisting forces put on it by the steering wheel but also from leaning on it like when you are getting in and out of the car. You sure don't want that bracket to crack and break off.
Stay safe buddy.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on July 11, 2018, 12:24:11 PM
Countin Carbs,
Don't just rely on that steering box mount to hold the box - add a diagonal brace to stabilize the box. That box takes a lot of stress, not only from the twisting forces put on it by the steering wheel but also from leaning on it like when you are getting in and out of the car. You sure don't want that bracket to crack and break off.
Stay safe buddy.
Thanks FF - I really appreciate that.  I should have included that there will be this mount and then 2 more Borgeson or Pillow Block mount/supports - 1 on the input shaft behind the gauge panel and then one on the output shaft off of the top left chassis bar. 
I really like your idea of a diagonal bracing on this mount and thank you again for that idea.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: THE FRENCHTOWN FLYER on July 13, 2018, 05:33:52 PM
Here's one I put on my vintage replica champ car.

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/947/41728177551_e5cf9ea8c0_z_d.jpg)
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: jeff/21 on July 14, 2018, 12:46:03 PM
 ours had a similiar bracket but shorter by two holes mounting it closer to the fire wall and the pitman shaft was supported by a nylon pillow block on the frame rail and one for the steering shaft, it had a deep removeable butterfiy style,with the steering shaft straight with no joints it was a pain to remove the trans.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on September 05, 2018, 09:54:48 AM
A few updates to pass along.  I sent my steering box into Don Ross at Ross Fabrication and he overhauled the box as well as extended the steering and pitman arm shafts to what I needed.  Don does great work and he's been a big help on my project.  Here is a shot of the steering box after I cut the steering shaft to length and drilled a cross hole for the steering wheel.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on September 05, 2018, 10:13:44 AM
Steering is tacked in the car.  Plan to knock out a drag link this week and get this thing steering.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on September 05, 2018, 10:17:58 AM
The steering wheel was given to me by a gentleman here in Colorado who in his 70's is still building cars and racing.  This wheel was off his first dragster which he built and ran from 1959-1963.  I plan to run it as well as switch it to a Chassis Research wheel from time to time.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on September 05, 2018, 10:20:52 AM
One more.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: opa1 on September 05, 2018, 05:47:38 PM
Nice progress! Keep it up. You'll be through before you know it.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: THE FRENCHTOWN FLYER on September 25, 2018, 07:47:40 AM
Don't forget that diag support for the box

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/947/41728177551_e5cf9ea8c0_z_d.jpg)
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on October 29, 2018, 08:25:31 AM
Thanks for the tip FF and I'll revisit that.   It doesn't seem to be flexing but I like how you did yours and the idea of some "triangulation" support is always good.
I ended up re-doing my seat base - I never liked how high I sat in the car so I took some 1/4" thick steel and bent up some straps.  This gets me lower and further forward in the car and is much more comfortable.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on October 29, 2018, 09:27:47 AM
Next up was a master cylinder and hand brake.  I have a buddy who built a dang nice HAMB dragster and after one season (only 2 races) is parting it out.  Sad to see it happen and it's a long story but his partner in the deal wanted out so my pal said "screw it" and parted out a brand new car.  I was able to use the master cylinder and calculations (bore size, etc..) worked out.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on October 29, 2018, 09:28:18 AM
In the car..
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on October 29, 2018, 09:31:15 AM
Handle....
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on October 29, 2018, 09:38:53 AM
Sometimes you have to push them outside...step back and take a look.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on October 29, 2018, 09:39:31 AM
other side...
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on October 29, 2018, 09:40:28 AM
One more before it goes back in the garage for more thrashin'...
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Calkins on October 29, 2018, 10:59:10 AM
Killer!!!
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: THE FRENCHTOWN FLYER on November 01, 2018, 08:47:36 AM
a beauty!

One observation: Make the return spring on the brake handle strong enough to pull the brake lever forward quickly. Especially with that long handle and knob it will have a lot of inertia as the car jerks forward tending to hold the brakes on. The return spring on my Logghe car runs horizontal to the frame to get a good pull back when I hit the loud pedal. An easy mod
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on November 02, 2018, 07:55:10 AM
Thanks FF and matter of fact my son and I were discussing that very thing.  It returns nice now but pretty sure we're going to add a second spring further up the handle.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on December 06, 2018, 12:37:46 PM
I have been after a Frameworks shifter for a few years now and I was lucky enough to find one here in the classifieds - thank you again Dave.  I made a bracket for it and got it tacked in the car.  Now I need to measure/order a shifter cable for it but it worked out great.  I also picked up a pillow block to move my pitman arm shaft mount further out and it will go under the top bar.
The ol' cockpit is starting to fill up.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on April 29, 2019, 07:20:01 AM
Been making progress on the dragster but it's been a bunch of little stuff.  Anti-Rotation bracket is done, added an extra return spring for the brake handle, throttle linkage and pedal are done...etc.
I was finally able to pull the trigger on a new third member from Fabcraft for the Olds rearend and I couldn't be happier.  With that installed in the car I'm now able to finalize my mid-plate mounts and shimming the mid-plate for optimum coupler alignment.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on April 29, 2019, 07:21:10 AM
Spool..
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on April 29, 2019, 07:21:40 AM
.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on April 29, 2019, 07:23:11 AM
Felt good to get the car back on the ground...
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on April 29, 2019, 07:27:17 AM
I'm having a spacer block made to move the steering box mount out under the upper bar (as suggested) as well as fabbing up a diagonal mount for the steering box as suggested.

I also starting figuring out a fuel shutoff, pump, filter, reg, etc...set up.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on April 29, 2019, 07:27:58 AM
.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on April 29, 2019, 07:35:46 AM
Doctor said I needed more magnesium.....I'm cool with that.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on April 29, 2019, 07:37:24 AM
Many Chassis Research cars just left the main rails open but I decided to cap the ends.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on April 29, 2019, 07:38:39 AM
.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on April 29, 2019, 07:39:14 AM
.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on April 29, 2019, 08:48:11 AM
.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: denverflatheader on May 02, 2019, 07:13:09 AM
Countn Carbs – enjoyed seeing your pictures, first-rate progress.  Fabcraft centers are nice, yet expensive; spool, modern gearset, eliminating ring gear spacer, new billet caps all help peace of mind.  For a 9.3 incher last made in 1964, 55 years ago, I like the decisions on your build, slow and well thought out. 

Many unfamiliar with the early GMC and Ford six cylinder engines from the 1950s through the 1960s don’t realize some have close to 4 inch stroke.  One remarkable advantage with the longer stroke coupled with the inline arrangement is the accompanying low-end torque.  Your familiarity with that fact clearly drew you to Fabcraft knowing your 60 feet will put that 55 plus year old rear under stress.  Alan
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: THE FRENCHTOWN FLYER on May 02, 2019, 03:17:08 PM
One remarkable advantage with the longer stroke coupled with the inline arrangement is the accompanying low-end torque.

BoyHowdy! that's the truth. I leave on the wood (5500 stall) with my 300 six (4 x 4 B/S) and the jerk factor when that 80 lb crank spinning at 5500 couples up to the Powerglide  wants to suck my eyeballs out.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on May 06, 2019, 09:40:47 AM
Thanks Denverflatheader - glad you're enjoying it and and thank you for following along.  The "slow and well though out" piece is merely due to cash....took me a couple of years to save up for the Fabcraft third member and glad I did it.
Yeah the 302 GMC is a 4"x4" (bore x stroke) makes for a bunch of low end torque like you mentioned.....looking forward to that combination coupled with that 12 port head.

Frenchtown Flyer - I'm looking forward to doing that very thing!!  Can't wait!!
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on May 06, 2019, 09:50:31 AM
As suggested here is the new mount for the pitman arm shaft.  Moved it out under the top rail with a pillow block.

Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on May 06, 2019, 10:29:52 AM
With the third member in the car I was finaly able to finalize my mid-plate mount.  I had to shim the mid-plate (washers for mock-up now) a bit on each side to get the coupler to slide freely.  With that in place I took some bungs (7/16/20 threads) and came through the front hoop with and butted up to the mid-plate and bolted through the front.
Now the engine is held by the front mount and at the mid plate with the coupler able to slide freely.
Upon final assembly I'll set the coupler play at 1/8" or at least that's my plan.


Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on May 06, 2019, 10:33:11 AM
.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on May 06, 2019, 10:39:08 AM
Bungs will be welded front and back...
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on May 06, 2019, 10:40:53 AM
.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: denverflatheader on May 08, 2019, 07:32:32 AM
Plus a 12 port, better than money in the bank.  That makes five early GMC 12 ports I’m aware which reside in Colorado, seems above average for one State.  I don’t know how many are out there.

FTF – quite the vision you share, doing your part helping our Earth rotate : )
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: dreracecar on May 08, 2019, 08:09:54 AM



Support the steering shaft out closer to the pitman arm, Hitting a bump with the front wheels and jerking the steering will bend that .750 shaft hanging out that far from the support.Run a tape line to represent the body and run the support out as far as you can without getting into the body also an FYI, Most Racing org. require a screw/positive lock cap for the fuel tank as the "flip top" style tends to pop open in the event of a crash
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on May 08, 2019, 01:20:47 PM



Support the steering shaft out closer to the pitman arm, Hitting a bump with the front wheels and jerking the steering will bend that .750 shaft hanging out that far from the support.Run a tape line to represent the body and run the support out as far as you can without getting into the body also an FYI, Most Racing org. require a screw/positive lock cap for the fuel tank as the "flip top" style tends to pop open in the event of a crash
Thanks dreracecar and matter of fact that is what I knocked out this weekend.  I used a pillow block with a machined block to get it further out towards the pitman arm.  It certainly helps. 
And on that cap - I thought the same thing and asked the head tech inspector (sent him a picture of the tank) at my track before I bought that tank.  He said with the class I will be running in it is fine.  And believe me....I'm keeping all these e-mails.   Just in case I have a Moon tank sitting on the shelf with the screw top like you mention.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Countn Carbs on May 08, 2019, 01:30:14 PM
denverflatheader -

I honestly thought I would never be able to own a 12 Port but God definitely shined down on me for this deal.  Had to go to CA to get it but with the history of the head (being owned by Kay Sissell) and the right price I couldn't pass it up.

I would agree - I think CO does have an above average number for GMC 12 Ports - I kinda like that.

FTF – quite the vision you share, doing your part helping our Earth rotate :

I agree and my build certainly doesn't fit the main stream FED world of today but I thought others might enjoy it.  Thanks for your interest.

Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Goinbroke2 on June 10, 2019, 08:47:02 AM
Great to see progress. Kind of nice that I go away for a while (life gets in the way) remember this site and this car, come back and HEY 5 MORE PAGES TO CATCH UP ON!!! Lol!
I've been saving parts for years while doing other projects. Kids out of the junior dragster(after 7 years) and is now racing in street machine. I retire June 2020 and can't wait to be able to work all day, every day on my stuff. Takes forever while working, working sucks! Lol!

Looking really good, that engine is cool. I too thought it would look better with the ends of the main rails capped and a couple pages later, you thought the same!  I was just involved in the "school challenge" where 15 schools and 21 cars competed, it was a blast. Cars cannot go faster than 14 seconds and must have a teacher/adult in the passenger seat with a remote kill switch for safety reasons. That's when I realised you can get a rush and the blood flowing riding along in a 17.5 second focus! Its the competition, not the speed I enjoy. I'm thinking low 13's high 12's at the most for mine...whenever it comes together.
How fast are you planning to run it?

Good luck on further progress.
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Paul New on June 10, 2019, 01:32:49 PM
denverflatheader -

I honestly thought I would never be able to own a 12 Port but God definitely shined down on me for this deal.  Had to go to CA to get it but with the history of the head (being owned by Kay Sissell) and the right price I couldn't pass it up.

I would agree - I think CO does have an above average number for GMC 12 Ports - I kinda like that.

FTF – quite the vision you share, doing your part helping our Earth rotate :

I agree and my build certainly doesn't fit the main stream FED world of today but I thought others might enjoy it.  Thanks for your interest.

My dad just had a 12 port in his shop it was picked up last week but it wasn’t for the GMC it was on a 235
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: denverflatheader on June 14, 2019, 06:44:16 AM
Paul – yesterday in the mail I got the June 12 Port News.  It has Classifieds in the very back of this publication.  The second item listed for sale is from the Phoenix area, a used Chevy 12 port bare cylinder head, with header flange and 2 carb intake; asking $4000.  It’s rare item and will probably sell.  That’s twice this week I see an unknown Chevy 12 port mentioned, probably won’t happen again for 5 or 6 years.  Alan
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: dreracecar on June 14, 2019, 08:51:26 AM
Like anything in our world,  if you see it and don't buy it , you will never see another one for sale, If you do buy it, 2 more will show up in a week for less money
Title: Re: K-88 / 6 Cylinder
Post by: Paul New on June 15, 2019, 09:16:55 PM
Paul – yesterday in the mail I got the June 12 Port News.  It has Classifieds in the very back of this publication.  The second item listed for sale is from the Phoenix area, a used Chevy 12 port bare cylinder head, with header flange and 2 carb intake; asking $4000.  It’s rare item and will probably sell.  That’s twice this week I see an unknown Chevy 12 port mentioned, probably won’t happen again for 5 or 6 years.  Alan

Yes that is crazy how that happens!