Messages

31

Matt Shaff's Engine Shop / Re: What's a typical 392 Hemi build look like to run 8.60 in a FED or Altered?

« on: February 18, 2019, 10:48:59 AM »

I think  the first question to be asked is can you find any components like heads, blocks and cranks that are usable?

32

Matt Shaff's Engine Shop / Re: Style oil filter

« on: February 18, 2019, 10:45:10 AM »

We have Oberg filters on all or engines. Using the filter after the dry sump pump.

Only complaint is that it is messy when we check it after every run. The excess oil will spill out as you take it apart.

33

Front Engine Dragsters / Re: Chute weight.

« on: January 14, 2019, 03:10:19 PM »

Keep the chute and lay off the beer,

34

Front Engine Dragsters / Re: storing the wheelie bar in the Trailer

« on: December 03, 2018, 11:20:15 AM »

Wrap it in a blanket and lay it on the floor.

35

Your Builds / Photo Gallery / Re: Debut "Elijha's Chariot" FED

« on: November 29, 2018, 04:44:49 PM »

Great job!  Congratulations and keep up the good work.

36

Events / 27th Annual California Hot Rod Reunion

« on: October 17, 2018, 01:09:58 PM »

To be broadcast live on the web here:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD5TjbUfIpynegE1cfPnxeA

37

Front Engine Dragsters / Re: Injected FED's launch rpm

« on: September 19, 2018, 02:22:27 PM »

Really? That's too bad because the Auto Club Famoso Raceway always gives us an national event caliber track for TNT.

Of course the Auto Club Dragway at Fontana is closer and a easier drive for us, but no thanks.   

38

Wanted to sell / Re: chaparral trailer

« on: September 14, 2018, 10:34:55 AM »

Let me see if I can generate some interest for you on Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1819380411514040/?fb_dtsg_ag=AdynSCUSQaLc1tivqHTXWFTObFWGzU3lOrmmRNRJHXwzQg%3AAdzXOZd4MnlmznIsbzE3J6yRdZm48p69EDyjAARRqv0mXA

39

Front Engine Dragsters / Re: removing sle for nostalgia racing

« on: September 12, 2018, 09:03:33 AM »

Don't use a threaded rod as they are usually made of soft steel and will bend under enough pressure. Use instead a harden steel rod and thread the ends.

If you have to use threaded rod, use stainless steel as the are a bit stronger. Just my advice.

40

Front Engine Dragsters / Re: don't get and and one thing I like about most everyone here

« on: August 23, 2018, 02:37:21 PM »

Our '57 was home?shop built. Worked on it for years to get it to run right and now, because we choose to run an index of 7.60, we primarily maintain the car.  Same can be said for the other cars we run out of our shop that we didn't build ourselves.

For the last two years, I have been spending much of my free time restoring an old 1981 Chevy C60 Toterhome with a 38' triple axel Chaparral trailer  that was given to us. It said to once belong to Larry Minor Racing. Pretty much having to do everything as it sat idle for some 10 years. Seems every time I go to buy something for it, it's $100 and the thought goes like, "why am I doing this?"

Here's a shot of one of our crew members Kevin applying some paint.

41

Front Engine Dragsters / Re: Down force and zoomies

« on: August 22, 2018, 03:21:26 PM »

Okay, I just read the other thread and i think Jon was referring to the back of the car washing out vs. steering. Canards will create down force (drag) on the back tires and that will keep the car straight down track. Had a conversation with Walt Stevens of the High Speed Motorsports N/TF team a few years ago about the canards they designed. It has definitely improved their performance.

For your reading pleasure:

https://www.nas.nasa.gov/About/Education/Racecar/physics.html

42

Front Engine Dragsters / Re: Some basic simple questions

« on: August 22, 2018, 03:06:22 PM »

I hate zoomies and will only use them as a last resort. Blows fuel in your face, fumes gag you and they are loud as xxxx.

You will need to tilt them out away from the car. 

43

Front Engine Dragsters / Re: Down force and zoomies

« on: August 22, 2018, 03:01:16 PM »

Zoomies will have an affect in steering a (short wheelbase) car.  it will not have an affect on a longer wheelbase car.

I believe that the optimal angle would be 45 degrees to the ground as an even trade off on down forces vs. thrust. As with the recent issues with nitro funny cars lifting the front end down track with too much thrust, down force is important. But not to the point of sacrificing performance and strain on the engine.

FYI, I am not am engineer, but I do understand certain concepts. So if my information is incomplete...

44

Front Engine Dragsters / Re: Chute lever installation in FED

« on: July 20, 2018, 10:19:56 AM »

Put it where it is easily accessible; don't have to think about reaching for it, it should be instinctive. We prefer our drivers keep one hand (the left hand) on the wheel at all times and make all actions with the other like launch control, shifting gears and the shut-off lever. I understand that there is not much room for too many things in one area, but switching hands on the wheel during a run creates an unnecessary action and is not optimal.

The cable can be fasten with cable ties, but better to use Adel Clamps to ensure no slippage.

Use and push/pull transmission cable with an open end and ball link in the other. It is better to push than pull the lever as you can slap at it rather than grab and pull.

Get a cable from these guys: http://www.power-trans.net/

45

Front Engine Dragsters / Re: introduction

« on: July 09, 2018, 12:00:31 PM »

Welcome Mark,

Look me up at the next ANRA race and anyone in our group will be more than willing to answer ay questions you have or assist you in any way we can.

Gino Ofria
VHS Racing
A/GS '57 Chevy Bel Air
NE1 FED (Eily Stafford-Day driver)