16
Drag Racing / Re: Reunion race
« on: June 20, 2015, 06:35:23 PM »
Congrats Glenn on your final round appearance. The car looks just awesome!
Tony
Tony
FEDs Forever!
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17
Drag Racing / Reunion race
« on: June 18, 2015, 05:49:32 PM »
Headed to the reunion race in Kentucky to watch. Any members racing? Would be great to see some of you guys in person!
18
Front Engine Dragsters / Re: taking out radiator - cooling options
« on: January 26, 2015, 03:13:21 PM »
I was planning a similar thing this year with my junk. I was planning on eliminating the radiator an looping the water pump lines so i can keep the w/p running and not kill the temp but keep water flowing. We'll see...
Tony
Tony
19
Front Engine Dragsters / Re: Just for fun little guy FED combos
« on: January 20, 2015, 06:14:15 PM »
Ok so I should probably post something more helpful than a suggestion to hot rod a Renault!
Neither of my cars really fit the budget idea anymore, but I did put together a 413 for my brother that was really a bunch of leftover parts. The short block was left at the machine shop in pieces so the price was right. A old set of iron heads with 2.08/1.88 valves and single 4 intake went on it, the cam was a flat tappet w/500 lift. Couldn’t fit a bigger cam as the valves were too close to the cylinders on the intake side. Compression wound up around 9.75 to one. In a 3700 lb car it runs 12.20’s which supposedly works out to roughly 400 hp at the wheel. With 400 at the wheel of a 1500 lb car it looks like low nines? Anyway, even with totally mismatched parts it made decent power, and with the lightweight of an FED 400 hp goes a long way.
Big down side to big block mopars is the block is heavy, and wide. My starter is relocated to the right side, and getting in/out is tough. Small block should solve both problems.
I put together a 360 magnum for my other brother that was really nothing more than a 408 stroker kit with a cam someone was getting rid of. It was something like 217 duration on the intake at 050 and mid 500’s lift with the rockers he had. That ran mid 12’s in a 3800 lb truck, so similar power.
In any case, I would stick to a flat tappet cam. Most of my $$ was spent on upgrading valve train parts to keep up with the roller cam, and valve springs get to be an expensive maintenance item over time. No doubt getting the job done with a SBC would be easier, parts are everywhere. But if you have the small block mopar, use it and enjoy! Low 9’s or high 8’s is still quick and would still get the adrenaline flowing, plus, you’ll still have the coolest car at any given track, given the engine placement!
BTW, love your car. It has that old school style I wish my car had.
Tony
Neither of my cars really fit the budget idea anymore, but I did put together a 413 for my brother that was really a bunch of leftover parts. The short block was left at the machine shop in pieces so the price was right. A old set of iron heads with 2.08/1.88 valves and single 4 intake went on it, the cam was a flat tappet w/500 lift. Couldn’t fit a bigger cam as the valves were too close to the cylinders on the intake side. Compression wound up around 9.75 to one. In a 3700 lb car it runs 12.20’s which supposedly works out to roughly 400 hp at the wheel. With 400 at the wheel of a 1500 lb car it looks like low nines? Anyway, even with totally mismatched parts it made decent power, and with the lightweight of an FED 400 hp goes a long way.
Big down side to big block mopars is the block is heavy, and wide. My starter is relocated to the right side, and getting in/out is tough. Small block should solve both problems.
I put together a 360 magnum for my other brother that was really nothing more than a 408 stroker kit with a cam someone was getting rid of. It was something like 217 duration on the intake at 050 and mid 500’s lift with the rockers he had. That ran mid 12’s in a 3800 lb truck, so similar power.
In any case, I would stick to a flat tappet cam. Most of my $$ was spent on upgrading valve train parts to keep up with the roller cam, and valve springs get to be an expensive maintenance item over time. No doubt getting the job done with a SBC would be easier, parts are everywhere. But if you have the small block mopar, use it and enjoy! Low 9’s or high 8’s is still quick and would still get the adrenaline flowing, plus, you’ll still have the coolest car at any given track, given the engine placement!
BTW, love your car. It has that old school style I wish my car had.
Tony
20
Front Engine Dragsters / Re: Just for fun little guy FED combos
« on: January 19, 2015, 05:13:01 PM »
Mopar tax paid here too! But at the performance level for a just 4 fun combo it shouldnt be much. Roller cam will drive the cost alot. If you stick with std intake ports itll help with $$ too. Theres a point on the higher end though where everything is custom and it costs no matter the logo on the block. In any case its always nice to see something different at the track! 4 cyl renault anyone? ;-)
Tony
Tony
21
Roo Man's Room / Re: Mounting slicks
« on: December 08, 2014, 07:11:35 PM »
I mount mine by hand (non bead locks). The back side will push on by hand with some lube on the bead, most of the front side goes on by hand, then I use and ax handle for a lever to get the last bit on. It helps to have some way to keep the wheel from sliding around the shop.
you can use a rope with a small bit of tube around the circumference to help seat the bead when you have rims that are as wide or wider than the tire.
Or just a take them to a shop you trust.
you can use a rope with a small bit of tube around the circumference to help seat the bead when you have rims that are as wide or wider than the tire.
Or just a take them to a shop you trust.
22
Front Engine Dragsters / Re: Helpful advice for first timer?
« on: August 12, 2014, 01:11:32 PM »nice to hear you got out for a pass, How'd the motor check out ,, Tim JonesI haven't worked on car too much lately, helping my brother out over the weekend. I am trying to get a handle on the mech fuel injection (see my post in Spud Miller's section), but learning so much from you guys. To date, I have 4 passes on the car, and am getting more comfortable each run. So far I've only managed 10.03 on a car probably run 7's, but I'll get there. And there is nothing more fun than the burnouts!
My only regret is not getting one of these sooner!
tony
23
Front Engine Dragsters / Re: First Pass in my Worm Car
« on: August 08, 2014, 10:04:30 AM »
That's awesome, Dave. I got my first pass in the FED this week, (not as fast as your's!) and I feel the same way! there is nothing like it!
24
Spud Miller's Cave / Re: Enderle barrel valve adjustment question
« on: August 08, 2014, 09:58:47 AM »
forgot to mention DA around here is typically around 1000-2000 ft, the best I've ever seen is 500 feet. I did check in the middle of winter and saw -1000 ft, but it was -10 deg!
But an update from last night. Started the car in pits to warm it up, with the valve at 32%, and it was a big difference. Motor ran fine, but the exhaust was noticeably richer, would tear your eyes, before you couldn't really notice the exhaust fumes. Tried to warm the motor by closing the shut off valve 1/4 and leaving the water pump off with no success, couldn't get the needle off of 140, but you could feel the heads were warm to the touch. Made a run in high gear to avoid any driver shifting errors
Got to half track and had to lift as i was close to the center line, at the shut off was around 150 (forgot to check temp when staging).
For the second run i leaned it up one flat (30%), still tough to build heat in the pits, got the needle to budge of the 140 mark, but not much more (still closing the shut off valve 1/4 and no water pump). When i got to the line it was a maybe 145 deg. Made a more complete pass, easing into the throttle and approx 1/4 throttle the full quarter. had about 160 deg at the shut down area.
As far as the stumble goes, i am thinking its more my limp wristed driving style while i am trying to get comfortable with the car, combined with a cold engine. I have been easing on the throttle off the line. Doing a burn out, however, i stab it and it really didn't stumble at all yesterday.
So for my next steps, i am going to figure out what spring i have in the idle return, and work on building heat in the motor at idle (after I change the oil!) I can do that in the driveway without upsetting the neighbors too much i hope!
I can't thank you all enough for your help/advice. The amount of knowledge and experience here is amazing!
Tony
But an update from last night. Started the car in pits to warm it up, with the valve at 32%, and it was a big difference. Motor ran fine, but the exhaust was noticeably richer, would tear your eyes, before you couldn't really notice the exhaust fumes. Tried to warm the motor by closing the shut off valve 1/4 and leaving the water pump off with no success, couldn't get the needle off of 140, but you could feel the heads were warm to the touch. Made a run in high gear to avoid any driver shifting errors
Got to half track and had to lift as i was close to the center line, at the shut off was around 150 (forgot to check temp when staging).For the second run i leaned it up one flat (30%), still tough to build heat in the pits, got the needle to budge of the 140 mark, but not much more (still closing the shut off valve 1/4 and no water pump). When i got to the line it was a maybe 145 deg. Made a more complete pass, easing into the throttle and approx 1/4 throttle the full quarter. had about 160 deg at the shut down area.
As far as the stumble goes, i am thinking its more my limp wristed driving style while i am trying to get comfortable with the car, combined with a cold engine. I have been easing on the throttle off the line. Doing a burn out, however, i stab it and it really didn't stumble at all yesterday.
So for my next steps, i am going to figure out what spring i have in the idle return, and work on building heat in the motor at idle (after I change the oil!) I can do that in the driveway without upsetting the neighbors too much i hope!
I can't thank you all enough for your help/advice. The amount of knowledge and experience here is amazing!
Tony
25
Spud Miller's Cave / Re: Enderle barrel valve adjustment question
« on: August 07, 2014, 01:34:41 PM »
The fuel pump (and the rest of the system) is just as it was except a put a larger vent (was -4, now -8 with a roll over valve and filter). It took the valve apart to fix a leak, and had to reset it. I found that i set it at 28, not 30 as instructed, so i figured i better head in the richer direction. But we'll see later on to night. If it seems snappier with a richer mixture, i'll give it a go, if not, I'll try in the other direction.
I tried shutting off the fuel to warm it up, but could only shut it off 1/4 or so before the motor would start to die. I did have the water pump going, i'm going to shut that off next time. Racing on gas for so many years, that just seems weird, but I need to get used to the alky stuff!
Tony
I tried shutting off the fuel to warm it up, but could only shut it off 1/4 or so before the motor would start to die. I did have the water pump going, i'm going to shut that off next time. Racing on gas for so many years, that just seems weird, but I need to get used to the alky stuff!
Tony
26
Front Engine Dragsters / Re: Helpful advice for first timer?
« on: August 07, 2014, 01:26:46 PM »
I did find some anti fog spray and used that a couple of times, it seemed to work ok. I'll try heating up the glasses, too. Never thought of that.
On the shifter, I'll chalk that one up to bone head driver. there's a stop to prevent from shifting past second, but somehow i managed to get by it. Perhaps a little too excited?
If i do it one more time, the shifter is getting modified/replaced. I've got a 7K chip on it and i never got into the rev limiter, the motor should hold together till at least 8500. Once i get this stumble thing figured it'll be way easier to drive.
I was thinking of high gear only runs to make the learning curve a little easier. I am not looking to set any records, have plenty of time to let the trans cool, as that'll work the converter pretty good.
On the shifter, I'll chalk that one up to bone head driver. there's a stop to prevent from shifting past second, but somehow i managed to get by it. Perhaps a little too excited?
If i do it one more time, the shifter is getting modified/replaced. I've got a 7K chip on it and i never got into the rev limiter, the motor should hold together till at least 8500. Once i get this stumble thing figured it'll be way easier to drive.I was thinking of high gear only runs to make the learning curve a little easier. I am not looking to set any records, have plenty of time to let the trans cool, as that'll work the converter pretty good.
27
Spud Miller's Cave / Re: Enderle barrel valve adjustment question
« on: August 07, 2014, 11:16:14 AM »
Thanks guys, the guy i who ran the car last told me he set it at 30%, but he typically ran 4000 ft alt. After checking it again I saw I had it set to 28% so I figured i better richen it up. It doesn't build any heat at idle so I figured it can't be extremely lean. I'm going to move it two flats richer and go from there. if no improvement, i'll go the other way.
thanks for the direction!
thanks for the direction!
28
Spud Miller's Cave / Enderle barrel valve adjustment question
« on: August 07, 2014, 09:13:19 AM »
First time working on mechanical FI and I am trying to get rid of an off idle stumble by richening up the idle mixture. I had the leakdown set at 28% and figured out that one flat on the adjuster is worth about 2-3% at this point on the barrel valve. What amounts to a sizeable change in leakdown? I don't want to go too far, but don't want to make too small of a change. It's not popping or breaking up at the hit of the throttle and with no load on the motor you really don't notice much of a stumble.
Thanks!
Tony
Thanks!
Tony
29
Front Engine Dragsters / Re: Helpful advice for first timer?
« on: August 07, 2014, 07:14:37 AM »
I made it out yesterday, and I can't thank you enough for all the helpful hints. Spend most of last night fooling around getting the valves set, going over the procedure with my helpers (two seem to be the minimum I can get away with) and going over in my mind what to do. Finally near dusk i got around to making a pass.
Burnout was good, but i seem to have an off idle stumble which helped a bit. Once the motor caught itself the rpm's came up and the burnout, according to my brother, looked perfect. The stumble caught me again on the line, but when the engine caught on, it was out like a rocket. I tried to shift to 2nd right away, but somehow bumped the shifter too far and got neutral. At this point i was out of the groove anyway, and I was NOT looking at the horizon any more, so i just idled the rest of the way. All I can gather from the run was "Wow, this thing is fast!". But I had a huge smile on my face the rest of the day, and not so nervous.
I didn't feel too good about making a run at night yet and the track gets dewey (is that a word?) so i packed it in. I'm going back tonite for hopefully a couple more runs after i fiddle with the injection.
I got a couple of thumbs up and the like from some of the folks there (that's at least some of the reason we do this, right?) and I had a great time. And I can't wait to get back in the seat now.
Tony
Burnout was good, but i seem to have an off idle stumble which helped a bit. Once the motor caught itself the rpm's came up and the burnout, according to my brother, looked perfect. The stumble caught me again on the line, but when the engine caught on, it was out like a rocket. I tried to shift to 2nd right away, but somehow bumped the shifter too far and got neutral. At this point i was out of the groove anyway, and I was NOT looking at the horizon any more, so i just idled the rest of the way. All I can gather from the run was "Wow, this thing is fast!". But I had a huge smile on my face the rest of the day, and not so nervous.
I didn't feel too good about making a run at night yet and the track gets dewey (is that a word?) so i packed it in. I'm going back tonite for hopefully a couple more runs after i fiddle with the injection.
I got a couple of thumbs up and the like from some of the folks there (that's at least some of the reason we do this, right?) and I had a great time. And I can't wait to get back in the seat now.
Tony
30
Front Engine Dragsters / Re: Helpful advice for first timer?
« on: August 06, 2014, 06:52:22 AM »
Thanks for all the advice. I picked up some anti fog stuff at the store, I'll try it out this afternoon when it gets hot out. I'll definitely be keeping the visor open as much as possible, though.
I'll let you know how it goes.
thanks again!
Tony
I'll let you know how it goes.
thanks again!
Tony