FrontEngineDragsters.Org Forum

Drag Racing Discussions => Front Engine Dragsters => Topic started by: GlennLever on January 30, 2013, 11:24:17 AM

Title: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on January 30, 2013, 11:24:17 AM
I looked at it and tried to decied what is the next task to address to get the Blower Install done.

(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_2012_10_27/DSC_0310.jpg)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: SRLeaker on January 31, 2013, 09:47:59 PM
Hey new here this seems pretty cool just like your car! On our FED we kept it warm and dry today
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on February 01, 2013, 02:59:32 PM
Look's good It's gonna be tough to see around that blower!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on February 01, 2013, 03:27:31 PM
Not as tough as it would have been with the BarnDoor I had originally purchased.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Magic Mike Denton on February 01, 2013, 06:06:48 PM
To see down the track with blown front engine cars, I pick a part of the wall and line it up with the hat and try to stay there. These cars move towards the side with less traction, so staying in the groove can be challenging. I love when my cars swerve, that gives me a nano second to see down the track. Night racing really gets your heart pumpin! A little tire haze is where its at, fun stuff for sure!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Magic Mike Denton on February 01, 2013, 06:28:12 PM
Glenn, your car looks awesome! Im trying to make the Auto Rama in Dallas,TX Feb 15-17. Going to put a couple of dragster chassis's and suspension items in there too. Should be fun, its a 5A show so there will be tons of people attending. Im tryin to get Randy Wilson to enter his Top Fuel FED in the show, but Im not sure he'll make it.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Blind Mule on February 01, 2013, 11:36:37 PM


I sat in the seat and held the butterfly with one hand and made motor sounds :-[
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on February 02, 2013, 03:04:22 AM
I have done some work since then pics are in post about time for FED forum.

 As for today no work have car show this weekend.I did buy a new Cobra torch/welding kit can't wait till Monday to refill tanks. Guy demonstrating made it look awsome. Cutts beter than any plasma cutter I have seen. Welded .020 aluminum better than my tig and broke the number 1 rule of aluminum welding the stuff he was welding was far from clean.  So no work but I got new tool to help finisher her up,spindles will have to wait till next month.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on February 02, 2013, 12:11:02 PM


I sat in the seat and held the butterfly with one hand and made motor sounds :-[

We have all sat there and made noises and if you do not admit it you are not being honest.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Magic Mike Denton on February 02, 2013, 12:16:36 PM
Killer engine wideopen231!!!!
Run that a** engine brother!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on February 02, 2013, 03:15:38 PM
Look at bottom of block your right it can be killer I killed 6000.00 in less than 3 runs.  Not Planning on running the whipple on the fed.For soem reason everyone who knows me laughs or shakes their head when I say that.   Hey those blower are like drugs.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on February 02, 2013, 04:13:48 PM
Heck I thought a few whap bows,then waaaaaaa and hitting shute while sitting in car making fake runs was just cheap pratice and the way to end long night of working on car.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Spud Miller on February 03, 2013, 03:30:02 PM

 Here sits mine today...tucked into the corner of the FIE shop. I took the body off, got the tires off and that's it for today. I didn't have time to race it last season, but only needs a few things to be ready. The tranny case needs to be recerted, belts rewebbed, and new tires. I have a larger fuel pump for it now and need to get that plumbed and cabled for the shut-off and hi/lo valve. Other than that, I just need time to round up all the support equipment and clean it all up.

(http://fuelinjectionent.com/images/OHCP-2-2013.jpg)

A shot of it on the track...

(http://fuelinjectionent.com/images/ohcp2010-8.jpg)

Last time out, we ran 6.91 @ 199 on 98%. That was putting 10 GPM to it. Another half a gallon should have it in the mid 6.80's consistently ...which is all the quicker we ever need to go for what we're doing.

Hoping to have time and money for at least 3 local events this year. 

We will see!

Spud

 
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Blind Mule on February 03, 2013, 05:38:53 PM
Spud that's a clean ride ;) I am just starting my build and the body on yours gives me some inspiration BTW what's the wheelbase?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Spud Miller on February 03, 2013, 06:23:30 PM
Thanks! The wheelbase is 185".

I built the original full body myself...and it was an adventure. Since then, I've back-halved the car (to get below the 7.50 cert tag) and my chassis builder (Gary Eickmann) built the new body from the motor back. I like the look of it now a lot better.

When mine was originally sitting as a bare chassis on the garage floor with the just-finished full body on it, it looked exactly like a huge chili pepper laying there. So, I called it "One Hot Chili Pepper". http://onehotchilipepper.com (http://onehotchilipepper.com) Haven't updated the site in forever, but there are build pics and reports from years of racing on there.

I just saw our schedule for this year (Pro Nostalgia) and it looks like I have until June to be ready. Won't even attempt to make the April race (that has been known to "snow-out").

Can't wait to hear the cackle again and feel those G's!

Spud
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on February 04, 2013, 05:44:52 AM
 Spent my night making some new brackets,finishing front motor mounts, maching motor monts for les weight and drilling holes in few other parts. Think I took about 2 to 2.5 lbs off car but hey its weight that I don't have to haul down track. Shame I can't put my fat butt on mill or lathe and cut weight same way. Still working towards loosing another 30 to 40 lbs.Has to help balance car better 65 lbs. not hanging out back.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on February 04, 2013, 05:48:32 AM
I could lose 50, latly all I'm doing is adding weight to the FED, bracket here, intake there, blower here, injection hat there.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on February 04, 2013, 08:50:11 PM
It does not feel like we made much progress this weekend. Tom was over and so were both of my sons. Number one son stayed behind the camera so I have no pictures of him, but I did get a picture of the number two son.

We started like this
(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_2013_02_02/Bag_0006_06.jpg)

and ended like this
(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_2013_02_02/So_Here_Is_Where_We_Are_Now_0231.jpg)

In between those two the blower bag is back from DJ so we the blower bag back on with the modifications made by DJ it fits now.
(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_2013_02_02/Bag_0007_06.jpg)

Installed the rear restraint strap bracket.
(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_2013_02_02/Rear_Bracket_0211.jpg)

Made a bracket to hold the fill can for the coolant system
(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_2013_02_02/Bracket_0085.jpg)

it came out pretty nice
(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_2013_02_02/Bracket_0195.jpg)

(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_2013_02_02/Bracket_0244.jpg)

There is a complete update on my web site at this link
http://www.leverfamilysite.com/2010_Front_Engine_Dragster_Week_2013_02_02.htm

and the complete build from the first tube cut to now can be seen here
http://www.leverfamilysite.com/2010_Front_Engine_Dragster_Root.htm

along with some u-tube videos of it running down the track
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDWtpdT46Ck
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Magic Mike Denton on February 05, 2013, 09:16:08 AM
Nice car Spud!!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Alkydigger on February 06, 2013, 07:51:45 AM
I looked at it and tried to decied what is the next task to address to get the Blower Install done.

I inally got around to sending some parts off the be anodized Red.   Got a new 358" Short block sittng there, and a New Hilborn injection, but seems like no time to work on it.  when I dohave time, the wfe says I don't have time . 
TIME  is obviously scarce around my house.   
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Quartermiler on February 06, 2013, 05:44:05 PM
Got the new main bearings installed and the Jesel belt drive on!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: tylercrawford on February 06, 2013, 08:04:33 PM
All kinds of little machining.

Made spud ends for my tie rod, or thread adapters/whatever. Had to machine a little spacer ring because the hub I got from good vibes has a 2" O.D. while this blower pulley I got off ebay has a 2.250" I.D.

(http://imageshack.us/a/img145/7126/imag0514.jpg)

Also, the QC on my enderle timing cover was a little sketchy.  Had to enlarge the spot faces for the bolts and deburr the rear of the holes.

Pushrods come tomorrow.  Dropping off my cylinder heads in the morning to get the valve seats/valve angles checked.  Hope to have the entire longblock wrapped up this weekend.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Quartermiler on February 11, 2013, 04:30:00 PM
New A-1 torque converter in, the engine is back in the frame! tomorrow babysit the grandaughter, Wednesday hope to get everything else hooked up!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on February 11, 2013, 05:45:57 PM
Spent a few hours working on a customers RED, however I did bump my knee on the new tubing on the frame jig. New 200" car, frame is about 95%
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: buickfed on February 11, 2013, 05:46:19 PM
other than snow, done nothing for over a week now.  still trying to figure out how i can make everything fit on front with the 4-71/350 buick. darn w/p and alt is in the way of the belt.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on February 11, 2013, 06:02:39 PM
Buickfed, suggestion....get rid of the alternator and maybe a remote w/p unless you're gonna run alky. Then scrap the w/p too. :P
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Cajuninjector on February 11, 2013, 07:36:17 PM
Loaded the bare chassis on a lumber rack of a work truck and strapped er down good. Headin to the powder coater tomorrow. True redneck style!! :o
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on February 11, 2013, 08:16:53 PM
Well spent sunday working on fuel tank mounts,multiple battery mounting points,and started on dash and electrical panel mount. Spent free time to day working dash lay out.Need to be working on chassis,but since taking dog to vet I will be cpl weeks ordering last cpl pieces of tubing.

 Tomorrow is looking like have some work to do. Darn thing of not being born rich sucks!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on February 11, 2013, 08:54:57 PM
Loaded the bare chassis on a lumber rack of a work truck and strapped er down good. Headin to the powder coater tomorrow. True redneck style!! :o

Roo Man took my chassis on a similar trip, for the same purpose.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: denverflatheader on February 12, 2013, 07:23:39 AM
If you use alot of nitro, or if you don't use any at all, don't read this : )   
I plan on trying some nitro this year and checked with our local supplier and they only sells it in drums.  I don't need a whole drum nor do I want 55 gallons sitting around in my garage.  I checked around and found some.  Got it smoothly, now I'm a happy camper.  Here's current link:

(ebay #2008 6701 4356)  or click on link.........

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Torco-Nitro-race-fuel-5-Gal-pail-Torco-100-Nitromethane-/200867014356?hash=item2ec49b66d4&item=200867014356&pt=Race_Car_Parts&vxp=mtr#ht_255wt_1129


p.s.  I ran this by Glenn first, since it's an ad.  Glenn said it was okay to post, I wasn't sure, so better to ask first.  Okay, I can check nitromethane off my to do list.

 



Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: buickfed on February 12, 2013, 06:49:06 PM
Buickfed, suggestion....get rid of the alternator and maybe a remote w/p unless you're gonna run alky. Then scrap the w/p too. :P

no can do. my son likes to do laps with the rail. ;D  besides i hate carrying all the other stuff to the race track. it's set up to run when we get to the track. if a minor break happens and can be fix, ok. major break, its on the trailer and we go partying.  ;D
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: tylercrawford on February 15, 2013, 10:45:31 AM
If you use alot of nitro, or if you don't use any at all, don't read this : )   
I plan on trying some nitro this year and checked with our local supplier and they only sells it in drums.  I don't need a whole drum nor do I want 55 gallons sitting around in my garage.  I checked around and found some.  Got it smoothly, now I'm a happy camper.  Here's current link:

(ebay #2008 6701 4356)  or click on link.........

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Torco-Nitro-race-fuel-5-Gal-pail-Torco-100-Nitromethane-/200867014356?hash=item2ec49b66d4&item=200867014356&pt=Race_Car_Parts&vxp=mtr#ht_255wt_1129


p.s.  I ran this by Glenn first, since it's an ad.  Glenn said it was okay to post, I wasn't sure, so better to ask first.  Okay, I can check nitromethane off my to do list.

Excellent!  Thanks for the heads up . . . I would love to hit some cackle events this year and was worried about buying a 55gal drum considering I won't ever make a pass on the stuff
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on February 15, 2013, 02:36:20 PM
Spud, thats a fine looking hotrod!  Lets see today...I made the fuel shutoff cable bracket and mounted it on the fuel pump. Also made a bracket for my throttle return springs and started figuring out my top blower belt guard. I like to fab. everything possible, that way you know the part fits, not like ordering something and hoping it works about 50% of the time.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Blind Mule on February 15, 2013, 04:07:30 PM
I cussed at it does that count ;D

  Randy!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on February 15, 2013, 04:44:45 PM
I cussed at it does that count ;D

  Randy!

You bet.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: bud on February 16, 2013, 06:15:53 PM
Today
I went out and started looking for all the parts I use for my inj s/b . I'm thinking about putting it in back in the fed . it was a lot more fun running it plus was not near as costly to run, So I think that will be my plan for this year.
this is what it look like before :
(http://buds-motorsports.webs.com/mokan.jpg)

now this the look now :

(http://buds-motorsports.webs.com/100_0522.JPG)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: bud on February 16, 2013, 06:57:34 PM
Buickfed, suggestion....get rid of the alternator and maybe a remote w/p unless you're gonna run alky. Then scrap the w/p too. :P

no can do. my son likes to do laps with the rail. ;D  besides i hate carrying all the other stuff to the race track. it's set up to run when we get to the track. if a minor break happens and can be fix, ok. major break, its on the trailer and we go partying.  ;D

ya I feel like you if it don't want to run I load it up and take it home.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: coupemerc on February 18, 2013, 08:16:09 AM
I took some more weight out of my "go" pedal...
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: buickfed on February 18, 2013, 11:59:43 AM
day off today. went to big al's toy box and swapped some parts so it make installing the 4-71 easier. was fun till his power went out.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on February 18, 2013, 12:02:01 PM
day off today. went to big al's toy box and swapped some parts so it make installing the 4-71 easier. was fun till his power went out.

I thought Big Al was out of business?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: buickfed on February 18, 2013, 06:33:07 PM
no. still going strong. i like his showroom. 2 rails standing up on the walls.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on February 18, 2013, 08:23:55 PM
Must be a different "Big Al"
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on February 19, 2013, 09:17:40 PM
Got a good deal on a front axle, spindles and spoke wheels, for the new car.  Today I shortened the axle and installed my crank hub, lower pulley and pump/drive (80A-1), on the engine going into the old "Smokin Gun". Oh, and called Speedway for a set of Kingpins. ;D
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: diggerjoe on February 20, 2013, 05:21:09 AM
I'm ready! ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on February 20, 2013, 05:34:39 AM
I'm ready! ;D ;D ;D

Sure whis I was.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: buickfed on February 20, 2013, 05:22:42 PM
didnt even notice. i was looking at the rails. but he has a bunch of cars in the showroom.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Cajuninjector on February 20, 2013, 07:57:56 PM
Installed a Strange 12 bolt GM dropout into a 9" housing and torqued er down. That sucker turns so easy. Way less resistance than a 9"
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on February 21, 2013, 01:55:05 PM
I spent the day putting together the attached Race Car Safety Data Sheet.

This was suggested by a good freind to make inspectors on race day happy.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on February 22, 2013, 06:12:34 AM
Well I have started looking for the rest of my belt guard.

I have a RCD upper belt guard.

I have been watching FeeBay for a lower belt guard.

A friend of mine told me to take a look over on Classic Funny Car Board, that there was a  guy selling Laser cut blower belt guards "Funny car chat   about 6 7 posts down (Feb. 12) "custom blower belt guard"   $55     "

I contacted him and am in the process of having one made up for me with the racing team name cut into it. I will let you know how it comes out. He is not a dealer, just a guy supporting his racing addiction on the side.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: buickfed on February 23, 2013, 04:22:33 PM
started making header flanges for the buick for the zoomie bbc headers i bought off ebay. love making other brands fit the buick.  ;D  ;D
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on February 24, 2013, 08:12:38 AM
Buicfed are you from CT ?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on February 24, 2013, 08:17:08 AM
started making header flanges for the buick for the zoomie bbc headers i bought off ebay. love making other brands fit the buick.  ;D  ;D
Old school weed burners aor Zoomies
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: buickfed on February 24, 2013, 02:22:40 PM
Buicfed are you from CT ?

ellington. about 4 miles from stafford speedway
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on February 25, 2013, 11:44:54 AM
I got the bottom pulley and fuel pump belt drive assembled and lock-tighted and bolted onto the engine
(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_2012_11_10/DSC_0424.jpg)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on February 26, 2013, 02:18:51 PM
Bolted the intake on.

(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_2013_02_24/Intake_Manifold_0334.jpg)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on March 03, 2013, 04:16:55 PM
Spent a lot of money.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: buickfed on March 05, 2013, 06:30:52 PM
our fed still has airhearts on it. last year i called, emailed, faxed and snail mailed to wilwood for some help changing over the brakes. got blown off. last night i had a good conversation with aerospace componets about changing over the brakes. saving my pennies and going with them.
the adage 'a mind is a terrible thing to lose' works well in my garage lately. the engine with all brands of car parts in it is tough. i forget or forgot how to put the stupid thing back together or misplaced the parts. sheesh. but i got my header flanges done tonight. have to buy a stick of pipe and have it bent and welded.  how far out should i go with the zoomies? outside edge of tires, middle of tires???
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricardo1967 on March 05, 2013, 07:26:24 PM
It definitely sounds like Wilwood.

As for the zoomies, here's mine, by Rooman, fabricator supreme!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: AF150 on March 06, 2013, 08:12:14 AM
Just an entertainment note while you guys are working on your cars...The March Meet starts
tomorrow (3/7/13) and you can watch it live on bangshift.com. I wish I could be there.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on March 06, 2013, 09:12:20 AM
Just an entertainment note while you guys are working on your cars...The March Meet starts
tomorrow (3/7/13) and you can watch it live on bangshift.com. I wish I could be there.
MARCH MEET 2013 – BANGSHIFT LIVE VIDEO THIS THURSDAY THROUGH

BangShift will be broadcasting the 2013 March Meet, March 7-10th from world famous Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield, California. In what has become a yearly tradition for both BangShift and drag racing fans all over the world, the live broadcast of the 2013 March Meet will include all the sportsman action you can handle and the biggest fields of nostalgia nitro funny cars, top fuelers, and exhibition machinery you’ll see all year. This is a historic race and one that top professional drivers like Ron Capps, Del Worsham, Jack Beckman, and others flock to for the fun and glory of it all.

Thanks to sponsorship from Lucas Oil, Autometer, Chris Altson’s Chassisworks, COMP Cams, Aeromotive, and Holley we are able to bring you four full days of LIVE drag racing 100% FREE. The 2013 March Meet promises to be one of the best yet with nitro action on all four days and the inclusion of the nostalgia rear motor top fuel class that harks back to the early 1970s when the epic transition from slingshots to rear engine machines came so quickly.

BOOKMARK THIS PAGE AS THIS LINK WILL BRING YOU TO THE LIVE FREE STREAMING
http://bangshift.com/blog/march-meet-2013-bangshift-will-be-live-broadcasting-thursday-through-sunday.html
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Blind Mule on March 06, 2013, 10:23:35 AM
Wish I could go to that race :(

Bought some cardboard gonna see how much I can waste on a body template :-[

  Randy!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: rooman on March 06, 2013, 01:23:44 PM
I will wave to you guys from the start line at Famoso--flying out at 6 am tomorrow.

Roo
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on March 06, 2013, 01:54:38 PM
I will wave to you guys from the start line at Famoso--flying out at 6 am tomorrow.

Roo
Now your just rubbing it in.

How about you be our official photographer (the pay is great) and post some pictures. Start a thread under "Your Builds / Photo Gallery"
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on March 07, 2013, 01:56:46 PM
Steve and I got together and cut down the standoffs for the belt guard.

So this is what we started with Note that the top pulley is JUST inside the guard and the way the guard comes from RCD the bolt heads are sticking out over the pulley.

(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_2013_03_09/DSC_0493.JPG)

So we pulled it all apart, cut a 1/4 inch off the standoffs, and machined counter sinks into the starter bracket so that the heads are flush.

(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_2013_03_09/DSC_0501.JPG)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on March 09, 2013, 03:47:04 PM
70 degrees in N. Alabama today, 8) yippee!  Had a choice of working on the dragster today, or....go to a little test n' tune/swap meet at I-22 Motorsports Park. Loaded some stuff I will never need  ::) into the dually and headed out. Only 30 min from home but stayed all day and only sold 3 small items $180 total. Dropped the engine/trans into the chassis yesterday. Should have stayed home (resolved to do better tomorrow).
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on March 10, 2013, 06:17:17 AM
I installed the blower (not to be removed again until at lest after the first fire up) using custom aluminum studs ( I have a 4 inch spacer between the intake and the blower)made by Roo Man (replaced the steel tread rods used for mock up).

(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_2013_03_09/DSC_0486.JPG)

As I must make it look pretty as well as having if functional, each stud was measured once fully threaded (the reason each one had to be measured is the blind holes in the intake were all different lengths) into the BDS intake manifold, cut to get the stud to fully thread into the acorn nut, without the gasket.

(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_2013_03_09/DSC_0487.JPG)

Each stud was then numbered, they were all removed, the gaskets installed, and nuts torqued to 12 pounds

(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_2013_03_09/DSC_0488.JPG)

One more task completed. It looks like the fuel system will be on its way home from FIE the end of next week.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on March 12, 2013, 02:49:54 PM
Bought some pulleys for tuning

(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_2013_03_09/DSC_0470.JPG)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on March 16, 2013, 10:29:12 AM
Bob Way and I got together this morning and got a couple of things done. Got the parachute unpacked and hung from the ceiling in the basement, exercised the flapper in the fuel tank to try and free it up as the anodize has bound it up, and the big thing is we made a piston stop, and found top dead center on the crank (remember that I no longer have a harmonic balancer). We took are time on this and rechecked our findings many times. TDC is a degree and a half away from one of the ten degree makes on the degree wheel. Too bad it did not work out so that it was right on.

Next weekend should be a big weekend as the fuel system should be back from FIE and can be bolted on!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: George on March 16, 2013, 05:46:05 PM
Got the chassis re certified today. We are good to 6.00 et. Now to get the 4.86 gear change. We'll be ready for some warmer weather.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: buickfed on March 17, 2013, 05:13:58 PM
after fighting for days trying to find pulleys in my garage(really need to clean it) tomake the fan/alt setup work, i got it done. had my son finish wiring it today and started it up. :) he said it's too quiet. told him i took off the rollers and used the stock rockers. happy its up and running.  :) :)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on March 17, 2013, 07:46:40 PM
Not alot. Got my tube shifter mounted,moved it then got it mounted where I liked it. Finished fastening the electrical panel in,actually use same mounting point for a brace for steering box arm. Love it when I can use one bolt to mount cpl items,less weight.

  Did work on plug for nose piece.Few more hours then it will be ready to pull a mold off of.Then the carbon fiber piece that goes onto the car.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on March 21, 2013, 02:47:13 PM
Fuel system is back from Spud (FIE).
http://www.fuelinjectionent.com/

Lots to due this Saturday at the car nuts meeting starts around 9:00. I should be working on it most of the weekend off and on. If you want to stop by feel free (I would call first to make sure I’m not running for parts).

If you are planning on stopping on Saturday around 9:00 let me know so there is food and drink for all.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on March 24, 2013, 07:00:25 AM
Come on guys, you cannot tell me I'm the only one working on their dragster, what are you doing today on your machine.?

I updated my web site on progress on the dragster today, here is the link
http://www.leverfamilysite.com/2010_Front_Engine_Dragster_Week_2013_03_09.htm

The current pulley setup will not work
(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_2013_03_09/DSC_0645.jpg)

What is the solution, see the web site.

Got a present from Spud today
(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_2013_03_09/DSC_0698.jpg)

(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_2013_03_09/DSC_0699.jpg)

(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_2013_03_09/DSC_0701.jpg)

Put together a bracket for the remote fuel pump

(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_2013_03_09/DSC_0708.jpg)

Now that I have the hat back and the new blower restrain installed a clearance problem showed up, and fixed it.

(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_2013_03_09/DSC_0711.jpg)

(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_2013_03_09/DSC_0715.jpg)

Let's see what you did today!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Quartermiler on March 25, 2013, 04:50:05 PM
Had a great day, fired the dragster up and all systems are go. Everything on the new datalogger worked. Had one of my new sponsors decals put on the trailer. Heading to Evadale TX Friday to race on Saturday!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Blind Mule on March 25, 2013, 08:22:21 PM
I moved some dust around on mine does that count? ;) Mine is starting to be a hold all :-[ See how much I can lay on it that don't go on it!

Randy!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on March 25, 2013, 08:28:57 PM
Had a great day, fired the dragster up and all systems are go. Everything on the new datalogger worked. Had one of my new sponsors decals put on the trailer. Heading to Evadale TX Friday to race on Saturday!

Opening day here is 25 days away, and it is still below 32. I hope to fire the "new" engine this Saturday.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on March 25, 2013, 08:30:57 PM
I moved some dust around on mine does that count? ;) Mine is starting to be a hold all :-[ See how much I can lay on it that don't go on it!

Randy!

YES! you have to do that otherwise untouched projects are like magnets, they attract everthing in the garage and soon they are covered with stuff.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: George on March 25, 2013, 08:34:09 PM
No work on the car today. An all time record snowfall here ( 18.5 "). Crazy!! On the anniversary of ice storm in 1978 that had me working 18 hours a day for two weeks.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on March 25, 2013, 08:36:35 PM
No work on the car today. An all time record snowfall here ( 18.5 "). Crazy!! On the anniversary of ice storm in 1978 that had me working 18 hours a day for two weeks.
For a change that storm is going to completely miss us!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on March 28, 2013, 07:51:40 AM
Bolted the hat on, getting close, I think this Saturday we will try an fire it.

(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_2013_03_09/DSC_0720.JPG)

(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_2013_03_09/DSC_0724.JPG)

Made a small modification to the hat so that it is easier to bolt on.

(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_2013_03_09/DSC_0725.JPG)

(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_2013_03_09/DSC_0733.JPG)

Come on guys post up what you are doing, no matter how small a project, did you sit in it an make motor noises?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: AF150 on March 28, 2013, 10:05:42 AM
I charged the batteries...all the winter-work and reassembly is done. First race is April 6 at
Denton, TX. There should be alot of FEDs & altereds at the first race for the SHRA.
How many of you guys are ready to go racing??
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: bud on March 28, 2013, 03:35:15 PM
Look's good It's gonna be tough to see around that blower!
just point and click !! That's what I do. .
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on March 29, 2013, 07:42:27 AM
Just got my block back from the machine shop yesterday . It's been there for 3 month's I desided to put billet main caps on it and it took almost 9 weeks to get them so I am way behind I plan on working on it all day . I will try to post some pictures later .
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on March 29, 2013, 07:53:42 AM
Just got my block back from the machine shop yesterday . It's been there for 3 month's I desided to put billet main caps on it and it took almost 9 weeks to get them so I am way behind I plan on working on it all day . I will try to post some pictures later .

Michine shop jail, we all know it well, keep us posted. Pictures!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on March 29, 2013, 08:07:54 AM
Line form the fill tank to the coolant system is installed.

(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_2013_03_09/DSC_0802.JPG)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on March 29, 2013, 01:01:13 PM
Ok Going to try and post some pictures . I took my trans apart today . I have to get the case re certed.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on March 29, 2013, 01:09:55 PM
Everyone say's you need to run a kevlar band This is a red lined band and it has over 100 runs onit and still brand new My clutches are not so good 
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: buickfed on March 29, 2013, 04:08:41 PM
i got mine up and running. i've been using headers from the tube car but can't put the rail on the ground because they hit. i have the header flanges made up and zoomies are ready for somebody to weld them. once that's done i can test the car at my fathers driveway.  :) getting a new battery tomorrow. started the setup for the 471 on the dummy block. this is going to take some time. when i finish that i will have 3 different setups i can run, carb, b&m and 471. gonna drive my son crazy...this is going to be fun.  :) :)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on March 29, 2013, 05:36:12 PM
 :P I worked hard all (most of the) day to earn more money to spend on hot rod parts! Had a good day grinding stumps for the city (school). Will weld on brackets for remote oil filter tomorrow. Got my oil filter lines made up yesterday. Still need to fab a blower belt guard and fuel shutoff lever and install said cable. Then we're down to wiring connections and dropping the dist. in.  Then....add fuel/oil and battery+ make noise. Woo Hoo!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on March 29, 2013, 05:57:18 PM
Now this is more like it!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on March 31, 2013, 04:46:25 AM
No words nessary

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6zRsObuerw&
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: coupemerc on March 31, 2013, 05:01:43 AM
I don't know what I enjoyed more...the engine sound or the $h!t eating grin on Glenn's face. Congratulations! Is that a proportioning valve you are using to adjust the idle fuel flow?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on March 31, 2013, 05:20:29 AM
That is  Spud Miller special, that he is currently putting an article together on.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on March 31, 2013, 05:55:49 AM
Motor sounds great ! Now all we need is some warm weather here in the north east!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: hotrod316 on March 31, 2013, 07:52:28 AM
TO COOL  8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on March 31, 2013, 08:02:27 AM
Happy Easter everyone ! Spent a little time this morning checking main bearing clearances.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: hotrod316 on March 31, 2013, 02:24:45 PM
Glenn, what camera are you using? thanks Steve Morgan
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Alkydigger on March 31, 2013, 02:38:24 PM
I filled the block with Hard block and  sprinkled Holy Water on it !

Mike
www.Alkydigger.com 
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Alkydigger on March 31, 2013, 02:48:39 PM
Filled the block with Hard Block
Sprinkled it with Holy Water.
I may be making my own balancers -  too hard to find a 5- 3/4" one  except for the ROMAC.
Been too busy remodeling the new building fr Alkydigger.com  to move into ,,,,so the car has sat for a while.
The last pic was with the 6 cylinder JEEP engine (RIP )  sold it to a hungry guy on the West Coast.  :>)

Mike
www.Alkydigger.com 
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on March 31, 2013, 03:10:03 PM
Filled the block with Hard Block
Sprinkled it with Holy Water.
I may be making my own balancers -  too hard to find a 5- 3/4" one  except for the ROMAC.
Been too busy remodeling the new building fr Alkydigger.com  to move into ,,,,so the car has sat for a while.
The last pic was with the 6 cylinder JEEP engine (RIP )  sold it to a hungry guy on the West Coast.  :>)

Mike
www.Alkydigger.com
8)Hi Mike, I know the Jeep engine was hi tech. and probably cost more but I like this better.   Allan Faulkner
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: tdracer on March 31, 2013, 03:24:24 PM
Hi,

   New here, so hi to everyone.  Just mocking things up before final assembly of my FED, a little plumbing, wiring some mounting tabs and a belly pan under the motor and i should be all set.

SBC, 400, 11:1,  Dart alum. block, Dart Pro 1 heads, 6:71 5 under, glide, 4:10, beadlocks.  Roller stuff and one of Spud's mag's.

Been a while since i drove a FED, got bored with the RED stuff..lol.

Great site.

Brian
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on April 06, 2013, 04:08:40 PM
Spent the day cleaning part's and getting ready to gap rings tomorrow . I borrowed my buddy's ring file . This is the nicest one I have ever used . Makes filing rings a pleasure!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on April 06, 2013, 04:12:26 PM
Had to replace 2 pistons because of a broken lifter
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: gregm784 on April 06, 2013, 06:31:29 PM
Finished the launch controller install.  A bunch of accessory wiring (shift light, rev limiter). Made some brackets and mounted a rev limiter.  Finished my new battery box for starting the car.  Looking forward to testing next weekend.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on April 06, 2013, 08:16:26 PM
Finished the launch controller install.  A bunch of accessory wiring (shift light, rev limiter). Made some brackets and mounted a rev limiter.  Finished my new battery box for starting the car.  Looking forward to testing next weekend.
Pictures?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on April 08, 2013, 02:32:57 PM
I fired up the Sr Dragsters Slant six to check the new tach install. (Thumbs up)I did a small thing to the ignition  had been putting off since last year. Then I turned my attention to the other rail, the 318 Poly deal.  I turned on my small foundry and melted some aluminum muffins to pour a steering adapter for the steering shaft of unknown origin. Then I machined it and stuck it in its home for a pic. This method gave me a proper spline for the shaft . I used masking tape to get enuf clearance and pressed it snuggly into the splines. Turned out pretty good I thought. 
Don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on April 08, 2013, 02:53:22 PM
I fired up the Sr Dragsters Slant six to check the new tach install. (Thumbs up)I did a small thing to the ignition  had been putting off since last year. Then I turned my attention to the other rail, the 318 Poly deal.  I turned on my small foundry and melted some aluminum muffins to pour a steering adapter for the steering shaft of unknown origin. Then I machined it and stuck it in its home for a pic. This method gave me a proper spline for the shaft . I used masking tape to get enuf clearance and pressed it snuggly into the splines. Turned out pretty good I thought. 
Don
Neat, Everyone should have a foundry!

Post the video of you running down the track, Please, Otherwise I'm going to have to spend a lot of time looking for it over on the HAMB
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on April 08, 2013, 03:22:29 PM
Wel this was not all done today, but within the last week,
The engine was run and ran well

A complete update can be seen at this link
http://www.leverfamilysite.com/2010_Front_Engine_Dragster_Week_2013_04_13.htm

(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_2013_04_13/DSC_0820.jpg)

We had a coolant leak on the right head.
(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_2013_04_13/DSC_0831.jpg)

Took it apart
(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_2013_04_13/DSC_0832.jpg)

Put it back together
(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_2013_04_13/DSC_0855.jpg)

Made an improvement to the coolant system
(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_2013_04_13/DSC_0898.jpg)

Put together a list of items that need to be completed to go to the track on the 27th
(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_2013_04_13/DSC_0899.JPG)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on April 09, 2013, 12:47:01 PM
Finished filing my rings and put all the pistons and rods together 32 spiral locks . My fingertips are worn out !
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on April 09, 2013, 05:27:22 PM
I have been welding on fuel tank most of evening. Its either the aluminum or thye xxxx welder(me) thats not working. Getting good flow is SOB tonight. Im not the worlds best aluminum welder anyway but most the time I decent. Got pissed so figured sitting down for beer ot two might be good idea.

 As they say no time like the present to get back at it.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Blind Mule on April 10, 2013, 02:34:46 PM
Did what I been doing the last month   NOTHING :-[  Waiting for my MONEY tree to bloom ;D  I did move some dust on it!!!


   Randy!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: buickfed on April 10, 2013, 05:59:19 PM
i got my new parts. waiting for sonny to do his thing. plus planting season(blame my father) is about to start which will slow things down.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on April 12, 2013, 02:15:57 PM
Things are moving along slow but moving . Got the crank in and the pistons and rods . Now I have to wait for the cam to come back from Bullet.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on April 13, 2013, 11:49:32 AM
I fabbed a cable end and installed the north end of my fuel shutoff cable yesterday. I've been busy remodelling a rental house and working to fund my habit. MAYBE...I'll get out there this afternoon and work on fabricating my fuel shutoff lever and cable mounting bracket. Got invited to the 11 May event in Commerce, GA but don't have the right wheels, injector, current certs, drivers license, etc. I'll just stay close to home and play at my local track, when I finish with all the little details.  Thought for the day, "Rev her 'till she pukes!)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on April 13, 2013, 11:51:27 AM
I moved the FED from  the garage to the trailer today. One step closer to the track.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: buickfed on April 14, 2013, 11:24:49 AM
today my son installed the new distributor parts that i screwed up and we put it down to take it out for one test run in the driveway. nice to see it move. have a water leak on the mopar/buick intake i have to reglue and the brakes are working properly. other than that it was NICE!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on April 14, 2013, 01:30:21 PM
Worked on a new scoop mount today . I am going to try my anteater scoop again . The last time I had it on the car I could not see anything in front of me . I cut about 3 inches off the bottom and fiberglassed a plate inside of it 
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: coupemerc on April 14, 2013, 02:21:08 PM
Bill, It looks like you're going to be ready soon! Keep up the good work. I picked up a golf cart this weekend. Every little bit helps.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on April 14, 2013, 03:16:17 PM
Finally..... fabbed my fuel shutoff lever and welded the cable bracket to the frame, using the same pivot as the chute cable. (Thanks Roo) Also welded the remote oil filter brackets in place. I have a Moroso filter (built like an Oberg) thats been lying around for 10 yrs. Hopefully it won't leak.  ;D
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on April 14, 2013, 03:36:08 PM
Worked on a new scoop mount today . I am going to try my anteater scoop again . The last time I had it on the car I could not see anything in front of me . I cut about 3 inches off the bottom and fiberglassed a plate inside of it
Great work!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on April 15, 2013, 02:30:01 PM
Glen Thank's for the compliment . Look's like your about ready to race . I bet you can't wait to try out that blower ! Chuck just keep pickin at it and before you know it you will be sitting in the staging lanes with it!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on April 15, 2013, 07:36:05 PM
Let's see, made 3, quarter inch thick spacers to go between the torque conv. and flexplate, to compensate for the quarter inch thick motor plate. Then, the starter wouldn't bolt up to the block because of interference with the vertical next the motor plate. Removed .300 from the end of the aluminum block that the starter is mounted into. Problem solved! Then went out into the pasture and got my zero turn mower stuck :'(.... Took my dually (4wheel drive) out into the pasture and got it stuck :o.....Called my neighbor and he brought his Lull extendaboom loader into the pasture and he got stuck :o. Turns out I was able to get the Lull unstuck because of previous experience operating similar equipment  8).  Then with yours truly operating said machine, was able to pull pickup out of pasture and aforementioned zero turn culprit  :P. Lesson learned...should have just stayed in the shop and worked on the dragster and waited for summer b4 venturing forth into said pasture. SO HOW WAS YOUR AFTERNOON?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on April 16, 2013, 04:34:57 AM
Bought 110 gallons of fuel today.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on April 17, 2013, 11:11:41 AM
Let's see, made 3, quarter inch thick spacers to go between the torque conv. and flexplate, to compensate for the quarter inch thick motor plate. Then, the starter wouldn't bolt up to the block because of interference with the vertical next the motor plate. Removed .300 from the end of the aluminum block that the starter is mounted into. Problem solved! Then went out into the pasture and got my zero turn mower stuck :'(.... Took my dually (4wheel drive) out into the pasture and got it stuck :o.....Called my neighbor and he brought his Lull extendaboom loader into the pasture and he got stuck :o. Turns out I was able to get the Lull unstuck because of previous experience operating similar equipment  8).  Then with yours truly operating said machine, was able to pull pickup out of pasture and aforementioned zero turn culprit  :P. Lesson learned...should have just stayed in the shop and worked on the dragster and waited for summer b4 venturing forth into said pasture. SO HOW WAS YOUR AFTERNOON?
That's why God invented Drag Racing because it takes your mind off all the crappy thing's that happen
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on April 17, 2013, 01:56:20 PM
Bought 110 gallons of fuel today.
  :D I like it, sounds like you're planning on making some noise. I bought a drum the other day also. As always it says 99.9% pure. I know what to add for the extra .1%  8)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: FatOldGuy on April 17, 2013, 05:54:17 PM
We started the car for the first time this past Saturday. One of my friends came by to watch. Afterwards he sugested that we drop off the body panels at his place so he can paint them.  :) http://youtu.be/B8-AjAZ5VKc
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ts39256 on April 17, 2013, 07:34:20 PM
Sounds great. Won`t be singing the blues to the music that makes.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on April 17, 2013, 08:33:16 PM
We started the car for the first time this past Saturday. One of my friends came by to watch. Afterwards he sugested that we drop off the body panels at his place so he can paint them.  :) http://youtu.be/B8-AjAZ5VKc

Just outstanding!

First start up is always great.

One objection, I have been calling myself the fat old guy on my web site for a long time.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on April 18, 2013, 05:55:34 PM
 :D Sounds great! This has me looking forward to starting my new engine soon. I fab every piece that I can. It takes longer but if yer a tightwad thats how ya do it LOL.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: FatOldGuy on April 19, 2013, 04:40:51 AM
The FatOldGuy handle got hung on us back in 1999. I have been using it ever since . Along with Fat Old Guy Racing
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on April 19, 2013, 05:59:07 AM
The FatOldGuy handle got hung on us back in 1999. I have been using it ever since . Along with Fat Old Guy Racing

I guess there are a lot of us Fat Old Guys!

(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_2011_02_05/P2050016.JPG)

The engine sounds great. I hope to be able to go to the track for the first time tomorrow with the blown engine, weather does not look goo though.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on April 19, 2013, 06:03:25 AM
The FatOldGuy handle got hung on us back in 1999. I have been using it ever since . Along with Fat Old Guy Racing

It is interesting how race team names come about. We are Throttle Stop Racing.

The name came about when we rebuilt the engine in a Firebird I was running and it ran a tenth slower. We could not find a reason for it until it was discovered that the throttle cable bracket on the intake had been installed backwards and the carb was not opening up all the way.

I felt really smart that day.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: buickfed on April 19, 2013, 07:36:58 PM
bit the bullet and ordered new calipers and rotors from aerospace componets. hope they fit.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on April 19, 2013, 07:37:33 PM
Lately it's been crazy around here, the old woman that lives here LOL, had surgery on her neck a couple months ago and then got bitten last Sunday by a Brown Recluse spider. We've been at the Dr. every day since. Those are some bad spiders.  I did get out to the shop for a while today and fabbed a pair of burndown tubes, (el cheapo at work again) and mounted them on my valve covers. Cool and damp here in N. Alabama.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on April 19, 2013, 08:34:02 PM
Lately it's been crazy around here, the old woman that lives here LOL, had surgery on her neck a couple months ago and then got bitten last Sunday by a Brown Recluse spider. We've been at the Dr. every day since. Those are some bad spiders.  I did get out to the shop for a while today and fabbed a pair of burndown tubes, (el cheapo at work again) and mounted them on my valve covers. Cool and damp here in N. Alabama.
Sorry to here about the better half's spider bite.

Burn down tubes did not happen unless we see pictures.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on April 20, 2013, 02:14:56 PM
I got my heads all cleaned and ready to put together
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on April 21, 2013, 06:29:28 AM
THIS WEEK AT EMPIRE DRAGWAY
04-21-13 7 am The forecast for today is Sunny and 50.  Test & Tune and Swap Meet is on. Gate opens at 10 am, Time trials from noon-5pm. Admission prices : $14 Race, $13 Watch or Swap.

Too cold for me, I will go down and pass out fliers, and wait till next weekend to take the dragster out for the first time.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on April 21, 2013, 08:00:19 AM
Glen I don't blame you for not racing today . It's in the 40's here in CT It must really be cold in NY.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Quartermiler on April 24, 2013, 07:19:02 PM
Spent a lot of money today, we did sneak off for much warmer Texas this past weekend for the Old School Shootout at the Texas Motorplex. Drew the number 1 qualifier in the first round so he handed me my rear, but we did run a personal best of 7.61 at 174.2 mph. So we did end on a positive note!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on April 24, 2013, 08:23:51 PM
Spent a lot of money today, we did sneak off for much warmer Texas this past weekend for the Old School Shootout at the Texas Motorplex. Drew the number 1 qualifier in the first round so he handed me my rear, but we did run a personal best of 7.61 at 174.2 mph. So we did end on a positive note!
The weather here looks good for this weekend, for our first outing with the blower, I'm a little unsure of my self at the moment.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: AF150 on April 25, 2013, 09:35:09 AM
Congrats Mike...hope to see you guys at Ardmore. We will be running the 4.65 index class there.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on April 25, 2013, 06:18:27 PM
Spent a lot of money today, we did sneak off for much warmer Texas this past weekend for the Old School Shootout at the Texas Motorplex. Drew the number 1 qualifier in the first round so he handed me my rear, but we did run a personal best of 7.61 at 174.2 mph. So we did end on a positive note!
The weather here looks good for this weekend, for our first outing with the blower, I'm a little unsure of my self at the moment.
8) Come on now....you know the drill, first a burnout and a launch. Then if all systems are still GO, take it about 300 ft,  etc. etc.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: buickfed on April 25, 2013, 06:37:14 PM
i finally got the intake done for the blower, but haven't drilled the holes for finish location because its a buick. ;D i need to get an electric w/p and a sfi balancer to figure out the rest of the setup. honey....mo' money, please.
question; is there a specific angle you set the idler pulley at? my idler is off the nose.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Quartermiler on April 25, 2013, 08:13:27 PM
Good luck this weekend Glenn, and Mike we will be in Ardmore see you there, maybe by racing in May it wont be 112 degrees!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on April 25, 2013, 08:26:10 PM
Spent a lot of money today, we did sneak off for much warmer Texas this past weekend for the Old School Shootout at the Texas Motorplex. Drew the number 1 qualifier in the first round so he handed me my rear, but we did run a personal best of 7.61 at 174.2 mph. So we did end on a positive note!
The weather here looks good for this weekend, for our first outing with the blower, I'm a little unsure of my self at the moment.
8) Come on now....you know the drill, first a burnout and a launch. Then if all systems are still GO, take it about 300 ft,  etc. etc.
Yep, big change though going from an electric fuel pump crab, to mechanical fuel blown.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on April 26, 2013, 06:30:20 AM
Glen good luck this weekend . The weather look's beautiful.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on April 27, 2013, 07:22:11 PM
Well I finally got down the track.

We were able to make three runs, the first one I had some tire shake and it broke the trans brake wire in two different places. I was unable to back up as I have a pro brake and to back up you have to put it in reverse and hold the trans-brake button. So after the burn out I just ran it down the track (no time slip).

The second run we tried to get rid of some of the engine proposing (rev up idle down) by leaning out the idle circuit. We went from the 70 pill to a 75 and dialed the idle circuit back by three notches. This did smooth out the idle, but the engine seemed to labor and after the burn out did not want to stay running. Ran a 8.290 at 155.95 three tenths faster than our best run and one MPH slower. Hottest EGT was 1095, the number two cylinder read 450, for some reason that cylinder has always been cold. 60 foot was 1.197. Air density was 1798

The third run we fattened it back up let it porpoise, it launched hard and straight and seem to run much better. Ran a 8.258 at 157 MPH. Other than the porpoise idle it idled fine, no problems with it running after the burnout. 60 foot was slower at 1.240. Air density was 1633

All testing was done with 43 bottom pulley and a 56 top (-23.2 under driven verses the 43 bottom 54 top we had talked about (did this because of your feeling that we would be to fast with the 43 / 54 combination))

Launch was at 4271 RPM the EGT on number two is crazy starts at 678 and at the end of the run is 280 and is not smooth at all (I’m thinking the sensor is bad)

Max boost at the top end was 10.32

So now we have to slow it down by .250 to run our 8.500 index.

Both the engine and the transmission ran MUCH cooler than without the blower.

All in all a good day
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Quartermiler on April 27, 2013, 07:29:46 PM
Sounds like a good day Glenn! Tahnks for the update.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on April 28, 2013, 04:50:17 PM
 :D Glenn, this grin is for you! Sounds like a very good test session. Congrats.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on April 30, 2013, 06:21:28 AM
Finally got to where I could check the slipjoint for amount of chassis arch.(http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j350/wideopen231/383.jpg) (http://s1081.photobucket.com/user/wideopen231/media/383.jpg.html)
(http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j350/wideopen231/385.jpg) (http://s1081.photobucket.com/user/wideopen231/media/385.jpg.html) with jack under engine
(http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j350/wideopen231/382.jpg) (http://s1081.photobucket.com/user/wideopen231/media/382.jpg.html)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on April 30, 2013, 06:28:42 AM
Finally got to where I could check the slipjoint for amount of chassis arch.(http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j350/wideopen231/383.jpg) (http://s1081.photobucket.com/user/wideopen231/media/383.jpg.html)
(http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j350/wideopen231/385.jpg) (http://s1081.photobucket.com/user/wideopen231/media/385.jpg.html) with jack under engine
(http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j350/wideopen231/382.jpg) (http://s1081.photobucket.com/user/wideopen231/media/382.jpg.html)

How about a close up of the joint itself?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on April 30, 2013, 05:15:45 PM
 :o Uh oh, what have I done.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on April 30, 2013, 05:17:58 PM
Amazing....Woo Hoo. Newsflash!!! Analog guy posts digital picture. More news at nine.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on April 30, 2013, 05:29:00 PM
Amazing....Woo Hoo. Newsflash!!! Analog guy posts digital picture. More news at nine.

No more excuses for not posting more.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on April 30, 2013, 05:38:50 PM
I've always done this hotrod thing for the fun of it and some things sure haven't changed. Started the above "belly button engine" for the first time this morning and have been grinning so hard I've got a face cramp :D.  370 cu in, Milodon block, dart heads, 8.5- 1, with a BDS 8-71 and bugcatcher, 80A-1 pump on alky. Very simple mild setup with a flat tapped cam and MSD 7AL-2 ignition. Previously have run a mag but had to try this.  At 10% over, it sounds like a giant killer. Swapped the pulleys to 10% under, re-fired and it still sounds good. Bad batteries in the timing light, duhhh, will fine tune tomorrow.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on May 01, 2013, 11:42:32 AM
I've always done this hotrod thing for the fun of it and some things sure haven't changed. Started the above "belly button engine" for the first time this morning and have been grinning so hard I've got a face cramp :D.  370 cu in, Milodon block, dart heads, 8.5- 1, with a BDS 8-71 and bugcatcher, 80A-1 pump on alky. Very simple mild setup with a flat tapped cam and MSD 7AL-2 ignition. Previously have run a mag but had to try this.  At 10% over, it sounds like a giant killer. Swapped the pulleys to 10% under, re-fired and it still sounds good. Bad batteries in the timing light, duhhh, will fine tune tomorrow.
Very nice You guy's with your blower's are making me jelous !
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on May 01, 2013, 06:02:05 PM
I've always done this hotrod thing for the fun of it and some things sure haven't changed. Started the above "belly button engine" for the first time this morning and have been grinning so hard I've got a face cramp :D.  370 cu in, Milodon block, dart heads, 8.5- 1, with a BDS 8-71 and bugcatcher, 80A-1 pump on alky. Very simple mild setup with a flat tapped cam and MSD 7AL-2 ignition. Previously have run a mag but had to try this.  At 10% over, it sounds like a giant killer. Swapped the pulleys to 10% under, re-fired and it still sounds good. Bad batteries in the timing light, duhhh, will fine tune tomorrow.
Very nice You guy's with your blower's are making me jelous !
8) I don't think you should be jealous. You're car hauls it! 
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on May 02, 2013, 11:54:01 AM
Iknow I am partial to small block's but one with a blower is the coolest! When I was younger Dale Hall had the baddest blown alcohol dragster around . He was alway's the guy to beat! Best of luck with yours.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: buickfed on May 02, 2013, 03:52:42 PM
Iknow I am partial to small block's but one with a blower is the coolest! When I was younger Dale Hall had the baddest blown alcohol dragster around . He was alway's the guy to beat! Best of luck with yours.

I remember those days. one time at Englishtown summernationals, norm is playing with the buzz box for the mag. he says 'ah, that's close enough'. dale went and set low et. dale and norm were always fun to be around.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: gregm784 on May 02, 2013, 09:19:14 PM
Worked on a new scoop mount today . I am going to try my anteater scoop again . The last time I had it on the car I could not see anything in front of me . I cut about 3 inches off the bottom and fiberglassed a plate inside of it

You're not supposed to be able to see in front of you.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: gregm784 on May 02, 2013, 09:22:22 PM
I've always done this hotrod thing for the fun of it and some things sure haven't changed. Started the above "belly button engine" for the first time this morning and have been grinning so hard I've got a face cramp :D.  370 cu in, Milodon block, dart heads, 8.5- 1, with a BDS 8-71 and bugcatcher, 80A-1 pump on alky. Very simple mild setup with a flat tapped cam and MSD 7AL-2 ignition. Previously have run a mag but had to try this.  At 10% over, it sounds like a giant killer. Swapped the pulleys to 10% under, re-fired and it still sounds good. Bad batteries in the timing light, duhhh, will fine tune tomorrow.

Nothing like blown alky small blocks.  Love the term Belly Button Engine. :)

You'll need a belt guard on that setup.  NHRA won't like the lines running past the belt without a guard on it.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: tylercrawford on May 03, 2013, 11:23:37 AM
At 10% over, it sounds like a giant killer. Swapped the pulleys to 10% under, re-fired and it still sounds good.

I keep pressing f5 and I still don't see a video . . . what gives?  ;D
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: gregm784 on May 03, 2013, 01:14:01 PM
Try CTRL F5.  Forces it to hit the webserver for a fresh copy. 
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on May 03, 2013, 03:33:50 PM
I've always done this hotrod thing for the fun of it and some things sure haven't changed. Started the above "belly button engine" for the first time this morning and have been grinning so hard I've got a face cramp :D.  370 cu in, Milodon block, dart heads, 8.5- 1, with a BDS 8-71 and bugcatcher, 80A-1 pump on alky. Very simple mild setup with a flat tapped cam and MSD 7AL-2 ignition. Previously have run a mag but had to try this.  At 10% over, it sounds like a giant killer. Swapped the pulleys to 10% under, re-fired and it still sounds good. Bad batteries in the timing light, duhhh, will fine tune tomorrow.

Nothing like blown alky small blocks.  Love the term Belly Button Engine. :)

You'll need a belt guard on that setup.  NHRA won't like the lines running past the belt without a guard on it.
:P Please send all donations, etc, etc, yeah I know......don't have a blower restraint yet either, or a blower bag or.....more parts coming soon.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on May 03, 2013, 03:37:53 PM
I just couldn't wait to hear the noise!  8)  Geez, that thing is loud! Daggone oil leaks, I think I had less problems with oil leaks when I was younger and less careful about assembling things.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on May 05, 2013, 12:36:51 PM
Went testing yesterday, here is a summery

Goals, smooth out the idle, get closer to the 8.500 index
We played around with the idle, but did not make much improvement on the idle
First run
Air Density 1973
Top Pulley 58  (went bigger here)
Pill 70
Fuel Pressure 81.98
Top end Boost 9.67
60 foot 1.263
¼ mile   8.548  154.42
Comments, for and 8.5 index this is close, it was a dude on the top end, EGT’s right side very low and uneven, feel so sloppy thought I would not be able to run it this slow for the season so made the decision to see if we could get to 8.00 instead of running 8.500 and if the motor couldn’t take it so be it.

Second Run
Air Density 2052
Top pulley 54 (more air, make it leaner)
Pill 70
Fuel Pressure 82.08
Top end Boost 11.30
60 foot 1.222
¼ mile 8.319 156.79
Comment, sounded strong, EGT’s were much more even right side lower than the left, felt like it was working, made the decision to run 8.500 for the rest of the season to save the motor.

Third Run
Air Density 2077
Top pulley 57
Pill 70
Fuel Pressure 79.43
Top end Boost 9.67
60 foot 1.260
¼ mile 8.459 154.85
Comment, sounded ok, want to go faster, but will resist. EGT’s right side over 100 degrees cooler than the left side.


Fourth Run
Air Density 2045
Top pulley 58 (less air)
Pill 75 (less fuel)
Fuel Pressure 76.24
Top end Boost 9.34
60 foot 1.237
¼ mile 8.455 154.47
Comment, sounded ok. EGT’s right side over 200 degrees cooler than the left side. Upper RPM curve is smooth on the graph.

Left head needs to come off and be sealed that same way we did the right after the first start up. It is leaking. New item on turnaround list, check valve cover bolts for tightness, ask me why.

All testing today was done without a shift light as it quit working, all shifts were within 100 RPM of 6300, most were less than 50 off.

Graph below is off the fourth run
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on May 05, 2013, 03:41:52 PM
I'll just take a guess at the VC bolts. It like to make hard turn or you have dirty shield and suit or both and suit is dirty in other places.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: gregm784 on May 05, 2013, 04:17:18 PM
Word of advice...pull valve covers every pass.  Takes just a minute.  Let's you catch bad stuff early.  You will catch roller lifters failing, bent pushrods, etc.  I run the valves every time we run the car. 

And yes, loose valve cover bolts require lots of simple green
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on May 05, 2013, 05:13:36 PM
I'll just take a guess at the VC bolts. It like to make hard turn or you have dirty shield and suit or both and suit is dirty in other places.
VC = valve cover, I got it, yes visor got dirty.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on May 05, 2013, 05:14:33 PM
Word of advice...pull valve covers every pass.  Takes just a minute.  Let's you catch bad stuff early.  You will catch roller lifters failing, bent pushrods, etc.  I run the valves every time we run the car. 

And yes, loose valve cover bolts require lots of simple green
It is on the list now. will do, I'm defiantly still learning.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: gregm784 on May 05, 2013, 05:45:11 PM
Some of my post run procedures are:
Put car up on stands
PUll valve covers, run valves.  With shaft rockers they NEVER move, but you will find a loose or tight valve is something is going amiss.
fuel the car.
Pack chutes
Check over everything (trans, motor, oil system) for leaks
reset seat belts
Torque rear tires every couple passes
Check front tire pressures every day
Put extra 1/2 pound in rear tires for adjustment in the lanes for track conditions.
Drain puke tank each night of racing.

Probably some other stuff that i can't think of. :)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on May 06, 2013, 07:05:17 AM
Best part of running valves every run at a bracket deal is it screws people up to see someone work on a car. 90% of the bracket racers think they are driving street car ansd should never have to work on them.

   I pulled head off brothers car one night because we had a little leakage in one valve.I was just touching it up. You would have thought we had a exploded nitro engine sitting there. Cpl guys almost wrecked golf cart sliding to stop to look because we pulled a cylinder head. Coming for top running TA/FC and TA/D background I thought it was just a very easy evening at the track.

   You would be amazed at the number of guys that go full season w/o pulling VC's and are proud they are that lazy. Then they are amazed that something broke.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on May 06, 2013, 07:14:44 AM
Glen,

 Have you checked cranking compression on both sides..Asking because we had a 45* cam in a raised cam block once and should have been 48* cam.It caused the right side cranking compression to be way off from left side. Probably not same but something to check if have not,cam manufactures do screwup.

 Now with the 14-71 hi helix we had more fuel on right side due to discharge air pattern of blower.This was with the delta hole. A full open bottom may have total different pattern. Just a cpl of thoughts on why temps might differ side to side.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on May 06, 2013, 07:23:25 AM
Glen,

 Have you checked cranking compression on both sides..Asking because we had a 45* cam in a raised cam block once and should have been 48* cam.It caused the right side cranking compression to be way off from left side. Probably not same but something to check if have not,cam manufactures do screwup.

 Now with the 14-71 hi helix we had more fuel on right side due to discharge air pattern of blower.This was with the delta hole. A full open bottom may have total different pattern. Just a cpl of thoughts on why temps might differ side to side.

Compression is within 5 % on all cylinders.

I am pulling the blower right now to repair the leak on the right side and will look to see if I see any pattern in the top end lube in the intake.

My thoughts is it is a problem with the transmitter transformer for the egt's on the even side, I will be switching the two boxees left to right to see what happens.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: gregm784 on May 06, 2013, 10:34:08 AM
Best part of running valves every run at a bracket deal is it screws people up to see someone work on a car. 90% of the bracket racers think they are driving street car ansd should never have to work on them.

   I pulled head off brothers car one night because we had a little leakage in one valve.I was just touching it up. You would have thought we had a exploded nitro engine sitting there. Cpl guys almost wrecked golf cart sliding to stop to look because we pulled a cylinder head. Coming for top running TA/FC and TA/D background I thought it was just a very easy evening at the track.

   You would be amazed at the number of guys that go full season w/o pulling VC's and are proud they are that lazy. Then they are amazed that something broke.

yup, coming from A/Fuel, running valves is just time for me to talk to the car.

I found out how little timing is too little on my small block one day and got both head gaskets (center ports on a SBC get real hot when retarded).  We yanked heads and swapped gaskets between rounds.  We had quite the audience, so i know of what you speak.   (48 minutes if you're wondering).
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: tylercrawford on May 06, 2013, 08:30:01 PM
Best part of running valves every run at a bracket deal is it screws people up to see someone work on a car. 90% of the bracket racers think they are driving street car ansd should never have to work on them.

   I pulled head off brothers car one night because we had a little leakage in one valve.I was just touching it up. You would have thought we had a exploded nitro engine sitting there. Cpl guys almost wrecked golf cart sliding to stop to look because we pulled a cylinder head. Coming for top running TA/FC and TA/D background I thought it was just a very easy evening at the track.

   You would be amazed at the number of guys that go full season w/o pulling VC's and are proud they are that lazy. Then they are amazed that something broke.

Love it.  I went from doing the clutch in two nitro funnies to helping a friend out with his alcohol flopper.  I ALWAYS felt like I was forgetting something.  The first time I helped him out, I rushed and got the diaper off/oil drained and pulled the side plates on the bellhousing and got the fan on it before he had a valve cover off . . . he was like "dude, we've got plenty of time . . . " ;D
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on May 07, 2013, 12:37:08 PM
Well it seems like I was just here, only on the other side. I hope this is the last time this season I am pulling heads for coolant leaks
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on May 07, 2013, 02:42:49 PM
Gregm,

 Watch telling folks your talking to car. I use to be in pits with one foot on foot tire starring at engine and someone would ask crewmember what I was doing. Answer. he is talking with engine to see what it wants for the next pass. The look on there faces was just too funny.  But most the time it would tell me and we would pickup cpl hundredth's.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: gregm784 on May 07, 2013, 02:52:43 PM
Well it seems like I was just here, only on the other side. I hope this is the last time this season I am pulling heads for coolant leaks

There is an easy fix for this Glenn....leave the water in the pits. :)  Copper & water are a PITA.  Mine cools off so much faster without water in it.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on May 07, 2013, 02:56:25 PM
Well it seems like I was just here, only on the other side. I hope this is the last time this season I am pulling heads for coolant leaks

There is an easy fix for this Glenn....leave the water in the pits. :)  Copper & water are a PITA.  Mine cools off so much faster without water in it.

I cannot tell you how many times I have been told to do this. I'm getting closer to this solution. Now that I cannot drive back there is not much point in the water other than I refuse to give up on it.

It takes me awhile to come around.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: gregm784 on May 07, 2013, 06:28:09 PM
I understand.  I tried water, i tried holding water, recirculating water, etc. Then i had to replace my block (good story there...), and this block has never seen a freeze plug, water, or anything like that.  matter of fact, my heads on the car now are solid, with no water ports in them.  It's cool after 20-30 minutes.  With water it took forever to cool.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on May 07, 2013, 06:53:05 PM
  Out with the engine today. It was leaking like the Exxon Valdez  :P. Rear main, pan gasket below the timing cover. Building character I guess, did I really need this?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on May 07, 2013, 08:26:40 PM
I understand.  I tried water, i tried holding water, recirculating water, etc. Then i had to replace my block (good story there...), and this block has never seen a freeze plug, water, or anything like that.  matter of fact, my heads on the car now are solid, with no water ports in them.  It's cool after 20-30 minutes.  With water it took forever to cool.
With the coolant setup I have the block is cool almost quicker than I can do pit maintenance for a turn around when it works. I will hate to give that up.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: gregm784 on May 07, 2013, 08:55:58 PM
How do you cool the trans between rounds?  I have a blower that i bungee on the center section and it blows air around the converter and the outer case of the glide. 
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on May 07, 2013, 09:03:05 PM
How do you cool the trans between rounds?  I have a blower that i bungee on the center section and it blows air around the converter and the outer case of the glide.

My coolant lines for the transmission are steel and run all the way to the front where there is a large fined cooler. Transmission heat has been a small problem but never hotter than 200 by temp gun.

I do not make anywhere near the HP you make and ET's are much slower.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on May 08, 2013, 06:11:06 AM
I might be shown to be wrong(heard it happened before) but Im going to run my combo dry and use fuel system to cool it down on return road. If it becomes issue I have oil  system so I can change it out in cpl minutes max. Besides with solid block and billet heads theres not really a water option.

   Im going to have trans cooler setup.Ive seen few feds with them in cockpit.IMO thats just not cool(literaly).I will have mine in front of motor and have fan on it. I hate idea of extra weight but guess it a have to do thing. Would love one of the pump deals that pumps trnas fluid thru cooler while in pits but at price of 800 to 900 bucks its just not happening right now.

  I had idea for circulating coolant thru tubes build into oil pan ,but figured condensation would be a problem. Moving alcohol makes heck of coolant as evideance by ice on hat of 200 degree engine.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: gregm784 on May 08, 2013, 08:34:34 AM
Build one. I'm going to.  24 quart or so ice chest, sweat some 1/2 copper pipe coils in the cooler, fill with ice. Use a HOlley fuel pump to move fluid.  200$ tops.  I'm collecting parts.

The expensive part is the drybrake QD fittings. :)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on May 08, 2013, 11:59:40 AM
Main thing done today was to make more room to work on the car. Built some shelves and rearranged parts all day. Made run to scrap yard to get rid of some stuff,what happens I saee a 8 foot stainless steel benchtop with builtin sink.So now have to work a new workbench/parts washer into shop.Plus the A-frame engine hoist out of old shop. Some people never learn when enough stuff is enough.

 I did get some old pistons cleanedup and massaged some so they would work in backup motor last night after cpl hours of parts swapping to see if i could change some crank/rod/piston combos around and maybe work with gaskets to get more compression into motor.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Cajuninjector on May 08, 2013, 08:08:19 PM
We fired up and made sure everything was cool since we swapped converters. Loading up tomorrow and heading to Ardmore Dragway to race Saturday. Weather looks like it will be good. Hope the combo likes a high stall. If not, it'll be a long ride home. Gunna bring the old converter just in case.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: gregm784 on May 08, 2013, 09:16:48 PM
Connected new oil lines.  Primed the oil system and checked the output pressure of my Titan oil pump.  Going to wire in the replacement shift light tomorrow, the button up things for testing this weekend. 
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: AF150 on May 09, 2013, 09:05:50 AM
Gonna button everything up today and head for Ardmore tomorrow as well. Looking for
sunshine and 75° for a major spring nostalgia race.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Frontenginedragsters on May 09, 2013, 06:15:24 PM
 Worked on my car tonight for the first time this year.
I have to re-work the wheelie bar. I made it years ago and it was never right. Car always went any way it wanted when it touched the wheel to the ground.
Since then I'v learned a little more. I read Roo-Mans section on it and decided to start over. I know Glenn will want me to post pictures but that might take awhile.
I need to re-assemble the engine and try a different 1st gear ratio and take some weight off the clutch.
We need to get back out to the track and try to beat up on Glenn ;D

Matt
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on May 09, 2013, 08:44:31 PM
Worked on my car tonight for the first time this year.
I have to re-work the wheelie bar. I made it years ago and it was never right. Car always went any way it wanted when it touched the wheel to the ground.
Since then I'v learned a little more. I read Roo-Mans section on it and decided to start over. I know Glenn will want me to post pictures but that might take awhile.
I need to re-assemble the engine and try a different 1st gear ratio and take some weight off the clutch.
We need to get back out to the track and try to beat up on Glenn ;D

Matt

This is really good to hear!

You were always faster than me, I do not remember your times.

You are most likely still faster than me as I will be running 8.500 or tiring to tune to that all season.

Take some pictures and bring the camera in with the cord and give me a call. I will come down and e-mail them to myself and post them up for you.

I was also in my trailer today, Steve was over. I got the head off, sealed the coolant leak up, head back on, valves set, and the NEW BLOWER on.

Looks like rain tomorrow, I think club racing will be rained out, and my swap meet is Saturday morning rain or shine, Saturday afternoon may be OK to see if it runs and does not leak. If it does Matt might finally get his wish and see the radiator, pump etc go away.,
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on May 10, 2013, 04:46:23 PM
Hopefully by the time today is over she will have finished fuel tank. Just finished welding the vent tubes in and the  trap door to help control fuel on deceleration. adding rear panel and supplu tube tonight and finishing the welding and testing for leaks. Got to add cpl return ports  also.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: buickfed on May 11, 2013, 06:09:10 PM
I got all my brakes parts (aerospace components) finally and installed them today and burned the pads in. just for thought, I check the head exhaust ports for temperature. the side with the zoomie on it had even temps across the head. the header side, the middle two were 100* more and the ends were 50* more. the heads all around were pretty close. just at the exhaust ports that were different. strange.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: gregm784 on May 12, 2013, 09:24:46 PM
Got the car loaded up, ready to test again.  New canards are now glass bead blasted primed, painted, and lettered. 

Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on May 13, 2013, 04:10:22 AM
Having a vintage style dragster and a 63 MAX Wedge street car I decided to build a matching trailer to arrive at Picton Airfield towing my short rail with my 63 Dodge. The trailer will be wired and done today or tomorrow. Tis already painted the same colour as the Dodge. Next will be to find or make a vintage safe bumper hitch for the 63 Dodge.  Trailer is low so just jack tongue and load. No ramps required.
Pics perhaps ths afternoon.
Don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Sidewinder on May 14, 2013, 02:39:49 PM
The Sidewinder and the Old Bros. made a long list of parts, that's going to be sent to Mike at Alkydiggers tomorrow:)

Kjell
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on May 14, 2013, 03:12:28 PM
The Sidewinder and the Old Bros. made a long list of parts, that's going to be sent to Mike at Alkydiggers tomorrow:)

Kjell
I have had similar lists, they can get expensive. When the boxes start arriving it is like Christmas.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on May 16, 2013, 03:30:44 AM
I finished tidying up the wiring for the new tach (directly in front of me instead at the side. ) Checked all fluids and topped as required. Lubed the suspension points that require it. Gotta get some fresh fuel and give it a thorough warm up. then check of the winch still works for loading it onmy truck. Also have to get my safety gear out and make sure its all there. And my gas mask for the with "Beazer" photo shoot. Weather looks good for the weekend.
Don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: buickfed on May 16, 2013, 04:26:46 PM
finally got the zoomies welded last night. came home today and took it for a spin in the driveway. WOW! what a VIOLENT launch. front wheels were off the ground. HOLY MOLY! and then I had a new brake line go bad. at least its a small issue. my son will have fun with this.  ;D
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on May 16, 2013, 05:45:49 PM
I am grinning! Had a similar experience last fall when I decided to test the converter running from the garge out into the driveway. Took stall to 4000 released the brake and planted my foot. I knew I was in trouble when the front wheels came up in the garage. Went out the front door at about 55 MPH . Got er shut down before hitting the hedge but didnt have a helmut or my belts on and bumped my head when it landed after exiting the garage full tilt. Head hurts right now just talking about it.  Wife suggested I might be crazy.
Don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Blind Mule on May 16, 2013, 06:26:02 PM
Thats funny my wife said that about me too!

   Randy!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: buickfed on May 16, 2013, 07:58:06 PM
mine too. I hit the wall at Lebanon with our Skyhawk going thru the lights. knocked out for a few seconds and had a mild concussion. drove home and told my wife, er nurse, what happened. forced to ride with her to the er. got a brain scan which came out ok, but she said to all her co-workers 'see, I told you there was nothing up there'.  I get no respect at all.  ;D
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: coupemerc on May 17, 2013, 02:40:25 PM
Got my new rocker arms and my cylinder head back from T&D today. I was sweating this one out as it appeared for a few days that Fed-X had lost my cylinder head!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on May 17, 2013, 04:28:31 PM
Did final check, Ran it for a 1/2 hour to be sure all was well. Preset tire pressure, loaded it and covered it for overnite. Bought fuel (94 octane Sunoco).Off to Picton Airfield in the morning.
Probably wont sleep all nite!
Don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Blind Mule on May 17, 2013, 07:38:20 PM
Now thats a ramp truck 8) I like that!



   Randy!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on May 18, 2013, 06:54:28 PM
Today I raced it at Picton Airfield. Made 4 runs. Three against a BB Ford Bantam altered , a probuilt car. Got one of the three in my pocket. Also ran a BB injected Chevy FED. Used to be able to beat him but he has is stuff together now . I would need another 40 or 50 hp to catch him.  Interestingly though I nailed all these out of the hole easily .(thank you Mr Frank Lupo for your converter)  I was carrying the wheels at a skimming level. Just an inch or so. The slant six ran like a dream . Singing relatively quietly away as it approached 6000 for each shift. Pulled all the way through the eyes too. They had a antifreeze down in the one lane so shifted the lanes over one width and continued running. On the burn out and through on that run I carried the wheels high and kinda burned through the lights a bit close to the rhs Infared.  Knocked it out of alignmennt but they fixed it quickly. Best thing that happened after that last race which I won there was a friend's 9 year old grandaughter standing there in pink with a pink feather in her hand. She stuck out her tiny hand and I heard "Congratulations Don". Grandpa was standing about ten feet away watching it all.  A couple of years ago I let her sit in the car while her Dad took a picture of her. I guess it meant more to her then I realized.  Made the whole day worthwhile.
Also heard my old boss and now old friend explaining to someone after I won the last race"What you just witnessed sir was 246 cu inches taking on 485 cubic inches and winning." One run in particular was as close to perfect as it could be. I could hear the little six singing away merrily as RPM rose and rose and rose till the finish line flashed by. Also had a photo shot with Bob Beazer flagging a couple of us Feds off on a run with old signage from Mohawk Dragway (1960s The Big GO North)  set up on the starting line as it would have been back then.
Don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricardo1967 on May 18, 2013, 07:12:34 PM
Big congratulations Don.

I like your style.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on May 19, 2013, 04:16:05 AM
Thanks, What I forgot was I had to go and play fiddle at a Gospel Concert at 6.30 . I got home at 5.45. Wife was in a bit of a panic. We made it  but she said she was afraid I would fall alseep on stage between songs.
Somehow I survived. All in all a great day.  Old friends, old cars, old airport and old time gospel music. Hard to beat.
Don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: janjon on May 19, 2013, 05:27:56 AM
From Don's post: " A couple of years ago I let her sit in the car while her Dad took a picture of her. I guess it meant more to her then I realized.  Made the whole day worthwhile. "
 When I was a kid, and before I had a drag car, I would have given anything for a chance to just sit in one, to see how it looked and felt. When I was old enough to get myself to the track to watch, and if I asked someone if I could just sit in their car, there was always a reason why not.
I go the other way. when kids or anyone shows an interest anytime I'm at the track or have the car on the trailer anywhere, I'll offer to let them climb in and set a spell. Sometimes even light it up, tied down on the trailer.
 I had a guy approach me in a store awhile back, and he said hey, I remember you, you let my son sit in your race car at the hardware store six months ago, he still talks about it all the time.
 We're so fortunate to have this experience of going drag racing, and one of the coolest things to me is when we can SHARE it!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricardo1967 on May 19, 2013, 05:40:21 AM
....
When I was a kid, and before I had a drag car, I would have given anything for a chance to just sit in one, to see how it looked and felt. When I was old enough to get myself to the track to watch, and if I asked someone if I could just sit in their car, there was always a reason why not.
I go the other way. when kids or anyone shows an interest anytime I'm at the track or have the car on the trailer anywhere, I'll offer to let them climb in and set a spell. Sometimes even light it up, tied down on the trailer.
 I had a guy approach me in a store awhile back, and he said hey, I remember you, you let my son sit in your race car at the hardware store six months ago, he still talks about it all the time.
 We're so fortunate to have this experience of going drag racing, and one of the coolest things to me is when we can SHARE it!

These positive memories imprinted in these children’s minds are PRICELESS.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on May 19, 2013, 06:24:21 AM
Racers of tomorrow.

Every chance I get I sit one (kid) in the cockpit of the dragster. The faces are worth the effort.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on May 19, 2013, 12:00:24 PM
An old friend and former junior stocker racer Bob W just posted this picture of me at speed at Picton still hanging on to the brake handle for dear life. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=801477&highlight=picton.
Best photo I have had taken probably ever. Must have been a zoom lens as it is a long ways down track I think because I have my chin tucked down to keep the air from popping my visor. That is usually top end of third gear.
Don

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL93/13569202/24286066/406669662.jpg)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Blind Mule on May 19, 2013, 10:13:31 PM
Cool little car looks like a money maker to me simplicity in motion! 8)

  Randy!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: tylercrawford on May 20, 2013, 09:56:50 AM
Started bolting on stuff finally . . .

Motor/trans/rear is in, just a lot of little stuff.

Machined some spacers for the idler bracket today, have to mill down the pop-off plate as it gets close to the oil pressure gauge and can easily take ~.125" milled off the bottom (street weiand deal, NOT an SFI plate).

Got my father-in-law to turn a wrench or two and help with the backing plates when my in-laws stopped by yesterday.

And my garage is a mess. thanks  ;D

(http://imageshack.us/a/img547/3627/imag0241a.jpg)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on May 20, 2013, 10:39:51 AM
Hey its called progess. As for garage I do fill better about size of mine,as for mess that means your working in it. I spent 2 days reorganizing mine only to have big mess after two nights working late on projects,
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: buickfed on May 20, 2013, 07:03:16 PM
From Don's post: " A couple of years ago I let her sit in the car while her Dad took a picture of her. I guess it meant more to her then I realized.  Made the whole day worthwhile. "
 When I was a kid, and before I had a drag car, I would have given anything for a chance to just sit in one, to see how it looked and felt. When I was old enough to get myself to the track to watch, and if I asked someone if I could just sit in their car, there was always a reason why not.
I go the other way. when kids or anyone shows an interest anytime I'm at the track or have the car on the trailer anywhere, I'll offer to let them climb in and set a spell. Sometimes even light it up, tied down on the trailer.
 I had a guy approach me in a store awhile back, and he said hey, I remember you, you let my son sit in your race car at the hardware store six months ago, he still talks about it all the time.
 We're so fortunate to have this experience of going drag racing, and one of the coolest things to me is when we can SHARE it!

I do it whether its a car show or at the strip. fun watching the kids and adults faces. its just a piece of metal and I can fix it if they break it.  ;D
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: buickfed on May 20, 2013, 07:06:21 PM
took the rail over to my fathers long driveway for short testing. everything works fine. we made 8 trys and the engine did not get hot. HURRAY. we have buick day this Saturday at Lebanon valley. hopefully we will see some good times.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: gregm784 on May 20, 2013, 10:39:18 PM
I too LOVE to have people sit in the car.  I remember growing up HOPING to get a chance to sit in 'a racecar'. 
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on May 21, 2013, 02:06:33 PM
Cam is back and installed Lifters are on there way Pan is on . Time to get this thing done!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: coupemerc on May 21, 2013, 03:07:34 PM
Looking good Bill. Who's lifters did you end up using?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on May 21, 2013, 06:31:08 PM
Went testing Friday, and ran the gasser series race on Saturday; This is after fixing the leaking head gasket on the right side (this time) and bolting the brand new Littlefield standard 8/71 blower on. I first ran a tank of fuel through it to take some of the tightness out of the blower, it still has a ways to go to be broken in, I still have not gotten the shift light working. The bulb is ok, the connections seem Ok, I think the MSD RPM switch is broke. Here is a summery

Get closer to the 8.500 index

First run, Friday night 6:10 PM
Air Density 1640
Top Pulley 58 
Pill 75
Fuel Pressure 82.11
Top end Boost 10.13
Sift to second gear 6479
60 foot 1.316
¼ mile   8.698  155.68
Comments, This is the first run with the new blower. This is slower than with the old carb. setup, need to do some work here.

Second Run, Friday night 7:08 PM
Air Density 1512
Top Pulley 54 
Pill 75
Fuel Pressure 79.62
Top end Boost  11.94
Sift to second gear 6407
60 foot 1.226
¼ mile   8.254  158.89
Comments, Pumped more air into the engine, leaned it out. This is really unusually good air. This was a very smooth run, when I got out at the top end I thought I had run a slower run than the last one. Engine really liked this set up, but it is too fast for the 8.5 we are looking for.

Third Run, Friday night 8:04 PM
Air Density 1529
Top pulley 56
Pill 75
Fuel Pressure 80.27
Top end Boost 10.65
Sift to second gear 6481
60 foot 1.253
¼ mile 8.469 157.42
Comment, Good comparison run  (air quality). Took a little air away (fattened up a little to make it go slower. Still too fast. Engine struggled a little to get to the shift point. Really pulled hard after the shift. Accelerometer went from .57 to 1.14


Fourth Run, Friday night 9:04 PM
Air Density 1119
Top pulley 57
Pill 80
Fuel Pressure 77.42
Top end Boost 10.65
Sift to second gear 6494
60 foot 1.248
¼ mile 8.483 157.42
Comment, Air quality jumped up. Took a little air away (fattened up a little to make it go slower), took some fuel away to try and keep the air fuel ratio close. Still just a touch to fast, but close. Engine did not like this, felt rough.

Ok, now Saturday, Gasser series racing, You have to remember I have only been running the dragster three years now and each year I have made significant changes to the engine so data from one year is not good for data for the next year (don’t laugh).
Gasser series is 1/8 mile ET racing, so I have no ¼ mile times (so for comparison a ¼ mile 8.483 is an 1/8 mile 5.427)

First round of qualifying, Saturday 1:44 PM
Air Density 1896
Top pulley 57
Pill 80
Fuel Pressure 74.19
Top end Boost 10.84
Sift to second gear 6568
60 foot 1.270
1/8 mile 5.301 134.87
Comment, Air quality is closer to normal for around here. Decided to make no changes between last run last night and this run. Track prep may not have been as good and I had some wheel spin of the line. There was a sharp peak in engine RPM right before the shift to second, in .05 seconds the engine RPM jumped 156 RPM. The air would have had the effect of fattening it up. Ran to fast for a ¼ mile 8.5

Second round of qualifying, Saturday 2:49 PM
Air Density 2007
Top pulley 59
Pill 85
Fuel Pressure 66.36
Top end Boost 9.02
Sift to second gear 6487
60 foot 1.277
1/8 mile 5.364 132.27
Comment, Air quality still falling. Took some more fuel and air away. Still too fast, but going in the right direction. Felt pretty good.

Third round of qualifying, Saturday 4:15 PM
Air Density 2262
Top pulley 60
Pill 90
Fuel Pressure 57.83
Top end Boost 8.43
Sift to second gear 6434
60 foot 1.283
1/8 mile 5.368 134.42
Comment, Air quality still falling. Took some more fuel and air away. Fuel pressure as well as boost is falling off pretty good now. Still too fast, but going in the right direction. Felt pretty good.

Ok, now we are into the first round of elimination so we decided not to play with it and see if we could predict an ET.
First round of eliminations, Saturday 6:10 PM
Air Density 2270
Top pulley 60
Pill 90
Fuel Pressure 59.59
Top end Boost 9.09
Sift to second gear 6200
60 foot 1.276
1/8 mile 5.378 131.88
Comment, I short shifted by 200 RPM so my ET was down. I treed the guy though so won the race by .1144 seconds.

Second round of eliminations, Saturday 7:34 PM
Air Density 1842
Top pulley 60
Pill 90
Fuel Pressure 64.85
Top end Boost 8.76
Sift to second gear 6343
60 foot 1.274
1/8 mile 5.391 132.15
Comment, Air got better. We were concussed by this run, it was almost identical in shift points, launch, etc as the last run but lost .020 on the run. It finally dawned on us that the blower was still new and still losing up. Over laid the two run graphs and low and behold boost at the shift on run 4 was 8.05 and on the last run 7.91. In almost all other respects the graphs from the two runs over laid themselves. I treed the guy again but it was not enough to overcome his dial in of 6.22 when he ran a 6.221. I lost by .0197 seconds.
Not a bad outing for my first race with a blower and mechanical fuel injection, I’m happy, cannot wait till the next outing. I can’t go this weekend as my better half, crew chief will be out of town.



Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on May 22, 2013, 01:50:45 AM
Looking good Bill. Who's lifters did you end up using?
I ended up using another set of Jessel lifters I bought a used set from Patterson with very low runs on them 
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on May 22, 2013, 04:31:03 AM
Pretty good outing I would say.
I would have to lie if I said I missed those index/bracket worries.
Don :)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: AF150 on May 22, 2013, 08:56:50 AM
Looks like your combination would be happier running 8.0 instead of 8.5.
The fuel pressure is getting kind of low and you could make that kind of boost
with a 4-71.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on May 22, 2013, 09:04:36 AM
Looks like your combination would be happier running 8.0 instead of 8.5.
The fuel pressure is getting kind of low and you could make that kind of boost
with a 4-71.
Yes you are right, however the bottom end is a compromise. it is the engine that I ran last year with the carb. The cam and compression is all wrong for the blower and I want it to survive this season so that I can build a true blower engine next winter. When I do I will build for a 7.00 index engine
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: buickfed on May 25, 2013, 10:37:13 AM
no racing today due to rain. another 4 letter word that should be used. ;D
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on May 25, 2013, 10:50:55 AM
no racing today due to rain. another 4 letter word that should be used. ;D
Thanks for not using it! I have the same problem here but it is cold not rain that is the problem
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: George on May 25, 2013, 07:55:19 PM
Spring Nostalgia race at Central Illinois Dragway have been canceled. :'(   RAIN!

 Friday's Test and tune resulted in our car running a best of 1.10 60' 5.10 et @ 136 mph.

We got invited to a match race at Cameron MO. next Saturday. Three runs with the blower cars.  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on May 26, 2013, 03:42:35 AM
Yesterday after finishing the new trailer I actually did a few small things on my 318 Poly FED.
Plan to spend a couple of hours a day finishing the welding and steering. We will see how that goes. Also have to finish the headers from my HB slnt six tunnel ram.  I was tempted to leave things as they are but even the BB block are just getting by me 4 to 5 normal car lengths. Sometimes I feel I could almost reach over and slap them. Biggest restirction now on the slant six is the intake manifold. (old Offy which is untuned and not equal length and a bit  small (or was). New tunnel ram uses two 500 Holley 2 brlls and is tuned for 6000RPM with a genous taper from plenum to port. Because of the way it fits I have to make a whole new set of included headers to go with it. I have made a good stab at it but it will get about 1 hr per day till done. If I can squeeze 40 hp extra( which may be too generous to expect)I can spank these BB lads heads up (again!). I want everything working perfect BEFORE I go to the track so I had better get to it.
Don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on May 26, 2013, 09:24:01 AM
Finishing up my trans today
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on May 26, 2013, 09:26:09 AM
Finishing up my trans today

Looks like a very professional workbench for working on the transmission.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on May 27, 2013, 09:13:04 AM
It's a very handy tool and it was easy to build . I used 2inch wide flat stock and welded spacers in between  It wiil fit most any trans pan  or rear end chuck . The round tube is the same size as my engine stand so it will fit that as well . It's one of those tools you don't use that often but when you do it makes the job a lot easier 
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on May 27, 2013, 09:38:31 AM
I looks like it would also work in an engine stand
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: coupemerc on May 27, 2013, 11:24:30 AM
I worked through my intake and exhaust rocker geometry, worked out my pushrod lengths, pretty much finalized my piston domes and trial fitted my injector. It's been a few long nights. I even managed to pick up a 1957 392 hemi for short money this weekend. Cheers to all the Veterans!!!!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on May 27, 2013, 11:56:26 AM
Did some welding on a chassis but spent most of the afternoon working on my tunnel ram. Opened up the exhaust flange to take a poke through header pipe. The header pipes will be welded to a 1/8 th steel rail  , upper and lower that fits the attchment holes . This will allow me to tighten the headers so they wont leak.
Got two fitted but had enuf for the day.
Don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: coupemerc on May 27, 2013, 03:51:05 PM
Finishing up my trans today

Bill...Are you going to Epping in a few weeks? Looks like your deal is coming along nicely.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: rooman on May 27, 2013, 05:24:53 PM
I went to Bowling Green over the weekend to crew on Mark Vaught's 7.0 car at the NDRL race. Too quick on both qualifiers as the track was killer and so was the air. Running a pair of 6.9 laps (second one at only 169 MPH) put Mark in the bottom half of the field and he drew Robbie Freels in round one. They were both late on the tree but Robbie was better and won with a 7.06 to Mark's 7.04.
I will try to post some pix when I get a chance.

Roo
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on May 27, 2013, 05:26:34 PM
I went to Bowling Green over the weekend to crew on Mark Vaught's 7.0 car at the NDRL race. Too quick on both qualifiers as the track was killer and so was the air. Running a pair of 6.9 laps (second one at only 169 MPH) put Mark in the bottom half of the field and he drew Robbie Freels in round one. They were both late on the tree but Robbie was better and won with a 7.06 to Mark's 7.04.
I will try to post some pix when I get a chance.

Roo
Got any pictures of the thrash to swap engines in Steve's altered, or the carnage when rod # 4 let go?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on May 28, 2013, 11:45:47 AM
Worked on the tunnel ram's headers again today. All pipe stubs are in . Top steel clamp rail is fitted and welded. Have to make the bottom rail , probably tomorrow. Lot of fooling around making stuff like this. I get to a point each day where I invoke "The Cabbage Rule" (Quit while you're a-head)
Luckily this aint my first rodeo. In the background you can see another 6 carb intake I made and ran for a few years on this little rail.  Just have to work away at it not getting frustrated. Eventually it will be done.
Don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on May 29, 2013, 05:49:09 PM
Have not been able to touch the car in almost a week. Been building some  custom cabinets for guy.But the profit all goes into car.I magine that says the wife.  So in a way I have been working on the body work.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: coupemerc on May 31, 2013, 05:56:39 PM
Dropped off all of my body panels at the painters today.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: coupemerc on June 02, 2013, 07:05:46 AM
A long night...Finalized my lifter configuration, valve OAL, piston dome configuration and push rod length.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricci32 on June 02, 2013, 01:00:40 PM
Got some work done on the fugitive dragster over the weekend.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on June 02, 2013, 02:50:54 PM
Got my manifold fitted today , rocker stands , water pump and some hoses . Went through all of my rocker arm's and found a cracked one . 
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: coupemerc on June 03, 2013, 09:28:43 AM
Super impressive Bill! Also, great catch on the rocker. That will save you a few buck$
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on June 03, 2013, 01:00:23 PM
The valvetrain is the weakest part of these engines.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on June 03, 2013, 08:54:35 PM
Bill,

 Thanks for posting pics,especailly the intake and plenum.Looks a lot like the one I built for my Hemi.Feel better about design.

 Yea built because more time than money for past cpl years. About 25 bucks material,65 bucks argon and 25 bucks welding rod is heck of alot cheaper than buying one ,for Hemi they run 1800 and up.Bad part I have ideas for next one and have not run this one yet.
(http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j350/wideopen231/P1010454.jpg) (http://s1081.photobucket.com/user/wideopen231/media/P1010454.jpg.html)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on June 04, 2013, 08:00:26 AM
Chris here are a few more . The 2 brass tubes along the top of plenum are spray bars for nitrous
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on June 04, 2013, 02:33:51 PM
OK where the freaking camera. I have two methods Ive mocked up.One very simular to yours and the other was on down the center. I have a homemade injector that I built using shaft out of birdcatcher and 2 of the butterflys. Its made from 2 pieces that are sandwiched together,I milled between them to make a perimeter system.

  The perimeter system got pretty compilcated and not 100% sure it would seal well enough. That lead me to the other two setups.Plus having the fogger system nozzles I set it up for them also. Yea I like having quick change options.

  So you thinking about using the down nozzle holes for the injection also. I figure we are running on same track on everything else. How about oil misting system for the rockers? Oh yea you have SBC that feeds oil thru pushrods to the rockers ansd keeps them from gawding the adjusters.

  Did notice your ET's and how much the nos picked you up,what size system? Im going with 350 system and maybe two setups in case I get greedy.I figure the motor use to make 3000 hp so 1600 or 1700 should hurt it much.Not sure about the cars setup with that.Should be fun.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on June 04, 2013, 02:41:06 PM
OK where the freaking camera.

Easy does it.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on June 04, 2013, 02:48:26 PM
Chris I don't use a down nozzle . The bungs in the manifold are for my injector nozzles . The spray bars are for nitrous and fuel enrichment . With a 250 shot of nitrous bringing it in at .2 is worth between 4 to 5 tenth's and 8 to 9 mph.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on June 04, 2013, 03:21:28 PM
Yea the down nozzles was a joke about your stuff being so close to mine and I looked at the down nozzle locations in my hemi heads the other night and thought man if closer to the valve does make quicker response,if I use those it should sound like a blower on it.
Routing the lines would be huge pain and if I had a leak it would be bigger pain to find.
  Just funny how you can do something you have not seen on others than you see someone else has done the same thing.At times you start thinking ok somebody watching me.


 Glen I used freaking instead of what ran thru mind first. I figured a same as using darn. I can not tell you how many people I know who go that freaking idiot and think it sounds totaly different than what I say. I get point you where making just thought it funny.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on June 05, 2013, 02:06:23 PM
Got a little more done on mine today . Motor and trans are in.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricardo1967 on June 05, 2013, 05:29:53 PM
Bill - motor & trans in place is a good accomplishment. Nice!

I like your setup. I have a couple questions if I may:
a) I really like your throttle pedal assembly. Do you happen to know where I can buy one?
b) Is the gauge on the right valve cover a vacuum gage?

Thanks
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on June 06, 2013, 03:07:18 PM
Ricardo I made the pedal out of 3/8 chromemolly tubing . I purchaced a bender from Jerry Bickle race cars . I was only  about 60 dollars and handy as could be . Yes that's a vac gauge but I have had 2 break already . Cheap Jegs gauges I think yiu need a liqid filled one .
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricardo1967 on June 06, 2013, 04:27:58 PM
Thanks for the info Bill. I may try that route. I like fabrication, but I'm not nearly as skilled as you are.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on June 07, 2013, 11:22:26 AM
So after 40 days and 40 nights of rain and cold weather it looks like we might get to go to the track tomorrow. The dragster has been wanting to quit running at the top end of the track (fuel running away from the  pick up) so I have been wanting to install a primer system

(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_2013_06_15/DSC_1510.jpg)

I purchased a "Kit" that used Enderle's billet tank through AlkyDigger

(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_2013_06_15/DSC_1512.jpg)

To do what I want which is a little out of the box I had to purchase some additional stuff

(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_2013_06_15/DSC_1513.jpg)

So this install made me really nervous as it just seemed to fall together, normally you have to fight and fit things many times but this just seemed to go together. The return from the "K" valve was just the right height of the bottom of the belly pan

(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_2013_06_15/DSC_1511.jpg)

I removed the two plugs from the side of the primer tank and two -8 fittings screwed right in, I removed the straight 1/8 NPT to -4 fitting out of the bottom and installed a 1/8 NPT 90 -4 fitting on the bottom. On the -8 fitting I installed a -8 coupler.

(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_2013_06_15/DSC_1518.jpg)

So the tank is just the right height so that the bottom fitting just sits on the belly pan, the -8 return on the tank is just the right distance from the side of the chassis and bottom of the belly pan. The wiring from the old electric fuel pump was in just the right location to connect the primmer pump. With it plumbed into the return line from the "K" valve the tank will always be full once started for the first time on a race day. That just makes one less thing that needs to be done in the pit.

(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_2013_06_15/DSC_1524.jpg)

I replaced the old fuel pump toggle switch with the rubber capped momentary on starter button ordered from Summit, and now at a push of a button I get a nice squirt of alcohol into the rear most port of the hat on top of the blower. I had used the rear ports in the blower for my rear two injectors. We will try it out tomorrow.

(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_2013_06_15/DSC_1532.jpg)


This picture is from Empire today, I do not think I will get to try it out tomorrow.

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/10140_10151646956303522_628065286_n.jpg)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on June 07, 2013, 02:14:26 PM
I worked late afternoon on the tunnel ram for the blue rail  (AKA The Senior Dragster)
I made the bottom retainer for the headers today and welded it to the pipe stubs. The pipe studs will be hand filed to be just proud when the manifold is tight. I also drilled all the holes for the bottom plate. With this manifold the headers are captive which complicated the build but not impossible. Now to clean it up. then decide paint , powder coat or natural ???
The carbs are 500 cfm Holleys although one must remember two barrel Holley are rated at 3  instead of 1.5 depression so in reality are around 350 to 375 cfm so total cfm will be somewhere like a 750cfm 4bbl.
Runners are tuned for 6000RPM  and are tapered . Exhaust stubs are made from EMT which was readily available and inexpensive. The bends are very well made. Next is to mount it on an engine and finish the headers so they hug the block and will fit the dragster (and maybe the gassser too. )A lot of fiddling around on a job like this but often it is well worth the effort.
Don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Zooman on June 07, 2013, 03:37:57 PM
Hello FED team.
This is my first post here, as I have just found the site.
I wish I could have shared daily tribulations in this thread with y'all over the past few years because that is how long it has taken me to finish this injected nitro digger. Last month it was finally driven around the car park with 98% in the tank to make sure it could stage etc before heading to the track for licencing and testing.

There are a couple of little things to finish yet, so I'll report on those items as they are delt with.

Cheers to all.
Graham (Von Zoom) Slapp

Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on June 07, 2013, 05:31:01 PM
Hello FED team.
This is my first post here, as I have just found the site.
I wish I could have shared daily tribulations in this thread with y'all over the past few years because that is how long it has taken me to finish this injected nitro digger. Last month it was finally driven around the car park with 98% in the tank to make sure it could stage etc before heading to the track for licencing and testing.

There are a couple of little things to finish yet, so I'll report on those items as they are delt with.

Cheers to all.
Graham (Von Zoom) Slapp

Very nice keep us up to date, add a thread under builds.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: tylercrawford on June 08, 2013, 01:08:13 PM
Now we have a zoo and a roo?  :o  ;D

I got mine fired up as well . . .

Going to have to take it somewhere as the cops were called on us.  No biggie, cop was cool with it and asked a bunch of questions about it but I doubt they would be that happy with going out there a 2nd or 3rd time.

Neighbors across the street on the other hand . . . not cool with it apparently.

Trying to make a nostalgia race July 6th so got some time to wrap things up.

(http://imageshack.us/a/img825/460/imag0271jq.jpg)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on June 08, 2013, 02:41:15 PM
Sounds like neighbors jealous.

We use to have some of those. Around here the disturbing the peace is not issue till 10:00 pm. A sheriff told me that if I fired funnycar up before 9:59 shu7t it down and there was nothing they coyuld legaly do. Guess what happened a cpl times right before loading for a race.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on June 08, 2013, 03:06:08 PM
Now we have a zoo and a roo?  :o  ;D

I got mine fired up as well . . .

Going to have to take it somewhere as the cops were called on us.  No biggie, cop was cool with it and asked a bunch of questions about it but I doubt they would be that happy with going out there a 2nd or 3rd time.

Neighbors across the street on the other hand . . . not cool with it apparently.

Trying to make a nostalgia race July 6th so got some time to wrap things up.

(http://imageshack.us/a/img825/460/imag0271jq.jpg)

Well I see I'm not the only one to get the cops called on. They have been here a couple of times. The last time I offered them some donuts that we were having and they didn't like that at all.

The dragster they had no problems with.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: tylercrawford on June 08, 2013, 03:27:08 PM
Around here the disturbing the peace is not issue till 10:00 pm. A sheriff told me that if I fired funnycar up before 9:59 shu7t it down and there was nothing they coyuld legaly do. Guess what happened a cpl times right before loading for a race.


Hmmm . . . cop said the neighbors could try to push a noise ordinance if I start it again in the future.

I'm obviously not going to burnout up the street or anything but I would like to be able to set the idle where I want it and check it in gear.  It ran today 3 times, each about 30-45 seconds.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricardo1967 on June 08, 2013, 03:38:41 PM
"... The last time I offered them some donuts that we were having and they didn't like that at all. "

Love it! Can't stop laughing...
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on June 08, 2013, 04:13:13 PM
I bet it still went over better than when I brought them a dozen and they where watching my camaro 24 hrs for 10 days.Something to do with half the area police force chasing it for 28 minutes before I made wrong turn.Hey at 140 plus its easy to miss the turn you wanted to take and turn down the next road. Playing with them for while,basically catching myself then bring them dounuts when they where watching me. Yea they where not happy. No snese of humor!!!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on June 11, 2013, 07:17:40 PM
Hello FED team.
This is my first post here, as I have just found the site.
I wish I could have shared daily tribulations in this thread with y'all over the past few years because that is how long it has taken me to finish this injected nitro digger. Last month it was finally driven around the car park with 98% in the tank to make sure it could stage etc before heading to the track for licencing and testing.

There are a couple of little things to finish yet, so I'll report on those items as they are delt with.       

Cheers to all.
Graham (Von Zoom) Slapp             Wow, WOW, wowSA, I like it!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricci32 on June 11, 2013, 08:00:46 PM
worked on the chute pack body
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: coupemerc on June 12, 2013, 03:39:36 PM
Ordered final Pistons, wrist pins, valves and push rods today. Bad day for the wallet.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Quartermiler on June 12, 2013, 07:40:05 PM
We made it through tech at Bowling Green without any issues! Cant wait to make a pass tomorrow!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on June 12, 2013, 08:21:45 PM
We made it through tech at Bowling Green without any issues! Cant wait to make a pass tomorrow!
Good deal, what index are you running?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on June 13, 2013, 12:30:19 PM
Ordered final Pistons, wrist pins, valves and push rods today. Bad day for the wallet.
Just the price of a set of pushrods hurt's today!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Quartermiler on June 13, 2013, 06:50:00 PM
Glenn we are running Jr. Fuel the field is full with 8 cars. We ran a 7.78 at 173 and change. We had the car to rich and hurt our ET. Get 2 more tries tomorrow. The density attitude was 3018 feet with a lot of water in the air!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on June 14, 2013, 12:27:55 PM
Boy am I bummed, it has now been three weeks since I went down the track.

I was supposed to go night and tomorrow and the track owner just canceled both tonight and tomorrow.

Grounds are to wet.

http://www.empiredragway.com/


(http://www.empiredragway.com/images/2.jpg)
(http://www.empiredragway.com/images/1.jpg)
(http://www.empiredragway.com/images/5.jpg)
Between Monday's 3/4 of an inch of rain and yesterday's 2 inches of rain you can see from the photos below that the grounds are not going to handle 20 & 30 thousand pound motorhomes & trailers. Although the forecast is for sunny and 74, it will never dry in time. As difficult as it is, I have no other choice but to cancel both tonight's and tomorrow's events. Sorry, I hope to see you all next week. Bob 

I should have gone to HRR even bang Shift is having problems


Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on June 17, 2013, 05:58:16 PM
I worked on the tunnel ram for my rail today. Spent about an hour hand filing the first exhaust stub flat. Will do one at a time. Takes about 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours for each stub but it is worth spending the time not to have trouble. Also talked the the owner/ driver of the BB Ford altered I matched raced with at Picton. He got me twice but I got the last one. Says he is removing the tunnel ram and installing a blower. Unfortunatley he has one for it (actually several) I was a bit disappointed. I enjoyed racing him. Seemed 246 cubes against 485 cubes in a relatively similar weight car was fun. I didnt mind getting spanked because of the difference in engines one should expect it. I will of course have no chance against his car with a Blower on it (and Injection probably burning alky) Makes one wanna spit!!!!!!!!!! Apparently what really bothers them so my old boss and friend tells me is I leave on them all real bad. I know why (Thank you Frank Lupo Dynamic Convertors) and at one time would I have helped them with their launch but NO MORE! Party's over. Its time to get vicious (again)

Don
Did another yesterday and will do another this morning.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on June 19, 2013, 03:33:14 AM
You neighbour noise story brought a smile. Many years ago back in the 70s I had a homebrew hemi dart. Hemis are very loud and I was careful to not run it at home if possible even though I lived in a semi rural setting. One morning after returning late at night from a race at Cayuga I had to rise early , unload the car from the ramp truck and take over to R&A racing who had lent it to me as they had a race in Luskville that day with their junior stocker (E/S 68 Camero). I arouse about 4 AM and fully intended to just unchain the car and roll it off. However our next door neighbour whose house was literly just next door had recently thrown her hubby out and her brother who worked in TO was staying there. He had an old Buick Electra with a bad muffler and had a bad habit of starting it and leaving it running while he went in for coffee. Often very early in the morning. It would wake us up and was very annoying. Just so happened he decided to do it right when I was rolling the car off the ramp truck . I had had enuf. I switched on the battery power and climbed in. I drowned the big hemi with sevral pumps of the gas pedal then flipped the switch and pushed the starter. It barked to life and I had given it a big enuf drink it didnt snuff. I dont know if you have ever heard a 426 hemi with 12.7 to one compression  running through a set of Hooker adjustables at 5 or so in the morning but it gets your attention. Iwarmed it up to safe zone and backed down the driveway and onto the road in front of their house, pulled the shifter to 2nd gear, set the brakes with the line lock and "Gave er". Around 7500 she began to bounce a bit but I made sure to give it a good burnout and then let her drive out as I backed off and popped up the driveway. Still had enuf momentum even though I killed igntion to drive up the driveway and around the back of the house. That night when he arrived home the muffler was fixed and we were never bothered again. Marks were on the road for a long time. Nothing was ever said e. Where I live now on a small hobby farm no one minds too much if I am running something. Donuts? Now I am hungry. Anyway  hope you find a work around. Maybe they will go away for a day.
Don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on June 19, 2013, 06:03:47 AM
You neighbour noise story brought a smile. Many years ago back in the 70s I had a homebrew hemi dart. Hemis are very loud and I was careful to not run it at home if possible even though I lived in a semi rural setting. One morning after returning late at night from a race at Cayuga I had to rise early , unload the car from the ramp truck and take over to R&A racing who had lent it to me as they had a race in Luskville that day with their junior stocker (E/S 68 Camero). I arouse about 4 AM and fully intended to just unchain the car and roll it off. However our next door neighbour whose house was literly just next door had recently thrown her hubby out and her brother who worked in TO was staying there. He had an old Buick Electra with a bad muffler and had a bad habit of starting it and leaving it running while he went in for coffee. Often very early in the morning. It would wake us up and was very annoying. Just so happened he decided to do it right when I was rolling the car off the ramp truck . I had had enuf. I switched on the battery power and climbed in. I drowned the big hemi with sevral pumps of the gas pedal then flipped the switch and pushed the starter. It barked to life and I had given it a big enuf drink it didnt snuff. I dont know if you have ever heard a 426 hemi with 12.7 to one compression  running through a set of Hooker adjustables at 5 or so in the morning but it gets your attention. Iwarmed it up to safe zone and backed down the driveway and onto the road in front of their house, pulled the shifter to 2nd gear, set the brakes with the line lock and "Gave er". Around 7500 she began to bounce a bit but I made sure to give it a good burnout and then let her drive out as I backed off and popped up the driveway. Still had enuf momentum even though I killed igntion to drive up the driveway and around the back of the house. That night when he arrived home the muffler was fixed and we were never bothered again. Marks were on the road for a long time. Nothing was ever said e. Where I live now on a small hobby farm no one minds too much if I am running something. Donuts? Now I am hungry. Anyway  hope you find a work around. Maybe they will go away for a day.
Don

I have a woman that has been divorced three times living next to me, she calls the cops for anything. The one that got me was when she called and complained that my Christmas lights were to bright.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on June 19, 2013, 06:59:45 PM
Her three X s must feel fortunate to be free.
Spent all afternoon filing the exhaust stubs and got it done.
Don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricci32 on June 26, 2013, 06:25:44 AM
More done on the chute pack body.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on June 26, 2013, 01:15:06 PM
I have been working away at my tunnel ram project for the rail. Been modifying carb linkage for clearance and making linkage and brackets to run the pair of carbs from the existing car linkage. It is tedious work but is going well. I can see the end in sight. I try to spend a hour per day on it.

Don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Foot Feed on July 03, 2013, 09:05:26 AM
I got an aluminum T-33 canopy jettison handle to repurpose as a brake handle.  :D
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on July 04, 2013, 08:43:30 AM
Well it has been awhile since I actually posted anything on the dragster.

Well it has been raining, raining, raining, and more rain.

I did get out two weeks ago and really hope to get out again tomorrow to do some more testing, but it looks like rain.

It is really important to get out tomorrow as I want to go to Norwalk the 20th for an NDRL race. The problem is that, one it is an index race and I have not gotten that squared away, two it is a pro tree and have had no practice on a pro tree, I may go anyway to get away from this RAIN (and yes I am tempted to use a forbidden word here), and three it is ¼ mile and lately for one reason or another it seems all my racing has been 1/8 mile, I hate 1/8 mile.

Went club racing Friday June 21 club racing 1/8 mile. Here is a summery

First run, Friday night 8:23 PM
Air Density 2200
Top Pulley 60
Pill 90
Fuel Pressure 60.38
Top end Boost 9.02
60 foot 1.316
Calculated ¼ mile   8.443
A/F ratio 3.808
Comments, I did not write down the pulley size and pill so this was done from memory, data is questinable.

Second Run, Friday night 9:22 PM
Air Density 1810
Top Pulley 62
Pill 90
Fuel Pressure 59.82
Top end Boost  8.31
60 foot 1.303
Calculated ¼ mile   8.586
A/F ratio 3.810
Comments, This is really unusually good air. Took away some air, but the density go better the end result was little change

Third Run, Friday night 10:15 PM
Comment, I had to throw this run out (won the race), dew had fallen and after the 1/8 mile marker I had to get out of it as it got really squirrely (rear tires started to spin in the dew on the track). Data was all screwed up and graph was useless.



Ok, now Saturday, Gasser series racing, June 22.
Gasser series is 1/8 mile ET racing, so I have no ¼ mile times (so for comparison a ¼ mile 8.483 is a 1/8 mile 5.427). We only had two time trails as there was a bad accident that shut the track down for awhile, the guy is ok?, but will be in the hospital for awhile.

First round of qualifying, Saturday 3:07 PM
Air Density 3079
Top pulley 62
Pill 95
Fuel Pressure 51.61
Top end Boost 7.53
60 foot 1.312
Cal 1/4 mile 8.702
AF Ratio 3.688
Comment, Felt terrible, to slow for the 8.5, fuel out the pipes, need to make big changes

Second round of qualifying, Saturday 4:35 PM
Air Density 3249
Top pulley 60
Pill 105
Fuel Pressure 52.06
Top end Boost 8.31
60 foot 1.265
Cal 1/4 mile 8.392
AF Ratio 4.074
Comment, Much more like it, but now too fast. This run was against my arched nemesis (a good friend who in the second round of eliminations I give the race away to by breaking out and red lighting). I had my best light ever a .508 and beat his ET by .1865, now if only I could do that in a race.

Ok, now we are into the first round of elimination so we decided not to play with it and see if we could predict an ET.
First round of eliminations, Saturday 6:13 PM
Air Density 3100
Top pulley 60
Pill 105
Fuel Pressure 50.99
Top end Boost 8.24
60 foot 1.247
Cal 1/4 mile 8.410
A/F Ratio 4.072
Comment, Treed him and won by .0281.

Second round of eliminations, Saturday 7:41 PM
Air Density 2858
Top pulley 60
Pill 105
Fuel Pressure 53.28
Top end Boost 8.31
60 foot 1.241
Cal 1/4 mile 8.355
AF Ratio 4.110

Comments. This guy and I end up racing each other a lot as are ETs are always close. We have yet to have a race, we each keep giving the race to the other one, this time I red lite and broke out. The dragster sounded good and felt good, it likes this air fuel ratio better, but once again I am too fast for the 8.5 index.

Serious consideration is being given to going in the other direction (8.000 index). The problem boils down to engine RPM. I am concerned that this engine will not last if I push the RPM higher, currently turning 6400s at the top end. This is a stroked Pontiac 400 punched and stroked out to 461. A simple fix would be to put a higher tire on the rear. I am currently running a 31X13X15 M/T. by going to a 32 high tire I increase the circumference by 3.96 percent (drop the top end RPM by 253)(circumference 97.0 to 101). No one makes a 32X13X15 tire Hoosier has a 13.5X13.5X15 in a lightweight C07 compound, but the side wall will not clear and I cannot space it out as the tire rim combo I have now is spaced out, so I would have to buy rims also. Hoosier also makes a 32.0X13.0X15 in a D05 compound which is a soft compound and one of the problems is I have low HP and based on the graphs I am dead hooking now. M/T makes a 33X10.5X15 tire with a M3 compound (medium). This tire is interesting in that the compound is a little harder, the with is smaller so it might help with the launch, but I afraid that I do not have the HP to turn a 2 inch taller tire.  INPUT REQUESTED

Tuning, it I stay with the 8.5 I think I want to try a 110 pill and adjust pulleys to get an A/F ratio of 4.1. By taking away more fuel and keeping the A/F ratio about the same I should take away HP and slow it down a little more. Sure would like to go to the 8.000, but have the RPM  / tire problem.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on July 05, 2013, 01:08:06 PM
I need an ark. More rain.

THIS WEEK AT EMPIRE DRAGWAY
Friday 7-5-13 Weather Update 3:45 pm
We had a huge downpour at 3 pm this afternoon that soaked the facility yet again.  There is standing water everywhere in the pits.  Also, the forecast is for 50% chance of showers until early this evening.  Therefore, we are cancelling tonight's event.  I will post an update about Saturday's (July 6) program in the morning. I will make a decision about Saturday by 11 am.
Saturday 7-6-13 Carquest Auto Parts QUICK 16  & Full Program
Gate Opens 1 pm, Time Trials 2 pm, Racing 6 pm
Quick 16 Qualifiers at 3 pm & 4:30 pm                           
04-02-13  The 2013 Season Schedule has been mailed out on Saturday, March 30.  They were mailed to anyone who raced in 2012 and spectators who called in 2012.  If you do not receive a schedule in the mail by Saturday, April 6 and would like one please call us at 585.382.3030 or email us at empiredragway@aol.com.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Blind Mule on July 06, 2013, 10:59:01 PM
Looks like my project will be a long way off no job just had to pay for my Moms funeral and other related bills :( Never realized how hard to find a job cause I was at the same for 29years until Nov. Not picky but not much out there either and all I have is a High School diploma but most want a college degree JEEZ >:(  Any way maybe I can make it my Winter project so much for plans but life comes first!

   Randy!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on July 07, 2013, 02:43:56 AM
Is it interesting that they say 190,000 jobs were added to the economy last month, yet there are no jobs. Only jobs added were service job (Burger King).

Sorry to hear about your Mother, good luck.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: George on July 07, 2013, 04:24:08 AM
Actually construction work is picking up in central Illinois . Hospitals are building as well as retail business. It's shaping up to be the best year in our Local (IBEW 193) in quite a while. Lots of road and bridge work.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricardo1967 on July 07, 2013, 04:56:37 AM
Looks like my project will be a long way off no job just had to pay for my Moms funeral and other related bills :( Never realized how hard to find a job cause I was at the same for 29years until Nov. Not picky but not much out there either and all I have is a High School diploma but most want a college degree JEEZ >:(  Any way maybe I can make it my Winter project so much for plans but life comes first!

   Randy!

I am sorry for your loss Randy.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Foot Feed on July 07, 2013, 08:47:43 AM
Sorry for the loss Randy.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on July 07, 2013, 10:07:04 AM
Well we really wanted to test this weekend. I want to go to Norwalk for NDRL

Briggs and Stratton Summer Jam
at the Blue Suede Cruise
Summit Motorsports Park
Norwalk, OH

http://www.frontenginedragsters.org/forum/index.php?topic=48.0
http://summitmotorsportspark.com/index.php/component/jevents/icalrepeat.detail/2013/07/21/74/-/-?Itemid=1

We still do not have the 8.5 index straightened away and kind have hit the physical limit of slowing down with air fuel mixture (top pulley cannot be any larger without changing the belt guard and the bottom pulley is a 42 tooth pulley and has the drive for the belt for the fuel pump inside).

We have made the adventurous decision to go for the 8.0 index instead.

Empire was rained out Friday, washed out Saturday, so we decided to drive two hours to go to Esta Safety Park Dragstrip‎, 8091 Eastwood Road, Cicero, NY 13039. Got up at 5 in the morning to leave by 6 (two hour drive), got within 10 minutes of it and received it was closed due to flooding.

Plans now are to blow off club racing July 12th for testing for Norwalk.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Blind Mule on July 07, 2013, 11:12:24 AM
Thanks hope I didn't come off as wanting pity it was my choice to leave my job I knew it would be tough after all the things that happened :-[ I would do it again for my family :)  Burger King might be ok something to eat!    Lets Race ;D

Randy!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on July 07, 2013, 02:02:58 PM
Thanks hope I didn't come off as wanting pity it was my choice to leave my job I knew it would be tough after all the things that happened :-[ I would do it again for my family :)  Burger King might be ok something to eat!    Lets Race ;D

Randy!
Not at all, well qualified people should be able to find a job.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: AF150 on July 08, 2013, 11:50:00 AM
Took a block & crank to the machine shop this morning. Gotta start over cause I broke all my stuff
at Bowling Green. God, I love this sport!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on July 08, 2013, 01:48:26 PM
Thanks hope I didn't come off as wanting pity it was my choice to leave my job I knew it would be tough after all the things that happened :-[ I would do it again for my family :)  Burger King might be ok something to eat!    Lets Race ;D

Randy!
Randy Some times you have to do what you have to do . Hang in there buddy and stay with us on the forum
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on July 08, 2013, 07:42:11 PM
Took a block & crank to the machine shop this morning. Gotta start over cause I broke all my stuff
at Bowling Green. God, I love this sport!
Oh, no! Done that before
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: buickfed on July 10, 2013, 04:29:42 PM
here I sit watching the rain
it has become such a pain
my engine is losing its valve train
oh, this hurts my brain

 ;D ;D
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricardo1967 on July 10, 2013, 04:36:37 PM
here I sit watching the rain
it has become such a pain
my engine is losing its valve train
oh, this hurts my brain

 ;D ;D

LOL... love it!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on July 10, 2013, 05:15:32 PM
here I sit watching the rain
it has become such a pain
my engine is losing its valve train
oh, this hurts my brain

 ;D ;D
Oh I know your pain
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on July 14, 2013, 09:01:10 AM
I finally figured what looked f---ed up with roll cage. Left side the second tube is about 1/8 to 3/16 to long at top where it meets rear bar. Might not sound like much but it had it sticking 3 feet(or so it looked) out of line.
So I spent 3 hours getting it cut loose and die grinding and filing it to fit like it should.Now If I can get my 12D foot out of butt from kicking it so many times. I would have sworn I cut them to match exactly. GUESS NOT. But now it is right or dang site closer.

 next time I will have better veiw of cage when mounting one and I WILL TRIPPLE check the dumbing cutting tubes.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on July 17, 2013, 01:57:51 PM
Going to spend all weekend working on my car . Hope to be out testing in 2 weeks.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on July 17, 2013, 08:43:40 PM
Nice, not sure I'm going to get out.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on July 19, 2013, 08:04:56 PM
Too hot in Alabama for working in my shop, no AC, so I have become a shade tree guy until it cools off a bit. I did get out in the shop yesterday for a while and made a couple of front axle mounting brackets for my new 200" chassis.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on July 20, 2013, 11:47:12 AM
Didn't get out, had a storm come through 6 PM Friday night and will not have power back until 11 PM Sunday (Latest guestiment)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on July 21, 2013, 08:30:28 AM
New set of valve springs this morning
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on July 22, 2013, 10:56:27 AM
Took the day off to spend some quality time with my car
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricardo1967 on July 22, 2013, 04:33:29 PM
VERY nice rig Bill. That's an intimidating motor. If you don't mind me asking... where are the zoomies?  :-)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on July 23, 2013, 11:39:38 AM
Ricardo for what I am doing at this time that type of header makes more power and I am looking for every bit that I can get . Next year might be a different story as I am looking at this 7.0 class I may go to a blower or a small amount of nitro . Over next winter I plan on taking some compression out of it . Then we will most likely go to a zoomie header. 
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricardo1967 on July 23, 2013, 03:51:58 PM
I sure understand your point Bill. Nevertheless, that's an impressive mill!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: George on July 23, 2013, 07:56:44 PM
When we ran our engine on the dyno it was with collector headers to get the exhaust out of the dyno cell. I guessed the dyno headers had to be worth 20-40 hp. I have always ran zoomies . We have several nostalgia cars in our group with modern scoops, carb(s) and collector headers. If it were up to me it would be stack or hat injection or blower, any fuel , no intake scoops and zoomies only. The lack of a delay box and model year largely makes a nostalgia car with our group. Oh, and your dial must be 4.99 or quicker.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on July 24, 2013, 11:56:08 AM
1970 collector headers
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on July 24, 2013, 12:19:00 PM
On lil brothers car 496" bbc we ran zoomies and everyone kept telling him that was reason car was not as quick as it should be. Borrowed a set of collector headers made 14 or 15 pass ans car never ran as good as it did with the zoomies.Nothing big .01 to .03 differance we figured just the air or track.

   Zoomies lot liter and sound awsome so with no differance in performance we went back.Im building or will be building a set of zoomies for fed and if can get tubing i want they will be super lite weight.

 Anyone know of supplier selling 120* 2.25 ID  or close aluminum tubing need .060 to ,080 wall thickness.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on July 24, 2013, 12:28:07 PM
Chris you are right about the sound . Zoomie's sound nice and crisp They might even make that Hemi of yours sound good HA HA !
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Foot Feed on July 24, 2013, 12:54:36 PM
1970 collector headers

I like the car Bill!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on July 24, 2013, 02:40:26 PM
That was a great little car at the time 306 cubes and a clutchflite trans
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on July 24, 2013, 03:44:57 PM
Chris you are right about the sound . Zoomie's sound nice and crisp They might even make that Hemi of yours sound good HA HA !

 Might even be able to hear you small block beside it,if you put it almost on the chip and I just idle ha ha ha back atcha.  Now if I can get my elephant to run like it scared of that little mouse.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on July 29, 2013, 06:01:50 AM
Spent most the day machining on a valve to switch fuel flow when I go from NA to nitrous. Seems to work and should be bada-- when done.Like most projects the first has given me idea how to make next one better.

 Basicaly It will swap from two jet bypass to one bypass and the other jet goes to feed nitrous.I will only need nitrous solenoid it will then activate the fuel side at same time. Only trick will be setting the jetting so the one Im swapping will have same flow as nitrous system   
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: George on July 29, 2013, 09:20:40 AM
On lil brothers car 496" bbc we ran zoomies and everyone kept telling him that was reason car was not as quick as it should be. Borrowed a set of collector headers made 14 or 15 pass ans car never ran as good as it did with the zoomies.Nothing big .01 to .03 differance we figured just the air or track.

   Zoomies lot liter and sound awsome so with no differance in performance we went back.Im building or will be building a set of zoomies for fed and if can get tubing i want they will be super lite weight.

 Anyone know of supplier selling 120* 2.25 ID  or close aluminum tubing need .060 to ,080 wall thickness.


I don't see zoomies on many comp. eliminator cars. That should be a strong indicator of what makes the best power in a finely tuned setup. Being lighter  and being able to see the discharge of each cylinder are the advantages I see. I thought about running step/collector headers.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on July 29, 2013, 01:03:31 PM
If I go with the nitro set up next year I will most likely go with a zoomie header .
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: coupemerc on August 02, 2013, 03:59:01 AM
If I go with the nitro set up next year I will most likely go with a zoomie header .

Thinking of going A/FD? or old school Junior Fuel?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on August 02, 2013, 01:16:56 PM
More like 7.0 pro
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on August 04, 2013, 08:41:54 AM
Putting the finishing touches on mine today . Heading up to Lebanon valley next weekend For the Dover Drag Strip NOSTALGIA DRAGS and reunion . Yippie!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on August 04, 2013, 11:01:41 AM
Putting the finishing touches on mine today . Heading up to Lebanon valley next weekend For the Dover Drag Strip NOSTALGIA DRAGS and reunion . Yippie!
Congratulations! If finally stopped raining here enough to get out and make some runs Saturday
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Blind Mule on August 04, 2013, 03:43:51 PM
Bill I didn't know you had the toilet setup {Terminators) those are mean on a bracket car we had a rear engine dragster with one years back and it was deadly :)  I would love to have stacks on my puney little Ford 8)


Randy!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on August 05, 2013, 11:21:01 AM
Randy one of the best investments I ever made was buying the twin terminator's They have worked very well for me . If I try some nitro next year it will be with that set up . 
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: buickfed on August 05, 2013, 02:58:00 PM
Putting the finishing touches on mine today . Heading up to Lebanon valley next weekend For the Dover Drag Strip NOSTALGIA DRAGS and reunion . Yippie!

we'll be there Saturday for sure. sunday is iffy for us.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on August 05, 2013, 03:25:44 PM
I was actually back working on the tunnel ram carb linkage for the FED this afternoon. Want this all done and ready for install this month.
Don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: coupemerc on August 06, 2013, 06:16:09 PM
Valves and wrist pins arrived today!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on August 07, 2013, 02:22:56 PM
Valves and wrist pins arrived today!
Your getting closer!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on August 07, 2013, 02:26:48 PM
Went and picked up my new tires today . This will be the first time I ever ran Hoosier's
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on August 07, 2013, 02:28:51 PM
Getting my support vehicles ready
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: buickfed on August 07, 2013, 06:06:24 PM
I changed the oil for this weekend. lol. I hope its nice. I'm tired of this wacky weather.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on August 07, 2013, 08:49:07 PM
Getting my support vehicles ready
They appear to be the correct color.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on August 08, 2013, 05:52:42 AM
Bill,

  Whyich tire did you get?  Going to go Hoosiers(some time) also.Probably going with  14x15 32s. Wouldn't want car walking around bunch on top end might lead to folks thinking I'm nuts.What can I say tuning TA/FC on IHRA tracks  too long , I figure if its going straight its broke. Just listening to my elders. ;D
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Foot Feed on August 08, 2013, 07:44:40 AM
I figure if its going straight its broke.

Got a good chuckle outta that this morning. No coffee spewege though. Thanks!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Foot Feed on August 08, 2013, 07:47:22 AM
Went and picked up my new tires today . This will be the first time I ever ran Hoosier's

Bill, that garage is way to clean and organized, can I come over and help you mess it up?  ;D

Ken
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on August 08, 2013, 11:27:13 AM
Getting my support vehicles ready
They appear to be the correct color.I guess you can tell that blue is my favorite color!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on August 08, 2013, 11:33:26 AM
Ken I make some pretty big messes some times ! Chris that tire is a 12x33 co9 compound . Goodyear dose not make the 1288 any more so I am just going to make this work .
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on August 08, 2013, 04:32:18 PM
Bill,

 Little late but did you ask around on SWJF they have cpl guys that went in and bought enogh tires from goddtear that they made a run just for them. I think someone had cpl sets for sale a while back.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: George on August 08, 2013, 06:10:20 PM
SWJFA deal  is for the GOODYEAR D2585.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Foot Feed on August 08, 2013, 08:02:25 PM
Great day, got some wire wheels off an auction on ebay.

Anglia spindle though, looks like I'll be placing an auction for my early Ford Spindles.  :D

Oh well...............
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dragster_john on August 08, 2013, 09:59:52 PM
masracingtd1167 thats the same tire i use..  :)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricardo1967 on August 09, 2013, 04:16:41 AM
masracingtd1167 thats the same tire i use..  :)

John,
Did you have wheelie bars at all during this launch? Or only the weight bar on the front axle is limiting that wheelstand?

Thanks,
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on August 09, 2013, 11:20:45 AM
Dragster John How are they working for you ? I am going to the track tomorrow to test . I shure hope they work .
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dragster_john on August 09, 2013, 09:32:12 PM
for me they work good, hooked up hard n strait,  here they are lifting the fronts during burnout...  this is right before the other pic,   for me i like em, hope they do for ya!!   pedal to the metal!  :)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dragster_john on August 09, 2013, 09:34:13 PM
ricardo1967   yeah i had the wheelie bar on,  its a single wheel about 4 feet long,  the angle of the pic hides it..  :)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dragster_john on August 09, 2013, 09:44:35 PM
you can kinda see it out back in this one... 
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricci32 on August 10, 2013, 04:38:47 PM
Finished up the body today .
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: buickfed on August 10, 2013, 05:47:05 PM
we went to the dover reunion today. broke on the first pass. :'(  lately its been every time we go to the valley something bites us. this time the Mallory electronic module separated from it base. the glue fell apart. had to silicone it to get back on the trailer. great weather, lousy results.
thanks to bill for towing it back to the pits.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on August 10, 2013, 07:51:11 PM
Well did some test and tune today to work on .400 Pro Tree and 8.50 index racing. Been working off and on on this for awhile now with not too much success. The vehicle has been too fast and I have been too slow.

The plan is to go to the NDRL race at Edgewater Sports Park Cleves, Ohio in two weeks. I have never run a pro tree and an index so this will all be new to me.

First run, Saturday 1:33 PM August 10
Air Density 2317
Top Pulley 63
Bottom Pulley 42
Pill 110
Top end Fuel Pressure 53.82
Top end Boost 6.74
Reaction time a perfect .400 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
60 foot 1.275
¼ mile   8.467 / 159.23 MPH
A/F ratio 4.048
Comments, Seem dead off the launch, engine RPM graph was flat after launch, two peaks in g-force after launch, short shifted by 300 RPM to second gear

Second run, Saturday 3:11 PM August 10
Air Density 2413
Top Pulley 63
Bottom Pulley 42
Pill 113 Leaned it out a little
Top end Fuel Pressure 49.83
Top end Boost 6.94
Reaction time  .423 not to bad
60 foot 1.275
¼ mile   8.526 / 159.20 MPH
A/F ratio 4.152 
Comments, Air was a little worse, and took a little fuel away, I hit the limiter for a brief second before the shift to second. Second good light on the pro tree, ET would be ok for a 8.500 index

Third run, Saturday 4:57 PM August 10
Air Density 2280
Top Pulley 63
Bottom Pulley 42
Pill 113 Leaned out a little
Top end Fuel Pressure 47.72
Top end Boost 7.07
Reaction time  .389  Oops
60 foot 1.267
¼ mile   8.451 / 162.27 MPH Fastest speed I have run yet, I have run faster ETs, but not speed
A/F ratio 4.175 
Comments, By the time I ran after sitting in the staging lanes the air got better, was to fast again, Shift to second was right on

Forth run, Saturday 6:52 PM August 10
Air Density 2077
Top Pulley 64
Bottom Pulley 42
Pill 113 Leaned out a little
Top end Fuel Pressure 48.12
Top end Boost 6.68
Reaction time  .394 two in a row
60 foot 1.272
¼ mile   8.504 / 158.45 MPH I can live with this for a 8.500 index!!!!!!!!!!!
A/F ratio 4.138  This may be the magic number with the 113 bypass pill (adjust pulleys to get A/F Ratio)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!A touch fatter than the 8.526 run, slowed it down perfect.

A great day of testing, we are in the ball park!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: George on August 10, 2013, 10:39:35 PM
Do you run a trans brake?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on August 11, 2013, 06:01:42 AM
Do you run a trans brake?

Yes, a Pro Brake
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricardo1967 on August 11, 2013, 06:51:14 PM
ricardo1967   yeah i had the wheelie bar on,  its a single wheel about 4 feet long,  the angle of the pic hides it..  :)

Thanks for the info John. Love the look of your car. SPE chassi?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dragster_john on August 11, 2013, 10:00:24 PM
ricardo1967     im told its a jim davis,  but the sema tag has been removed over the years,  so not 100 percent sure...
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on August 12, 2013, 05:08:58 AM
John, That is to me about as perfect as it gets in a rail. I shoot for 1 1/2 to 2 inches up through at least first gear. That pic made me jealous!
Don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on August 12, 2013, 05:55:57 AM
Looks like I got my FED a new money source. Have local streetrod shop wanting me to work for them fabricating,welding and machining.Also want be to do boddywork and willing to teach(good thing).Plus they have need for cabinet builder and use of my GC license. So seems to be good fit. They are waiting for a big business deal to fan out before making offer. I am waiting for offer and hoping they can work with me on few things I need to be able to do to help father keep little extra income while also giving them the time they need. Hopefully me working shorter week everynow and then while doing more hours per day at that time will work for all.

  I know the fed will be getting lot closer to the track with some extra cash flow. Wife seems like she will not be mad either.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on August 12, 2013, 03:42:32 PM
Finally got some lap's on mine this weekend First pass not so good had to lift got out of groove . Second pass it went 7.55 at 175 I think the track might have been a little off the car skated a lot in high gear . The next day I think the track was prepped a little better First pass was 7.45 at 177 and the second was 7.44 at 177 I think that Hoosier tire will be OK just have to get the pressure right . Every thing went well and it just felt so good to be back in my car again.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on August 12, 2013, 03:57:43 PM
Great!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Foot Feed on August 12, 2013, 05:39:24 PM
Aluminum Corvair box came in the mail today.

My mail woman is becoming popular around my place.

Dead winter, when it's minus whatever, snow up to your....... Glenn won't let me use the vernacular I'm thinking of (HAHA) just teasing Glenn, I'll be sittin' in the middle of the shop floor, surrounded by parts, making engine sounds.

Life is good.

May have put the end of the Steve Miller Band's Livin' in the USA on a loop.

"pulls out ahead of the Howard Cam Special, and....he TAKES IT! The winner...Lefty Mudersbach..."

YEHAW!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on August 12, 2013, 08:50:47 PM
Aluminum Corvair box came in the mail today.

My mail woman is becoming popular around my place.

Dead winter, when it's minus whatever, snow up to your....... Glenn won't let me use the vernacular I'm thinking of (HAHA) just teasing Glenn, I'll be sittin' in the middle of the shop floor, surrounded by parts, making engine sounds.

Life is good.

May have put the end of the Steve Miller Band's Livin' in the USA on a loop.

"pulls out ahead of the Howard Cam Special, and....he TAKES IT! The winner...Lefty Mudersbach..."

YEHAW!

Maybe I should include the s and r words also????? (Snow and Rain) We only have one more month here of racing it is depressing.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Foot Feed on August 13, 2013, 09:39:38 AM
 ;D
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on August 15, 2013, 09:55:00 AM
Today I started working on the tunnel ram again for the sr dragster . I have the headers to finish and the carbs to overhaul and set. Today I set the manifold up on the VW gasser engine. I hope you wont misunderstqnd . It isn he dragsters manifold , not the gassers but the slant six is mounted and easily worked on in the gasser so it is just like an engine stand for me. Anything that fits the gasser will fit the rail since the rail is 8 inches wider between the frame rails and has no mount in the way on the drivers side as that side in the rail is front mounted. Header primary needs to be 38 inches for my rails set up. These beautiful long swooping almost mandral bends are availably at your Lowes building supplier in several sizes. These happen to accept the exhaust valve |I use inside which is my criteria for header primary size for normal length headers. Each of the front three pipes must be 4 inches difference in out vrs back so the ends will come out even at the proper length. Here is one tacked up. I wont do anymore on that today so I wont get in a rush.  Work, stop and think seems to work well for me. Amazing what pops into you head when you are sawing logs.
Don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: buickfed on August 15, 2013, 05:15:15 PM
got the new ignition module installed today. buick day Saturday at the valley. hopefully it will run.......... ;D
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on August 16, 2013, 04:01:15 PM
I installed another pipe today. The third is made and fitted but will have to be welded in when the manifold is on the bench. All three pipes end at the same spot + or - an inch. They are all 27 inches now. Three straight sections of 11 inches will complete the primary section of the header . Next week I will do the rear three around the starter. It looks like it will be  a bit easier but we will see.
Don
Again sorry to be doing the mock up on the gasser engine. This manifold though is made specifically for the rail. You will notice the slight angle difference between the plenum and the runners. That is because the engine in the rail sits more upright then the stock slant six. Oil pan especially trans pan are different also for this reason. As I said before this is basically an engine stand and not where the manifold will wind up.
Don again
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: buickfed on August 17, 2013, 05:45:58 PM
went to the valley today with the new ign module. didn't get far. that one died too. john also bought one. installed that one too. grrrrr. ended up back on the trailer to home. installed an old gm hei and it runs 100 times better than the Mallory.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on August 17, 2013, 06:43:30 PM
Back when we were racing to win before we discovered how to have fun I did several back to back tests of ignition systems since I always equipped all mopar car running out of my shop, mine or customers with a back up plain ignition module should the exotic one fail which by the way which was far more often then it should have been. Several times  over the last 30 years I have had to unplug the exotic and plug in the normal LX101 ignition box so customer uld complete his day. Not once not ever did it ever hurt the time and on more then one occasion I was told it improved it slightly. Having a two step and certainly having a stutter box or launch chip is a great help but I have come to the conclusion in most cases all the other stuff is just smoke and mirrors. I also have used a recuved HEI well into the eight second range on a BBchev RED I supplied power for. They changed it to a Bell industries fancy dancy system but it ran the best time it ever ran on my recurved HEI.Ignition is no longer a mystery for me. I am now unmoved by any exotic claims. Some say I stubborn. I like to say bulletproof. Anyway my experiences are no different then what you have just described.  Much of the stuff is flat out unreliable. 
Don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: coupemerc on August 18, 2013, 09:58:47 AM
Brought my block to Charlie Weston's shop in NJ for final machining and installation of lifter bushings.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on August 18, 2013, 12:00:55 PM
He did my lifter bores and cam tunnel also . Some pretty nice equipment in his shop.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on August 18, 2013, 07:04:03 PM
I finished actual nose piece. Not really ready for it but had materials and had to be done some time .Hey ats one step closer.
(http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j350/wideopen231/racecars/FED%20PICS/002.jpg) (http://s1081.photobucket.com/user/wideopen231/media/racecars/FED%20PICS/002.jpg.html)
(http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j350/wideopen231/racecars/FED%20PICS/001.jpg) (http://s1081.photobucket.com/user/wideopen231/media/racecars/FED%20PICS/001.jpg.html)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on August 19, 2013, 06:13:40 PM
Somedays are diamonds , some are stones. Today was a stone. Although I did get no 4 pipe made and tacked in no 5 was too much for todays heat. Welder was being stupid , GFI outlet in the shop puked so everything was out for a while. Finally had enuf and turned to my ham radio hobby for a bit.(VE3LYX) But tomorrow is another day!
Don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Tim Jones on August 20, 2013, 03:45:41 AM
I finished actual nose piece. Not really ready for it but had materials and had to be done some time .Hey ats one step closer.
(http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j350/wideopen231/racecars/FED%20PICS/002.jpg) (http://s1081.photobucket.com/user/wideopen231/media/racecars/FED%20PICS/002.jpg.html)
(http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j350/wideopen231/racecars/FED%20PICS/001.jpg) (http://s1081.photobucket.com/user/wideopen231/media/racecars/FED%20PICS/001.jpg.html)
Nose piece came out nice , did you change the depth of the V or leave it the same?   Tim Jones
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on August 20, 2013, 03:02:41 PM
left it or ended up the  same lots of bondo and sanding Im not sure. Dang body work makes a mess.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: coupemerc on August 23, 2013, 11:28:45 AM
Today I finished figuring out which of my cam lobes need to be narrowed and by how much. My head nearly exploded.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on August 24, 2013, 08:26:15 AM
Went back at the headers which are by necessity part of the tunnel ram set up. Got No5 made and tacked in finally. Also started on No6 . Need another manderal bend so it is off to Lowes building store for some more EMT. Wonderful stuff and at six and a half bucks a bend  a real bargin.
Don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on August 24, 2013, 10:55:02 AM
Today I finished figuring out which of my cam lobes need to be narrowed and by how much. My head nearly exploded.
I have seen that with some of Billy's stuff . did you get your block back from Charlie . He is one of the best!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: coupemerc on August 24, 2013, 04:30:13 PM
The block is still at Charlie's shop but I'm thinking he'll finish up some time this week. I agree that he is one of the best. I really listen closely whenever he says "I'll do whatever you want, but if it was mine I would ..."
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on August 24, 2013, 11:03:36 PM
Actually got few little things done. Finished steering links(just need spindles),Throttle pedal and cable mounts for it, Mounted secondary master cylinder for hand brake for draging her down at finish line and the last two diagonals. Oh yea the motor limiter bar and bracket. Not big things but hey its progress.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on August 25, 2013, 07:03:29 AM
Chris sound's like you plan on holding a few !
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on August 25, 2013, 07:53:48 AM
Nope never.Always like to have options. Bad part(or not) of drug out build,to much thinking time.My wife says Im like the old comerial About a good mind is terrible thing to waste.Except mine is dangerous or expensive thing to use,sometimes both.


 Trying to cover all bases as far as brackets go.Plus you have to have hand brake,where else are you going to  mount the fuel shut off handle?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on August 26, 2013, 01:12:13 PM
Worked on my headers again. I made all the main pipes and welded them on. Still got a lot of grinding and checking and touch up welding  to do but the main part is done. Now to make the collectors and their short pipes and make it all fit. It was handy using the gasser engine to build them on. Primary pipes still need 11 more inches. They should fit the dragster with no problem.
Don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: George on August 26, 2013, 01:19:57 PM
 I saw one of those come up from the bottom in a crab trap in last season's " Deadliest Catch"!  :o

A deep sea creature!

LOL, George

Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on August 26, 2013, 03:36:41 PM
No doubt. It has bitten a few unsuspecting V8 racers who decided to take it for granted.
Which of course is the whole point of building it. Hopefully these new fangs will help it bite harder.
Don ;D
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: George on August 26, 2013, 04:39:19 PM
Good luck with your project (s). Having fun is what it's all about!  8)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on August 26, 2013, 07:13:39 PM
Thanks. Been enjoying following your adventures too.
Don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: George on August 26, 2013, 08:52:27 PM
Thanks. Been enjoying following your adventures too.
Don

Speaking of adventures , checkout Nitro Madness Magazine online , page six. The"Boys from Illinois" are the two on the left ( me second) .  I met the Walden race team a few years ago.Some great folks!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on August 27, 2013, 05:52:26 AM
Cool.
Here are some other monsters. The 6 Tillotson snowmobile carbs I ran on the rail for the first couple of years. In fact it was why I built the car in the first place. These castings hanging on the wire I designed from an old tillotson carb body and had cast in case I wanted fuel injection. (maybe NITRO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) Still have to build a jig to bore throttle shaft holes.
Maybe some day....
Don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Quartermiler on August 28, 2013, 04:57:39 PM
Getting ready to go to Ardmore OK this weekend for their Hot Rod Reunion, put in the 4:56 gears, valves adjusted, going to fire it up in the morning to check everything over and change the oil. Haven't raced since Bowling Green so I am anxious to make some passes!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: coupemerc on August 28, 2013, 05:12:34 PM
Got three sets of new D2585s coming my way. Should last me for a while.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Quartermiler on August 28, 2013, 06:33:48 PM
I have 2 sets on the way, was hoping to have them for Ardmore but will have to wait, should have them around the 5th of Sept.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: George on August 29, 2013, 04:25:03 AM
Got three sets of new D2585s coming my way. Should last me for a while.

Not a whole lot of rubber on those BUT they are the only tire I have found to go fast.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: coupemerc on August 29, 2013, 07:20:32 AM
Well...I hope you are right George and they ARE fast. I know a couple of A/ND guys that are going real fast with the slightly taller (33") and heavier tires. Mine is a less powerful B/ND so I think the 2585s will be okay.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: George on August 29, 2013, 12:27:22 PM
Well...I hope you are right George and they ARE fast. I know a couple of A/ND guys that are going real fast with the slightly taller (33") and heavier tires. Mine is a less powerful B/ND so I think the 2585s will be okay.

I think you will be very happy with them.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on August 29, 2013, 01:44:14 PM
I used that tire and it was very good . My best ever E.T. was on that tire a 7.34 at 181 and that was with a 4.86 gear ! The only reason we went to the taller tire was when we started spraying with nitrous it would blow the tires right off . I am having decent luck with the 12x33 Hoosiers but I still think the Goodyear tire was better.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: George on August 29, 2013, 02:19:23 PM
I used that tire and it was very good . My best ever E.T. was on that tire a 7.34 at 181 and that was with a 4.86 gear ! The only reason we went to the taller tire was when we started spraying with nitrous it would blow the tires right off . I am having decent luck with the 12x33 Hoosiers but I still think the Goodyear tire was better.

I reluctantly bought a set of the Hoosier JR fuel tires. They will hookup OK but it cost some ET and I don't see much growth. I am going to Indy Saturday. Maybe I can find a set there.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on August 31, 2013, 09:49:29 AM
Making a set of zoomie headers today . I got some nice bends from Ted's Fabrication A.K.A. 225 digger on this forum . Thank's Ted nice job on the bends just what I wanted.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricardo1967 on August 31, 2013, 10:24:59 AM
Bill, your car will look awesome with zoomies!

People say you'll loose some power, I wouldn't mind loosing some hp if that's the price to pay. IMO a FED with headers in no-no. It would be nice if you could do some back-to-back runs to find out what you gain or loose with zoomies.

Nice kit TED!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on August 31, 2013, 10:47:08 AM
Bill, your car will look awesome with zoomies!

People say you'll loose some power, I wouldn't mind loosing some hp if that's the price to pay. IMO a FED with headers in no-no. It would be nice if you could do some back-to-back runs to find out what you gain or loose with zoomies.

Nice kit TED!

I have been told you only lose power with Zoomies if you are normally aspirated, but if you are super charged that is not an issue?????
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on August 31, 2013, 03:06:39 PM
One side done .
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: George on September 01, 2013, 06:16:56 AM
I used that tire and it was very good . My best ever E.T. was on that tire a 7.34 at 181 and that was with a 4.86 gear ! The only reason we went to the taller tire was when we started spraying with nitrous it would blow the tires right off . I am having decent luck with the 12x33 Hoosiers but I still think the Goodyear tire was better.

I reluctantly bought a set of the Hoosier JR fuel tires. They will hookup OK but it cost some ET and I don't see much growth. I am going to Indy Saturday. Maybe I can find a set there.

Yesterday was a wild day weather wise at the US nationals. I never did find Goodyear!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: George on September 01, 2013, 06:18:15 AM
Making a set of zoomie headers today . I got some nice bends from Ted's Fabrication A.K.A. 225 digger on this forum . Thank's Ted nice job on the bends just what I wanted.



Very nice.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on September 01, 2013, 07:48:56 AM
George I don't think you will find that tire at Goodyear . There were a limited amount of them produced this year and I think Jon Hayden would be the guy to talk to . If you can't find the Goodyear tire the Hoosier 12x33 will work . A lot of the Comp guy's are using it on the b/ed and c/da cars and going fast with them . You might have to change your rear gear to make up for the additional height .
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: George on September 01, 2013, 09:10:53 AM
George I don't think you will find that tire at Goodyear . There were a limited amount of them produced this year and I think Jon Hayden would be the guy to talk to . If you can't find the Goodyear tire the Hoosier 12x33 will work . A lot of the Comp guy's are using it on the b/ed and c/da cars and going fast with them . You might have to change your rear gear to make up for the additional height .

Thanks. Is this the Hoosier ? P/N 18350   33.0/12.0-15   C   12.2"   33.0"   102.0"   10-12"   10"   15.2"   28   C09
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on September 01, 2013, 10:03:58 AM
Yes George THE 18350 is the tire.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: JrFuel Hayden on September 01, 2013, 09:31:49 PM
Yes Bill and George, the reason I pre-sold 180 D2585 GoodYear 31x12x15 slicks was GY made that tire along with a number of other tires like D1288, GY 33x12x15 "Inactive" and had not made those tires for about two years. But I found out they would make another batch of the 22.6 lb D2585. That tire has worked very well for JrFuel, some Comp Elim cars and other FED, one reason is the light rotating weight, means less HP needed to get to a good tire speed. When I found out last fall that GoodYear wasn't going to make any of the tires in the near future, I looked for options, and called all slick manufactures that made similar size tires. It looked like the Hoosier had the closest , but their J/F tire 31x12x15 weighted about 7 to 8 lbs more, per tire.  So, again that's why I was able to get GoodYear to make another batch, as long as I gave them a good order for at least 150 tires. The tires are being shipped to the two GoodYear race distributors I've been working with last week and next week. The D2585's should be matched and ready for shipping the week of Sept 9'th to those racers that commited to the 180 tire order. If anyone would like to get any of these, call me 805-444-4489, I may have some cancellations.
Since the D1288, 33x12x15 tires were also made "inactive" I asked around to see if I could pre-sell 150 tires. But not enough interest, could be the 33" tall tire racers were trying the Hoosiers. The racers that have tried and race the 33's, like B/ED, C/DA  use 3 speeds, the very fast A/ND team using the D1288's are using 5.38 rear gears, to help over come the taller/ heavier tire. 
I hope this information helps.

Jon Hansen, Hayden Wheels
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: coupemerc on September 02, 2013, 05:44:21 AM
Jon, You have been a huge help getting this D2585 deal done. Thanks for your efforts!

Bill, those zoomies are looking great on your car. Can't wait for Epping.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: George on September 02, 2013, 06:33:41 AM
Thanks Jon! I got put in a bad situation with my newest GYs getting damaged. I bought a set of Hoosier JR fuel tires. Heavy= slow. In talking with Hoosier ,I'm told the next run of their #18350 will be lighter. I have a set of GY 2585s that will get us thru the last race of our season.

Good luck to all and a BIG thanks to to those sharing info here. George
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on September 02, 2013, 07:44:44 PM
I was back at the headers for the tunnel ram today. I cut all the final pipes for the primary and tacked 3 in place. WG (new member to this board)stopped by and helped me move some heavy stuff around in the shop so I could put my tow car back inside(63 Dodge Max Wedge)
Headers construction is going well.
Don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on September 03, 2013, 01:21:46 PM
More progress. One pipe left to weld in before the collectors are made.
Don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: buickfed on September 04, 2013, 08:02:20 PM
finally picked up a magneto for the buick. any tricks I need to know?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on September 05, 2013, 07:31:29 AM
I fitted the collectors today. They will allow slip in extensions, shortest shown here.
Don
The shadow explains why my roll cage is so large.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricardo1967 on September 05, 2013, 06:03:54 PM
I fitted the collectors today. They will allow slip in extensions, shortest shown here.
Don

Love the sound of straight-six on 6x2's...
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: coupemerc on September 10, 2013, 09:17:09 AM
I picked up my engine block (completed machining) in NJ and then my painted body panels in NY.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on September 10, 2013, 06:23:18 PM
I cant believe it but I finished all the welding on the headers today. Even started on the clean up to make them more presentable. got too hot so I had to quit about 2 PM.
don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on September 12, 2013, 07:09:26 PM
With Sept 28 deal at Picton Airfield coming soon I rolled the Sr Dragster out of the corner and spent the morning cleaning it. While I am not great at cleaning (will never win a show car deal) I have learned over the years that cleaning while making the car presentable is also a great time to closely inspect the car in critical areas. So far everything looked good. I did a slow controlled charge of the battery as well as I do not run a charging system. If I charge it well and don't do anything stupid I can run all day without a recharge. I  like going ready to run. I also did a bit of painting to make the car a bit more photogenic. Only took a few minutes but perked it up nicely. Tomorrow I will do a check of all fluids.
Sept race at Picton has traditionally been great . Looking forward to it again this year. How many more I can run I don't know. Maybe 2 more years is a reasonable goal. 
Don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on September 13, 2013, 08:30:52 AM
Bang shift is at the New England Hot Rod Reunion. They Are Streaming it. 

http://bangshift.com/bs-productions-live-broadcast-page.html
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY? - THIS
Post by: janjon on September 14, 2013, 11:45:18 AM
http://youtu.be/jDMlkiXxi1M
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on September 15, 2013, 12:56:25 PM
Got the body panels made that go frommnose to front of axle. Being of good taste has its problems. Making the parachute body with cage enclosed is going to take little more than 9 hr day like the rest of the body did. Still have to mount it with dzus fasteners and tabs then to roll the recess for panels.

  Must be getting old those 14 hour work days seem to have more of a toll than they use too.heck more toll than those 22 hour days use to have.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY? - THIS
Post by: GlennLever on September 15, 2013, 07:12:20 PM
http://youtu.be/jDMlkiXxi1M

Nice.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on September 15, 2013, 07:15:27 PM
A Friend picked this up from Bang Shift and sent it to me

"Steve and Glenn are in Epping NH for the first New England Hot Rod Reunion.
Rain cancelled the racing Thurs. Glenn got a time trial in on Friday before the rain and had his car pictured
on the Bangshift.com site that it also live streaming the racing. Weather looks good for Sat.

Here is the link to the live streaming on the internet and a picture of Glenn, Anne (better half) and his son George at the starting line ( green shirts)
He has the full body on to make the car look extra nice !"
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: JeffV8 on September 18, 2013, 12:11:51 PM
Removed engine and tranny. And a lot of miscellaneous junk. I'm amazed at what was used and raced with. I wouldn't have idled it down the strip.   
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on September 18, 2013, 12:26:28 PM
Removed engine and tranny. And a lot of miscellaneous junk. I'm amazed at what was used and raced with. I wouldn't have idled it down the strip.
I think everyone has scratched their head wondering what the PO was thinking
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: janjon on September 19, 2013, 04:20:48 PM
Thanks, Glenn, it ain't all that, but it ain't all it's gonna be either.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on September 20, 2013, 03:46:30 AM
We are down to 8 days to our big fall Picton  Airfield race. I have gone over everything on the car. Found  couple of loose intake bolts. Fixed that. cleaned up the car and repainted a bit of the one header pipe. (I use stove pipe black). Got one other thing I may look into but essentially I am ready. Also have been continuing to work on the new tunnel ram and headers. Getting very close to being done. The Monday following "The Great Race" I will begin the change over. May get a test and tune chance before the end of the season.
Meanwhile down the road in the valley Mike has been working on the vintage hemi Fed and has it sorted out. Expect some back yard testing today or tomorrow. Looks like he will make Picton. That will give us 4 FEDS . Mine, Pat's injected BB Chevy, Moe's Pontiac and Mikes hemi.
Of course more are always welcome!
Don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on September 20, 2013, 05:08:28 AM
We are down to 8 days to our big fall Picton  Airfield race. I have gone over everything on the car. Found  couple of loose intake bolts. Fixed that. cleaned up the car and repainted a bit of the one header pipe. (I use stove pipe black). Got one other thing I may look into but essentially I am ready. Also have been continuing to work on the new tunnel ram and headers. Getting very close to being done. The Monday following "The Great Race" I will begin the change over. May get a test and tune chance before the end of the season.
Meanwhile down the road in the valley Mike has been working on the vintage hemi Fed and has it sorted out. Expect some back yard testing today or tomorrow. Looks like he will make Picton. That will give us 4 FEDS . Mine, Pat's injected BB Chevy, Moe's Pontiac and Mikes hemi.
Of course more are always welcome!
Don

Good Luck, I hate the words "end of the season"
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on September 20, 2013, 01:18:28 PM
All welding done. finished the collectors today. Time now to make it pretty.
Don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: janjon on September 20, 2013, 07:20:07 PM
Don, good luck and lots of fun at Picton!
John
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on September 20, 2013, 08:29:53 PM
Wel, we lost .5 of a second and have been looking for it. Pulled the transmission, and had the torque converter cut to check it, not there, compression check all good not there, check data recorder for lost values, fuel pressure, boost etc. not there, changed out the MSD box, hope that was it, will test and tune this Sunday, next week we want to go to Bowling Green and will regardless. Only hint we have is fuel out the exhaust on launch, 60 foots are terrible.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on September 21, 2013, 03:12:03 AM
Thanks John. It is a different kind of racing and I am addicted to it. No prizes, no fighting. Just fun and old friends
Don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: George on September 21, 2013, 06:20:00 AM
Wel, we lost .5 of a second and have been looking for it. Pulled the transmission, and had the torque converter cut to check it, not there, compression check all good not there, check data recorder for lost values, fuel pressure, boost etc. not there, changed out the MSD box, hope that was it, will test and tune this Sunday, next week we want to go to Bowling Green and will regardless. Only hint we have is fuel out the exhaust on launch, 60 foots are terrible.

I would have bet it was the convertor. I agree on the 60' times, should be 1.10 or better.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on September 21, 2013, 06:30:42 AM
Wel, we lost .5 of a second and have been looking for it. Pulled the transmission, and had the torque converter cut to check it, not there, compression check all good not there, check data recorder for lost values, fuel pressure, boost etc. not there, changed out the MSD box, hope that was it, will test and tune this Sunday, next week we want to go to Bowling Green and will regardless. Only hint we have is fuel out the exhaust on launch, 60 foots are terrible.

I would have bet it was the convertor. I agree on the 60' times, should be 1.10 or better.

Only other thought is the tires are old, should have gotten slicker, but they feel gummy. I might try adding a pound or two of air.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: George on September 21, 2013, 06:49:07 AM
Wel, we lost .5 of a second and have been looking for it. Pulled the transmission, and had the torque converter cut to check it, not there, compression check all good not there, check data recorder for lost values, fuel pressure, boost etc. not there, changed out the MSD box, hope that was it, will test and tune this Sunday, next week we want to go to Bowling Green and will regardless. Only hint we have is fuel out the exhaust on launch, 60 foots are terrible.

I would have bet it was the convertor. I agree on the 60' times, should be 1.10 or better.

Only other thought is the tires are old, should have gotten slicker, but they feel gummy. I might try adding a pound or two of air.

I have been playing with tire combinations and so far nothing beats the Goodyears. I got another set of Hoosiers and will be trying them next week. Time is getting short. Our racing season will end in about a month.

Yep, my season is essentially over September 29th.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: George on September 21, 2013, 07:16:08 AM
Wel, we lost .5 of a second and have been looking for it. Pulled the transmission, and had the torque converter cut to check it, not there, compression check all good not there, check data recorder for lost values, fuel pressure, boost etc. not there, changed out the MSD box, hope that was it, will test and tune this Sunday, next week we want to go to Bowling Green and will regardless. Only hint we have is fuel out the exhaust on launch, 60 foots are terrible.

I would have bet it was the convertor. I agree on the 60' times, should be 1.10 or better.

Only other thought is the tires are old, should have gotten slicker, but they feel gummy. I might try adding a pound or two of air.

I have been playing with tire combinations and so far nothing beats the Goodyears. I got another set of Hoosiers and will be trying them next week. Time is getting short. Our racing season will end in about a month.

Yep, my season is essentially over September 29th.

I am running a MSD 12lt mag. We have ended up with a .015 plug gap. There seems to be less fuel out the pipes. I had been running .018-.020. Just a thought.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on September 21, 2013, 08:17:10 AM
Wel, we lost .5 of a second and have been looking for it. Pulled the transmission, and had the torque converter cut to check it, not there, compression check all good not there, check data recorder for lost values, fuel pressure, boost etc. not there, changed out the MSD box, hope that was it, will test and tune this Sunday, next week we want to go to Bowling Green and will regardless. Only hint we have is fuel out the exhaust on launch, 60 foots are terrible.

I would have bet it was the convertor. I agree on the 60' times, should be 1.10 or better.

Only other thought is the tires are old, should have gotten slicker, but they feel gummy. I might try adding a pound or two of air.

I have been playing with tire combinations and so far nothing beats the Goodyears. I got another set of Hoosiers and will be trying them next week. Time is getting short. Our racing season will end in about a month.

Yep, my season is essentially over September 29th.

I am running a MSD 12lt mag. We have ended up with a .015 plug gap. There seems to be less fuel out the pipes. I had been running .018-.020. Just a thought.

I'm not running a mag, thoughts of that next year. Running a 6AL-2 MSD with MSD Blaster II coil with a plug gap of .030
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: George on September 21, 2013, 08:56:51 AM
Wel, we lost .5 of a second and have been looking for it. Pulled the transmission, and had the torque converter cut to check it, not there, compression check all good not there, check data recorder for lost values, fuel pressure, boost etc. not there, changed out the MSD box, hope that was it, will test and tune this Sunday, next week we want to go to Bowling Green and will regardless. Only hint we have is fuel out the exhaust on launch, 60 foots are terrible.

I would have bet it was the convertor. I agree on the 60' times, should be 1.10 or better.

Only other thought is the tires are old, should have gotten slicker, but they feel gummy. I might try adding a pound or two of air.

I have been playing with tire combinations and so far nothing beats the Goodyears. I got another set of Hoosiers and will be trying them next week. Time is getting short. Our racing season will end in about a month.

Yep, my season is essentially over September 29th.

I am running a MSD 12lt mag. We have ended up with a .015 plug gap. There seems to be less fuel out the pipes. I had been running .018-.020. Just a thought.

I'm not running a mag, thoughts of that next year. Running a 6AL-2 MSD with MSD Blaster II coil with a plug gap of .030

I have a MSD Digital 6 + and have run with it and found no difference with either ignition system. You might try .025.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on September 21, 2013, 08:58:12 AM
Wel, we lost .5 of a second and have been looking for it. Pulled the transmission, and had the torque converter cut to check it, not there, compression check all good not there, check data recorder for lost values, fuel pressure, boost etc. not there, changed out the MSD box, hope that was it, will test and tune this Sunday, next week we want to go to Bowling Green and will regardless. Only hint we have is fuel out the exhaust on launch, 60 foots are terrible.

I would have bet it was the convertor. I agree on the 60' times, should be 1.10 or better.

Only other thought is the tires are old, should have gotten slicker, but they feel gummy. I might try adding a pound or two of air.

I have been playing with tire combinations and so far nothing beats the Goodyears. I got another set of Hoosiers and will be trying them next week. Time is getting short. Our racing season will end in about a month.

Yep, my season is essentially over September 29th.

I am running a MSD 12lt mag. We have ended up with a .015 plug gap. There seems to be less fuel out the pipes. I had been running .018-.020. Just a thought.

I'm not running a mag, thoughts of that next year. Running a 6AL-2 MSD with MSD Blaster II coil with a plug gap of .030

I have a MSD Digital 6 + and have run with it and found no difference with either ignition system. You might try .025.
I'll give it a shot
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on September 22, 2013, 04:24:39 AM
Back in the day when we raced to win the loss of a couple of tenths couple with a loss in MPH signalled the beginning of a high clutch failure. Since we were often points leader I would immediately pull the trans and replace the two sealing rings on the stator support where the high clutch drum rides and service the clutchpack. The front sealing ring on the stator support would burn because it is wet only on one side. After a talk with Mike Priest of Mobil oil on a chance meeting I reluctantly tried their synthetic trans oil. Mike told me and I quote "Don, suit yourself but aluminum melts at 1170 degrees F and Mobil 1 trans oil is stable to 1600 deg F so your tranny will have melted long before the lubrication fails."
After pondering this I reluctantly tried it. We had no failures for five years after that other then a broken rear spraque which has nothing to do with lubrication. Before that I was servicing the trans high clutch every 3 to 4 weeks as we were on a heavy racing schedule. So I would look at the MPH . If there is 3 to 5 MPH mysteriously missing I would look at the high clutch pack AND its iron or stainless sealing rings. Might not be your problem but I would be a jerk not to mention it in case it just happens to be. BTW I don't always use Mobil 1 but I still do always use synthetic trans oil now even in the little blue FED.
Don   
BTW the mph loss shows up on your time ticket LONG before you can feel it.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on September 22, 2013, 04:31:50 AM
If the clutch is failing would the RPM raise (mine has not)?

If the clutch is failing would 60 foots drop off, top end still be good (MPH)?

I have change the fluid, there was a normal amount of "sediment" in the pan, no shinny stuff
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on September 22, 2013, 06:20:01 AM
Glen If you have a trans issue and your 60 ft's were off it would most likely be your band slipping but very easy to check .Put a mark on the adjusting screw and loosen the lock nut . When you turn the adjusting screw in count the amount of turns it takes to reach 72 inch lbs . It should be around 4 turns . If it takes a little more like 5 turns it's just loose . If it takes 7 or more there is something wrong . If every thing is ok just back off the adjuster 4 turns and tighten the lock nut and you are good to go . That being said I doubt that is your problem . From the looks of your picture it looks like you had a dead hole when you were leaving the line . Do you leave off of a chip ? If so the motor could be going dead rich with the barrel valve open all the way . Im shure Spud could help you out with that . Or it could be just a fouled plug . Good luck I know you will figure it out Bill
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on September 22, 2013, 10:24:16 AM
Agree with Bill about the cylinder and if he's right about the chip and barrle a SLE  would be the ticket. Never liked idea of matting throttle with BV  and full flow at x rpm for 1.--- seconds.

   If you have data recorder the shaft rpm would show if tranny problem.Also if don't have pump pressure reading I would get one,helps identify pump problem or blockage issue(higher than norm).

  How about blower? Is boost correct for rpm,again if getting recording of it during run. A tip when blower is fresh check vaccume and then you can always check it to keep check of blower condition. I use a extra plug in bottom of hat where nozzles are.

 If possible try another ignition system.

My votes would be ignition,converter,trans mission band or clutches,Pump or blower. Pretty much that order too.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on September 22, 2013, 11:10:18 AM
Back in the day when we raced to win the loss of a couple of tenths couple with a loss in MPH signalled the beginning of a high clutch failure. Since we were often points leader I would immediately pull the trans and replace the two sealing rings on the stator support where the high clutch drum rides and service the clutchpack. The front sealing ring on the stator support would burn because it is wet only on one side. After a talk with Mike Priest of Mobil oil on a chance meeting I reluctantly tried their synthetic trans oil. Mike told me and I quote "Don, suit yourself but aluminum melts at 1170 degrees F and Mobil 1 trans oil is stable to 1600 deg F so your tranny will have melted long before the lubrication fails."
After pondering this I reluctantly tried it. We had no failures for five years after that other then a broken rear spraque which has nothing to do with lubrication. Before that I was servicing the trans high clutch every 3 to 4 weeks as we were on a heavy racing schedule. So I would look at the MPH . If there is 3 to 5 MPH mysteriously missing I would look at the high clutch pack AND its iron or stainless sealing rings. Might not be your problem but I would be a jerk not to mention it in case it just happens to be. BTW I don't always use Mobil 1 but I still do always use synthetic trans oil now even in the little blue FED.
Don   
BTW the mph loss shows up on your time ticket LONG before you can feel it.
Don you have a good point about the seal rings . A broken input ring on a powerglide can cause a converter filling problem . Most of the trans builders today use teflon rings and they are pretty bullet proof . I agree with the Mobil 1 good stuff ! Another good fluid is John deer Hy Gaurd .
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on September 22, 2013, 11:14:13 AM
Agree with Bill about the cylinder and if he's right about the chip and barrle a SLE  would be the ticket. Never liked idea of matting throttle with BV  and full flow at x rpm for 1.--- seconds.

   If you have data recorder the shaft rpm would show if tranny problem.Also if don't have pump pressure reading I would get one,helps identify pump problem or blockage issue(higher than norm).

  How about blower? Is boost correct for rpm,again if getting recording of it during run. A tip when blower is fresh check vaccume and then you can always check it to keep check of blower condition. I use a extra plug in bottom of hat where nozzles are.

 If possible try another ignition system.

My votes would be ignition,converter,trans mission band or clutches,Pump or blower. Pretty much that order too.
Hey Chris where have you been? I kind of half expected to see you at Epping !
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: buickfed on September 22, 2013, 05:51:02 PM
we went out 4 times this year and ignition broke every time. went back to a stock gm hei and no problems now. went to our annual buick race at cecil this past w/end. we made 5 passes Friday. all over the place. 11.1 to 11.8 et's. 107 to 117 mph. found #8 intake rocker adjuster backed off. thought I had a cylinder that went bad. whew! watching the car leave was not good. I could count the tire rpm. need more gear and a higher converter. current one is only 3500 with 4'10's. conservative me. don't like a lot of initial rpm. but I guess I will have to change it for next year.
but it made it thru the w/end w/out breaking down.  ;D  ;D
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on September 22, 2013, 07:35:28 PM
Guys, I move over to Spud's cave with this problem and have posted some additional information and pictures of data logger graphs, take a look and comment over there at this link

http://www.frontenginedragsters.org/forum/index.php?topic=609.0

Fuel pressure seems to drop before engine RPM just after launch???

We have check compression, valve lash, put in a new MSD box, New coil, removed the primmer, check timing, increased timing to 30 degrees, check the inside of the distributor cap, remove and cut open the torque converter (no problems found)


Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on September 23, 2013, 01:32:28 PM
I did the final inspection today. All OK. Now we just wait and put the car on display at the local cruise nights.
Bad news. My pal and fellow racer puked the injected BB Chevy Sunday at Capital City Speedway on his last pass.  He has a Ski boat and may pull it out of storage and pop that motor in. Still a lot of work for one day but it is a great race.  So we may be short one FED Saturday. Any budding Airfield racers out there or an Altered will also fit the program nicely?
Sold my other chassis today. Going to stick with the Sr dragster.
Don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on September 25, 2013, 11:01:06 PM
Was down to Mike Sietsma's. He wasn't home but the back yard was covered with test burnouts. He stopped by later that day all smiles . Says he can stall to above 3500 easily and maybe close to 3800 when warm. Says since adding the overflow bottle car stays cool longer even without a rad. He says it runs perfectly. Starts instantly and no bog on anything when you flat foot it. He had a stress test this week. Hope all is good. Hopefully he was not wisked away for emergency anything. Usually have breakfast every thurs so I will know in the morning. I am starting to get the pre race butterflies. No sleep and a bit excited. Weather report is good for Sat.
Good to see I still get so cranked. The Great Picton Airfield Fall Classic coming sat. Some pro racerswho are friends of ours stated they can not come because they just cant race with an armdrop. They need lights. Sorry for their loss. I can. When I started running at Cedars in the 60s flags were still the rage. When we got the first Christmas tree we thought we had arrived. Actually the Armdrop is easier then the flags because the arms don't flap in the wind. I know really they think racing for fun is beneath them. I used to as well but reached a point in my life where it suited me better then the racing for points and $$$$$$$$.  Now I have more fun then I thought possible.
Also spent a lot more time on the tunnel and ram /headers . Painted them with VHT headercoat and was working on one of the carbs that had a linkage issue. Will start installing that combo as soon as Picton race is behind us.
Don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricardo1967 on September 26, 2013, 08:17:31 PM
I fired up the FED today, after being dormant since my test pass on 10/26/2012.

http://youtu.be/qvj3p1hLpxE

Our employer is promoting a charitable – United Way – car show tomorrow and I was asked if I could bring the FED.

Preparation:
a) Washed fuel tank last night, it did have some visible small debris. I still don't use a fuel filter, but I'm considering one.
b) Changed oil and filter: Castrol GTX 20W-50 and Fram HP4 (not my favorite)
c) Primed the oil pump, got ~60psi.
d) Checked timing (~12deg) and installed spark plugs.
e) Checked the Primary By-Pass Valve. Found debris keeping the popped valve from sealing. This probable explains the very hard starts in the last time I used the car.
f) Squirted some gasoline in the stacks and fire in the hole!

Unfortunately, other priorities will keep me from taking it to the track this year.

Cheers,
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on September 27, 2013, 01:31:19 AM
At least you are getting to play with it some,even if just fire in the hole.I'm about ready to set mine up just so I can fire it off.Tired of neighbors asking so when are we going to hear that thing.Thinking about just throwing the whipple setup back on motor and let them know what loud means.Its not nitro loud,but I can still shake windows for few houses down.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on September 27, 2013, 04:11:04 AM
Read the last two with great interest. Glad to see then bark to life again. For me as I age and strive against some injuries I received years ago in my shop I realize there will come a time in the not too distant future when I can no longer do this. I go now only to the Picton Airfield Armdrop Drags which are like it was in the early 1960s. I manage usually three good runs and sometimes four or five depending how I feel. Occasionally if an experienced driver I know and trust is there I will let him make a pass. Sometimes it is fun to see how the car performs and listen to the snarl of the 246 cubed six cylinder as it tries its best against the big V8 cars. At 2 or 3 races per year I figure or hope I have at least 6 or 8 more in me.
That is not a lot so I am determined not to bypass any while I still can do it safely. My friends watch me and make sure I am ok , that I stay out of direct sunlight when waiting(I can not stand direct hot sun for too long anymore. was always prone to sunstrokes) and don't wear myself out so I am sharp when in the car. If I am not they tell me. I value that. Someday and probably not long away I will know it is time to hang up my helmut. In the meantime YABA DABA DO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on September 27, 2013, 03:43:27 PM
Arrived at NDRL race in Bowling Green yesterday.

Wired up the flapper I n the tank and made 4 time trials.

The problem is not completely fixed but better.

We have been trying to run an 8.5 index all summer.

Decided that as this is the last race of the season to push it a little harder.

first pass was 8.371, second was 8.129,

third we leaded it out and pushed more air had a .040 r/t on the .400 pro tree and ran 8.035 and on the fourth pass had a reaction time of .037 and ran 8.093 on the same tune and the a/d had gone away by 200 feet.  I think we are in the ball park, but still the fuel pressure drops a little off the line??????
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Supercat on September 27, 2013, 08:22:49 PM
Glen what size and type of supply line are you using? Could your supply be collapsing? We ran into this on the fuel car we were running.

Also here is a picture of our car with the new zoomies. More pictures in my build thread.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on September 28, 2013, 05:46:14 AM
As the early morning sun starts to shine thru the trees we are loaded up and getting ready for Picton Airfield fall race. Already nervous. I was going to also post on another well known site but I see the IRA has put a partial block on me. Enuf already. I am into vintagestyle drag racing and gave up fighting long ago.
Weather here is perfect.
Don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Supercat on September 28, 2013, 08:47:34 AM
Don have a great day.
We are about a week away from running our car. 1st time in about 3.5 years. October 16-19 we will run our car at Bowling Green, Kentucky at a National Buick meet. Hoping to be in the top 3 fastest/quickest cars there.

Let us know how it goes today
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on September 28, 2013, 06:34:44 PM
What an incredible day!
Perfect weather. Car ran perfect. Amazing how much faster it was when I didnt have my hand on the brake. Even the big cars I ran even if they got me out of the hole I could pull on them all the way down. One guy kept coming back for more and kept getting the same result. Car would pull to almost 6000 grand in the eyes. About perfect. My old pal Warren was there with his camera and he lurks here so maybe he will show us some of the photos. I AM STOKED! Couldn't have been a better day. Several people said you could here my six howl all the way down. My nemesis from last time was there but never asked for a race this time.  Mike ran his old style rail . Was really nervous but he drove it twice and PAT D drove it once for him. Needs a bit of rubbing but broke nothing and had fun.
don

On our way to the drags we participated in the Ameliasburgh fall fair parade. Warren and a pal drove up from the south end as well for the parade as well as Mike and another racer from Keene Ontario. We lined up with our cars on the open trailers and made arrangements with fair organizers (my brother DAN ) that we would be permitted to go by the turn by the police and on around the lake where we picked up another racer waiting with an enclosed trailer and headed for Picton Airfield in single file.  Attendance was huge. I am guessing at 3500 as it was bigger then last fall which was over 3000 (because he has to have everyone sign a release spec and racers he simply counts them when done and knows exactly how many were there.) A few folks were there that had been at Epping. Glen you might know Moe with the other Pontiac FED,an old Buttera car. He was there and always is. Met a few lads from the group here as well which is always nice. Beazer of course was there and was working during racing as well as flogging some of the stuff he has collected over the years. Many ONDR members we there as well. Had two problems First car that ran , a nitrous new stang caught on fire and burned but the guy was out and the local fire brigade always on sight got it out while it is still repairable. later a Nova popped a motor badly and one of the clean up crew showed me a head bolt they found intact and on the ground. Clean up was immediate and no evidence of either disaster could be found later. Times we available thru your smart phones , both 1/8 and 1/4. We had a full 1100 feet of shutdown  and you can make a big sweeping turn onto the back section of the airfield if necessary to give additional slow down without the need for murdering the brakes . As long as your say down around 25 to 30 mph at least. My brother and his wife came up after his fair duties were done for the day and they brought me a medal I received from my parade "Float"  as pictured here .
Tt was the medal for Most Unique Representing Theme. As I said all in all a great day.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on September 29, 2013, 09:50:58 AM
Congrat's Sounds like you had a great day!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Keven on September 30, 2013, 08:50:31 AM
While over at Van's working on my '58 Ford F100 project, I went into the trailer and gave the 'Nightmare' dragster a big hug.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on September 30, 2013, 07:25:28 PM
I found out why there are few chute body cars with the enclosed roll cage,Making the top is huge pain in butt. About ready to take portaband to chassis chop into small piece and drop off at salvage yard for scrap metal.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on September 30, 2013, 07:27:53 PM
Nice job of no four letter words describing how huge a pain it is!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on September 30, 2013, 07:31:41 PM
It took extra effort Glen a lot of it too,besides I have used most of them up today.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on September 30, 2013, 08:08:05 PM
After a successful race I took the headers and single four off the engine today. As much as I was happy with that set up especially Saturday I have designed and built the tunnel ram/ header set up and need to get it thru all its teething problems BEFORE next airfield race. It wont be easy I am sure to sort it out but I expect a 30 to 40 HP gain. That should be good for a tenth or so and a couple of MPH in the eyes.
Mike stopped by tonite. Still grinning from his initial outing with the old style hemi FED. Mostly he needs some more seat time . Still as he put it, he got in three passes on his just built car. Broke nothing and now knows it will work with a bit of rubbing. He was also singing Beazer praises as when Mike arrived at the line towing  stone cold motor and tried to run it without warm up mostly because of the excitement level for your first time in a FED and this one he built hisself, Beazer ran over and leaned in the cage  talking Mike thru the deal, calming him down  and arranging for him to push to the side get a bit of heat in the motor and then roll up and try again. "Mike says to me" He really is a good guy you know." I replied "Bob always was, he just didn't want anyone to know it"  Pat Doornbos was also big help to Mike and gave the car a good shakedown pass. Said to me Sat nite  the car is safe and handles very well and has some stomp. Anyway Mike is still grinning from his first day driving a FED .Also told me the skinny on the street is "What did Don do to his 6 cylinder rail since last race?" As Mike told them and I have already mentioned, Nothing. I simply put both hands on the steering wheel so I could not subconsciously be applying the brake. Cars I was running with and just beating by a few inches suddenly found themselves almost 1/2 a track behind. If Bob W hadn't taken that photo last may I would have insisted that I just had my hand on the lever not the brakes on but there was no denying I had them almost fully applied at half track From Bob W's photo. Now I drive with both hands on the steering wheel so the leaning tower of power can get right at it unhindered. I was surprised to see the tach near top RPM in the lights. Surprised a few other unfortunate racers as well.
Don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on October 02, 2013, 07:11:38 AM
Headers are being a bit stubborn. The one pipe hit the trans slightly and the trans cooler. I took care of both of them today. Frankly I am beat. Schon genug for today. Now I have to remove the factory machining locator lugs a slant six has on the left side sticking out from the block deck.   
I will have to tape off everything and work carefully. I know from experience there will be other issues So be it I want this all on and running before the end of fall. Then in the spring at best some tuning will get me back to some fire breathing 8 cylinder eating  smokin runs!
Don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on October 02, 2013, 10:53:26 AM
I have made the decision that our racing season is done for this year so this weekend the engine and transmission come out of the dragster and the dragster will get stored for the winter (need help to get it back up the drive way this Saturday, normal Car Nut time 9:00 AM). Need to build a shipping crate for the transmission.

That means work on the Gasser starts in two weeks.

Anyone thinking of coming please let me know so that food and drink are on hand.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on October 02, 2013, 02:32:17 PM
Excellent. Next years  success start with what we do now!. Never thought of supplying food and drink. I wonder if the will work for Wuga.
Don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on October 05, 2013, 10:50:00 AM
A lot closer now. Wish I could find a pair of the old stub stack for these 500 holley two barrels.
Don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on October 08, 2013, 06:41:32 PM
Spent a couple more hours today. Getting closer but it seems like a project with no end. I want it running before I put it to bed for the winter.
Don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: proriv63 on October 19, 2013, 05:56:53 PM
Hi, I'm new to the site, I spent the day talking to various chassis shops to determine who I want to build the FED.  I started racing 25 years ago in an old FED, now I'm going to finish the racing career in a new FED.  Looking forward to sharing the project progress and the forum to ask alot of questions. Great Site!

Thanks,
John P.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on October 19, 2013, 10:01:22 PM
did you give Roo man or Neil and Parks a call?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: proriv63 on October 20, 2013, 05:27:57 AM
No, would love to use either of those shops excellent builders, but too far from PA to make it easily accessible.  I looked into S&W, Precision Chassis, and Ken Keir, all reputable builders in this area.  Stay tuned.

thanks,
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on October 20, 2013, 06:48:55 AM
Roo Man is not that far away

http://www.leverfamilysite.com/2010_Front_Engine_Dragster_Selection.htm

(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Shop_Selection/Roo_Man_020.jpg)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on October 20, 2013, 11:45:28 AM
I would have to agree with Wide open about Park's or Roo Man . I have a Parks car and it is a long ride but I only had to do it one time thank God . On the other hand after seeing Glen's Roo Man car it would be a tough decision on witch one to buy. Both of them do fantastic work . S and W builds a nice car also . Good luck with your new venture and keep us posted on your project Bill
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: proriv63 on October 20, 2013, 02:30:37 PM
Do you know if the price between Rooman and Parks is comparable?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on October 20, 2013, 02:51:23 PM
If you go on Neil and Parks web site they have a price sheet
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on October 20, 2013, 05:47:00 PM
Both guys seem to build top notch cars,both seem to very nice guys and both have been helpful in one way or another with my deal  and i have yet to spend any money with them.Well cpl hundred with parks but in this stuff that and nothing are about the same thing.

 I will say not riding thru Kansas might sway me toward Rooman.I freaking hate Kansas,been thru it 3 times and 4 too many.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on October 20, 2013, 08:26:39 PM
Ohio i state state that I do not like driving through.

They are notorious for pulling truckers over.

Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on October 22, 2013, 06:14:34 PM
Got few things done today. Well one finished,love that word.What I call the bread box,adapter for injection to the tunnel ram.Finished cpl welds on tunnel ram and made top plate and got the bread box welded up.Then frilled and tapped it for bolts to hold injector.

  Got Oil pan cutout and bent up.Made the pan rail and got pan tacked to it in few places,little more than tacked in others.Man its hard to stop a weld run its running good especailly aluminum.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on October 23, 2013, 08:56:41 PM
Truly a sad moment, the end of summer, the Jeep has its top and doors back on and ready for storage, and the dragster is in pieces.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on October 25, 2013, 03:34:02 AM
I had to move one collector and a section of its tubes to get the header/manifold to fit the car well. Annoying to say the least. Reworked it early this week and trial fit yesterday. Everything appears to fit now. Have to finish weld it, flap-wheel the welds and paint it AGAIN! Then it is time to get the carbs done. And get it running.
Don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Supercat on October 29, 2013, 01:22:50 PM
Sunday was the day we finally had the time to fire the Supercat FED with its new engine. We will try to get to Bakersfield this weekend to try it out.
We still have to get the tuning right as we are at 6900 ft.elevation here at the house. We just made sure all the new parts worked and that there were no leaks, all was good.....
Here is a quick link to last Sunday
http://s293.photobucket.com/user/JESUPERCAT/media/secondfireup.mp4.html
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Paladin AA/FA on October 29, 2013, 01:53:13 PM
The Buick sounds good.

Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Supercat on October 29, 2013, 05:21:13 PM
Thanks Vince Idon't think it knows it's a Buick :DI think I need to richen the engine. I had a 115 jet in the main return and 35-37 Enderle jets at the nozzles. I am using a high speed set at 55lbs. I need to see what the RacePak says the egts were. I had one pipe start to turn blue at the elbow and the other seven are a nice shade of purple(stops about 9" from the valve).
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on October 29, 2013, 09:08:53 PM
Thought I had the cowl ready for wind screen.Nope change mind and need to open up more towards front.Aiming for modern top fuel look kind of like Shawn Langdon and few others. Real layed back and stretched way out.

  Good part is it means removing more material ,always easier then filling back in. Guess this is bad part to drugout build.Too much time to rethink. Also redoing dash. Going to 3 side kind of like jet cockpit.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on October 30, 2013, 11:10:04 AM
I cut it twice and it's still too short!!!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on October 30, 2013, 11:53:22 AM
you funny Bill. I cut the  part 3 times and still not what i want.Heck its just aluminum and only cost 70 bucks a sheet with 80 mile drive or 125 with 20 mile drive.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: George on October 30, 2013, 12:52:42 PM
you funny Bill. I cut the cat part 3 times and still not what i want.Heck its just aluminum and only cost 70 bucks a sheet with 80 mile drive or 125 with 20 mile drive.

What did the cat think about that ?  ???
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on October 30, 2013, 04:49:50 PM
yea have problem thinking to fast or typing to slow take your pick,besdies Im a dog person cutting a cat could happen.


I have split personality.

Hate cats.

Love _______.


Well Glen might not like me feeling in the bank part.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on October 30, 2013, 10:13:11 PM
Blanks in this case are good.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on October 31, 2013, 04:04:32 PM
Finally got rear piece for chute body that fit decent and I liked look of.Got most of the welding done on it only about 103 inches of it,(http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j350/wideopen231/racecars/FED%20PICS/002.jpg) (http://s1081.photobucket.com/user/wideopen231/media/racecars/FED%20PICS/002.jpg.html)
Why am(http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j350/wideopen231/racecars/FED%20PICS/001-1.jpg) (http://s1081.photobucket.com/user/wideopen231/media/racecars/FED%20PICS/001-1.jpg.html)
(http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j350/wideopen231/racecars/FED%20PICS/003-1.jpg) (http://s1081.photobucket.com/user/wideopen231/media/racecars/FED%20PICS/003-1.jpg.html)
 I seeing spots?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Tim Jones on November 01, 2013, 02:08:44 AM
Man that's coming out nice, what gauge Alum are you useing,, Tim Jones
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on November 01, 2013, 10:34:13 AM
 Aluminum is .050 and some .040 on body.Oil pan and tank are .060. Going to do more welding today try to finish rear upper and lower panel and install strips on bottom for dzus fasteners(last minute thought) was going to dus whole lower panel but figures welding top part and dzus bottom to allow access to wheelie bar and chute hookups wuold be stronger.

 Thinking about opening welding school next I should be good by the time I finish it,maybe old ,blind and most already think crazy.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on November 01, 2013, 01:53:52 PM
Chris your car is coming along really nice . Keep up the good work!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on November 01, 2013, 03:12:16 PM
Thanks guys.  Man that rear section weighs a bunch. Guess my plan to build short and full body not so bad. Short will be one sheet for sides can sue same cowl and engine side panels. That give me showman deal(full) and haul butt shorty. Not sure how much wieght yet but go to be lot differance.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on November 02, 2013, 12:16:11 PM
Chris are you going to put A/C in it !!!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on November 02, 2013, 04:51:27 PM
Bill  you got small lite weight unit . I would like that on thos 95* days waiting in staging.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Supercat on November 05, 2013, 07:20:54 AM
Saturday we got our car teched and then went to Bakersfield for testing.
Ran an 8.2 @166 first pass on the new engine.
I updated my thread "New member 200" Supercat FED" with more info and video links.
We have a bunch of tuning to do yet but it was great sitting in the car again.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on November 05, 2013, 09:47:01 AM
Saturday we got our car teched and then went to Bakersfield for testing.
Ran an 8.2 @166 first pass on the new engine.
I updated my thread "New member 200" Supercat FED" with more info and video links.
We have a bunch of tuning to do yet but it was great sitting in the car again.
It was 25 last night, mine will not see the strip for months now. :(
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Supercat on November 05, 2013, 11:15:23 AM
Glen we were 18 last night at the house. We are done until mid December when we go to Pheonix. Here is a quick video from last weekend, follow it to my recent uploads for more of last weekend(http://vid293.photobucket.com/albums/mm56/JESUPERCAT/th_3rdpassburnfull110313.jpg?videoplayer=offsite?videoplayer=offsite?videoplayer=offsite?videoplayer=offsite)[/URL]][URL=http://s293.photobucket.com/albums/mm56/JESUPERCAT/?action=view&current=3rdpassburnfull110313.mp4](http://vid293.photobucket.com/albums/mm56/JESUPERCAT/th_3rdpassburnfull110313.jpg?videoplayer=offsite?videoplayer=offsite?videoplayer=offsite?videoplayer=offsite)[/URL] (ftp://s293.photobucket.com/albums/mm56/JESUPERCAT/?action=view&current=3rdpassburnfull110313.mp4)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: buickfed on November 07, 2013, 04:02:07 PM
25*....heatwave  ;D when it gets 80*, i'm looking for 25*.
mine is up on stands to pull the motor/trans. need to change converter to a higher stall and change the gearing. started cutting up another mopar intake, sorry guys, to build another intake for the buick. trying to make it dual purpose. carb and s/c. will see how this will work.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on November 16, 2013, 07:12:31 PM
     OK, several months ago I traded for an all alum. SBC. :D Milodon block, 4.030 bore, early Dart heads ported by ODDY"s, BDS 8-71 blower 3.625 BRC crank with BBC snout, 8.5-1 comp. Crower rods, Venolia pistons, solid lifter flat tappet blower cam, (ODDY"s proprietary specs). It supposedly had only a couple of dyno pulls on it and had been sitting for a long time (15 yrs).  (I got the build sheet from ODDY's.) I pulled the top end and cleaned everything up, looked at and miked the bores, checked valve spring pressures. etc. removed the valve guide seals,  looked at a couple of bearings, then reassembled it. I also removed the two 750 Holleys and replaced them with a Bugcatcher and 80A-1 pump, #44 nozzles in the hat only.        After installing this unit in my fed, I started it up and set the timing at about 36 degrees BTDC. It quickly became apparent that @ 10% over driven, this mouse would roar  :o. However I had observed that the rods, shown in the paperwork as "Crower" were probably Sportsmans. They are good to about 500-550 hp. Soooo, after bumping the throttle a couple of times, I sez to myself "self those rods ain't gonna cut it". Some quick calculations based on previous builds suggest hp. in the 850 range.    Today i finally pulled the thing all the way down and next week I'll order rods and pistons and take the crank to my machinist for a re-balance.  :P
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on November 16, 2013, 07:52:57 PM
With any luck I'll be ready by spring.  8) I'm going to shoot for a static compression ratio close to 11-1. More hp is just a pulley change away. Hoping to see what it's like to run the eighth in the 4s in a FED. The next big decision is gear ratio. The rear is an 8 3/4 Chrysler with 4.86 gears, (I think) anyways its almost 5 turns to one.      I understand some of the Jr Fuel guys are running hi gear only and running very low 7s in the quarter, so I don't think I'll need much gear.  Decisions, decisions.......
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dreracecar on November 21, 2013, 02:21:40 PM
For comparison

375 ci sbc,  10.2CR ,  6-71/bug (hat nozzles) 18% over, 34*lead
3.90 gear, 33x12x15 GY d3,  1650 weight

1.07 60'  4.53 1/8's and thats leaving off high idle with a hand brake
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on November 21, 2013, 05:33:53 PM
Thanks dre  :)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dreracecar on November 21, 2013, 05:52:20 PM
To add

   Donovan 400 block  4.135 bore
   Velasco 3.500 billet crank  BBC snout
   6.125 alu rods
   Arias pistons w/ pin buttons to support the oil ring
   Akerly&Childs dura-moly ring package
   solid copper head gaskets
  circulate water  thru heads only
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: AF150 on November 22, 2013, 09:42:14 AM
We ran a similar combination last year...
.060 over all iron 354 early hemi (365 cu in) 11: 1 cr, plain 6-71 with bug, hat nozzles only,
Arias pistons, MGB rods, Crane roller cam (272/480), nice heads & rocker arms.
All this in a 200" FED with a powerglide, 12-31-15 Goodyears, 4.11 gear @ 1700lbs on the line.
1.08 60',  4.6 in the 1/8th @ 150mph...Blower at 10% under and leave at high idle.
Very nice set-up with low maintenance.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on November 22, 2013, 02:29:14 PM
what is this underdrive you speak of?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on November 22, 2013, 03:05:16 PM
what is this underdrive you speak of?
Then you will get a kick out of this I have been running at 38% underdrive.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on November 22, 2013, 04:13:56 PM
Glen I thought YOU said no cuss words and thats real nasty one you guys keep using.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on November 22, 2013, 04:18:15 PM
Glen I thought YOU said no cuss words and thats real nasty one you guys keep using.
You are a funny man, this year there will be less (more boost).
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on December 02, 2013, 01:33:02 PM
Starting to think about next summer racing season.

Built an engine cradle this weekend and took the engine over to Matt ( of  Matt Shaff's Engine Shop here on the forum  http://www.frontenginedragsters.org/forum/index.php?board=26.0 )for him to go through it and put on the dyno to see what HP it puts out with the blower.

Next is building the crate to send the transmission out.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Paladin AA/FA on December 04, 2013, 11:31:32 AM
Nice deal.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Cajuninjector on December 05, 2013, 06:22:48 AM
With any luck I'll be ready by spring.  8) I'm going to shoot for a static compression ratio close to 11-1. More hp is just a pulley change away. Hoping to see what it's like to run the eighth in the 4s in a FED. The next big decision is gear ratio. The rear is an 8 3/4 Chrysler with 4.86 gears, (I think) anyways its almost 5 turns to one.      I understand some of the Jr Fuel guys are running hi gear only and running very low 7s in the quarter, so I don't think I'll need much gear.  Decisions, decisions.......

I've never heard of any jr fuel using high gear only. Pretty standard jr fuel is 1.69 low gear and 4-10-4.30 ring/pinion gear. It does sound like there's never a shift from 1st to 2nd because of the high rpm's and 7500 7" stall converters. Hearing two jr fuel dragsters blow by @180mph and 10,000rpm is really somethin. Driving it is even better!!!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: hotrod316 on December 05, 2013, 04:34:29 PM
LAST A/ND ONE I HELP TUNE SHIFTED
185 MPH, @ 7:17  SHIFT 10,200 
SM BLOCK 396
8400 STALL
SAME CAR
6.96 @ 194 MPH
8900 STALL
SHIFT 10,200
THIS CLASS JUST TAKES CAN YOU SAY LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOTS,of MONEY MONEY MONEY
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: buickfed on December 07, 2013, 06:47:19 PM
been cleaning the garage for winter projects. bought a horizontal bandsaw for $60, a tree miller for $195, don't if it works yet and a $100 28' camper trailer chassis to build for the 192" rail. the 16' trailer is no fun and too short. still trying to get the 4-71 to work on a 350 buick w/o stuff in the way.
 my son took the Monza car home because his wife wants to race it. it will have a stock 350 buick in it. this will be interesting to say the least. ;D the rail and that car mopar rears. rail has 4.10's and the Monza has more and I need it for the rail. hopefully they are the same spline.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on December 08, 2013, 08:15:28 AM
Snow is coming
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on December 08, 2013, 08:20:02 AM
Snow is coming

That is just wrong!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on December 15, 2013, 01:01:27 PM
 :o Brrrr!!!!!!!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: coupemerc on December 15, 2013, 03:55:20 PM
Just got back from the PRI show in cold, snowy Indy. Show was incredible with over 1100 hard core racing manufacturers, engine building machines, trailers and great show deals. I was able to get what I need to finish up my FED.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on December 15, 2013, 04:21:55 PM
Just got back from the PRI show in cold, snowy Indy. Show was incredible with over 1100 hard core racing manufacturers, engine building machines, trailers and great show deals. I was able to get what I need to finish up my FED.

My experience is you never have everything to finish, there is always one more thing needed. Did you meet Roo Man?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on December 15, 2013, 05:48:01 PM
So they are selling printing plates,paper and inks to print hundred dollar bills?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: coupemerc on December 17, 2013, 04:37:39 PM
Just got back from the PRI show in cold, snowy Indy. Show was incredible with over 1100 hard core racing manufacturers, engine building machines, trailers and great show deals. I was able to get what I need to finish up my FED.

My experience is you never have everything to finish, there is always one more thing needed. Did you meet Roo Man?

Glenn... you are right, they are never really finished. Unfortunately I did not get to meet Rooman. I wonder what he thinks of that Docol tubing?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on December 17, 2013, 08:44:32 PM
Best way to find out is to ask him
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: rooman on December 18, 2013, 04:51:26 AM
I talked to the Scandinavians about the Docol tubing but was unable to attend the seminar. All of their sample coupons looked good and I like that the material lacks the heavy decarb layer that is common on the extruded tubing of late but the seam still scares me. The butt welded and flattened sample pieces that they had on display looked good but I think that I will let someone else use it in a dragster first.

Roo
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: buickfed on December 19, 2013, 05:41:09 PM
Snow is coming

love that picture  ;D ;D
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dreracecar on December 20, 2013, 01:57:11 PM
Just working on the Beebe Bros,Vinson & Sixt re-pop
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricardo1967 on December 20, 2013, 02:14:45 PM
Just working on the Beebe Bros,Vinson & Sixt re-pop

Nice work DRE. Nice shop too!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on December 20, 2013, 05:00:19 PM
Nice, is that your shop?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dreracecar on December 20, 2013, 06:52:10 PM
Yes it is, but its a mess right now cause I have 4 cars I am working on and only 1 of me.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: rooman on December 21, 2013, 05:18:37 AM
Yes it is, but its a mess right now cause I have 4 cars I am working on and only 1 of me.

I know how that works.

Roo
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: coupemerc on December 21, 2013, 09:33:20 AM
Wasn't it Roth that said...Big Mess = Big Success
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: coupemerc on December 21, 2013, 05:35:21 PM
Finished ordering all the AN fittings and hose needed to plumb the car. Ouch.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on December 21, 2013, 06:06:01 PM
Finished ordering all the AN fittings and hose needed to plumb the car. Ouch.

What brand did you use?

I really like XRP and they have a very complete catalog

http://www.xrp.com/catalog-options/ (http://www.xrp.com/catalog-options/)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: coupemerc on December 22, 2013, 04:37:31 AM
I used XRP for the unusual fittings like a right angle ORB-to-female AN. They have a lot of those types of fittings that help simplify my fuel system. I went with Russell for the more standard hose ends and hose stuff. My wife found a good deal at Advance Auto Parts where you get $50 off of every $125 you spend. We broke the big Russell order into smaller $125 chunks and saved $50 on each chunk.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on December 22, 2013, 06:12:32 AM
I did not know about the advanced auto deal, is it a coupon?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: coupemerc on December 22, 2013, 07:53:56 AM
I did not know about the advanced auto deal, is it a coupon?

Yes, it is a coupon on slickdeals.net. It is not on all of the time. You have to watch for it.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on January 01, 2014, 11:39:08 AM
My New Years resolution is to put my car on a diet . You add this and ad that and before you know it you have a heavy car . Last time I weighed my car it was in Top Dragster mode with all the nitrous stuff it was 1585 . I think I can get rid of about 150 lbs . I got a set of the lightweight Goodyear tires thanks to Jon Hansen . Going to an alluminum spool , lightened ring gear aluminum valve body pump and drum in trans . Lighter Battery . Any one have some idea's Thanks Bill.   
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: coupemerc on January 01, 2014, 01:49:25 PM
Bill...without spending any money you could take "park" out of the transmission, shorten all bolts to the minimum length needed and drill lightening holes in levers, pedals etc.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dreracecar on January 01, 2014, 05:31:07 PM
Titainium weight bar mounts
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: rooman on January 01, 2014, 05:51:53 PM
Titainium weight bar mounts

Sounds like a Lee Beard deal to me. :)

Roo
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: JeffV8 on January 02, 2014, 02:35:08 AM
Titainium weight bar mounts

Now that's funny
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Cajuninjector on January 02, 2014, 08:28:54 AM
Get your axles gun drilled and pocket milled. 
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on January 02, 2014, 09:47:40 AM
Get your axles gun drilled and pocket milled. .    Can you lighten an axle that has already been heat treated?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on January 02, 2014, 09:51:41 AM
Titainium weight bar mounts
That sounds like my idea for solar powered windshield wipers!!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on January 02, 2014, 05:49:41 PM
I'm thinking Nutri-Systems would be the best way to lighten my car. :o
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on January 02, 2014, 06:04:35 PM
How can you get motivated with weather like this 2:00 a clock today 13 degrees with wind a 20 MPH
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dreracecar on January 02, 2014, 06:24:54 PM
2 parts here

1---Mark Williams is the only one I know of that will lighten one of his axles since he does his own heat treating and it will be real expensive

2---Beautiful out here in Ca. wearing shorts and turning on the airconditioner for the first time this year 8) 8) 8) 8)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: rooman on January 03, 2014, 04:30:26 AM
Beautiful out here in Ca. wearing shorts and turning on the airconditioner for the first time this year 8) 8) 8) 8)

Shut up Bruce :) :) :)

Roo
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dreracecar on January 03, 2014, 07:50:50 AM
If I want Snow i will drive the 2 hrs to get to it ;D
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: JrFuel Hayden on January 03, 2014, 09:44:02 AM
Bill, since you are looking to put your car on a diet, have you looked at your battery combo; ie do you have a 16 or 24 volt battery on the car to start and run your transbrake, computer, rear light ? If so, you can save more weight by changing you battery combo than lighter axles. The biggest savings would be if you carry 16-24 volt batteries to start your car. You could change to a remote battery pack for starting. However if you want an on board battery because you worry about the motor dying on the burn-out or you have limited crew, you could install  lighter battery in the front of your car and remove equal amount of ballast. If you already use a remote battery pack for starting but still have a battery on board to run the rest of your electronics [ ie transbrake, RPM / RacePak] any battery that weighs more than one pound, you can save that weight also. Start by weighing your batteries to see what you can save. We saved 6 lbs by switching to a light lith battery [ one lb] to run our transbrake, and RacePak]  We also switched to two 12 volt 500 cc amp batts that weigh under 9 lbs, to start the high compression motor.
And/ Or you could spend $1000-$2000 to take 30-40 lbs off your iron block.
Also take a real good look at your racecar looking at every bracket, mount, nut and bolt, puke tank and hoses, rear wheels, size/ weight of your chute, wheelie bar to see what you can remove or modify to remove weight you don't need.
Good luck finding parts to remove, remember, it all adds up, lots of 1/2 lb reductions adds up to your 150 lb weight reduction goal.
Jon , 805-444-4489
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on January 04, 2014, 09:27:00 AM
Jon I plan on changing battery's Right now I have an Odyssey in the car that is 38 lbs . Going to put one of those 15 lbs battery's in and use a remote battery pack to start the car . Getting rid of trans cooler , water pump and tank . Thank's for the advice guy's     Glen I agree with you about the motivation . The last few days all I have done is weld broken plows and trucks . It was 0 here this morning ! Bruce could you send a little of that warm weather our way!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dreracecar on January 04, 2014, 09:50:13 AM
Send me an address and I will send back an envelope full of it 8)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: JrFuel Hayden on January 04, 2014, 11:30:37 AM
Bill, 15 lb battery?
       How about a ONE pound 15 amp Lithium battery, I can get you for $140, retail $169.95.
      Call me if I can help, 805-444-4489
       Jon 
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on January 05, 2014, 06:02:35 AM
Jon I run a 7al3 ignition I don't think that battery would have enough amps . I have had great luck with the MSD ignition . I guess if I used a Mag it would be ok .
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: JrFuel Hayden on January 05, 2014, 06:39:48 AM
Bill, So how much battery do you need for your MSD dist ?
       And you are right we run MSD magnetos in all the west coast JrFuelers, mostly because of the 15-17;1 compression we need to run alky.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on January 07, 2014, 12:03:55 PM
Matt has the engine in the dragster apart,the crank needs to be ground, bearings need replacement.

(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_engine/2014_01_06/DSC_3522.jpg)

(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_engine/2014_01_06/DSC_3497.jpg)

A conservative estimate is there are 200 runs on these parts.

Plan is to now check every 50 runs.

(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_engine/2014_01_06/DSC_3503.jpg)

There were never any shavings in the oil filter. It appears they were just hammered until they started to squeeze out the side and rub against the crank journal. The crank does need to be ground.

(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_engine/2014_01_06/DSC_3507.jpg)

I could not get the shot I wanted of the cam. The one lobe has the start of a dish at the top. We will replace the cam with the same grind but with a more blower friendly lobe separation.

(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_engine/2014_01_06/DSC_3516.jpg)

I still think they look nice. I believe the engine is developing about 850 HP, we will put it on the dyno when rebuilt

(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Progress_engine/2014_01_06/DSC_3521.jpg)

Full update with pictures on my web site.
http://www.leverfamilysite.com/2010_Front_Engine_Dragster_Week_2014_01_06_E.htm (http://www.leverfamilysite.com/2010_Front_Engine_Dragster_Week_2014_01_06_E.htm)
.
.
.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on January 07, 2014, 03:15:05 PM
Jon I run a 7al3 ignition I don't think that battery would have enough amps . I have had great luck with the MSD ignition . I guess if I used a Mag it would be ok .

Man I though that was a race car.No mag? Less wiring,needs no battery and just seems to belong in racecar.  Oh yea less weight means go faster,Whats the holdup there Bill? ;D
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: hotrod316 on January 08, 2014, 06:30:49 AM
matt,
could that be crank flex doing that to the bearings? and not hamming them? what do the rod bearing look like hammered on the top?
 glenn, when we run the blown motor we measured the bearings and keep a record of the sizes to help with the rebuild, ours was the rod that like to grow

just thoughts 8)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on January 08, 2014, 06:37:58 AM
matt,
could that be crank flex doing that to the bearings? and not hamming them?
 

Crank is a forged steel crank.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: hotrod316 on January 08, 2014, 06:47:14 AM
glenn talk to matt I think a good crank can still flex but I been wrong before ??? I think
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on January 08, 2014, 07:04:10 AM
glenn talk to matt I think a good crank can still flex but I been wrong before ??? I think

Just sent him an e-mail in case he does not see this.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Frontenginedragsters on January 08, 2014, 09:51:42 AM
 Try to remember... Glenn's engine was put together as a single 4brl engine and ran as such.
The blower went on after that as a bolt-on.
This time around the clearance's will be increased.

The off shore cranks flex more than a good USA forging like a Bryant.
Then add a blower and they move around even more.

Matt
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on January 08, 2014, 11:28:51 AM
Jon I run a 7al3 ignition I don't think that battery would have enough amps . I have had great luck with the MSD ignition . I guess if I used a Mag it would be ok .

Man I though that was a race car.No mag? Less wiring,needs no battery and just seems to belong in racecar.  Oh yea less weight means go faster,Whats the holdup there Bill? ;D
  Chris I have had so much good luck with the 7AL3 I did not want to change over . Also I use the 2 step for launch and shift with the rpm switch . A lot of good features with this box . What dose an MSD mag weigh ? I use a belt drive distributor witch weigh's next to nothing and the box I will weigh it tonight .   
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dreracecar on January 08, 2014, 01:09:32 PM
A magneto weighs less than a battery
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on January 08, 2014, 02:01:46 PM
A magneto weighs less than a battery
Can't argue with that!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: coupemerc on January 08, 2014, 03:25:38 PM
Jon I run a 7al3 ignition I don't think that battery would have enough amps . I have had great luck with the MSD ignition . I guess if I used a Mag it would be ok .

Man I though that was a race car.No mag? Less wiring,needs no battery and just seems to belong in racecar.  Oh yea less weight means go faster,Whats the holdup there Bill? ;D
  Chris I have had so much good luck with the 7AL3 I did not want to change over . Also I use the 2 step for launch and shift with the rpm switch . A lot of good features with this box . What dose an MSD mag weigh ? I use a belt drive distributor witch weigh's next to nothing and the box I will weigh it tonight .

My Mag 20 plus the points box is coming in around 11 lbs.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on January 09, 2014, 01:21:42 PM
MSD box 5lbs Distributor 2lbs
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on January 09, 2014, 08:12:48 PM
I will wiegh a msd mag 12 and box tomorrom.Bad night and good amount of bourbon tonight after screwing paint on harley up because of stupidity. So waiting seems to be good idea.Pretty sure more than msd but as stated less than battery.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on January 09, 2014, 08:53:20 PM
I will wiegh a msd mag 12 and box tomorrom.Bad night and good amount of bourbon tonight after screwing paint on harley up because of stupidity. So waiting seems to be good idea.Pretty sure more than msd but as stated less than battery.

I really hate paint, just when you think you got it perfect you get a piece of dirt, a run  or touch it. I have never been able to get it right. I no longer paint only powder coat.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on January 10, 2014, 04:07:29 AM
even worst when you do something stupid like lay a ladder against garage door and for get about it.Then you remember something intruck can not get wet and open garage door only to drop ladder across the tank. I hate doing stupid stuff more than anything else in the world.Accidents happen but most are results of stupidity.That applies here.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on January 10, 2014, 03:17:21 PM
Not sure how accurate scales are but MSD 12 and box weighed right at 10 lbs what with cap and wires. MSD does have alite version,mines first thing they cam out with in 95 or 96.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: buickfed on January 30, 2014, 05:42:12 PM
what did I do...........NOTHING. stinking weather is slowing me down. too cold to start the green house furnace in the garage because it sucks fuels like a race car. need some warmer weather so the furnace doesn't suck all the fuel out of the tank.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: George on January 30, 2014, 07:50:01 PM
what did I do...........NOTHING. stinking weather is slowing me down. too cold to start the green house furnace in the garage because it sucks fuels like a race car. need some warmer weather so the furnace doesn't suck all the fuel out of the tank.

My primary heat in the shop is a wood furnace. I gave up trying to keep it warm 24/7. Way too cold here in Central Illinois!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: coupemerc on February 01, 2014, 12:26:40 PM
Finished drilling all of the lower rod bearings, weighed all of the rotating/reciprocating parts and calculated the bob weight required to balance the crank (1373.6 grams).
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on February 02, 2014, 10:36:26 AM
yea normally here in NC 30 or 40 degrees.This year lots of single digit and my shop not setup for heating much. I like cold weather but working with steel when its been that cold for cpl days is just not a lot of fun.

  Blower style heater I use is sucking some $4.50 a gallon kerosene. ABout 20 bucks every other day or so.Bad part just got 2 custom cabinet jobs and for glue to setup I'm going to have to keep 55* plus  12 to 18 hrs per day.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: grapro on February 03, 2014, 07:33:47 AM
Been working away on my chassis, finally got the roll bar done and been welding away on the chassis.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: gregm784 on February 03, 2014, 02:19:25 PM
Got new exhaust valves in yesterday, new valve springs, and the heads back on yesterday.  Looks like a motor again.  Now for the intake, blower, etc.  Maybe fire it next weekend and warm it up.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on February 09, 2014, 01:41:05 PM
FINALLY....got my pistons from Wiseco/Polymer Dynamics. EX-pensive, waiting on bearings and rings, then to the machine shop for balancing. Gear drive on the way from Good Vibrations, also EX-pensive.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on February 11, 2014, 08:15:55 AM
Ordered new tires today, race season is approaching

http://proshop.summitracing.com/parts/hoo-18225/overview/
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dreracecar on February 11, 2014, 09:03:30 AM
Your car, and whatever works for you , but for me personaly I dont like to run a return spring on the BV side unless its a reallllly light one. A heavy one can twist the shaft. The shaft is slotted completely and prone to bend/twist between the blades.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Paladin AA/FA on February 13, 2014, 07:14:54 AM
Not today, but May 2010.  Rooman becomes the fastest Australian in Kern County.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on February 13, 2014, 08:26:12 AM
Here are some more

(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Other_Dragsters_By_Keith_Burgan/Roo%20Man%20Bakersfield%20008.JPG)

(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Other_Dragsters_By_Keith_Burgan/Roo%20Man%20Backerfield%20001.JPG)

(http://www.leverfamilysite.com/images/2010_Dragster/Other_Dragsters_By_Keith_Burgan/Roo%20Man%20Backerfield%20005.JPG)

Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Paladin AA/FA on February 13, 2014, 10:05:36 AM
That was a fun weekend. 
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: janjon on February 17, 2014, 07:39:02 PM
Main hoop for the new roll cage is bent on new JD Squared bender and propped in place, sort of. I need both of those inches of headroom and 2 of the four inches of front clearance from front of cage to front of helmet, to meet spec. New cage is gonna be 5-point, replacing the existing 6-point, and  think it's gonna look better. Looks like I can fit and tack the new cage right on top of the old one, short of cutting out the helmet bars. Man, that 4130 is some springy stuff! Springback while still in the dies is not the same as springback when the tube is removed from the bender, several degrees. I THOUGHT I had bent it too far, but really not, had the tube in and out of the bender about 5 times before it was bent enough... I'll get the hang of it when I grow up, maybe.
Anyway, here's pics.
 I can't say enough about how helpful folks on here have been, thanks again.
John
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dreracecar on February 18, 2014, 08:47:27 AM
Ok now heres a trick

start off with just building the 3 point cage, so now you have to make and fit the rear uprite to the front hoop and shoulder hoop. now determine where you want the second hoop located to the rear uprite and mark the center.Remove the rear uprite and lay it flat on mill or drill press and hole-saw the hoop tubing dia just below center so that when you are done cutting the hole the 2 pieces are still attached. Tack the uprite back on the shoulder hoop and lift the front section of the uprite out of the way and now fit the secondary hoop. once fitted, then bring the front section back down- tack- and then tack the front hoop in place. Doing it this way keeps the arc of the second hoop consistant, keeps the side paralle,and you only have 2 tubing ends to fit.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Larry Gocha on February 18, 2014, 04:19:13 PM
janjon what was the radius on your JD-2 die set for the hoop.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: janjon on February 18, 2014, 05:30:49 PM
Wow, thanks, Bruce, my plan was otherwise, as you obviously know, so I guess it's kosher to split the rear upright at the secondary hoop instead of the other way around. 2.4C doesn't seem to dictate. I guess I could see that as maybe safer as well as easier. Would you say that holesawing the rear upright lower by about the wall thickness would be about the right amount off-center?

Thanks a bunch,
John
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: janjon on February 18, 2014, 05:38:35 PM
Larry, the die set I got is 1-1/5, 6-1/2 c/l radius. I saw a cage by either Bruce or Roo that I really liked and was told it was 7-1/2 radius, but 6-1/2 was the biggest JD-2 makes standard, and I think it will be just fine for me, especially since my hoop centers are only 19-1/2. I highly recommend JD-2s bender and tubing notcher, based on my minimal experience with their tools, and my vast experience with nothing else.
John
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dreracecar on February 19, 2014, 08:05:25 AM
Yes , the saw teeth should barely nick the ID.  There are soooo many angles you have to consider doing it the other way, that my way is just doing a front hoop - just further back
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dreracecar on February 19, 2014, 08:12:06 AM
STOP STOP STOP

5 Point cages have to be 1 5/8" dia !!!!!!!!

1 1/2" is only for 6 point !!!!!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: janjon on February 19, 2014, 04:56:39 PM
I must be missing something. I'm looking at current versions of 2.6A and 2.4C. Both state (III,1,a) that "The entire roll cage shall be constructed of 1 1/2'' x .065" tubing with a minimum of five (5) points of attachment to the shoulder hoop(s)."
 The only reference I find (both specs, III,1,g) to an 1-5/8" requirement is when roll cage height from shoulder hoop centerline to the roll cage hoop centerline exceeds 18", in which case 6 points AND 1-5/8" are required.
 So I'm a bit confused, here...
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on February 19, 2014, 07:43:16 PM
Only have 2.2c spec. It does say if 5 point cage it has to be 1 5/8 tubing. Now the slower specs might be different.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dreracecar on February 20, 2014, 08:21:02 AM
Your right, havent done a slower spec frame in awhile that I am use to fuel spec. But here is some confusion. The NHRA rule book showing chassie spec for 10sec and slower shows the min dia for a 5point cage on a dragster at 1 5/8 x .065 moly, so now you reduce the dia to 1 1/2" for 5points for a full 4 seconds until you reach 6.0 where it goes back up to 1 5/8" dia.

Now that that is all cleared up-----GET BACK TO WORK!!!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: janjon on February 20, 2014, 02:19:31 PM
Yessir, I'm on it...
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: janjon on February 23, 2014, 07:12:53 PM
Off with her head!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: janjon on February 23, 2014, 07:15:35 PM
Old stumps, new growth.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ss4 on February 24, 2014, 07:26:21 AM
Too cold, BAH!  14 deg in Northern Michigan but it is a toasty 68 in the shop. 

So what does this Dad do with his 10 year old daughter after Church on a Sunday????

She shows me how to do fiberglass.  Yes that is what I said. My Daughter and my buddy worked on the nose on Saturday and then she showed me how to get it done the next.  Ever hear the song "who's gonna fill their shoes"?  Just working on the next generation. ;D

Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ss4 on February 24, 2014, 08:02:20 AM
Oh geez I forgot to add my Son is learning the Wheel as well.  Now if I can just get my bride to learning engine tunning like she promised 18 years ago.......

Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dreracecar on February 24, 2014, 08:09:06 AM
Two things

  Get some gloves on your kids hands while doing glass work
  Remove the belts off the car when cutting-grinding-welding anywhere near them
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: PSweeney on February 24, 2014, 08:24:01 AM
spent Sunday working on my car, re-did some tubes and brackets which were MIG welded on and were just ugly.   My chassis builder had some 3mm straps under the seat pan.  I felt these would bend easilly in a crash so I cut them out.  Will be putting some 7/8th tube in to replace.   Whilst I had the chassis turned over my pal noticed my kidney bars were only 3/4 welded so I finished these off.

Had a little play with my latest toy too, I just bopught a shrinker / stretcher.  Each time I use it, I feel like a caveman discovering fire, can't believe I attempted sheet metal work without one.

Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ss4 on February 24, 2014, 08:48:29 AM
Two things

  Get some gloves on your kids hands while doing glass work
  Remove the belts off the car when cutting-grinding-welding anywhere near them

LOL you caught me.  She was all done and had taken the gloves off when I remembered to take the photo.

What grinding are you referring to????

 thanks for picking apart and missing the point!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: JeffV8 on February 24, 2014, 08:56:50 AM
The grinding comment is for janjon.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dreracecar on February 24, 2014, 09:44:04 AM
Two things

  Get some gloves on your kids hands while doing glass work
  Remove the belts off the car when cutting-grinding-welding anywhere near them

LOL you caught me.  She was all done and had taken the gloves off when I remembered to take the photo.

What grinding are you referring to????

 thanks for picking apart and missing the point!

Did you use a cutoff wheel to remove the cage???
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: janjon on February 24, 2014, 04:33:10 PM
Sawsall / cutoff combo. Why do I get the feeling you're going to tell me something I need to know but would rather not hear?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dreracecar on February 24, 2014, 04:59:24 PM
Grit-sparks-metal shavings are not good for the webbing. Respect the things that are there for your safety.

  Since I am a builder I tend to look at everthing as a liablity.  Say I do some work on a car and for some other reason the car crashes and the driver gets hurt, the last thing I would want is for the investigation to find spark burns or abrasive grit in the webbing along with metal shavings. Takes 3 minutes to pull the belts and stick them in a box on the shelf. When I am done with the work I hand the customer back the box with the belts in it.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: janjon on February 24, 2014, 06:02:33 PM
it took 4 mins.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dreracecar on February 24, 2014, 06:16:35 PM
I have had more practice ;D   thanx
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on February 24, 2014, 06:40:21 PM
Got my crank (BRC 3.625 stroke) back from balancing last Friday :D and spent a few hrs in the shop over the weekend. I'd hoped the GRP blown alky aluminum rods would clear the block but no such luck  ::). Relieving the pan rail and bottom of the cylinder to clear the rods is time consuming :P. No hi-tech solutions here, just a large die grinder and carbide burr. Aluminum shavings in my BVD's. Looking forward to final assy. and start up in a couple weeks. Spring will be here soon and IT WILL BE LOUD!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: coupemerc on March 02, 2014, 04:48:01 PM
Finished drilling a bunch of rod bearings for dowel pins. "Burnished" the skirt coating on all eight pistons to get the piston-to-wall clearance where it needs to be. Took just about 2 lbs of rotating weight out of the cars driveline and got my crankshaft back from balancing.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ss4 on March 03, 2014, 08:16:05 AM
we are still working on the body stuff.  spent most of the weekend laying glass and scratching myself from sanding.  Trying to get everything ready for primer for this coming weekend, at least the glass.  need to work out a slick way to put a gas door in the nose and finish up the rear panels on the english wheel.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on March 03, 2014, 11:18:22 AM
Got my crank (BRC 3.625 stroke) back from balancing last Friday :D and spent a few hrs in the shop over the weekend. I'd hoped the GRP blown alky aluminum rods would clear the block but no such luck  ::). Relieving the pan rail and bottom of the cylinder to clear the rods is time consuming :P. No hi-tech solutions here, just a large die grinder and carbide burr. Aluminum shavings in my BVD's. Looking forward to final assy. and start up in a couple weeks. Spring will be here soon and IT WILL BE LOUD!
Make shure you check your rod to cam clearance . I use the same stroke with an alluminum rod and a few were touching . Bill
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on March 03, 2014, 11:20:04 AM
Finished drilling a bunch of rod bearings for dowel pins. "Burnished" the skirt coating on all eight pistons to get the piston-to-wall clearance where it needs to be. Took just about 2 lbs of rotating weight out of the cars driveline and got my crankshaft back from balancing.
  More titanium !!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dreracecar on March 03, 2014, 11:30:37 AM
Got my crank (BRC 3.625 stroke) back from balancing last Friday :D and spent a few hrs in the shop over the weekend. I'd hoped the GRP blown alky aluminum rods would clear the block but no such luck  ::). Relieving the pan rail and bottom of the cylinder to clear the rods is time consuming :P. No hi-tech solutions here, just a large die grinder and carbide burr. Aluminum shavings in my BVD's. Looking forward to final assy. and start up in a couple weeks. Spring will be here soon and IT WILL BE LOUD!
Make shure you check your rod to cam clearance . I use the same stroke with an alluminum rod and a few were touching . Bill

I run a 3.5" stroke and run a small base circle cam
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: janjon on March 03, 2014, 09:19:43 PM
Not TODAY, technically, but this past weekend. New cage is fitted and tacked. I think I pretty much nailed the look I wanted. 8)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dreracecar on March 04, 2014, 08:35:37 AM
How did you like my method of fitting the second hoop?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Paladin AA/FA on March 04, 2014, 09:30:08 AM
What's your method for fitting the second hoop?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dreracecar on March 04, 2014, 09:36:49 AM
Ok now heres a trick

start off with just building the 3 point cage, so now you have to make and fit the rear uprite to the front hoop and shoulder hoop. now determine where you want the second hoop located to the rear uprite and mark the center.Remove the rear uprite and lay it flat on mill or drill press and hole-saw the hoop tubing dia just below center so that when you are done cutting the hole the 2 pieces are still attached. Tack the uprite back on the shoulder hoop and lift the front section of the uprite out of the way and now fit the secondary hoop. once fitted, then bring the front section back down- tack- and then tack the front hoop in place. Doing it this way keeps the arc of the second hoop consistant, keeps the side paralle,and you only have 2 tubing ends to fit.

From earlier post
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Paladin AA/FA on March 04, 2014, 10:17:46 AM
Ok thanks, I didn't go back far enough.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Paul New on March 04, 2014, 08:12:58 PM
I installed my hand brake and master cylinder. Sat in the car tonight and think I need to move my chute lever.

Can you attach a pic from an Iphone
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: JeffV8 on March 04, 2014, 08:16:37 PM
They have to be resized. My iPhone pics come out side ways when I post on here
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on March 05, 2014, 06:21:07 AM
They have to be resized. My iPhone pics come out side ways when I post on here

Feel free to send them to me and i will post, or just post them and I will fix them (this might be easier ( post and I will fix))
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on March 05, 2014, 08:06:23 PM
Finally got chance to do some work on intake.While its not totally finished its lot closer.If not for trying to polish part and deciding dang that would look good ,I would have gotten more done and if not adding polishing of intake adapter and hat I would not have near as much left. Pics are under my build section.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: janjon on March 05, 2014, 08:45:07 PM
To Bruce:
 As regards "How did you like my method of fitting the second hoop?"
It beat the xxxx out of the alternative. You advised just nicking the upper tubing wall with the holesaw; I intentionally dropped it a touch lower to keep from breaking the front portion off from fatigue during the fitting phase. Thinking I would have to repeatedly bend it up and down, but soon realized I could just slip the secondary hoop in and out of  the hole from the ends while sneaking up on the fit. I did get a whole lot better at notch angles and the necessary skews of the notches as the process went on. Thanks for helping me through my first roll cage rodeo!!! The OOPS pile consists of one lonely piece of 1" helmet bar material. Now I gotta fully weld everything without blowing holes...

John Williams
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: coupemerc on March 10, 2014, 06:53:16 PM
Spent the last two nights hand grinding the cylinder heads for push rod clearance. Still pulling metal chips out of my ears.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on March 11, 2014, 02:06:11 PM
Got my crank (BRC 3.625 stroke) back from balancing last Friday :D and spent a few hrs in the shop over the weekend. I'd hoped the GRP blown alky aluminum rods would clear the block but no such luck  ::). Relieving the pan rail and bottom of the cylinder to clear the rods is time consuming :P. No hi-tech solutions here, just a large die grinder and carbide burr. Aluminum shavings in my BVD's. Looking forward to final assy. and start up in a couple weeks. Spring will be here soon and IT WILL BE LOUD!
Make shure you check your rod to cam clearance . I use the same stroke with an alluminum rod and a few were touching . Bill
Finally got rod side clearances and block clearance issues resolved. Installed cam/RCD single idler gear drive and degreed cam. I've got a little puppy of a camshaft, solid, flat tappet. Engine turns freely, next to try and measure rod/cam clearance. Rods are GRP and have a bevel on the inside corner of the big end.  RCD could include an instruction sheet....... for approx. $.10. Found their info on the Good Vibrations website.
I run a 3.5" stroke and run a small base circle cam
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Nocero on March 12, 2014, 08:04:43 AM
What radius dies are you using and are the hoops bent in one shot?


Not TODAY, technically, but this past weekend. New cage is fitted and tacked. I think I pretty much nailed the look I wanted. 8)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dreracecar on March 12, 2014, 08:46:51 AM
98% of all roll cage bends are off a 6" radi.  Some builders use a 7" for a single bend hoop if the drivers are big. For a double bend hoop obviously its two operations.

I use a 6" single bend radi for the main hoops and a 7"radi for the rear upright as I feel it fits the helmet conture shape better
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Nocero on March 12, 2014, 10:11:38 AM
Thanks for the reply. I have to do an intro and plan on starting my own build thread so I don't want to hijack this one, but one more question I'm die shopping right now so what would you recommend 120, 180, or 240degree dies?
On a side note I've read a bunch of your posts on here and on the hamb and I think it's great how helpfull and willing to share your knowledge you are. That tip a couple posts up is awesome and probably saved a lot of time and money for several people.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: rooman on March 12, 2014, 10:14:41 AM
I use a 7" CLR die for my cage hoops. Most of the cars from the 3 point days used 6" but with the newer helmets being larger and the rules requiring side pads for the quicker cars I find that the larger radius works better for me.
Nocero, I have a 240 degree die for the 7" radius.

Roo
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Nocero on March 13, 2014, 07:37:46 AM
Thank you also Rooman
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on March 13, 2014, 07:55:02 AM
Well today I sacrificed a family member for my FED. I sold my whipple charger that I had on my TA/D. Like loosing family member anyway. For first time since 1988 I will not have a blower around. Good thing is money goes towards finishing the FED,so like new member being born after 3 years of labor pains.

Here she is sitting on the one who caused her death.
(http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j350/wideopen231/racecars/FED%20PICS/P1010212.jpg) (http://s1081.photobucket.com/user/wideopen231/media/racecars/FED%20PICS/P1010212.jpg.html)

Ok actually sitting on the 5 run block it helped kill and it has the holes to prove it. Hey got to have fun at this stuff or its really wasting money. In lieu of flowers send cash.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: janjon on March 23, 2014, 04:02:31 PM
Today Version 2 of my 5-point cage reaches the 3-point stage. Version 1 met my height and depth needs, but the depth increase results in the entry/exit opening getting smaller to the point where I can get in, but need to crank my shins sideways with a pipe wrench. Also the top (windscreen) part of the cowl, and the dash panel, with gauges and switches, would need to be moved forward to let the cowl sit in place, and me be able to get in (and OUT). The new version angles the rear upright  parallel with the rear shoulder hoop support, and this moves the front hoop rearward.
 Also Version 2 is 1-5/8 moly tube, this being a nod to NHRA general regs for FED 10.00 and slower, as opposed to SFI 2.6A, which Version 1 is built to.
This will let me run at "tough-tech" tracks, of which there are two in the area, as long as I run it 10.000 or slower, as opposed to the local (closer) track I go to that doesn't check JACK or know jack either, evidently. This being Friday-night "run whatcha" night, to be fair.
 Anyway, will tack up, tack on, climb in, assess appearance and accessibility and go from there...
 And the new 1-5/8 dies are 6-1/2 CLR, BTW.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: janjon on March 25, 2014, 07:52:34 PM
Hello FEDders:
A little more progress tonight, the back support got notched as per Bruce's suggestion, the secondary hoop made and fitted, tacked, along with the back support to the shoulder hoop at center rear. We wind up with a bit of "dump" of the top part of the back support, which I think looks good with the rear of it being back-swept. Will see how it looks once the helmet bars are in.
 One thing about this larger (and .083w) tubing is that the bending effort is much more than 1-1/2" .065w and the springback is FEROCIOUS! Approaching 90 degrees with my JD Squared Model 3, the springback is almost as much as the bend, and makes it hard to engage the next notch of the ratchet bar with the end bolt of the die drive bars. Went to .083 because they said that's min. wall for that size tube without wrinkling. I know there's anti-springback mechanisms available but  I found that 1" helmet bar material (3' is more than enough) placed between the two bolts on the end of the drive bars allows you to take out the springback enough to engage the next notch on the ratchet bar easily, but if I were doing very much of this, the air-over-hydraulic setup would be on order.
John
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ss4 on March 26, 2014, 05:39:49 AM
Cage is looking good.  with the extra diagonal bar by the axle bracket can you remove the axle from the chassis with cutting a bar out?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: janjon on March 26, 2014, 07:09:24 AM
I don't know for sure, might have to remove axles and center section. Sooner or later, will have to find out...
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on March 30, 2014, 11:36:03 AM
Well it was yesterday but I put the heat on in the garage and set about moving the tranny cooler up so I can install the new tunnel ram with its attached headers. Or spring race date for Picton Airfield is May 17. I want it all done and sorted out before then. I like to go to race, not fix. I imagine it will take some flogging to get it to run perfect.
don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on March 30, 2014, 12:11:50 PM
Well it was yesterday but I put the heat on in the garage and set about moving the tranny cooler up so I can install the new tunnel ram with its attached headers. Or spring race date for Picton Airfield is May 17. I want it all done and sorted out before then. I like to go to race, not fix. I imagine it will take some flogging to get it to run perfect.
don

Have you seen the new category? Six Cylinder Drag Vehicles http://www.frontenginedragsters.org/forum/index.php?board=29.0
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on March 31, 2014, 04:15:58 PM
Trans-cooler deal completed. Tomorrow finish painting headers if it is warm enuf and begin the install for good. Kind of nervous. Always am with a new set up. Probably because I have no one to blame but me if it turns out to be crap. Am looking for between 30 and 40HP.  If I get it I may have to retire from driving as I am already in thrill overload as is. However as my cousin's husband Ebi in Germany told me in 2003. "Don, a little bit more is always possible" He was at the time a formula 1 race engine design engineer for BMW. Words to live by I think. In fact I printed it, framed it and hung it on the shop wall.
don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Paul New on April 05, 2014, 09:37:08 PM
Assembled the dragster engine today 4.125 x 3.625

(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/06/6ysuhe4u.jpg)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dusterdave173 on April 06, 2014, 06:55:59 AM
Wow! A five feet tall SBC!! Looking good man!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on April 06, 2014, 03:50:35 PM
Assembled the dragster engine today 4.125 x 3.625

(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/06/6ysuhe4u.jpg)

Make sure Glen sees this with the pulleys in right order.Bottom little small and top little big but at least they are in right order top to bottom.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on April 06, 2014, 04:46:08 PM
Assembled the dragster engine today 4.125 x 3.625

(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/06/6ysuhe4u.jpg)

Make sure Glen sees this with the pulleys in right order.Bottom little small and top little big but at least they are in right order top to bottom.

Your being nasty.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: janjon on April 06, 2014, 06:40:52 PM
Helmet bars!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Paul New on April 06, 2014, 07:30:46 PM
Assembled the dragster engine today 4.125 x 3.625

(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/06/6ysuhe4u.jpg)

Make sure Glen sees this with the pulleys in right order.Bottom little small and top little big but at least they are in right order top to bottom.

I agree a little big on the top but I can not fit a larger pulley on the bottom... I am only spinning the blower 8%od it will run 6.60's at 206 with the powerglide I am switching out to a B&J and a clutch this season so want to start with an engine tune up I know!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricardo1967 on April 06, 2014, 08:35:41 PM
Assembled the dragster engine today 4.125 x 3.625

(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/06/6ysuhe4u.jpg)

Paul, that's a nice looking mill! What's the blower brand and size if you don't mind?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on April 06, 2014, 08:37:20 PM
I'm 38 percent under driven and run 162 at 8.00
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: grapro on April 07, 2014, 05:46:27 AM
I finally got my car rolling, was a while but it is done now. Had to mount the intake on the block just to get the right feeling. Looking forward for the rest of the build.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dreracecar on April 07, 2014, 08:03:22 AM
Paul,
   Are you planning on running a crank support??? Thats a lot of overhang of the lower hub/pulley for a standard SBC snout.   just asking
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Paul New on April 07, 2014, 09:29:56 AM
I didn't get that far Saturday yes I run a crank support and   a Bryant crank w/ BBC snout
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Paul New on April 07, 2014, 09:30:57 AM
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/08/u7umavu2.jpg)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dreracecar on April 07, 2014, 09:52:50 AM
Great--good to go then
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on April 12, 2014, 01:07:23 PM
Finally found some time to work on my car today . Put the small fuel tank back up front and the small battery. Remounting the oil accumulator and fire bottle . It's been a really bad winter and all I have had time to do is fix plow truck's ! Time for some quality time with my race car !   
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Paul New on April 17, 2014, 08:44:40 PM
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/18/eje9upev.jpg)

Didn't work on my car today but my clutch just showed up! Kind of excited
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dusterdave173 on April 21, 2014, 04:24:17 AM
I mounted my home made body and finished engine pan --I am ready for paint now.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on April 21, 2014, 04:47:40 AM
I mounted my home made body and finished engine pan --I am ready for paint now.

Home made is excellent, whish I had the talent.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: JeffV8 on April 21, 2014, 04:32:52 PM
Bought a 331 today..

Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on April 21, 2014, 07:23:29 PM
I know nothing about hemis educate me.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: JeffV8 on April 21, 2014, 07:45:30 PM
Glenn
I'm learning also..  Chrysler made 331, 354 and 392. 392's seemed to be the engine of choice. 
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Paul New on April 21, 2014, 08:14:22 PM
Nice a 331 without the bellhousing attached
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on April 24, 2014, 01:44:34 PM
Finished the install of the new sheet metal tunnel ram. Been working on it about three years. Finally to day it barked to life. [image][/img]
Manifold is tuned for 6000RPM which is engine peak power as well. Headers which have to  be made to match because it is a single flange six manifold are also tuned to peak power point. All was designed and built in house except my pal John who owns Noronco Sheet Metal Company came one day and ask me how it went together. Stamped all the runners and flange and took it to his shop for his best tigger to do. (said I was taking too long.) I made the headers after that. Two Holley 500 2 bbls feed it. In reality because 2 brls are rated at a different vacuum drop they are not really 500 cfm but the pair are almost an exact equivalent of a 750 Holley 4 bbl for flow (and in fact construction) The carbs were hard to find and were tough but I was able to bring them back to life. Choke horns are removed and circuitry has been treated as all my race holleys.
I am looking for that "smoked him right in the lights" pull as I clear the traps. Perhaps  25 or 30 more peak ponies
don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on April 24, 2014, 05:13:53 PM
Spent four hours cutting on some used Wilwood calipers I bought. Milled all ares I could find that had extra material and made them look little like the lite weight Strange units I have seen. 4 hours and I  got about 2 1/4 lbs total off.Plus figure don't need bleeders except for when first installing and 4 bleeders weigh about 6 to 7 oz and four pipe plus less than 2 oz so another 1/4 lb saved at no cost Not much but its weight off and cost zero dollars. Work wise I went in the hole I guess. I use to pay 100 buck per lb when we took it off funny car ,so looking at it that way Im good with it.

Starting new housing this weekend out of moly and canning the mild steel one. Hopefully about 20 lbs differance when done. also changed ot cpl panles that where .050 for some .040 aluminum have not weighed yet but has to be 20% less.  Now take the full chute body off and swap to second body(shorty) and I can save more but  I like the look.I always have option since I made both.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dreracecar on April 24, 2014, 07:09:41 PM
Customers car

I would post pics but files are to large,  Too bad really nice car
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricardo1967 on April 24, 2014, 08:21:43 PM
Finished the install of the new sheet metal tunnel ram. Been working on it about three years. Finally to day it barked to life. [image][/img]
Manifold is tuned for 6000RPM which is engine peak power as well. Headers which have to  be made to match because it is a single flange six manifold are also tuned to peak power point. All was designed and built in house except my pal John who owns Noronco Sheet Metal Company came one day and ask me how it went together. Stamped all the runners and flange and took it to his shop for his best tigger to do. (said I was taking too long.) I made the headers after that. Two Holley 500 2 bbls feed it. In reality because 2 brls are rated at a different vacuum drop they are not really 500 cfm but the pair are almost an exact equivalent of a 750 Holley 4 bbl for flow (and in fact construction) The carbs were hard to find and were tough but I was able to bring them back to life. Choke horns are removed and circuitry has been treated as all my race holleys.
I am looking for that "smoked him right in the lights" pull as I clear the traps. Perhaps  25 or 30 more peak ponies
don

Dolmetsch, it turned out great! I was missing your updates. Can't wait to hear how it goes at the track.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on April 24, 2014, 08:24:02 PM
Customers car

I would post pics but files are to large,  Too bad really nice car
I will be happy to down size them for you and send them back to you to post.

Just e-mail them to me
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dreracecar on April 25, 2014, 03:56:45 PM
Thanx Glenn
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricardo1967 on April 25, 2014, 06:23:31 PM
Really nice Bruce!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: chassisman nz on April 25, 2014, 10:17:31 PM
Here's some shots of a front axle i spent a couple of minutes putting together for a customer's 183" car i built late last year,i have a shop here in enzed building mainly doorslammers & the occassional hot rod,and this car is my 1st step into the 'dark side',(starting on a 195"example next month),i did a bit of research before starting & liked the look of the Fighting Irish batwings,spent a couple of days making some simple press tools and jigs & bingo finished product,will post up more pics in next few days on the 183" build, (quite exciting):)
Terry
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on April 26, 2014, 12:23:17 PM
Here's some shots of a front axle i spent a couple of minutes putting together for a customer's 183" car i built late last year,i have a shop here in enzed building mainly doorslammers & the occassional hot rod,and this car is my 1st step into the 'dark side',(starting on a 195"example next month),i did a bit of research before starting & liked the look of the Fighting Irish batwings,spent a couple of days making some simple press tools and jigs & bingo finished product,will post up more pics in next few days on the 183" build, (quite exciting):)
Terry

I turned the pictures around for you, start a thread on the build in the build category, use it to send to your customers for future business.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on April 26, 2014, 02:52:02 PM
All done! Just have to take it off the trailer put the coolant back in (drained for winter) and adjust idle  then test drivability (No bog when floored)
Linkage presented a few challenges but that is all sorted out now and working. WUGA was by for spring chat. Talking of doing a 261GMC powered  32 bantam sedan.
Hope he does.
don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Oldschool on April 26, 2014, 05:58:16 PM
We'll just got my Dragster and now will be installing engine and few misc. parts and can't wait.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Supercat on April 26, 2014, 07:20:22 PM
Just got the keys to the new shop today. We moved to the east coast on the water in Florida about a month ago and we are loving it. The track is about 30 miles away and then there are about 15 more tracks in the same time it would take us to get to Bakersfield. We have two of five cars here that will go in the shop this week.
We should be at the track by the end of May.
Glad to see everyone still getting things done on their cars.
We will finally be working on the Supercat by the end of this week ;D
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on April 26, 2014, 08:23:13 PM
Just got the keys to the new shop today. We moved to the east coast on the water in Florida about a month ago and we are loving it. The track is about 30 miles away and then there are about 15 more tracks in the same time it would take us to get to Bakersfield. We have two of five cars here that will go in the shop this week.
We should be at the track by the end of May.
Glad to see everyone still getting things done on their cars.
We will finally be working on the Supercat by the end of this week ;D

How about some shots of the shop?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricardo1967 on April 26, 2014, 08:25:45 PM
We'll just got my Dragster and now will be installing engine and few misc. parts and can't wait.

Oldschool, nice looking car, best luck on your build.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on April 26, 2014, 08:57:34 PM
We'll just got my Dragster and now will be installing engine and few misc. parts and can't wait.

For sure start a build and Photo thread in the build and photo category so we can follow along and can keep a "log" of the progress
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on April 27, 2014, 04:27:53 AM
Terry, Nice front axle. Design is very similar to the Sr Dragster from a design point. . If it steers as well as mine does you will be smiling for sure. 
don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: PSweeney on April 28, 2014, 03:06:37 AM

Nice work Bruce, I have a question for you ?  I'm forming an folded lip / edge on the cowl over the motor plate. the material has been anneald and is workable.  I beat the lip over the m;plate with a wooden mallet with the cowl dzus'd in place to hold it's shape .  The rounded bends pucker up and need to be shrunk down, however if I do this with the shrinker off the car, the cowl goes out of shape and the dzus holes no longer line up ?  How can I lose the material in the bend without distorting the panel ?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: hotrod316 on April 28, 2014, 05:43:48 AM
supercat here about on the east coast are you?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: hotrod316 on April 28, 2014, 05:55:07 AM
i looked at them and the fuel smell ok
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dreracecar on April 28, 2014, 09:06:42 AM
Couple of things

what grade material and how thick?
how much flange 1/4-1/2-1" ??

to start with trying to beat a flange 90* over a 1/4" thick motorplate will cause the motorplate to flex, thus when you relax the cowel by removing the fasteners, the motorplate springs back and re-installing the cowel will have the dzus holes out of possision. Always start the lip by just tapping down a little to mark the alu and finnish up with hammer and dolly to acheave 90*.
The material for this should be 3003 H14 x .050 and you anneal by carbon soot and burn off, ther are plently of other methods to do the same thing, this is what I do.
This aluminum has the properties to shrink into itself so any waves in the edges will compress as you mallet into a heal dolly and once edge is flat you can use the shrinker to tune the radious--just be smart and lite about it.
If the material you are using is thicker and you are running a large flange--you have to almost double the effort , also if the radious of the bend is too tight you have to reduce the flange width overall and/or weld in material.
If the material is 5052 H32--- that material is not heat treatable with normal methods and really stiff, so any forming should be done with machines designed to that function
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Supercat on April 28, 2014, 07:46:36 PM
We are about 40 minutes east of Orlando Florida right on the coast. 
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: PSweeney on April 29, 2014, 05:14:33 AM
thanks Bruce I have no idea what grade it is but it does anneal ok.  It's 1.2mm thick so thereabouts .050

I hadn't thought of the m'plate flexing.   I'll give it a go without the m'plate in place and see if I can get the corners pulled in with the dolly, thanks for the advice.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on April 29, 2014, 09:17:16 AM
Did the final fix on the two small header leaks today.(pzzz pzzzzzzz) Rainy now so no road test today.
don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: hotrod316 on April 29, 2014, 04:50:29 PM
We are about 40 minutes east of Orlando Florida right on the coast.
thanks i would like to stop by on my next trip south on I 95 to Stuart it 's
always fun looking at what someone else is doing
steve m
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on April 30, 2014, 04:23:37 PM
some folks will do anything to shave 2.5 lbs.
Before(http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j350/wideopen231/019-2.jpg) (http://s1081.photobucket.com/user/wideopen231/media/019-2.jpg.html)
(http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j350/wideopen231/021.jpg) (http://s1081.photobucket.com/user/wideopen231/media/021.jpg.html) After still some clean up work to do and polishing. Differance was about 1.25 lbs per caliper. Lots of work for 2.5 lbs but no cost and its weight I DON'T have to carry down the track.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on May 01, 2014, 11:23:09 AM
Now you can have that extra cheeseburger !!!         
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on May 01, 2014, 01:27:53 PM
nope get one dbl cheese per 50 lbs saved. So another 47.5 pounds I can get one.Problem then I fill guilty about spending the money all $1.25 of it.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on May 02, 2014, 04:12:04 AM
Ran the rail for many minutes. Allowed it to come to full temp (160F) and it will sit and idle easily after the initial 1 1/2 to2 minutes (once it gets by the carb icing moments and everything gets wet inside the carbs). Over the years I have found that is a pretty good indicator we are on the right track. I currently have 72 jets installed, 5.0 power valves and 28 shooters. New headers and intake have quite a bark to them and an old racer friend who was hear to get me to weld a busted Aluminum head was sure I had done a camshaft upgrade but I haven't cause there is no upgrade from this one. It has quite a strong note and if sound counted for anything it would be good. Another FED pilot was by later and said" it sounds like you added the other two cylinders." Hopefully I will gain something from all this work but time will tell.
I suppose I could video a cackle and post it. Going to lube the linkage pivot points today and see if I cant make it a bit easier..
don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricardo1967 on May 02, 2014, 05:17:31 AM
Ran the rail for many minutes. Allowed it to come to full temp (160F) and it will sit and idle easily after the initial 1 1/2 to2 minutes (once it gets by the carb icing moments and everything gets wet inside the carbs). Over the years I have found that is a pretty good indicator we are on the right track. I currently have 72 jets installed, 5.0 power valves and 28 shooters. New headers and intake have quite a bark to them and an old racer friend who was hear to get me to weld a busted Aluminum head was sure I had done a camshaft upgrade but I haven't cause there is no upgrade from this one. It has quite a strong note and if sound counted for anything it would be good. Another FED pilot was by later and said" it sounds like you added the other two cylinders." Hopefully I will gain something from all this work but time will tell.
I suppose I could video a cackle and post it. Going to lube the linkage pivot points today and see if I cant make it a bit easier..
don

Dolmetsch, yes, cackle video please!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on May 05, 2014, 02:05:36 PM
Cackle video made but is being stubborn to upload to Youtube. Engine has quite a sound to it with this setup. Sounds more like a big block.
Meanwhile here at the ranch I dragged it outside and set about tuning. About 2 oclock I did a Rocky Philips style performance test. Car staged easily. I took it to 4000 Stall and turned it loose. Power came on smooth and strong without any hint of difficulty. Probably good to go.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on May 05, 2014, 06:24:21 PM
Cackle video made but is being stubborn to upload to Youtube. Engine has quite a sound to it with this setup. Sounds more like a big block.
Meanwhile here at the ranch I dragged it outside and set about tuning. About 2 oclock I did a Rocky Philips style performance test. Car staged easily. I took it to 4000 Stall and turned it loose. Power came on smooth and strong without any hint of difficulty. Probably good to go.
http://youtu.be/iPwtqe-_PBo
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on May 05, 2014, 08:24:38 PM
Cackle video made but is being stubborn to upload to Youtube. Engine has quite a sound to it with this setup. Sounds more like a big block.
Meanwhile here at the ranch I dragged it outside and set about tuning. About 2 oclock I did a Rocky Philips style performance test. Car staged easily. I took it to 4000 Stall and turned it loose. Power came on smooth and strong without any hint of difficulty. Probably good to go.
http://youtu.be/iPwtqe-_PBo

Your right, does not sound like a six. Sounds like an 8!

How about adding this post also on the six cylinder thread?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on May 06, 2014, 04:25:04 PM
Sounds great! :D
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on May 08, 2014, 06:52:06 PM
Ran at Indy last night, first time track this season, first time for the rebuilt engine, first burnout, broke the belt that drives the fuel pump.

I had a spare, replaced it, second attempt at the track ran a 8.17, trying for 8.00 index, was very fat.

Track closed before a third attempt could be made.

Today drove to Madison Illinois, Gateway Motorsports Park, We have a NDRL race here this weekend.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: JeffV8 on May 09, 2014, 12:54:16 AM
Good luck Glenn
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: LZ on May 09, 2014, 08:56:33 AM
Well sounds good Glenn that should be encouraging for you through it all. 8)
Have fun. Hope you and Steve can turn some win lights on.
be safe
LZ
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on May 09, 2014, 09:00:03 AM
Good luck,go when one  and have fun.  Probably better luck if car not green.Lol
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Keven on May 09, 2014, 12:27:43 PM
Have fun Glenn. That first time out is always worth the wait, especially when it is successful.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on May 09, 2014, 01:52:55 PM
Good luck !
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: 225digger on May 09, 2014, 05:56:54 PM
have not done anything to my build in a long time , but the other day i got a key part that i have been saving for ...   1.66 high impact pro glide , vasco gear set , etc .... i hope i dont break it behind a 700hp bbc .

(http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr81/tedsfab/IMG_20140506_114326_470_zpsad161b80.jpg)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Zooman on May 09, 2014, 07:04:53 PM
That tranny will last for years. Probably good for 1500 HP, so whip it!
Good luck with the rest of the build.
Cheers
VZ
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on May 10, 2014, 07:09:16 AM
Second run at Gateway Motor Sports Park ran an 8.020 on an 8.000 index
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on May 10, 2014, 10:12:47 AM
Man Glen can't you do better than that? Would think you could hit 8.002 at least.   Good job now go tune it little bit pull .010 out and you should be jammin.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on May 10, 2014, 10:24:56 AM
Man Glen can't you do better than that? Would think you could hit 8.002 at least.   Good job now go tune it little bit pull .010 out and you should be jammin.

Top 7.0 qualifier ran a 7.000 at 204 MPH
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on May 10, 2014, 01:51:34 PM
Hey I was making it easy for you.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on May 10, 2014, 02:20:13 PM
Hey I was making it easy for you.
Third time trial air went away a, did not change the tune up

Ran 8.059, found out that I was top qualifier after round 2, do not know where I am now.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dusterdave173 on May 10, 2014, 07:15:39 PM
Dropped the engine and tranny in my new build ---getting closer
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dusterdave173 on May 11, 2014, 03:50:01 PM
Gaining on it!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: hotrod316 on May 12, 2014, 06:29:29 AM
looking good ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on May 12, 2014, 03:18:02 PM
I always put customer projects ahead of my own....After a couple of weeks (must have been shipped by mule train) I received my new CVR oil pump and pickup. Actually the pickup was the delaying factor. Installed the new parts and fired er' up.  75 psi idling cold 65 hot (with 50w Kendall) that's more like it! Hope to test in a few days. If sound counts, it's a Mighty Mouse. :D
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on May 14, 2014, 11:34:59 AM
Yesterday we sat her on the scales. Minus the aluminum (short) body panels, (maybe what 20 lbs) and the fire bottle it weighed in at 1,401 with me in it (no suit or helmet) It's 12 lbs heavy on the R/R. 
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on May 14, 2014, 01:00:53 PM
Sounds do not always count.Lil brothers RED is one of best sounding power wise at the track but we are normally slowest.Then we are running mild 496 and most of the others in brackets are 580 + and cost 3 or 4 times as much.

 Hopefully AFaulk your is oppisite and will rock the track. 
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on May 14, 2014, 03:27:10 PM
Alan that is like super light ! How did you get it so light !
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Van on May 14, 2014, 06:07:28 PM
That is OK for todays cars. I had a FED that scaled in at 1,050 with driver ready to run, with iron 392 hemi. The list of how it was done is very long.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on May 14, 2014, 07:28:58 PM
Alan that is like super light ! How did you get it so light !
  It has a Milodon aluminum block and early Dart heads.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on May 14, 2014, 07:40:14 PM
So Bill you shopping for new aluminum block now?

 You said you dropped a 130 already so that should put you over 200 off.  Anyone know differance in iron SBC and aluminum one. I know on bbc its right about deadon a 100 lbs.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on May 15, 2014, 03:24:56 PM
I should be right around 1450 ready to race with driver .
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on May 15, 2014, 05:33:58 PM
Well, I didn't make any money today but I saved some. Fabbed up a blower belt guard out of some 1/8" moly plate with some moly tube for standoffs. Similar ones from Good Vibes Racing are $139 plus shipping. My plasma cutter needs a new tip. Man what a struggle  :P. There's another pound or so including bolts. 
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on May 17, 2014, 04:05:58 AM
Checked over, loaded and off to Picton Airfield in about an hour. Nervous for sure. Wonder how the new manifold and headers will do. Weather looks good. Sunny and clear although cool.
don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: hotrod316 on May 17, 2014, 02:58:39 PM
you lucky bas sorry glenn, just looked at my 2 car cars 1 still on the jig table and in it boxs :-\
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on May 18, 2014, 04:14:15 PM
Nothing today. Spent 14 hours yesterday straightening up her room.  Ok I was trying to make room for me to work on the car some. I think it should be a law that all houses come with a garage thats equal to or bigger than the house. How do they expect someone to get a topf fuel car in to a 22' garage?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: 225digger on May 18, 2014, 06:40:34 PM
Nothing today. Spent 14 hours yesterday straightening up her room.  Ok I was trying to make room for me to work on the car some. I think it should be a law that all houses come with a garage thats equal to or bigger than the house. How do they expect someone to get a topf fuel car in to a 22' garage?

we live in a 900 sq ft apartment type deal attached to our 6500 sqft shop .... its friggin awesome !
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on May 19, 2014, 02:13:26 PM
Thanks 225,

  I had a commercial building we ordered and got screwed out of by the company.United Steel building's total scam. I had a 5000 sq ft shop with 1200 sq ft apartment designed into the top of it with offices up front for business. Thanks for reminiding me about that $17,500 hole in my back side.Ended up loosing the lot and all in the end.  Agree about awsome part and by the way I hate you.LOL
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on May 20, 2014, 02:52:30 PM
Nothing today. Spent 14 hours yesterday straightening up her room.  Ok I was trying to make room for me to work on the car some. I think it should be a law that all houses come with a garage thats equal to or bigger than the house. How do they expect someone to get a topf fuel car in to a 22' garage?
  I love it when a man has his priorities in order  8)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on May 20, 2014, 02:55:39 PM
I had a longggg day yesterday. Went to Commerce, Ga and watched the big boys run. Geez, those things are too fast. More high tech stuff than the space shuttle. Came home after a 15 hr day with my tail feathers dragging.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Supercat on June 03, 2014, 07:39:20 PM
I had a longggg day yesterday. Went to Commerce, Ga and watched the big boys run. Geez, those things are too fast. More high tech stuff than the space shuttle. Came home after a 15 hr day with my tail feathers dragging.
What part of GA. are you in? We will be heading up to a track near Valdosta soon with some friends to run the Supercat FED.

Yesterday we got the new mag drive for our 462" that's in the Supercat FED. I will try to get the Mag in this week so we can run the car on Saturday at Orlando.
I'll post some update pictures of the car and the new shop soon.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on June 04, 2014, 04:02:40 PM
Supercat, we're in Jasper, Al. Wish I was in Calif. lots of good racing there.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on June 04, 2014, 04:07:24 PM
Installed a new A/C in the trailer today and a new vent over the generator. Finally got the Onan running sweet  :D (and they say you cant work on the Onan carbs) I guess the Interweb carb pros aren't racers LOL. Got the new awning material and installed it last week. SOooo, only 2 months late we're ready to test.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: grapro on June 04, 2014, 09:31:23 PM
Just recieved my gear set. All nice and new and ready to go in.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on June 05, 2014, 05:47:24 AM
Just recieved my gear set. All nice and new and ready to go in.

Be sure to check gear back lash, just replaced mine because it was not set up right from Strange (gears were to worn to save)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: grapro on June 05, 2014, 08:42:54 PM
I just bought all the parts from Strange. Gear set up was done by a old school drag racer.  He has done a lot of  setups for the local  racers around here. I was wondering what kind of transmission cooler most fed boys are using on glides.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on June 06, 2014, 05:54:46 AM
I just bought all the parts from Strange. Gear set up was done by a old school drag racer.  He has done a lot of  setups for the local  racers around here. I was wondering what kind of transmission cooler most fed boys are using on glides.

This is what I did, with steel lines running from the cooler back to the transmission. Ran it three years, pulled the transmission sent it out to be rebuilt, Lyndon at Rutland transmission http://www.lidiakmotorsports.com/rutlandracingtransmissions/ (http://www.lidiakmotorsports.com/rutlandracingtransmissions/) said the parts were like new, did not replace any, re certified the case and sent it back to me.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dreracecar on June 06, 2014, 09:39:03 AM
Just a looped line out and in and good tranny fluid. Had a cooler once- started to leak, got rid of it
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: buickfed on June 08, 2014, 01:39:28 PM
I haven't posted for awhile partly waiting for warmer weather and father sick for about 2 months. finally caught up with everything.
had the gear backlash redone. changed from a s/plane to a b&m s/c. got it all back together. my son does the wiring and had to redo what I cut or ruined. he took it for a test drive in the driveway and he had some issues. he said he wanted to go faster. lol. have to get started on the intake for the 4-71.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on June 08, 2014, 05:56:49 PM
I haven't posted for awhile partly waiting for warmer weather and father sick for about 2 months. finally caught up with everything.
had the gear backlash redone. changed from a s/plane to a b&m s/c. got it all back together. my son does the wiring and had to redo what I cut or ruined. he took it for a test drive in the driveway and he had some issues. he said he wanted to go faster. lol. have to get started on the intake for the 4-71.

Been missing your input.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Cajuninjector on June 09, 2014, 12:58:30 PM
 http://youtu.be/AK8e9SmRHaY
This was what happened to a fellow member of SWJFA when his transmission cooler line broke on the launch.
Could have been a lot worse.
Mine is looped with no cooler
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on June 09, 2014, 01:52:26 PM
http://youtu.be/AK8e9SmRHaY
This was what happened to a fellow member of SWJFA when his transmission cooler line broke on the launch.
Could have been a lot worse.
Mine is looped with no cooler
That was some nice driving!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on June 09, 2014, 05:02:36 PM
Worked on the Sr drag today. It is still running a bit fat. Probably due to the strength of the signal from the tunnel ram which can make carbs run rich. I m dropping the jets two sizes and will run it around and see if I like it.
don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: buickfed on June 09, 2014, 07:22:49 PM
I haven't posted for awhile partly waiting for warmer weather and father sick for about 2 months. finally caught up with everything.
had the gear backlash redone. changed from a s/plane to a b&m s/c. got it all back together. my son does the wiring and had to redo what I cut or ruined. he took it for a test drive in the driveway and he had some issues. he said he wanted to go faster. lol. have to get started on the intake for the 4-71.

Been missing your input.

I have a father that nobody's right but him. he fell due to his neleglince back in feb and march and ended up in the home for 6 weeks. doctors, nurses, therapists, everybody's wrong on fixing his problem. can't tell him anything. so that made my first half of the year very slow.
but back to racing.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on June 10, 2014, 03:42:44 AM
Re coolers. About 8 years ago I started making my own coolers. I use the same tubing size as the lines and wrap it in a coil around a paint can etc (just to form it then remove it)for about 12 loops and then return to the trans. it works so well I wonder why I ever bought a cooler. Gets rid of the excess heat nicely, doesnt plug , easy to clean and strong enuf not to leak. And I drive to the line and back to the pits with no issues. I put the inverted flare nuts right on the tubing ends so it is a one piece stand alone unit. Even on a long stage at 4700 on an 8 inch converter no issues. Someone once suggested it was a dumb idea (because of course it wasn't store bought and wouldn't work) so I suggested  he hold his hand on it. ;>)Apparently he had no faith in his own words. Which brings me to another issue. Why do people say thing like that when they can plainly see it is working and has been for some time?
do
Re Dads
I have one of those too. My Dad is an engineer (EE) and reminds me I am only a technician. He decides he doesn't have time to eat and being an engineer he believes allows that since "he knows" .  I totally respect his technical ability in his field as he has had quite a career but in real life , well you obviously understand. He is now 90 and will never change so we can only try and help and keep our mouths shut hoping of course we will not wind up the same but knowing probably we will. 
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on June 15, 2014, 02:43:32 PM
Made 2 test hits last night.........my car is wanting a considerable amount of preload in the R/R.  :P   Rear end appears (measured) to be square with chassis and we started testing with the car 19 lbs heavy on the R/R. Also added 1 psi extra to the R/R for the second hit, which was better than the first. Track had teeth like a bull shark. I'm really thinking the converter needs a major adjustment to soften the hit.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: grapro on June 23, 2014, 05:35:16 AM
I mounted my fuel tank and tranny cooler and started putting my fuel system together.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on June 23, 2014, 08:07:36 AM
I mounted my fuel tank and tranny cooler and started putting my fuel system together.
Just a thought, if you move the tank forward you have the same weight, but with the weight further forward the dragster is less likely to wheel stand.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: grapro on June 23, 2014, 09:16:30 AM
I was going to do that but my fire bottles fit in front of it, with my transmission cooler and I am only 184 inches so the area gets pretty congested. My last compartment behind the front axle is very small also. Only 8 inches wide and starts at 6" and goes down to nothing quickly. I don't think I will have much more room up front other that some room for some lead weight.  I would like to cover everything later so I think I am stuck with what I have.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Paul New on June 23, 2014, 09:19:12 AM
I ran my fastest MPH in my car last weekend 6.66 @ 213 MPH in my blown SBC FED
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on June 23, 2014, 02:21:54 PM
I ran my fastest MPH in my car last weekend 6.66 @ 213 MPH in my blown SBC FED
Nice!!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on June 23, 2014, 02:55:41 PM
Wow! I couldn't handle that. Over 200 takes more guts then I have. I scared myself Sat with the bugs worked out of tunnel ram the car went as fast as I ever want to go. Had a slight burble just before the 1-2 shift. Occurred every run at exactly the same point . I traced it to fuel delivery. Thought might have been the pump unable to keep up with the quick rise in RPM and fuel demand in low gear but a 30 sec delivery test today proved that was not the issue. Eventually found the offending area and I believe will have it cured by the end of the week. The encouraging part of this is the engine would never have asked for this much fuel with the old Offy 4 BBl set up. Aside from that it pulled HARD from the git go and ran strong and smooth through 2 and 3 gear. Several fellows came to the pits or phoned over the weekend to say it was howling like a banshee as it crossed the finish line. A couple say they have videos.
don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on June 24, 2014, 06:29:30 AM
Wow! I couldn't handle that. Over 200 takes more guts then I have. I scared myself Sat with the bugs worked out of tunnel ram the car went as fast as I ever want to go. Had a slight burble just before the 1-2 shift. Occurred every run at exactly the same point . I traced it to fuel delivery. Thought might have been the pump unable to keep up with the quick rise in RPM and fuel demand in low gear but a 30 sec delivery test today proved that was not the issue. Eventually found the offending area and I believe will have it cured by the end of the week. The encouraging part of this is the engine would never have asked for this much fuel with the old Offy 4 BBl set up. Aside from that it pulled HARD from the git go and ran strong and smooth through 2 and 3 gear. Several fellows came to the pits or phoned over the weekend to say it was howling like a banshee as it crossed the finish line. A couple say they have videos.
don

Any idea of your top speed?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on June 25, 2014, 04:42:03 AM
No Max available should be 136 mph but I doubt it was that fast. I have run doorslammers around and above 120 so I doubt that would bother me even now. I am not a very good driver anyway. I only drive to see how my engine development is coming. I just now I am now at the edge of my comfort zone and I think I will just enjoy it now and not push any harder. The tunnel ram project and its headers produced far more then I expected. The car pulls hard right from the git go. Hard enough it is hard to believe a six cylinder is the power plant. It is probably nothing compared to most of you FED pilots but to me it is more then I thought possible. It must have been pretty good because there has been a steady stream of fellows stopping by or phoning to say how good it was running. They have timer running now with 8 inch display however I didn't know that at the time so didn't ask anyone to watch my ET. I guess it doesn't really matter . The car works better then I dreamed. The $ in is so small I am embarrassed (under $4000 total spent over 8 years including car and a spare set of new slicks) I am having fun and folks like it. Car has been on TV several times and in 7 magazines with one more to come so I am told. I am more then satisfied with the project. It started out as I needed a vehicle to test my six carb intake deal on so I built this and has wound up as the most fun car I have ever owned. I guess I should be happy with that. I didn't see the tach a I crossed the finish line so I cant even give a good guess. When the track's video comes I can read the et from the video however that will be a month or so coming.

Here is what started the whole project, before the car I built this and needed something to test it on.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricci32 on June 25, 2014, 05:42:43 AM
Don  how did you buddy go with the hemi rail.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on June 25, 2014, 02:07:37 PM
Oh Mikes car,
He had a great day. We made some minor tuning changes but very minor however I thought it was right. he drove a full pass in the morning but really doesn't have that killer instinct so it was more like a parade then a race That is Ok he drives his Willys gasser the same and he wont change so I understand. However in the afternoon he put seasoned FED pilot Pat Doornbos in the car. Pat didn't quite get his new engine in his FED so came to the track. I had told him not to come ever without his helmut as I have also had him drive mine. He did a fine job. Stretched the throttle cable on the first pass but Mike had plenty of adjustment and fixed it in a few minutes. All in all he made four passes. I saw Mikes and his first one. My pal Harry though stayed for them all and said the car worked great. Last pass Pat was pitted against a fairly stout bracket car with a 496 BB Chev. Word on the street is he did Mike proud. Pat stopped by last night for an hour. He said the car is fun to drive, has no bad manners and goes very well. He said shifter could use some work as it is perhaps too big for a rail and the engine needs some more crankcase venting as he was eating a bit of oil on the last pass in the eyes. Not a lot but enough that it showed up on the face mask. I went down to see why and found Mikey had blocked the vent hole with a rubber frost plug deal rather then install the venting device he was supposed to. So the engine now had less then half the crankcase venting relief it had when stock. I didn't say much because it was kinda obvious ;>) Mike will figure it out. Pat said though all in all it is a fun car to drive and he feels extremely safe in it. He said the early 331 hemi which is not too far from stock save a cam, some compression and that marine two single big carb manifold works surprisingly well. Mike who wants it like it was back in the day right down to the cam does not want old looks with modern performance. He wants it as it would have been. We may have to detune because Pat told me he glanced at the tach in the eyes. I wont say what he said it was because he said he wasn't 100% sure but if it is true then it doing more then we thought.
Everybody is happy here.  I predict Mike will have a hired shoe most of the time. I did for about 80% of my career. Actually it is more fun to watch for some of us.   
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Supercat on July 01, 2014, 07:06:41 PM
Sunday we were able to finally get to the Dragster.
Mid-afternoon Sunday the Cat came to life for the first time at sea level(5' above ;))
We'll clean out the trailer on Friday and load the car up. Saturday we head to the track in Orlando for a few shake-down runs.
Looking forward to running the car with the Mag. The older MSD coil and box had been causing some issues the last few times out.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: JeffV8 on July 02, 2014, 05:51:03 AM
Good luck
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on July 02, 2014, 06:38:51 AM
 
Sunday we were able to finally get to the Dragster.
Mid-afternoon Sunday the Cat came to life for the first time at sea level(5' above ;))
We'll clean out the trailer on Friday and load the car up. Saturday we head to the track in Orlando for a few shake-down runs.
Looking forward to running the car with the Mag. The older MSD coil and box had been causing some issues the last few times out.

 ;)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on July 04, 2014, 05:32:10 PM
http://youtu.be/Psfeh8qvkro
Video taken by my friend Steve with his phone. You can hear the engine burble as it runs the bowls dry just before the 1 2 shift. Luckily it recovered and ran strong the rest of the way. I didn't push the converter stall on this run as I was preoccupied with the tunnel ram testing. It is getting harder to remember what to do every year.  I believe I have now cured the fuel delivery starvation in first gear. I may talk my friend Pat into running it for me.
 don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Supercat on July 04, 2014, 06:20:33 PM
Don sounds good. It's always good to see some videos........

We got the Supercat ready to go into the trailer tomorrow. Looks like it's going to a show ;). We are the new people at the local track and this is the first time to this track with the car. Hoping it runs as good as it looks...
We may go Saturday afternoon to run the car but it is also an NHRA point race #5 day so not sure as it may be crowded. Sunday is an all day test sesion so that is a given.
Have a great 4th.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on July 04, 2014, 06:59:51 PM
Have a great day. I feel your angst all the way up here. I don't know about you but I am always nervous about the first time out. Either with a whole car or with a new cam or manifold like I was with this. Stomach is on knots as I drive to the track. In fact sometimes I feel like going back home. However once I am there I settle down. Sometimes I make only one run at first then go home and think about it. I am able to think stuff through better at home then try and sort it out at the track with 50 experts who drove there in Passats and Camrys offering unsolicited advice. This video was the second time out for the new manifold and headers. Obviously we were on track and once the burble is dealt with it is certainly going to be good. I hope all goes well for you this weekend. Safety first of course and then a good strong first pass. I am anxious to see how you make out.
don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Supercat on July 04, 2014, 07:40:04 PM
Don we will let you know how it goes. Here is a shot of the car today from the second floor of the shop.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Supercat on July 05, 2014, 06:01:09 PM
Today was a wash with the rain/weather. We will run to the track(1/2hr) about 9am to run the car until 5 or the rains come back....
The GoPro is charged up and ready to go.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on July 05, 2014, 08:14:25 PM
I really need to spend some time with my gopro to learn how to use it.

Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on July 05, 2014, 09:01:15 PM
For $9.99 I bought a cheap video camera from Excess Cargo. My good one was always messing up, turning off automatically and I couldn't tell in the sunlight if it was on or not. The cheapie will run two hours straight so I turn it on in the pits and leave it. Since at the Airfield they run a hot lane for us it never needs more then about 5 minutes or so. The only usable in car video I ever got was with it. I made a small bracket for it and tape it to the roll cage. Very hard for me anyway to run the car and the camera otherwise. Here is the camera
don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: rooman on July 07, 2014, 05:14:27 AM
I really need to spend some time with my gopro to learn how to use it.

Good luck

The GoPro is excellent but it is complicated to set up. I have a Hero 3 Black edition which has way too many options in the menu. The best thing that I have done lately is to get the GoPro app working on my iPhone. Now I can control the camera with the phone, including being able to see what the camera is recording. I also have a Replay XD which is much more compact but does not have as many mounting options.
 We have learned quite a bit by being able to watch Mark's car up close during runs.

Roo
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on July 07, 2014, 07:22:53 AM
I really need to spend some time with my gopro to learn how to use it.

Good luck

The GoPro is excellent but it is complicated to set up. I have a Hero 3 Black edition which has way too many options in the menu. The best thing that I have done lately is to get the GoPro app working on my iPhone. Now I can control the camera with the phone, including being able to see what the camera is recording. I also have a Replay XD which is much more compact but does not have as many mounting options.
 We have learned quite a bit by being able to watch Mark's car up close during runs.

Roo


I have created a new thread called
Taking pictures of runs / How to / GoPro / ETC

this link will take you there
http://www.frontenginedragsters.org/forum/index.php?topic=1095.0 (http://www.frontenginedragsters.org/forum/index.php?topic=1095.0)

I have copied the above to responses and placed them there
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Supercat on July 08, 2014, 04:56:31 PM
Glenn this thread needs to be put back to a sticky ;).
I'll post the run video soon.
Here is one in the pits from a friend that came to watch
Setting the timinghttp://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=BI-Cz6K7FIc (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=BI-Cz6K7FIc)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on July 08, 2014, 05:24:57 PM
Glenn this thread needs to be put back to a sticky ;).
I'll post the run video soon.
Here is one in the pits from a friend that came to watch
Setting the timinghttp://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=BI-Cz6K7FIc (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=BI-Cz6K7FIc)

I have no idea how it was "unstickied", but has been put back
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dreracecar on July 08, 2014, 05:28:37 PM
Take time to build a proper rear stand for the car. Offcials see that and you will get a talking to
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Supercat on July 08, 2014, 06:35:57 PM
Bruce we have a rubber belted stand that goes just behind the rear engine plate. We use the jack to lift it up to that point. We were double checking the timing for the log book and had already removed the stand. If the wheels are spinning the stand is in-place. Our car is also never running without anyone in the seat. We saw "many" cars Sunday running with no one in the seat.  :o.

Thanks Glen

Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: George on July 08, 2014, 06:52:50 PM
Is that firewood under the car?  ;D
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Supercat on July 08, 2014, 08:16:34 PM
No George no firewood. We had mocked up the bracket that bolts to the jack and it has a receiver groove that locks into the rear of the chassis. What is in the video is bolted to the pads of the jack. We are finishing the tube perch that will bolt to the jack pads. Should be done with that this week.
Working 55-60 hrs a week in the heat slows the racing productivity a bit.....
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: George on July 09, 2014, 04:04:46 AM
No George no firewood. We had mocked up the bracket that bolts to the jack and it has a receiver groove that locks into the rear of the chassis. What is in the video is bolted to the pads of the jack. We are finishing the tube perch that will bolt to the jack pads. Should be done with that this week.
Working 55-60 hrs a week in the heat slows the racing productivity a bit.....

A little humor intended-- Firewood/fire up.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: fuel749 on July 09, 2014, 07:15:44 AM
Bruce we have a rubber belted stand that goes just behind the rear engine plate. We use the jack to lift it up to that point. We were double checking the timing for the log book and had already removed the stand. If the wheels are spinning the stand is in-place. Our car is also never running without anyone in the seat. We saw "many" cars Sunday running with no one in the seat.  :o.

Thanks Glen

I'm not in the habit of telling anybody what to do, but jack stands should be under the car if it's running at all, and a qualified operator should be in the seat. Another habit that you might want to break is the one of straddling the car. Might not seem like much, but a trip or fall at the wrong time could land a guy on hot or rotating parts. Even worse if its on the ground and a neutral safety switch or something malfunctions. Drivers not in the seat of running cars is a huge pet peeve of mine, and something that I wish track officials had more time to police.
     
             Even the mildest race car should be treated with the utmost respect and caution, stock type safety systems (neutral safety, parking pawl) should never be trusted. 
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Supercat on July 09, 2014, 05:07:33 PM
No worries here on the guidance. 
If I am not in the seat my wife is. We have have been around this for a long time. I have also seen a lot of damage from people using standard jack stands to support a dragster, especially when running. That is why we made our own stand with rubber pad to cushion and create a non slip cradle to better support the weight.
To get to a rotating part on my car it would be deliberate action. Sort of like putting your hand in a blender, but first you need to take the blender out of the cabinet and plugged it in ;D

George that's what I figured, its just been a long week already :(
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on July 14, 2014, 02:47:44 PM
When I built my car I used a commercial Gas pedal assembly. A MR Gasket one. Never liked it as it is very stiff at the start making staging always a challenge at best. After a week floating down the Danube and day dreaming I decided to attack that when I got home. First plan was to see if I could rework the Mr Gasket one . After about a hour of trying I came up with a little bolt on device that essentially cures the problem and allows for smooth throttle operation from idle to full. Tomorrow I will finalize it and report back. Sometimes a restful week can be a great benefit to your racing plan. Perhaps the farther away the better. Who'd a thunk it?
don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: coupemerc on July 19, 2014, 02:27:02 PM
Big milestone...Dropped the engine into the chassis today. Presently doing all of the plumbing
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricardo1967 on July 19, 2014, 05:38:06 PM
Big milestone...Dropped the engine into the chassis today. Presently doing all of the plumbing

Exciting times! It's a great sight to see the engine finally in there. I had a road bump when dropping mine in the rails, it wouldn't fit, had to get it out and saw 1/2" of iron off the widest part of block. Then realized that my mini-starter wasn't mini enough...

Good luck!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: tinbanger on July 21, 2014, 11:40:44 AM
Thanks Wideopen for turning me on to this link. Did not ever think there was this many fed heads. Just got my 05 Spizter 225". I traded a 235" 4-link Undercover for it and will never look back. My last fed was a 01 Parks 225".  My plan for the Spitzer is to lay down a radiator , rewire and add a delay box. After that go show all those identical pipe racks in staging with the engine in the wrong place what a real race car will do. [img][img]
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on July 21, 2014, 12:09:06 PM
Tin banger I race at Lebanon also.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: grapro on July 22, 2014, 05:48:23 AM
I just finished piping my fuel lines and got to take the car outside for some pictures.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dreracecar on July 22, 2014, 08:36:59 AM
Those in block water temp gauges are nice but carry a spare. Engine vibrations do a number on the insides and after a while the needle will act like a tach when you rev it. Summit has them for a good price
http://www.summitracing.com/search/brand/summit-racing/product-line/summit-racing-screw-in-engine-temperature-gauges?autoview=SKU

@ $30 each liquid filled
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: grapro on July 26, 2014, 06:58:44 PM
I received my 2.4 Nhra chassis certification. Now I have to race to get ready to race before the snow flies
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Supercat on July 26, 2014, 07:22:17 PM
Grapro it's always a relief when the car has its new cert. Congrats now get to the track and get some pictures/videos.

As for us
The car is in the trailer and ready to run. We weren't able to run the car here so next Friday should be fun at National trail in Ohio. We found and fixed a few issues with the fuel system and we installed a 54-5600 converter (previous was around 3000).
We also bumped the timing up a little more.
A few hours tomorrow sorting the tool boxes and loading the safety gear and we are ready to head out in a few days
This is the earliest we have been ready in years ;D
Usually we are working on everything right up until we get in the truck and leave behind schedule......
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Dolmetsch on August 11, 2014, 10:32:34 AM
Started prepping the car for Picton Airfield. It is over a month away but I like to go prepared. Spent quite  bit of time balancing the linkage for the two carbs. These were used carbs that I reworked and so have a bit of wear in the shaft area. And despite have the exact same number did nt have the exact same linkage. I made a work around but have since discovered that I can buy replacement bottom plate assemblies and so I may do that over the winter. meanwhile I got them pretty close, as close as is physically possible all considered.  I don't drive it at idle anyway but wanted them in synch as much as possible. Spent about an hour adjusting, testing, readjusting. If the burrple , fuel starvation is gone (right at the rpm peak in first gear just at the shift) Then that will be it as far as searching for more goes. I am happy right here.
don
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on August 13, 2014, 12:15:48 PM
Got out with my car this past weekend . First time since Bowling Green . I put my looser converter in it to try and improve my 60 ft times 1.13's at Bowling Green . I made 5 passes 2 were throw away . I ended up lowering my launch rpm to 4200 and picked up . we went 7.50 at 178 7.43 at 180 and 7.39 at 180 . The 7.39 is one of the best passes ever for this car and the conditions were not all that good . The next time out I am going to try some m5 methanol . My best 60 ft was still only a 1.10 and I think it should be around 1.05 Any body have any idea's   
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dreracecar on August 13, 2014, 05:17:05 PM
Whats m5 methonal???
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Paul New on August 13, 2014, 05:22:52 PM
M5 methanol is a VP product probably won't pass a fuel check
http://www.vpracingfuels.com/vp-drag-racing
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dreracecar on August 14, 2014, 09:14:35 AM
Waste--sorry
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on August 14, 2014, 11:47:57 AM
M5 has additives to increase hp .They claim 3 to 5 percent more power with it . I have some friends that have tried it and have picked up over a tenth with it . As far as being legal if you are running a comp or alcohol class no it is not . For bracket or index it's fine .
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: George on August 14, 2014, 06:10:05 PM
I tried M5 didn't see any change.

If you want to see change add some nitro to it. Just 10% will make you a believer.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dreracecar on August 15, 2014, 08:08:09 AM
The word is "CLAIM".   A tenth is kinda stretching it,  Bracket or Index relys on being consistant.

Hey its your money, I have to rely on whats always availabe everywhere I go and that is what I tune for. Plus I can run thru about 20gal a weekend so I would like to keep my fuel bill as low as I can
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on August 15, 2014, 02:13:29 PM
I really don't know if a tenth is stretching it . One of my buddies picked up .12 with a very similar combination as mine . It is a little more expensive than m1 but not that much . My goal with this car is to try and run the 7.0 class so I am trying different things to make it quicker . George I think I am going to end up running a small percentage of Nitro at some point but I think that I will have to take some compression out of it . The motor has 14.85 right now and I think that might be too much . How much did you pick up with the 10 percent ? I am going to try the M5 in a couple of weeks . I will let you guys know it worked . Bill
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: George on August 16, 2014, 04:57:40 AM
I really don't know if a tenth is stretching it . One of my buddies picked up .12 with a very similar combination as mine . It is a little more expensive than m1 but not that much . My goal with this car is to try and run the 7.0 class so I am trying different things to make it quicker . George I think I am going to end up running a small percentage of Nitro at some point but I think that I will have to take some compression out of it . The motor has 14.85 right now and I think that might be too much . How much did you pick up with the 10 percent ? I am going to try the M5 in a couple of weeks . I will let you guys know it worked . Bill

Bill. I run all 1/8 mile. My injected 355 was 13.4:1 and I ran up to 15% in it with no problems with the engine. At 10 % ( by volume) the ET gain was more than .10 . I had made 3 runs 5.23 ,5.22 and 5.24. I drained the tank and added the mixed fuel, set the timing at 38 (was 36) and ran 5.14. Second run we ran the timing up to 40 and ran 5.11. A few weeks later we ran it on 11% ( measured) and ran 5.07. At 15% the torque converter started slipping. George
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on August 16, 2014, 05:43:40 AM
George Thanks for the reply . I think that I might have to try it before the season is over!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Supercat on August 18, 2014, 04:55:51 PM
We ran our dragster on the chassis dyno across the street from our shop. Made 11 passes last weekend. Tomorrow we will make 2 more and then it's off to the track Wednesday night for some real runs.
We had been chasing an issue with low egt's and we thought we were too rich. After a few passes we went way rich to see what would be the outcome. We picked up 80+HP and 600 rpm. we went a bit richer but I think I am getting close to the capacity of the PG150C-1/2 pump. 075 main pill. 45lb bypass with a .090 jet.

We set the dyno for a measured 1350' we added the 30 extra feet so we could spin the drum and hit the throttle so we would not smoke the tires at the hit. We still did just not as bad. We ran 192mph and we were making 639hp at the wheel.
Not bad for a cast iron Buick ;D.
We are thinking the converter is not happy as the trans gets pretty warm compared to the older PTC converter. The dyno operator thinks we are also losing a bit of HP due to the converter.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: 30dodgeboy on August 23, 2014, 07:46:15 PM
Today I test fitted my recently acquired magnesium M/T valve covers...
and then stared at it for a while.
:)
Then I made sure the original spark plug tubes were compatible, and they are.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Pat Johnson on August 23, 2014, 10:20:23 PM
Well guy's and Girls, I and my partner just purchased a brand new 200 in Front Engine Dragster, and should be going to pick it up within the next 3 weeks,very  excited  very Poor after this, I must do this again before I check out.We will probably run a small block chev/ injected on alcohol, Anyway's iam trying to find out whay type of SFI rating do I need on my Firesuit and Helmet . And, If anyone has any good used stuff  like, i.e: Really hold on boy,s I need Chutes Motor,Brake 's, Tires,Wheels,Transmission ( powerglide) stuff like that. LOL anyway's, I have heard from: 3/2A/20, and I have heard, SFI 3/2A/15, I don't have my NHRA Book Yet, Help me, Tell me, Thank's, Pat
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricci32 on August 24, 2014, 03:39:14 AM
Pat a 15 will meet sfi requirements many times a when a 20 is recerted it is downgraded to a 15 which lets you use it longer profox has a really good sfi 15 at the best price
. for the extra few bucks I would go with a 20. 
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on August 25, 2014, 12:46:18 PM
Another place to try is Stroud safety eqipment . Very nice people to deal with . They might even have a trade in to sell.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: FEDNV on September 07, 2014, 06:35:34 AM
Changed torque converters hoping to help horrible 60 ft times (can't get any faster than a 1.20) and possibly overall time.  Removed the Specrite 5500 that would barely stall to 5000 and replaced with a new 8 inch Continental that is supposed to be 6k.  I was very impressed with the customer service I got from Continental and the new converter is probably 10lbs or more lighter.  Will give an update after we take it out on the 26th.  Also, we will be trying out 5 gallons of M5 and will give our impressions and any improvements.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Paul New on September 07, 2014, 09:24:05 AM
Pat a 15 will meet sfi requirements many times a when a 20 is recerted it is downgraded to a 15 which lets you use it longer profox has a really good sfi 15 at the best price
. for the extra few bucks I would go with a 20.

Stroud has re-certed my -20 twice and maintained it as a -20
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on September 07, 2014, 02:55:15 PM
first time simpson recertifed my 20 they had pants still a 20 but jacket at 15. Siad it was not up to 20 nad at time it was only few years old. Sounds like good way to sale new 20 suits.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricardo1967 on September 12, 2014, 09:10:31 PM
I just opened the box received from Hayden Wheels (Jon Hansen, member here), with my vintage wheels restored. I'm still pinching me, the quality and craftsmanship is from another world.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: JrFuel Hayden on September 12, 2014, 10:04:37 PM
I'm very Glad you like your wheels !
Have a great time with your dragster !

Jon
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: bad penny on September 13, 2014, 11:24:16 AM
Also just got my front wheels from Jon.Awesome job!They were exactly as I pictured them.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Pipe Dreams on September 20, 2014, 06:47:31 AM
Jon, did'nt reallize that you restoreed old wheels, just thought you sold new. Mine have seen better days, how much to get them looking like new again? Hoops will definitly need rechromed.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: gregm784 on October 02, 2014, 04:05:51 PM
Still loving my black rims Jon.  See you in a couple weeks!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Supercat on October 02, 2014, 05:02:21 PM
Drove up toward Daytona today to pick up our new converter for the dragster.
Next week we go to Gainesville to get the new Hoosiers and have them mounted on wider wheels while there.
The trans has been freshened up and new valve springs ordered for the heads.
We will be in Bowling Green October 15-19 at the GS Nationals second time with this car. Last time we got an award for the #1 Crowd favorite at the event. The car had the small Nailhead in it and no paint.
Oh how things have changed :D
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: JrFuel Hayden on October 02, 2014, 11:59:24 PM
Yes, Pipe Dreams I can and do rebuild wire spoke wheels.
I only use Stainless Steel spokes and nipples, less expensive than chromed steel, and SS will not rust to the nipples.
New SS spokes and nipples cost $252 for 1 pair of wheels, it would save you $72 pr if you don't want the spokes polished.
New chrome rims would be $200 pr, or  show chrome your rims would be about the same.
Lace and true is $160 pr. Then more if you need new bearings, tires, tubes, and mounting and balance.

So feel free to call me anytime, 805-444-4489.
Jon, Hayden Wheels
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: FEDNV on October 06, 2014, 06:06:38 AM
Going over the car and getting it ready for HRR

(http://i393.photobucket.com/albums/pp15/burnout1969420/20141005_114300_zpsed6a31de.jpg) (http://s393.photobucket.com/user/burnout1969420/media/20141005_114300_zpsed6a31de.jpg.html)

Also have a few ladies getting ready to drive.

(http://i393.photobucket.com/albums/pp15/burnout1969420/20140305_183458_zpsbc964baf.jpg) (http://s393.photobucket.com/user/burnout1969420/media/20140305_183458_zpsbc964baf.jpg.html)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on October 06, 2014, 06:38:42 AM
Just heard from a friend who is on the way to the meet, he is in Utah right now.

Quite a pit crew you have there.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: hemidakota on October 06, 2014, 09:53:35 AM
Yep best pit crew in the business for sure!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on October 06, 2014, 01:39:48 PM
Proper child raising right there. 
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricardo1967 on October 06, 2014, 03:01:05 PM
Proper child raising right there.

That ^^

FEDNV - cute kids!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Supercat on October 08, 2014, 07:13:22 PM
Glen glad to hear all went pretty well this year for you.
We should be out and about a lot more next year with our FED.....

Today I got the call from JW Tranny and was given the expected news we were ready for.
Burnt band and 8 disc clutch pack, bad pump, bad stator support , and they found our intermittent leak from the shift shaft.
They asked if I could even feel when I shifted the car? My response was at the last event every one ask if I was leaving in high gear or just short shifting.
Last time out we ran 1.101-60' ---- 5.01-1/8 @ 144 and 8.12 -1/4 @170  Not bad for an iron 462 NA engine on Methanol.
Looking forward to next week with the New/bigger fuel pump, New slicks, New trans, New converter, and the chassis painted( not that paint will make it go faster but it really looks much nicer.........)

Picking up the trans tomorrow :)
Should be a very busy weekend at the shop ;D

Glen have they posted next years expected events yet?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Nightmare AA/FA on October 21, 2014, 12:26:11 PM
JE,

You need to post some of your NTF Go Pro footage from the CHRR!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on October 21, 2014, 01:13:39 PM
2X^
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Supercat on October 21, 2014, 07:23:08 PM
We went to Bowling Green last week for our Buick GS Nationals not the Reunion this year.
 We ran a 8.18 @169 right out of the trailer. We chased the fuel tune around a bit early in the week. I ran down to Nashville Saturday morning to Mikes(Alky Digger) to get some smaller Enderle jets. The best run to this point had been the 8.18@169. We kept everything the same but went down 1 jet size at the ports. The first pass was a 7.96@ 171mph.  No time after that pass to adjust anything as we were called to the lanes for RD.#1 of Bracket 1. We put a 7.90 on the card. The next 4 rounds of racing we won. The semi final rd we got the bye run.... The final was next and we were still in it and running strong. I had the trans-brake depressed started to bring up the revs and the car launched(red-.050) I made the pass anyway as I was on the track and there to have fun.
We ran a 7.82 @ 171+ When I turned onto the return road the trans was making a lot of noise and the smoke. When I got out of the car the tranny was BOILING ??? I had not had that happen before. The trans is damaged pretty well and is being removed this week and opened up. The trans brake released on the line for whatever reason also. Curious to know what went on inside.

I do have some videos and GoPro's to upload in the next few days.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on October 22, 2014, 12:15:05 PM
Sounds like your living in the 7 second zone ! Nice going !
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Supercat on October 26, 2014, 06:10:09 AM
Thanks Bill I think we are in the 7's to stay :D.
Yesterday we pulled the trans and found part of the problem. Looks like both seals on the input shaft are toast. The front seal is melted on the shaft....
The fluid was very dark and smelled terrible, not much shiny metal or clutch material though. I'll drop off the trans Monday at JW on my lunch break. We are going to have FTI Converters raise the stall of the converter about 300 rpm and look for any damage also this week.
Trans temp had been 160-180 all day and on the last pass the temps went past 300F.

The starter is a little noisy also so that is getting rebuilt this week.
When we checked the plugs yesterday we also noticed things to be a little lean so we will richen things up for the next time out.
We are also looking for a Ford 9" center section with 35 spline spool and 4:30 -4:57 gears ready to go, if anyone has one sitting around that they are not using.

Here are 2 pictures and 1 video of our slowest pass (8.48@165mph) from the event
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c389/buquick/2014%20GS%20Nats/IMG_4895-original_zpsb84cccbc.jpg)
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c389/buquick/2014%20GS%20Nats/IMG_4896_zps3ab9acad.jpg)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=krpKC6Iqn5M
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on October 26, 2014, 06:41:00 AM
Very nice!

Race with us.

This is copied for a post by Troy over on the NDRL forum.

Nostalgia Nationals Return to Beech Bend

It was officially confirmed today that the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association are making a return to vintage drag racing here in the midwest. Scenic Beech Bend Raceway, regarded as the midwest home of nostalgia racing, will host the 4th annual Nostalgia Nationals September 18-20. The Goodguys will be returning where they left off with a full weekend of vintage drag racing, car show, swap meet, and autocross.

Also confirmed was that the Nostalgia Drag Racing League (NDRL) will be using this as the fifth and final points event for the 2015 season. “Goodguys and the NDRL reached an agreement to use the four NDRL classes, rules, and payout structure for this event and we could not be happier,” exclaimed Troy Wilson, NDRL Staff. “Dave Mullin and the Goodguys staff worked hard on putting this together and it is great news for the drag racers who attend these events”.

More details will be forthcoming and will be available at: www.good-guys.com and www.nostalgiadragleague.com
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Supercat on October 26, 2014, 06:49:54 AM
Glen we plan to next season.
We should be running in the low 7 range so I need to find out what the class ET's are for the different groups.
Give me a call when you make your way down to Florida soon.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on October 26, 2014, 08:30:55 AM
Seems kind of funny why you would wipe out the input seals like that . Do you run a bushing in the stator support . If you do not then the converter needs one . When you send the converter out ask them about that . 
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Supercat on October 26, 2014, 08:45:17 AM
Bill thanks for the info, I'll check with JW and FTI to see exactly how our trans and converter are set up.

Thanks again
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on October 26, 2014, 09:03:29 AM
There is a resource here also that you could ask.

Dan Dishon's Transmission Den
http://www.frontenginedragsters.org/forum/index.php?board=36.0 (http://www.frontenginedragsters.org/forum/index.php?board=36.0)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on October 29, 2014, 08:17:59 PM
It wasn't today but we did finally try the dragster again. Certainly didn't set any records but had fun. I just had to try a 3.55 gear, a mistake i guess. Did a high gear launch and ran a 5.51  (1/8) lifting at about 500 ft. when it spun and wiggled. I guess it's taking too long to get it up on the tire (staring in low) of course, starting in high is like beating a dead mule, 1.25 60".  Helpful comments will be appreciated.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: grapro on November 02, 2014, 06:12:08 PM
I'm getting close all wiring done, waiting for my trans to come back from the builder and I'm ready to fire. Next starting on the body. Took me a lot longer than I thought. Just a bout a whole year passed by.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Supercat on November 16, 2014, 07:21:39 PM
No other issues in the trans were found other than the Teflon seals were weak...
Different seals are now installed. I pick up the trans tomorrow at some point.
The converter is getting looked at this week and cut open to adjust a bit and see what things look like on the inside.
 The new fuel engine is getting closer also ;D...........Should be here in December
As for today I did touch the car and worked on some changes to the trailer as it was cool today @ about 69-70 degrees ;)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: FEDNV on December 03, 2014, 02:46:46 PM
Not just today but after the HRR started tearing the dragster down as I had broke the spool and one thing led to another so now I am in the process of powder coating the chassis, repainting the body (new nose piece redo), new 3rd member and axles, complete rewiring, upholster the seat and misc changes/updates.
(http://i393.photobucket.com/albums/pp15/burnout1969420/hrr-22_zpsf58f922a.jpg)
(http://i393.photobucket.com/albums/pp15/burnout1969420/20141005_114300_zps8792a6a9.jpg)
(http://i393.photobucket.com/albums/pp15/burnout1969420/20141120_090639_zpsbcb61b5d.jpg)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on December 03, 2014, 05:38:39 PM
what that big fat thing parked in garage next to your  racecar? That stuff belongs out side not next to a racecar.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: gasserx on December 05, 2014, 12:53:44 AM
Just bought an engine to put into my FED  :)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on December 28, 2014, 11:40:36 AM
Spent the last few days taking my motor apart to freshen it up . It has about 100 runs on it so I am going to put a set of rods in it ,rings and bearings . Every thing looks really good exept the coating on my piston skirts . I will send them out to be re coated . What's every one else up too ?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: FEDNV on December 28, 2014, 12:37:03 PM
Getting body panels cleaned up and getting new throttle and fuel shut off cables done.

(http://i393.photobucket.com/albums/pp15/burnout1969420/Dragster/20141228_101412_zpsdoxfp2ee.jpg)

(http://i393.photobucket.com/albums/pp15/burnout1969420/Dragster/Rebuild/20141228_101422_zps4oiczggo.jpg)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: grapro on December 29, 2014, 09:36:04 AM
I finished most of my body work other than the windshield, put the mockup wheels on it and rolled it outside and started it.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dreracecar on December 29, 2014, 10:54:18 AM
Have you mocked-up the windsheild yet to see if you can get out wearing your full suit and helmet?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: grapro on December 29, 2014, 10:57:27 AM
Yes I am using a short windshield it will only be 4 inches tall. I fit with no problem as long as I stay off the chocolates during the holidays.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: LZ on December 29, 2014, 01:05:03 PM
Looks great Gra. Happy New Year.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricardo1967 on December 29, 2014, 08:53:09 PM
Nice job Grapro. It's always exciting when we are sitting in car and the engine sound doesn't come from our mouths (although there's nothing wrong with that!).

I'm digging your puke tank. I need one like that. Did you make or buy it?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: grapro on December 29, 2014, 09:27:16 PM
Thanks, I made the tank myself. Breathers are Speedway .Hand rolled the tank from one eight aluminum after annealing, had my buddy Craig weld it up . 1.4 gallon cap. with two internal baffles with a an6 drain on the bottom. I searched everywhere and couldn't find one.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricardo1967 on December 30, 2014, 07:50:02 AM
Thanks, I made the tank myself. Breathers are Speedway .Hand rolled the tank from one eight aluminum after annealing, had my buddy Craig weld it up . 1.4 gallon cap. with two internal baffles with a an6 drain on the bottom. I searched everywhere and couldn't find one.

Nicely done Gapro!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: gasserx on January 09, 2015, 12:28:55 AM
Upgraded the chassis mounts on the axle housing from two to four bolts on each side. Cleaned and inspected brakes, checked bearings in the rear and re-installed. And now its ready to roll again, so i took it for a dry-race  ;D
Next up is removing and check front wheel bearings. Also make some modification to the battery mount so the batt sits tight.
I hope the engine will show up soon so i can start going through it. First race and licensing is 8-9-10 May so i still have plenty of time...

Pic from yesterday
(http://www.speedfreak.no/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/20150109-091227.jpg)

Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: grapro on February 19, 2015, 07:52:12 PM
I just received my wheelie bar kit from Dragster Supply and David Beard Race Cars. Nice kit and nice smooth transaction for shipping. Sometimes things get complicated for shipping here to the Great White North but Dave got it all worked out and it arrived with out me having to pay anything extra to FedEx as it often happens here in Canada, Our great government has a habit of creating these unknown taxes even with all our free trade agreements.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: coupemerc on March 02, 2015, 05:12:49 AM
Lots of torquing...mounted up two sets of slicks on double beadlock rims.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: grapro on March 11, 2015, 05:47:02 AM
I just finished my aluminum body, going to have a guy come over to see about doing a wrap for the first year. Made my own roller brake to do the bends it didn't turn out to bad.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricardo1967 on March 11, 2015, 06:09:23 AM
It looks great, nice job Grapro!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on March 11, 2015, 07:31:54 AM
Very nice.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Oldschool on March 15, 2015, 08:59:10 AM
X 2
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Paul New on March 22, 2015, 02:16:27 PM
Engine, clutch, can, and B&J has been installed have a few projects to complete yet. Need to build a new puke tank to enable the dry-sump tank installation. Also am in process of moving my Pro-Mag to the front of the engine.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: FEDNV on March 23, 2015, 08:41:56 AM
Getting ready for Heritage race on April 10th.

Chassis all painted and friend of mine did all new wiring, new third member and axles installed, and friends dad machined a new spacer to fit the injectorator correctly. 

(http://i393.photobucket.com/albums/pp15/burnout1969420/spacer_zpsbgxyrqhz.jpg)

(http://i393.photobucket.com/albums/pp15/burnout1969420/wiring_zpsex3cmxn4.jpg)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: hemidakota on March 23, 2015, 12:23:08 PM
Got new toy torn down to inspect all parts. Now time to break my bank account in with the new dragster fund. ;D
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Oldschool on March 29, 2015, 07:19:31 PM
Installed Painless battery disconnect for safety. If I get into trouble,hit and everything is off. New Goodyear slicks.Will be testing Wedesday nite and big race on April.4th. Excited !
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: FEDNV on March 30, 2015, 06:40:17 AM
Got car back together and ready for Funny Car Fever on the 10th.  After getting new axles and third member, ended up having to get new brakes to fit new axles.
(http://i393.photobucket.com/albums/pp15/burnout1969420/Dragster/20150328_120458_zpsoqiy4i1i.jpg)

Also, had body panels repainted and got a few on and I really like the color choice.
(http://i393.photobucket.com/albums/pp15/burnout1969420/Dragster/20150329_141043_zpstyfc4m5x.jpg)
(http://i393.photobucket.com/albums/pp15/burnout1969420/Mobile%20Uploads/20150329_174405_zpspxnlukqp.jpg)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on April 04, 2015, 08:52:50 AM
Working on my motor today . File fitting a new set of rings . I took an old piston and cut a notch out of it and put it on a rod for squaring the rings in the bore . It makes the job a lot easier .
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricardo1967 on April 04, 2015, 09:32:11 AM
I like it Bill, excuse me... professor Bill!

Are you changing the specs or rebuilding the same?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on April 04, 2015, 10:52:29 AM
Hey there Ricardo how is everything with you ? Not making too many changes just freshening the motor it needed a new set of rods so I thought I would change the rings and bearings while I was in there . I want to change the rear from a 4.56 to a 4.71 . My motor just seems to like power at higher rpm and I think this will help . I would like to be able to run 7.0 pro with it with out using a blower or nitro . We will keep trying ! Half of the fun in racing is tinkering with your car !
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on April 04, 2015, 12:47:35 PM
Man Bill got to lay off the nitrous button,burnt that one good.LMAO 
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: MikenMpls on April 04, 2015, 05:55:20 PM
Today I bought a short block (freshly reconditioned, not new) and a set of Jessel rockers. The rockers are also gently used. Finished installing the Fire suppression system too.
A long way to go still but getting closer!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Roger on April 04, 2015, 06:35:57 PM
Hi Mike,
I'm almost next door to you, I'm in NE Kansas. What are you putting together? I have a 185" Bob Meyer car with a sb Chevy and Glide.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Oldschool on April 04, 2015, 09:02:57 PM
We'll, Mike I am in Kansas City. I went up to US 36 for some testing Wednesday nite and ran into fuel problems. Maybe run into you some time.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: MikenMpls on April 04, 2015, 09:08:31 PM
Hi Roger! I have a chssis of unknown origin that i had updated and improved over the past 20 months. I'd like to race with swjfa if i can get itto go fast enough. Just getting it to a safe roller status has been a big task but i've had lots of help from two great, talented guys. I'm looking forward to the coming months and making its first pass since i bought the car. Its an older car but does have a tag that expired in 2008! Will be getting it inspected soon then off to the painter. Nice meeting you.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: MikenMpls on April 04, 2015, 09:12:34 PM
Oldschool, i keep the car in  kansas city at my drivers place. We both like Cameron because its close. Hope you get the car lined out soon, see you there (hopefully soon).
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: grapro on April 07, 2015, 07:55:38 PM
I just painted my car onthe weekend, just need to stripe it and done,ready or racing in may.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: MikenMpls on April 10, 2015, 06:52:19 PM
Today i made new starter, battery and ground cables. I also found that i should be replacing all the front end heim joints as two have damage. I got the caster down to 20 degrees (from 40!) and finished bleeding the rear brakes. Tomorrow i need to mount new front tires and tubes, fix my oil pan and order some more parts for next saturdays work day. My goal is to have a true roller by May but only have saturdays to work on it. Wish me luck!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Roger on April 11, 2015, 02:34:50 PM
If that's all it takes to keep you going, then I wish you good luck!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: MikenMpls on April 11, 2015, 09:15:29 PM
Thanks Roger! Today did not go well. The pan turned out to be too damaged to quick or easily repair. Now I need to buy a new one and I am having a hard time finding an exact replacement. All i see offered now are 1/2" taller (deeper)which I can make work but it won't be quick or easy. Then I cut an inner tube trying to mount the front  tires so I took them to the local motorcycle dealer to let them do it. 
I did get the heads CC'd (64cc) and the valve spring length planned out. trying for a 1.550 spring with a 2" installed height and it looks like we can do it. I also ordered more parts. That is an easy part of this build!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on April 12, 2015, 02:48:55 PM
Got my new rods on friday . Now it's time to put my motor back together . Still have to do a little clearance work on the rods they are cam clearanced but I have a couple of lobes that will just touch when they pass by the rod .
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dreracecar on April 12, 2015, 03:25:59 PM
Rut-Roh
 
 Are you using a small base circle cam???
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on April 13, 2015, 11:59:54 AM
It's a 55mm cam with a base circle of 1.100 also a stroke of 3.625 so it gets a little tight ! With the rods cam clearenced they do not touch but there are a couple of lobes that pass next to the rod that will just touch the side of the rod as they pass by so I have to touch them up just a little . Ok what is a rut rah ? 
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dusterdave173 on April 13, 2015, 05:16:40 PM
>900 base is a big help and a 4x7 swap moves lobes that are close--also the cam needs to be degreed where you plan on running it and Then check for room--makes big diff
I use a copper wire the diameter of the room I need--you can bend it any way and stick in there for easy check--works great!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dreracecar on April 14, 2015, 08:31:39 AM
Ok what is a rut rah ?

   Rut-Roh  is a phrase that came from the cartoon series "Scooby-Do" when a un-forseen problem came up normaly spoken as "UH-OH" but to inject more humor into the series, The dog scooby would say it as "Rut-Roh"
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on April 14, 2015, 11:58:24 AM
Ok what is a rut rah ?

   Rut-Roh  is a phrase that came from the cartoon series "Scooby-Do" when a un-forseen problem came up normaly spoken as "UH-OH" but to inject more humor into the series, The dog scooby would say it as "Rut-Roh"
     Good one Bruce ! You had me thinking of Tim The tool man from Home Improvement !
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on April 14, 2015, 12:06:17 PM
>900 base is a big help and a 4x7 swap moves lobes that are close--also the cam needs to be degreed where you plan on running it and Then check for room--makes big diff
I use a copper wire the diameter of the room I need--you can bend it any way and stick in there for easy check--works great!
   Dave I like the copper wire idea I will try that . The small base circle will give you more room but it can cause other problems like cam twist . I run a lot of spring pressure 400 on the seat and 1100 open so I need a pretty heavy duty cam . 
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Oldschool on April 20, 2015, 01:29:07 PM
Oldschool, i keep the car in  kansas city at my drivers place. We both like Cameron because its close. Hope you get the car lined out soon, see you there (hopefully soon).
Yes, that would be great,let me know when you go up there.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Oldschool on April 20, 2015, 01:29:59 PM
I just painted my car onthe weekend, just need to stripe it and done,ready or racing in may.
Nice looking car !
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: grapro on April 21, 2015, 08:47:30 AM
Thanks Old School. I'm getting excited just over a month away from my first run and my friends are calling me crazy, going to step into a front engine dragster for the first time at the age of 56. Can't wait, wanted to do this since I was 16.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on April 21, 2015, 01:21:10 PM
Thanks Old School. I'm getting excited just over a month away from my first run and my friends are calling me crazy, going to step into a front engine dragster for the first time at the age of 56. Can't wait, wanted to do this since I was 16.
    Your just a kid compared to some of us !
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on April 25, 2015, 08:29:18 PM
Thanks Old School. I'm getting excited just over a month away from my first run and my friends are calling me crazy, going to step into a front engine dragster for the first time at the age of 56. Can't wait, wanted to do this since I was 16.
    Your just a kid compared to some of us !

65 years young this year.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: MikenMpls on May 07, 2015, 07:09:54 PM
Today started out well but quickly turned into one of those mixed results days. I fabbed a rear handle for the trans that incorporates the front retainer for the coupler cover. I also got the shifter cable and cable attachment dialed in. The UPS guy shows up with an oil pan that I have been waiting for. I ordered it more than 3 weeks ago (custom) with specific directions concerning starter fitment. They completely ignored my requests and sent me a pan that will not work. A phone call and trip to the post office had it heading back. The UPS guy also brought new spindle steering arms to replace the ugly bent ones but then I soon discovered the car had the wrong length king pins! Thankfully some lathe time fixed the king pins and has the spindles and steering arms back on the car. now if I can just get the steering shaft to not hit the chassis radius rod mounts I'll be in great shape!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: AF150 on May 16, 2015, 03:31:11 PM
Back in Sept. we broke a rod in my old Chrysler. Terrible oil starvation due to a crack in an internal
oil passage. So here we are 7 months later all back together and fresh with 6-71 & Hilborn 4-port.
Fired it up this morning and she sounds sweet. Big nostalgia race in Ardmore, OK this coming weekend.
Hope to get back in the game if it will just stop raining.

Mike
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Supercat on May 21, 2015, 07:54:45 PM
Mike good luck this weekend......

We got a bunch of parts over the winter that we will finally install this weekend.
New trans and brake , new converter , new starter, 70lb.weight lose on the car even after adding another 15lbs to the nose(88lbs and counting).
Went to the track last week and got these pictures from the track photographer from last fall at Orlando Speedworld.
Hope to get to the track on the 29 of May.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: JWBurgess on May 21, 2015, 10:18:51 PM
Finally got the care rebuilt from a total tear-down, at least far enough along to re-fire the engine and check the trans out on the stands.  need to do a little more wiring work and bleed the brakes.  A few test hits hopefully soon, then disassemble again to fine tune the body work and paint.


Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: gasserx on June 03, 2015, 09:50:28 PM
Breathers welded in to a set of new valve covers.
Also made a nice alu piece for the fuel retun lines (no pic). Finally i can connect all lines and getting ready for a test start..
(http://www.speedfreak.no/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/IMG_2133.jpg)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: George on June 04, 2015, 05:57:09 AM
Unless you have some baffling inside the valve cover I bet you will find a good deal of oil in the breather tank. I tried a similar setup and ended up with the connection in the top center of the vc.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricardo1967 on June 04, 2015, 09:11:50 AM
That's a good looking power plant. I really dig those finned valve covers.

I like the 'look' of the way the breather lines are setup, but I'm also concerned of its functionality. What would you guys think of adding a third line, from the oil fill in the valley?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: gasserx on June 04, 2015, 11:11:38 PM
Unless you have some baffling inside the valve cover I bet you will find a good deal of oil in the breather tank. I tried a similar setup and ended up with the connection in the top center of the vc.
Okey, you might be right George.
Learning by doing, and this might be the first of many mistakes...  ::) However, im gonna give it a try.
It had a similar setup before:

(http://www.speedfreak.no/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/155_5585em.jpg)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dreracecar on June 06, 2015, 02:18:27 PM
Just a personal note---support for the steering rod should be closer to the clevis joint. In a loaded situation the rod will flex down before moving forward. Will it affect the steering on your car? Dont know. But in the vast majority of builds where mutiple piece steering rods are used and not in a straight line, the support is placed within 4 to 6 inches of the joint so the motion is singlular and direct
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: janjon on June 10, 2015, 08:55:09 PM
Bruce, looking at the picture, at first I didn't see what you were talking about, until I realized that from the picture you can't tell where the steering rod support is, but you can sure tell where it ISN'T.  So I took a walk to look at mine, I see my support a foot-and-a half behind what you called the clevis joint, except mine is not a clevis joint like that one, it's two rod ends bolted together (stacked) vertically. Tweaking the butterfly both right and left does flex the linkage at the joint both up and down a little bit with the car on the tires, at rest. Both steering rods are pretty close to parallel in both the vertical and horizontal axes, but not ZACKLY. And the rod end stack contributes to the up-and-down flex as well. This would sure be a consideration for me if I was building a chassis, and thanks for pointing this out. Better placement of the steering rod support would for sure contribute to more precise steering, but I'm not sure it's that big a deal considering the skinnies up front that can be overruled by the inequalities in traction between the rear tires, making the "suggestions" the driver makes with the butterfly not so much diminished by a little vagueness in the linkage.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: gasserx on June 10, 2015, 11:16:52 PM
Just a personal note---support for the steering rod should be closer to the clevis joint. In a loaded situation the rod will flex down before moving forward. Will it affect the steering on your car? Dont know. But in the vast majority of builds where mutiple piece steering rods are used and not in a straight line, the support is placed within 4 to 6 inches of the joint so the motion is singlular and direct

It has worked like that for 35 years, so i guess for a few races a year it will work for me also, im not going to change it.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dreracecar on June 11, 2015, 09:00:41 AM
Didnt ask you to change it

A lot of people read these post and some acually look for advise through these post when they consider building a car. Many things I do while building a new car, I dont even realize Im doing and if I were to create a list on how to build a car, I would surely miss a bunch of elements and have to go back and edit. So when I look at another car, my eye goes towards things that my mind sees as being off. I saw your car with the steering shaft changing direction-- pretty normal in any build-- but my mind didnt see a support that I would put in if I was building it.  Your car has been around for 35 years like that and has worked---OK, 2 guys building a new car and it comes time to do the steering link, One guy asks about the support, the other guy remembers my post and its a done deal without regrets.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: janjon on June 12, 2015, 07:36:07 PM
Bruce, I for one appreciate that you state your observations.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on June 13, 2015, 08:45:53 AM
Changing the gear ratio in my trans today . lot's of needle bearings !
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: JrFuel Hayden on June 13, 2015, 12:56:17 PM
Bill, that looks like Fun !
I have not replaced trans gears, myself, but from what I've heard from a number of guys, it's the gear timing that's tuff. Your picture shows you don't have all the gears in yet. What ratios are you going to and what did you take out ?
We just came back from racing JF Heritage in Salt Lake City [ 4400', 6900' DA] where we took out our 1.68 and installed our spare trans with a 1.76. Also installed a looser converter and one size smaller nozzles. We got rained/ hailed-out just as we getting ready to race our final round against Scott Parks.
 The track changed the fixed brackets because of the Alt, ie, NE-1 [ 7.60] was changed to 8.00, and NE-2 [ 8.60] was changed to 9.00. The 7.0 Pro was not changed per the racers suggestion, they just changed pulley's and run 7.0's.
Frank Parks said JF adjustment is not 4 tenths, more like 3.5. So our best 7.38 would be like 7.03 at Bakersfield, but Scott's 7.15 would look like 6.8, which he ran at the March Meet, 6.81. Group One [ A/FD, JF, 7.0] will finish their final rounds in Q-2 at the CHRR in Oct, Funny car at Boise, and Group two [ NE-1 and slower] in Bakersfield in Sept.
Good Luck and have FUN !
Jon
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on June 14, 2015, 04:24:26 AM
Hi Jon I went from a 1.80 to a 1.69 . It really was not that hard to do . A little grease and a little patience kind of relaxing job . bill
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: up in smoke on June 19, 2015, 04:22:52 AM
 :) new motor in place, running, going to track for 1st time this year later today,,,,whooopeeeeee
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: grapro on June 22, 2015, 10:52:49 AM
Went out to the track first time did 6 runs all went well and ended up with all the paperwork for my license. Good fathers day gift. Lots of reading went on from this site to get me there doubt if I would of made it without it.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: JeffV8 on June 22, 2015, 03:25:28 PM
Congrats on your license
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: gasserx on June 25, 2015, 10:35:29 AM
Fuelsystem ready to go (..puh)!
Now i need to wire the starter and killswitch for the mag, then i think i will be ready for a little test-start.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: grapro on June 29, 2015, 08:12:34 AM
I took my car to a local car show for prostate cancer. Received lots of  comments everyone thought it was a old dragster. No one new there is a whole new generation of these re- immerging.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on June 29, 2015, 08:27:03 AM
Nice setup!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Paul New on June 29, 2015, 09:50:23 AM
Sweet tow rig
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: JeffV8 on June 29, 2015, 10:17:51 AM
Glenn you need a like button
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on June 30, 2015, 08:27:14 PM
Glenn you need a like button

Yep! Maybe a Glenn Minnie Me.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: gasserx on July 01, 2015, 10:37:50 PM
Got help from good friends and modified an oil pan i bought from David to fit my 80-85 block, bolted on and ready to go.
A friend of mine made some cool banners for our club/org.
(http://www.speedfreak.no/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/11692916_10152873462326244_2109413249_n.jpg)

Tonight im going to push the car outside in the sun and give it a nice cleanup as it has been in my mancave for too long now. Hope for a startup on saturday
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Supercat on July 04, 2015, 05:45:18 PM
We loaded the trailer today with the Supercat and 30 gallons of fuel. We have been waiting for this weekend for a while now. We haven't been out with the car since the GS Nationals last October(we went to the finals and 3rd fastest car at the event)The car is ready to go and so are we.
 We race at Orlando SpeedWorld and they have been closed for too many weeks as they have been redoing the track surface.
 The track opens tomorrow. Bring out last years slicks if they need more rubber applied to the new track ;D

 Have a Great 4th everyone.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: gasserx on July 05, 2015, 12:33:56 PM
Hoha! Engine started today!!! :D
Had some minor issues to fix, but it after a few hours of work - Blam!
It sounded strong..and angry! A little hot on 3 cylinders on idle, but other than that it sounded awesome!

I was told to prime on alky...but the local guys always use regular gas. That said...in Norway we have 98 octane in the pumps, and all good. Very little fuel was required to start.
So now we just need to fix a couple of small things and we're ready for a real test in one week.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dusterdave173 on July 08, 2015, 07:29:42 AM
congrats!!!!!!
way to go!!!
You have come a long way--
Priming with gas is fine unless engine backfires or you have blades open when cranking then it will catch the stream on fire and the bottle etc
way better to prime with alky
keep blades closed and foot off the pedal when starting--hard to learn at first

First runs
keep that wheelie bar close to the ground
maybe shift early so you don't "forget" to shift ( easy to do first run)
Sit in the car with all of your gear on and go through every step again and again and again
Pretend to do burnout, stage, run, shift, brake ( easy) etc

Don't be surprised if burnout is hard to do--these cars try and hook almost in the water--there is no John Force burnout in these unless you have a blower--just dry em off real hard real quick and go to the line--be prepared at burnout for that thing to hook hard and take a jump at the mop man--Be CAREFUL with that first burn out--it is the hardest part --after you learn where to get in the water/dampness with rear wheel it gets easier but always be prepared for it to hook Hard and  take a crazy jump--brakes work --steering it does not help in that instant---with time the burnout gets easier and easier but be very very careful with those first few. You sort of have to "hammer' it--you can't wimp around with it but then you have to be 100% ready for it to grab HARD--you really have to learn to get all this right or it will destroy your torque converter as tires grab dry pavement.

Hayden is 100% correct in that your eyes and brain have to do a run a few times to "update the software" and get used to everything--after 3-4 runs it gets lots easier to see and feel like you have a chance of controling it--first couple of runs you will have to admit to yourself that you were just along for the ride and could do little if there is trouble--but--gets better with every run--after 3-4 trips to the track you will be much more confident and safe

Good luck
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dreracecar on July 08, 2015, 07:37:00 AM
If its cold out, alky is hard to prime with and should use gas, and does not need to be anything super duper either, the stuff you run youe generator with works just fine
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricardo1967 on July 08, 2015, 02:56:17 PM
congrats!!!!!!
way to go!!!
You have come a long way--
Priming with gas is fine unless engine backfires or you have blades open when cranking then it will catch the stream on fire and the bottle etc
way better to prime with alky
keep blades closed and foot off the pedal when starting--hard to learn at first

First runs
keep that wheelie bar close to the ground
maybe shift early so you don't "forget" to shift ( easy to do first run)
Sit in the car with all of your gear on and go through every step again and again and again
Pretend to do burnout, stage, run, shift, brake ( easy) etc

Don't be surprised if burnout is hard to do--these cars try and hook almost in the water--there is no John Force burnout in these unless you have a blower--just dry em off real hard real quick and go to the line--be prepared at burnout for that thing to hook hard and take a jump at the mop man--Be CAREFUL with that first burn out--it is the hardest part --after you learn where to get in the water/dampness with rear wheel it gets easier but always be prepared for it to hook Hard and  take a crazy jump--brakes work --steering it does not help in that instant---with time the burnout gets easier and easier but be very very careful with those first few. You sort of have to "hammer' it--you can't wimp around with it but then you have to be 100% ready for it to grab HARD--you really have to learn to get all this right or it will destroy your torque converter as tires grab dry pavement.

Hayden is 100% correct in that your eyes and brain have to do a run a few times to "update the software" and get used to everything--after 3-4 runs it gets lots easier to see and feel like you have a chance of controling it--first couple of runs you will have to admit to yourself that you were just along for the ride and could do little if there is trouble--but--gets better with every run--after 3-4 trips to the track you will be much more confident and safe

Good luck

This is a good write up Dave!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on July 09, 2015, 08:51:35 AM
Man Dave had me worried at first. Then I read the hammer it part. Heck never thought there was another way.But what you expect from guy with SN wideopen. Does cause me more concern over tires I have on car right now. They are more door car tires and have been told they have tendency to hook hard at end of burn out.

On upside I di get some work done on car past week, Will post pics later.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: gasserx on July 14, 2015, 01:24:36 AM
A great weekend is over! We learned A LOT...and spent most of saturday wrenching on the car! But all in all we are all very happy  8)
I got my license upgraded, and i got the chance to test the car for a few runs. That was more than i hoped for.

Here is my first test run on sunday (burnout went good, but my daughter didnt catch it in this video):

https://youtu.be/Ko_acx6MrTQ (https://youtu.be/Ko_acx6MrTQ)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: jimc on July 15, 2015, 11:47:23 AM
Great to hear motor running. Boy I miss that one!
Good luck you will enjoy these things

Jim
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: grapro on August 03, 2015, 07:13:34 AM
Family Day weeekend here in Alberta Canada, Had the Nhra Division 6 Lucas Nationals at Medicine Hat. Car was having problems running with the transbrake, didn't want to release quickly, going to have to figure that one out later .Ended up foot pedaling it off the line best time was a 9.44 at 138.59 only have 10 runs on the car and it kept going faster and faster, had to sandbag the last run car just was running crazy still broke out at the end. Good fun time was had by all.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on August 21, 2015, 12:29:10 PM
Wiped out the trans last weekend at the Dover race . I took 6 degrees of timing and lowered the shift 600 rpm to try and slow it down for the HRR at Epping next week ran 3 7.35's in a row and a 7.39 in the final round breaking the trans . I am going to retard the cam a couple of degrees to take some power out of it and fix the trans . See you guy's at Epping
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: FEDNV on August 24, 2015, 06:28:29 AM
Finally got my motor parts back and did the build this weekend.  Topped it off with my daughter putting the finishing touches on it.

(http://i393.photobucket.com/albums/pp15/burnout1969420/20150823_135512_zpszzh6sgj6.jpg)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on September 05, 2015, 08:22:45 PM
Finally got my motor parts back and did the build this weekend.  Topped it off with my daughter putting the finishing touches on it.

(http://i393.photobucket.com/albums/pp15/burnout1969420/20150823_135512_zpszzh6sgj6.jpg)

Your daughter steals the picture.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricardo1967 on September 05, 2015, 09:59:36 PM
Finally got my motor parts back and did the build this weekend.  Topped it off with my daughter putting the finishing touches on it.

(http://i393.photobucket.com/albums/pp15/burnout1969420/20150823_135512_zpszzh6sgj6.jpg)

Your daughter steals the picture.

She's indeed a cutie and that engine ornament is worth 129 hp on a 560 BBC.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: grapro on October 04, 2015, 05:38:12 PM
Season is over for us here in Alberta Canada,  Go off to a slow start but ended up hitting a different race every weekend. First year running ended up getting a total of 53 passes in. best time of my life. Best et was only a 9.39 with 140.39 but it was my first kick at the cat. Changing up the motor to a sbc 302 z setup  and want to try with it, redline should be in the high 9's motor was a super gas engine out of my buddies race car hopefully it will speed things up a bit if not I will refresh my 355 and go for a gear change. This site was a lot of help into getting me going. Just like to thank everyone for all the information and posts.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dusterdave173 on October 04, 2015, 06:38:19 PM
53 Runs is Great!!
We have been rained out last three races so this coming wk end we hope to get back at it--then we have 4 more races
Way to go!  Keep us posted on engine details--always fun to see what others are doing and what combo runs what speed.
Congrats!!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on October 05, 2015, 07:04:09 AM
Great shop weekend here.Raining its butt off out so working on car was only option.Got to love it when that happens.I spent 2  14 hour days working on variuos projects and even got a few to the FINISHED stage and corrected a few I was not happy with.

I got the bottomend built and heads are almost ready to bolt on,only 3 weeks behind here.Hopefully finish oil pan mods for starter mounting today.Then its heads and intake on and back into chassis for final plumbing.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on October 05, 2015, 01:09:37 PM
Great shop weekend here.Raining its butt off out so working on car was only option.Got to love it when that happens.I spent 2  14 hour days working on variuos projects and even got a few to the FINISHED stage and corrected a few I was not happy with.

I got the bottomend built and heads are almost ready to bolt on,only 3 weeks behind here.Hopefully finish oil pan mods for starter mounting today.Then its heads and intake on and back into chassis for final plumbing.
     Keep up the good work !
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on October 10, 2015, 08:44:22 PM
Great shop weekend here.Raining its butt off out so working on car was only option.Got to love it when that happens.I spent 2  14 hour days working on variuos projects and even got a few to the FINISHED stage and corrected a few I was not happy with.

I got the bottomend built and heads are almost ready to bolt on,only 3 weeks behind here.Hopefully finish oil pan mods for starter mounting today.Then its heads and intake on and back into chassis for final plumbing.

How about some pictures?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: probird on November 15, 2015, 09:09:40 AM
I'll start putting progress here.
Yesterday I cut the mounts off of the rear end. There needs to be 4 bolt holes on each side. Only had 2 holes and they used 2 thin plates stitched together per side! maybe that's all they had? I have the diff all cleaned up.
Going to cut the uprights out as there bent. I ordered the same 1x2's from N&P. Should be an easy exchange.
Time to trim them out. Sneak up on it slowly to keep away from the upper and lower tubes

Barry.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: MikenMpls on November 27, 2015, 06:16:33 PM
Today i got the engine running in the dragster! 2 1/2 years after buying the car its finally running. It has fought us every step of the way but now it is (for the most part) done. Still lots to do but i feel relieved that it could race after a few more hours of work. When we had issues I found answers to most of my questions in the posts here so Thank You to all of for your help. Big thanks to Spud too for his help too. Oh how i have missed the smell of burning alcohol!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: probird on November 29, 2015, 08:26:22 AM
Yesterday I fit up the 2 uprights. didn't have a notcher but had carbide bits.
Chopped the tube a little longer than I need, used the carbide bit to get close then used flap rolls for final fit up.
Worked good. now work on the diff mounts.

Barry
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: probird on December 02, 2015, 08:15:19 PM
A fellow at work welded up the bushings in the uprights and I tacked them in. next is the rear mounts.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: FEDNV on December 03, 2015, 06:40:27 AM
Lets see some pics to all this work everyone is doing
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Paul New on December 06, 2015, 07:18:03 PM
Made a little progress this weekend on the front half no where near as much as I had hoped for though
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: hemidakota on December 12, 2015, 05:48:58 PM
Working on adapting kinsler 3.150" injection manifolds to my brodix B1MC  cylinder heads. Good times....
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: grapro on December 27, 2015, 10:26:05 AM
I moved my battery up front this winter and I added a ballast system. Last year I would get a occasional wobble after I let off quickly  going through the traps. Reading it says you should have around 350 pounds on the front wheels. I was less than 260 before and now with my ballast set up I can load up to 54 pounds if i need it. Now with the battery and ballast I should just be over 335 on the front wheels. I hope this helps.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: aafa760 on January 09, 2016, 06:10:06 PM
Finished one of the new 10# fire bottle mounts,
Maybe second one will go faster
Two new seat belt mount tubes made also.

Bryan
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on January 10, 2016, 10:21:39 AM
I took every inch of my car apart and started stripping paint . Time for a new look . There is something seriously wrong with me !
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: MikenMpls on January 17, 2016, 12:20:02 PM
I got the steering stuff to the Chrome shop and the chassis to the powder coating guy last Friday. Now to order a starter and other odds and ends so reassembly will go smoothly. Is that even possible???
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on January 17, 2016, 02:53:41 PM
I took every inch of my car apart and started stripping paint . Time for a new look . There is something seriously wrong with me !
Yea thats news flash.LMAO   Something wrong with all of us,we hate money or we would not do this stuff.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: grapro on January 21, 2016, 07:55:57 PM
Jut finished my new paint scheme. Now just have to wait for the motor to comeback from the builder and time to get ready for racing.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Paul New on January 21, 2016, 08:13:38 PM
Nice paint scheme and colors!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on January 21, 2016, 08:25:17 PM
I know someone who really likes green!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: MikenMpls on January 22, 2016, 07:27:28 PM
Got mine back from powdercoating today. Very happy about the new look!(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160123/cecf34e6e910d6ef6fd75423fdfdcb50.jpg)


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: George on January 23, 2016, 10:38:58 AM
I know someone who really likes green!

Me too. It's usually a salad. Lol
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on January 23, 2016, 11:05:28 AM
You like rabbit food?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: George on January 23, 2016, 08:59:16 PM
You like rabbit food?

I like rabbits and their greens. On a plate together would be great.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: aafa760 on February 01, 2016, 08:57:17 PM
Some assembly required ha  :o
New 6.0 TAG
NEW FIRE BOTTLES
ISP pads ordered.
Where did I hide the Lenco?
No way all these bolts came from this car!!!!
I took pictures with the droid phone that just died.
Well now we find out how good the memory is!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on February 02, 2016, 08:22:32 AM
Some assembly required ha  :o
New 6.0 TAG
NEW FIRE BOTTLES
ISP pads ordered.
Where did I hide the Lenco?
No way all these bolts came from this car!!!!
I took pictures with the droid phone that just died.
Well now we find out how good the memory is!
Did you have a memory chip in the phone, if so you should be able to access the data on the chip.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: aafa760 on February 03, 2016, 07:40:25 PM
Glen nope this one only had internal storage bbboooooo
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on February 04, 2016, 09:12:51 PM
Glen nope this one only had internal storage bbboooooo

Did you take it to the phone store to see if they could access the pictures?

By the way I bought an aluminum block to day to go faster (7.5 or 7.0) engine will be easily capable of either when done.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: digster on February 06, 2016, 11:02:42 AM
I took a big plunge. Purchased a Gaerte all Aluminum SBC for my FED. Brodix 2000 series 13.5 degree heads and all the high reving goodies.
It should be almost 120 Lbs lighter and a little over 175 more hp. Just pulled the old 427 and getting things ready for the new engine. I'll Try post some pictures soon. I wonder if this FED is going to go as fast as my race budget is going? :D
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricardo1967 on February 06, 2016, 11:15:40 AM
I took a big plunge. Purchased a Gaerte all Aluminum SBC for my FED. Brodix 2000 series 13.5 degree heads and all the high reving goodies.
It should be almost 120 Lbs lighter and a little over 175 more hp. Just pulled the old 427 and getting things ready for the new engine. I'll Try post some pictures soon. I wonder if this FED is going to go as fast as my race budget is going? :D

Sweet! Dart AL block?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: digster on February 06, 2016, 11:52:56 AM
Brodix Block. Callies  XL crank, Dyers rods and Kinsler injection.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricardo1967 on February 06, 2016, 11:59:03 AM
Brodix Block. Callies  XL crank, Dyers rods and Kinsler injection.

Sweet! 4-digit HP on your way!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on February 06, 2016, 03:41:35 PM
You can make some really goods horse power with those rolled over heads !
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: aafa760 on February 13, 2016, 07:37:44 PM
It is Alive  said in best Gene Wilder Voice
My First WACK

https://youtu.be/AFBAGfeLUcE (https://youtu.be/AFBAGfeLUcE)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on February 13, 2016, 09:34:38 PM
Outstanding
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: crider on February 14, 2016, 06:20:49 AM
Nice!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: digster on February 14, 2016, 10:08:38 AM
760
 Nice. Lets wake up the Neighbors! :)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: aafa760 on February 15, 2016, 08:29:38 AM
Funny Thing I knocked on all their doors just to let them know I was starting it so they were not surprised.
Older couple across street came out and cheered the wife was old TF BUG in Iowa in the 70 's

Now to get those ISP pads and start license passes.
Not sure if anyone saw the port hose leak when I wacked it so all the hoses got replaced right after that.
BV o-rings also had to be replaced.
hmm lets see 20% over or 27 % to start off with decision decision  ;D

Bryan
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on February 15, 2016, 08:52:32 PM
I wish mine were the same way, Mine call the cops when I start mine.

They show up and ask if I'm done and then leave.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: aafa760 on February 16, 2016, 04:44:43 PM
Glenn
When we would start the AA/FA at home we would call the cops.
Local patrol guy was racer friend if he was on duty he came buy.
We told the neighbors the cops made us start it.

We have moved to a complex where it never get old starting the car.
Now if they would move the Day Care Center closer we might find some new fans!!!


Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: aafa760 on February 23, 2016, 09:15:43 PM
ISP PADs arrived  :o

Finished the Canards

Hope to run it 3-11 at Wild Horse here in Phoenix. ;D


Bryan
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Mr Froggy on February 24, 2016, 07:00:55 PM
Glenn
When we would start the AA/FA at home we would call the cops.
Local patrol guy was racer friend if he was on duty he came buy.
We told the neighbors the cops made us start it.

We have moved to a complex where it never get old starting the car.
Now if they would move the Day Care Center closer we might find some new fans!!!

My Dad was not a so called "Hot Rodder" but was always a gear head.   He was a farmer all his life and built a lot of machinery him self and enjoyed racing.  When he retired, he and mom moved to town. There was a guy down the street with a Pulling Tractor and most nights would Rev-Tune his engine.  While the neighbors complained, Dad thought it was COOL!

Once a Gear Head always a Gear Head!!   God bless you Dad!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Ponti on February 25, 2016, 09:38:32 AM
Probably not as exciting as most, but I have got the frame stripped down of all parts so I can start to paint. Also started to clean up the diff housing, smooth it out ready to prime and paint.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on February 29, 2016, 04:57:57 PM
It has been a beautiful day in Alabama and for the first time in quite a while I'm feeling good enough to enjoy it.  SOooo, I mounted my steering box on the new chassis.  (Roo Man saved me some money on the steering box, housing ends, spindles and a few other small things.) Roo also clued me in on the fact that these steering boxes are TIGHT when new, (I needed supervision).  I temp. assembled the steering just for grins and a photo op. These pieces will be going to Jason Lysaght for chroming, one of these days.  Also dropped the oil pan on the Loud Mouse, which was removed yesterday for a torque converter change and bottom check. New bearings en-route from Summit. Cheers, Allan
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on February 29, 2016, 05:06:30 PM
My new crew member removing oil pan from Loud Mouse.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: aafa760 on March 18, 2016, 09:37:28 AM
I decided that the burnouts are as fun as the pass most times  :o

Ok so after 5 passes Saturday The runs are way more fun than the Burnouts!!!  :P
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on March 21, 2016, 10:37:14 PM
I decided that the burnouts are as fun as the pass most times  :o

Ok so after 5 passes Saturday The runs are way more fun than the Burnouts!!!  :P

Burnouts are fun to.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: FEDNV on March 24, 2016, 04:20:14 PM
Made a new windscreen as my old one was cracked and scratched so I decided to go with all black and I think it turned out pretty good

(http://i393.photobucket.com/albums/pp15/burnout1969420/20160323_193410_zpsdgw8bcjk.jpg)

Also, got motor back together after spinning all 8 rod bearings and installed in the car for Funny Car Fever on April 1st!!!  Decided to put in a new cam and hopefully it works.

(http://i393.photobucket.com/albums/pp15/burnout1969420/20160323_195929_zpsjeobsgss.jpg)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: hemidakota on March 24, 2016, 08:38:00 PM
I decided that the burnouts are as fun as the pass most times  :o

Ok so after 5 passes Saturday The runs are way more fun than the Burnouts!!!  :P

I like to see the 1/8 mile marker when I drive FEDNV's dragster... ::) ::) ::)
I agree the burnout is awesome
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: StigO on April 03, 2016, 02:12:10 AM
Got my Gray Motorsport DRCE3  500" fitted in the car  8)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on April 03, 2016, 06:55:25 AM
Stig I have seen some of your video's of your car on u tube ! Bad ass fast !What is the quickest you have gone with it ?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on April 03, 2016, 11:45:14 AM
I'm thinking 6.48@209. If not  he needs to update his info.LOL
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: StigO on April 03, 2016, 12:25:56 PM
6,48/210 Competition Eliminator A/DA
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: grapro on April 03, 2016, 08:12:32 PM
Got the new engine in from Kenny Gilmour Motorsports and got the car outside for the first time with the new paint this year, only 53 days to racing in Alberta.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Paul New on April 03, 2016, 08:35:22 PM
Looks fast just sitting still!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: coupemerc on April 04, 2016, 04:39:25 AM
Got my Gray Motorsport DRCE3  500" fitted in the car  8)

Stig...Those are some short intake runners. Must be a real high rpm deal. Very nice.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on April 04, 2016, 01:13:36 PM
Grapo I really like the paint !
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: grapro on April 04, 2016, 01:53:10 PM
Thank you. I loved the old fighting Irish colors.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on April 17, 2016, 09:11:49 AM
Got some new colors on the car ! Time to finish the chassis!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricardo1967 on April 17, 2016, 02:16:01 PM
Got some new colors on the car ! Time to finish the chassis!

Looks sharp!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: coupemerc on April 17, 2016, 03:28:28 PM
Got some new colors on the car ! Time to finish the chassis!

Looks great Bill...love the orange!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: tcoupekyle on May 09, 2016, 08:24:58 AM
Cruising this thread is killer!
I got the back brace welded on my rearend.
(http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg245/tcoupekyle/20160505_202653.jpg) (http://s250.photobucket.com/user/tcoupekyle/media/20160505_202653.jpg.html)



Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: tcoupekyle on May 09, 2016, 08:26:45 AM
(http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg245/tcoupekyle/20160505_202334.jpg) (http://s250.photobucket.com/user/tcoupekyle/media/20160505_202334.jpg.html)

I can't tig weld so trying to do as much stuff as I can without before taking it to have things tig welded
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dreracecar on May 09, 2016, 08:57:54 AM
Check the housing for warpage and the bearing end toe-out. may have to cut them off to re-align
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: tcoupekyle on May 09, 2016, 09:06:25 AM
Check the housing for warpage and the bearing end toe-out. may have to cut them off to re-align

How would I do this? I thought about taking it to Pyle bros rearend shop once I was done but, wasnt sure.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Paul New on May 09, 2016, 09:16:23 AM
With an alignment bar something like this
http://www.jegs.com/p/Currie/Currie-Enterprises-9-Plus-Alignment-Bars/756787/10002/-1

And you do this after all welding on the housing is complete
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: tcoupekyle on May 09, 2016, 09:51:30 AM
Oh ok. I'll bring it to the rear end shop.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on July 17, 2016, 02:13:00 PM
Made a lot of progress this week ! Almost ready !
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricardo1967 on July 17, 2016, 04:28:43 PM
Looks great Bill! And fast!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on July 17, 2016, 05:58:16 PM
Looks great.Love the colors!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: coupemerc on July 18, 2016, 01:45:34 AM
Awesome!! Git er done Bill!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Ponti on July 18, 2016, 10:54:52 AM
Painted my front axle, spindles and tie rod
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on July 18, 2016, 11:13:22 AM
man thats small paint booth!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Ponti on July 18, 2016, 12:11:31 PM
man thats small paint booth!

 ;D  It's the path down the side of my house,  lol, enjoying the nice weather for a change
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricardo1967 on July 18, 2016, 06:33:38 PM
man thats small paint booth!

 ;D  It's the path down the side of my house,  lol, enjoying the nice weather for a change

The paint looks nice though, it looks chromed on my screen.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: hemidakota on July 18, 2016, 07:06:49 PM
Made a lot of progress this week ! Almost ready !

I gotta ask why do you run a vacuum pump with a dry sump. Looks like a weaver pump. I worked there as a kid and crank case vacuum was not a problem with just the dry sump. Dig the FED thou...paint is bitchen
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Ponti on July 19, 2016, 03:07:40 AM


The paint looks nice though, it looks chromed on my screen.

 8)  Yeah.  Thought I would try a spray Chrome, rather than actual chrome plating as, 1 it's cheaper and I can do it at home. 2 chrome plating here in the UK doesn't last well, think it's due to Elf N Safety and the chemicals that they used to use.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on July 19, 2016, 03:19:38 PM
Made a lot of progress this week ! Almost ready !

I gotta ask why do you run a vacuum pump with a dry sump. Looks like a weaver pump. I worked there as a kid and crank case vacuum was not a problem with just the dry sump. Dig the FED thou...paint is bitchen
       I don't run a dry sump on mine . I use an external pump with a full kickout pan . Some of the Comp guy's do run a vac pump with there dry sump's When I was a crew member on a comp car we ran an electric Vac pump with the dry sump . You can run a lot more pan vac like 18 inches with a dry sump .
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on August 07, 2016, 11:57:35 AM
Finally got to make some runs on my car ! We ran 7.0 pro at Epping . Only six cars but I was no 2 with a 7.18 witch is a personal best with my car on motor ! If I can get it to 60 ft better I know it will run 7.0's
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricardo1967 on August 07, 2016, 04:25:15 PM
Finally got to make some runs on my car ! We ran 7.0 pro at Epping . Only six cars but I was no 2 with a 7.18 witch is a personal best with my car on motor ! If I can get it to 60 ft better I know it will run 7.0's

Way to go Bill! I'm happy for you. Keep us posted.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: jspell on August 08, 2016, 12:21:23 PM
Bill, car looks great...I see you have zoomies back!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Scottmech on August 09, 2016, 10:14:34 AM
I got my 65 Woody JF 7.50 cert this week.
Can't wait to get it on the track.  Next step is making the stacks for the injection......
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on August 09, 2016, 12:05:34 PM
Bill, car looks great...I see you have zoomies back!
Hi John I put the zoomies on to run 7.00 because of the rules but I am really not sure if they are hurting me that much ! The 7.18 was the best it has run on motor and it was wicked hot ! I am going to put a little weight back on the front of the car because it is carrying the front end too far . I had to lift in the second round because it got out of the groove . Hard to drive if it won't steer ! Did you get your car to go straight again ? 
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Supercat on August 27, 2016, 10:11:43 AM
Getting our Supercat ready to go have some fun September 10th at Winterport Maine at a "Gassah Guys" nostalgia event. Looking forward to it as it is the first race event this year. We relocated back to central Maine for my job and Florida was much to humid for my health. Never mind sitting in the sun in a fed waiting for my turn to make a run.......
2 weeks ago I went to a show with the car and drove the cat in to the show ;D. I put about 20-25 younger people in the car during the show. If you don't spark interest in our youth the things we enjoy will fade away....  We also won a 1st place with the Cat.
Now I just need to have a tune up for the weather and conditions up here.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: JeffV8 on August 29, 2016, 08:33:39 PM
Super cat. Where in Maine are you??  My Nile lives near  Kennebunkport .. I will be heading out soon to see him
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Supercat on August 30, 2016, 02:49:11 AM
Jeff we're in Newport about 2 hours north.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: JeffV8 on August 30, 2016, 11:19:11 AM
That's  quite a difference from Florida
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Supercat on September 04, 2016, 05:20:37 PM
Went to the track today to do some testing for next weekend.  I had been trying to get the tune up figured out . First pass( 1/8 mile track) 5.23 good enough for second quickest/fastest 139. Shut down is bumpy so I ended up pulling the chute to keep it straight.
Next pass increased air pressure in the back and put in 8 next smaller jets at the intake runners. Went out and crushed the rear tires and then hit the wheelie bar hard. Tires wadded up and then released and the car carried the front hard on the bar. Had to get off at the top of first to stay in the lane..
I'm thinking I'll add another 20-25lbs to the nose to help the balance.
Any thoughts?????
I was there by myself for the first time racing this car since 08 no wife ,kids, or crew/friends. Still a fun day just lonely
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: WhiskeyRebel on October 19, 2016, 10:36:16 AM
I drank 3 beer in my dragster in the garage cause we have a 3 feet of snow already and my racing season is over.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Nailhead425 on December 05, 2016, 12:23:44 AM
I finally got our car on a scale today 1360lbs with no fuel or me in the car with my big ass in the car it'll be around 1620 race ready.
Original 1962 Dragmaster Dart chassis sbc injected on alky with a shorty glide
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Oldschool on December 17, 2016, 02:16:47 PM
I am looking at switching to Enderle injection with a Birdcatcher for 2017. I ran 5.26 in the 1/8 with a 1050 gas carb 434 cu set up. Should be a fun fast ride,which it is already . I can then sell my carb. set up and Spike radiator that I will not need.


Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricardo1967 on December 19, 2016, 04:40:06 AM
I am looking at switching to Enderle injection with a Birdcatcher for 2017. I ran 5.26 in the 1/8 with a 1050 gas carb 434 cu set up. Should be a fun fast ride,which it is already is. I can then sell my carb. set up and Spike radiator that I will not need.

Good move Oldschool! Like the doctors said, carbs are bad for ya!  ;)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Oldford 65 on December 23, 2016, 05:40:53 PM
Finally got it fired up for the 1st time, such a thrill to hear it run for first time!!! Hopefully I can get it to the track in the next 2or 3 weeks!!!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Mark Midler on January 14, 2017, 06:50:43 AM
HAPPY NEW YEAR, I hope this is a great year for everyone. Last year I decided to retire from racing as I'm not able to handle the heat any more, so the outfit is for sale. you can see it in the recent issues of the National Dragster, it's the short wheelbase car with the 25inch wide cage, or craigslist Minneapolis at cars and trucks. Put in dragster and it will come up. All my best to everyone for this year and I hope some racer my size is interested. Mark Midler
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: skydvrbob on January 23, 2017, 05:20:42 AM
Got it certified for 7.50 Saturday.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: hotrod316 on January 23, 2017, 06:10:12 AM
sweat!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: crider on January 23, 2017, 03:08:37 PM
Congrats Bob. Supposed to be getting mine certified mid Feb.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: crider on January 24, 2017, 04:59:00 PM
I stripped the car back down to a bare chassis today, off to powder coating in the morning. Should have it back in plenty of time to get everything back together for this spring
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: glennadmin on January 24, 2017, 05:24:28 PM
Nice job, you should be proud.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: grapro on January 27, 2017, 04:18:21 PM
Now the fun can start.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: crider on January 27, 2017, 04:42:43 PM
Pick the chassis back up from powder coat today. They did a great looking job and at only $300 to do the chassis, wheelie bars and some assorted brackets, I couldn't have bought the materials to paint it for what they charged. Now to get time to paint the body
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: afaulk on January 31, 2017, 12:43:30 PM
Got my old wheels back today. They were re-laced, thanks to Jon at Hayden Wheels and they look new again.  Woo Hoo!!!  :D  He's an old school guy, reliable and honest. Good work, under budget/ Highly recommended. 
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: mrmopartech on February 12, 2017, 03:00:56 PM
This weekend we finally did all the powered coating for the diff,wheel and front suspension,and a few engine parts.We are mocking up a new scoop and setting up a new set of gears,going from 4.56 down to 3.91 to get some ET. time down and get some MPH,mrmopartech
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Supercat on March 07, 2017, 03:12:40 PM
Not much :( I just needed to see someone post on this thread......
Tomorrow I send out my 20 Simpson suit to get recerted.
Fuel pump is boxed and ready to send out to check flow.
We've been running it since spring of 08. May go to a larger pump this year.
So has anyone even checked on their car in the trailer or garage?
Spring is coming..........
Our new heads we have been working on are now done also. 390 CFM to over 540 CFM with no port work done yet.
I'm looking forward to this year
Our new head is on the left compared to what is on the car now on the right.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Paul New on March 08, 2017, 09:20:03 AM
Not much :( I just needed to see someone post on this thread......
Tomorrow I send out my 20 Simpson suit to get recerted.
Fuel pump is boxed and ready to send out to check flow.
We've been running it since spring of 08. May go to a larger pump this year.
So has anyone even checked on their car in the trailer or garage?
Spring is coming..........
Our new heads we have been working on are now done also. 390 CFM to over 540 CFM with no port work done yet.
I'm looking forward to this year
Our new head is on the left compared to what is on the car now on the right.

Those are pretty bad ass looking heads!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Supercat on March 08, 2017, 02:10:24 PM
Thanks Paul.
Sometimes when you can't find what you need you need to make it yourself.
I have been working with a good friend in California for several years to get these done. Jesel did the custom rockers for these.
All parts look great.
Can't wait to run it.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: crider on March 08, 2017, 02:53:56 PM
Looks like beautiful work on those heads. Congrats!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: BK on March 08, 2017, 06:09:45 PM
mrmopartech
 Do you have any idea who built your car? I noticed how the radius rods attach to the front axle and a couple other things that are similar to mine.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Supercat on March 09, 2017, 07:17:58 AM
After working on the fuel cars for a few years, and some times having a hard time gripping the heads for removal, we added finger grip edge to the front and back of the heads
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on March 09, 2017, 02:58:26 PM
Hey Super cat Just to let you know that New England Dragway will be running a 7.0 pro nostalgia class at 6 events next year !
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Supercat on March 09, 2017, 03:03:56 PM
Sounds tempting. Is that this season 2017?
Can't wait for Spring....
Posted some updates in my build section with more to come soon.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on March 11, 2017, 04:41:55 AM
Yes 2017
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: mrmopartech on April 01, 2017, 06:33:39 AM
Today we start to rebuild back together the FED after having the chassic stripped and powered coated,and the front and rear wheels.We have upped the HP to 510 at the motor with some good carb tuning and jetting and header tuning while on the dyno.New air induction,shift pionts,hotter ignition system,should also help,mrmopartech
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: blake on April 02, 2017, 04:24:08 PM
Just trying to figure out how the forum works.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on April 03, 2017, 09:14:27 AM
Your doing well.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Oldschool on April 11, 2017, 04:48:07 PM
Well,started piecing together my Enderle injection system. This is a whole new ballgame for me and should be interesting. I am going to send it out and have it set up.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: GlennLever on April 11, 2017, 05:41:28 PM
 :)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Roger on April 11, 2017, 07:15:07 PM
The learning curve for alky injection gets steep real quick when you start from the beginning. Fortunately there are a lot of knowledgeable folks here on the site that are willing to answer your questions. I’d never run injection or alcohol before and wouldn’t have been able to run my junior fueler without the help and advice of some good people here and elsewhere. And you’ll probably find this new set-up interesting and challenging. It’s the challenge that makes it fun!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: FEDNV on April 25, 2017, 11:24:05 AM
Trying out some mufflers to see if it helps the performance any over zoomies.

(http://i393.photobucket.com/albums/pp15/burnout1969420/20170422_100135_zpsqkcgrof5.jpg)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricardo1967 on April 25, 2017, 01:57:30 PM
Trying out some mufflers to see if it helps the performance any over zoomies.

(http://i393.photobucket.com/albums/pp15/burnout1969420/20170422_100135_zpsqkcgrof5.jpg)
Sacrilege!  :o
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: FEDNV on April 25, 2017, 06:33:50 PM
That's what I said too but everyone is telling me these will pick up some HP.  Going to give it a try.  Sounds like a SC dragster with them on.  Still bringing my zoomies to the track LOL
https://goo.gl/photos/efy5E7QJHh6v1RG37 (https://goo.gl/photos/efy5E7QJHh6v1RG37)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Roger on April 26, 2017, 10:00:52 AM
Should be an interesting performance comparison between headers & zoomies, especially with an engine as big as yours. Alan Ellis put zoomies on his A/AA along with an automatic trans this year and set the national record. Other than the classes that require zoomies, I never thought I'd see a record holding n/a comp car with zoomies.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dreracecar on April 26, 2017, 02:14:02 PM
Horsepower VS weight
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Roger on April 26, 2017, 03:22:28 PM
Alan projected that zoomies would provide downward thrust for the car. The actual weight difference was only 10 lbs between the two exhaust systems, but the additional downforce allowed him to lighten the front of the car by 40 lbs. Downforce vs weight.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: JrFuel Hayden on April 26, 2017, 05:53:39 PM
Ellis runs a Gray Motorsport Pro Stock motor on gas, does that mean we'll see Pro Stocks running zoomies next ?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: hemidakota on April 26, 2017, 06:13:29 PM
I am interested in the tune up changes we will have to do from zoomies to headders. Will see this weekend.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Roger on April 26, 2017, 07:55:48 PM
Check out Alan’s Facebook page, he’s shared his findings there for everyone to see. When asked if the zoomies change the carb tuning a lot, he said:

“Yes, hard to idle without high AF readings. Had to increase idle to 2200 rpm and add fuel. Increased overall fuel about 5 % but never achieved an acceptable fuel curve. Mid range way lean and high speed way rich.” It’s kind of the reverse of what you’re doing but that's all I got. Good luck!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Supercat on April 30, 2017, 02:01:38 PM
Went to New England Dragway today as it was time for another chassis Cert. All good for 6.0 for another 3 years.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on April 30, 2017, 04:55:03 PM
We're there many cars in 7.0 pro ?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Supercat on May 01, 2017, 07:31:22 AM
I didn't get a chance to walk through the pits.
We had a late start and made it to the track just in time for our Cert appointment. The weather looked questionable for the afternoon along with a Great deal of road delays so we just headed back north after the cert.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: hemidakota on May 01, 2017, 07:40:04 AM
We won the NE1 class at Kool April nights in Redding Ca. on a holeshot. Was epic. Margin of victory was .00034 sec. The headers worked out well.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: crider on June 11, 2017, 02:54:56 PM
Finally got the new engine finished and fired up for the first time today. Feeling good about this project now that I have what should be a dependable power plant in it.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: JFC100 on June 11, 2017, 04:47:25 PM
I measured my caster angle since my initial outing with the car last night was far from perfect.  The car was very hard to steer and the front tires wanted to "lay-over".  The caster angle was 41°, way too much in my mind.  I'm thinking 15° is about right.  Any Thoughts???
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: rooman on June 12, 2017, 05:31:30 AM
JFC100, I normally run 20 degrees on a  dragster and between 10 and 15 on an altered.

Roo
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: hotrod316 on June 12, 2017, 06:16:48 AM
we run 20* on both cars 8)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: JFC100 on June 27, 2017, 09:47:52 AM
I finished the modifications on the caster on my front wheels. Went from 41° to 22°.  Steering still very difficult, turns out the shaft from the steering wheel to the steering box is binding up.  The shaft had a 0.110" of run out, need to fix this.

Went to Frank Hawley's school last week in Joliet, IL.  The class was well taught.  It was a good experience since I had been out of a dragster for the last 25 years. I learned some things and got all of my licensing chores taken care of for now.  It felt great being back in a dragster (even though it was a RED).
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Oldschool on July 02, 2017, 04:30:01 PM
Getting fuel lines and pump set up. Getting close. 😎
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: gregm784 on July 02, 2017, 07:13:27 PM
The lower the fuel pump, the easier it should be to start.
Looks good!
Do you have a check valve on the fuel pressure gauge i can't see or will you just keep an eye on it?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Paul New on July 02, 2017, 07:16:27 PM
Looks good on the plumbing but, I am curious about your pump height it looks like it may be a pain to prime the pump. What elevation is the top of your fuel tank is it higher than your fuel pump?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Paul New on July 02, 2017, 07:17:06 PM
Looks like I wasn't the only one thinking this
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dreracecar on July 02, 2017, 09:43:55 PM
Sorry but you take something so simple and make it complicated,  worst part is that the fuel system is outside the frame rails for no reason
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: JrFuel Hayden on July 03, 2017, 09:44:30 AM
Not planing on checking valve lash with-out taking the fuel system apart ?, I agree with fuel pump location will be a problem.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: ricardo1967 on July 03, 2017, 10:56:26 AM
Getting fuel lines and pump set up. Getting close.
Nice job on that mirror finish on the motor plate!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: the shadow on July 07, 2017, 02:21:01 PM
finished detailing the old girl for a stint in a Museum. she's been sitting covered up in my garage for years, better she sits where  she can be viewed,enjoyed and maybe teach a thing or two to some  of the young  dudes about how they got it done in the early days.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: gregm784 on July 10, 2017, 08:44:12 AM
Great looking hotrod!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Larry Gocha on July 18, 2017, 12:24:36 PM
That's great get them away from there video games maybe.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: JFC100 on July 25, 2017, 09:12:24 AM
I think I've finally got my 180" FED ready for an initial outing.  Below are some learnings and modifications made since I bought the built but never raced car earlier this year:
     New slicks and tubes (Hoosier 14.5 x 32.5")
     New safety belts
     Installed a gasoline primer system to improve starting
     New starter
     Converted to a 16 volt system (battery & charger)
     Replaced bad launch controller
     Cleaned out jets, lines and nozzles
     Removed 19° caster from the front axle (41° to 22°)
     Removed friction from steering system:
        Straightened bent shaft from steering wheel to box.
        Loosened, drilled and pinned the nut on the idler arm.
        Replaced rod ends on the tie rods (seized and/or tight balls).
        Modifed the transfer arm to remove drag (replaced standard bolt with a shoulder bolt)

 I will be going to National Trails Raceway outside of Columbus, Ohio on Wednesday July 26th.  I hope to post some pictures soon.

Thanks to all of you folks who answered my newbie questions.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: racerken on July 25, 2017, 09:49:22 AM
Good luck tomorrow.  Be Safe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: hotrod316 on July 25, 2017, 11:29:50 AM
sweat have fun!!!!!!! 8)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: skydvrbob on August 25, 2017, 06:47:35 AM
Ran it last night at a test and tune. Finally got it into the 4's.( 1/8 mile) Granted only a 4.96 but I've been at 5.00 for the last two outings. Now it's time to start on a real race motor.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: hotrod316 on August 25, 2017, 07:06:09 AM
Sweat  :) IT STILL A 4
maybe i'll just go out and look a her, then I will want to take her out of her box! 
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: crider on August 26, 2017, 04:51:05 AM
Congrats Bob!! Did you go to Farmington or?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: skydvrbob on August 28, 2017, 07:57:46 AM
Piedmont. Thursday night test and tune. The track is only a 40 minute drive from my house.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: crider on August 28, 2017, 04:43:00 PM
Nice, I like piedmont. It is a bit of a pull for me to make on a week night though
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Geri on November 21, 2017, 11:00:45 AM
OK- it's a bit late BUT I have run it a few times at shows here in BF Missouri it has been good to me and likes the 85%  (I don't get around much anymore)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: car.racing on May 27, 2018, 04:15:06 PM
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Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on November 28, 2018, 06:39:19 PM
Just got in new aluminum valve body for car.  4lbs less weight,hi/lo option. Plus .02 quicker react for driver,old guys need all the help they can get. FTI had it at 120 bucks off for black friday and couldn't resist ,then didn't try real hard.LOL
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on January 26, 2019, 06:06:07 AM
finally figured out how to get pics on.
(https://i.imgur.com/GmAoGFy.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/oCWnZUu.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/01ittNq.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/Uh5XGWo.jpg)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on January 26, 2019, 06:10:34 AM
new injector for car. Lower,lighter,less frontal are has to reduce air drag and few features to reduce number of plumbing fittings. Nozzles behind flys are for primer system and richening system if need to drop temp some. Rail in intake used for top half of fuel system instead of 8 line,nozzles,jets and distribution block.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on March 21, 2019, 11:03:01 AM
 Added few itwms to car to hopefully make more competitive for bracket deal.Got the rough made not fianl but works steering stop bolted on and new shorter and more layback headers bolted on.(https://i.imgur.com/MrwqglO.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/TkoIFkW.jpg) My oh crap button activated chute deployment
(https://i.imgur.com/9v03gCq.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/7dAA0ui.jpg) electric over air solenoids for auto timer actived leanout and chute
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on March 21, 2019, 11:04:13 AM
Yea I know will have disable most of it for any nostalgia races.A bridge I can cross with very little work.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on March 28, 2019, 07:23:45 PM
Found out a injector scoop made of .060 is not strong enough.Sucks middle in while running like a drunk draining a beer can. Oh well time to build another and maybe little strong design and not no lite.LMAO
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: THE FRENCHTOWN FLYER on March 29, 2019, 06:31:53 AM
True story about homemade scoops: A fellow in the Detroit area (who shall remain nameless) who was a chassis builder and ran an A/Fuel dragster with injector stacks decided to cover all the injector stacks with a scoop containing T/F style butterflies. He made the scoop from .080" aluminum as I recall. At the track he rolled into the staging lanes, started it up, rapped the throttles once, and when the butterflies closed down the atmospheric pressure collapsed the scoop down onto the stacks like a crushed pop can.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: coupemerc on March 29, 2019, 11:45:11 AM
And...If you run a 3 piece injector with a valley cover and a dry sump/vac pump, make sure the valley cover has a mid support snubber to minimize oil canning of the mid plate. The crankcase vacuum can suck the valley cover down. Get er done!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on March 29, 2019, 01:09:46 PM
Well for once its not.You are the only one to have that problem thing. Hey only people who never have a idea go bad is those who don't act on there ideas. Never been one of those.Might be richer if I learned not to.LOL
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: 225digger on April 14, 2019, 04:13:24 PM
made a bolt on extension for a slip tube driveshaft cover.

(http://i.imgur.com/2eO5kG9l.jpg) (https://imgur.com/2eO5kG9)

(http://i.imgur.com/6Zomgnal.jpg) (https://imgur.com/6Zomgna)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on June 20, 2019, 05:28:20 PM
looks like most of that aluminum chunk turned into shavings.LOL
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: 225digger on June 20, 2019, 06:24:18 PM
yea, alot of waste on that part..... glad the tubes where not that bad....turned down 1/4w tubing to make the slip tubes....came out nice tho

(http://i.imgur.com/YOSARZel.jpg) (https://imgur.com/YOSARZe)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: gregm784 on October 16, 2019, 09:47:54 AM
Wow that looks great.  How far out is your motor? 45-50? 
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: 225digger on October 16, 2019, 10:34:34 AM
thanks greg,  motor is out 50"  225" wheelbase
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: dreracecar on October 16, 2019, 02:44:26 PM
Did basicly the same thing having to turn down the tubing OD  motor out 55"
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: JrFuel Hayden on October 16, 2019, 10:28:08 PM
real nice work Bruce !
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: hemidakota on October 30, 2019, 12:49:51 PM
Well it has been a while and finally working on dragster again, thought i would share a few pictures.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: gregm784 on November 12, 2019, 01:47:42 PM
I took my hotrod to Bakersfield for the final ANRA race, the Fuel & Gas Finals.  It was a good day.

Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: THE FRENCHTOWN FLYER on November 12, 2019, 02:44:19 PM
Congratulations! Good looking car.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: gregm784 on November 13, 2019, 08:56:26 AM
Thank you.  I love it. 
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on November 16, 2019, 06:40:18 AM
Congratulations Greg ! I would love to make a trip out to the west coast and run the HOT ROD REUNION !
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: gregm784 on February 03, 2020, 10:18:51 AM
Got my trans, steering, etc all reinstalled yesterday.  Waiting on zoomies to come back from getting coated, then we'll fire it up and do a systems check.

Almost race time.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: THE FRENCHTOWN FLYER on February 03, 2020, 01:59:00 PM
Looking good! Does the trans need blowback containment devices or does the driveshaft housing collar suffice?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: gregm784 on February 04, 2020, 09:17:08 AM
Lblowback containment devices

I've never ran them, but i'm adding them for piece of mind.  Car doesn't 60' hard, and i've never had an issue with motor plates. 
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: gregm784 on February 12, 2020, 09:13:36 AM
Waiting on zoomies (Friday)
Helmet gets back from Impact today.

Looks like Saturday TnT may happen. :)
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: gregm784 on February 14, 2020, 09:30:06 AM
Car's in & tight.  Hoping the warm(er) weather shows up tomorrow so we'll have some type of racing surface.

If anyone's in Sac area, stop by and say hi.

Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on February 15, 2020, 04:46:26 PM
 Took her out for Valentine or that what wife said. Went to Shriner's drag expo car show. Got tones of questions.If had 1 for every question or comment about sitting on reare end housing I would run Top Fuel,well for little while anyway. LOL HAd lots telling me how cool it was and loved it not being the same cookie cutter rea engine. Lots of doubts about bracket racing it but hey thats big part of the fun of doing it right?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: gregm784 on February 18, 2020, 12:42:43 PM
It was a good day testing. Made two laps.  Had a couple cameras on the car. 

I run against the NE/1 index (7.60).  First run was 7.603/177, second run, it paddled the tire a big, ran 7.637, Track got really good and just didn't bring enough wheel speed.  oops.


https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwwQDqYEzPLkDKbW3xCOPGH1FqnqEFECC

Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on February 18, 2020, 01:39:48 PM
Greg Do you use some sort of throttle control for your launch ?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: gregm784 on February 18, 2020, 10:05:53 PM
Yes, my mag has a 2 step on it. 
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on April 11, 2020, 05:48:58 AM
Well with the world shut down I took advantage and spent little extra money on the gal. Got her some new rods. Old ones only had 10 runs but they where in my TA/D combo and with 10500 rpm shifts ans 6500 leave plus good dose of 50 lbs boost. I figured better safe than sorry or thats the idea anyway. Getting some new lifters for her next,just another peace of mind thing.  At least if I break either I know its nott because I short cut something and used an over used part.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Supercat on April 11, 2020, 08:33:38 AM
That shot is funny you posted as I am in Maine but have known the guy in the GS shirt since the 80's. He is in NC.
His name is Alan. Where/when is the picture from?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on April 11, 2020, 09:48:49 AM
Greensboro Drag Expo . Mid February. Yes in NC.  I am the guy who forgot to bring a chair and using the slick as seat.LOL
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Supercat on April 11, 2020, 02:57:27 PM
Thanks for the info on the picture.
Keep having fun.
I'll update the 2 new engines being built for the Supercat soon.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on June 07, 2020, 06:39:34 AM
I found out how to totally fry the clutches out of it. You screw up on shift cable adjustment and attemp to leave at 5500 with it between  low and hi. When a screw up I do so at full speed. Got to loive this sport or just be nuts.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on February 18, 2021, 04:36:44 PM
Pulled FED out of trailer and into shop.Drained fluids and pulled trans and engine out otday. Pulling 3rd member tomorrow and starting lowering powertrain to give chassis more ground clearance. Motor will only go 1.5" before chassis and heads are touching, going 1.25".Rearend will do that with moving it forward 1". The anti rotation tube I had will conveniently removing tube will allow tabs on rear end to align with bottom center tube and I can weld in a threaded boss thru it and bolt rear end. xxxx bunc of work to remove cpl ounces.LOL

1.25" may not sound like much but it is 50 % increase in clearance at mid plate. If tires on car don't workout and I change I will go with 33 tall set giving me another 1/2".
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: nitroscott on March 24, 2021, 01:58:41 PM
I am interested in what you have to say about your FED. I love hearing dragster stories. Coolest drag car ever...
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Supercat on April 12, 2021, 07:34:36 AM
Not much going on here lately.....
I took our car out of the corner hibernation zone after 3.5 years on its roller rack. Got it cleaned up Saturday and brand new 6.0 cert at New England Dragway Sunday. With the exception of one needed additional kidney bar the car even passed NTF 5.99 quicker.  I'll get the bar added when I find someone in Maine, New Hampshire, or Massachusetts to add it and set of canard wings this year.
The new engine is finally moving forward again. We will be in Bowling Green next month for the Buick GS Nationals with the iron block still in the car. New engine should be running by the end of June.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Supercat on May 25, 2021, 09:27:41 AM
Working on the car this week.  We are getting ready for the New England Nationals at Epping NH June 11-13. We were invited to be one of the cars in the Cackle area.  We may even make a few passes during the Event. Should be fun, as it was in 2019.
Hope to see some of you there.
Please stop by if you go....
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: lake_harley on April 11, 2022, 07:46:50 PM
Finished up putting my little, mild 305 Chevy together a few days ago and firing it up on a stand to break in the cam. After enough run time to (hopefully) break in the cam I took off the manifolds I was using to manage the direction of the exhaust a bit better and installed the 1 5/8" Zoomies I built. That added a bit more bark to the sound of the little 305 "Mouse Motor". 8)

I guess building the Powerglide might be next and then back to finishing up the chassis. I needed a little break from fabricating and welding. I hope to get the car to the strip by mid season, but the pace might have to pick up a bit. Then again I think I've made pretty good progress, considering this is my first rodeo, and going from building a frame jig table and a having a pile of tubing on the floor to where I am since sometime around November '21.

Lynn
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on July 09, 2022, 05:49:37 PM
Well all local tracks closed events due to the weather forecast.  Plus I ad a strange noise in rear end yesterday. Pulled it and found nothing.Since I wasa there I figured might as well do something I have been wanting to do for awhile. I made cpl plated that fit inside the housing and reduced space and volume of gear oil, which just happens to weigh 16 oz per quart.

 ReASSEMBLE EVERYTHING AND WHEN FILLED TO SAME LEVEL AS BEFORE I WAS ABOUT HALF AS MUCH OIL AND ALMOS 2 QUARTS less 2 vs 4 and half way up pinion bearings. Figure 3 to 3,5 lbs off the car for zero dollars and cpl hrs work. Normally cosr close to 100 per lbs so 300 bucks worth of weight.

Also relocated few trans cooler libes and misc. little things. Just relaxing day tinkering
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on July 23, 2022, 08:20:42 AM
Had to rework wheelie bar. A side effect of raising chassis for ground clearance the wheelie bar being 5' behind axle centerline really gets up there. I can get it down to 2 inches but zero adjustment left  and  Little thread left to support with the hit. I wanted to rework anyway
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: tcoupekyle on July 23, 2022, 04:30:16 PM
Awesome! Wide-open

Fabed up some motor and trans mounts for a model a here
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: lake_harley on July 23, 2022, 07:08:21 PM
I finished the welding on my chassis today. About 12 to 14 hours total time TIG welding. Still some Dzus tabs to weld to eventually mount the body (just from front of engine back) and the seat/interior. Pleased that the chassis still sits flat on the frame jig, so I guess all of the moving from side to side to "mirror weld" it paid off. Seems 80% done, but I know it's about 90% to go. Really beginning to doubt it will be finished before the track closes here in October.

Lynn
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: tcoupekyle on July 24, 2022, 05:07:11 AM
It's allot of work!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: lake_harley on September 12, 2022, 04:56:33 PM
Went to a friend's chassis building shop today to get the roll cage tubes bent. He builds circle track cars and has a really nice bender which has a 7" CLR die that looks like it should really work out well for single bend hoops above the driver's helmet. I had some approximate heights needed for the hoops but I know when it comes to final fitment it's going to be a try-cut-try-trim-spread or tighten a bend, try again.......and on and on process. Talked to the gentleman who will likely drive the car to see when he could come to the shop to fit things together. Suggested it might "take a while", which is probably an understatement. I just hope I don't ruin any of the bent tubes because my chassis building friend's shop is about a 3+ hour round trip away. Wish me luck, and an ample supply of patience!

Lynn
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: tcoupekyle on September 12, 2022, 10:25:46 PM
Good luck!!
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: THE FRENCHTOWN FLYER on September 13, 2022, 05:53:16 AM
When I build a chassis I farm out my bends to a commercial chassis builder. I have found it valuable to make full size templates of thin hardboard or cardboard so the bender can lay the pipe on the template to get the bends very close.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on September 13, 2022, 03:05:48 PM
WSell after either not tightening screw in windage tray olr fastener failure. Having the rods cut pretty little grooves in tray and making 3 or 4 million little shavings. I have engine back together after total strip down to bare block and hopefully fully cleaned. Going to drop motor back in tomorrow along with rest of powertrain. Still waiting for new valvetrain piece to replace stuff I screwed up before finding problem. Man I screwup stuff and never even loaded car to go to track much less unloaded it at track. NOT LOL.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: lake_harley on September 13, 2022, 03:55:22 PM
Ouch! One step forward and two steps back?

Lynn
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: tcoupekyle on September 13, 2022, 04:58:33 PM
Dang I been there too
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on September 16, 2022, 12:13:55 PM
Well since half of reason of having a race car is something to work on I am getting the most out of it.LOL I di find cpl things needing massaging while working on engine. Plus found that math on shorter rods effect on compression was dead on. still sucks to loose ,6;1 just to save 800 on set of rods.New pistons will fix that plus add another 3:1 extra along with 28 ci. Got to learn that " It is bracket car how fast does not matter" thing I keep hearing.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: metalmaniac on October 20, 2022, 10:37:51 AM
anyone got any pics of seat supports or mounts?
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: lake_harley on November 22, 2022, 07:35:38 PM
FINALLY finished up the welding on my chassis and cage. Now I can start putting the whole puzzle together to see if anything works out the way I hope.

There were some challenging positions this 70 year old had to get into to get to some of the welds! Actually.....I'm not finished, I still have to finish weld the MC bracket that's already tacked in place, and then when the whole engine and drivetrain go in place I'll finalize the engine mount brackets. I built using an alignment bar, but things move when welding. I had been very careful to stagger welds from side to side. I wonder how many times I slid the TIG torch to the opposite side and walked around the car?

I hope to get it done by Spring! ;)

Lynn
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: slingshot383 on November 23, 2022, 03:29:15 PM
lake_harley,  looks nice, what wheelbase? You might want to put a diagonal in your small tube box to keep the upper and lower rails from kinking in the future, don't trust just the engine and mid mount to do it alone.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: lake_harley on November 23, 2022, 07:02:04 PM
Thanks for the compliment and suggestion. It's 145" wheelbase. FWIW, I built the car by plans from S&W Race Cars, but since .058" 4130 was difficult to get in all the quantities and sizes I needed, I built the car with .120" D.O.M. (to meet .118" wall NHRA specs)......and yeah, she's a plump thing. ::) I don't recall a diagonal in the forward "box" on the 200" car plans I used and abbreviated to 145", but I will take another look to see if I missed something. Certainly easier to add now than to repair.

Your profile lists Gateway as being your track. Is that the St. Louis' track which is now Worldwide Technology Raceway, or whatever it is called now, or is it a Gateway somewhere else?

Lynn
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: BK on November 28, 2022, 04:43:48 AM
Well since half of reason of having a race car is something to work on I am getting the most out of it.LOL I di find cpl things needing massaging while working on engine. Plus found that math on shorter rods effect on compression was dead on. still sucks to loose ,6;1 just to save 800 on set of rods.New pistons will fix that plus add another 3:1 extra along with 28 ci. Got to learn that " It is bracket car how fast does not matter" thing I keep hearing.

Don't listen to them the fast car win's on a double red.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: THE FRENCHTOWN FLYER on November 28, 2022, 08:19:50 PM
Google 'Trustart drag racing'
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: tcoupekyle on December 01, 2022, 08:22:49 AM
Google 'Trustart drag racing'

Why? Meaning where this comment come from? Thanks
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: THE FRENCHTOWN FLYER on December 02, 2022, 06:09:53 AM
Google 'Trustart drag racing'

Why? Meaning where this comment come from? Thanks
I am pretty sure somebody said one good reason for being the faster car is the slower car has the first chance to red light, in bracket racing. With the advent of the Trustart in "crosstalk" trees the driver with the worst red light will get the lose ticket, not the first driver to go red.

Maybe that statement got edited out of the original post. Sorry for the confusion.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: slingshot383 on December 02, 2022, 02:06:51 PM
Lake_harley, Yes, Gateway is now WWT Raceway, home was really MAR in Wentzville, but since it is no more.  S&W's plans may not have that box crossbared, but if you ever get a wild and wooly run you'd wish it was.  I had a 68 Woddy Gilmore car that was 165" with the engine still way back (had to run a shorty Glide and cut the couplers down to make it fit. Fun ride much more than the Cadillac I have now.  A friend has a 145" digger with a 32 Bantom body on it, stack injected Chevy, short wheelie bar, sometimes has a mind of its own.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: lake_harley on December 02, 2022, 07:52:19 PM
Thanks again. Yes...MAR....I can still hear the ads on AM630 KXOK yelling "SUNDAY! SUNDAY! MAR, where the big one's are!" Yeah, that was in the 60's so I'm probably somewhat giving away my age. ::)

Lynn
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: tcoupekyle on December 05, 2022, 10:00:00 AM
Google 'Trustart drag racing'

Why? Meaning where this comment come from? Thanks
I am pretty sure somebody said one good reason for being the faster car is the slower car has the first chance to red light, in bracket racing. With the advent of the Trustart in "crosstalk" trees the driver with the worst red light will get the lose ticket, not the first driver to go red.

Maybe that statement got edited out of the original post. Sorry for the confusion.


Gotcha! Completely understand now.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: BK on December 13, 2022, 04:26:31 PM
Google 'Trustart drag racing'

Why? Meaning where this comment come from? Thanks
I am pretty sure somebody said one good reason for being the faster car is the slower car has the first chance to red light, in bracket racing. With the advent of the Trustart in "crosstalk" trees the driver with the worst red light will get the lose ticket, not the first driver to go red.


Maybe that statement got edited out of the original post. Sorry for the confusion.

I made the comment up a couple posts. I've have heard of true start but the track I race at uses Crosstalk but first red still losses.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: lake_harley on December 29, 2022, 05:54:40 PM
I finally got my FED up on 4 wheels today. I think for the next couple days it would take plastic surgery to get the smile off my face! All of the "little things" that have gone into building from the ground-up are now worthwhile.

Lynn
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Rat on December 30, 2022, 02:18:48 AM
 8) Looks great Lynn. It's great when you reach one of those milestones and take a moment to reflect.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Paul New on January 01, 2023, 03:31:26 PM
Car looks great can’t wait to see it finished
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on May 08, 2023, 06:22:36 AM
Well in the past week and a half. I made a new gear drive to run mag with fuel pump on opposite side and vacuum pump drive. All running off cam. Changed steering to rack and pinion. Used most of the drag link in the original pos. except where it turns into chassis to pass thru the tank(new welding project dirt aluminum) and mounted R&P  up mid way to allow new tank to be as far foward as possible. So other than 40 to 60 hour maching gear drive and another 20 plus on rack and pinion and new tank. Have not really done anything.LMAO
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: lake_harley on May 14, 2023, 08:35:57 AM
I'm computer illiterate so let's see if this video link actually works. Fist time I've tried to post via YouTube.

I did the first running test of the transmission and driveline of my almost completed FED yesterday. 1st automatic transmission I've built in nearly 50 years and it appears to actually work. Hopefully I'll be able to make a few test passes in a couple weeks.

Lynn

https://youtu.be/V_G70ZsxixI

Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Supercat on May 14, 2023, 11:48:49 AM
Looks like good progress to me.
Keep up the push
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: denverflatheader on May 15, 2023, 09:39:56 AM
Lynn - pretty exciting, I think you should take it for a spin around the block  :) 
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: lake_harley on May 15, 2023, 06:28:27 PM
Probably the first on-the-ground trial will be at a Friday evening test-n-tune at one of the local tracks. There's another possibility that I may be able to get into another local track to do some passes in private. That would be my preference. Plan is to make a handful of passes at increasing speeds unless it does something really ignorant at some point. If some "aggressive" but not yet all out passes go well it will probably be blown all apart for paint and final touches. I know it won't be this weekend since I'll be traveling with my wife to visit family, but hoping for the following weekend....Memorial weekend.....I suppose.

Lynn
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: lake_harley on May 18, 2023, 10:41:43 AM
My driver came by last evening. We did some carb tweaking, set the idle speed and ignition timing, got the Powerglide fluid level topped off while doing some more in-gear running on jack stands. Things seem ready to go. I made contact with a track that runs on a non-regular basis and think it might work out to have access to it sometime next week for a few 'private" test passes rather than going to the regular track on test-n-tune night. My driver is likely to be out of town with work next week so I guess I will likely have the pleasure of the car's first passes. I guarantee, they will be moderate passes at best!

Lynn
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: denverflatheader on May 18, 2023, 12:58:04 PM
Lynn - marvelous plan if it works out, having private access to a race track for testing doesn't happen too often.  I've watched your fed build here, got my fingers crossed all goes smoothly for you.  For all of us here in Denver, our local track, Bandimere Speedway is closing down in October (five months away).  It opened in 1958 and John Bandimere Jr. made the Track's closing announcement last month April 21st.  If you have been racing at Bandimere Speedway for the past few years, you have seen the development advancing closer and closer with each passing year.  Bandimere Speedway in located on the west side of Denver near the Town of Morrison, and it is in a beautiful gorgeous setting, right at the foothills leading to the Rocky Mountains, elevation 5800 feet. 

I sure am going to miss Bandimere Speedway.  I raced there my first time on Memorial Day 1974.  It was their 1st High School Drag Race, there was maybe 20-25 of us at that first race.  From our High School, it was me with my Dad's 1967 Camaro RS/SS, and one of my best friends Todd with his Dad's 1969 GTO convertible.  And after all these years, both Todd and I still have our High School cars.  Over the years, their High School Drag Race grew and grew, and likewise, Bandimere Speedway grew and grew and got better and better each year with plenty of racing classes and events including an NHRA National Race to attract everyone.  Lots of fun times there.  Alan
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on May 18, 2023, 02:55:23 PM
Did the thing I do most. Spent more money on it.LOL
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: lake_harley on May 26, 2023, 11:49:53 AM
1st day at the drag strip to do some easy test passes. This was the 4th pass. Still not all-in at the line and my driver lifted at about 400'. Pleased that the car went straight and the driver said it didn't do anything ignorant.

Satisfied with the initial "mild" shake down passes, my plan is to completely disassemble, finish up some non-critical welds I couldn't get to before, clean and paint the chassis, and reassemble.

Based on the test passes I think I might have a race car on my hands!

Lynn

https://youtu.be/wPYeH8GK12c
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: THE FRENCHTOWN FLYER on May 27, 2023, 05:46:50 PM
nice
sounded good
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on June 08, 2023, 01:55:20 PM
Well last weekend I took FED out for the local bracket race. Plan was to run TNT Friday night, bracket race Saturday and Sunday, giving me a good amount of runs to test. The first part went to crap Friday. Finally at the track Saturday. The car does not want to crank. After working it out. Get to line for a second-time trial. Very minor loi leak, talking drop every 4 or 5 seconds. Shut down. Driver forgets to kill primer and flood engine. Fix that fire up to make run track had said we could and the primer had a leak,which if I had known was issue would be nothing to kill the pump. Anyway, get back to trailer flood engine again, stupidity. Kill the starter dead. So one half-butt burnout, dead 450 starter, dead 150 solenoid and expenses equal 750 bucks for a nothing burnout. Thinking it was time for drinking.LOL
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: wideopen231 on June 12, 2023, 04:21:33 AM
Bought the ol gal and new battery. Since did not kill starter and transbrake solenoid. Just a battery that showed 17v at starter but would not spin starter or engage transbrake.
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: lake_harley on June 12, 2023, 03:16:36 PM
My son came home for a couple days last week and we disassembled the dragster. Got it sandblasted Saturday prime Sunday and painted today. Now I'll see if I can get this jigsaw puzzle back together again.

Lynn
Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: lake_harley on June 12, 2023, 06:45:21 PM
I got photos re-sized so I hope this works.

Lynn



Title: Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?
Post by: Paul New on June 16, 2023, 04:40:39 PM
Looks great