Conference napalm::musclecars

    
    RE: NED
    
    Unfortunately the GTI is up in there at the moment.  I'm in the process
    of replacing the front wheel bearings and a torn cv boot.  Then it's
    up to Skip's muffler for the installation of my new exhaust.  I was
    hoping to make it up on the 10th but now it looks more like the 17th.
    
    >> did you get the giggle gas going again?
    
    I figured you'd ask.  It needs just a tad more fine tuning but, yes, it
    is going again.  I'm having the tank filled today.
    
    How 'bout the goose ?  Ready to break into the 14's yet ?
    
    Marco

    I've decide to make some of the changes after I've made some test runs.
    I'd like to do a better job of data collection on the differences each
    change causes.
    
    So far I've got the induction system completely changed from last year.
    
    I now have an Edlebrock 14" performance air cleaner. It provides better
    flow characteristics into the carb. The carb itself is a Holly 600CFM
    with vacuum secondaries. I've modified the opening point of the
    secondaries with a spring kit and a quick change setup so I can play
    with different opening points as I "dial" it in.  I've also gone two
    sizes larger in the primary jetting. This is in anticipation of the
    headers being installed. I've put neoprene gaskets on the float bowl
    so I can change the jets easily as part of the dial in as well. I've
    got a couple of different sizes to try.
    
    The intake manifold has been changed from a Torker II to the Performer
    which gives much better low end torque. 
    
    I'll be working on the weight reduction throughout the season. I've
    personally lost 18lbs and plan to drop another 22 so I'm serious!
    Some of the other things that are being done are to remove the innner
    bumper supports and the 5 mph units. The bumpers will be installed in
    the original places but with light weight hangers. I'll remove the
    remaining parts of the A/C...not much left some things inside the
    heater/cooling box etc.
    
    I figure I'll get the current setup working at peak. I know where I was
    last year at 15.4/89.9 so I'd be happy if I can dial in 15.2 or 15.3
    with 90+ MPH. Then we make some more changes...the headers are sitting
    in the garage just waiting...I do need to make a little mod to them as
    I don't like the length of the collectors. I plan to get some collector
    extensions made before I install 'em. I'll keep the 2 1/4" exhaust for
    now. The next step will be the installation of a cross-over or
    equalizer pipe in the exhaust.  I'll be trying an interesting trick in
    locating the spot for this (stay tuned!). After that it's on to a 2 1/2"
    exhaust system all the way through. That will include new quieter
    mufflers.  At some point during this season I'll also be adding a
    really trick cold air induction system that I came up with the idea for
    this winter. I'm expecting to get a bunch of HP out of it if it works
    right.
    
    I also have plans for some changes to the cooling system that will help
    get things cooled down between runs faster..shouldn't effect much else.
    
    I'm out of town next week so I'll shoot at the 17th as well. 
    
    Anyone else want to join us?
    
    /tb/

Hello,

	The 17th sounds doable.  The mustang's tranny has been
rebuilt to stock specs under warrantee(again:-().  I suspect it
may run slower though.  It seems like the 2-3 shift is happening
at a lot lower RPM than before...we'll see...haven't had a chance
to open it up yet.  
	But anyways, we gotta agree on the ...ahem...ground rules
for ToP Street Weenie...  I have it on good authority that a certain
R.O.N. who wishes to remain anonymous(BRAD BUCCA) who drives a 
Green '69 Chevelle with an over bored monster motor(now with aluminum heads, 
over sized valves and a hotter cam) is also planning to trailer his vehicle 
to the track.  I say that what ever you bring to the track goes DOWN the track!
:-):-)  Therefore, its ok to trailer the Vehicle Under Test(VUT) to the track,
but its gotta pull the tow vehicle and trailer with it for its times to count.
..so there!:-):-)

Rich

    
    
    	Well as I remember the rules as follows
    
    	1. vehicle must have 4 tires mounted on wheels.
    
    	2. anything goes.
    
    	as I recall them from our lost version ;-))
    
    
    Brad

    Re: last several.
    
       God I love this stuff. :-).
    
    Eric

The way I remember it, ya had to drive it there if ya wanted to compete
in the Street-Wienie Nationals, and the car had to run in as-driven trim,
as well.

Of course, I'm just preparing a case should I get a look at some rapidly
dwindling Chevelle taillights :-).

The Plastic Bullet has a new Centerforce Dual Friction clutch (which
chatters :-( ), and some new gearbox internals, made of platinum, judging
by the cost. Five years of banging gears (is that a song?) made for some
very interesting asymmetrical shapes of engagement dogs, et al. I'm also
back to stock mufflers, having displayed (yet again) an intolerance for
heavy decibels. The trans and posi have also been treated to Red Line
Synthetic lubricants.

All this should translate to equal (but more consistent) performance
compared to last year, unless I am wrong about the Flowmasters being only
good for 5 HP or so. Sounds as if it won't be enough - but Brad, you still
need to get that monster off the line :-).

The 17th sounds fine, although I'd like to get some checkout passes in
before then.

Bruce

    
    I hope never to visit NED this season.  No, I'm quite content
    to wait until the season is OVER, at which point I will begin
    taunting Bruce in earnest.....
    
    Talk to you all next december!
    
    Tom
    
    

re...rules

       >1. vehicle must have 4 tires mounted on wheels.
       >
       >2. anything goes.
    

Sounds ok with a few more addendums:

        1. vehicle must have 4 tires mounted on wheels.
       
        2. anything goes.

	3. Anything Brad drives doesn't count...:-)

Rich

Tom, why don't you bring the SE-R up. I'll bring up the Shadow (or my son
will), and we can race all day. The best part is, nobody will even notice!
If we take a hammer to Marco's nitrous plumbing, he can run with us, as
well.

Believe me when I tell you, after a few ground-pounders go down the track,
these little wienie-mobiles just plain disappear! True stealth-racing!

Bruce

    
    Bruce,
    
    I was thinking about doing just that.  My feeling is that the
    SE-R ought to be good for a 15.6-15.8 bone stock.  I would like to
    replace the OEM muffler with something a bit less restrictive.
    I was thinking Borla or Flow Master.  Any thoughts?  
    
    Tom (who would still love to bring his big-block....)
    
    

.............but get a baseline, first. Are you up for the 17th?

Bruce

    I'd love to see the someone come with times in the 15.6, 15.8 range....
    :-)
    
    I'll still be working on my new basline for the Goose so who knows
    what evil may be lurking ....opps that's another program.....
    back to our regular scheduled etc. etc.
    
    /tb/

    re:.12

    >> I'd love to see the someone come with times in the 15.6, 15.8 range

    You're just tryin' to find some more people to ROMP on :-)  I have a
    feeling that it'll take all the jiggle-juice I've got just to keep up
    with the Goose this year.  By the way it looks good for the 17th.  I'm
    almost ready to go.  All I'm missing is the exhaust system and an
    evening of testing with "Eric and his Marvelous Mystery Computers".
    
    Let's race !!
    
    Marco

    Apparently Tom the bully is looking forward to the Goose's next victim....
    However, unlike the 98 lb schoolyard nerd, the SE-R has a large BIG
    BROTHER, aka, the BIG BLOCK 428cj Cougar, who would love to get
    some payback............................................................. 
    
    I am tempted,
    
    Tom
    

    
    	Why don't you bring it? I have a feeling I'm going to be
    	lacking serious contenders this season.
    
    			Brad

    Tom why don't you take it up there. Just because it is unrestored
    doesn't mean you can't bring it. I may even bring the Monte Carlo
    if I get it out of storage in time.
    
    Chris

I'm getting nervous...the goose could be within spitting distance soon...:-)

Rich

    
    Sputteweeee....
    
    :-Q
       \
        \
         .
          .
    
    
    /tb/ :-):-):-):-):-):-)
    

    So Bruce....why haven't we been hearing more about your new addition?
    Eric could use some lessons in how to drive a Ford...:-)
    
    Hope the weather holds up for Wed...I got  the Goose into "race trim" this
    week-end.
    
    /tb/

The Ford is still breaking in. I imagine it'll be at Epping in May or June,
though.

Eric and I snuck up there this Saturday. He went 13.9s, and went 100.22 on
one run, which is a new, normally-aspirated record for him. This was without
benefit of a good start, since traction was poor - although the air was
GREAT (air density of about 103 percent).

The Bullet got back into the 13.6s, with truly poor starts (new clutch, maybe?).
It broke into the 103s for the first time, though, and averaged 102.90 mph
for 5 runs, after some checkout passes (new trans & clutch parts).

All-in-all, we were pretty pleased.

Bruce

    
    Bruce,
    
    WTH are you driving now?  I thought you bought a Stealth?
    Did you buy a Mustang?
    
    Tom

Tom, I'm still in the Plastic Bullet, which is an '85 Vette, still smog
legal. #2 son and I share a Dodge Shadow ES Turbo of '88 vintage, with
which I intend to destroy that SE-R :-).

#1 son and parents came to an agreement around the mucho dinero he has saved
us via a scholarship, and the result is a new ('90) Saleen Mustang, with
3.55 gears. Thus, the Hyper Daytona (14.8 @ 96) is now history. The Saleen
will undoubtedly show up at Epping sometime during the Spring, but it's not
my call.

No Stealth. The local Dodge dealer *did* order one up in my name, just to
get one for stock. Having one son still in school (B.U. is $23K next year :-( )
means no new car for me for quite a few years. I stop paying tuition
in '93, which means I'll be hot on the new-car trail by '98 or so :-).

The Bride still has the Audi, which may be the best car of the bunch. However,
she has so far resisted my silver-tongued offers for Epping excursions "to
test the all wheel drive, hon!".  I view this attitude with the same open
disbelief I showed my mother when she refused to let me use her electric
frying pan to cook up batches of rocket fuel. And I was 13 or 14 at the time,
so there wasn't any possible danger :-).

See you up there, guy. Bring whatever you can :-).

Bruce

    
    Wow!  Those Saleens are sweet.  Harsh ride, but a great overall
    package.  Is it one of the SSC Saleens?  Are you making the trip
    tonight?  let me know.

    
    Tom

It's a standard Saleen, which Rodman Ford let go for about 20% off
(counting discounts and inflated trade), which is the only way the deal
could be done. The arrangement with #1 son called for an amount up to 1
year of tuition, room and board. We squeaked by :-).

It looks like drizzle and fog at Epping, tonight.

Bruce

    Bruce,
    
         Is it white ?  I flew by a white Saleen yesterday on 117 in my
    Rabbit.
    
    oh yeah he was heading east I was going west :-).
    
             Dean

It's red. No, make that RED.

It's up in the Northfield/Montpelier area of Vermont, zooming around
Norwich University at some inflated rate of knots, no doubt. We figure
14.3s at Epping, given some traction. Eric's not worried :-).

Bruce

    Well I few of us die-hards showed up at NED last night.
    
    There was Eric O'Smokin', Marco De'La Juice, and of course there was
    Grosso De'Goose....
    
    It was cold and damp...good for some bad for others...
    The Goose got enough runs in to establish that the new induction is
    working just fine...solid 15.6's for the first time out is OK.
    I'll need to do some tranny work to get to the 14's though.
    
    Eric was slippin' and slidin' out of the lights with short times the
    same as the Gooses! We made one run together and we were side by side
    as Eric hit second....I couldn't believe how little traction he has.
    They just smoked 'till he feathered out the throttle.
    Eric we did witness a 'stang doing 13.8's so you know it's possible!
    
    And Marco...what can I say...at least he's got a time slip with a solid
    15's time on it.  The car sounds great and he pulled some really nice
    launches...gotta get that mixture right though.  Black smoke all the
    way down the track....definitely too rich.  That little beast really
    moves though!
    
    /tb/

    
    Well at least nothing melted last night !  I realized how little I know
    about racing with nitrous.  I was so anxious at the starting line that
    I kept blowing the launch (2.5 short times).  My best 330' time with
    nitrous last night was 6.87. Without nitrous (4 more degrees advance and
    powershifting) my 300' time was 6.69.  I just couldn't launch, or
    shift, with the juice on.
    
    Then there was the mixture problem.  I wanted to be safe so I started
    with a rich fuel/N2O setting.  The combination of a cold tank (low N2O
    pressure) and the small N2O jets caused me run rich to the point that I
    was actually losing power.  
    
    I managed to get two somewhat clean runs with the nitrous......
    I ran a 15.8 at 91.43 and a 15.71 at 91.23.  Last year's best without
    nitrous was 15.82 at 86.7.   So the speed looks ok my driving stunk.
    
    Oh yeah, the Goose....how could I forget ?  That car has to be the
    ultimate sleeper (minivans aside).  I can't believe the way that thing
    pulls down the whole 1/4 mile.  I saw Tom run a 15.6 at 88+.  If I
    remember correctly the Goose weighs over 4 grand !!
    
    Then of course there was Eric's 'too powerful for it's own good'
    Mustang.  Would you believe that I saw him get more rubber in 3rd  
    than in 1st ?  It's true.  Most stangs at the strip come off the line 
    with their tires in flames.  Eric's just lifts its nose and leaves, but
    watch out when he nails (with a capitol P for powershift) 2nd gear. 
    Truly fun to watch.
    
    Marco
    
    	...so how's next Wednesday sound ?
             

    Hi,
    
    Black smoke with nitrous isn't just caused by the mixture being too
    rich. You only use the "O" in the NO2. The rest of the crap gets
    blown out as black soot.... Even if you are set up perfectly
    you'll get some black smoke. That is a real easy tip off that
    someone is running giggle gas...
    
    	Too bad the colorado contingent can't come and play... We might
    be just a bit faster than our sea level cousins... (-:
    
    
    					Brian...

    
    >> You only use the "O" in the NO2. The rest of the crap gets
    >> blown out as black soot....
    
    	That's a good point, I hadn't thought about that.  They real clue
    for me was the way the engine was pulsing and that I saw a fouled plug.
    
    >> That is a real easy tip off that someone is running giggle gas...
    
    	I think it was pretty obvious when people saw a stock-looking GTI
    going 91+ in the 1/4 :-)
    
    Marco

Nitrous (actually, N2O, not NO2), shouldn't cause any black smoke, since
it's 66% nitrogen and 33% oxygen, compared to (roughly) 80/20
nitrogen/oxygen in plain air. Black smoke comes from incomplete combustion
resulting in *carbon* particulates (from the carbon in dinosaurs, and
therefore in gasoline) left over after all the oxygen in the mixture gets
"used up" (combined) with other matter.

Black smoke means an over-rich mixture, period. Of course, if I were running
nitrous, I'd be sure to run at least a *little* on the rich side, for peace
of mind.

Bruce

    Yup, Bruce your right... Never new that. After doing a little research
    , all the kit manufacturers do set the jetting up rich. I guess
    to eliminate the meltdown problems of the past...
    
    
    				Brian....
    			Wrong, but still faster...(-:
    

It'd be fun for the lowlanders to come up to the heights for some runs,
and just as much fun the other way 'round. Reason: The lowlanders would
be looking for power, and have trouble dealing with pedal-to-the-metal
starts, while the highlanders would discover the joys of newfound power,
with zero traction :-).

Bruce

Well, the weatherpersons have been saying good things about Saturday.
Anybody up for some testing at NED? I'd like to get a few "good" passes
on the new clutch before I give up on it, and Saturday sounds like a
good traction day, with temps in the 70s.

Bruce

    
    Well, I've been hesitant about putting this in the notes file since I
    really hate talking about, but......the GTI won't be racing for a
    while (if ever again) :-(  
    
    I had a little "run-in" with a taxi in New York.  He was nice enough to
    re-arrange the left side of my car.  I guess he was just tired of
    sitting in his lane and decided that he liked mine better.  Next thing
    you know this 2 ton station-wagon is plowing into the side of my car.
    (1981 Dodge wagon, amazingly similar to the Goose :-) ) 
    I tried to avoided him but I ran out of room on my right.  It doesn't
    'look' too bad  but we know what they say about looks.  The driver's
    side rear wheel is no longer pointing straight....that's bad.  Plus the
    door has a nice "wave" in it and the body is a little scrunched between
    the door and the wheel-well.
    
    The insurance dude hasn't looked at it yet but I have a feeling they
    may tell me it's not fixable.
    
    I know 105k miles is alot but I'd hate to lose the car.  I still had
    more plans for it.....like a 14 second time slip.  I did make it into
    the 90's though.  Oh well, I guess now's a good chance to get something
    REALLY fast.
    
    Marco
    
    p.s.  I may not make it to NED this weekend but I still plan to come up
    	  to watch (and film) the DEC-Street-Weenie races as often as 
    	  possible. 
 

    
    Marco,
    
    Bummer, my `87 Mustang LX 5.0 Coupe was totalled in Oct.
    of 1988.  Getting your car crashed is a major depressant.
    best of luck getting this resolved - if it's a total, look
    into the Sentra SE-R.  I have one and it's a real blast.
    Price is decent too!!
    
    Tom 

Oh sh.. sorry to hear that.  Was looking to see what the whipped cream powered
GTI could do at the track.  Maybe you could get another giggle-gas GTI going if
the the insurance co. says RIP?  Grab the old head, since you invested the $$$
(and you may need a spare :-)

-Mike

    Marco,
    
         Sorry about the GTI its always sad to lose a loved one :-).
    See if you can buy back the car from the ins. if they total it.
    My brother bought a car for $500, it got totaled the Ins. co.
    valued it at 1K and then let him keep the car for $400.  So they
    ended up givinng him $600 plus he kept the car and bought another
    one like so he had a parts car and believe me he needed it.
    
                      Dean

      There is a show and shine at NED saturday in addition to the
    racing.
    
    Rich

    Marco...sorry to hear the sad news...your GTI had character!
    The Goose'll haffta find someone else to pick on!
    
   I can't make it to NED this weekend...
    
    /tb/

    
    Haven't heard from the ins co yet.  They're sending someone to look at
    the car in New York tomorrow.  If they decide to total it I'll
    definitely ask them about selling it to me.  I'd still want to get it
    fixed though.  Regardless, I'm thinking of getting some alternate
    transportation.  I think the GTI would make a superb 2nd car.
    
    I'll know more tomorrow.
    
    
    Marco

Marco, I have just the alternate transportation in mind...........

A Mustang LX 5.0 coupe. K & N, no filter silencer, 13 degrees initial,
synthetic lubricants, 3-way "street" pulleys, indexed plugs, 245/50ZR16
sneakers out back, sub-frame connectors, shock tower brace, and g-brace.
Battery in the trunk if you want a little better launch.

Presto. 13.8s @ 98 or so, with *either* 2.73 or 3.08 gears.

Last I saw, Framingham Ford had a couple - and a *bunch* of hatchbacks,
if you insist on practicality.

'Course, you'll have to put up with all that coarse, plebian TORQUE,
'stead of all them big numbers on the rev counter :-).

Bruce

PS - Hope it comes out OK ith the insurance folks.

    
    I second Bruce's idea - great car for the money (and can
    be had for a bargain price right now)
    
    Opt for the hatch, there is practically NO useable cargo space
    in the coupe.
    
    Also, the 302 DOES like to rev (at least compared with some
    of the modern V-8 5000 RPM redline wheezers) My `87 had little 
    problem pulling cleanly to 6,000+ RPM.
    
    Tom
    
    Tom

    Tomorrow looks like its going to be a perfect day for drag racing. 
    Given that its been warm a dry for several consecutive days I expect
    traction might be decent.  I'm planning on heading up to see if I can't
    procure a 13.8xx timeslip in full emissions form.  I put the Catalytic
    converters back in due to noise and a nagging conscience.
    
    The car trim for tomorrow will be like this:  1988 Mustang with speed
    density air measurement (ie. not MAS airflow sensor).  Texas Turbo Ram 
    Air package; K&N air filter; 13 degrees initial timing; 1/2 tank of
    sunoco 94; Saleen Strut tower brace, G-Load brace, and Subframe 
    connectors; Battery moved to the back;  Hurst Line-Loc;  2 front air
    lift bags set to maximum lift;  Bridgestone RE71's 245/50ZR-15 all
    around;  Hurst shifter;  180 degree thermostat; and finally 3-chamber
    Flowmaster Mufflers with the stock converters in place.
    
    See Ya'll there,  
      Eric

Eric, I can't resist.......

So, the dynamic duo of street-wieniedom shows up at Epping on Saturday, all
primed for some big action, even with the temperature up and the barometer
down. However, something really strange happened up there in the wilds of N.H.

There was enough traction to straighten Larry Bird's back in 4 microseconds.
I threw an icecube flat across the starting line, and it *screeched* to a stop
inside 4 inches. The starting line crew looked like they were walking in
gravity boots. Are you getting a picture here?

Now, yours truly, driving a wienie-mobile with long gears and something near
50/50 weight distribution, took a few runs to sort it out, and this was
complicated by the fact that there were a *lot* of cars there, many of
which were serious enough to require a good deal of starting line prep, so
we could only get around a run per hour. I never did get it completely right,
and left early with a 2.00 60 footer that was pretty good, but not the best
possible on that unbelieveable track.
 
But Eric?

Eric has been banging gears at Epping for three years and maybe 250 runs or
so in that 3.08 geared (3.35 first) Mustang, and he has never come within
*sniffing* distance of something called "traction". I don't believe he has ever
bothered to learn how to *spell* the word, since it obviously wasn't a useful
operational term describing anything his car could experience - in *this*
lifetime, anyway. Consequently, after banging his nose on the upper rim of
the steering wheel a number of times, he had to learn how to spell a *new*
word:

B-O-G:  BOG  -n. Soft, water-soaked ground; marsh. -v. BOGGED, BOG-GING. To
hinder or be hindered.

All day, it was lurch-and-die for the poor Pony, and Eric would return to 
the pits with a bigger bruise on the schnoz, vowing to "come out harder"
next time. And he did.

But the track got better, too. Eric was probably just one run behind, all
day long :-). You know, when you've had to tiptoe for three years, it's
kinda tough to run the tach up and start stompin'.

Well, guy, it wasn't a total loss. You learned a new word, and if it happens
again in three years, you'll be prepared :-).

Bruce

PS - Actually, the 'Stang went 14.0's, which ain't too shabby considering the
power was down about 6%, according to the RSA software. The Bullet got
down to a 13.74, and there was a "possible" high .6 in it, but I had to
call it a day at just after 1:00. Brad, where are you? I want you to come up
when it's *really* slick :-). You would've *ruled* on Saturday.

>Brad, where are you? I want you to come up
>when it's *really* slick :-). You would've *ruled* on Saturday.

I don't think he has the trailer hitch on the Chevelle yet...you
know... the one he's gonna need to pull his truck and trailer down the
track as per the NEW street weenie rules...:-):-)

R

P.S.  Sorry to hear about the GTI Marco....really sorry...now I'm
the only one left in the Goose's neighborhood...oh ohh...:-)

    Anyone for NED tonight?
    
    /tb/
    

Sure sound good and I would love to see the goose run in all her new feathers.

But, alas, I have yet to change the oil etc in PB#2 since retreiving her from 
storage.

Soon though, real soon!

~Red Light~

    The Goose doesn't have "all the new feathers" in place yet...but we're
    workin' on it.
    
    I did make a trial run at the headers last week-end. They're about what
    I expected..."Bolt right in!" yeah sure...I won't be able to use the
    long 2qt oil filter...that's OK I guess. If it's too hard to change the
    smaller filter I'll get a remote kit or something. I'll also need to
    do some routing around the trans mount...I knew that...that means I
    have to get a couple of more pieces of 2 1/2" bent up.
    
    I decided to go with Caddy mufflers..have em.. just gotta put it all
    together....boy 2 1/2" pipe is BIG. The mufflers have 2 1/2" in and
    2 1/4" out so I can use the same tail pipes.
    
    I'll also have to cut a small piece from a front end frame brace for
    clearance...other than that they "bolt right in".
    
    Tonight I'm playing with different secondary openings (spring changes)
    and I'm about to put a new set of plugs in...the last run I made I had
    plugs that were in all winter that the gaps had opened up to .060 on!
    She runs MUCH better with .045 gaps.
    
    Well I gotta go get them plugs and head up there...
    
    We miss PB#2...get her waxed so you can do some waxing on seom others!
    :-)
    /tb/
    

So Tom, how'd you make out? The air was certainly good last night (close
to 101% density), so your mph would likely be up. I was kicking myself, but
really couldn't break away in time to make the trip.

Bruce

PS - I know that guys from Jersey (Atco, Englishtown) might think 101% is no
big deal at all, but up here in New England, we don't get three-digit air
densities all that often. You Colorado types can just go all green with envy,
now :-).

    Sorry it took so long for this reply. You have to remember that the
    Goose is a daily driver too.  After running 15.5's on wed night I drove
    to Reading Penn AND BACK on Thursday. Just a little 1000 mile drive to
    keep things cleaned out! :-)
    
    I was pleased with the Gooses performance but my R/T's are not what I
    want them to be. My best was a .740 and I know I should be in the
    .5xx's from last years experience.  I just needs more runs that's all!
    Oh yeah my speed is still in the 89's..best for the night 89.4.
    Traction was not a problem and I would have liked to seen Eric up there
    bumping his nose again! If nothing else I'm gonna do a 90 MPH pass
    this season!!
    
    I made one change that helped my short time...I did a couple of 2.40's
    that made me happy. The change was letting the scondaries come in a
    little sooner.  I'll play with the springs again after I get the
    headers on....probably not until July the way things look!
    
    Because of Thursday's plans I could not stay and had to settle for 5
    runs..but 3 wins so what the heck?!
    
    Bruce I wish you HAD been there! There was some good competition for
    you.  A black ZR1 and a Porche Turbo went at it...ZR1 = 13.31 Porche =
    13.71...it was a nice race.  There was a Mustang that was set  up with
    tubs, a monster big block etc. etc. I only saw a trial run of 13.31 but
    I'm sure that beast could be into the 9's.
    
    A couple of other interesting cars...a new Caprice classic...yeah the
    ugly one...Goose meat...he turned in a 17.71.  Then there was the Audi
    Quatro...more feed for the fowl..he turned in a 17.16..
    
    Oh yeah there was a '65 Dodge Charger..pretty nice with a stock 383 but
    it was not running quite right...his best was in the 16's.
    
    
    /tb/

    
    
    It's true.....this monday I got the GTI back from the body shop !!  It sure
    is nice to have a car again, and it looks better than ever.  Now nearly
    $4000 and 3 weeks later I'm looking forward to racing again.  This
    Saturday doesn't look good for me but next Wednesday does. 
    
    I think I know what the problem was with the nitrous last time....it
    was just too cold out.  The pressure in the nitrous tank was too low
    for the jet sizes I was using.  If I can get an evening in the 70's 
    after a day in the 80's I think I may see some 93-94 mph runs.  I can't
    wait to try it out.  FWIW: the mileage is up to 106k !!!
    
    What d'ya say Tom....you gonna be there next week ?
    
    Marco (who's_got_a_big_smile_on_his_face_again)

    Next Wed the 22nd sounds good...I'll try to make it weather permitting.
    
    I've got a couple more trick to try on the Goose...so it's ready!
    
    /tb/

    What I don't understand is after the experience you had...why would you
    want your car to get beside the Goose!?!?!
    
    Does the giggling GTI go in a straight line or will we see it doing
    some "special" staging at the lights?
    
    I can see it now.....Marco trying to explain to the tree operator that
    it's only the FRONT wheels that have to point down the
    track...everything else will follow...really...sorry 'bout your toes
    though...!:-)  (now lets see the body points left, the tires point
    straight, now did it torque steer to the left or to the right??)
    
    /tb/ 

    After a short sabatical from Drag racing, due to one-to-many traction
    woes, I'm ready to bang some gears this Wednesday.  I've had trouble
    hooking up for a long time, and last time at the strip I actually
    expereinced BOG.  The whole affair was enough to send me into a 2-week
    depression during which I vowed to have given up drag-racing.  Anyhow,
    I think I recovered and am really looking forward to a Night at the
    strip.  See ya'll interested folk, if'n ya make it.
    
    Eric

At the moment, it looks as if the Augenstein clan will show up en masse
for the Wednesday night treats.

#1 son, who just graduated from Norwich University with High Honors, with a
Naval Science Distinguished Graduate rating, and who is as of Friday an
Ensign in the US Navy, registered for flight school at Pensacola in a few
months (Proud? Who, me?), is eager to set sail (fly?) in the Saleen for the
first time. Eric probably doesn't need to worry yet, but Rich D. is in a heap
of trouble :-).

#2 son, on the Dean's list again at BU, and already working his buns off at a
summer job (Proud? Who, me?), hasn't tried the "Goose Eater" :-) Shadow for a
year or so, and is likely to be there sometime during the evening, as well.

Bruce

PS - Pardon all the beside-the-point verbiage, but ol' dad's chest is puffed
out even further than his stomach :-).

    An I've seen his stomache, it sure gets out there!!!!  Ever think of
    getting a red flag for that?/
    
    Just bustin em, congrats on the great job from the 'sons' you must be
    real proud!
    
    chet

    Bruce, you have good reasons to be VERY proud !!!....MY son just
    graduated from BU and I'm sooo pleased that I don't have THAT tuition
    to pay any longer!!!!! Also pretty proud papa here also...
    
    The Goose will be there...I was a little worried that I wouldn't make
    it because I cut my finger....Why would such a little thing stop the
    mighty Goose you ask??...well I cut it when I ran my hand over the
    Gooses left front tire! They really do put steel belts in them
    things!!! Just a little worn maybe?!?! Well 60K miles on a 40K tire
    will do that...
    
    Well new sneakers tomorrow....and I'll be running "different gears"
    because of that! Watch out!
    
    I don't care if the "RED Devil Mustang" is fast or not...I just want to
    LOOK at it again!
    
    Besides, I gotta see the "new" GIGGLING_GTI_GOOSE_EATER_GO...boy am I
    in a weird state today?!?!
    
    see ya there...
    
    /tb/

    
    Just as an FYI:  I'm planning to send my husband to the Frank Holley
    School of Drag racing for Christmas this year.  Thought I might share
    some information with you that they gave me today.  In case any of you
    have $2500.00 to blow to spend three days in a top alchohol dragster.
    
    
    They have 3 programs (no transportation/hotel included - they are
    located in Gainsevill, FL)
    
    GAS   Dragster  = 2 days $1150.00 3rd day $150.00 per run
          Super Gas = 2 days $1150.00 3rd day $150.00 per run
    
    ALCHOHOL Top Alchohol Dragster - $2500.00 3-4 days depending on class
                                     size
             Alchohol Funny Car - $2500.00 3-4 days depending on class size
    
    MECHANICS COURSE - 3 days $650.00
    
    If you are intersted in obtaining more information from them, I have
    thier number.
    
    
    And yes, I do love my husband alot!  Think he'll be surprised/pleased?
    
    Kim
    
    (Miss my 69' Chevelle SS - 396)
    
    

    Kim...........I'm sure your husband will be thrilled with your present.
    
    All I got from my wife last Christmas was a Hess truck....
    
    The Mad Weldor...Jim

Kim, I guess I'll just have to print your note, and leave it in the
next Good Housekeeping that arrives at our house.

I don't know if hubby will be surprised, but if he isn't *ecstatic*,
shoot him!

Bruce

OK, so I lied.

With the exception of Marvelous Marco, it was pretty much ho-hum last
night at Epping. The Bullet went 13.7-13.8 at 101 and change, the Goose
went 15.6s at around 88 (I think), Eric went 14.3s at just shy of 97, #2
son went 15.7s at 87 in the Shadow, and #1 son went 14.7s at just under
94 in the Saleen :-(. The Saleen is obviously very tight, as it just stopped
pulling by 5000 rpm. Both boys were ticked off at their results.

Rich Dimascio had a pretty good night, though, running 15.2s at 93+ in
his shift-kitted AOD Mustang. #2 son cut a light on him in one run, but Rich
just motored by at around the 660 foot mark, and kept pulling hard.

But Marco?

Marco was just lying in wait all night for any unwary hot-car driver to
dismiss the 106K-mile GTI as a wimpmobile. I personally saw him dust a
5.0 slick-equipped Mustang, and he had his way with a number of other cars,
as well. 15.1s at 94 mph strikes me as an usual performance for a 1.8 liter
4, no matter how many valves it has. Nitrous from 2nd gear on accounts for
that speed, but the car runs strong even without it. Next stop, 14s?

Bruce

    Yeh...the Goose was off..the speed was still 89 Bruce, but now that
    I've done some analysis of a few past runs I'm convinced that a lot of
    the probelm is in the tranny. ( I keep saying that don't I?)
    
    If you look at my 330', 660', and 1000' times vs the amount of time
    between runs (or how long the tranny has cooled) I can see a BIG
    difference. I can also feel the difference. basically it's slipping
    more and more when it shifts...but what would you expect with the abuse
    I give it?
    
    I did have a good short time last night of 2.388
    
    I also have to learn to drive again!
    
    I was also running with smaller tires on the rear...I'm going back to
    the others for some more runs with different changes.
    
    
    

    
    
    It's nice to finally see the benifits of running nitrous oxide.
    
    Last night is going to be hard to beat as far as I'm concerned.  The
    GTI ran better than ever.  What I'm really surprised about is how
    consistent the car was with the nitrous.  I would've expected it to be
    more irratic, instead my speeds were 94.64, 93.55, 93.42, 94.22 and
    94.38.  on that last one I had my best ET of 15.15.  Put that together
    with .500 and .501 reaction times on two of those runs and I can say I had
    a GREAT night.
    
    Thanks to Eric's help in finding a way to keep the nitrous bottle warm
    I didn't have the 'rich-mixture' problem I had the last time I was at
    the track.  With a little more nitrous pressure and a slightly better
    launch I'm confident that the car is capable of a 14 second run.  If
    that doesn't do it I still have a set of larger nitrous jets :-)
    
    After I get in the 14s I'm thinking of hanging up the fogger nozzles
    and start looking into a car that'll get me there straight out of the
    showroom.  I know Bruce, I know.... believe me it's been on my mind for
    a while.
    
    See ya'll next time.....
    
    Marco

	Not to bad a night for me.  I posted my highest MPH to date at 93.67
and some of my quickest ET's in the 15.2's.  It appears that I DO have to now
shift it manually, it looks like 5500 1-2 and 5200 2-3 seems about best.  But
one thing that was clear from last night was TRACTION.  My first two runs were
in the 15.4's at 92.6.  I checked the rear pressure at it was at 35psi.  I 
dropped it to 27 psi and picked up .2sec and 1 mph(manually shifting both
gears rather than just 2-3 this time also).  Soooo, Eric, I'll take you up
on your offer to try swapping my rear tires with your front 245-50's for a 
couple of runs.  I think the additional edge in effective gearing and 
traction might just get me to 14.999999_. 


Rich

P.S.  Sorry Marco, I would have like to race you but I um, ahh, err, just
had to go eat dinner...yeah thats it....maybe later...yeah..yeah...:-):-)

    Well it was a lackluster showing for the some of us - clearly. 
    However,  I had a great time nonetheless.  Something about the smell,
    noise, and an oppurtunity for me to let it all loose, really gives me a
    charge.  My short times were medium-poor at 2.2's.  This is the first
    time using 245/60's on the back - the 2 inch height increase makes
    first gear manageable, but with unnatural work for the clutch.  I think
    it'll take some getting used to on my part.  Traction was downright
    good in the right lane, and downright bad in the left.
    
    Here's what I learned last night - 
    
    - Finishing in 3rd gear with these tires seems to have cost almost a MPH.
    - Starting at 2500-3000 rpms and riding the clutch is now possible. 
    - Powershifting is more gratifying then I remember.
    
    Eric

    Buick Grand National 1987
    
    modifications = NONE (BONE STOCK)
    
    Atlanta Dragway, Commerce Ga.
    
    13.92 @99 mph
    
    Fastest of the bone stockers (others running 13.96-15.10
    The other GN's running faster 12.4-13.47 were modified by suspension,
    exhaust, ram air, intercooler, k+n filters, etc. The one in the 12.4
    area had head work done. the next closest with never moved valve covers
    (no work internal to motor) was 12.74 (six runs in a row).
    
    My reaction time for the first christmas tree in 20 years was terrible
    .500 = perfect
    .499 = red light by .001 (they do not use the .000 base)
    
    run 1 = 1.5xx
    run 2 = 0.836
    run 3 = 0.835
    
    need to come out a little sooner!
    
    Regards,
    
    Michael
    
    P.S. (plastic Cars, come on Bruce, it's still not to late to trade it
    in on a used GN)
    

    I didn't know they were racing in Commerce, do they have an open night
    or something.  I'm not too far from there (hr. and half).  I'd like to
    check it out one evening.  What night and how much does the grudge
    racing cost?
    
    
    Jim

A fellow by the name of Gary Caramanis runs a pristine GN at New England
Dragway. He drives it in, messes about for a half-hour or so with slicks,
exhaust, intercooler, etc., and then runs 11.50s at around 119 mph. A point
of pride with him is that, although the car has a number of modifications
(mostly small), he has never had the valve covers off the engine. In fact,
this is beginning to be a problem for him because they're leaking a bit.

Incredible.

Although I don't have any interest in a used/abused GN, I've lately taken to
studying my Syclone info, and have even visited the local Pontiac-GMC dealer
to take a look at the anniversary Trans Am they have on the floor, and inquire
about pickups in basic black :-).

Lucky I don't have any money.

Bruce

    If you like the Syclone, but would like a tad more room, wait a few
    months. The local GMC dealer informed me that there's going to be an
    S15 Jimmy available for '92 with the Syclone drivetrain in it. It's
    scheduled to be named Typhoon. Yow!
    
    Harry
    

    
    Jim, where are you located. Commerce races every Saturday. Tech
    inspection opens at Noon, Time trials at 2pm, racing at 6pm or so!
    Two groups:
    	Pro - bracket racing, requires helmet, winner gets money.
    
    	Trophy - No helmet, just seat belts and drive shaft loop (which
    	         the GN was manufactured with one) Winner gets Trophy.
                 Costs 15, Pro costs 30.
    
    The Atlanta and S. Carolina GN clubs meet their quite often.
    
    Bruce - I want a Syclone - But good sense prevents me from buying it at
    25 - 26k. Corvette owners are alrady preconditioned to pay that kind of
    money for a new auto. But I refuse to pay more for a SMALL truck than I
    did for my first house (almost)
    
    Michael
    

    Michael,
    
    I live in Greenville, I want to come down to the dragway in two weeks. 
    How about hooking up then??  We can play around with some hairdryers!
    
    Jim

    I probably will not be going to the Track again until the Fall, But for
    sure, not until my other car is finished! I've got a forty that I have
    been fooling around with since 1986, and it's time to get serious with
    it. I will be spending all my money, What little I have, on getting it
    back on the road. Just Finished spending 4.5K on the motor. 
    
    And don't let Bruce hear this, but what you run at this time of year,
    unless it is not seasonalbe weather, will be slower than what you ran
    in April/May (heat is not kind to GN's)
    
    Regards
    
    P.S. My runs were all recorded, as were the rest of the two clubs, on
    video tape, including the final class winner, which was a T Type. I can
    give you the name of the video guy who taped it if you want to see what
    GN's can do.
    

    I got a chance to stop by NED last night. The weather held and there
    was a pretty good crowd.
    
    I got to see the that GN run Bruce...in the lane next to me...he pulled
    a rotten light (musta got shook by my quick reactions...or he was caught
    laughing at the Goose :-)) his R/t was 1.005 but his short was 2.051
    with a final ET of [email protected] also saw him put a 13.6x together.
    That car is something! 
    
    Harry you would have loved the "Windup Toy Truck". You may have seen
    it.
    It's a pro job that has been sidelined for awhile. It's a small body
    truck with a BLOWN BB MOUNTED IN THE BED!.
    
    This thing rides on it's wheely bars for the entire 1/4mi!!
    The driver is looking through the floor and between the front tires!
    
    The Goose had some timing problems but I got them pretty much cleared
    up..I was a couple of pounds over normal weight and ran 15.7's @89.45.
    
    I'll get a 90 MPH YET!
    
    Bruce is helping to "dial" the Goose in so I'm still hopeful of some
    new "records" this fall...gotta get those headers on!
    
    Anyone besides Marco and myself interested in next Wed?
    (of course Saturday all the 'vettes will be there right?)
    /tb/

Tom, when you say ".....that GN......", I sure hope it wasn't Gary. If it
was, he's hurting. He runs 1.6X short times, and hasn't been out of the 11s
since early last fall, when he was going 12 flat. Now, an 11.6 is a fairly
punk run for him. On the other hand, he'd *kill* for an 11.49. Some things
never change. I want a 13.49, you want 90+, and a 14.99 (along with Rich
Dimascio and Marco), and, I have it on good authority that Eric has actually
sold his soul for a 1.99 short time and a 13.8.

Cheap :-).

Bruce

    I understand its "Roast a Vette Day" at New England Dragway tomorrow!
    I'll be there in my stock late model Ford to fulfill my appetite for 
    plastic :-).  
    
    I do beleive I'll take tabasco for Black Vettes, and worcestershire
    for Red ones.   Bruce and Don - please season lightly tonight, so as 
    not to delay the festivities tomorrow!
    
    Eric von Eric

    re: "that GN..."
    
    Bruce that was a Typo...13.6 should have read 11.6x...he was just
    "testing" when he ran in the lane next to me.
    
    Just being around that car and listening to it is enought to get one
    interested in "hair dryers". (or at least intercoolers)
    
    /tb/
    

    Roast a vette day?  Yep, it gonna be fun. Eric, I have a fair supply or
    should I enough, of the sauce. I figure 1/100000 of an ounce will be
    enough considering the likehood of your (drof)  opps, ford running
    well.  I hope you bring plenty of Ketchup, gotta mask the tast of the
    fords don't ya know.
    
    Well I'm leaving the ranch bright and early 7:00am to get there in time
    for some runs before it get to busy.  Hope to see a good turn out.
    
    
    Until tomorrow,
    
    ~Red Light~

    RE: 76,78...so??? Who got "roasted"?...come on..you can tell us!
    
    Nobody in this file would THINK of throughing an insult! (well maybe
    they'd think about it..but NEVER would they say it!) :-) :-)
    /tb/
    

                                      OR:

                  THE CASE OF THE BUMBLING BRACKET BOMBER

Well, it was a really nice day Saturday, and about 200 Vettes showed up for
the show, shine and drags up at NED. There were a *bunch* of excellent cars
there, from mild to wild, and about 45 of them turned out for the Vette-only
bracket race in the afternoon.

My cut at all this was that I would do some conservative driving, with easy
starts and early, let-off-the-gas shifting, so as to arrive at  14 flat for a
dial-in time. I reasoned that there might be a 14-second-and-up bracket, and
further reasoned that having the lower dial-in time was an advantage, because
the other guy could foul first (meaning instant win), and also because one
could control the race more easily with the other car in plain view, as
opposed to checking mirrors. In addition, if I could catch up well before the
finish line, I could let up and be sure not to break out. I did a few practice
runs in the morning, and with 14.02, 14.09, and 14.03 timeslips in my hand, I
parked it and just wandered around, watched racing and showing, and jawboned
with a lot of friendly people. Among other things, I saw a bone-stock Kawasaki
ZX11 go mid tens at around 135, a new ZR1 with this beautiful creamy metallic
green paint go 14.50-something at 107 mph(!), and I watched the guy next to me
in the pits with a mid-year coupe go 10.30s at 130+ all morning long. This car
had a heavily modified big-block with a TH400, and the car had full tubs in
back, with a narrowed 9" Ford rear. The gentleman *drove* the car in, pulled
the exhaust system, replaced the 33" by 12.5" tires with slicks, and boogied.

After lunch, I went to the pre-race drivers meeting, and learned that there
would not be any separation of cars by general dial-in range, and we would all
be running together. Oh, well. I did have an opportunity to coach the
never-before-raced ZR1 driver in technique, so I took advantage of it, thereby
insuring that he would break out in the race, which he did forthwith :-).

I should say that I haven't done bracket racing before, so I had a number of
questions at the meeting. Among other things, I learned that proper technique
called for lighting the pre-stage light, then checking the lights up at the
finish line for the proper dial-in, *before* staging. I got to run another
time trial before the race, and, again driving conservatively, the car went
14.20.

Uh-Oh.

Was it a 14.20 because I was *too* conservative?  Was it because it was warmer
and a bit more humid than earlier? By now the veteran bracket racers in this
file are snickering openly, both because the weather is an age-old performance
modifier, and because what the hell kind of a lame brain driver am I if I
didn't know *exactly* how conservative or not I *was* on the run? I figured I'd
play it by ear (so to speak) on each run, and just try to finish ahead of
the other car, 'cause, as long as I keep to the conservative driving plan, I'm
not smart enough to know if I'm going to break out or not.

This "strategy", if I may honor it with the term, actually works out pretty
well for the first three runs. They line me up with a nice, stock-looking
mid-year coupe for the first pass, and, although the 14.40 on his window says
I have to spot him 4 tenths, I actually already have him by the 60 foot point,
due to an adrenaline-crazed .505 light. Then it's just stab and steer, shifting
in the low 4000s. This almost turns sour when I grab an early fourth (with a
three car-length lead) at maybe the 600 foot point, and the guy starts to pull
me! Of course, I'm out of options at this point except to keep the right foot
down hard enough to make the leg tremble (which I do), but fortunately I stop
him, and begin pulling away slightly at the lights, with maybe a car-and-a-half
on him. I go 14.36.

Then it's a '71(?) big-block, with 14.90 on the window. Somehow, the idea of
giving a big-block 9 tenths and then trying to haul him down seems pretty
much like an unnatural act, but what the heck. He's obviously got troubles,
'cause I catch him a couple of hundred feet out, but this time I stay on it
anyway until the 1200 foot mark, then let off with compression braking taking
me over the line with a 14.22 at 89 mph.

For the third pass, an '85 4+3 with 15.15 on the window cuts a .257 light. Just
to make sure, I stay on it enough to keep a fender on him, and slog to a 14.69.

OK. Now there are only 6 cars left. To be more specific, there are 5 serious
cars left, and *me*. I draw my pit neighbor for the next pass, and we flip
for lane choice. Goodie! I at least get my lane. He's got 10.32 on the window,
but after 3 mid 10.30s passes, he erases it and writes 10.34. I debate with
writing a 14.02 just for giggles, but pass.

This will be the first run where I'm the rabbit, instead of the hound. My
previous runs haven't taught me much, other than that traction is an iffy
thing, so  I figure I'll optionally powershift, with gear-by-gear decisions,
depending on my launch, and my perception (HAH!) of how hard he's pulling me.

Yeah, right.

The launch is mediocre, with a fair amount of wheelspin, so I decide to
powershift 3rd and 4th. It isn't until I've got 3rd gear that I get a chance
to look at the world around me, and discover two things: First, the finsh-line
lights in my lane have some meaningless (to me) number up top, and "14.08"
on the bottom. What the hell is that? Right. I forgot to check before staging.
The second thing I more or less instantly notice is that this Maroon Big-Block
Fiend is coming on like a greased coffin down the stairways of hell. The 3rd
to 4th shift just automatically comes under power without conscious thought,
and now I'm debating whether or not to back pedal before the line.

Street-Wienie friends, if you had seen this Fiend From Hell coming on, you
would have done just what Ichabod Crane and I did under roughly similar
circumstances, which was to try to beat feet out of there with all possible
dispatch.

At the line, I've got a good half-car or so, and I'm holding on to my door
when he thunders by at about 800 mph and 2000 decibels at the 1330 foot point.
In the return lane, he and I wave to acknowledge a good race, but the tale
of the timeslip tells it all. He cut a .521 light against my .555, and a 10.379
on his 10.34 dial against my (are you ready?), 13.995 on a (are you ready
again?) 14.08 dial. Yeah, I would have broken out even on the "correct" dial,
but figuring his 34-thousandths starting advantage, I would have been able to
balloon all the way up to a 14.004 and still win :-).

I guess I should feel some pride in being the last of the Street_Wienies
eliminated, but, I'll tell you, sometimes it's easy to tell the men from the
boys :-). Watching some of these really fast cars run within hundredths all
day is a pretty impressive thing.

Maybe I'll rent an automatic Tercel next weekend :-).

Bruce

    Well Bruce, you sure impressed Adrienne with your effort.  And in light
    of the automatic Tercel, I have her convinced that her automatic
    Toyota SR5 was made with the sole intent of bracket racing in mind.
    
    It was a good day all in all.  Due to inherent wimpyness, the Vette
    drivers were generally run together.  I was lucky to get one Vette race
    and  subsequently blew his doors off with a 0.538 reaction time and a
    14.2 ET.  
    
    Eric

    I'm going tomorrow night!  Anyone intrested?
    
    Don

I'm up for tomorrow night.  I got the new wheels + tires...245/50-16s in
back, nearly 10inches wide...that should help traction some!
Who else is going ??

Rich

     
    Assuming I can get my nitrous tank filled in time I'll be there.
         
    Marco

    Well it's tomorrow!  Who's going and who's wimpping out?
    
    
    Eric where are you?
    
    Tom?
    
    Bruce?
    
    Etc, etc...
    
    Don

    I don't think I'll make it tonight - already made plans under the
    assumption that it would rain.  However, I might me up for this
    Saturday if Epping isn't doing anything special this weekend.
    
    I don't think Bruce is up for tonight - and I KNOW his plastic bullet
    isn't :-(.  Some lady decided to do some spontaneous body work on his
    car and drove into him.  Bruce is OK but sore, and the bullet is
    apparently even more sore.  What a bummer.
    
    Eric

    Oh noooo...does that mean PB#2 get's a promotion to #1 by default?
    
    Glad Bruce's OK...maybe this is a ploy to go get that truck with the
    hair dryer he keeps lusting after. :-)
    
    /tb/

Mucho rain and thunder here right now sooo no Epping tonight.

Eric, if you're going up Saturday post a note I might make it

re Bruce's car....that sucks

R

    No Epping last night for me either......TO much water...
    
    I'm gonna try for next weds. if anyone in interested.
    
    Don

    Hi, How are all you guy's? I'm an avid NED fan and read through your
    notes. I'm a proud owner of an 80' CAMARO with some heavy dreams for 
    it. I work second shift but I'd like to take a wednsday off to check
    out the action. The only thing is I don't know which cars to look for.
    
    Right now my car has the orignal 305 w/90k+ on it. It's got the usual
    goodies carb,cam,intake,and dist, but it still has highway gears.
    I've done some fooling around on the highway and left some Monte'SS's
    and some Stang's behind me but I'd like to find out how she'll go in
    the 1/4.
    
      Tell me when your going and what to look for and I'll try to make it 
    on a Wed. But watch out next year we're goin BLOWN B.B.
    
    
    Hope to C-YA there.
       A fellow NED fan.
           Mike.....

    Well I've got an 87 Red Vette with Borla mufflers and louvered
    taillights easy to spot.  
    
    Marco will be in a red GTI the laughs at the line,  "Nitros don't 'ca know".
    
    Eric's in the black stang with the anchor draging! :-)
    
    Rich another stang with wheels...
    
    Tom in the goose, large stations wagon that surprises everyone.
    
    We, as a rule, start out early, 4ish in order to get some good runs in
    before it get to crowded.
    
    
    It would be great to have another bowtie lover there to dust of the
    horses.............Wheeeeeeeeeeee!!!  :-)
    
    Call me if you intrested 223-3871...
    
    ~Red Light~

Unexpectedly beautiful night at the strip.  Apparently Epping NH didn't get any
of the rain that drenched the rest of New England.  Conditions were decent, and
it wasn't crowded at all - most people, including the tardy ambulance driver,
must have thought grudge night was rained out.  Attendance consisted of me in
my '88 Mustang GT; Don L. with his '87 playboy red Vette; Bob C. in an '84
Vette also playboy red; Rich A. (fruit of Bruces loins) in a fully decked  '90
Saleen Mustang, and Bruce sans Plastic Bullet #1 [:-(] acting as coach,
coordinator, critic, and crew chief (in that order).

I was happy for a number of reasons.  First off, going back to 245/ZR50-15
Bridgestone RE71's brought my times back to 14.1's @ 98.xx - I was besting
14.2's with 245/VR60-15 Michelin XGT's.   Secondly,  while tossing heaps of
verbiage about the prowess necessary to pilot a stang at Rich A., a fan made a
trip from the stands to the pits with the sole mission that he inform me I
*must* video tape my runs because I am getting air on my shift to second gear!
I challenged this, but he insisted it was true, stating he had been watching
with diligence.  Frankly, I don't buy it, but I feel good knowing that my
shifts come across with the authority of a true racer.  In any case, it sure
made me feel all sorts of tingly and whooshy.  Thirdly, I assumed the controls
of Rich A.'s Saleen so as to demonstrate proper driving technique, and see
what the car is "really" capable of.  The truth is I was quite nervous about
driving some elses brand new Mustang - and a Saleen to boot.  The reason I
bring this up is that I clicked off the car's best time of the night - a
14.530@ 95.55 with a 2.18 short time - and it was at that moment that I
realized that God does love me.  It's all very clear, and perhaps there is room
for an ordained drag strip street weenie minister :-).

In all honesty, hanging around with the guy's debating and hypothesizing
performance virtues was the real highlight of the evening.
                                                          
Eric "God smiled on me" Goehl

    
   Sounds like the night wasn't a total loss. Do you really think the
    guy in the stands was pulling your leg or do you think he was on the 
    level? What kind of mod's were done to your car? To lift the tires
    shifting to second in an '88 stang is impressive. 
    
     I'm hoping to make it next Wens. and I'll bring my vid. cam. to
    see this stang get air. (and to watch my car get blown away!)
    I hope not!!!!
    
    See ya next Wens. 
    
    Mike Espo....
    
    
                
    
    
    
               

    Nah, it just ain't possible for a nose-heavy car without slicks and
    under 275 HP to pull the front tires.  I have air bags in the front coil 
    springs that I pump up to 50 lbs. each at the strip.  The result makes
    the car look like its accelerating even when its not moving.  I think
    the guy was serious but misguided.  Most late model performance cars
    have tight noses due to big sway bars.  My front end is still tight,
    but its pumped up.
    
    Eric
    

    Eric,
     Does this help your traction off the line? I would say it would 
    seeing your leaning the car towards the rear thus alittle more weight.
    Correct?? 
      I've got air shocks in my car in the rear,that I keep around 45-50lbs
    while driving. I'm thinking of letting them down to around 20-25lbs
    for the strip for more weight on the wheels but I really don't think
    I'm goin to have traction prob's.
      Do any of you other guys have the airs in the rear that race with 
    looooooow pressure? 
    
    See ya next week.
      Mike...

    I guess if the weather is good I'll see if the Goose can make it next
    week.
    
    Mike if you think Eric's stang will impress you...wait 'till you
    see the Goose! :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) 
    
    
    /tb/
    

    The goose is the wagon right??? I can't wait to see it!!
    What's the best time for the goose?? 
    
    I'm thinking that about the best my car will do is in the 15's or
    16's..It's got 273's in the rear and only a 305 w/cam,carb and intake.
    The low end isn't the greatest but it's got some pull from 3k-6.5k
    on the tach. not bad for a car thats supposed to tach out at 4.5k..
    C ya next week....
       Mike.....

Runs pretty good from 3k to 6.5k, eh?

Is this a fox, visiting the henhouse?

Bruce

PS - I expect to be there, with a bevy of the neighborhood kids.

    Well put it this way...If I go down the road about 30ish and drop it
    to L1 and boot it, it loves it. I don't have the kick down linkage 
    connected so it gets shifted manualy. I can get 110mph out of 2nd
    gear on a stock th350..(taching 6k)..
    Mike...
    P.S. The competition probably won't be that great!!!
         (from me)
    
    Mike...........

Re: .96
    
I'll say from the start, I don't know diddly about suspension.  I've proved
this for about 2 years now.  Everytime I think I'm a true expert in the field,
I'll read about a "known and well proven" tip that suggests doing something
opposite of what I consider correct.  A case in point is that I've read that
the hot tip for late model performance cars with *coil* springs (front and
rear) is to lower the car - front and rear!
                                                    
This makes little sense to me.  The stated objective is the change the "instant
center" upward and rearward.  By "instant center" I assume they mean the
effective center of mass while under acceleration.  With simple diagrams they
show that the instant center is determined by extending a line from the upper
and lower control arms (4 link suspension assumed) towards the front of the car
until they intersect.  That point of intersection is the instant center.  I
followed this pretty clearly but was left mumbling *SFW*.  What's the magic of
this up-rearward instant center?  Does it create some magic moment (as in
lb.ft.) that drives the tires into the pavement?  I concluded yes, maybe, no.
                                                         
From a strict physics point of view, the higher the mass center the better. 
Also, the shorter the wheelbase the better.  Taking the ratio of the mass
center height over the wheelbase length and making this number as large as
possible would result in the best dynamic weight transfer to the rear wheels.
But...the above only applies if the vehicle was a strictly rigid body; like its
shocks were welded in one position.  Since this simply ain't the case, does the
above still apply?   Yeah, but it applies in a dynamic sense where each instant
of time and postion must be factored in.  This all leads back to dynamic
suspension geometry - and the truth is that the average mortal is not supposed
to understand or question it.  There are a few artists on earth that were
designated at birth to be suspension men and women.  Only these people are able
to understand and modify suspension - same as automatic transmissions :-).

In any case, most of my cars weight is over the front wheels so I've decided to
compromise and lower the rear and raise the front.  Oh, by the way, whatever
you do with the rear air shocks, make sure the rear of the car remains planted
under hard acceleration.   Wheelhop and bouncing won't help anything.

Can somebdy help enlighten us?

Eric
                                    
          

    Well the best Goose time last year was 15.4 @89.4.
    
    I like "pony" cars such as yours..they're usually pretty good competion
    for the Goose.
    
    Changes have been made this year and I'm working my way back to the
    15.4 slowly...right now my best is a 15.5...but as I said there have
    been some changes...and more to come.
    
    I just realized that I'm going to be in NYC next week :-( so you'll
    just have to wait...
    
    I may not be able to get back to NED 'till August! But then some MAJOR
    changes will have been made and the ET will be interesting to say the
    least.
    
    Enough about the Goose and what I'd like it to be able to do...
    
    Eric...short wheel base best????  I find that hard to swallow.
    It would seem that the longer the wheelbase the longer "lever" you have
    to act on the CG.
    
    I always thought that it was the short wheelbase of the pony cars that
    created the traction problems...but then I know even LESS about
    suspension than you do! :-)
    
    I'm probably the only guy that runs a NED that can't wait 'till I have
    a traction problem to solve!
    
    /tb/

    RE:101
    
    Well to tell you the truth,I don't know $h!t about susspentions either!
    I do know it was a pain in the @$$ to change!! 
    As for the wheel hop I'm not sure how I'm going to leave the line yet.
    If I start with a power brake I don't think I'll get the power off the
    line..and if I leave with a tranny slam with it to the boards I'll
    spin off the line or blow a joint.. so I don't know whats up yet..
    I guess it will be trial and error..(hopefully not many errors)
    It's a long ride home to Fitchburg..
    
    Anyone with some low torque off the line secrets??(auto's)
    
    Mike.....

    The standard way to leave with an auto is to pre-load with your footy
    on the brake, then floor-it as you let it off when you leave.
    
    Now depending how much wheel spin you get you will have to play with
    the throttle amounts etc.
    
    DON'T SLAM IT INTO GEAR...you'll very likely need a ride home.
    You correct...you'll probably just smoke 'em and not have a very good
    run.  This is why the discussion on Stall Converters is so interesting.
    The Stall converter will let you get into the RPM range of your torque
    curve when you launch.  (I think...nobody answered my question about
    that yet.)
    
    When you go for the first time...take you time to learn the in's and
    outs of NED racing and don't worry about your times at first...that
    will come ...get the hang of you launch, the lights, staging etc
    first...
    then GO FOR IT!
    
    
    /tb/
    /tb/
    
    

    
    OK guys, I'm ready to commit.  Weather permitting I WILL be
    at NED next wednsday with the `91 Sentra SE-R.  However, could
    someone please provide some logistical details (cost, time to show
    up, process for registration, etc.)  What I'd like to do is work
    out the inevitable racing jitters on the Sentra (which is under 
    warranty) and then bring up the "Heavy hitter" when I get my "Race
    Legs"  Anyone want to volunteer some assistance?
    
    Tom (who *REALLY* wants a sub-14 timeslip with the Cougar!)
    

    
    Alright Dudes....looks like I can finally make it this week.  The GTI
    is juiced up and ready to go.  Tonight I hope to put in some synthetic
    tranny lube to help with shifting and maybe free up some more hidden
    power. I'm going to have two goals this week.  The first will be to
    reproduce the ET's I had last time, 15.1 @94.5.  Then I have a couple
    of tweaks planned which WILL put me in the 14's.  I know it's possible
    but I'm going to need a hot (hopefully in the 90's) day to do it.  See
    you guys up there !!
    
    Marco
    
    FYI, for those who've never see it, it's a red 1987 VW GTI 16valve.

Well if the weather looks good(I guess its best to call NED...it was pouring
here last week...) and I don't get called away on a possible business trip
thursday...I'll be there.  I can't wait to try out the the new tires...I 
figure with the wider footprint I might be able to just nail it of the line
and improve my typical BOG_SPIN_GRAB launches quite a bit.  If I could match
Eric's short times on a good night I should be at 14.9.  


R

There is no *way* you're going to match Eric's better short times.

Time for some more teeth in that ring gear, guy :-).

Bruce

    Eric,
     You work at DSG right?? Remember Dave Stevenson's (security)
    Camaro?? Well that's mine now. He told me about your car a little,
    sounds pretty good. I don't think I'll be able to match your times 
    but it cuold be fun..
       Mike....
    ( THE ROOKIE )
    

    
    Well guys it looks real good for tomorrow!! Sunshine & in the 80's
    
    What time is everyone getting there?? 
    
    Mike....
    (THE ROOKIE)
    

    
    It's Wednsday - weather looks good, so I'll be there with Chris
    Roche. Where at the track does the DEC contingent meet?
    
    Tom 

We seem to be congregating at the starting line end of the pits, facing the
concession stand and rest rooms, 150 feet behind the stands and near the
inspection shack. Confusing enough for you?

Mostly, we'll be in the staging lanes, pointing and laughing at each other.

Eric will often be found under his GT, giggling to himself. I notice that
Marco also giggles to himself a lot nowadays, but probably for another reason.

Look for black & white Mustang GTs, a RED Saleen, red VW GTI, red '87 Vette
and a middle-aged fat guy, currently rideless :-(.

Bruce

    
    Well, last night was my NED initiation - with mixed and somewhat
    disappointing results.
    
    Run #1 netted a 16.3 E.T. @ 85.4 mph. Reaction time .775
    I bogged it off the line and spent the remainder of the run trying
    to make up for lost time.
    
    Run #2 improved, with a 16.0 E.T. @ 85.9 MPH. Reaction time increased
    to .819 and my higher launching rpm resulted in a LOT of wheelspin.
    However, my short time did improve due to raising the 1-2 shiftpoint
    to 7,400 rpm. 
    
    Run #3 was my worst. 16.4 @85.1 MPH  `Nuff said 8^(
    
    Run #4 Improved to 16.2 @86 MPH. traction problems again, exacerbated
    by my nervousness (can you say sidestep clutch and punch throttle?)
    This run I decided to run third gear through the traps, and I think
    that was a mistake.
    
    All in all a lot of fun, though I've got lots to learn about
    consistency, launching, etc. Bruce, you were a big help..Thanks!
    
    Tom

Although it was warm and humid, traction was good, and I noticed a
fair number of smiling faces at NED last night.

Eric, for instance, was consistently at around 99 mph, with a best of
14.03, which means his car is producing some really solid power. Now, if
he could only get the short time down........

Rich Dimascio clocked a 15.14 (a new low), meaning he'll probably be
into the 14s with room to spare come the Fall Street Wienie Intergalactic
Bash & Bakeoff.

Marco is having some teething problems with the Giggling Terrorist Indulgence,
but he was still in the low 15s and mid nineties.

Tom Fisher was disappointed with his 16.0 best, but I thought it was *very*
good for his first time up. He'll need to work on his analytical skills,
though. Hey Tom, in run #2, did your raising of the shift point help your
short time, or did your *wheelspin* help? I mean, do you even *make* that shift
by the 60 foot point? In run #4, you showed your best mph of the night, and
you think leaving it in 3rd was a *mistake*? Maybe so, but I'm thinking you've
got an rpm fiend, there. Time will tell.

Mike Esposito ran bottom 16s with his Camaro, at nearly 90 mph. Gears, gears,
gears :-).

#1 son herded the Saleen to 14.3s at 97+, so the car is beginning to get
with the program. Eric is feigning worry. The timing problem mentioned in 58
is being checked over today. We were running *19* degrees of initial advance
last night, with no ping!

The PBs were AWOL.

Bruce

    
    Bruce,
    
    There are just so many variables at play, and in the heat of
    battle I found it hard to isolate all the factors.  I do plan on
    coming up again (soon) and I'll try to discipline my style a bit.
    You are probably right - it was the wheelspin (as opposed to chin
    banging BOG) that made the difference in run #2.  As a consequence
    my short time was down, and this advantage carried over into the 
    330' and 660' times.  I noticed Marco's launches resulted in very
    little observable wheelspin, and I will focus on launch technique next
    time around.  Also on the 1-2 shift I'll need a little more finesse.
    I noticed each run resulted in a good amount of second gear wheelspin
    and weight transfer. Perhaps a little speed shifting is in order.
    Overall, not a bad night, though I think 15.9 is possible with some
    practice.  
    
    Tom
       

    Well I think last night was an experience I won't soon forget!
    While waiting for the gates to open and let us speed freeks in and
    start tearing up the pavement, I talked with some of the other early
    birds. All of them told me the same thing..."after your first run
    you'll be addicted"...and they were right!! The first run was the
    worst, a .800 r/t 16.25 @ 88.2mph. I guess it was rookie jitters
    and the fact that I've never seen the lights quite so close up before.
    
    As the night went on and Bruce, Eric and Rich put in there $.02.
    Things got better..run #2 .700 r/t16.22 @88.6mph. Then on the next
    run I cut the best light of the night .586 r/t 16.1 @ 89.6mph..
    As it got cooler things got faster.. the best run of the night was
    my last .599 r/t 16.1 @ 89.9mph.. 
    
    Not too bad all in all.. I think it's time for bracket racing..
    6 run's all in the 16.1-16.2 pretty consistent..
    
    Like I said watch out next year it's time for the BIG BLOCK !!!!
    Then Mr. Bucca can come play w/his CHEVELLE...
    
    Mike.....
    (THE ROOKIE)
    

    
    Last night proved once again that I know absolutely nothing about
    nitrous oxide.  I'm experiencing too much inconsistency with my car's
    performance.  I need to monitor/regulated the n2o and fuel pressures
    very closely.  It seems that as the nitrous bottle is heated the
    pressure in the bottle and the car's performance go up.  However, at
    the same time I'm emptying the bottle which makes the pressure go
    down.  I just need to buy a few gauges and stuff before I try it again.
    
    The 14s are with reach !  I can say that with confidence.  Last night I
    ran a 15.2 @96.4 with a 2.532 short time.....the previous driver was nice
    enough to roll through the water with all four tires and dumped water
    all over the starting line.  On my last run I got a 2.368 short time
    but by then the bottle was too cold/empty and I ran a 15.3 @94.
    
    Tom, as far as starts are concerned all I do is tell myself that the 
    clutch is a "wear item" and I burn the sh!t out of it.  I launch at
    4400-4600rpm and slip the clutch.  I try to have the clutch all the way
    out just as the throttle is reaching the floor.  I tend to come off the
    clutch a bit fast so on occasion I'll only engage the clutch about
    9/10ths of the way and wait for the throttle to catch up.  
    
    
    	Marco

	Well with what appears to be a smaller crowd on Wensday nights from 
years past, undoubtly due to the flat economy, New England Speedway
is going to depart from their usual subdued radio spots :-) to 
try top attract more racers and spectators...:Here's the new billing...:-):-)





(SET MODE OBNOXIOUSLY LOUD TYPICAL N.E.D. RADIO ANNOUNCER...)





       !!!!!!! WENSDAY........WENSDAY........WENSDAY....!!!!!!


.	.......Neeew England Speedway PRESENTS....


		

		!!!!!THE STREET WEENIE NATIONALS!!!!!





		!!!!EEVVVERRRY WENSDAY NIGHT!!!

	MEET...

	Dr. Speed himself...

	BIG DADDY.... 

	!!!!BRUCE AUGENSTEIN!!!! 

		and
	
	HIS !!!!!RACING CLAN RENOWN!!!....  




	SEE THE PLASTIC BULLET STRRREEEAAKKK ITS WAY TO 
	
	ANOTHER ZR-1 HUMILIATING VICTORY!!!.....



	SEE  "MAD MARCO"  PILOT HIS... NITROUS BURNING....MUSTANG EATING...,

	INNNNCRRRREDIBLE GTI INTO THE 14'S!!!!!.....





	WATCH ERIC GOEHL POWWWWWWERRRRRRR SHIFT HIS WAY TO ANOTHER

	CORVETTE STOMPING WIN!!!!

	



	SEE RICH D. ATTEMPT TO PENETRATE THE INNNNSURRRMOUNTABLE.... 

		!!!!15 SECOND BARRIER!!!!!....
	

	
	SEE BRAD B. THRRRRREATENNNN TO  BRING HIS MONNNSTERRRR MOTOR CHEVELLE
	
	TO THE TRACK ONCE AGAIN!!!!.....


	

	SEE "RED LIGHT"  DON LIND LAAAUUNNNCH HIMSELF VICTORY IN 

		PLASTIC BULLET II!!!!...


	
	
	SEE THE AMMMAAZZZZING TRACTION OF THE "GOOSE WAGON" AS IT

	SHOCKS AND TERRIFIES ALL CONTENDERS.... 

	

			AND


		as an added attraction,


	 SEE.... THE JET POWERED KENWORTH TRUCK!!!



	....THE ROCKET POWERED ROTO TILLER....!!!



	....THE BIG BLOCK POWERED UNICYCLE...!!!


		ONLY AT NEW ENGLAND SPEEDWAY!!!!




	REMEMBER ...ITS.... "THE STREET WEENIE NATIONALS"

	EEEVVVERRY  WENSDAY NIGHT ONLY AT...

	
	!!!!!!NEW ENGLAND SPEEDWAY!!!!



	route 101 Epping New Hampshire....



	WENSDAY.....WENSDAY....WENSDAY.....


:-);-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-)

Marco,

NOS markets a blanket (heated I think) that you wrap the Nitrous bottle in.
It's supposed to keep the bottle at a consistant temperature.  The blanket
and lots of other NOS goodies are available in the latest Summit Racting 
catalog.

Mark

    
    
    Mark,
    	I got their catalog last night.  I know about the blanket (which is
    heated) but it costs $80.  I don't have a problem heating the tank. 
    I run a dryer hose from one of my heater vents to the bottle and turn
    the heat on.  It really works well (thanks for the idea Eric).  The
    problem is that I never know the exact pressure.  I'll be buying a
    nitrous pressure gauge next.
    
    Marco
    
    p.s.  Rich, you should be in marketing  :-)

I'm on vacation next week but am planning on going up to
Epping the third (provided good weather).  It should be good,
its the same admission and racing as usual but with fireworks
and ...The JET POWERED KENWORTH TRUCK...yes indeed folks...only at
er...uhhhh...sorry still got that radio add in my head...:-):-)
See ya's there!

Rich

    
    Well, I again made the pilgrimage to Epping, this time as spectator
    ONLY. Too bad, temps were low, air was dry, and there was a red SE-R
    running 15.8's. Most impressive was the 1970 Riviera. I met the kids
    who own it. They purchased it 4 days earlier at the cost of $695.
    Run 1 for the monster Riv netted a 15.8 at eightysomething. Run 2 with
    the air cleaner removed dropped et into the 15.2 range at 93 mph or
    so. Then, at my urging they bumped up initial advance a couple o'
    degrees and proceeded to run a 14.9 at 95+ MPH. Not bad for a traction
    limited, 4300 pound BOAT!
    Another evening highlight was Rich D. vs. the Hauling Hay Wagon (a Ford
    flatbed 100 series pickup) I'll never tell who got the win light on
    that run......... 8^)
    I also got to see Brad Bucca run his `69 Chevelle. BEAUTIFUL CAR!!!!
    ABSOLUTELY NOOOOOOOOO TRACTION!!!!!  Brad, you must have smoked the
    hides nearly to the 330' mark!
    
    God, Bruce was right, this Drag race thing is great - see you all soon!
    
    Tom 

    4300 LBB Riviera huh? Sounds like there's getting to be a lot of
    competition for the Goose....What engine did that Riv have?
    
    I'll have the headers on the next time the Goose shows up....
    possibly a few other goodies too. (vacation time is car tinker time!)
    
    See ya when you least expect it (at the lights!)
    
    /tb/

    
    Tom,
    
    The Riv was running a 4v 455. Factory rated in 1970 (SAE Gross)
    at 360 HP with about 500 ft/lbs of torque.  Nifty car, it really
    pulled strong!
    
    Still waiting to see the Goose!
    
    Tom

      RE last few.  That's the same engine in my Grand Prix.
    Nice and light and plenty of power.
    
    Rich

    
Hi,,,

	Here's a strange one that I haven't figured out yet...
My car with 3.08 gears, was running 14.8's at 90 mph fairly consistently.
But I wanted more...of course... I swapped out the 3.08's for a set
of 3.56's,,, got it all back together and took the car down for a
trashing at PMI in pueblo... The 3.56's definitely helped the car leave...
Low 500 reaction times are a whole lot easier, and have been more
consistent... The weird thing, that I haven't found the cause for is the
et/mph are almost exactly the same as with 3.08's. I am still running
14.8's at 90 mph....
	Staging I usually spin the tires hard once (dry). The next
hop the tires spin a couple feet then grab. A third hop they should
be warm enough to stick. 
If the tires are warmed up and the track is sticky enough, I get
a chirp off the line but no significant wheel spin, so tire slip isn't
causing the loss of time.
	I don't think the motor is running out of rev's on the top end.
I used to cross the finish line at around 4200 in third shifting at 5000 
in first and second . With 3.56's I hit the end at around 4800.... 
The motor will pull to 5500 without falling off noticeably... Short 
shifting at 4500 produced a 15.0, shifting at 5500 in the first 2 gears , 
was also a 14.8 something...
	The only explanation I can think of is that the motor is
dropping off on the top end, but it feels like it pulls hard all the
way... An identical motor on a dyno put out it's peak horse power at
5250, but the torque curve started to drop off at 3750...
The motor is 406 CI small block (chevy of course) ~8.5 : 1 compression,
cleaned up heads (not ported),edlebrock performer, holly 750, 
crane cam  224 duration @50, 460 lift intake/exhaust, 112 lobe center, 
rhodes lifters (I'll never uses rhodes lifters again, the noise is the pits)
	
	With everything working together I would have expected some gain,
but to run almost identical times, just baffles me...


					Brian...

    Brian,
      What are the ratio's of the transmission?  What is the height of the 
    tires?  With this information, myself or Bruce should be able the
    quantify *exactly* what going from 3.08's to 3.56's should've done for
    you.  Sometimes the results are suprising - its not a given you are
    going to get quicker or faster.  
    
    Also, if your track gives 60, 330, 660 and 1000 ft. times and/or speeds
    please post them also.  BTW, a 14.8 at 90 sounds like your car is set
    up pretty well for the quarter.  That may be indicative of why the
    3.56's didn't produce the expected gain.  Another BTW, a gear change
    will generally affect ET and not MPH - assuming the car isn't grossly
    off in its quarter mile gearing.
    
    Eric

    .....and how much does the vehicle weigh? What size tires?
    
    /tb/
    

    hi,,,
    
    Vehicle weight is around 3600, rear tire size is 265/50/15 (TA's)which
    puts the dia at 25 inches ,trans is a modified but stock ratio th350
    altitude is around 5200 ft...
    	Normally PMI gets lazy on Friday nights (more of a grudge night
    like wednesdays at NED)and they don't list 60 foot times.. I don't
    know what the 60 foot was with the 3.08's, but I do have 1 60 with
    the 3.56's , 2.1??
    
    
    				Brian...

    I realized last night on the way home that I had entered it wrong!
    Sorry.
    
    Should be...
    
    FYI stock ratio TH350 is: 
    1st= 2.52:1
    2nd= 1.52:1
    3rd= 1:1
    
    /tb/
    
    

    Last Wednesday I finally paid my first visit to NED, as a spectator.
    There was a bad crash, but the driver walked away.  His car flipped
    a few times. I gather from what was being said that the engine locked 
    up at the end of his run.  He was driving what looked like an older
    Toyota.  I saw him make an earlier run, and I think he hit low 10s or
    high 9s.  The car's front looked completely wiped from the crash.
    By the looks of it all, I'd say he was very lucky.
    
    Unfortunately, the crash delay, along with a rain cloud that searched
    out NED from the rest of the area, resulted in a very short night of
    racing.  Due to the very short night, I thought they would issue a
    rain check, but the didn't.  Very cheezey.
    
    Ken P.

    
    
    From what I understand the driveshaft broke to to the motor seize
    and dropped to the ground causing it to flip end over end.
    
    Art
    
    Might bring the 65' Olds to Aug 25th 1st Annual Old day.
    
    Or at least be a spectator

Racing resumed after about a half-hour, and went on 'til near 10:00.

#2 son logged a couple more passes, running 15.4 @ 89+ in his Shadow, with
something near 12 psi boost. We're going to 13+ psi shortly, looking for a
major challenge to Rich D. :-). #1 son went 14.4s all night in the Ford, with
initial timing set anywhere from 14 to 21(!) degrees. We've pretty much given
up for now in trying to figure this advance curve out.

That 2.5 turbo Dodge van went 14.08 @ 99+ !! Hard to believe.

Eric, Tom B., and Marco were all there banging some passes, with Eric doing
some bracket race times. I saw 5 of his runs, starting with a 14.13, and
followed by three 14.10s and a 14.11! Maybe you should go there Sundays, guy!

Bruce

    When we were heading out during the downpour, the officials were
    telling the people showing up that the night was cancelled.  We
    based our decision to leave by the official's comment.  Cars coming
    in were turned around after being told there was no more racing.
    Sounds like there was a major screw-up in communications.
     
    Ken P.

    What?? A Toyota in the 10's.....??
    
    The Mad Weldor....Jim

    I'm really starting to get nervous.  I've always looked at that Caravan
    with genuine reverence while jesting on how one day I may be in danger
    of being humiliated by it.  I guess the time has come.  Best timeslip
    to best timeslip, I lost with a 14.10 to 14.08!  I've raced him several
    times, and he always has me paying real close attention to the lights,
    but this is scary.
    
    The obvious answer is to loosen my modification limits.  I plan on
    bypassing power-steering and the smog-pump from now on.  I also took
    off the foglight brackets this weekend - Saving a whoping 10 pounds
    from the lower nose.  I also spent all Sunday using Body filler on my
    air-intake box to smooth out any possible areas of turbulence.  In
    addition, I'm going to run at the track with the passenger side
    foglight completely removed, using the hole for a cleaner RAM air entry
    then the Texas Turbo funnel I have been using.  I expect some
    measurable gains from this new induction system.
    
    See ya'll tomorrow at the place where the BS walks and the timeslip
    talks.  (ps.  Actually the BS does a fair bit of walking and talking
    especially from the street-weinie crowd :-)).
    
    Eric

    When I was at NED a couple of weeks ago I remember seeing a notice
    about the Winston Nationals.  Is it this weekend, Jul 27-28?  Also,
    anyone know what time it starts and what is costs?  
    
    Ken P.  

.............just to smack them across your collective cheeks!

I've convinced myself that WEDNESDAY! WEDNESDAY! WEDNESDAY! is gonna be
a terrific night to boogie at NED, and the Augenstein clan will be ready!

BEAUDET, YOU'RE MEAT!!!

DIMASCIO, BRING SOME ROPE TO TIE YOUR DOORS BACK ON!!!

CIAFFI, GET SOME DUCT TAPE FOR YOUR HEADLIGHTS!!!

WE'RE SHOWING UP WITH THE RIP-SNORTING, GROUND POUNDING, FIRE-BREATHING,
(wheel-hopping) SUPER STOCK DODGE (shadow) on WEDNESDAY! WEDNESDAY!
WEDNESDAY! TO SHOW EVERYBODY JUST HOW IT'S DONE!!!

THE SECRET WEAPON? WHY, 13 PSI!!!, OF COURSE!!!

No, not in the tires, you sillies.

WE'RE LOOKIN' AT 15.2S HERE, YOU WIENIES!!! THAT'S RIGHT, YOUR BASIC,
STANDING-OVATION, MAYBE A WAVE 15.2S FROM THIS (cute little) THUNDERING,
(4 cylinder) BIG-BORE, PAVEMENT RIPPING, (wienie-tired) MAD-MAX OF A CAR!!!

BE THERE!!!!

ON WEDNESDAY! WEDNESDAY! WEDNESDAY!

BRUCE (!!!!)

PS - If all else fails, I may take the Maxima rental for a pass :-).

PPS - Stop snickering, Bucca. I'll have you know that, on it's last pass,
this little CAR-CRUSHING FIEND smoked 'em for around 100 feet or
better, so you don't have a lock in the scotch-tape-off-a-roll wars :-).


BULLETIN
--------

Apparently, being Bulletless for six (sob!) weeks has forced me
completely over the edge. Be there anyway, just to show pity :-).

    I don't think I can make it...I have to be in DC 'till about
    4:00...but I'll try....I really want to try the headers out on a run.
    
    Oh yeah, I got em on along with the 2 1/2" exhaust system. It sounds
    mean still, even with the Caddy mufflers. I still need to finish the
    equalizer pipe installation this coming weekend.
    
    If I can make it it in time for a couple of runs I'll do it...just so
    you can say you had SOME competition!
    
    /tb/
    
    

    I'll be there - as usual - Continuing my own personal
    endurance/durability test for my Ford.  I'm expecting to bringing my own
    personal cheering crowd - this will by my bro's first trip to Epping,
    and I'm hoping I can get him hooked.  Actually I'll have 4 or 5
    non-drivers with me.
    
    If the weather holds, I insist on claiming my 13.8 timeslip :-).  BTW
    I've permanently lost my passenger side foglight which was replaced
    with a NASCAR-like ram air.  The flow to my filter-box is now so direct
    that I can't imagine anything less then a half-second gain :-).
    
    Eric  

    
    How could I refuse ??....it sounds like just about everyone's going to
    be there tomorrow.  Am I ever going to get a chance to do some work on
    my car ?  I need to do a few more things before I can plant myself in
    the 14's, not to mention some much overdue PM I need to perform.
    
    Anyway, assuming the speed shop gets my tank filled by tonight I'll be
    there with the 100k mile GTI shooting for a 15 flat at 96mph.
    
    See ya,
    Marco

    Bob Cristiano @ MLO
    
    I'm planning on being there also with my 84 Vette( not classified as a 
    plastic bullet). I'm hoping to turn a 14.8 @ 94 mph!

Sorry, I can't make it this week...
but Bruce, for consolation for not being there, while your
driving #2 son's Shadow,  I'll send you
a picture of my taillights...nyuk, nyuk:-)

Rich

    ...and I'll be there !
    
    /tb/
    

    
    So guys, how was NED last night?  Judging from weather conditions
    in Mass. last night the temp/humidity must have been perfect for the
    drags.  Eric, did you post any sub-14 times?  Marco, did you bust into
    the 14's?  I have high expectations......
    
    Tom

Hey, it was hot, the barometer was down, but what the heck, at least
it wasn't humid..........

The True Wienies responded to the challenge, and threw some mighty fine
numbers up on the board. In ascending order of goodness:

Item: The SUPER STOCK (wienie) DODGE went 15.5s at just under 89, with me
aboard. That means #2 son ought to see about 90, and it also means we're
gonna go for 14 psi or so. What the heck. The car has zero traction now,
so more power ought to be just the ticket :-).

Item: Tom "Big Bird" Beadet went 15.5s in the Goose, so the new headers
not only look good, they're doing good things. Near as I can figure, the
headers are good for around 3 tenths, and the car is *quieter* than before,
with some nicely brazed headpipes in place, and Caddy mufflers. The
crossover pipe that Tom is putting in ought to pick up the low end, as well,
so even better numbers ought to be coming.

Item: Eric "it just won't launch" Goehl popped a 13.86 @ 99.16, with a 2.07
short - his best run ever. Later, he had a somewhat overexuberant start, and
ran a 13.97 with a 2.13 short. I inquired about "the blown run", with
dead-straight face, and Eric just nodded. Ain't it amazing how perspectives
change? :-)

Item: Bob "tell me what else I can do" Cristiano banged a 14.62 @ 94.26, with
a 2.07 short, which is faster and quicker than any stock, smog-legal '84
Vette I've ever seen.

Item: Marco (Hee! Hee! Hee!) Ciaffi has been burning the midnight oil
trying to get control of the nitrous installation in the GTI. As many of
you know, he has been banging away in the low 15s, looking for that magic
14 second timeslip. Last night, he managed to just squeak one through, with
a 14.41 @ 97.01.

Item: One of the local Buick turbos, sponsored by Duttweiler, went 10.90 @
just under 121 mph, and there were a *bunch* of really quick,
professionally-prepared car there, tuning up for this weekend's Winston Cup
event.

All-in-all, a very fine night. There were a number of other DEC street-wienies
there, but I couldn't keep track. Maybe someone else can document how they did.

Bruce









PS - That was


11111        44444       44444        44444       44444       11111
11111        44444       44444        44444       44444       11111
11111        44444       44444        44444       44444       11111
11111        44444       44444        44444       44444       11111
11111        44444       44444        44444       44444       11111
11111        44444444444444444        44444444444444444       11111
11111        44444444444444444        44444444444444444       11111
11111        44444444444444444        44444444444444444       11111
11111                    44444                    44444       11111
11111                    44444                    44444       11111
11111                    44444                    44444       11111
11111                    44444  000               44444       11111
11111                    44444  000               44444       11111

for Marco.

Thought it was a typo, eh? Nope. Eric went a 13.92 on that run, and he
only had 3-4 lengths on the little GTI. Later in the evening, Marco
missed a gear, and *still* ran a 15.0. I think the giggle-gas experiments
have paid off - don't you?

UNBELIEVEABLE!!!

    Well I'm happy with the results from last night. I felt it was a
    "bad weather" night...just too hot for the Goose. Whenever it's
    that hot and I don't take the time to cool it down below 180 deg
    before a run I get vapor locked. That was happening last night so
    I'm VERY happy that on a "BAD" night I could turn 15.5'[email protected]
    I FINALLY broke 90 MPH.
    
    I still claim I'll have a 14's run this year...can't wait for some
    nice cold fall weather!
    (of course then there are people who "bring their own atmosphere")

    I still have a hard time believing the 14.4....Bruce did you SEE
    that run? We're not getting duped by those two are we? I mean they
    both break into the times they've been talking/dreaming about for
    years...at the same time?!?!?! :-) 
    
    Wll the headers worked...now on to the next round of "tricks".
    :-)
    /tb/
        

    DID I MENTION THAT I BROKE...
    
    
    
    			9999999       9999999
    			99   99       99   99
    			99   99       99   99
    			9999999       99   99
    			     99       99   99
    			    99        99   99
			  99          9999999    
    
    
    :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) 
    
    
    

It's possible that it wasn't only the headers that got you that 90 mph
timeslip.

When I think back, I somehow recall that there were pieces of Blue
Goose virtually *all over* the pits, and a *pile* of Blue Goose over
by the tech shack. All this while the Goose, a shadow of its former
self, charged the quarter mile :-).

And oh, BTW, while we're bragging, the SUPER STOCK (wienie) DODGE
dusted a '64 GTO 4-speed, and a late-model Mustang GT 5-speed, plus
a 300 cubic inch '65 Buick Special. Ho Hum, just another night of
cleaning up at the drags with the WONDERWIENIE :-).

As another BTW, in another blow to the traditionalists, that Dodge Caravan
on steroids went 13.98 @ 99.61!!!

Bruce

    
    All I can say is.....................WOW!
    
    14.41????????????  That's REALLY HAULING!!
    
    Wish I was there, I have finally worked out the Cougar carburetion
    problems is she is ready to RUN!
    
    Maybe next week??
    
    Tom

14.41!!!....gawd...maybe that Hay Truck wasn't so bad to run against after all
@14.8...


Rich

The race I had with Marco was truly incredible.  Beleive it man its true. 
Before getting my timeslip I stopped on the return rode to wait for Marco and
said something along the lines of "Sheeiit.  You are getting downright scary!"
Getting the timeslip told the complete story.  I am number 118 and Marco is
141.            
          CAR #   118     	  141     
	R/T	 .556          	 .573     
        60'	2.096		2.261(!) - remember, this is front wheel drive.
        330'	5.845		6.174
	660'	8.963		9.350
       MPH@660  78.79     	77.73
        1000'  11.653	       12.098
	E.T.   13.929	       14.419 <) 
        MPH	98.97	    	97.01 /
                                     /
				AHAA!  Well there it is - Bruce lied.  Using
all traditional math and reporting, Marco's ET is better stated as a 14.42 not
14.41 :-).

When I hit 4th gear, and did the traditional sight-seeing, I couldn't spot
Marco in my rear view mirror.  It quickly became apparent that he wasn't broken
down on the starting line either.  He was visible in my backseat passenger side
window - the contender window!  Way cool.  So Marco, why have you been holding
back all this time?

Eric			 

    re .151 and "pieces of Blue Goose virtually *all over* the pits, and a
    *pile* of Blue Goose over by the tech shack."...
    
    :-) those were not *parts*..FEATHERS if you please! The Goose was in a
    slight molt I admit, but you didn't look closely....:-)
    
    I did remove the back well cover...about 10lbs and I put the wheel
    covers in the pile because I was in a hurry....they're aluminum bottle
    cap style and probably weigh 3 lbs total!
    
    The rest of the stuff was:
    
    1. my jack - which I usually leave at home
    
    2. some wooden blocks - which I have never had with me before (I needed
       them to support the beast wile changing tires front to rear etc.
    
    3. my briefcase full of paper...now that may have weighed a bunch...but
    not THAT much...and I usually leave it at home as well....
    
    4. A tarp to keep the stones out of my back while opening the headers.
    
    I know it looked like a lot but it was not enough difference from
    previous runs to change ET or MPH...my opinion ...
    
    Now what was different...(besides the weather)
    
    Exhaust system - headers, 3" collectors into 2 1/2" pipes into Caddy
    mufflers with 2 1/4" tails...
    
    Swapped front and rear tires to change the effective ratio..
    245/60-15 on rear vs 255/60-15
    
    Now I think the headers are working really great on the top end but I'm
    not getting the launch I need...short times are 2.4s and "feel" really
    bad.
    
    Next changes are to get some torque back into the bottom end.
    
    By the way the open headers got me a [email protected]
    closed got [email protected]
    
    I think the big difference in open vs closed is the NOISE!!!
    
    I may make it next Wed...don't know if I'll have any big changes done
    
    But I need a couple more runs to get some more data points on the
    header performance anyway.
    
    /tb/

    What does it cost to race on Wednesday nights?
    
    Also, my boss's son has a slightly modified 69 Camaro conv. and
    was wondering if it needed a transmission blanket to race on
    grudge night. 
    
    We hope to see you folks up there one of these nights.
    
    Thanks,
    Tom
    
    PS  What's the entry fee on a Sunday to race a car?

    $10 to watch $12 to race.
    
    I'm not sure what the ET is but at some point 12's maybe..you need a
    helmet.
    
    They do a tech checkout before you race. "Slightly" modified will
    probably be OK as is. Most of the Wed night buffs are slightly modified
    and run without special stuff.
    
    Bruce may have some more details about equip. requirements.
    
    Hope to see you there! The Goose will be there this Wed trying for
    some low 15's...
    
    /tb/
    

    Was there a big meet this Sunday? I saw a bunch of T/F trailers heading  
    toward Maine along rt. 2 about 9:30 pm. (I was in a campground in
    Shelburne N.H.) Than on Sunday evening I saw a bunch coming back from 
    Maine/N.H. on 495. The Strangler F/C buzzed by me doing about 75...
    
    The Mad Weldor....Jim

    Possibly the Oxford Maine annual Show Shine and Drag. Well over 500
    cars participated in the event. It was quite a show. They closed all
    entry for vehicles around 10:30am due to no room left. Excelent 
    weather also. The event started at 9am and finished after I left.
    I left around 7:30pm. I was toast and ready to head home by then.
    
    
    Rich B.

    The Winston Pro Drags were at NED this past weekend.  The Boston
    Strangler was there.  They gave away free pictures, and I got one.
    Pretty good attendance Sunday.  Not jam-packed, but decent.  The
    alcohol burners always packed the stands, but half the crowd left 
    after the alky final, even though there were still a few finals
    left to run.  No crashes on Sunday, but the announcer mentioned a
    crash on Saturday that put a driver in the hospital.
    
    A very nice day of racing.  I took four rolls of pictures.  Even 
    got a few shots of some cars :^)
    
    Ken P.

Well, after a short vacation it's nice to come back and read everyone's 
accounts of last Wed's trip to NED.

My first run was the same as all the others I've had with nitrous.  15.2 at 
95mph.  The problem was the same....I couldn't use the nitrous in first
because of wheelspin and it's a little tricky to arm the system between the
1-2 shift.  I knew that with a speed of 95 I should be in the 14's.  So I
did what I always do when I've got a problem at the strip.......consult
either Eric or Bruce or both.  I asked Eric if he thought I should try
using the nitrous in first.  He convinced me to give it a shot and sure
enough it turned out to be the missing link.
 

I'll remember my second run for as long as I live.  It was the first time
that Eric and I ever "raced".  When I put my foot down in first (after
burning the sh*t out of the clutch) I expected to hear just a buzz from the
tires spinning.  Instead I didn't hear much of anything, I just felt myself
being pushed into the seat.  I got a little bit of hop when I reach 6000
but I stayed on it until 7000.  Normally when I shift into second is when I
see Eric waving goodbye.  This time the gap between our cars wasn't growing
the way it usally does.  2nd and 3rd were routine but I noticed that I hit
4th kind of early.  When I crossed the line I noticed a couple of interesting 
things.  The first was that Eric was only 4 car lengths in front of me ! 
I instantly looked down at my speedometer and saw that I was passing
100mph.......I was SHOCKED !  The looks on our faces on the way back to
the pits must've been a site to see.  14.419 at 97.01mph !!!  Not bad for a
1.8 liter 4cyl VolksWagen huh ?  What shocked me the most actually was my
2.261 short time (thanks for the advice Bruce).  

I had said that when I reached the 14's I'd stop racing the GTI.  After all
it does have 111k miles on it.  But (correct me if I'm wrong)...isn't a
14.42 less than 1/2 a second from a 13.99 ?? :-)

nuff said,
Marco  
    

    Hi All:
    
    	Could someone give me the directions to NED, and are there drags
    every Wednesday night? I am from Maine and would like to take the 
    big step and try the 1/4 mile. I am planning on being there on the 
    7th of August if they are having them. I would also like to meet a
    few of you guys. So how can I find NED and how can I find you?
    I will be bring a 1988 Pontiac Fiero GT. No idea how it will do in
    the 1/4 mile. I have raced it many times in the 1/8th though. Got
    some fairly good times out of it. Maybe I can line up against the
    infamous GTI and we can have a few laughs together. I will be a 
    rookie on the 1/4 mile so please be gentle. 
    	Do you just line up or can you line up with anyone? Also is
    the cost of $22 correct? 10 to get in and 12 to Race? Any other 
    rules I should be concernd with? Thanks..
    
    
    Rich Bryant  

    Cost is NOT $22 - It's either $10 to watch OR $12 to race. It will cost
    you $12 total.
    
    From Maine the best way is probably down 95 to 51. Take exit 2 at the
    Hampton toll. The exit is before the big tool booth with a booth on
    the exit ramp. It'll cost you $.50 at the toll.
    
    Take rt 51 west (it turns into rt 101 after the second set of lights
    you encounter). Look for Rt27 on your right...about 5 miles after the
    2nd set of lights ....it goes off at an angle, kind of a fork in the
    road...take rt 27 for about 200 yrds and NED is right there on the
    right. 
    
    It's about 12-13 miles from the Hampton toll to the track.
    
    The DEC crowd usually hangs out near the "tech shack" which is behind
    the big stands near the entrance to the track.
    
    Feel free to ask if this is still confusing...
    
    Welcome!
    
    /tb/
    

    That's exit 2 in NH not Maine!!!
    
    /tb/

    
    Two weeks from tomorrow (Aug 14th I believe) I will be bringing the 
    Cougar to Epping for Street Weenie night.  I really have no idea how it
    will run - these big cammed, big carbed, breaker point equipped ground
    pounders seem to run a little differently each time you take them out of
    the garage!  I do hope to have a little fun, I've never run it at full 
    throttle for more than a few seconds at a time, so I'm more than a
    little curious as to what it will do.  A couple of questions though:
    
    1. Does NED sell high octane regular?  On pump gas I have to retard the
    timing to the point the car runs hot, and slow.  95+ octane leaded is a 
    must to ensure the car doesn't embarrass itself, and me in the process.
    
    2. How about if, and pray to God I don't, break something.  How will I
    get this car home to it's lair? 
    
    Tom
    
    
    
    

    Well I finally made back to NED after some time off.  
    
    I was at first disappointed by the performance of the PB#2 but after
    Bruce took itfor a couple of runs and I backd off on the fuel pressure
    it has started to come around.  The last three runs were 13.946, 13.924
    and 13.912, all at 100+ mph.  
    
    I still am having a problem hooking up but bruce found that preloading
    to 1.4k helps I tried it and it did.  I have picked up somne extra well
    and now am  looking for some sticky tire to mount.  
    
    I also picked up a N2O kit for a resonable price and 'may' install it
   before the season is done.
    
    Anyway all had a great time last night but we did miss Marco, Bob,
    etc...  Eric was there picking up hints on getting a "STANG" to
    gallop......
    
    Looks like I may be headed back up next week !!
    
    ~Red Light~

    The Goose is now quite and fast!
    
    Turned a couple of 15.5's at 90+ MPH.
    
    It was too crowded to make lot's of runs but it was a good night
    for me.
    
   /tb/
     

    The Goose is now quiet AND fast!
    
    Turned a couple of 15.5's at 90+ MPH.
    
    It was too crowded to make lot's of runs but it was a good night
    for me.
    
    /tb/

Re: 165

1> Tom, they sell CAM2 fuel at Epping, for $4 per gallon, or some such. It's
got enough octane for your car, even mixed with unleaded.

2> If it breaks, you'll need to flatbed it back home. Both Don and I have
done this, he with PB#2 with a tranny leak, and me with my son's Daytona,
which regurgitated a bunch of transaxle parts and fluid on the starting
line. There are local guys with flatbeds who do this thing with a fairly
great deal of regularity :-(.

It'll be great to see the car run - just don't get too crazy in the
expectation department. It will probably take a couple of sessions, if
not more, to dial you and the car in.

Bruce

    
    Bruce,
    
    I was thinking of bringing a wheel dolly just in case.  I'm sure
    the tow guys that hang around Epping realize they are dealing with
    desperate souls and charge accordingly!  If you don't mind me asking,
    how much did it cost you for the flatbed home?  Trying to assess my
    potential financial liability of dragging the Cougar.
    Also, my expectations are non-existent.  There are so many variables
    I realize the dial-in will take time, but I really want to see how it
    runs!
    
    Tom

    
    
    Anyone going up tomorrow night ?  I plan on being there to see if I can
    reproduce my performance from two weeks ago.  
    
    Marco

    I will be there. A newcomer from Maine but I will be there anyway.
    I will have a maroon 88 fiero GT. So if you see me stop by and say
    hi. It starts at 6pm right? How about anyone else. We are going to 
    need someones doors to blow off.:-)
    
    
    Rich

    New England is in a Dry, High pressure system for tonight :-)!  It's
    hot today, so there should be decent traction for street skins. *Plus*,
    the temperature is going to plummet as the sun goes down!
    
    Could be a potential All-Time-Best night.  I'm heading up.
    
    What about Tom B. and Tom F..  Is the goose and the cougar up for some
    street weinie antics?  Another steadfast assault on the 14's Rich D.?
    Hmmmm.
                            
    Eric

    
    Eric,
    
    I may, repeat, may, come up tonight in the SE-R. I will, repeat, will
    be up on the 14th with the Cougar.  It's ready!
    
    Tom

    I can't race tonight...I'll be making a transaction on parts in the
    parking lot at NED at 6:00 so maybe I can take a peek over the fence?
    
    One of the good things that happened last week was I met a kid that was
    in need of a manifold...I just happened to have what he needs so we
    made a deal...now I have the $$$ to pay for the tranny that Bucca found
    for me!!! (oh, oh...a Goose that shifts?!!?)
    
    Maybe the weather will be good again next week...I want to see that
    Cougar! (I also want to run the Fiero...you gotta get by the Goose
    before you can run against the GTI!!!!)
    
    /tb/
    

Tom, if you see Rich Bryant somewhere out on the road, just mess with the
radio controls or something, 'cause you're not going to want to mix it up
with him.

Rich gave us a taste of what was to come by laying down a 15.5 @ 80 or so.

H-m-m-m-m.

That had me grinnin' a bit, cause 15.5 @ 80 means there's gotta be more to
come. Sure enough, Rich laid down a string of 14.3s at between 93 and 95 mph,
with some very nice launches in the low 2.1s. We thought there might be a
really good race when he and Marco lined up, and sure enough, Marco cut a
light on the Fiero. Unfortunately, Marco was caught with a too-cool nitrous
bottle (MARCO! GET THE BLANKET! Got it?), and ballooned to a 15.0 @ 90, after
running a couple of 14.6s at 96+ earlier in the evening. Rich had the right
temperature in *his* bottle, though, and just flat drove by the GTI.

Both these cars had folks in the stands reacting when the ET and speed
lights would come on for them.

Tom Fisher cut a 16.04 in his SE-R, so he's getting with the program,
although I'm sure he would *kill* for a 15 second timeslip.

Eric thinks his car is broken, after doing some intake manifold grinding
(in preparation for some more serious horsepower-producing activities),
and losing a mph in the lights.

OK, now everybody look in Eric's direction and say in unison:

ERIC! IT ISN'T BROKEN! IT'S JUST THAT IT WILL NEED A BIT OF FLOGGING TO
MAKE THE COMBINATION WORK AGAIN!

OK. I'm sure he feels better now :-).

Bruce [Still carless after all these years :-( ]

    
    Yep,
    
    I was really gunning for the 15's last night, and could muster no
    better than 16.2, 16.0, 16.3 (blew the 2-3 shift) and a 16.1, all in
    the middle eighties or so.  The positive note?  My reaction times.
    In the 16.0 run I cut a .502 light and caught a Big Block Monte Carlo
    napping. I pulled him for about 40` until he galloped by turning a 14.8
    at 93 MPH.  Oh well.........  I'm starting to get with this game, it's
    *ALL* in the launch and resultant short-time.  Can't wait to drive
    something "Real" on the track!
       
    See you the 14th,
    
    Tom

    Well what did I know? Glad I couldn't be there to humiliate myself!:-)
    
    Rich those are great times! Whats your setup anyway?
    
    So eric did you do ANYTHING other than complain...you were thinking the
    weather was going to help you out? What happened?
    
    /tb/
    

    
    It seems like everytime I go to NED I learn something new about
    nitrous.  Last night I learned that the less liquid nitrous you have in
    the bottle the greater the fluctuations in pressure due to changing
    temperature will be.  In other words if you have a full bottle (Rich's)
    and an almost empty bottle (mine) the pressure in the almost empty
    bottle will drop quicker even though both bottles are at the same
    temperature.  On my last run the pressure had dropped almost 100 psi
    from my first run.
    
    The good news was that I managed a 2.27 short time (just shy of my
    best) and three out of four .5** reaction times.
    
    The first two runs were very consistent 14.65 at 96.5 and 14.63 at 96.5 
    both were with 2.4** short times.  The car is running well but I need
    to heat the tank more as the air gets cooler.
    
    ....see ya'll next time !
    
    Marco

    Let's see ...when you put slicks on a rwd you can lift the front end
    off the ground, ala wheelies etc. cause the combined traction and
    weight transfer is really great..
    
    Now if you put slicks on a FWD what happens?  The tires stick and the
    rear comes off the ground! A want to see Marco do a back-tire-wheelie!
    
    :-):-):-):-):-)
    
    /tb/

    Tom,  I'd like to put in a well versed explaination, with liberal
    amounts of humor, but I'm simply too depressed.
    
    I needed to establish a cause and effect relationship in anticipation
    of installing a larger throttle body.  Last was an important, though no
    less painful, step in the bigger picture.  I'm looking for 100mph
    through the trap.
    
    Eric

    Gentlemen,
     Just thought those hole shots (Hello Eric!), consistencies, 
     ie; 15.4*,15.4*,15.4*,etc... ,and reaction times were worth
     some ink.(sorry,Print).
     Still have some tricks in the bag for next week.
    
    John

    My first race was against John and his IROC.  With my head more on my
    car then the imminent yellow lights, John launched that IROC in a way 
    that transcended physical boundaries.  I received the message like
    God's very own wake-up call.  Any concern for the car had left, and I
    was simply chasing the IROC and banging down the revs. with my shifter.
    
    Eric 

OK, OK, maybe you *were* cutting .530 lights all night, and maybe it
*was* a parade of 15.4s, and maybe *every* run kinda looked like "Two
all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese........." etc. in it's
metronome-like similarity to the run before and the run after, but AHA!!

I *personally* saw you slip up and run a 15.3!! :-)

As long as John is going to be around at the 8/31 brackets, I think I'll
just watch, thank-you-very-much :-).

Bruce

    re: 8/31
    C'mon now guys, I've been known to squeeze the light a little to close
    under pressure....like last year on Chevy day, down to three cars,
    after a field of about 35......I think, no I KNOW it was a .487 r/t....
    Why does that number just Stick in my mind? :-( 
    
    John

    Well I really HOPE I can still make it this week but...other things are
    making it a little unsure at this point.
    
    The trans I was hoping for didn't work out so it'll have to wait a
    while...
    
    Hoping to be there in a BIG way!  I'm not going to say what the latest
    changes are but...I'm looking for the LOW 15s this week! :-)
    
    Come on Eric...cheer up! You KNOW your going to be doin' consistant
    13.8's this fall!  Hey you've been faster than Bruce for the last few
    weeks anyway!
    
    /tb/

    I wanna play this week but I may not be able too......... :-(
                                    
    
    
    Giggle, giggle, giggle..........
    
    ~Red Light~

    RE: .179

    	/tb/ The setup I have is simple. One nozzle straight into the intake.
    I am running a number 46 Nitrous jet and a number 29 fuel. This should 
    be giving me a 75 HP increase. The only other things I have done to 
    the engine are the basic, Plugs, wires, coil, and advanced the timing
    a few degrees. 

    	I had a great time last week and will soon be doing it again. I
    will bring a helmet this time. I plan on a few more minor changes.
    Maybe I will bring my slicks. This should help my short times. If
    anyone else has any quick idea please let me know. I feel the need
    for speed...


    Rich B.

    
    Rich, I'd be very careful with the timing.  You should either retard a
    few degrees from stock or use a timing computer to it for you when
    the solenoids have power.  Too much advance and a lean mixture (i.e
    nitrous) don't mix very well.
    
    I'd give NOS a call and ask them what's best for your car.
    
    Marco 

    
    NOS suggests advancing the timing if you get any detonation. They do
    mention not to go more then 4 degrees. I only went 3. NOS also suggests
    a 8 lb fuel pressure. My car has 37lbs. With the higher fuel pressure
    I should be all set. I am going to run it a few more times in the 1/8th
    track and if there is no noticeable difference then I will set it back
    to normal. Thanks for the advise though. I would not want to launch
    my engine through that plastic rear hatch. Of course that would make
    more air for the engine to breath.:-)

    Rich B.

    
    That sounds pretty odd Rich.  They've always told me to retard at least
    2 degrees and my fuel pressure is 80 psi.  Last year I ran with about
    3-4 degrees over stock and proceeded to melt two sparkplugs and an
    exhaust valve.  I'd at least pull the plugs at the end of a nitrous run
    and make sure you're not running lean (close to detonation).
    
    
    mc

    I will try that. Maybe they made a mistake or a slip of the tongue. 
    or maybe I made a slip of the ear and did not hear right.:-) Either
    way I will check it out after a good hard run. Maybe you can help me
    out. what should I be looking for to see if it is lean? I compared
    the plug condition with the pictures in a repair manual that I have 
    and they looked okay, but maybe I should be looking for something
    else? Thanks..


    Rich B.

    
    Rich, what you don't want to see is flaking on the electrodes and a
    green tint....that means they were getting very hot (too lean). 
    NOS told me to look for a red heat-ring on the ceramic insulator.  They
    said it should be in the center of the insulator.  If it's towards the
    top you're running rich, and if it's towards the bottom you're running
    lean.  Remember; lean is powerful but dangerous...rich is less power
    but safer.
    
    
    Last night at the strip.....
    
    It wasn't the greatest night as far as weather goes but it was fun none
    the less.  It was nice to finally get a look at Tom Fisher's Cougar.  I
    still get believe how BIG that engine is.  I saw it run a 15.3* at
    around 94. 
    
    I finally managed to get some consistency while using nitrous.  I ran
    14.56, 14.59, 14.55  at 96.92, 96.47, 96.60.  I was pretty happy with
    my short times too; 2.332, 2.274, 2.268.  I'm very happy with the way
    my car is performing....I think this is just about as fast as it's
    going to run.
    
    Marco (who_went_undefeated_for_the_first_time_at_NED_last_night)
                                  

    Tom was having problems all night. His best was a 15.02 at 94 with
    engine problems. The distributer bushings are shot so the dwell 
    won't remain constant and the carb still needs sorting out. It was
    belching black smoke the whole length of the strip. Right now it's
    sitting in my driveway waiting for adjustments.

    Marco did have his way with everone...the Goose even got a taste of it!
    Yuk.. those N2O fumes stink!:-)
    
    Well I had made a couple of changes...one worked the other didn't and
    anther thing failed...
    
    The change that worked is a cold air induction system...it's gotta be
    adding something because on last nights second run with a missed shift,
    AND a vapor lock (more on that later) and a terrible short time of
    2.47..I turned a 15.58 @90.32. With the weather the way it was I'm
    pretty happy with that. I really felt there was a 15.3 @91 that I could
    have done if I could have gotten my act together...
    
    The change I made that didn't quite work was to the tranny govenor..
    I HAD it working so it would shift automattically at 5K...my TV cable
    adjustment is screwed up and run #1 it shifted 1st to snd at 3K! Argh!!
    
    I shifted manually on #2 ...best run [email protected] (above)....BUT I had this
    rinckydink throttle return spring settup that BROKE AND I WENT THROUGH
    THE LIGHTS WITH THE THROTTLE STUCK WIDE OPEN!!!!!  Man if you don't
    think that's a "thrill" going 90+ accelerating in a 4300 lb car with
    the end of the "road" in sight!!! IGNITION OFF! NEUTRAL GEAR! WHOOAAA
    NO POWER-BRAKES!!!! It's a good thing I've been doing some running
    lately 'cause my legs (yes both were on the brake pedal!) needed all
    they could muster to bring the beast to a speed to make the trun-off
    road...WHEW! I stop and fixed it...
    
    Made another run and had bad "vapor lock"...then I realized it's not
    vapor lock I'm having...everytime I've had that problem I've been
    running with a nearly empty fuel tank...I think I'm running out of
    fuel!  The launch feels great and when it really gets going it just
    feels like someone turned off the gas!...
    
    Well that's an easy one...more fuel in the tank...AND a cool can just
    to be sure!
    
    An exciting and interesting night!  Can't wait for a nice cold night in
    October!!!
    
    /tb/ still_trying_for_some_14.9***_times.
    
    

    Correction, Tom just called, he's at home, to depressed to work.
    His best was 15.02 at 97, with 2.6 short time.

    
    Actually I'm not *THAT* depressed.  By all accounts the car was
    running poorly on wednsday - the carb was really loading up, and the
    distributor dwell angle was all over the place.  However, the 15.02
    at 97 MPH tells me a few things:
    
    1. The motor is making decent power, thus the 97 MPH trap speed.
    2. The 15.02 was run with a 2.6 (UGH) short time.  To control wheelspin
       I left the line as if I was pulling out of the local Cumberland
       Farms, and I probably could have launched harder. I honestly believe 
       that with traction, the short time should be around 2.1-2.2  So, just 
       an optimal launch should cut .6-.5 from my ET, putting the car solidly
       into the 14's.
    3. The 15.02 was run without any mods whatsoever.  Through the mufflers,
       street tires, no traction bars, no fancy carb work.  Just high
       octane fuel to control detonation.  Using Bruce's formula
       (1365/Trap mph) says the Cougar should have been running low 14's
       (1365/96.78)= 14.10  I am starting to believe that the 13's are
       within reasonable reach.  
    
    See you all soon!
    
    Tom
                

That formula, FWIW, is 1353/mph, not 1365. It is a quick way to determine
*potential* ET with good traction (meaning tires and launch surface good
enough to get a good, hard start) and optimum gearing. Your car has the
potential, IMO, for maybe a 2.2 short time, and I'd actually be feeling OK
if it did 2.3s. It *very* unlikely that the car will go even low 14s in its
current state, even with a fair amount of practice. On the other hand, the
carb and distributor tuning may be worth something, and just blowing it out
a few more times may be worth something, as well.

BTW, I thought that the car went 15.02 @ 95.78, with a 2.54 short time?

If that's the case, then carb/distributor/blowout might be worth 97 or so,
which might get you to maybe 99 come October. *Then*, given some traction,
you might see low 14s.

The 1353/mph formula is *not* an automatic translation for street cars. It
pretty much represents a pinnacle to aspire to for cars like yours. I have
*never* reached that pinnacle, except in my son's Shadow when it was stock.
The problem is that, as you add power, traction becomes an ever more dear
commodity.

Bruce

    Just called Earl (he's on the Board of Directors for NED), says
    the track parking lot and pits are submerged and they have no power.
    Sorry, no low E.T.'s tonight........they're closed.:^(
    
    
    
    John

    I stopped by around 6:30..they had the power back and the outside lot
    was dry...the pits were still the pits! oh welll next week maybe.
    
    /tb/ ( I've got the tranny govenor working "properly" now.)
    

    
    As a follow-up:
    
    Chris and I did some analysis of the Cougar, trying to sort out
    the poor performance from last week.  What did we find?
    
    Simple.  The plugs were incorrectly gapped and extremely fouled.
    No, make that FOULED.
    
    All of the gaps were around .040-.042 vs. a spec of .035  I cleaned
    and gapped them, and then we set the dwell, timing, and idle mixture
    screws.  What a change!  The car is now running smoothly, idling at
    700 RPM in gear as it should have.  Why didn't I do this before? 
    Simple.  Sloth, pure sloth.  Doing plugs on a CJ pony car is murder,
    and I didn't want to mess with them. However with the right assortment
    of socket extensions, universal joint sockets and sweat, I did them
    all in about 2 hours.  However, now there's a new problem.  An oil
    leak.  A really *BIG* oil leak emanating from the ring gear inspection
    cover.  Sounds like, GULP, a rear main seal.  Perhaps the season is
    over for the Cougar.  I'm bumming big time.
    
    Tom
       

    
    
    
    Yep Tom,   like I said, I pulled the motor to change my plugs. eh eh eh
    
    
    			- A.J.

     RE: 199
    Bruce,
      It would seem I came very close to the formula 1353/MPH=
    e.t...Actually seeing this made me feel pretty good. I took my Anv. T/A
    to Firebird this spring after I gave it a major tune up etc..It did
    a best of 13.82 at 97.85 Mph..Almost on the exact numbers using the 
    formula. I was happy then but was considering tweeking things a bit
    more now I will just sit back and be content. I applied the formula
    to the numbers I got years ago in my F gas and it was very close even
    on a strip only car. Thanks for the posting.
    
    Jim

Hi,

	Does anyone know if NED will be open tomorrow night(aug 28th)? Anyone
planning on going up? I picked up a 91 Mustang GT this spring and it's about
time I see what it can do. I'm sure I'm going to embarrass myself with some
slow times since I've never drag raced before and this is the first stick car
I've owned, but what the heck it sounds like you guys have lots of fun. 

	So if you see a guy in a red GT that looks really confused stop by and
say hello.

/Mike Callander

Taken from an NED Advertisement they were handingout last time I was there.

New England Dragway - RACE YOUR STREET CAR!

Your Street car Or Motorcyle Is Welcome Three Times A Week.

EVERY WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Street Nite - gates open at 5:00 P.M. racing from 6:00 to 10:00 P.M.
Racing $12.00 - Spectators $10.00

EVERY SCHEDULED SATURDAY

Test & Tune day plus Gamblers race
Gates open at 8:00 A.M. racing from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Racing $25.00 - Spectators $10.00

EVERY SCHEDULED SUNDAAAAY
 E.T. BRACKET RACING

Enter Trophy Eliminator AND WIN A TROPHY BY JUST BEATING ONE OPPONENT
Enter Super, Heavy or Motorcyle Eliminator AND YOU COULD WIN MONEY
Gate open at 8:00 A.M. Time trials at 9:00 A.M. Eliminations at 1:00 P.M.
FEES - Trophy $20.00 / Other classes $30.00 / Points members $25.00
Spectators and Crew members $10.00


    

Racing Rules at New England Dragway
(NHRA Rule books may be purchased at the N.E.D. Novelty Booth.)

GENERAL RULES

o No Alcoholic beverages allowed on premises
o Must present current auto, motorcycle or NHRA competition drivers license
  (no permits)
o Speedlimit in pits and on return road 10MPH
o Long pants and shirt must be worn (no tank tops)
o Wrist bands must be worn on left wrist
o Wrist bands are not transferable
o In the event of rain you must present wrist band at the gate to obtain a
  rain check on that day
o Must bring vehicle through the tech inspection before entering staging lanes

AUTOMOBILES

o Must have radiator overflow can
o All factory glass must be intact (plexiglass permitted)
o Must have factory equipped seat belts or up to date harness
o Must pass safety check (tires, suspension, etc.) NOTE: bald tires are not 
  slicks
o All convertibles must have a helmet rated SNELL 80 or better
o Must have working tail light

AUTOMOBILES RUNNING 13.99 AND QUICKER

o Must have helmet rated SNELL 80 or better
o Must have drive shaft loop
o Vehicles with manual transmission should have scatter shield

AUTOMOBILES RUNNING 11.99 AND QUICKER
o Should obtain NHRA rule book for in depth information

MOTORCYCLES

o Must have leather jacket, full leather gloves, leather above the ankle boots
  or sneakers
o Must have helmet rated SNELL 80 or better
o Must have chain guard
o Must have working tail light
o No all terrain vehicles

    

    re: Mike

    Welcome to the club..... I don't know who's going up tonight but I
    can't make it.  The GTI won't be racing again until I do a little much
    needed maintenance.  I hope to be up the week after Labor Day (the
    10th).  Also, thinking long term, why don't we try to plan another
    Street Wenie Annual Get-together at NED for Columbus day weekend ? 
    
    Good luck at the strip....
    
    Marco

    I need to get in a few runs tonight in preparation for Chevy Day
    on Saturday 31st. See you guys there......
    
    
    John

    I like the idea of an anual get together. I'd make the trip. Just
    let me know the details.
    
    
    Rich B.
    

	Well I made it up to Epping with my Mustang last night and had a great
time. I managed to get in 3 runs before they closed down at 9:30 due to a
storm that was moving in. My first run was a 15.5 at @89.4 with a 2.40 short
time.  I came off the line at idle and the tires didn't even chirp. I was
happy with the short time but thought the MPH should be higher. So, I tried
coming off line at a higher RPM on the next 2 runs and smoked the tires both
times. So much for that idea.... 

Should I be crossing the line in 4th or stay in 3ed? Two runs I shifted into
4th and came in @ ~89.4 MPH on the last run I stayed in 3ed and came in at
90.7. It seemed like I was real close to the line when I was going into 4th.
Also, do these speeds seem slow for a stock 5-speed mustang? I thought I would
have done a little better. 

In any case, the plan is to put the K+N filter I have in, take off the air
intake silencer, check the timing and set it to 12 or 12.5 deg. then try and
go back up in a week or 2. Any other suggestions? 

/Mike

    Mike, what type of rear end gears do you have?  I have an '85 Mustang
    with the 2.73:1 rear, I cross the line in 3rd all the time.  Unless
    you are powershifting I would probably stay in 3rd gear.  Your times
    sounds ok for first time out, maybe a bit slow, I think if you remove
    the air intake silencer and bump the timing to 12-13 degrees initial,
    then you would know a bit better if 15.5 @ 90 was ok.  This combined
    with the K&N air filter is a good plan to start with. Is it a convertible?
    They are a bit slower due to the weight.  When you advance the timing
    just make sure to put in the 92 octane.  My '85 gets the best times
    when it's set at 13 degrees advance.  I can run 89 octane without
    pinging at this setting.  I know someone with the EFI engine that also
    runs 89 octane at 13 degrees so you might also be able to get away with
    it.  His Mustang was going 13.3 @ 102mph (open headers and M&H tires)
    and he was running 89 octane in the tank.
    
    What weekend is Columbus day?  I'd like to make up a few times and try
    to improve on my 14.9 ET

    
    Mike,
    
    If memory serves, most of the street mustangs are turning 2.3 or better
    short times, so there's a little to be gained by improving launch technique.
    To echo Ken, we really need to know some specifics about your car!
    There are a few late model 'Stang enthusiasts in this file, most of
    which have accumulated a few (hundred if your name is Eric Goehl)
    timeslips.  
    
    See you up there!
    
    Tom (who used to own an `87 LX 5.0 Coupe)

    
    One of the best (and most evenly matched) street races I have
    ever experienced was in a `67 Mustang 390 fastback versus a 
    360 Cube Javelin with a cold air induction hood.  We were headed
    east on Route 9, just past route 27 when the Javelin pulled alongside
    and started goosing the loud pedal.  He did this about 3-4 times, 
    and each time he nailed it the tires would chirp and the front end
    would rise up.  Sounded cool too!  So, we get to the light next to
    the Scrub-a-dub car wash and stage for the green light.  It turns
    green, the Mustang breaks traction but it's ok, so does the Javelin.
    Both cars are really winding out and the induction and exhaust noise is
    awesome.  Both cars pull evenly, but my buddy overrevs, pumps up the
    lifters and the AMC pulled us.  Next light comes up at Sozio's.  This
    time we both hook up - same deal - an even match to 90 MPH or so untill
    we both back down for fear of the Cops.  We raced at 3-4 lights until
    the Newton Highlands Dunkin' Donuts when we both pulled off and parked.
    Lots of laughs, good natured ribbing, and appreciation of eachother's 
    rides. 
    
    That's what it's all about.
    
     

I've been out of this conference for a bit(the nerve of this place...they're
making me do work:-), but anyways now that the cool weather is approaching,
I'm hoping for some 14.9's in the GT(automatic for some of the new noters here).
Columbus weekend sounds like a good idea Marco, I'll plan for it.  How about 
another wensday night soon guys?  next week maybe?

Rich

    
    >> How about another wensday night soon guys?  next week maybe?
    
    	How 'bout this week ?  I haven't gone up in several weeks so I'm
    planning to go this wednesday.  I haven't changed anything on my
    car.... I just feel like racing.
    
    Marco

    Maybe this week...I'm waiting for some really cool weather too but,
    the report for this week so far looks like it might be warm on Wed.
    I'll decide for sure on Wed but I'm itchin' to go race again too!
    
    /tb/
    

The forecast is for rain on Wednesday.

It's probably not a go for this month, but we ought to plan for the third
annual Street Wienie Fall Foliage Bash and Bakeoff. The 12th of October
sounds fine to me, but I'll check the Epping schedule for anything that 
would get in the way. As a BTW, I checked with the track folks, and, as long
as we have more than a handful of cars, they'd be glad to run a Digital
Street Wienie bracket program for us. Film at 11 on this.

Eric and I made it up there this past Saturday, and it wasn't the best of
all possible days to race. The weather was fine (below 80 degrees and fairly
low humidity) except for a 15 mph headwind, but everybody and his brother was
there. They were running car-club brackets and regular points brackets
(probably from a rained-out Sunday), as well as the usual test session, so
there was a *lot* of time spent in the staging lanes between runs.

Eric went 14.0s at just under 98 into the wind, and the bullet went 13.8s at
just under 101. My car seems reasonably willing (and it looks really good),
but the driver needs a bunch of sharpening up. I had best short of 2.01, which
seems mediocre, given the unbelieveable traction available. Somebody did some
oiling in my lane just as Eric and I were lining up, so we shut down and
wandered around the starting line for awhile, insulting each other, while the
track crew labored to clean up. It was like walking in gravity boots, it was
so sticky. You had to physically pull your feet up after each step.

At mid-afternoon, there was an incident that I'll remember for awhile. They
were running the 8.90 cars, which are mainly what we used to call "econo"
dragsters, with a dragster chassis, and a gasoline powered big-block something
or other, with a powerglide or somesuch, generally running over 150 mph. These
cars do a cross-the-line burnout before backing up and staging, and, when
one of them did the burnout, the car just kept on going.

Forever.

By the time the car cleared the lights at the big end, nobody was smiling
anymore, and, by the time the car launched off the end of the shutdown area,
a half mile or more from the starting line, with twin roostertails of sand
attesting that it was still under full power, everybody was on their feet.
The vehicle came to rest approximately *1200 feet* into the woods.

The driver, miraculously, suffered no broken bones or apparent internal
injuries, and was carted off to the hospital for observation. One of the track
guys said she missed "the biggest tree in the woods" by about three feet. When
I went by there on my next run, there was nothing to be seen but this track
of torn up underbrush, with the car way too far in to be visible. They had
heavy construction equipment there to presumably get the car out.

I guess we'll hear the rest of the story as time passes. My guess is, when
the throttle stuck, either the kill switch didn't work, or there was some
panic at work in the cockpit.

As a BTW, we were looking for you, Mike (Callander) on the 28th, but didn't
see any  red '91 GTs except for a red convertible, which I could swear went
into the 13s on one run, although I was back in the staging lanes at the,
time so I'm not 100% sure. Was that you?

As another BTW, number two son went 15.21, 15.23 in the Shadow on the 28th,
so Rich Dimascio is going to have his hands full come October. We put new
225/50 Comp T/As on the car, and they make all the difference in the world.
In fact, the car had a 15.11-15.12 in it that warm night, but we couldn't quite
put together a complete thumbs-up run on the clocks, due to the change in
driving style needed to take advantage of the new rubber, and a limited number
of passes.

October's going to be a fun month :-).

Bruce

    
    Bruce et al,
    
    I'm going to change the valve cover gaskets on the Cougar sometime
    in September.  My wedding's on the 28th of Sept so I'll be out
    of the action for a while.  However, I do plan to bring the Cougar
    up to Epping again.  *THIS* time though, I'll be bringing a properly
    running CJ, and I'll be bringing some bolt on traction.  Chris Roche
    was right, 235-60-14's are not enough tread to contain the power, so
    praying to the Gods of Twisted axles, shattered u-joints, and general
    vehicular mayhem I'm gonna invest in some slicks.
    
    Tom

I do beleive my tranny is starting to complain about its precision abuse. 
Lately, on occasion when the car is cold, the shifter would vibrate in a high
frequency.  It sounds almost like wind noise - high pitched reed vibration type
thing.  I changed the u-joints, and got rid of significant drivetrain slack,
but alas the whining is still there.  A fluid change improved shifting, but the
sound remeains.  Bummer.

I'm going to pull the transmission and inspect for damage.  I'm pretty sure
that re-shimming, or replacing bearings will bring the T-5 back into
submission.  We will see.  I think I'm going to pass on Wednesday, but I expect
everything to be fixed my next week.
    
Eric

Ken, Tom

	The car is a GT hatchback, 5 speed with a 3.08 rear end. Since
the last time out I've put in the K+N, got rid of the air intake silencer,
and set the timing to 12 degrees. It sounds like I should just stay in 3ed 
until I start going a little faster. 

Bruce, sorry I missed you the 28th. And no I wasn't running in the 13's,
maybe next year!

I'm going to try and make it up tonight if the weather holds.

/Mike

	

>The forecast is for rain on Wednesday.

The nice thing about New England..."If you don't like the weather..just wait
a while."...as I look out my window..(gee this new office is GREAT!)..in LTN2
I can see some clouds but the weather man said it's going to be COLD tonight!

This could be THE night...I'll still reserve decision on going 'till later in 
the day, but if it's clear and cold the Goose is going for some LOW 15's.

I'm already setting expectations at home that October 12th is MINE!
I've never been down on a Saturday and really look forward to the opportunity
to do some real dial-in work on the Goose.

Bracket racing sounds like fun..Bruce can you explain how that works sometime?

With Eric doing 14.0s on a bad day he should be worrying Bruce on a good 
weather night with the tranny fixed! Eric you gotta get him while he's still
cold from his racing vacation!

I can't wait to see PB#1 in it's new coat.

>At mid-afternoon, there was an incident that I'll remember for awhile.

The local paper had a small article about it...said she was going 150MPH when
she hit!!! Gawd that's an awful feeling to have a stuck throttle when you
go through the lights at even 100MPH...they made no mention of why she could 
not get it shut down.

She did suffer a broken toe..lucky!

The track people said they had to cut down trees to build a bridge to get to
her as the car was in a swamp when it stopped...1/4mile passed the end of the
strip.

>As another BTW, number two son went 15.21, 15.23 in the Shadow on the 28th,
>so Rich Dimascio is going to have his hands full come October. We put new
Ouch! I guess I'll have to take the seats out of the Goose!

>October's going to be a fun month :-).
You said it!

/tb/
    

No way to break away early enough today...maybe next week...


Rich

    
    About last night anyone??????
    It was cold in Mass so it must have been *COLD* at Epping.
    Anyone post times they are proud of?  Marco?  Bruce? Eric?
    Tom?
    
    Tom

    
    
    All I have to say is that Tom is truly out of control !!  As the night
    wore on and the temperature dropped the Goose just kept getting faster
    and faster.  To the tune of running a 15.28 at 90.5 !!  That was the
    best run I saw, I'm not sure about the others.
    
    Mike Callander also made it up with a shiny brand new GT.  I believe I
    saw a 15.1 at about 93...not bad at all.
    
    As far as I'm concerned the GTI was running well but I just couldn't launch
    worth a darn on that COLD track.  I still managed some high 96mph runs
    in the 14.6-14.7 range with short times being off by at least a tenth. 
    The highlight for me last night was racing a brand new (sticker still
    in window and dealer plates) GMC Syclone.  The thing is truly
    impressive.  It was my last run of the night.  The engine was cool the
    track was cold and the nitrous bottle was hot.  In other words I smoked
    the tires through first and second gears.  The beast next to me managed
    a 2.10 short time.  The most impressive thing about it was that when I
    finally hooked up in 2nd and was going all out with the nitrous he was
    still pulling away like crazy.  I wound up shutting down early 'cause I
    knew is was a blown run and ran a 15.4.  The Syclone ran a 13.8 at 98+.
    
    It was a great night for turbocharged cars.  Every Grand National I've
    ever seen at Epping was there last night.
    
    Marco
    
    p.s.  The guy with the black ZR1 from last year is now running
    	  consistent 13.1's. 
                           

    
    What a night!  15.28 at 90+ MPH????  That's serious speed for that
    huge land yacht! 14's are forthcoming I think.  About that Syclone,
    it probably was brand new and some sucker's gonna buy it not knowing
    its been thrashed at the drags.  Uncool.
    After I put in reply .224 it occured to me the times might not be
    so impressive because of the cold track.  Guess I was right.  I am
    still impressed with Tom B's 15.28  Nice work!
    
    Tom

re: 	<<< Note 8.226 by CGHUB::FISHER >>>
>    About that Syclone,
>    it probably was brand new and some sucker's gonna buy it not knowing
>    its been thrashed at the drags.  Uncool.

The Syclone did have dealer plates on it..........

As Marco mentioned, I was running a little better than my first time
out 2 weeks ago. Best time was a 15.1 @ 93MPH, that was with a 2.5 short time.
I really have to work getting a good launch, my short times started out
at 2.37 on the first run and just got worse as the night when on(after
a 2.7 on my last run I gave up and went home). I've started power shifting
on the 1-2 shift without any troubles except for extra wheel spin. 3ed
gear gives me enough trouble on the street if I'm not paying enough attention
so I don't think I'll be power shifting into 3ed for quite awhile. In
fact I missed 3ed on the first 2 runs. My hands were a little sweaty and just
slipped....

So, it seems that the car should run high 14's if I can get my act together.
Maybe next time.

/Mike

Well I'm glad at least Marco showed up...I needed someone as a witness!

It was great weather...cool at 6:00 and cold enough that you were glad you had 
a jacket by the time the sun wnet down. Traction was a problem for everyone 
but the Goose it seems..:-) :-)

Here's what you folks missed...hopefully I'll get to replay this in the near 
future.

1st race against a Mustang..he get's me out of the hole (I'm rusty at the 
lights!) and then I sit back and enjoy the show. Now that I have the tranny 
set up to shift automatically at the correct RPM for drag racing I can stop
looking at the tach and see what's going on! Boy it was fun to watch his 
tail lights UP CLOSE and he was NOT pulling away!

His time 15.34 @ 91.56 the Goose...15.36 @ 89.99..A NEW RECORD ET!!! ALRIGHT!

I'm thinking this is going to be a fun night because it's still cooling off
and the colder it gets...the faster the Goose is...

Second race is against a Firechicken driven by a young lady just learning the 
ropes of drag racing...she's got the machine but her R/T and short times need 
work..she likes to smoke 'em the first 600' or so! I get a nice new time
of 15.34 @ 90.57..wish I'd been against the 'stag again!...oh well there's 
plenty of others around....

Now I'm in the staging lanes for my 3rd go and looking around to see who I'm 
going to be up against...I see Marco's going to be just one car ahead of me in 
the other lane against a GN. I'm thinking this should be fun, tee hee hee :-)
when I see Marco spot the GN too...he does a double-take-aw-sh*t and wimps out 
completely as he waves the guy behind him around...now he and I will just have 
to have the battle royal...

It's a good one...We leave the lights together ...I'm out .001 quicker
at the 60' mark the GTI get's a .042 lead...
at the 330' mark he's only ahead by .161...
at the 660' mark he's getting there with a .278 lead and I'm thinking N2O 
would be a great idea in the Goose about now...
we make the 1000' with marco ahead now by .389 and his speed is 3.17 MPH above 
mine...he's pulling away in the last 400' for sure with a final time of
14.77 @ 95.96 for the GTI..really great stuff! AND A NEW ALL TIME RECORD FOR 
THE GOOSE OF 15.28 @ 90.55...whew what fun..but It's not over yet...

I get up against this Ford pickup truck with a home made flatbed and a much 
worked over 351 (I think) with lot's of stickers, Accell, Moroso, etc. and 
open headers....This was even closer than the run with Marco..we were 
literally fender to fender through the run. We left within .045 of each other
and crossed the 1000' mark within .21 sec and at .09MPH difference...in speed.
He did best me with a 15.08 @ 90.67 but I set yet another new speed record at
15.28 @ 90.83!!

The last run was nothing spectacular (gee you get used to this fast:-) with a 
meer 15.33 @90.79...

Now let's see, who's got a Mustang running in the low 15's..or maybe even
a Shadow or some such?

We're gonna have some fun this fall...!!!The Goose is Cooking!

/tb/
    

    By the way..those runs were done with the BIG tires on the back giving
    me the worse effective ratio to run with that I have....with some tire
    changes the short times should improve.
    Wednesdays were consistant 2.40's and a couple of 2.38's which is what
    I used to do with smaller tires...
    
    I can't wait 'till the 12th! Off comes some weight, on go some small
    tires, a new set of plugs...oh yeah I forgot to mention that I was
    running the wrong plugs on Wednesday and had a terrible skip at low
    speed....I'm sure there is a 14.999999 run in there somewhere!
    
    /tb/
    

Now I'm really p*ssed I couldn't make it...I knew it was a good
night when I got home and was COLD...a 14.9999999_ may have been in hand..:-(

>I get up against this Ford pickup truck with a home made flatbed and a much 
>worked over 351 (I think) with lot's of stickers, Accell, Moroso, etc. and 
>open headers....This was even closer than the run with Marco..we were 
>literally fender to fender through the run. We left within .045 of each other
>and crossed the 1000' mark within .21 sec and at .09MPH difference...in speed.
>He did best me with a 15.08 @ 90.67 but I set yet another new speed record at
>15.28 @ 90.83!!

OH NO...not THAT guy with the haytruck again...he kicked my butt last July 3 
when we were up there....he ran a 14.7 I think(with everyone in the stands 
laughing their _____ off at me for losing to him, so I heard).

Rich

    NOTICE!!! NOTICE!!! NOTICE!!! NOTICE!!!
    
    A new conference just for DRAG RACERS has been set up on node SEATTL::.
    It is intended to support all kinds of drag racing topics. To add this
    conference to your notebook hit "KP7". 
    
    See you there!
    
    Don Berry
    
    

    re .231
    
       Perhaps you should tell us the conference name.....  KP7 doesn't
        work on our cluster.
    
       SEATTL::??????????????
    
       Thanks,
    
       Scott

    The weather looks pretty good here in Maynard.....  Anyone goin' up
    tonight ?  

    		I feel the need......the NEED for SPEED !!

    I'll be there, searching high and low for even a mere semblance of
    traction.   
    
    Let's race, 
    Marco (who's_looking_forward_to_Columbus_Day_weekend) 
    

This is getting to be addictive......

I showed up at the track just after 6:00, made my first run with no waiting
and ran 14.980 @93.57. My first 14 second run! I'm finally getting a little
more consistant. I got 6 runs in before 8:00, 3 14.9's and 3 15.0's @ 93/94.
Short times ranged from low 2.4's to high 2.5's. 

The only change from last week was I advanced the timing from 12 to 13 deg.

After letting the car cool off for about an hour I made 1 last run, 
14.874 @94.22! After my 1st ever run a month ago of 15.5 at @89.4 I was
not pleased with my driving or my car. But, 14.8 sounds good to me....

I'm out of ideas for "cheap" things to do or things that won't give me any
warranty problems(remember this is a 1991). I really don't think I can get much
faster than I am now without changes. A pair of cheater slicks on a spare
set of rims sounds real attractive. It should help my dismal short times
and I wouldn't have to worry about my warranty. 

But, since the season is getting close to over, I think I'll work with what
I've got till spring. 

/Mike

    The name of the conference is SEATTL::drag_racing.
    
    Don Berry

    I too went to NED last night. I met up with Marco, Mike and Bob.
    
    I'm finally getting they hang of this. I've been to NED several times
    but it seems like every time I was there it ethier rained or there was
    a spill on the track or it was so crowded I wasn't able to make more
    than a couple runs. Last night was different, it wasn't  crowded and there
    wasn't any track problems. I made 7 passes in all.  After several 
    14.7-14.9 runs I was getting frustrated because I know the car has much
    more potential. I just couldn't get the car to launch. I would either
    smoke the tires or bog.  I was trying to ride the clutch out the hole
    but it is much harded said than done with your adrenaline pumping on
    the starting line.  I then turned a 14.29 @98.84. with a 2.32 short 
    time. My next run I ran a 14.08 @99.25 with a 2.20 short time. I ran
    one more time with a 14.12 @99.05
    
    13.'s are within reach.  Watchout Streetweinies.
    
    
     Mark

    These guys are out of control !!  I'm going to have to do some
    serious stuff by Columbus Day weekend just to not embarrass myself.

    I was up there last night but suffered from the "not enough nitrous in
    the nitrous tank" blues :-( 
    
    On one particular run the nitrous pressure dropped 300 psi through the
    1/4 mile (from 900 to 600).  When I got back to the pits I pulled the
    plugs.....they were entirely black.  So I switched back to my street
    plugs, set the timing to about 13 degrees and ran two 16.1's without
    nitrous.  I got my best-ever "no-nitrous" short time of 2.82.
    
    Mark and Mike had some great runs.  I have a feeling we're going to see
    some pretty impressive stuff come October.  Also, Bob Cristiano managed
    a couple of 14.7's at 94+.  This cold air is really something........
    
    
    Marco
    (who's_still_thinking_of_calling_Mickey_Thompson_even_after_Eric_said_
    "don't_do_it") !!
    

    
    Mark,
    
    You've taken me for a beat ride in your Z-28 before, but I had
    no idea it was quite that fast!  Then again, you were getting a lot
    of rubber in the first three gears.........
    Nice work, 14.0's are moving!
    
    Tom

    Re .235
    
      Thanks Don. I tried everything except the ::drag_racing
                                                   underscore
    Didn't mean to sound like a smart a**.
    
    
      Scott

    Scott, for future reference, you can see the note info that's entered
    by typing 'SHOW NOTE' while looking at the particular reply that has
    the asterisk next to it's number.
    
    As to KP7 not working on your node... perhaps you're using a VT200 or
    newer keyboard? If so, then the 'select' key should provide the same
    function as KP7 does on a VT100 series keyboard. I don't think it's a
    CPU dependent function.
    
    Harry
    

    Re.240
    
     Thanks Harry, both of those functions work great. I was unaware
    of them til now.
    
     Heading for the "Fantasy Factory" for more welding,
    
     Scott

     I got a chance to go up to the Atlanta Dragway saturday.  We had our
    local Buick turbo club along with the Atlanta turbos there.  The
    weather was almost ideal for our cars which showed by the good
    performances and times on the track. There must have been around 30
    Buicks making some runs.  I only made two passes in my '87, 13.43 at
    101.8mph and 13.45 at 102.2mph. I need to work on my reaction times
    they weren't to good.
    
    Later,
         Jim P.
                                            

    Anybody planning on going to NED tonight?  I'm pretty sure I'll be
    going.  Hope to see somebody there!
    
    Mark
    Blue 79 Z-28

    I will be heading to NED on the 16th of October....
    
    
    That is weather permitting.. It should be fun since I have not been
    there for a few months.  
    
    Anyone intreseted in plying a little more before they close for the
    season?
    
    Don

    
    
    I can't believe it...PB#2 has returned from the dead :-)  Welcome back
    Don.
    
    I may go up next Wednesday but I'll definitely be there for the
    Streetweenie Fall Nationals on the 12th.  I'm working on a new way to
    heat the nitrous tank that should keep me consistent in the cold
    weather.
    
    Marco
    
    p.s....I won't be getting too close to the goose in that cold weather. 
    I think we're going to see some big things from that monster in
    October.

The 16th looks good...I'll try like h*ll for the
12th too...I'm not toooo worried about the goose...at best
we'll be a dead heat...but those annoying little red GTI's
I have to avoid:-)


R

    I can't make it tonight...obvious from the time of this entry..
    
    The 16th is out as I'll be in DC then BUT the 12th IS THE DAY..
    
    Dead heat huh? Well see if your there on the 12th and the temp
    is down low enough.
    
    Common Don...get the PB#2 up there on the 12th!
    
    /tb/
    

    Myself, Eric and Mike made it up last night, along with about 300+
    other cars and bikes. The nice wheather must of brought them out.
    
    I had an extreamly hard time hooking up last night. I smoked the 
    tires 4 of the 5 runs I made. On the final run I pussy footed it
    out of the hole and ran a 14.1 @101mph. With speeds like that I
    know the car is capable of much better times with driver practice
    and better tires.
    
    Mark

    

Ref Note 8.247             Drag Racing! (AKA #68 in the past)             247 of 248
LJOHUB::BEAUDET "Tom Beaudet"                        11 lines   2-OCT-1991 15:38
    

 >> Common Don.....
 
    "COMMON DON"!!!! I beg your pardon, I'm anything but common! :-) 
          
    
    Glad to be back!  Don't think I will be able to make the 12th.  One of
    my tentants called last night and informed me there of a leak in the
    bathroom which is seeping through to the ceiling below. So it's playing
    plumber for me on Saturday.
    
    Good luck all.  Also on the 16th there is a fellow that is coming up
    with me that built a drag car ( Maverick with V8) and is hoping to test it
    out and see what it will do.
    
    Regards,  ~Red Light~
    
    

My best ET last week was 14.0 - on my first run.  Its unusual that my first run
is the best, but traction seemed to get worse with each run.  Trap speeds
varied from 98.4-99.0.  That's flat-out hauling for my car.  I was really
pleased considering it was lackluster weather - 70's, Humid, moderate
barometer.  I rigged up a cold air induction for my new Mass Air Flow meter,
and I figure it was doing its job.  I pleased with the way the car is running.

I'm going to head up again tonight for some more practice.  I'm looking
for an all time best this Saturday.  Anybody else feeling like-minded?

    BTW, Mark H.'s car is making POWER!  I figure I've got the edge on ET
    only as long as he's unable to make that beast stick.  An unusually
    nice setup nonetheless.
    
Eric

    
    Eric,
    
    I've known that Mark's Camaro was fast for quite a while.
    However, I always figured, "well, it's only a 350, and I've
    got a 428 so I must be faster"  Right.  
    
    I think a Chevy may be in the works for me.........
    
    Tom

    OUCH Tom what are you saying ????  I think you've either been
    working to hard or without adequate ventilation :-).
    
        Dean_who_did_ONCE

    What's the story with this Saturday? Is the Streetweenie Shootout
    still on.  From what I understand Saturdays can get real busy, is
    this true?
    
    Are there any differences on the way they inspect cars on weekends
    than on Wednesdays?
    
    I'm up for it if it's still on.
    
    Mark

    As far as I know we have a green light for Saturday.  It can get pretty
    busy on a Saturday but at least you've got the option of staying there
    all day.  

    >>    Are there any differences on the way they inspect cars on weekends
    >> than on Wednesdays?

    Nope.  Everything's the same....except that it costs $25 to race
    
    Hopefully most of us will be there.  I'll be there with a friend and
    his '85 Mustang GT.
    
    Hope to see everyone up there....
    
    Marco  

    ...as is always likely to happen in my schedules these days...it's
    beginning to look doubtful ;-((((((
    
    I will still make an all out effort to get there even if it's only for
    a short time in the AM....the Goose is certainly willing...just the
    driver that's got too much to do!
    
    /tb/

    
    Whilst on my honeymoon last week in Maine, I came across a strange
    sight indeed. On Maine Route 139 in Winterport (Due south of Bangor,
    near the coast) I spotted a sign that read:
    
    Winterport Dragway
    NHRA sanctioned
    
    Naturally I stopped to check it out.  It looked like an abandoned 
    airport.  There were some crudely painted staging lanes visible, 
    and a bleach box, but no timing lights, tower, stands, etc.  Kind of
    strange!  Can any of you Maine-iacs shed some light on the status of
    this place?  Is it still active?  
                                     
    Tom

Well I can't make it saturday, but will try and get up there at least two more
wednesday nights before the end of the month. I ran last night and except
for 1 blown run where I red lighted I think I did pretty well. I managed a
new low ET of 14.775 at 94.8. A few pointers from Bruce on the phone, and Eric
at the track seemed to help. Thanks guys! 

They closed down at 9:00 last night after a guy in a dragster crashed at the
top end going over 120MPH. Not sure of his condition but one of the track
workers told me they thought he was going to be OK. 

I had tried getting a short belt to bypass the power steering and smog pumps
but couldn't find one to fit. A 71" belt was too small, and a 73" was too
big. The auto parts store I was at said that a 72" belt was not available...
I'm going to look around a little more. If I cann't find one maybe I'll try
a smaller belt that bypasses the A.C. also. Does this sound reasonable?
Eric thought a 70 1/2" belt fit his car(1987?) , this matches what I read
in one of the mustang magazines. Ford must have changed one of the mounting
brackets or something. Anyone out there have any suggestions?

/Mike

Well, it's time for the third annual Fall Foliage Street Wienie Bash and
Bakeoff at NED this Saturday. This time, we've got a RUN WHAT 'YA BRUNG
challenge for the afternoon. The track folks have agreed to let us run
a mini-bracket race, barring unforeseen events, shortly after 1:00 P.M.
If they run into trouble with the Truck Nationals, or have track problems
that cause significant shutdown time, we'll be bumped - but right now,
we're ON THE PROGRAM.

For those unfamiliar with bracket racing, you write your ET on your
passenger window, and the tower builds the time difference between
you and the car in the other lane into the tree, 1 for 1. If you
say you're going to go 15.18, and the other guy/gal says 13.92, you
get a 1.26 second head start built into the lights. Theoretically, the
cars will cross the finish line in a dead heat, but it hardly ever works
out that way, 'cause starting-line reaction times vary, and, of course,
you hardly ever put down identical ETs, run after run.

What's to keep you from cheating, and putting in an artificially slow
time, then firing off a 12.8 on your 15.18 dial-in? Well, if you go *better*
than what you say you're gonna go, you "break out" and *lose*. So, a 15.179
means you're out of the running, unless (and only unless) the other guy
breaks out as well, and by *more* than you did. So, if the other guy went
13.90 on his 13.92 dial in, you'd still win with your 15.179, but if you
went 15.159 you'd lose against his 13.90.

We'll have all morning for time trials, so you can get a good handle on
what your ET should be. I'll get names during that time, so we can tell the
tower guys how many of us will be running, and who we are. I don't know
whether we'll need extra money or not, but if so, it won't be much.

Winner will get bragging rights for a (sob) year! I think we'll have some
strong competitors, mostly from the automatic tranny folks, but, judging
from my one experience with brackets (in a previous note), I'm not likely
to be there for the final. As a BTW, I'll be herding the little (Sorry. I
meant THUNDERING, SUPER STOCK) Shadow, and hope to increase the heart rates
of Rich Dimascio and Tom Beaudet during the day. #1 son ought to be there,
as well, with the Saleen. PB #1 is back in the shop (notice my lower lip
quivering?).

Bruce

PS - If we only get a half-dozen folks, we'll forget the brackets. We'll
need at least 10-12 cars for this to mean something.

PPS - My bet would go with IROC John :-).

    Well, so much for my drag racing career :-(  I finally pushed the GTI
    till it couldn't be pushed anymore.  While doing some testing last
    night something went wrong ......  I either lost fuel or spark or both,
    to one cylinder.  Result.........MELTDOWN !

    The GTI is going to remain parked indefinitely this time.  It's time to
    buy something that I'd never dream of racing, and to stop blowing away
    my money.

    I'll be there Saturday, but strictly as a spectator.

    Marco (Who'll_be_racing_from_the_stands_for_a_while) many :-('s
      
                                                                 

    Marco that's sad ending to a really great summer..bummer man, bummer!
    The Goose weeps for the lost Rabbit...boo hoo...:-(((
    
    ..and it's definite...I'm NOT Going to be there Saturday.
    And I was planning some real consistant 15.30!!!!
    I've got that tranny dialed in pretty good and put a cooler
    on it so's it don't start slippin; after a few runs...
    
    As Arnie said...I'll be BAACCCKK!...see you guys on a Wed...
    not the 16th though.
    
    /tb/
    

    Hi All:
    
    	I may or maynot be there Saturday either. It all depends on the 
    weather outlook in the morning. I don't want to travel all the way to
    watch the track get wet. If the weather holds out what time is every-
    one getting there? I have made a few minor mods so I am also hoping to
    get my best time yet. Also should be running a little more in tune.
    
    Marco:
    
    	Sorry to hear about the GTI. I almost had the same problem. I was
    running at Oxford and had just installed a new 100hp jet pack. Since I
    got there late and needed to install this and slicks and so on, I did
    the thing you should never do - RUSH. Everything looked okay so up
    to the line I pulled. Lights changed and away I went. I notied just 
    as I was about to cross the finish line that the engine stated
    skipping. Let off the gas just a little too late. Nothing but flames 
    through the back window. Pulled ove jumped out and proceded to put the
    flames out with my tears. After all was said and done the car ran still
    ran okay. I had left the fuel line loose on the nitrous feed. I cleaned
    it up the best I could and ran without nitrous the rest of the night.
    After I got home I checked the plugs - what there was left of them.
    Guess you live and learn. I have since changed the plugs and checked
    all my connections, changed everything that was melted and tuned er up.
    Now I am ready to try again. (No I have not checked the pistons don't
    want to scare myself).
    
    	So if all goes well I will be there Saturday. If not is there a 
    rain date like maybe next Wednesday or next Saturday.
    
    
    Rich 

    
    
    Rich,
    	isn't that the worst feeling in the world ?  Glad to hear it's
    ok now.  I may start looking at mine next week sometime.  I really
    don't feel like touching it right now...too depressing.
    
    Marco

I'll be there depending on the weather....I heard it might rain...


R

    re: .258
    
    Thanks for the confidence Bruce.. but I just turned in the reg. for
    the IROC last night and put it to rest for the Winter. :^(   But,...
    If you twist my arm a little, and it doesn't rain, and I get up early
    tommorrow, and borrow a dealer/repair plate,....... :^)
    Why not change the date since a couple guys can't make it ?  I really
    wasn't planning on going, but you had to mention it........
    
    John

    Anyone know what time the gates open on saturday? Also why does it cost
    $25 rather then $12 to race on saturday?
    
    
    Rich

The gates open at 8:00, and racing starts at a bit after 9:00 A.M.

If costs $25.00 because you get to race from 9 'til 5, instead of from
6 to 10. Also, they spray traction compound on the track on Saturdays
which they don't do for street wienie nights.

I figure the date is blown, according to the weatherman. So, it'll have to
be the 19th or 26th, with Wednesdays just for laughs. Of the 19th or 26th,
the 19th is the obvious choice, since there won't be any more rain dates
if we schedule for the 26th. The Truck Nationals will also undoubtedly be
rescheduled for the 19th, as well.

From my perspective, the 19th may be a blessing, since I have high hopes
for having the Plastic Bullet to face up to [can you say "SHRED"? :-)] the
competition, at least in heads up racing.

I'll be there tomorrow if the weatherman is wrong, along with #1 son.

Bruce

    Hey Bruce, The Power Shop in Marlboro said they need 3 days.  Let's
    see...Monday is the 14th, three days latter is the 17th - *IT* is
    doable with two days to assemble and tune!
    
    Eric

    Uh oh, methinks Eric has an Evil Plan in the making. :-)
    
    Harry
    

    I showed up Saturday.  My best ET was 15.17 with reaction time .512
    compared with previous best ET of 14.97, my highest mph for the day
    was 91 which is normal.  Eric said he was down 1.5-2 mph compared to
    a good day so maybe my mph might be more on a good day.  When I didn't
    spin the tires most runs were in the 15.2 - 15.3 range at about 90.7mph
    they didn't start racing until about 10:30 but kept open until 5:30
    
    There was another '85 Stang there so it was fun when we lined up
    just cause I knew it would be close.
    
    I paid $20 to get in saturday.

    Make it the 26th...... 
    
    John

    I didn't read this file after 4:00 on Fri. So I was unaware that things
    were going to be called off. Apparently I wasn't the only one, there
    were serveral other DECies there Sat. morning too.
    
    The weather must of scared off the crowd. The track was next to empty.
    It only cost $20. and I could of made as many as 20 runs if I wanted
    to.
    
    Congradulations are in order. I am now a member of the 13. second club.
    I ran a 13.96 @99.97  I don't think the girl at the time slip booth
    ever saw a smile so big.
    
    Eric and I lined up for a run. What a great race, he beat me but I had
    a quicker e.t.  By adding it all up he crossed the finish line
    4/hundredths ahead of me.
    
    mark 

    Yeah, I'm up for the 26th.  Hopefully, Bruce gets the Bullet out for
    a couple runs before the freeze :-(.  Actually, I figure that not
    having the vette seals the need for a dedicated street-weinie private
    session at Atco Raceway in New Jersey.  I think its $650 for the track. 
    With enough interested people, the cost would be reasonable for a day
    of racing with just about unlimited runs.
    
    As Ken said, I made it there this Saturday.  I also made it there this
    past Wednesday where I was running consistently in the 99.5 range. 
    Saturday I consistently ran in the 98.0 range.  Air density was
    pathetic - 29.65" vs. 30.25" Barometer on Wednesday.  I was ran a best
    ET of 13.98 on Wednesday, and 14.01 on Saturday.  Traction was lousy on
    Wednesday, and decent (not great) on Saturday.
    
    Actually, I credit my 14.0 ET to Mark Hamel :-).  I was running 14.1's
    for a best, until Mark informed me he ran 14.0 and wanted to race. 
    Its the same old story of how the red mist can pull ETs from me and my
    car that simply couldn't be had otherwise.  We had a great race were I
    won by a mere 33/1000ths of a second!  That's close enough at the big
    end that it was a judgement call at the finish line - my judgement
    being for me, and Mark's for him :-).  Alot of fun.  Mark did however,
    in the end, best my best ET by running a 13.98.  Congratulations Mark.
    
    And Harry, you are correct.  I'm taking a pretty big step and planning
    on heading into the engine - like changing everything from the heads
    up.  Ported stock heads with larger valves.  Extrude honed upper/lower
    intake from Kauffman Products, connected to 67mm motorsport EGR spacer,
    to 65mm motorsport throttle body.  Topped off by my super-trick Pro-M
    77mm(!) Mass Air sensor.   I'll be using equal length 1 5/8" shorty
    headers connected to the stock Catalytic converters, tied to Flowmaster
    3-chamber mufflers.  Using the stock Camshaft, this ought to be a
    well behaved take-no-prisoners package - up in the 280-300 Net HP
    range.  ALL emmisions equipment will be retained.
    
    Eric

    Well Eric now you have done it...you decided to go against all the self
    imposed rules you and "Big Dada" Bruce impose on each other. Stock as a
    clock right?
    
    I think you were getting nervous and jealous of the progress the Goose
    has been making! Marco WAS beginning to be a threat too...was...
    
    What really get's me excited about all this talk about adding some
    goodies is the possibility that "Big Dada" might do the same?
    
    Let's go Bruce...you can't let that wimp of a Ford get close to the
    Chevy King-of-the-hill crown can you?
    
    See you on the 23rd.
    /tb/

    Yo' Tom, wanna borrow blower?
    
    
    The Mad Weldor....Jim

    Anyone heading to NED tonight?
    
    Don

re Eric's mods et al...

Yee foolish souls...Marco's tampering with the laws of nature hath wrought
the wrath of the Almighty down upon him...for lest it be written that if
the Almighty had intended GTI's to outrun Mustangs they would have been 
bestowed with eight cylinders...EIGHT CYLINDERS I SAY...
FOR IT IS EVIL...EVIL I SAY...to subvert the natural laws of physics with N02...
tampering in the domain of the Almighty is EVIL...EVIL...EVIL.....the very
fabric ot time/space may have been irrovocably distorted with such speed forays
beyond what nature intends...we will now pass the basket yet again for 
the Paxton fund...:-)

Its been a long week:-)

Rich-whos's-been-watching-too-much-cable-these-days

    For those of you who race at Conyers Drag strip instead of NED (you
    Souhthern DECies), Dana from the Atlanta GN club has gotten together a
    meet for 2 November. The Atlanta GN club will be there as well as the
    South Georgia group (GRAND NEWS PUBLISHERS FROM VALDOSTA GA.). I expect
    that the Carolina's contigent will also be there. We are expecting
    about 100 GN's and some will be GN speed shop sponsored trailored GNs.
    
    We in Atlanta will be meeting at the K-mart on I-85 just south of I-285
    at the Clairmont road exit between 12:30 pm an 1:30 pm. Come on down
    and socialize and then caravan all those black cars up to Conyers. 
    
    

    
       Are you guys still planning on the 26th?  I haven't had the
    car out all year and my friend John wants to follow him up to
    Epping, so I thought I'd give it a go.
    
       I know I won't meet ALL the inspection criteria, but I'm willing
    to gamble that since it's the last Saturday, they'll let me in. Of
    course, I'll promise to be legal for next year.......
    
       So, if you're there, look for the Tan Suburban, black trailer and
    Red 69 Camaro with the black vinyl top. I should be running 12.20's
    or so. By the way, John runs a Red V8 Vega in Super/Pro (10.50's).
    
       Lookin' forward to meeting some of you guys.  Hey Mad_Weldor,
    want to go?  6:00 AM departure from Westfield.
    
       Scott

    Scott,
           Wanna run it???
    Give me a 3.00 sec. handicap and the loser buys lunch.......
    
    
    John
    
    (I just have to get there Sat...)

    I went to NED last night...it was CROWDED! There were lots of spills
    too. I made only two runs between 6:30 and 7:30...I gave up as there
    was still a line at the gates at 7:30.
    
    I use my old 215/65 tires to get a little better gearing. Gave me my
    best short times yet. Both were 2.37s. 
    
    Run #1 - 15.28/90.22....#2 15.36/89.81
    
    The Goose never got a chance to even warm up and the traction was
    awful.
    
    I did get to chat for a minute with a guy running a full sized Malibu
    Station Wagon...my kind of competion! He's got a '69 350 ci 350 HP
    small block in it with stock cast iron headers and a single exhaust.
    He's also lightened it up a little by removing seats etc. I saw him run
    a 15.16 @90.something. He said he's gone 14.98 in the past.
    
    Glad I'm not alone out here!
    
    I won't be making it on the 26th. It's agood bet that I'm done for
    this year...If I don't get up there on the 30th...have a great winter!
    My project is rebuilding a transmission and putting together my
    intercooler :-)
    
    /tb/

It looks as if the weather might be cooperative, and I plan on being there,
although not running very competitively. My 2nd new clutch this year is
slipping :-(. This past Saturday, the car went 14.01 on the first easy
checkout pass with the new clutch, then just *smoked* when I tried a hard
start for the second run. I ended up with 14.00, 13.97 and 13.96 timeslips
by just babying out of the hole, and feeling the clutch slip with each
powershift.

So, Eric, Don and Mark, are you up for a little Plastic Bullet #1 bashing?

We can run the mini bracket, as well, if enough people show up.

What say? Are we on for the third annual Street Wienie Fall Foliage Bash
and Bakeoff this Saturday?

Bruce

Well I tried another short belt on my Mustang and it fit. I picked up 1/2 MPH
over my previous best speed. I couldn't get a good start all night though...
I'm planning on getting my last runs of the year in next wednesday. I
may try and make it up saturday, but I'm not sure I'll have time.

That guy with the Caravan was there and I raced him once, here's what his
time slip looked like

R/T	.503
60'	2.181
ET	13.691
MPH	100.28

Needless to say I never stood a chance....Eric, I hope your head and intake
porting works out, your going to need it to keep up to this guy.

/Mike

    Re. .280
    
       Hi John,    Sounds good to me, EXCEPT that I need a few runs
    to try to get the reaction times into focus. I've read about
    your R.T.'s in here!!!!!!!!!
    
       Also, to all you NED racers. There was a rumor around the
    Swapmeet at Stafford Springs last Sunday. It said that 3 tracks
    in the NorthEast ( N.E.D., Buds Creek in Maryland and Cecil County
    also Maryland) are going IHRA next year. People told me that they
    announced this up at Epping last week.?.?.? 
    Also, there is a move to Re-Open Orange Airport in Orange
    Mass as a dragstrip.  Also, this Saturday the 26th, there are
    supposed to be some IHRA officials at Orange with Lights set up
    and they're looking to see how much interest there is in Dragracing
    in the Central Mass area. They haven't decided if they'll use 1/8
    or 1/4 mile this first week.
    
        So right now, I'm torn between a 1hr ride or a 2.5hr. I'd rather
    run on a 1/4 mile but I'd also like to support this track in my
    neighborhood............
    
         Later,
    
         Scott  (who's taking Friday off to get ready....)

    RE: The Caravan doing the 13.69...I watched that run..he is amazing
    but I hope you realize that if Eric WANTED to toast him he's only got
    to do the same thing the Caravan's doing..turn on the little blue
    bottle...you should see Eric go when them's the rules!!!!
    
    Too bad we didn't get a chance to chat...
    /tb/

    Scott, Is there proof to this re-opening of Orange? If so,
    see you there... That was my home track prior to NED. Made my
    debut into drag racing there. Same for my two brothers. Oh the
    good old days, C/G `57 Chevy, I/G `51 Henry J, my L/SA `64 Plymouth,
    my brother even brought his `66 Pont.2+2 "tow-car" through a few times.
    Get me some more info!!!
    
    
    John

    I heard that Orange will be open tomorrow (26th) for drag racing.
    Only 5 bucks to get in and race.
    
    My boss who lives in Gardner said that his son is going to take
    his Camaro up and run it.
    
    I haven't seen anything official but heard the same things as one
    of the previous noters.
    
    Tom

      Where is the Orange track?  Is it near Rt. 2 at all?
    
    Rich

    They are actually using one of the two runways at Orange airport.
    Take Rt. 2 West until you are in Orange and then follow the signs for
    the airport.  Not too far off of Rt. 2 as I remember, but clearly
    marked.
    
    I'm just wonder what are they going to do with the airplane traffic!
    
    T

Holy S**T!!!!!!!!!  racing again at Orange Airport!!!!!!!

I haven't been there since it closed in the late '50s/early '60s.  I've 
forgotten the exact date, those race dates were pretty informal.

    What do you think Skip.......? Should we dig up some old diggers
    and go scare some of the younger set?
    
    The Mad Weldor....Jim
    
    I wonder where I can find another 31 roadster...

    The first timeslip recorded at Orange Airport in at least a couple of
    decades read 8.99 seconds for the 1/8th mile, at 79.70 mph, with a
    2.17 short time.
    
    The track was bumpy and rough, there were cracks in the pavement for
    the entire racing and shutdown area, traction was generally poor due to
    both the surface consistency and the dust and grit all over.........
    
    .................and I *LOVED* it.
    
    I felt honored to be one of the two drivers involved in the very
    first pass of the '90s at this old facility, and I had the further
    honor to be numbered car 101, the very *first* car that little Al
    (ex tech chief from NED) teched and logged in. I hope the folks who
    set this event up will complete their plans to build a new dragstrip
    in central Massachusetts.
    
    NED could use the competition.
    
    There were over 100 cars there, and many were vehicles I've seen often
    at NED, so there is definitely a market. Godd luck to them, and I'll
    support them however I can.
    
    BTW, Ron (NED manager) was there to see how it was going, and he
    confirmed that NED will go IHRA next year.
    
    Bruce
    
    PS _ Let Skip and Mad Weldor show up:
    
    WE'LL MOIDER DA BUMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :-)   

    Since Orange is close, I believe I will be there next Spring. The
    very frist time I drove down a drag strip, it was an airport. It
    was in Miami, Fla. back in the early 60's (oooowww, that was a long 
    time ago)
    
    The "old" Orange strip was always rough and dusty, as I remember it.
    I do remember one time that they had some BIG planes doing touch
    and go landing on the strip.....we were all envious of the BIG
    tire marks..... 950-15's didn't put down much of a patch.
    
    The Mad Weldor....Jim
    

      I was in Athol this Sunday, so I took a drive over to the airport
    to check it out.  Where is the racing done?  All I saw was a bunch
    of hangers to the right and a dirt road on the left of the main
    building.
    
    Rich

I made it up to Epping saturday and either traction was really good or I'm
finally getting the hang of this. I managed a new low ET for myself with a
14.516 at 96.0 MPH. This is .26 seconds better than my previous best. I
managed another 14.5 late in the day, along with a few 14.6's and a 14.7. So,
from my first time out 2 months ago I've added 5 MPH and taken a full second
off my times. The only changes I've made to the car are - 

- Removed air intake silencer
- K+N air filter
- Initial timing at 14 deg.
- Short belt(bypasses power steering and smog pumps)

Well, I guess I have all winter to think about how to get my Mustang down to
13.9 at 100+ MPH next year.  I'm open to any suggestions(except nitrous)! 

Glad to hear they may open a track in central MASS next year. I have a few
friends in western MASS who like to tell me how fast their cars are, but
won't drive to EPPING. 


/Mike

Re: Rich

They were racing at the back of the airport. Access was through the
industrial park road, a couple of hundred yards from the route 2 entrance.

Re: Mike

What were your short times? 2.2s, I bet.

Bruce

>Re: Mike
>
>What were your short times? 2.2s, I bet.
>
>Bruce

Nope, 2.316 and 2.303 were the short times on the two 14.5 runs. I don't
think I could even buy a 2.2 short time this year....

I've been working on the procedure you suggested for getting a good launch. My
problem had been that if I left the line at anything over 2K I'd spin. I've
been trying to raise my launch RPM as I get a little better. Saturday I was
leaving the line between 2300 and 2400 without much problem. On good day I
guess a 2500 RPM launch should get me a 2.2 short time, just like you said.

I'm going back tomorrow for one last try this year, I'd like to see a 2.2 short
time and a 14.4 ET, but I'm not counting on it.

/mike

    
    
    I live in Athol, and was there sat as well. It was great. But this
    isn't the OLD Orange Dragstrip. It was actually on the opposite side
    near the woods. My father raced there way back. And one day when we
    where camping in Warwick,one town over, I think it was back in late
    70's, we took a ride over in the back way to the actual old strip
    and made a couple passes with his 1968 Hemi-Charger. OOOOOOOOOHHHH
    was it a trip. Shut down was endless. 
    
    Hopefully they will put a strip there. Where the strip is now is quite
    often used by the Sports Car club for some course practice. Thats
    usually done on Sundays.
    
    
    GOOD LUCK to them if they pull it off... Lets hope.
    
    
    
    Art

    If the weather holds out I think I can make it tomorrow (the 30th)
    IT'S THE LAST DAY AT NED 'TILL SPRING...
    
    The temp is supposed to be REALLY cold...like in the 30's maybe!!!
    The Goose is ready for 1 more try at a 14.999999999 this year!
    
    Anyone else???
    
    /tb/
    

I'm planning on heading up tonight, too.  It looks like its gonna be cold and
windy.  Given the barometer is decent, and the air is cool, I figure it should
be a pretty dramatic example of the brute street weinie force some of us possess.
Or, more simply put - power's gonna be up, traction's gonna be down.

I installed a new clutch last week, and am looking forward to better shifting.
My veteran T-5 had rejected several of my advances last strip bash.  The new 
clutch has dramatically improved smoothness on the street - I'm looking for 
similar results while powershifting.  

The clutch is a centerforce gold series-
Pressure Plate # CF-360048, Disc #381021 - not the full boogy dual friction 
model.  It has a light pedal feel, and a smooth release.  If it holds like
its supposed to, I'll be a satisfied customer.  Centerforce claims that the
centrifugal assist feature offers 30% more clamping power then stock, at 6,000
rpms.  Though I bought the clutch through JEGs mailorder, I beleive the Pressure
Plate is the same as Part # M-7563-B302 in the Ford Motorsports catalog. 

Eric

PS While testing clamping ability last night, at the 'boro A&M, my car
went berserk on the 1-2 shift, even though I lifted off the throttle somewhat.
The barometer was up around 30.5, and it was cold.  The car felt like a true 
race beast!

    I stopped by...it was closed :-((( there were a few cars milling around
    in the outside lot and at the entrance. It was raining there off and on
    and by the time I got to Exeter it was raining hard...about 5:54 PM.
    
    Too bad I was hoping for a possible wind assisted 14.999 run!:-0
    
    That's it for another year at NED. We'll just have to put up with the
    taunts from the warmer climate racers now.
    
    I'm sure "Big Dada Bruce" will enter a short story for us sometime
    this winter...just to keep us all interested.
    
    Macro will be plotting his next adventure in the world of "so much
    power and so few cylinders", Eric will never stop haunting us with his
    threats of Ford prowess, new clutches that create hate and discontent
    amongst Plastic Bullet crowd, and the Goose will just continue to
    get the groceries, and hopefully lose more weight, and gain more
    strength!
    
    See ya all in the spring!
    /tb/
    

    Damn.....Tom you beat me to re.302
    
    I wanted to say something about my "bird with the horse motor"
    
    
    The Mad Weldor....Jim
    
    ps Happy Holloween

I gave NED a call this weekend to ask what kind of safety equipment I'll need 
when I start ripping off my 11 and 12 second ETs. :-)  Ummm, for the sake of 
argument, lets make that sub-14 second ETs.  Anyhow, all I got was a recording
saying that Wednesday, April 1st, is opening day.  STREET WEENIE NITE LIVES 
AGAIN!!!!  The recorded message said that "this year, all racers will be
required to wear a SNELL approved helmet."  Last year only sub-14 second ETs
required helmets.

So it looks like everyone - rice burners, Grocery fowl, profiling show units,
hair dryers, street weenies, and true muscle cars - *all* need to bring a 
helmet regardless of Elapsed Time.

Can anyone confirm this?

Eric

PS.  I'm making SO much power that I had to replace both my transmission AND
my rear end; and Bruce Augenstein is talking about engine modification!! :-)X100.

    Eric, you mean you broke your T5? Maybe I'll just use my top loader
    and not worry about a repair later.
    
    The Mad Weldor....Jim, who is wondering weather to use a Jag sedan rear
    (for good handeling and they are strong too) or the 77 LTD 9" 4 link.

daggonnit...how much does one of these helmuts cost and wear can I get a cheap 
one??

Rich

Eric, did you blow up the T-5?  I was half expecting you to have trouble with
the xtra power and 5000+ runs at Epping on the car:-)

Jim,
  Nothing in the transmission or rear end overtly broke.  There are some
definite signs of heavy wear though.  The mainshaft of the T-5 had some
roller bearing impressions on the 3rd gear journal.  Just the tips of
one side of rollers had made impressions.  

I had a major howling or whinning coming from the shifter.  I beleive the
noise in the transmission is secondary, and the rear end pinion bearing was 
cause.  The pinion bearings have heavy particle indentation, and the pinion
seal started leaking.  I think the vibration is translated from the pinion
to the transmission via the driveshaft.  The differential spider gears are
scored, and the traction-lock clutch packs are pretty shot.  I don't know
if that could cause a whine though.

I replaced the transmission with a close ratio T-5, and the whinning stopped,
but it still could "feel" the original vibration.  I'm going to replace
the rear axle with 3.55:1 gears.

I wish I could tell the difference between a good bearing, and a bad bearing -
different from telling new from used. :-(.

The T-5 is a solid over-drive transmission, but I don't think it can survive
with over 200HP and slicks.  You'd definitely get lots of runs, maybe a couple 
dozen, but eventually it WILL break.

Eric

    
    
    Just got off the phone with NED, I was lucky enough to not get a
    recording.  Sure enough everyone this year is required to have a Snell
    85 or better helmet.  I asked how strict they were going to be about it
    and it seems that if you're racing a street car (over 14 sec) then
    they'll probably let you get by with any helmet.  The faster you are
    the stricter the tech guys will be.  I guess it depends on who checks
    you out, but regardless you MUST have a helmet.  Also the prices are
    the same as last year $12 on Wednesday nights and $25 for Saturdays.
    
    Marco

Having just shopped (this week) for a Snell 85 etc. helmut I can tell you
they ain't cheap. The best price I could find was in the $175.00 range.

The problem is that Snell Approved doesn't always mean Snell 85 (or better).
Some brand new helmuts I looked at said Snell Approved but they don't say
Snell 85....so beware!

He**, my Bell 500 from 20 years ago says Snell Approved.

14.081 seconds at 101.76MPH.  

	I'm making power.
        I'm lackin' traction.
	Throwing powershifts -
	Full satisfaction!	;-)

I need practice, and gears.  Finished in 3rd at 5600 rpms.  Burned an bogged
all night.  Best 60 ft. time was 2.380 -  pathetic.  

Eric

    
    Best I could manage was 16.30 seconds at 85.4 mph.  What a difference
    running with without nitrous makes !  
    
    Eric and I had the honor of being the first two cars down the track. 
    It was really something watching Eric pull away in first ... nearly go
    sideways in second ... and get some rubber in third.
    
    All in all a fun evening......and we even got to see a jet car run.
    
    
    Marco 
      

Eric,

	I've got just one word....TIRES


R

Gentlemen,

It just ain't fair.  There you are having fun while I sit
here stewing in Japan.  Oh what I would give for one run
right about now!  I have replaced the SE-R tires with
Yokohama A509's and removed the air silencer.  I think 15's are
a solid possibility.  Now the Cougar's another story.  I think
shes got some solid 14 second capability as she sits, but this
season it's coming apart again to re-do some things that aren't
up to snuff.  So, I'll probably be "rice-propelled" only this
season.

See you folks in mid-May,

Tom

    Marco,
    
         What was your previous best without nitrous before ?
    You have a cam in there now right ?
    
    
    Dean

    
    Previous bests:
    
    Nitrous:      14.41 at 97.01 mph ... 2.269 short time
    No Nitrous:   15.81 at 86.70 mph ... 2.299 short time
    
    Wednes night: 16.30 at 85.43 mph ... 2.547 short time
    
    I was happy with the speed.  In the past a 2.5 short time would've
    resulted in an 83 mph run.  I think I can attribute the higher speed to
    the new cam...and the higher ET to a poor start, poor shifting, and an
    older GTI :-)
    
    Marco
         

    So Eric and Marco....what's the deal on helmets? Did thay make
    everyone have one?
    
    /tb/ who's_race_days_are_limited_by_helmet_costs!
    

I wore mine, Marco didn't wear one.  In either case, nobody requested to see the 
helmet.  It looks as if its only gonna be enforced when the car is quicker then
14.000.  Thats seconds, not MPH.

Eric

				CRUNCH!

What was *that*?

Oh, just another icon crumbling.

The Plastic Bullet went off on its maiden runs last night, with (gasp) some
non-stock engine parts(!) To wit: Competition Cams "Magnum" roller-tipped
rocker arms (with pushrods), in the 1.6:1 flavor.

Results? It *feels* strong, but dies after every power shift. I ran a string of
14.0s last night, clustered around 98 mph.

Bummer.

To make matters worse, after a few of these follies, Eric and I lined up for
the inevitable bash, and he (sob!) *ran me down* from an approximate 1 1/2
car length disadvantage at the top of second gear. Other than the results :-),
it was a very good race, with good reaction times (Eric: .518, me: .526), and
nearly identical ETs (Eric: 14.001, me: 14.009). But, he *RAN ME DOWN*!

I drove home, leaped into bed, assumed the pre-natal position, and turned the
electric blanket up to *9* :-(.

Eric went on to post a 13.76 best, and was between 102 and 103 mph all night,
proving he's making some serious, smog-legal power. The car only awaits a set
of 3.55s to make some serious ET numbers with his 2.95 first gear.

So, what would cause my loss of at least 4 mph, and at least 4 tenths?

I think it may be lifter pump-up. I'm not really sure of my ground, here, but
the CC rockers and pushrods seem to be a heavier combination than the stock
parts, and having higher lift with the same duration means the valve action is
somewhat more aggresssive. I tried shift points from 5000 rpm down to 4500, and,
although the run-to-run variations are far from conclusive, the results tend to
support that hypothesis. As a for-instance, my last run (the only one where I
used 4500 shift points) came up with a 14.03 @ 97.80, with a wheel-spinning
2.18 short time. I had done a 2.03 best earlier, so, looking at the numbers, the
car is doing some really impressive ETs, considering the speeds. On the run with
Eric (5000 rpm), the car jumped 2 mph (100.25), which leads me to believe that
adrenaline-crazed shifts lessened the problem, since other 5000 rpm runs stayed
at 98, or high 97s.

Oh, well. Film at 11:00, as they say.

Bruce

Grrrrr ArArARrrr - yeah!, I got my helmet...ArArArArGrrr
The jacket, yeah its leatherrrRRRRrr ArRRArrrrr.  Small block V-8 - gonna
twist it up!  Powershifting at redline yeah...GGrrr ArrrArArArArrrr.
Got line-loc. - Huh?!Arrrr...Cause I *need* it. ArArArARRRrrrrr.
             
I have a 13.5 ET in the cards this season.  Somehow I have to figure out how to
launch - I looked rather sad when I turned a 14.9 @ 102 :-).  On the 13.76 run,
my short time was 2.283; that's 2 tenth's slower then my best.  Its gonna be a
fun year.  

I'm gonna need a lot of practice. :-)X100.

Eric     

    Bruce did you change both the intake and exhaust rockers to 1.6:1?
    
    I'm not sure this counts as an "official"
    run_down_brung_down_defeated_beaten_plastic_bullet_owner_dejected win
    on Eric's part..after all you were "testing" and not in full
    competition trim. :-)
    
    I'll bet Eric's smilin' into next month!
    
    /tb/
    
    

Bruce's car is waaaay down on power.  I would've been the usual fodder - even
with 290 HP.  I have absolute faith the it will only be a short time before 
both Bruce and I are pushing each other to seemingly miraculous ET's.  

We had a fun time racing nonetheless.

Eric

    Re: last few
    
      Hi Guys,
    
        I didn't realize "MUSCLECARS" was back on line.   I'm jealous
    that you guys are already racin'. C'mon Bruce, don't let those FORDs
    beat you........Can't wait til I can join you.
    
        If you think the rules changes are messin' you up, try looking at
    the requirements for high 11's/low 12's.  I've got my Snell 85 helmet,
    my battery hold downs at 3/8 rod and my driving jacket. Now I'm just 
    working on my box for the fuel cell.
        The Mad_Weldor and I got my ladder bars in, so I'm psyched for
    some 11.90's or 12.00's. Maiden voyage scheduled around May 1st or 2nd.
    
        Scott (Who had to listen to those "Ford guys" while welding) ^8)..
    
    
    
        

    Hey, Eri,
    
    	can I have that 14.9 run you didn't want:-)
    The Exhaust is in , the pulleys are in ...the mustang sounds tough
    and feels tough...maybe a 14.XX next week
    
    
    Rich

Hey!  No fair!
I'm still trapped over here and won't be back til May 9th!

Boohoo.

Tom

Yup. The Plastic Bullet is really pumping iron. The problem is that the iron
is in the form of hydraulic lifters :-(.

Some Vericom testing earlier in the week confirmed that the little devil is
pulling *hard* in each respective gear, and some additional testing last night
at Epping made it official.

14.0s @ 98 mph last week was the baseline, and a first-run, short-shifted
(4000 rpm) pass last night netted a 14.0 @ 98, under nearly identical weather
conditions. The car should have lost 1 mph and 1 1/2 tenths with this
shiftpoint, so I was clearly on the right track. A second run with a planned
4750, no-powershift technique netted a 14.0 as well, but the mph climbed to
99. I said "planned", but the Trans-Am in the other lane with the Bow-Tie HO
350 was pulling me hard enough at the top of third that I just *had* to
powershift 4th :-). I just barely beat him, and later severely chastised him
in the staging lanes for "making me powershift" 4th :-), and blowing the test
run. He demonstrated a certain amount of confusion :-).

Finally, a 4500 rpm, no-powershift pass (with a close-to-my-best-ever short time
of 1.99) netted a 13.75 @ 99.73. Compared with a standard 4750 powershift pass
(with stock rockers), a 4500 rpm, no-powershift pass should lose something
near 3 mph, and significant (2-3 tenths) ET, as well.

EUREKA! I HAVE VALVE FLOAT! :-)

Sorry for all the excruciating detail on a few ho-hum passes at the track, but,
if my logic is off, I'd appreciate input.

On the general drag racing front, a couple of 300ZX turbos showed up last night,
and drew a lot of interest - from myself and others. A stock (with stock boost)
5-speed car went 13.9 @ 103, and an automatic car running 14-15 psi (around 10
is stock) went a best of 13.28 and a best mph of nearly 105(!) on stock rubber.
Note that, unlike late Vettes, for instance, automatic 300ZXs are a *bunch*
slower than their stick brethren, so this was impressive, indeed.

Love those boost screws :-).

Bruce

>EUREKA! I HAVE VALVE FLOAT! :-)

I don't get it???  I thought valve float wasn't something good...


Rich

Valve float is, indeed, a no-no, Rich. The point is (and the reason for the
smiley face was) that I believe that I've pinpointed the reason for the loss
of at least 4 mph and 4 tenths. This is not always easy to do on computer
controlled cars. One issue *could* have been my old bugaboo of spark knock
after a hard shift, followed by instant timing retard, followed by that
drop-dead feeling after the shift. Increased combustion pressures due to
higher valve lift *could* have worsened this problem.

It was supposed to be a mildly funny comment, y'see..........

Bruce

    re: .327
    
      Bruce,
    
    You probably already know this trick, but just in case...
    Try changing the pre-load to 1/4 turn (from zero lash), instead
    of the 1/2 turn recommended.  This tends to be slightly noisy, and 
    will need to be reset more often, but may get rid of the valve float
    if the floating is due to lifter pump up.
    
    Tom
    
    

    Gee Bruce, you don't think that perhaps those 1984 vintage valve
    springs are getting just a bit tired, do ya? ;-)
    
    Harry
    

>                                  This tends to be slightly noisy, and 
>    will need to be reset more often, but may get rid of the valve float
>    if the floating is due to lifter pump up.

Re: Tom

Yup. I've got them at 1/2 turn now, having backed off from the approximate
3/4th turn they were before. Chevy says 1 turn, and Competition Cams says
1/2 turn (on a cold, non-running engine, from the point at which twirling
a pushrod shows a bit of resistance), so I split the difference.

I haven't done the time-honored, back-off-until-it-clicks,then-tighten
routine, since I was working without the oil shield clips on a Sunday (local
places closed), and had no time to drive around 20 miles to get them. I am
basically finnicky about hot oil on exhaust headers, engine compartment, and
me :-). The hot dogs typically go 1/8th turn from the quiet point.

As a BTW, this is a band-aid fix (although a good one), since floating valves
cause pumped up lifters, and not the other way 'round. In other words, if the
car performs better after you do this, you've still got a valve float problem.
It's just that the lifters can't pump up so easily to fill the gap, so to
speak. It also could be a bit risky, in that hydraulic lifters can save your
butt by pumping up and robbing power, thus preventing you from revving into
some really *serious* float. You know - the kind where valves get really
romantic with pistons :-).

Bruce

>As a BTW, this is a band-aid fix (although a good one), since floating valves
>cause pumped up lifters, and not the other way 'round. In other words, if the
>car performs better after you do this, you've still got a valve float problem.
>It's just that the lifters can't pump up so easily to fill the gap, so to
>speak. It also could be a bit risky, in that hydraulic lifters can save your
>butt by pumping up and robbing power, thus preventing you from revving into
>some really *serious* float. You know - the kind where valves get really
>romantic with pistons :-).


A lifter that pumps up will eliminate the built-in (adjusted) tolerance and 
will cause the valve to open FARTHER than it would were the lifter preload 
still present.

Reducing the amount of preload thus reduces the total lift at the valve 
because the starting point is a lifter with more oil in it already.

A valve lifter cannot fill itself while the cam is opening the valve.  
Lifter porting only allows oil to be forced into the lifter when the valve 
is either closed or is barely open.  Once the lifter rises above the point 
where the outer groove is above the oil galley port, no more oil flows into 
the lifter.  Unless a rev kit is present, the lifter will not easily fall 
back into the bor - especially deep enough to allow more oil to flow into 
the lifter and pump it up - before the pushrod can hold the plunger down.

Lifter pump up is common in modified Chevrolet engines, especially when the 
lubrication system volume/pressure is increased.  To get around this, many 
manufacturers have designed lifters that have the oil groove cut a bit 
higher on the side of the lifter so as to shut off the flow of oil earlier 
in the lifter's cycle and turn on the flow later in the cycle.

Chevrolet engines are partial pressure systems (as opposed to MoPar's full 
pressure system).  The oil pump supplies pressurized lubricant as far as 
the lifter oil galleys and no further.  The pumping action of the lifter 
is utilized to feed oil to the valve train through the hollow pushrods.

In a full pressure system, the valve train is supplied with pressurized 
lubricants as part of the main lubricating system.  These systems usually 
have the rocker arms mounted on shafts as opposed to studs.  Thses shafts 
are filled with pressurixed lubricants.  Full pressure lubricating systems 
tend to have substantially hiogher operating pressures than partial systems
.

Because the system is not a full pressure system, substantial oil flow must 
be provided for in the lifters themselves.  If the lifter gets close to the 
point where it can be fed oil and the valve is still hung open, the lifter 
WILL fill up too far and the next stroke of the pushrod will force it even 
closer to the piston.  By virtue of design, partial pressure systems are 
prone to lifter pump up when the lubricating systems are modified.

Lifter pump up, while probably not the cause of valve float, will most 
certainly aggravate the valve float situation far more than a similar 
situation utilizing a mechanical lifter cam.

BTW;

Lifter bleed down is a situation that occurs when the rapid action of the 
pushrod forcing the plunger into the lifter spews out more oil than the 
lubricating system can replace (very common in big block MoPars, BTW).  
This results in a valve that barely opens.  The motor appears to have no 
compression.  This is not because the valves aren't closing.  It is because 
they aren't opening to allow sufficient air in so that compression can 
begin.  Remove the valve cover and watch the rocker arms and this will 
become painfully evident.

In many instances bleed down is confused with pumping.  Oldsmobile muscle 
cars were pretty bad bleeders, too.

skip

>Lifter pump up, while probably not the cause of valve float, will most 
>certainly aggravate the valve float situation far more than a similar 
>situation utilizing a mechanical lifter cam.

Skip, I agree with everything you say - I *think*. (I may not *understand*
everything you've said :-) )

My point about hydraulic lifters possibly saving one's butt was the idea
that forcing the valve to stay open a few thousandths means the engine loses
the ability to speed up - thus it becomes a self-limiting condition. By
comparison, at least, solid lifters will cheerfully let you rev to oblivion. In
most non-race engines, valves that are *slightly* open will *not* kiss pistons,
since there's more clearance than that - particular in lower compression
motors.

In any event, thanks for the lesson. I'll read it twice more to make *sure*
I understand :-).

Bruce

>comparison, at least, solid lifters will cheerfully let you rev to oblivion. In
>most non-race engines, valves that are *slightly* open will *not* kiss pistons,
>since there's more clearance than that - particular in lower compression
>motors.


A friend just kissed the valves in his ECONOLINE 6 CYLINDER when the timing 
chain plastic deteriorated just enough to alter the valve timing.  This 
CERTAINLY isn't a race engine.

Holding a valve open a bit too far in a large percentage of the engines 
normally found in "performance" type automobiles will kiss the pistons, 
especially when it's an intake valve that's open too far  (i.e. too long)

With valve float, the valve doesn't close soon enough.  A valve that 
doesn't close soon enough bets bent.  That's why valve float is expensive.  
A valve that is floating robs power but that still doesn't stop it from 
hitting the piston.  If it did, valve float wouldn't be a problem.

A lifter that holds a valve open is WORSE than a valve float situation 
because a floating valve has nothing more than momentum holding it open.  
An hydraulic lifter holding a valve open presents substantially greater 
forces to hold the valve against the approaching piston than does momentum.

If your motor suffers no damage when the timing belt/chain breaks, lifter 
pump up isn't a problem.  If the motor suffers bent valves after a timing 
chain/belt failure you can bet that a pumped up lifter will kiss a few 
pistons with your intake valves.  You may not hit them hard enough to bend 
them, but in a high performance application you will probably bend a valve 
with the slightest provocation.

The angle at which the valve contacts the piston doesn't help much to 
prevent stem bending either because the two objects move on different 
planes.

skip

    
    Skip,
    
    When I set up valve to piston clearance on my BBC, I set the intake to
    .085 and the exhaust to .175. My machinist explained that the intake is
    chasing the piston down the bore and rarely makes contact during valve
    float. The exhaust valve, on the other hand, is rushing to meet the
    piston and usually makes contact in the worst way. I verified this
    during cam degreeing. When cam timing is altered (by a failed chain or
    belt) all bets are off.
    
    JMHO :)
    
    db
    

>    .085 and the exhaust to .175. My machinist explained that the intake is
>    chasing the piston down the bore and rarely makes contact during valve
>    float. The exhaust valve, on the other hand, is rushing to meet the
>    piston and usually makes contact in the worst way. 

In a valve float situation, this is usually the case and valve float would 
normally result in poor airflow characteristics and a resultant loss of 
power that would theoretically eliminate the possibility of the valve float 
getting any worse.  Unfortunately flywheels and vehicle momentum are the 
two external contributors to valve float and valve float, which usually 
occurs during missed shifts and inappropriate downshifting could result in 
intake valve damage but more likely, as you've pointed out, damage to the 
exhaust valve by virtue of the fact that float occurs at the end of the 
valve cycle as opposed to the beginning of the valve cycle.  It is not 
uncommon for a valve float due to a missed shift to leave the valves open 
for a complete revolution of the crank.  (weak or less than adequate - 
i.e.  "factory" - valve springs)

The relatively small diameter of the exhaust valve face is a positive 
aspect when it comes to piston/valve interference situations.  The intake 
valve is substantially larger than the exhaust valve in most factory 
applications and clearance considerations are a lot more critical.

In a pumped up lifter or tight valve lash scenario, the "chasing 
down the cylinder" aspect usually finds cam overlap and valve 
lift/velocities as the deciding factors on the intake valve (with the 
larger face) catching up to the piston.  In this case, the "float" type of 
situation occurs, not only at the end of the valve cycle, but throughout 
the whole valve cycle, this presenting an open valve for piston inspection 
on the top of the "change-over" stroke.  Thank you, Ma'm, Glad ta meetcha!

:-(

>                                              "..........valve float would 
>normally result in poor airflow characteristics and a resultant loss of 
>power that would theoretically eliminate the possibility of the valve float 
>getting any worse.  Unfortunately flywheels and vehicle momentum are the 
>two external contributors to valve float............"

At some point well before the crash-bang kind of valve float - maybe as much
as 7-800 rpm - the springs are already beginning to lose control in most
engines, and the lifter is no longer accurately following the cam lobe down
the "closing" side. This is no big deal, but it shows up on strobe pictures
of active valve trains. At this point, no power is lost. As the float worsens,
and gets to the point where lifter and lobe first meet again down at the
beginning of the base circle, some power will be lost (generally, not a whole
bunch), and there may be some indication in the form of "clatter", or an
otherwise altered engine note. The clatter is due to the lifter having a fair
amount of velocity as it contacts the cam at the base circle, since the cam
surface is no longer "running away from" the lifter, as it would be on the back
side of the lobe. As the first point of contact moves along the base circle
(toward the "forward", or opening side of the lobe), we begin running into the
possibility of a valve/piston interference in most engines. There will most
likely be a significant (though not complete) loss of power due to compression
loss (mixture being pumped back through the intake and/or out the exhaust).

It is at this point that hydraulic and solid lifters part company, so to
speak. Solid lifters will just keep banging onto the base circle, moving along
it as the condition worsens, until they're finally crashing onto the forward
part of the lobe - and I *do* mean crashing. Power will continue to drop, but,
typically, the engine will still have enough power to continue accelerating as
the point of contact moves along the base circle.

The hydraulic lifter will have begun pumping up by this time.

Power loss will be dramatic (maybe even complete), since, not only do we have
the same losses the solid lifter experiences as we move along the base circle,
we also lose practically all remaining compression, since the valves never
completely close. Note that the actual distance that the valves are held open
is very small, and typically will simply not be a factor in valve/piston
interference, at least with most engines employing flat top (low compression)
pistons.

In this way, hydraulic lifters will tend to prevent that last 100-200 rpm that
gets you to total oblivion of your valve train.

Flywheels and vehicle momentum are simply not part of the equation here (at
least, during a power shift), since all they do is resist a change in engine
speed - in either direction. Of course, if you reach down for first gear at
75 mph,.......:-).

There are three clear exceptions to the "hydraulic lifters can save your butt"
scenario.

First, if you're running a high lift cam/rocker-arm combo, running close to
the valve springs' stacked height at maximum lift, you run a risk of getting
into coil bind when the lifters pump up, with potentially expensive results.

Second, if you have several relatively weak springs (compared to the others),
all bets are off, since the cylinders with good springs will have more than
enough power to rev you into oblivion. This is one of the reasons that
reputable/careful engine builders spend time in getting each and every spring
as close to spec (and to each other) as they can.

Third, there is the dicey matter of spring harmonics. With reverse-wound
spring dampers in place, or double/triple springs in place, you can reasonably
expect that the natural harmonics of the spring combo will fall outside the
engine's normal operating range. However, valve float may cause springs to
possibly resonate at frequencies that they weren't designed for (I.E. - just
getting closed only to get flung open almost *instantly*), and very
strange things (such as Skip's assertion of springs staying open for roughly
an entire cam revolution) may happen. However, the self-limiting phenomena
I've described about hydraulic lifters tends to put a damper, so to speak,
on the harmonics problem potential in most street motors. Race motors can hit
this problem routinely, however, because, at the heavy spring pressures they
run, they can rapidly get into valve train flexing due to valve float, and,
make valve springs go absolutely crazy in an instant or two, with the harmonics
of *the rest of the valve train*. Bad harmonics can be a disaster in *any* valve
train, but hydraulic lifters will tend to make an existing harmonics problem
even worse, because of the things Skip mentioned (increased lift due to pump up,
etc.). That's one of the reasons why race motors use solid lifters.

Everything Skip said about hydraulic lifters actually being more prone to float
troubles (except the self-limiting function I've described) is true.

Having mentioned some, and agreed with other caveats, however, I still stand
on the statement that hydraulic lifters can save your butt :-).


Bruce

    I love the lessons you can learn here!
    
    :-)
    
    /tb/
    

>
>The hydraulic lifter will have begun pumping up by this time.
>

That's true, provided it's dropped far enough back into the bore to uncover 
the port in it's side, otherwise, it'll not fill w/ oil.  W/o any pressure 
to fall back down onto the cam (the valve spring not holding the valve 
tight against the rocker arm) there isn't much incentive for the lifter to 
continue back down the bore other than momentum and gravity.  If you're 
high enough to start banging the base of the cam profile, chances are 
you're also high enough to block off the port in the lifter as well.  Once 
the forces necessary for pushing the lifter back to a point where it can 
refill with oil are removed, it's quite difficult to fill the lifter with 
oil.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that float is less of a cause of lifter 
pump-up than is altered oil flow/pressure.  I'm not arguing that hydraulics 
aren't engine savers when compared to solids in many instances but lifter 
pump-up isn't one of them.  A solid simply can't pump up, therefore it's 
safer (in that respect)

Valve float is valve float, whether you have solids or hydraulics.  Valve 
float is often times easier to achieve with solids than with hydraulics 
simply because substantially higher rpms can be attained with solid lifter 
equipped engines. ...so hydraulics will save your butt in this scenario.

>Flywheels and vehicle momentum are simply not part of the equation here (at
>least, during a power shift), since all they do is resist a change in engine
>speed - in either direction. Of course, if you reach down for first gear at
>75 mph,.......:-).

An accelerating flywheel will continue to accelerate the engine a bit when the 
clutch is depressed.

A flywheel will try to *maintain* its current rpm - because of its rotational
inertia.  However, it will not accelerate.  To accelerate would mean an 
increase in rpm, which means that energy entered the system.  Assuming the 
engine is not making any torque, this is impossible.

Let an increase in rpm be designated as a positive value for Angular 
Acceleration (A); the flywheel inertia (I); and the torque supplied by the 
engine (T).  In the spirit of force equaling mass times acceleration -
T = I*A  for rotating objects. Since for some infinitesimally small moment T is
zero (soon to be negative - ie. torque supplied *to* the engine), I is fixed,
angular acceleration (A) must also be zero (soon to be negative - ie. rpms start
to decrease as torque is delivered *to* the engine).

Eric

>A flywheel will try to *maintain* its current rpm - because of its rotational
>inertia.  However, it will not accelerate.  To accelerate would mean an 
>increase in rpm, which means that energy entered the system.  Assuming the 
>engine is not making any torque, this is impossible.

Explain THAT to someone who has just missed a shift and watched his/her 
tachometer climb 1 or 2 thousand rpm beyond the "safe" point.  w/o a 
flywheel, the increase will be short-lived.  With a flywheel, the increase 
is prolonged, thus leaving considerably more time for Bruce's argument that 
floating valves allow the lifter to fill up because it doesn't have any 
load on it any more.

Missed shifts in my hemi aren't anywhere near as bad as in my 440.  the 
hemi has an aluminum flywheel and when I pull my foot off the throttle, the 
revs drop almost instantly (when compared to a similar situation in the 
440).  The 440 takes forever to recover from a missed shift and the tach 
goes well beyond the 4500 rpm that the cam runs out at.

skip

    
    
    Is that why lightened standard cast flywheels are better than alloy
    ones, because during the shift you want the revs to drop slightly,
    rather than stay where they are or climb?
    
    Or is that a silly question....
    
    Matt Biggin.

Re: Skip

Lightened flywheels are a two-edged sword, so to speak. They'll drop RPM more
quickly, as you said, but they'll also *gain* RPM more quickly during a
powershift, and, of course, during a missed shift.

Per your reply in .338, regarding my comment on the lifter pumping up:

>That's true, provided it's dropped far enough back into the bore to uncover 
>the port in it's side, otherwise, it'll not fill w/ oil.  W/o any pressure 
>to fall back down onto the cam (the valve spring not holding the valve 
>tight against the rocker arm) there isn't much incentive for the lifter to 
>continue back down the bore other than momentum and gravity.

The thing is, under these conditions, the clearance is between the lifter and
cam - not between the valve tip and rocker arm. The valve spring is grunting
under the strain of trying to heave the whole shebang back down onto the cam.
If it were only the valve it was trying to close, the job would be a snap. As it
is, the bottom has dropped out of the valve train, so to speak, because the
lobe has fallen away from the lifter. As you say, the lifter is very ho-hum
about where it wants to be at any given time, so our heroic spring has to
(and does) shoulder the entire load of pushing all the respective pieces
back where they belong. The only clearance is at the cam/lifter interface.

When the valve float gets bad enough so that first contact is made on the
backside of the lobe, down near the base circle, *then* you have a window in
which the lifter can receive oil, and the lifter base hasn't contacted the
cam yet. The window is the widest when the float gets to the point where first
contact is made on the base circle. It won't get any wider, even as first
contact moves along the base circle, because the spring will likely move the
lifter through that window at a relatively constant speed - or duration of
time, if you prefer. During that fraction of a second in which the lifter
can receive oil, and hasn't quite contacted the cam yet, it will pump up
a bit.

It's what hydraulic valve lifters were born to do, so to speak :-).

You could make a case that when first contact is made on the backside of the
lobe near the base circle, that the lifter will not only pump *up* a little
bit, it will have time on it's relatively lengthy journey along the base
circle to pump back *down*, before it gets to the forward side of the lobe.
Therefore, under those circumstances, you won't have any extra valve lift
as you climb the lobe.

Nevertheless, you will have lost all power, because the valve wasn't sealed
when it was supposed to be: Namely, when the lifter was on the base circle.
As to clearance problems, what's one full turn of a fine thread 3/8ths bolt?

.042"?  .050"?  (Depends if it's 20 or 24 threads per inch)

One full turn is what Chevy recommends. 42 thousandths is more than enough
valve lift to get you zero, or near zero, compression, but it isn't enough
to do the lambada with pistons. Not in my wimpy motor, anyway :-).

Meanwhile, I've been scratching my head about Skip's comments on modified
oil flow and pressure having an effect on lifter pump-up. This is really
a fascinating area, that I must admit I clearly haven't considered properly. I'm
not thinking about more pressure meaning more flow into the lifter. That part
is straightforward.

What has me going is the concept of extra flow putting more oil in pushrods,
for instance. Then they weigh more, right?

How much oil *is* there in a pushrod at any given time, anyway?

Would more flow mean more oil in there?

Can the oil actually bang around in that reciprocating part, and add to the
general mayhem?

Can oil have a harmonic?

That's why I said "WOW!" a few notes back. This could get pretty complicated.

Bruce

In the diagram, the lifter isn't far enough down in the bore yet to fill 
with oil.  It'll have to drop a bit farther before oil, under pressure, can 
be injected into the side of the lifter.

There are two situations where the lifter cannot fill.  the first is the 
normal situation where the cam has raised it above the feed port and the 
second is when the floating valve train fails to keep it in contact with 
the camshaft thus keeping it above the feed port.

so.... float doesn't necessarily create pumped up lifters.

Float can only create a pulped up lifter IF the lifter falls into the bore 
INDEPENDENT of the rest of the valve train.

Pumped up lifters, on the other hand, can create a float-like situation.

             cylinder block-----|                       |---cylinder block
             lifter bore        |                       |  lifter bore
                                v                       v
                                :                       :
                                :                       :
                                :                       :
                                :                       :
                                :                       :
                                :                       :
                                : |-|               |-| :
                                : |  _______________  | :
                                : |                   | :
                                : |   LIFTER          | :
                                : |                   | :
                                : |                   | :
                                :  -                 -  :
                                :   |               |   :
                                :    < inlet port   |   :
                                :   |  in lifter    |   :
                                :  -                 -  :
            OIL PORT IN BLOCK >   |                   | :
                                : |                   | :
                                : |                   | :
                                : |                   | :
                                : |                   | :
                                : |                   | :
                     ___________: |                   | :___________
                                  |___________________|
                               air gap between lifter and base circle  
                               
                                          ------
                                        ==      ==
                                       /           \
                                       | Camshaft  |
                                        \         /
                                         \       /
                                          \     /
                                           \   /
                                            ---


The lifter must drop further in the bore so as to uncover the port and 
allow oil pressure to be presented to the inlet port in the lifter.

    Skip, what I am saying is that there is a point where the lifter has
    descended enough to begin getting oil, *but hasn't quite gotten to the
    cam yet*. That's what note .342 is all about.
    
    I reiterate the point that the only clearance in the valve train is
    between the lifter and the cam. Under these conditions (clearance
    between lifter and cam, and the oil port is exposed), the lifter will
    pump up, *10 times out of ten*.
    
    Bruce
    

    
>    I reiterate the point that the only clearance in the valve train is
>    between the lifter and the cam. Under these conditions (clearance
>    between lifter and cam, and the oil port is exposed), the lifter will
>    pump up, *10 times out of ten*.

I agree with the statement that when the clearance at the base circle is 
minimal, the lifter WILL pump up.

As I mentioned before, partial pressure systems are more prone to lifter 
pump up, especially in a float situation, because the "window" is wider to 
allow for greater volumes of oil necessary to lubricate the valve train.  
Pump-up induced by valve float will be more likely to occur in a Chevrolet 
than in a 440 or a 318, however, because of the porting and lubrication 
requirements in a full pressure lube system allow for a tighter window.


skip

    
     Are the Digital boys racing tonight at Epping ?????
    
     David
    

and I beleive Rich Dimascio will also be attending the festivities.  I have
a Black Mustang GT and Rich has a White Mustang GT.  We will be easily 
identified by singling out the 2 most avid traction-woe-whiners in the 
staging lanes :-).

Eric

Last night worked for me.  The track was crowded, so I got in 5 runs early;
ripping off a best of 13.46 at 103.7 mph.  I am elated.  Most runs were 13.5
at 103+ mph.  I installed a 3.55 gearset with an Auburn differential 2 weeks 
ago.  It does indeed seem to be the right decision.  The gearing combination
along with my current torque curve make for the best drivability I've had yet. 
The car is just about perfect for street tire launches.  With this setup, I
believe I have a 13.3(!) somewhere in the car.  I need more practice
working with this centrifugal assist clutch.  I had a 2.104 60 foot time on the
13.46 run, and the first 6 feet were not optimum.  The other 54 were pretty damn
close though :-).                                             
                                                           
Traction was good; *really* good.  This was due to a long test session by 
an alky dragster earlier that afternoon.  I inquired beforehand after
witnessing the drastic difference in available traction between lanes 2 weeks
earlier.                                                   
                                                           
Rich Dimascio was there running 94+mph with his automatic.  Unfortunately, the
elusive 14.XX timeslip is still elusiving.  Its clear that his recent changes
have helped power, but the gearing is all wrong for quick starts.  Rich, you
need gears too!  A 3.73:1 ratio to be specific.  A higher stall speed may be a
more realistic and comfortable change.  

Eric

Oh yeah, in case you missed it,


		11   33333       44    44
		11  33   33      44    44 
		11       33      44    44 
		11     33        44444444 
		11       33            44
	        11  33   33  oo        44
       		11   33333   oo        44 

    Eric,
    I'm jealous!
    
    The Mad Weldor....Jim

    Sad to say I was not present but....I did see the time slips yesterday
    AND I got a ride in that crazy man's beast!
    
    
    AWSOME AND THENSOME!!!! :-o :-O :-> :-) ;-)
    
    /tb/ (who_can't_wait_to_take_on_a_certain_'stang_auto!)
    

	Well the new changes at Epping are certainly welcome.  They now have
a WORKING ELECTRONIC SCALE!!!  Jez drive 'er right up and read it.  3564 lbs
for my 'stang with me and whatever I had for lunch.  That translated to 232hp
with a 94+mph run, up about 16hp from my previous 91.xx to 92.xx averages.
a 15.05 is the best ET I could muster though.  Definitely its the tall gearing
thats hurting...most probably the low stall speed since with just nailing it
off the line I would first get tire spin then bog as the converter passed its 
1800rpm stall point.  Maybe with a little less fuel next time I might see a 
14.99 since I was more than 1/4 full.  
	The interesting point for the night was this poor soul I met with a 90 
LX convertible auto who had just dumped a TON of money on heads, valves, cam, 
GT-40 upper+lower intake, BBS wheels + tires and some nice ground effects and
was running in the 16's!!!, uuugghh.  It sure looked nice though:-)  Upon closer
inspection, his timing was way off and he still had the air intak silencer in.
We removed the silencer and he bumped the timing and picked up .5 sec. I think
he is severely limited by the 2.73 gears and the stock exhaust at this point.
This guy has bucks so I expect to see him back and in the low 14's very shortly!

Rich

13.46?

DAMN!

I don't think I can stay with you, guy. Even with "proper" valve springs, I
was thinking of 13.5s or some such.

Even worse news is that, while messing about with the software, I think Eric
is right when he figures there's another tenth somewhere in the car. The magic
Intel box with QUARTER software says 13.35 is available with a 2.05 short
time.

Maybe I should just save for a big block :-).

Bruce

Rich,

Have the later Mustangs gained wight?  My 82 GT weighed 2860 (without my 170 lbs
in it) and I had done nothing to lighten it.

Mark

Hi All,

	I was at NED Saturday with my Mustang and by the time I left I was
really confused. First my speed was off about 2 MPH and I'm not sure why.
The car is still set up the way it was the end of last year and the
same as it was 2 1/2 weeks ago when I was up. At that point my speeds were
around 95.5(96.0 being the best). Saturday the best I could do was 93.5. While
I was there I talked to a few people who said their speed was down also. The
weather I guess. Anyone care to explain the effects of air density and
temperature on performance. I don't have a clue. The air density part is what
I'm not really sure about. Could this account for 2MPH? 

	I'm also now more confused about how to launch my 5 speed/3.08 geared
Mustang. I've been working towards a 2500RPM launch where I ride the clutch
out. Last year I got down to about a 2.30 short time with a 2400RPM launch.
This year I've managed a few short times in the 2.26 range with a 2400-2500RPM
launch. But I'm still getting a lot of 2.3's. In any case I got a 2.17
on my last run Saturday. I had staged and was waiting for the guy in the other
lane to finish his burnouts. Well I guess the track crew got sick of waiting
for him cause the next thing I know the lights are counting down. Now instead
of just bringing my RPMs up and leaving when I was ready, I left from just off
idle, got on the gas fairly hard, let the clutch out slowly, no wheel spin,
2.17 short time, almost a 1/10 off my best short time that day. Traction was
really good since I assume that had sprayed the track. They were running a
"quick rod"(IHRA term for super comp?) eliminator plus a couple of the "hot
rods from hell" were there making a few runs getting ready for the Sunday
show. In any case, I guess next time I'm up I'll try some more off idle
launches and see what happens. Any comments on which launch style you find
better for street tires? 

	Well I hope my speed is back up next time I go, I was not real
happy running 14.7's when my short times were the best they have ever been.
I picked up a set of underdrive pullies a couple of weeks ago but have
not put them on yet, I was hoping to put my speed firmly into the 96 MPH 
range, now  I'm not so sure.

/Mike

    anybody going up to NED tonight?
    
    I'll be there.  79 blue Z-28 Camaro
    
    
    Mark

Re: 354 (and better late than never)

Mike, I don't know why you lost 2 mph at the track, but air density or other
environmental factors *could* be the reason.

First of all, figure 60 degrees fahrenheit, zero humidity, and a 29.92"
barometer as 100% air density - AKA the "Standard Day". That's the factor the
Ford guys used when they calculated 225 HP for your Mustang. They correct their
observed dyno figures from whatever the ambient weather factors are (at the
engine intake), to Standard Day figures, using SAE test standard J1349.

Now that we have the Standard Day figures, we can get to how each of the three
measurements (temperature, humidity and barometer) affect air density. Actually,
there is a moderately involved formula for calculating air density, but I'll
skip that and get to how you can closely estimate pluses and minuses.

1. Barometer readings have a linear effect on air density. That is, if the
barometer goes up or down 1% from the standard reading, so will air density.
Therefore, a barometer of 30.22" gets you to 101% air density, 29.62" nets
to 99%, and so on.

2. For each 5 degree change in temperature (away from 60 degrees), you get
about a 1% change in air density. Therefore, an 80 degree day means 96% air
density, and a 40 degree day means 104% air density. Note: This is *not*
linear, since the calculation has a base of *absolute zero*, but it's close
enough so we don't have to worry about it.

3. At 60 degrees, jumping from zero to 50% humidity will cost you roughly 1%
in air density. However, that same 50% humidity at 90 degrees will cost you
more than 2% in air density. The reason for this is that it requires a *lot*
more water vapor to get you to 50% humidity at 90 degrees than it does at 60
degrees, since air can hold more water as it's heated - kinda like sugar in
your coffee or tea. Hot tea can hold a *bunch* of sugar, but iced tea can't
hold too much. "Relative humidity" is expressed as a percentage of water in
the air compared to how much it *could* hold at a given temperature.

All 3 figures need to be juggled. As an example, a 50 degree day with 50%
humidity and a 29.62" barometer nets you to just about 100% air density,
since the 2% you pick up in temperature is offset by the losses you incur
for the barometer drop of 1% and the humidity loss of 1%.

Now, how does air density affect power?

This is also something that is moderately involved, but, figure around 75-80%
power delta compared to the air density delta. That is, an 8% drop in air density
will likely cost you somewhere around 6% in power. Actually, barometer changes
give you something right around a 1.2-1 swing in power, temperature changes give
you something right around a .7-1 swing, and humidity is near 1-1. In practice,
temperature is likely to be the biggest variable, hence the 75-80% "rule of
thumb".

Now, how does power affect quarter-mile speeds?

Use the formula:

Horsepower =  car weight (with driver) times the quantity [quarter-mile-speed
over 232.3] cubed.

That is:

			       quarter mile speed     3
HP    =    car weight   *   (-----------------------)
				      232.3

So, assuming your car (with you aboard) goes around 3450 pounds, we get:

96/232.3 = .4132587, times .4132587 = .1707827, times .4132587 = .0705774, times
3450 = 243.49 HP.

On the other hand, 93.5 MPH gives you "only" 224.96 HP, so you might have lost
a computed 7.6% in power from outing to outing. This implies a 10% loss of air
density, which sounds like a bit much.

As a BTW, an ET number that one might aspire to (very difficult with Mustangs)
is:
             1353
ET    =    --------
              MPH

This assumes good street rubber and decent traction. So 1353/96 = 14.09, and
1353/93.5 = 14.47. Because of the light rear and plentiful torque, Mustangs
have a *bunch* of trouble launching, and are often far from the ET ideal.

Back at the beginning of this novel :-), I mentioned "other environmental
factors". A key one is wind. A headwind will drop MPH significantly, and the
opposite for a tailwind. On the other hand such winds will likely have less
effect on ET than they will on MPH, because HP needs rise as the *square* of
the speed, so the first 330 feet (where you make or break ET) will hardly be
affected, while the last 330 feet (where ET is hardly affected at all) will
be dramatically affected by wind.

So, was it windy during either of your two sessions? Were there substantial
differences in temperature, barometer or humidity?

With what you now know about air density and wind vs quarter-mile times and
speeds, was the environment a factor - or not?

Bruce

    
    OKAY - enough already!
    
    It's been two weeks of nice wednsday weather and practically
    no news from Epping!  What gives?  
    
    Eric, Marco, Bruce, Tom, Rich - you guys out there??
    
    Tom
    

Hi Tom,
  I went up last night, as did several other Digiti'.  I saw Bruce A., Rich D.
Mike C., and some novice swine with a stock LX hatchback 5.0 running 14.0's with
last night being his third trip to NED - ever!!!!  Impressive.  He is gifted.

I made 7 runs between 6:03 and 6:37 PM:-).  The traction was lousy with my
best ET being 13.58.  Most runs were 13.6X - all at mid-103 mph.  Short times
ranged at a pathetic 2.17-2.3 seconds.  Everyone must have thought rain, because
the track was the least crowded I've seen it this year; I made a total of 11
runs, all before 8:00 PM.

Bruce A.'s car is still off.  I beleive the best speed he ran was in the 101 mph
range.  That's better then before the new springs, but still off the mark.  Its
head scratching time.

Congratulations Rich :-)   

Mike C.'s GT had managed a best of 14.7 before I left.  How did the rest of
the night go Mike?

I do beleive I have surpassed the fuel requirements of my stock 19 lb/hour fuel
injectors.  I seem to be making over 300 NET HP, and that is about all the stock
injectors are good for.  On every run with trap speeds over 13.5, the motor went
flat after I powershifted 4th gear.  I don't think its valve float because it
lasted all through 4th.  The engine made a hollow sound.  Anybody have ideas? 
I figure I'll pop in my adjustable fuel pressure regulator and up the pressure
from 39 to 44 PSI.  This should help identify if fuel delivery is the problem.  

Eric

Yea, I was there last night also. Ran 14.6's/14.7's(14.63 best) with a 15.1 on
a missed shift thrown in for good measure. My speeds were back up into the
95+ range. Tried playing with launch RPM but never really got a good
start all night.

Bruce thanks for the info on air changes and it's effect of performance.
I think my speed being off last time out was probally due to the baramoter
being down and a mild headwind.

Over the weakend I had installed a set of Ford underdrive pullies, the only
problem was the short belt I used to use to bypass the power steering and AIR
pump no longer fits. It seems that the underdrive pullies provided about the
same performance increase as the short belt did. Once I get another belt we'll
see what happens. It sure was nice getting in and out of the staging lanes
with power steering for a change! 


So, Eric did your clutch really survive all thoese runs??

/Mike

14.91 @95.18 !  running up against Eric...(gee your car looks nice from 400 car
lengths behind:-).  Unfortunately I couldn't duplicate that again...no traction
even 1/2 throttle launches would induce tire spin and 2.48 short times(the 14.91
run netted my , ahem , best short time of 2.38).  I hope the traction issue is
a track thing..do they spray somthing on the track does anyone know?  Anyways
I'm a happy camper...now for gears or a torque converter...


Rich

Mike,
  My clutch was definately showing some distress during the last couple runs.
It wasn't slipping when fully engaged, but it didn't bite as hard on the 
shifts.  Given that its a diaphram type clutch, it doesn't take well to heat.
That is, the diaphram doesn't have the cooling of a Long style clutch because
the pressure ring is more enclosed.  I know the clutch is struggling when all 
free travel disappears, then comes back after I let it cool in the staging 
lanes.  

I'm not planning on pulling the transmission just yet.  Maybe I'll heat sheild
the 2 pre-converters adjacent the the bellhousing, and see if that helps.  Then 
again, maybe I'll eliminate the 2 pre-converters and install Thrush high 
flow converters in the rear in place of the other 2.  There's always time
to spend money.

Eric  

What's the word on the strip in Orange, Mass?

-Mike

    
    See note 31.* in SEATTL::DRAG_RACING for a complete history.
    
    To add this conference to your notebook press "KP7"
    
    db
    

Well the Vega finally made it to the strip.  I ran it at Pueblo Motorsports Park
which is at an elevation of 4800 ft.  

I found that wheelspin is not much of a problem off the line.  It only spins
about 2 or 3 feet of of the line.  It is real soft off the line though and I end 
up trying to run down whoever is in the next lane.  Once off the line though, it
pulls like gangbusters until I shift.  It seemed to do the best with me making
my shifts at 6300 rpm.

So what'd it do?  The best run was a 14.691 at 96.97 mph.  That would translate 
to about a 13.8 for you folks down at sea level.  All runs were made on street 
tires through the mufflers.  I would have expected that with a terminal speed of 
97 mph the ET would have been lower.  I guess that I can't complain though as I 
expected that the car would run mid 15s.

I think that I need to consider a gear change and some more converter for next 
season.  I still need to be able to attain my goal of attaining a 100mph terminal 
and/or run in the 13s (at 4800 ft).

Mark

Mark, back around 100 years ago when we corresponded on this, I thought
you'd end up making around 250 HP net, which would be good for low 15s
and 93-94 MPH.

Right now, I've got you at around 279 HP and 312 ft/lbs of torque (at sea
level), for an ET of 14.69 @ 96.9 MPH, at 4800 feet, with a 2.40 short time.

At sea level, with everything else the same, the model says 13.62 @ 103.8,
with some wheelspin, and a 2.24 short. And you haven't even messed with it
yet :-).

Hats off, and a salute from the East.

Bruce

    
    Bruce,
    
    What modeling software did you use to calculate those figures?
    
    Thanks, :)
    
    db
    

It's a much better tool than QUARTER, JR.

Bruce

Bruce,

Thanks for the kind words.  The car supprised me too.  I figured that I was 
making about 315 gross horsepower at sea level and then taking 80% of that
figuring that the drivetrain would eat about 20%.  Apparantly either I am 
making more than 315 gross sea level horse power, or the drivetrain is eating
less than 20%, or both.

You are right about me not tweeking it yet.  All I have done so far is to
screw the thing together and drive it.  I know that the carb it running too
fat and diddling with the timing might find some more power.  I still need
to run it uncorked too and see if that will help.

BTW, how expensive is Quarter?  I now have a 386 clone that might like for
me to buy a copy.

Mark

When I got it awhile back, it was $275.00, and they threw in QUARTER, JR.
and DENSITY while they were at it.

Bruce

    If your carb is a "little fat" now you might want to leave it that way
    when you open the headers as that will lean you out somewhat.  You'll
    need to check your plugs after a run with 'em open to be sure your OK.
    
    When you get it "dialed -in" look into tweeking your trans govenor
    so you can have it shift at the points you want EVERY TIME, instead of
    trying to get it right with manual shifts....makes for some consistency
    when you race in DRIVE!
    
    Just some random thought s that came to mind....
    
    /tb/
    

Hi All,

	Anyone out there who goes to NED have problems with the left
lane, or is it just me? I usually try and avoid the left lane due
to a few probems I had last year. Last night I made a few runs in the
left lane and had similar problems. Once I stage and am waiting for the
lights to start my car tends to roll. Sometimes it rolls back and the
stage light goes off, other times it rolls forward and I red light.
This never happens in the right lane. It's like there's a small depression,
and depending where I'm staged I either roll forward or backwards. I talked
to a few people about it at the track and some didn't have any problems,
others said they avoided the left lane, but didn't have any specific 
reasons. So, what about you noters, am I crazy or what? Also, any suggestions
on what I can try to get around this problem when I have to run in the
left lane?

	In any case I've been up the last two weeks and have had some pretty
good runs. Last week was really crowded, but I stayed until 10:00. Except for
my first run, I ran all 14.5's and low 14.6's. It felt good to be consistant
for a change. Last night was pretty hot and traction seemed off. In any case I
ran a bunch of 14.5's, and except a few totally blown runs I had a good night.
I ran 14.507 twice, which is my best ET ever. 14.4's can't be far away....
Speeds were just under 96. My 60 foot times these days tend to be in the mid
to low 2.2's with an ocassional 2.19 thrown in. 

/mike 

1) Rollout when staged.

A number of folks have experienced this problem in the left lane. The
fix is to hold the brake for a second or two after staging, then release
it slowly. If you still have a tendency to roll, turn the steering wheel
a quarter-turn and back while holding the brake when staged, then release
the brake slowly. *that* appears to work 100% of the time, as opposed to
90% for the just-hold-the-brake fix.

2) Traction.

When they rent the track on Wednesday afternoons for some hot dog, they'll
typically spray 1 lane with the Miracle Magical Magnetic Traction Goop. More
often than not, this will be the right lane. Come Wednesday evening after
such an event, the right lane will be significantly superior to the left lane
for those nosebleed-inducing launches. They don't want to spray the track
just for the Wednesday night crowd, on the principle that "....street tires
just tear up the already laid down rubber on the track with traction compund
applied, and they don't benefit at all unless the compound has been worked in
by slick-equipped cars."

I think that's probably BS (based on an occasion when I was first up after a
fresh application of the Goop, and nearly broke my nose on the steering wheel
from the severity of the resultant bog :-) ), and will continue to work the
issue with "Ron", who heads up the place.

You can help.

Bruce

Bruce,

	Thanks for the tip on using the left lane. I'll try it next time
I have to use the left lane. As far as the traction issue goes, I've
been there after they have sprayed and can definitally tell the difference.
Let me know what I can do to help get them to use this stuff wednesdays.

/Mike

Tell them you're not coming up unless they have an afternoon guest (so
you can rely on at least *1* lane), or until they start spraying both
lanes for Wednesday runs.

Bruce

Anyone going to Epping tomoorow night?

R

    I may show up for a little while...depends on what time can get back
    into Manchester airport...
    
    I'd like to see Eric make a fews passes! I won't run the Goose just
    yet this year...probably in September and October.
    
    /tb/
    

Looking at my handy NED pocket schedule it says that next wednesday night
is  the "All Pro Auto Parts 4th of July Extravaganza". Anyone have any
idea what this is? Will there be a normal wednesday street night or this
is something else? I'll be on vacation with the family at hampton beach the
next 2 weeks, so since it's so close i'll probally be at NED the next two
wednesdays assuming I can race next week.

/Mike

    Last year was the normal street night along with 2 jet cars and the 
    jet Kenworth and a fireworks display later. If it's like last year
    it should be a good time.

>>                       <<< Note 8.378 by CRISTA::ROCHE >>>

Great, thanks for the quick reply. I was planning on bringing the kids over.
Sounds like they will have something fun to watch becides dad getting blown 
away........


/mike

    
    hmmmm, this sounds very interesting.  Maybe I'll resurrect the GTI one
    last time just for the hell of it.  It'll be worth the $12 just to line
    up with Eric and watch his chasis convulse as his tires spit molten
    rubber into my radiator.  I'll try my best to be there next Wednesday.
    
    Marco

    
    	I heard recently that they (who they are is ????) are looking at
    putting a drag-strip in, around, near Gardner (MA). Apparently Orange
    decided against one there. Anyone else hear something similar??

    	Cary

         Yes. The Orange dragstrip was voted upon by the towns people and
    and was defeated (vote was approx.550 against, 460 for).The reasons
    given for defeat were excess traffic,noise and the fact that it would
    have used an unused landing strip and part of an active one which would
    have meant no chance for future expansion of the airport.
       The organizers/promoters for the Orange dragstrip met with Gardner
    officals last week.All discussions were done in private, so no news of what 
    the was actually discussed at the meeting (although the paper alluded
    to some land acquisition).
    
                                   Rich

        More info.in the local paper on the proposed Gardner dragstrip.Many
    obstacles stand in the way of this ever becoming reality,primarily
    the attitude of some of the city councilors.One of the them was quoted
    as saying he fears the track will become a "hangout" and "fears drug
    and alcohol abuse will occur along with reckless driving". (HUH?
    Obviously this guy does not know what he is talking about and is full
    of BS).
    
      The same problems with noise and traffic are concerns as well as
     the fact that improvements would have to be made to a state
    highway.
    
    
                                             Rich
    
    
    

    re.358 Eric, have you solved your fuel problem? At over 300 hp, it's
    possible that you're outrunning the stock pump. If so, raising the
    pressure at the regulator won't help. The pump just may not have the
    stones to move that much fuel. I know that the stock Corvette pump is
    marginal at 300 HP. GM solved the problem on the ZR1 by using two
    pumps, but I think that one big one would do just as good. :-)
    
    Harry
    

    I heard information similar to the GM example - that the stock fuel
    pump is very marginal when nearing 300HP.  I changed to the highflow
    fuel pump offered by Ford motorsport.  It looks identical, but is rated at
    110 Liters per hour; where the stock pump is rated at 88 LPH.  So I
    think I should be all set there.  
    
    The 19 lb./hour fuel injectors must be nearing their limit.  However, I
    raised the fuel pressure, to acheive the equivalent of a 5% volume
    increase, but didn't see any increase in trap speeds.  I tryed this on
    2 separate outings to the drag strip with equal results.  So it doesn't
    look like fuel starvation is a problem.  I believe the change in engine
    tone in 4th gear was a temporary suspension harmonic.  It seems to have
    disappeared.
    
    Eric-who's_hoping_his_stock_T-5_can_deliver_5_more_dragstrip_passes  

Re: 383

The city councilman probably is off base in his fears around substance abuse
and the dragstrip as a "hangout". It might make sense for someone to speak to
these issues at one of the meetings, although the hangout problem might actually
come to pass at existing or upcoming neighborhood watering holes.

The reckless driving issue is a tough one, though.

After any given event, you can tell the racers from the spectators by the
way they leave the facility; The spectators are full of adrenaline and foot
to the floor fun, and the racers are pussycats. This is true at nearly any
racing facility anywhere in the country. It's a very real issue.

I think that any proposal for a new facility should include provisions for
paying the local cops for extra/overtime duty to keep things under control
in the vicinity of the track.

Bruce

PS - Re Eric's catless pony: I'm the guy who told him that the H-pipe would be
good for 2 MPH at the track, based on the fact that it's good for about 1 MPH
on a stocker, and he's making a bunch more power. Looks like I'm going to be
wrong again, and I can't really figure why. Eric, if your track results look
like the Vericom results, maybe just try 49-50 psi for a run or two to recheck
the fuel theories. One other possible isuue: Are Ford's new replacement cats
a bunch better than the originals?

    I'll be heading up tonight, anybody else going?
    
    Bruce, how does the power look tonight, with the heat and humidity
    the way it is?
    
    Mark

Unfortunately, I got in a total of 0 runs last.  Due to situations beyond my
control, I couldn't get there until 8:00 pm.  There was still a huge technical
inspection line, and the staging lanes were full!  I decided to bag it, and went
home shortly after arrival.  Unfulfilled. 

    Eric, I think you made the right choice. I got there about 6:15 and
    made a total of 2 runs.
    
    The place was absolutely mobbed.
    
    At least we all got to see some dragsters and jet cars.
    
    Maybe next week.
    
    Mark

   I just had to let you all know of great time I had at Napierville Dragway,
Canada, this past Saturday Night.
   As some of you know I just recently finished a 3 1/2 year "ground up" 
restoration on my 71 Charger R/T. This past Saturday was only the second time
since the car was finished, that I brought it to the track.
   Practice started at 6pm. It was godawful Hot & humid, and everybody was
running slower than usual. When I ran in May, my best was 13.81 e.t., but my
first few passes this day we're 14.3, 14.25, 14.24, @ around 94mph.
   I was pretty bummed. I wanted to run below 14 @ 100mph, so I went into the
pits to put in some new trick spark plugs, and let the car cool off.
   Now it was 7:45 and the street machine class was allowed 1 more practice,
before eliminations start around 8pm. My car was cooler, and the whether was
starting to change for the cooler, storm clouds we're also starting to roll in.
I made my pass, 14.05 @ 98mph!! & I had traction problems at the line.
   8:15pm: First elimination, I dial in at 13.99 (determined to do a good burn
out, and get the tires to stick). The guy next to me is dialed in at 14.51.
He sleeps at the light, and has traction problems, I cut a .169 light with a 
minimal traction slip: I win, et 14.005 @ 98mph.
   8:25pm, the rains come. I'm bummed because I got rained out in May after
winning my first round. The rain lasted 1hr, then it took 1.5 hr before the
track was dry, and we we're ready to run again.
   11:20pm, They give us 1 practice run, to re-dial in, because the air is
cool, less humid, and the track is still a bit damp. I run 13.97 et at 99mph.!!,
and my tires slipped a bit during launch.
   11:30pm: Second elimination, I dial in at 13.96, he dials in at 14.95. He
gets his green light, 1 second later I get my green. BUT!, I pass him half way
down the track! Now we all know in Bracket racing we're theoretically supposed
to cross the finish line at the same time. So, Afraid I'm going to break out and
beat my time, I let off the gas, and cross the finish 3-4 car lengths ahead
of him: I won!, 14.45et @ 75MPH. He got 16.5(massive traction problems, I later
learned).
   12am(SUNDAY): Third elimination, 6 cars left, I've never made it this far and
I'm really getting nervous, I dial in at 13.96 again, the guy next to me dials
in at 14.21. He gets his green, then mine. Now guys I was nervous, but 
determined to go-for-it when the light turned green, and that's exactly what I
did! I cut a .002 Green light and my et = 13.963 @ 99.5mph, for a total of .005
over!!!!!! I win!, I killed him!!!!, actually he broke out by .02 (It was neck
and neck at the finish, I didn't know I won until I saw my time slip).
   12:30am : Forth elimination, 3 cars left (I know I'm going to win cash,
because they pay to the top 3 in the street machine class). The coin flip is 
done, and I win the "by" run. What luck!!!! So I take this opportunity to cool
the car off, I cut a .645 light & cruse down the track at 65mph, et=18.345, who
cares? I win!!!!! and am off to the final 2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
   12:45am : Fifth and final elimination, I just can't believe it. I never
thought I'd ever make it this far in my lift (Christ!, I only race 2-3 times a
year, and purely for the fun of it). Surprisingly, I'm all of a sudden cool as
a cucumber, determined to do my best, and not worry if I loose. I figure, What
the Hell, I shouldn't ever have made it this far. After all, all the regulars
(except the guy I'm running against) have already been eliminated, and they
usually win the cash and trophies.
   We line up, I've re-dialed in at 13.95(determined to do my biggest and best
burn out ever, to get those Mickey Thompson Super Sticky tires of mine to launch
like a rocket!!) He's dialed in at 13.95 too!!!
   Now, everyone who's been eliminated is watching, and they're divided into
2 rooting crowd's. For me, the Guy from Vermont & U.S., and him, the Canadian.
   The tree starts clicking,,,, AMBER,AMBER,AMBER,GREEN GO!!! we both leave at
the same time, but I feel a hollowness inside because I felt my tires slip! I
thought to my self, "Oh Dam, I lost", but still determined, I literally paste
my right foot to the floor, almost to the pavement, trying and hoping to make
up lost ground. But the funny thing was, the other guy never jumped out in
front of me. I thought to myself, He'll probably come on strong at the end and
pass me right before the finish. We'll it was never meant to be, I crossed the
finish first by 2 car lengths. I thought "HUH?" I wonder if I broke out, or
he was way off in his et? Well this is what the Time slip read:
   Him, et 14.12 @ 100.5mph, me, et 13.957 @ 100.1mph!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
I WON I WON I WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
   I still can't believe it! I got "Trophied", photographed, and $100 first
place cash!!! It didn't matter to me anymore that I still had a 1.5 hr drive
back home, I was pumping on adrenalin all night!!!!


                          Thanks for listening,

                               Mike Roberge


P.S. - DEC Streeties: It can be done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That high ought to last for at least a week or so..........

So, when ya goin' back?  :-)

Bruce

    I know the feeling....I just got my TA/D and S/C, S/G license redone..
    Did a 8.94 and 8.98 for the S/C, S/G and a 6.21 and a 6.33 for the
    TA/D..Been a long time since the F/Gas days but I just cannot wait to
    start again..Was only going to do the S/G, S/C but had the chance to
    step up and could not resist..I wonder what kind of "bargain" this is
    going to set me back with my dear beloved...In any case start looking
    for a hopefully competitive 27 altered from the desert...
    
    Jim

    
    
    Re .391
    
    Bruce,
    
      I'd like to go back to Napierville this weekend, next, and , and.....
    But, unfortunitly, I probably won't make it up until one of the last 
    weekends in October. Due to the fact that I'm getting married in
    September, and am out straight as far as weekend plans go from now `till
    then.
      But don't worry guys!!!!, Getting married is not going to mean the
    end of the car!!!!, We have a very clear understanding on that one..
    (thank god!)
                                 ;-)
    
    
                          Mike Roberge

    Yup!, That's what "we" all said at that time in our lives.
    
    TMW, 

    
    Don't know about you Jim, but my wife has never complained
    about the cars and parts.....
    Matter of fact she's wondering when I'm going to restore a `61
    Starliner for her!
    
    Gotta love it!

    Over the past 24 or so years(married) I have been into all types of 
    motor sports.. including drag racing. anything that remotely resembles
    anything that is dangerous...my wife objects to... (oh well that's what
    I have to live with) Even my show cars of the past were too hopped up
    for her...oh well, now that the kids are moving out, maybe "we" can try
    to get back into some muscle.... Or I may have to go it alone  :-)
    
    
    sigh,
         Jim
      
                                                                      

    >Even my show cars of the past were too hopped up for her
    
    Gee Jim, do you think that your driving the T into a guard rail had
    anything to do with that??? ;-) ;-) ;-)
    
    Harry
    

    Harry,
    Hell, even before that. I had a couple of vettes that she never liked.
    She watched me go sideways at Conn. dragway...and she was convinced
    that I was dead.(It was only a burnout at the bleach box!!)
    
    re: Driving the T into the guardrail...by that time she was convinced
    that I crazy.
    
    TMW

    
    
    	Well, according to today's edition of the T&G, it looks like we may
    have a strip in North, Central MA in Gardner. The report was on a city
    meeting and there was no real negative response. If it is going where I
    think it is, I'll be less than 10 miles from it!!!!  My wife will know
    where to find me on those warm summer nights :*)))


    	CB

    Re -1
     What warm summer nights?  Not this summer!
                                                John M.
    

    Yep the local paper said there where no dissenters at an informational
    meeting held Wedsnesday or at least they weren't vocal. finally a place
    to take the Torino out to play legally ...5 minutes from home :-).
    
              Dean

    I stopped by NED last night on the way home and there appeared to be no
    racing.  I didn't go in and ask...anyone know why they were "down" last
    night?
    
    /tb/

    In the schedule it says closed, I can only assume it's because of the
    upcoming event this weekend since it was also closed on the Wednesday
    prior to the Nitrous nats. 

    I guess I should have looked at the schedule!
    
    So anyone up for next week?  We need to get the Annual DEC Street
    Weenie Nationals scheduled soon....not much activity this year.
    
    Marco needs something juicy again, Eric needs a mega-body-weld,
    Bruce has gone foreign on us, we never hear from PB#2 any more,
    Rich got some good runs in earlier, and the Goose is getting itchy!
    
    So when we going to get it on guys/gals?!?!
    
    /tb/

Hey...in Bruce's Panzervagen note:-) he mentioned being there on a Friday night.
Is that every week?  That would be A LOT easier to deal with than a wensday.

Rich

Yep, its true.  $15 for Friday, $12 for Wednesday.  I went the week before
last - me and about 10 others.  Unlimited runs; a friend of mine did 25 runs
before we dragged him smiling from the car.

I'm definately in for any/every night until they close :-).  I'm still searching
for the elusive 13.3X timeslip.  I even put back my original 3.35:1 ratio first
gear transmission.  Its gonna take great traction to get the gas to the floor, 
but it may turn out to be the hot tip.

BTW, this is the transmission that has been whinning on and off for the last 
year or so.  It turned out that the mainshaft output bearing had beaten its
outer race bore a couple thousandths.  Its amazing to me that so little play
manifest itself with such horrendous noise.  The upshot is a healty dose of
red loctite seemed to do the trick!  So far, its been working perfectly for a 
week.  I've been doing a fair bit of WOT in 1st gear too.

Eric

How about next Friday then?  Looks kinda wet today.

Rich

    
    
    	Did someone say "traction compound"???   Hmmmm. I like those words.
    
    Brad

    Wow we really rattled someones cage to wake you up Brad! Where you
    been fella?
    
    The truck tranny made it through the summer with my kids beating on it
    BTW.
    
    Hope to see up at NED with that Rat power of yours.
    
    /tb/
    

   > Hope to see up at NED with that Rat power of yours
    
    I'm thinking about it, but I've something new to try out also.
    It's so hard to decide what to bring
    
    
     I'm glad the tranny worked out.
    
    Brad

Sooo  are people going up tonight or not?

Rich

    Don't know yet...maybe for a couple of quick runs.
    
    /tb/
    

    
    
    	Too hot, Too humid to go hunting 12s
    	Too hot, Too humid for the turbo
    
    	the next cool dry friday one of the cars will show.
    
    Brad

    re last
    	same sentiments...I think it is the last night for the Leominster
    cruise at the Sherton on RT 12 so I'll be going there.
    
    next cool friday
    
                                    
    Rich

    I was there!  Got there early for a change. Got quite a few runs
    in before I left early.
    
    Traction was poor due the cold wheather and possibly Tuesdays rain.
    
    The best short time I could pull out was a 2.297
    
    Pulled off a string of 14.1's ans .2's and a night's best of 14.0
    @100.87
    
    I'm gunna have to go up there some Friday night or Saturday when
    they coat the track.  I know better times are capable.
    
    Mark

    Well I just couldn't resist the cold weather. The Goose loves to fly in
    the cold! ( I wonder if that track points south?:))
    
    First pass against a Turbo Coupe in the right lane...had me in the
    first 60' with a 2.46 against my 2.48 even though I cut a pretty good
    light at .591 against her .639 you could see (according to a fan in the
    stands) that she was thinking "HA...ugly old station wagon..ha hah...uh
    oh..." as the Goose edged to a 330' time of 6.71 against her 7.02 :-)
    It was all up hill for the Ford from there on....my ET 15.61/88.83
    against her 16.85/80.94...I love it! :-)
    
    The second run I played with my 2-3 shift and got the speed up to 90.29
    with an ET of 15.56....we won't talk about the guy with the lightened
    chevy in the other lane...I did cut .512 light...not bad for an old
    fart!
    
    I made one last run playing with shift points again and ran into my old
    problem of fuel pressure at RPM's over 5200.  Still pulled a
    [email protected] against a kid in a 2dr GM something that ran 16.12.
    
    Traction problem? What traction problem? :-) :-)
    
    Where'd you go Eric? I looked to see if you were going to make some
    runs and couldn't find you..I left before 8:00 PM.
    
    You couldn't ask for nicer weather...of course this morning was even
    better with the barometer about as high as it can get and the temp
    around 38 deg.  We need that on a Wed or Friday...I hear this Friday
    might be pretty good weather...wish I could go again.  I've got to save
    the transmission for a trip to Ohio in Nov. :-(
    
    Wait till next year...New fuel pump, lines, regulato, carb and a stall
    converter....yeh, that ought to do it!
    
    /tb/

    
    
    RE: Goose
    
    Congratulations Tom, it sounds like the Goose is running as fast as
    ever.  Beleive me I know exactly how the driver of the Ford must've
    felt watching the Goose head south down the track.
    
    I'd like to make it to Epping at least one more time this year.  The
    GTI is still running well, 16.2,16.3 @83+ last time out, with the cat 
    installed.  The transmission has been getting harder and harder to
    shift but it's still fun to come up and do a few passes down the track.
    
    Maybe next week I'll see you guys up there.
    
    Marco

just listened to the weather...40% chance of rain tonight.  Was anyone going up
tonight?  I will wait to later this after to decide..its starting to cloud up
here in SHR.....and I could just smell that traction compound this am...:-)


Rich

Got back from an all-week trip Friday night, took a look at the barometer
and temperature, and told the bride that we'd head north when leaving the
restaurant :-).

C'mon now. Everybody (but me) was there, right? You're all just too
tongue-tied to write it up (if you'll allow some latitude with grammar).

What? Nobody was there?

Sheesh! We don't get many days with 100+% air density, folks.

I think this Friday is shaping up nicely, as well. Maybe Wednesday, too.

Anyone up for a bash against the L'il Red Rocket? I've got to try it at least
once this year, and the Bullet is a known quantity, at this point.

Bruce

    Well where were you Bruce? After all the hype nobody shows up?
    (that's marketing for ya!)
    
    It was great weather cold and overcast but NO rain.

    I held the Goose back (hoping to find Bruce with the Red thing) to a string
    of 15.5's ... with no waiting between runs.

    The longest time between runs on my time slip was 15 mins because I had
    to stop  and get a coffee! All the others were like 7 minutes
    apart....that's NOT crowded!

    I had a couple of fun runs..

    One, against a 5.0 stang auto (with Bra and other goodies :-0)...I have
    to admit I panicked at the sight of it and pulled a red light...the
    sight of the Goose launching like that must have shaken him up because
    he pulled a 1.02 light :-)..........can you see this coming? 

    He caught me at the 1/8th by .052 sec but I had him in speed there.
    1000 ft and we were together with a .054 difference between us..he'd
    made a  whole .002 on me....and at the finish the difference in ET was
    back to a .052...he was visibly upset that I was pulling him at the
    lights...:-) I loved it! 

    My last run was up against a nice looking older Monte SS. Around a
    '73/74  vintage...he had me in ET through the 1/8th but again I had
    speed by nearly 1  mph...he made it to the 1000 mark .04 before me...I
    pulled him through the  lights by .040 for the win with a speed 3mph
    over his to boot!

    I love to go neck and neck for the whole run!
    
    Since by 7:15 I figured Bruce had chickened out :-).. I went home.
    Of course just as I was leaving a Syclone was pulling in...wish I could
    have seen him run.:-(
    
    Well there will be other days in October I'm sure...but it's not likely
    that the Goose will make any more runs this year:-(..too much
    work/travel etc.
    
    

Hi All,

	Does anyone know if NED will be open this friday(9/10/92)? I've
been traveling a lot lately and haven't made it up in a while. Friday
looks good, just wanted to check that they are still racing on fridays.

thanks
Mike

    I went to epping wednesday night, good weather.  They said they'll be
    open tonight(Friday) also.

    I have an '85 Mustang GT, 5 speed, 2.73:1 gears, stock engine.
    My previous best was 14.97 @ 91.25mph in stock condition.

    Since then I've gotten new mufflers (original ones rusted),
    K&N air filter, and Moroso Blue Max spark plug wires and wanted
    to see what effect if any these changes had, I was expecting 93mph!

    Times	60 foot  speed
    	15.05	2.22	90.1 mph
    	15.04	2.22	90.3 mph
    	15.00	2.18	90
    	15.00	2.21	90.47 mph
    	14.96	2.19	90.47 mph

    ET is still good, but mph is down!  I was expecting the K&N filter
    to give me at least 0.1 sec and 1 mph.  I poked around afterwards
    and I think I had a problem with #1 Spark Plug wire having a poor
    connection!  I put the old wire back and will try again next week!

    re Last
    Just think, in the time that it takes you to go thru the 1/4... the 
    new Viper goes 0 mph to 100mph and back to 0 mph.... 
    
    My mind cannot comprehend that.....
    
    TMW...Jim

    re last'
    
    0-100-0 in 14........Not with Volvo discs in the front and Jag discs
    in the rear..... it was built to look neat....stopping I would think
    would be average. It is light though so, maybe the 0-100 would be
    possible.
    
    TMW

    I went to epping again last night.  Traction was terrible, last week
    it was excellent.  I spun the tires and thought I had a wasted run,
    but stayed with it just to get a MPH number.

    14.86 @ 91.44 mph with short time 2.15

    a new best ET, MPH, and short time all in 1 run!  (14.96 before)

    I don't think the Moroso plug wires, mufflers, and K&N Filter have
    helped much at all.  Previous best speed was 91.25 mph in stock condition
    and I'm still running basically the same speed but 0.1 seconds quicker,
    which maybe from just setting the timing to 12 degrees instead of 13,
    or shifting technique, or tires.  I did some experiments last night with
    the stock air filter and K&N filter but wasn't able to draw any conclusions
    one way or another.

    I felt a 14.7 was possible if I got better traction, but it was bad all
    night, plus as the night went on my MPH keep dropping.  Even the people
    with slicks were complaining about bad traction so I didn't feel bad!
    I may go back on Saturday, I think a 14.7 is possible.  85,000 miles
    and still running ok!

Sounds like some low ET's...is Epping still open...anyone want to go ?

Rich

Tomorrow is Vette day, so I'll skip tonight. You're right, though. You
could maybe be at 95+ tonight, with whatever ET the starting line will
allow. Since they spray the track on Fridays, you're likely to see some
terrific numbers.

Good luck.

Bruce

    
    
    I might give it a try.
    
    Brad

    I went to epping on Friday.  Traction was excellent!  I had so much
    traction I didn't know what to do with it, and kept bogging off the
    line all night.  Highlights:

    	14.97 @ 91.3 mph (2.24 short time)
    	14.99 @ 90.9 mph (2.19 short time)

    Last week was bad traction but I had a 2.15 short time.  I still feel
    a 2.09 is possible in the future with a 14.7 ET (best so far 14.86)

    Using the formula I figure I'm only making 195 hp, Ford says my motor
    makes 210 hp.  If I can figure out what is wrong I could be going about
    93.7 mph and maybe 14.5 ET

    For kicks I ran without the K&N Air Filter for just one run.  I didn't
    notice any improvement and got my best ET & MPH of the night with the
    filter in place.  I don't think just 1 run proves anything, but I saw
    no advantage to running filterless (on my car!)  I also haven't noticed
    any improvements so far between the K&N and a Fram Air Filter.

re: Note 8.434
>> Using the formula I figure I'm only making 195 hp, Ford says my motor
>> makes 210 hp. 

Don't most formulaes that use e.t. and mph calculate hp at the rear wheels?
Ford's figure is at the crank, with all accesories attached.  If you're 
only losing 15hp through the drivetrain, I believe you're doing pretty
well.

Rick

We're gonna give it a final shot tomorrow at Epping. Last night, traction
was the pits, but it was cool, so mph numbers were encouraging. They lay
down the magic miracle stickum stuff on Fridays, and the weatherman seems
to be cooperating. So far, Eric, Rich and myself are going up. Maybe Tom
as well.

Come one, come all. Brad, you're gonna have to show up now, or hold your
peace 'til next year :-).

Bruce

    
    All you unmarried fellows should NEXT UNSEEN, as I need inputs
    from men in the know!
    
    This morning in hesitantly suggested to my wife that tonight being the
    last night of the season at NED, that I may attend, oh and by the way I 
    intend to push the SE-R to it's first sub 16 second time.  Well, she
    gave me that knitted eyebrow, eyes-boring-a-hole-through-your-skull
    look.  You married guys know, *THE* look.  The one that silently says;
    
    "ARE YOU CRAZY?WHAT COULD YOU BE THINKING? WHAT IF THE ENGINE BLOWS UP?
    THAT WOULD COST US A FORTUNE! DON'T YOU REMEMBER THE IDAHO-SIZED HOLE
    THAT CAR LEFT IN OUR CHECKBOOK CAUSE YOU HAD TO HAVE IT? FOR
    CHRISTSAKES YOU'RE 28 YEARS OLD ACT YOUR FRIGGIN AGE WILL YOU!  BRUCE
    AUGENSTEIN PUT YOU UP TO THIS DIDN'T HE?"
    
    At which point I assumed my most sheepish "Aw Honey I'm sorry, what
    COULD I have been thinking!"
    
    Now the question is, if Bruce can convince his wife to allow a
    *BRAND NEW MERCEDES* to make a few passes, what am I missing?
    
    Help!  I tried the arguement about "blowing the carbon out of the
    engine" but predictably it didn't fly.
    
    Thanks for listening.
    
    Tom
       

I'm in marketing. :-)

Bruce

    Bruce and a few others are also a little older, have "empty nests"
    and also the gift of persuation     :-)
    
    
    The Mad Weldor...who has findly reached that plateau on two accounts....
    
    

    
    
    re -.3
    
      Tom,
    
        I think your big mistake was "springing" the question this morning.
      A few weeks ago was the final weekend at Napierville. I "mentioned"
      to my wife I was going at least 3 weeks prior, because it was the
      last race. She said, "ok", because it was so far out, she hadn't
      planned anything. when the day came, I told her, "You said I could go
      3 weeks ago." ;-) gotch-ya!!!
        You'll know that for next time, but it doesn't help right now...
      Have you tried making a deal? Call her up and say, "Honey, the guys
      are all egging me on to go, cause it's the last day and I wan't to go
      too. Do you think I could go if I do all the cooking and cleaning
      tomarrow?"{never mentioning your gonna *RUN* your car} - If she hums
      and haws, quickly offer to take her out to dinner, too!!!! That outta
      do it!! After all, it'll be worth it to get the seasons last few
      blood rushing, tire screeching passes in, at any expense..;-)...
    
    
    
                            Good Luck (and let me know what happens),
    
                            Mike Roberge
    

    Damn, Mike you really do know how to butter um' up.... 
    
    TMW
    
    
    btw... Scotty Warner findly got up to NEP this past Sat. you guys will
    have to listen to him when he comes in later.... I saw the slips...not
    bad for old fuel and no chassis adj..

    I heard on the radio on the way in there was an accident a NED sunday
    night on of the drivers died ...anyone know anything about this ?
    
      Dean

Well, apparently, "Mustang disease" is catching.

Friday night, the Bullet was rarin' to go, what with a bit less than a
quarter tank of fuel, a small bottle of Octamax mixed in (to kill the
after-each-shift momentary ping), and air density over 101%.

Nope.

It kinda reminded me of when I first drove Eric's car, and thought I had
done a terrific launch, only to light 'em up around a car and a half out
as I neared full throttle. That has never happened to me with my car
(assuming I do it right), but there was no way around it Friday. It didn't
matter how I launched. As soon as I neared full throttle in first, away went
the tires :-(.

Best time was 14.3 @ 101.5, starting in second gear, and no power shifting.

Mike C. and Rich D. were also slipping and sliding around, and weren't smiling
a whole bunch. We had been hoping for Good Things, based on Wednesday's results.
The Bullet was going 102+ on Wednesday, although I couldn't do better than a
13.9, due to what I thought (at the time) were traction woes :-).

Real cars, on the other hand, were doing well. (Real cars are those that don't
have no steenking squiggles running around their tires.) :-) A '90 Vette 350,
for instance, with the Lingenfelter Top End package, went 11.85 @ around 115,
which is a bunch faster than it ought to go. Credit the air density, careful
tuning, and sharp driving. There were also some pretty hot (high 11s - low 12s)
Mustangs that seemed to be hooking up with authority, but not with street tires,
of course.

Oh, well, there's always next year, I guess.

Bruce

Yup, traction was pretty much nonexistant most of the night. I did get
in 1 good run around 6:30. I was the 2ed car down the right lane right
after they sprayed the track. I had a 2.16 short time and ran 14.21 at 97.5.
This stuff really works! I never got close after that, between the
cold weather and several people dumping radiator fluid all over the
starting line things went down hill fast. I stayed until about 9:45
hoping traction would return so I could run a 14.1x, but had a bunch
of 14.3-14.6 runs instead. Well I guess I have all winter to think
about how to get into the 13's. I had hoped to get there this year but
did't have the time or $ to put into the car.


Tom,

	I've had similuar problems with my wife, but she has given up and
decided I've lost my mind. I think the final straw for her was when she
saw the car in little pieces when I pulled the heads to get them ported.
I'd write more but she works for DEC also and I wouldn't want to put anything
here that might get me into trouble.....


/Mike

From:	SCOMAN::MANUELE      "JOHN PG994"Engine room, we need MORE POWER!""  2-NOV-1992 18:43:52.77
To:	manuele
CC:	
Subj:	Notefile DRAG_RACING Note 7.27

    Crossposted in Drag Racing.


              <<< SEATTLDSA5:[NOTES$LIBRARY]DRAG_RACING.NOTE;1 >>>
                                -< DRAG_RACING >-
================================================================================
Note 7.27                      New England Dragway                      27 of 27
ESKIMO::MANUELE                                      19 lines   2-NOV-1992 15:42
                             -< NED Fatal crash. >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    I just got the following information from a friend who was racing at
    NED on Sunday. The accident happened on the last run of the year,
    apparantly a make-up run from a finals that was rained out. The two
    cars were dragsters and one lost traction and got sideways, crossing
    the center and hitting the other. The other car broke apart and hit a
    light pole in the drivers compartment area. The driver of this car was
    killed. His name is John Tartaglia, and its even more sad as he had a
    cancerous tumer diagnosis last year and was beating it. Also his wife
    and kids were there...
     Now, this is from my friend, who is a witness, but shall remain
    nameless. Suffice to say he has been bracket racing for around 18
    years. He said the first car lost traction partway up the track, as a
    result of someting on the track. He things this was diesel fuel, as a
    pair of trucks had run previously and some had spilled. The starting
    area was cleaned but apparently not the track. Some people who were
    responding to the wreck stated the track was very slick in the area of
    the spin. If I get any more info I will post it.
                                                        John M.
    

 My first trip to NED.......
    
 Preliminary Data:   69 Camaro, 337 smallblock, 12.5 to 1's,
 .600 lift roller cam, 5200 stall converter, Powerglide w/1.82
 first gear, 5.38 gears, 9.00x 29.5 M\T slicks.

  Here's my story. My first try at writing one..........

  Well, it started out cold and cloudy at 6:30 AM on Saturday
Oct 31,1992 from Westfield Mass (home of the Mad_Weldor). My
neighbor's son Dave came along to assist me in my day of fun. 

  Our first bit of excitement came along at 7:10 on the Mass.
Pike near the Palmer exit. There on the side of the highway in
one of those work/storage areas were two LARGE moose. I'd never
seen one in person and I'd have to compare the size to that of
a Klydesdale horse. Also along the Pike we encountered 3 or 4
showers and light rain squalls (just enough to ruin Dave's nice
cleaning job on the car). Then it was across 290 to 495 and up
to 125 and into New Hampster.

  Well, here we are...New England Dragway. In the gate, pay the
entry, buy $25 of V.P. race gas and head to tech. Thru tech with
2 minor hits and found a spot to unload. After a 1/2 hour standing
out in 43 degrees and windy conditions, we're cold. I decided to
leave the 2 year old spark plugs in the car and head for the staging
lanes. Also, since adding the ladder bars and housing floaters, I
figured an easy run sorting out the car was appropriate.

  Run #1. Here's where I'd like to tell you guys how lucky you are
to have a track with people that treat you like a human and help
you out. When they opened up my lane to go onto the track, I was
pleasantly surprised to see guys direct you into the water box, 
help move you forward, do you burn-out and go to the line. This is
unheard of at the "other track" in New York State........ Anyway,
into Pre-stage and stage then with 2400 rpm, flash the converter
and a comatose 1.083 reaction time,I take off on my NED maiden voyage. 
After 10 feet of wheelspin (cold track, approx 10th car in this
lane)I'm moving. Revs up into the 5000 range, car tracking nice and
straight and starting to break up (damn plugs, should have changed 'em)
shift early at 6400 into high (powerglide) and it's starting to clear.
By the 1000 ft mark it's pretty much 8 cylinders and zip across the 
Finish Line. Pick up the time slip and WOW, a 12.759 at 101.92. Head
down the return road and what's this? Scales? You mean I can weigh
my car? Drive slowly on and it's 3210 with me in it! Let's see -170
equals 3040. Much less than I thought.

  Run #2. Changed the plugs, warmed my hands on the valve covers, 
let the slicks down to 12 lbs, checked the timing and head for the lanes. 
Here we go. Nice smokey burnout (no wheelspin this time), leave the line 
hard (1.659 60ft time, best of the day), up to 7000 shift, quickly to the 
Finish and this time it's 12.137 at 107.16 . MUCH BETTER.......

  Run #3. Took a plug reading (I'm no expert, but they were pink/tan OK)
Head to staging and soon we're in the water. Same scenario, a little
squirrely but goin good. It's over.... 12.139 at 107.29. This is fun.....

  Run #4. Advanced the timing 2 degrees and head out. Funny burnout.
Dave says one slick smoked and dried sooner than the other and I felt
it in the car. Hope it's not the end of my Posi unit?!?!? Left good
shifted early at 6800 and across the stripe.....12.125 at 107.88  Do
I have time for one more? Got to see Scotty go Trick-or-Treating.

  Run #5. Drive right to the staging lanes. Plenty of time and car
cools fast today. After the burnout, I decide to try a lower rpm launch
(2000 to let the 5200 converter flash up) and we're off. This leave
feels the best. Up to 7000 and shift. Pushing my foot thru the floorboard.
Across the line and this felt good. Thanks for the time slip young lady.
DOUBLE WOW!!!!  it says 12.085 at 108.23. What a great day.

  By the way. The best this combination ever ran was 12.278 at 106+ so
I'm very pleased. We load up and head for home. The only excitement on 
the return trip was the two cars that both spun many times on 495 just
below the Lowell Connector. It was just like the tire smoke you see
when the Winston Cup guys get slidin' and spinnin'. I slow to about 
20 mph and follow the 18 wheeler thru the far left lane on a wing and a
prayer. Good guess! Both cars are in the breakdown lane. One facing North
and the other South. No visible damage but both WOMEN seem very shook up.

  It sure was fun. Just heard about the death up there Sunday. Sorry
to hear it and my condolences to the family and friends......

  See you next year.

  Scott

.....and good story, too.

Bruce

      Well, there won't be a dragstrip in Gardner.The city had the first 
    option of purchasing the land and cleared the way for an enviromental
    group to purchase the land.It will eventually become an Audobon
    wildlife sanctuary.....but there is still hope! Ashburnham and Winchendon, 
    two bordering towns,are actively persuing having a dragstrip built in
    their towns.The developers are promising quite a bit of money ,from
    taxes and gate receipts, that both towns desperately need.
    
                                        Rich
    
    PS. I'm hoping it comes to my town,Winchendon.We could sure use the
    money that the track will bring in.....besides the obvious advantage
    of having a dragstrip a couple miles down the road  8^)

    Well I want to see a drag strip in the area, I'm glad they didn't
    put it in Gardner...at least at the proposed site. I wouldn't mind if 
    they put it in an area that isn't totally undeveloped. Not to mention
    the scout camps and resevoir in the area. A better place may have been
    the North Gardner industrial park with access from rts 2 and 140 and
    its a semi developed area. 
         Any ideas on where the proposed sitings are in Winchendon or
    Ashburnham ? I saw some talk of the putting it in the BFI proposed dump 
    site off rt 12....
    
            Dean

    Well anyone know what happened....Mondays Gardner Snooze said there
    would be a Tuesday morning press conf. with the developers and
    Wichenden town officials....I haven't heard what was released
    although from the way the paper reports Winchinden would pay
    the developers to put it in their town.
    
    
                    Dean

Recently I've come accross varying definitions for what is a standard day; used
in correction for Horsepower.  I've seen ranges of 60-77 degrees F, and 
29.235 - 29.92 "Hg for a barometric pressure of the *dry* portion of air.  If 
humidity was included, the barometric pressure would be higher.

Mark, do you recall what absolute pressure and temperature your engine was 
corrected to during your dynomometer testing of your Vega engine.

Eric

Mine was corrected for a 60 degree day with "dry" air and a barometric 
pressure of 29.92" of mercury.

The actual day in the dyno room was about 65 degrees with a barometric 
pressure of 23.7ish

Thanks Mark.  Bruce A. feels the same way.  29.92 Dry air and 60 degrees F.

Strange though, because several SAE papers I have use different values.  In 
fact SAE J1349 - which is often referenced to HP ratings of production and
aftermarket engine assemblies - says that a standard day is 77 F, 100 kPa total
air pressure, 99 kPa dry portion.  100 kPa = 29.53 "Hg, 99 kPa = 29.235 "Hg.

My gut feeling is that auto manufacturers play with these values in order 
to get horsepower ratings in line with marketing strategy.  The better the
standard day, the higher the rated horsepower.  

BTW, at 23.7 "Hg I'd need to make 400+ net horsepower to maintain my current
yeehaa factor.  I feel for you.  You need a blower just to get to sealevel. :-(

Eric 

Well, that is true about altitude Eric.  The nice thing though is that altitude 
doesn't discriminate.  It makes my car slower and everyone elses too.

My dad recently drove his 93 Corvette LT1 Coupe out here from California and he 
was amazed at the loss of power at 6000+ feet.  He didn't like his timeslip at 
the strip much either.  :-)  It felt like it ran pretty good to me but, I am 
used to the relative loss of power out here.

    
    Does anyone know if the Drag Racing notes conference still exists? 
    I've been getting  the message "Remote node is not currently reachable" 
    for the last couple of weeks...
    
    Thanks,
    
    Tom
    

    
    The drag racing notes conference sitll exists, however the system
    manager for the node SEATTL has been TFSOed. I have been trying to find
    someone to fix the problem with decnet on the node. I will post the
    results here when it is fixed.
    
    Thanks
    
    Don Berry
    
    

    
    The Drag Racing Notes Conference now has a new home! The new home is
    NWTIMA::
    
    To add this to your notebook;
    
    	Notes> delete entry drag_racing
    	Notes> add entry NWTIMA::drag_racing
    
    This node is more stable than the old node SEATTL:: plus it has
    much MORE POWER. You could call it a "Binford" VAX (6430 vs MVII).

    Another way to change your entry
    
    	Notes> modify entry drag_racing/file=nwtima::drag_racing
    
    This way you won't lose you "unseen map".
    
    ken

Here is *my* version of last night.
                                                 
I made the trek up to New England Dragway for the Wednesday night street 
weenie boogaloo.  Several of my friends were there.  Bruce A. was there;
but without a car cause he knows its a dog and it bothers him that my 302 
makes his 350 look sickly. (:-) maybe he'll post a rebuttal with hard proof
that my statement is, in fact, wrong.)           
                                      
I was excited about the possibility of getting into the 12's.  Nothing new
in concept, but this week I found *THE* cure for my shifting problems.  I 
haven't thrown a decent shift all year, and I'm feeling ready - sort of.
If I can make a decent start, and powershift I know I'll be in the 12's.  
                                      
First run I powershift second (YOW! slicks bite hard), and am unable to 
powershift third due to severe fagititis caused by my previous jolt into 
second gear.  13.011 seconds at 104.93 mph.  Hmmmmmmm, best ever ET and mph is
up 1 mph for the given weather.                  
                                                 
Second run is much like the first only I was now tentative on the 1-2 shift,
and granny shifting 3rd.  Bummed.       
                                        
Third run, passing Bruce on the way to the staging area, he gives me the
don't be a wuss nod, and I proceed to powershift 2nd and 3rd.  This *would*
have been a 12 .9X run.  That is, assuming of course, that the EEC-IV didn't
shut off all ignition advance whilst going into a conservative rich fuel
self-protection mode.  WTF?  Things check out OK, and I chalk it up to 
a last futile attempt, made by my car, at discouraging me.  Nope.
                                                                  
Fourth run - *the* run.  Stage, bring the rpms up to 5250, sit forward, mumble
words of committal.  Last yellow dump clutch.  6000 rpms, Wham - second gear
located and working.  6000 rpms, Wham - third gear found and the computer
decides to stay with me. I see the timing lights as I go under them.  12.97
seconds at 104.83 mph. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
                              
What happen next is where it got weird.  I get my slip and return to the pits.
Greeted by Bruce with a hearty congratulations smile.  I emerge triumphant. Now
get this - The sky suddenly darkened, an eerie silence settled in, bolts of
lightening are flashing all around me.  The timing lights ceased to function.
And in reverence to my 12 second run, New England Dragway refused to run any
more cars.  Even God responded with an angelic salutation because I just know I
heard distant trumpets.                                        
                                                                           
In fact, upon recollection of these events, I do beleive I here them again.
                                                               
Eric

So you're the one responsible for my sitting at Logan in a ground hold due
to sudden bad weather to the North!

...I knew you could do it Eric...CONGRATS!

Now for the BIG contest between The Swamp Thing, Eric the Terrible, and the
Super Southern Saleen....you guys goin' at it this week?

The weather looks like it might hold on Friday. 
Of course Eric has to leave the slicks home!

SO how did you overcome your fear of powershifting 3rd?...strap your wrist
to the gear shift?

/tb/
 

    This is the story of the best run I ever made at New England Dragway
    and it still stunk compared to what I was capable of.  I was sitting at
    the starting line sitting next to a hyped out 5.0 in my 429 cobra jet
    Torino.
    
    The tree starts counting down and I am thinking don't step on the gas
    too hard or you are going to spin the tires.  I can't rev it or
    anything because I have an automatic trans with no tourqe converter or
    transbrake, or line-locks, and hand controls because I am in a
    wheelchair as most of you probably know.
    
    The light turns green and I get a good launch I barley spin the tires
    considering it is a cool night, with street tires.  I rev it right out
    and I had just had the transmission rebuilt and they hadn't set the
    kick-down linkage quite right and wham when I hit second it skipped
    right through and went into third.  Bummer for such a good run.  I let
    it wind out through third and hit top end of about 100 MPH about 50
    yards before the end of the 1/4 and I just let it wind right through.
    
    I look at my time slip 14.8 at 98 MPH.  Wow I figure missing second
    gear I pull a 14.8 I figure with a little adjustment of the kick down I
    can have it low 14's.  Well Someone told me why don't you let some air
    out of your tire to help improve traction (I only have a single Trak
    with 391 gears so I need all the traction I can get) So I say why not
    and drop my tires down to 12 PSI.
    
    Big mistake I had radial tires and the sidewalls were so stiff it was
    just riding on the sidewalls.  Best time for the rest of the night was
    15.3 at 98Mph or so.  I kept the same trap speeds but couldn't increase
    the ET.  As it turns out about a week after this I am racing a GT
    Mustang and I snapped the Input shaft of my transmission when I banged
    second.  Phew glad that didn't happen at the drags.  Well that's all
    for this story probably the last as I am out of here as of the 13th
    probably never to return so this is also kind of a goodbye to you all
    it's been real fun.  
    				Walter Fleury
    

Re: Eric

That was pretty much what happened.

HOT DAMN!

On another, distinctly less happy note, the Super Southern Saleen was there for
a couple of checkout passes before our big go this Friday. I was there for moral
support in a non-competitive mode; Time enough for that tomorrow, right?

This car has gone 13.6 @ 102+ on a warm southern evening, and, since then, it's
gotten Ford Motorsports 1 5/8" coated shorties, a MAC 2 1/2" cat-back exhaust, a
C & L 73mm mass airflow sensor and a humongous 12" long K & N filter mounted in
the fenderwell.

Easy 13.4s @ 105, right?

BRAAAAP!!! WRONG!!! Thank you for playing!

13.8s, at less than 101. We'll be back up there on Friday with a couple of
changes in mind, but I can tell you that #1 son was looking for a grenade or two
to throw under the hood :-(.

Film at 11.

Bruce

.......I claim some of the credit for that 12.97.

Last Friday, whilst making some passes with the Thing, I got to watch Eric do an
absolutely wonderful launch (turned out to be a 1.80, his best ever), and was
thinking "There it is! A 12 second pass! - Nope."

The "Nope" was expressed when Eric showed that he had caught "Augenstein's
disease"; Namely, an inability to bang a hard second gear, caused by a graunch
or two too many in the past:-). I still watched the run with interest, and just
shook my head when the 13.07 came up in lights.

Upon being informed (in polite terms) that he was a wuss, with no friends, no
life, and no guts :-), Eric got that steely-eyed, take-no-prisoners look on
Wednesday, and flat delivered the goods. YEEHAH!!!!

Oh. The Thing?

It went 13.66 @ 102.42, on a 95% power night, with 1400 miles on the clock, and
everything, including engine oil (Mobil 1), just as it came from Bowling Green.

I'm a happy camper, *and*, I believe there's more in it. I'm going to run it
just as it is for awhile, and look for a possible 13.5 as it breaks in a bit
more, the driver learns a bit more how to launch it (2.08 best), and we get
closer to 100% air density.

Maybe a 13.4 :-).

Bruce

PS - Walter. Sorry to see you're leaving. Good luck, and make a few more
passes!!!! :-)

Hi,
You guys are having WAY too much fun. It's great to follow the eastern
street weenie's exploits, and see the ET's being chipped away little by
little. Great stories guys...

				Brian...

RE: Tom

Sorry its taken so long to get back to you Tom.  Work is seriously
impacting my play time these days.  :-(.

The problem with shifting my car lies mostly in the clutch system.  This is an
eventuality that all powershifted Mustang 5.0's seem to run into.  Though right
now I'm working with the premise that I'm the only one who know the "real"
problem.  The symptom is twofold - the clutch grabs too low, right off the
floor; and the clutch engagement/disengagement point varies in relation nothing
in particular.
              
More often then not, these symptoms are blamed on the self-adjusting quadrant.
This pawl/quadrant thing is a basically a spring-loaded gear thingy that 
always takes up slack in the clutch cable.  Its made of an amazingly tough
nylon/plastic/? substance; and *that*, is why it gets the rap for poor
clutch operation.  I think the clutch cable is more often the real problem.
              
Its not the cable, really.  There is a rubber insulator/grommet that is
sandwiched between the the firewall and the end of the clutch cable casing.  
The problem is that with heat, age, and increased pedal effort because the
cable is old (efficiency down) or a higher clamp-rate pressure plate was
installed - the rubber gets soft and mushy.  This pliant behavior is
especially bad when you mash the clutch down and quickly release (powershift).
With a smooth and relatively lengthy clutch disengagement, the rubber has time
to expand again and thus make the disengagement window longer.
       
I came across this tidbit after microscopic clutch system evaluation number
20 - roughly 20.  On yet one more hunch, I figured I'd wrap a 90 cent hose
clap (worm/whitek type) around the grommet and tighten until its essentially
a solid incompressible disc.  

Pure gold.  I knew instantly that the road to sadistic shifting and happiness
had reopened.  Now I simply have to take a walk - on steroids.

Eric  


PS  Don't buy an aftermarket clutch cable.  The Ford heavy duty cable used in
the mustangs is the best going- excluding the rubber insulator.  Really. 

    
	Cross-posted....

================================================================================
Note 15.25                         FORD RACING                          25 of 26
SWETSC::NORDSTROM "A Swedish Viking"                 71 lines  16-AUG-1993 07:35
                            -< Mustang racing.... >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Here is a report from Sweden:
    
    I have spent the last two years rebuilding my -69 MACH1 to a street/
    strip car. It is a 351 Windsor in it that has been treated with DART
    windsor heads, LUNATI hydraulic cam at .050 245� duration and .569
    lift, forged JE pistons specially designed to give 11:1 comp ratio 
    with the cc'ed DART heads (67cc). I had an old Offenhauser 360� intake
    that I still use (I couldn't afford the VICTOR JR I would like to have)
    and on top of that a HOLLEY 700cfm Double pumper.
    
    The drive train is a C4 prepared the street/strip way and a GER 10"
    Full Comp converter that leads to a 9",traction-LOK 28 spline rearend 
    with gear ratio 4.11:1. 
    
    The car is a STREET racer so the chassie is pure stock except for 
    a plastic hood and traction bars. The car weighs 3500 pounds, driver
    included.
    
    Two weeks ago I went to a local racetrack where they raced the 1/8
    mile. I was really excited just to be there and even more excited 
    to get a time slip on my street racer. The first three runs were 
    really disappointing. What happened was that off the line I had 
    severe traction problems (BF Goodrich Radial T/A 275/50 15),first
    gear running fine, pushed in second gear at 6000 (B&M Megashifter),
    bog, cough, bog, bog for two, three seconds, I just cruised the rest 
    of the track and the car recovered running fine again, strange. After
    the first run we think we realized the problem. I had bought a new 750 
    double pumper that I had put on right out of the box, just for the
    occasion. What happened was that when we were troubleshooting in the
    pit we let the car idle for a while and then revved it up to 5000
    and YIIHAAH there was a fontain from the primary bowl vent tube that
    instantly choked the engine. We lowered the fuel level, didn't see 
    the problem in the pit, wen't out again. Same shit all over...
    Lowered the fuel level som more and went out for the third and last
    qualifying pass. First gear, spinning all over, second gear, bog, bog
    SHIT...
    
    In the pit again, decided to swap to my old 700 Double pumper. Time
    for eliminations, here in Sweden we run something that is called ET-
    racing. There were three classes, ET street 8.60-, ET Sportsman 7.50-
    8.60, ET Pro 6.40-7.50. I decided to go for ET street.
    
    First run against an old Volvo Amazon with turbo. Pro start, Yellow,
    Green, cut a .32 green light .02 behind the Volvo, traction problems,  
    the Volvo is two car lengths in front, recovers grip, second gear,
    wow I'm still moving and I'm getting to the Volvo, third gear, passing
    him.... Yeah, at last a clean run. It resulted in a 8.78 seconds 85 mph
    run.
    
    Second run, against a Buick Wildcat, he had even more traction problems
    then me so I let go before the finish line so that I wouldn't break out
    (under 8.60), resulted in a 9.22 75 mph run.
    
    Third run, semifinal, against a Challenger 440 Magnum, this will be a
    tough one. He cut a .18 green light and I did a .38 SIIIGh.... traction
    problems again, I am left behind... He let's go but gets 8.70 something
    against my 8.83 sec 83 mph.
    
    It was a lot of fun and I went racing again last Saturday but that
    is another story, I will enter it later...
    
    A couple of questions, has anyone else had the "fountain problem" ??
    What do You think the above 1/8 mile time slips points to in 1/4 mile
    times and how much "ponies" does the time point to ??
    
    			Richard, TSC Sweden
    
    
    
    

Well I couldn't resist any longer so I took the Goose for a couple of "test 
runs" on Aug 13th.

The weather was not particularly good and I was running with cheapo gas - 
92 Octane and no 104 boost in the tank.

I also have 29" tires which change my gears from the stock 3.08:1 to an 
effective 3.00:1.

I drove it in and didn't even change the timing...pulled a 15.91...
at 90.03!

I knew I should still be able to get into the 15's but that speed really 
surprised me.

So I tried a couple more runs trying to remember how to launch etc.
More 15.9s...bad R/t's Red lights etc.

Finally I pulled the distributor wrench out and cranked the timing up to 
where it counts...cranked a [email protected].

So now I have the baseline....with the new stall converter and the small tires 
back on, it should be interesting indeed.

By-the-way...the only change I've made to the engine since last year was to 
add an Accel coil and replace the worn out distributor weights.

/tb/

	Another story from Sweden....

	Last weekend I went racing again determined to lower my ET
	on the 1/8 mile that I put down last week (8.78, 85 mph).
	I hadn't been able to borrow any slicks to cure my traction 
	problems so I was aiming at being very careful not to slip
	my tires leaving the starting line. Other mod's was to remove
	the servo belt, and remove the engine fan. A small electric 
	fan got to do the job instead. 

	After my carburetor problems last week I had borrowed a 850
	double pumper from a friend that I hoped would give "food"
	enough for my Windsor.

	First run, First out in left lane. Determined to be careful
	not to lose traction. Lost traction instantly (;>), waited to get
	it back, didn't.... until second gear (9.4, 84mph). It was very 
	slippery indeed to be first out...

	Next run, traction is getting better. This time I got a big sigh
	back when I pushed the pedal down at the green light. Carburetor
	problems again... I recovered got going 60 foot time 2.932, 
	raced all the way out et 9.237, 90.7 mph !!!! 5.7 mph better 
	than last weekend. Boy, I could be on to something here.

	Third run, we lowered fuel level but knew that we still had problems
	with sighing... I had to make a try anyhow. This time I got a giant
	sigh at the starting line but luckily I didn't move until I recovered.
	Result, reaction time 1.17 (sigh (:^)), 60 foot 2.27, ET 8.665 mph 86.
	Best ET ever even though I lost a great deal in top speed, not bad.

	Now it was time for elimination, we decided to switch back to the
	old 700 double pumper to get rid of the sighing problems. When we
	removed the 850 we realized that the primary acc. pump jet was 
	loose, this was probably the problem. We swapped anyhow. 

	It was only one elimination class so I got to meet a 6.99 car
	in the first round. I didn't have much of a chance but I got a 
	good clean run, no sighing, not to much tractionproblems and got 
	down to 8.61, 87 mph, with a 60 foot time of 2.32. I was pretty 
	satisfied.... 

	But boy would I like to try the old 'stang with slicks. I have to
	try and persuade the lady at home that slicks is something WE GOTTA
	HAVE.

	Bruce, thank You for your response on my questions. What do You 
	think about these timeslips. 8.61 would be pointing down to 13.0-
	13.1 wouldn't it ??? And 90.7 mph, this should point down to twelves
	without traction problems, or ???

	Have a nice racing weekend, Regards, Richard   

Well, I headed down to Pueblo Friday night to run the Vega and I am glad that 
I did.  Remember that 13 second timeslip that has been so elusive?  I now have 
two of them.  I managed a best run of 13.97 @ 101.3.  Finally!  Now, to make it 
faster.

I fiddled with the timing and my short times improved dramatically.  Previously,
my best short times were about 2.20.  Now my worst short times are less than
that.  I managed (somehow) to post a best 60 foot time of 1.591 seconds. with 2 
or 3 in the 1.6nn range.  

I still need to get some slicks though.  If I bring the rpms up over about 1700
or so for the launch, it spins the tires moderately.

This is getting to be fun now...

Re: Tom

Were your short times unduly slow during this session? The mph seems great, but
what caused the loss in ET?

Re: Richard

I think the 8.61 definitely points to something around 13.0. That 90 mph run
would absolutely get you into the twelves (at 112+ mph) if you could get the car
to hook up.

Re: Mark

Outstanding!

Having said that, the 60 foot times seem suspicious, from the standpoint of a
street-tired, light-tailed machine's ability to do that, and the fact that the
13.9 @ 101 seems to be a "normal" ET for that speed. If you really were getting
those tremendous launches, I'd expect ETs to be down near 13 flat with that
speed.

I've got a timeslip at home (for one of the Thing's first runs) that lists 1.53
as the short time. It simply ain't true, though. No big deal. It's just that
those short times may lead you to different conclusions re what to do next on
your car.

Bruce

Bruce,

Those short times seemed really strange to me too.  I did the 1.591, two in 
the 1.6nn, one 1.7nn, a 1.8nn, and a 2.10.  One of the runs there was a 428
powered Fairlane "race car" with slicks in the other lane. I was right with 
him off the line but, of course, he ran away from me once we got rolling.  
The timeslip said that we both had 1.6nn 60 foot times.

Knowing the folks at Pueblo, they very well could have has something hosed
with the Compulink system.

Pmi's 60 foot times always seem fast. I run 2.0's at Bandimere and 
12.1 et's. At PMI 1.45 60 footers and 12.0's. With half second less 60's I
would think the et's would be a whole lot faster. 
PMI is such a micky mouse track, it may be their timing gear thats off...


					Brian...

Being a real neophyte musclecar weenie, I joined Mark at PMI to see how the
1/4 mile strip worked.

On Friday, I had got the car back from the transmission shop.  On Friday night,
I drove it to Pueblo, and pulled a not-to-impressive 19.2n at 71.3n MPH.  The
transmission builder told me that no break in was needed, so I took him 
seriously ;-). 

The kickdown linkage is misadjusted, and I had trouble keeping it in 2nd gear, 
but all the times (3 runs) were close, so it's mostly just the 2bbl and 
single-exhaust setup (and a somewhat tired engine) that kept it so slow.  The
car is a stock '66 Mustang, 289, convertible.

All in all, it was a good time.  I'm making up for things I never did in high
school, I guess.   The turbocharged 350-equipped primer-gray 4-door Chevette was
interesting to watch.  Rarely does one see a Chevette blowing the doors off
other cars.


Steve

    
     re .466 and .468
    
     Richard,
    
    	holleys are pretty good carbs right out of the box, but they do
    require a certain amount of tuning to the particular engine/cam combo
    to be most effective.
    
    	I would suggest putting a vacumm gauge on the carb and revving the
    engine up to around 2500 rpm, hold it for a couple of seconds, and
    record the reading. Since I'm only familiar with the U.S. measurements,
    I don't know if you would have a metric gauge or if vacumm is a
    recognized international standard. If it is metric, bring the readings
    back here and somebody can help with conversions. Anyway, once you have
    the readings, it would be something like 2.5 pounds or 5.5 pounds or
    some such number U.S.
    
    	Next pull the primary float bowl and metering block off the carb.
    In the metering block is a largish , 16-18mm, nut that is the power
    valve. Stamped into this nut is a number. This number is the amount of
    vacumm it takes to open the power valve. This number should match your
    vacumm reading, ie- 2.5 inches = 25 power valve, 5.5 inches = 55 power
    valve. I'd bet this is the major contributor to your off the line
    problems. 
    
    	Also check your plugs for a lean or rich condition and adjust the
    jets in the carb up or down as neccesary while you have the carb all
    apart.
    
     	Hope this helps.
    
    Tony
    

Yes Bruce the Shorts were really bad...2.55 to 2.60. 

The big tires really slow it down off the line and the weather/gas combo 
doesn't help either.

With the 26" tires I usually run I was able to get 2.3 short with 15.2/90 last
year. The effective ratio is 3.23 with those I think.

I should be able to better that just by puttin those smaller skins back on.


/tb/

    
    Went to NED on Sunday for the IHRA event.  Other that the usurious
    entry fee ($25 general + $10 for pit pass) it was very entertaining.  
    I've never seen the top fuelers run, and all I can say is... WOW!
    
    We stood right at the timing lights, and saw several 280+ MPH runs,
    one guy went 5.08 at 289 MPH.  Though you steel yourself for the
    ungodly sound, it's just not enough.  The sound rattles your ribs and
    the senses just aren't calibrated for a 35' projectile hurtling by at
    280 mph, 7,000 rpm, and about 140 db.
    
    Also saw a mid track blower explosion (no injury thankfully) that was
    just incredible.  As the car went by in flames you could feel the
    intense heat!  
    
    After seeing, and feeling the TF/TF FC's, everything, I mean
    everything, including the Prostocks seemed like weinie mobiles!
    
    So, other than the extreme financial hosing to get in, the day was fun.
    
    Tom

..................'n the creek don't rise, anybody up for this Friday at NED?
I've got the itch, and intend to scratch it :-).

Bruce

Weatherman says it looks like rain/drizzle right into Saturday :-(.

Eric, Tom (and anybody else who was possibly thinkin' on it) - maybe next week?

Bruce

I'll be there, anytime, anyday, right up through this years end.

I'm still looking for that perfect run.  Last 3 or so times up, I've run a
string of 12.9's and 13.0's at around 105mph.  Last night I did my best ever
of 12.89 at 105.9 mph.  It was only a 94% power day, so I'm hopeful for a 12.7
at over 106.

It took me almost the whole summer, but last night I threw some of the best
powershifts of my life!  There is nothing on earth more satisfying to me then
a clean, powershifted jaunt down the 1/4 mile.  Ahhhhhh...:-)

Eric

We're trying it one more time. This Friday, be there or be square! :-)

#1 son will be there again with the Saleen.

Bruce

    Whats required to make a run? 
    (besides a vehicle, preferrably fast, of some sort)
    
    -Bill
    

    
    Bill,
    
    Usually all that is required for cars with street tires is seat belts
    and a catch can for the radiator. If the car has an aftermarket
    shifter, you must demonstrate that the neutral safety switch works. You
    will have to remove any hub caps and or beauty rings before you can
    race. If the car looks like it may be capable of faster times (under
    13.00 seconds) then they will do a closer inspection. On thing our tech
    guy likes to pick at is fuel lines. No more than 12" of rubber line
    under the hood.
    
    Pick up a copy of the NHRA rule book and enjoy.
    
    Don Berry
    
    

    Bring a helmet too.  Even if they don't require one to run your car
    wear one.  
    
    One weekend when I had broken my car, I raced my Cavalier (19.1 sec
    1/4) just to keep current.  During time trials I was paired up with
    an 8 second altered.  While this situation isn't common, you'll want
    to wear a helmet just in case.
    
    Mike

I'm going, and I beleive Bruce, with his deranged vette from hell, is heading
up with his visiting son Rich.

Mike Callander, are you going? 

It looks like air will be at a 100% power factor.  Add in the fact that they
are going to spray the track with the sticky stuff - and I do beleive that
come 10:00 pm tonight, several of us will be smiling at a *new best*.

Personally, I've already decided that I'm getting a 12.7X timeslip :-).

Eric

Ok WTH...I'll come up too

Rich

    I too, joined the other Streetweenies Friday night. Like Eric said the
    air conditions were very good.
    
    I came away with an all time personal best E.T. of 13.801 @101+
    also ran a 13.803 and 13.808. Pretty consistent wouldn't you say?
    
    I don't think I was the only one who left with a personal best either.
    
    Mark 

I ran an all time best of 12.807 secs. at 106.10 mph.  Just 8-1/1000ths from
my target 12.7XX.  Oh well, I'll take it.

There is still time; and I haven't broke anything this year so clearly I'm not
trying hard enough.  I was driving a little cautious this Friday.  I was running
a pretty unnatural ignition advance; so I had the receptors on full awareness.

I need to be thinking about driving, and unaware of the machinery, for
maximal performance.  A modified version of ignorance is bliss.

Next time...

Eric

WHOO-EEEEE!!!!! GOOD AIR!!!!!

Madman Eric popped a 12.80, which is a best ever for the black and
titanium GT, with best-ever miles per hour at 106+. Ain't nobody in *this* crowd
that can get close to *those* times. He has conquered the "T-5 avoidance
syndrome", which is common to all Mustang pilots who have had to rebuild at
least one gearbox :-), and is back powershifting with the best.

Mike C. did some low, low 14.0s, which essentially means that you should walk
softly and keep a low profile around him, 'cause if he should ever get an
impression that you are standing between him and his rightful 13.9, you're a
dead man :-).

Rich D. went low 15s ('teens, I believe), at 93 and change in his AOD GT, which
is impressive when you consider he's back to a stock exhaust system.

Rauhala's Raider did a 15.0, which I think is excellent for a stock, 2.73-geared
'85 GT. On the other hand, see the comment on Mike C., and substitute 14.9 for
Ken :-).

Mark, you need to tighten up your driving style a bit. 7 thousandths is simply
too wide a spread for any self-respecting street-weinie *I* know of :-).
Incidentally, isn't a 13.80 your best ever by a considerable margin? Way to go,
guy!

Rich A. went 13.42, 13.31 and 13.34, averaging in the high 104s. Hooray! The fix
for the check engine light was to fasten a short length of tubing to the front
of the mass airflow sensor, *inside* the huge K & N filter element, thus
straightening out the air flow enough to avoid the turbulence that gave us the
falsely high voltage signal.

As an aside, I find it remarkable (and wonderfully enjoyable) that Rich still
enjoys this as much as I do. I mean, the kid is routinely pulling multiple Gs
during flight maneuvers, and he's been banging down on carrier decks recently,
plus doing the cat launches at the other end of the ship, which must feel like
God's own belt in the back :-). Pulling, say, 2/3rds of a G for a couple of
seconds, dwindling to a fraction of a G at the big end of the quarter mile, must
pale by comparison. I guess this car thing kind of gets in the blood, though,
doesn't it? :-)

Yours truly, demonstrating some of the awesome driving skills for which I am
justly famous, herded the Swamp Thing to an initial 13.97 @ 105 and change,
showing some real sideways flair off the line :-). Later in the evening, I was
able to put up a really slick *16.25*, at 104.54, by dint of rolling back out of
the lights (damn that left lane!) at exactly the wrong time, followed up with
another roll-the-window-down-so-you-can-see-ahead-of-you launch, thus assuring
myself of an international record in the Disparity-Between-Speed-And-ET category
:-). In between, the Thing did manage 13.47, 13.32, 13.34 and 13.30 passes,
*without* benefit of a completely clean run. It was clearly a 13.2 car on
Friday, but the awesome driving skills were good for .3s :-).

All in all, a fine night for the weinies, with air densities over 99%. Traction
was a little iffy for those of us with awesome driving skills, but the rest of
us didn't appear to have a problem :-).

We're up for this Friday, and maybe Saturday, as well. Rich wants to herd the
Saleen to a 13.2 @ 105+ if he can, and I'm still searching for the baseline on
the Thing. Maybe we'll get to have a father-son match, which ought to end up
closer than half past six. It turns out that his Blue Oval is quicker than my
Bow Tie everywhere except 0 - 60 ft and 1000 - 1320 feet, which means we'll have
some real excitement if we can line up together.

Anybody up for it?

Bruce

    
    
    BTW  I never did catch the ET Eric got when he got to pilot "The Thing"
    
    mh
    
    
    

    
    Nice going to all.  I really wanted to join you, but a combo of things
    prevented it:
    
    1. The Nissan is on the "block" and my conscience prevents me from
       running it.......
    2. After a 75 hour work week, I felt the need for some wifely *quality* 
       time.
    3. The Cougar is in bitty pieces throughout my garage, basement, and
       machine shop...  (not as bad as it sounds though)
    
    Next season I say.  I just picked up my Ford Police Interceptor
    aluminum intake which ought to lighten the car by about 75 pounds
    (seriously) and 3.50 gears are planned.  No, the Cougar won't be a
    trailer queen -- I want to run it!!
    
    Tom
    

I mangled a 13.73 @ 104.79; I exploded from the line with a noteworthy 2.26 
short time :-).  I broke the tire loose *hard*, and it wasn't until the middle
of second gear that I gained composure.  It sure was fun though - nice car, 
thanks Bruce.  

The basic problem was I assumed the vette had no real low end torque to speak of
-being kindered with my own engines powerband - and I was wrong.  My car jumps
to life at 3000 rpm, but the Thing has "OK" torque at 2000 that remains nearly
constant to 6000.  Big Horsepower but it don't *feel* fast.

Eric

I'm ready to go, the Goose is ready to go...but I'm
stuck with a pretty heavy travel schedule these days and it seems I'm never here!
(Just ask my wife!)

I did get to try out a brandy new '94 Camaro...WheeeeeeeYaahoooooowweee!

Gotta have one!

/tb

    Like Bruce said, I was there with the '85 Mustang, 103K miles now.

    Times for the night: 15.09  15.05  15.04 @ 90.1 mph

    If I didn't have a full tank of gas I think a 14.9 was possible!
    I also wasn't using the K&N filter.

    I do have many 14.9 time slips from the past, best is 14.86 @ 91.4
    
    ken

We're gonna boogie tomorrow night. The Saleen has just been fitted with a World
Class version of the T-5, thanks to a win-win collaboration betwwen #1 son and
Eric. Eric gets a spare 3.335-1st tranny, which is what his GT40 combo needs to
launch with authority, while Rich gets the 2.95-1st version, which is what *he*
can use with the mountainous and more narrow torque curve that the Vortech
provides - according to MISTER THEORY, that is :-).

We'll see what the results are, but I'm mentally preparing myself to be slightly
crispy around the edges :-).

Bruce

PS - I'm preparing for a few Saturdaaaaaay passes, as well, while searching for
the one true baseline. Friday night will likely provide air densities at 100% or
more, but traction will be very iffy. A warm sun and cool, dry, dense air that
is near (or even at) 100% is what Saturday may provide. I need a .2, or even a
'teener :-).

I've spent the week listening to a tape recording of a run that Bruce was kind
enough to capture for me last week.  Captured on this magnetic log is a second
to third gear shift that I covet wholly.  While its true that a few of my shifts
are good, the overall picture is that I need to put away the sledge hammer
and concentrate on flicking the shift lever and dabbing the clutch. 

Tomorrow, I'm  concentrating on driving; not tweeking.  The car is strung tight
with respect to tuning, and its time to tweek my driving skills.  :-)

Eric

Eric was kind enough not to mention that this was on maybe the fifth pass that I
had the damned thing in the car. On the first four runs, I simply forgot to
switch on for three of them, and once, I remembered *after the one-two shift*,
and tried to fumble the gadget to the on position before the two-three. The
result was a tach needle rapidly fading into the sunset of my red zone, and a
wasted 1.96 short that would've given me my .2.

OK, so I've not studied rocketry. Sometimes I'm fun to be with, though :-).

Bruce

Well I think I'll be racing saturday. I'm hoping for traction, a lot of
luck, and a 13.999 run. On good days I've been able to run 14.0's, but
the 13 second zone has eluded me. My car is up to it in the engine department,
but my driving and the serious lack of traction has kept me in the 14's. 
Last friday before 8:00 I got in 4 low 14.0 runs. Then as the track got
cold I started moving back into the 14.2/14.3 range. Very frustrating......
This wednesday I went up and and traction was non-existant...14.17 was my
best, 15.2(!!!) was the low spot. I lost traction about 30 feet out, spun
thru the rest of 1st, got sideways on the 1-2 shift, spun well into 2ed,
missed 3ed...15.2, packed up my stuff and went home.

Hoping for a better day saturday.

/mike

Ok, Bruce, Eric, and the rest of you guys.  Who did what at Epping over the 
weekend.  I actually look forward to the stories about your racing adventures
on Monday morning.  :-)

Mark

I think Ken and I were the only DECies at NED Saturday. I'm still searching
for that 13 second time slip. The track was in very good shape but I still
couldn't get that perfect run in. I got 5 runs in before the lunch break,
14.05 at 99.4 was the best I could come up with. After lunch they ran 3
eliminators and I sat in the staging lanes until 3:45 waiting for my next run.
Since the car had been sitting for 3+ hours and was stone cold and I was
getting desperate I pulled the serpentine belt off completely(I usually run a
short belt to bypass the power steering + smog pump at the track). This
netted my best MPH ever by finally breaking the 100MPH mark. But I only
ran a 14.11 ET. I had a good 60' time, but I don't think my battery was up
to supplying the charge needed as the car seemed to feel a little strange
at the top of 1st + 2ed gear. At least it didn't overheat! Since the lanes
were still full I headed home. Well, I still have a few weeks left before they
close down for the year. I've started looking around for a cheap set of
slicks....I figure if I break it now I have all winter to fix it.

Ken seemed to have a good day, I saw a 14.85 and he said his speeds were up
over 1MPH. Overall a good day except for having to hang around all afternoon
for just 1 run.

/Mike

    Like Mike said, I was there on Saturday, excellent day!
    Sunny and 70 degrees.  Lots of cars but I got some runs
    in during the morning.

    1st run.. 14.96 @ 91.7 mph   new mph record!
    2nd run.. 14.85 @ 92.2 mph   new ET record (by only 0.01) and 92 mph!
    3rd run.. 14.88 @ 92.99 mph  another new mph record!
    4th run.. 14.91 @ 92.1 mph   tried FRAM air filter instead of K&N

    12:00 lunch break...  then they ran bracket races all afternoon!
    I was stuck in the staging lanes for 3 1/2 hours!!  At 3:41pm,
    after 3.5 hours of cool down, I got another run 14.86 @ 92.59 mph.
    All staging lanes REALLY backed up (beyond the tech inspection area)
    so I headed home.  With a clean K&N filter and a tune up I think
    a 14.7 is possible on a good day, I've run better short times before!

    Anyways, I was happy, 9 years old with 104K miles and the Mustang just
    turned it's best numbers ever.

    There was also a JET car up there 5.77 @ 277mph if I remember.

    Also, for Bruce, I saw a '65 type GTO, looked brand new, dailed in at 14.1

    Not 100% sure, but I thought I saw a Buick Grand National turn a 10.97!!!
    Last I saw some of these were running in the 11's.
    
    ken

...And I was planning Sat. too, but I just couldn't muster then energy.  Friday
was not my hot night.  I changed the lower control arms from the urethane 
bushings I put in, to a stock bushed control arm.  This netted me unpredictable
traction.  I alternated between violent spin and bog.  Apparently random.

Though it was a good night weather-wise - air reached ~102% power factor.
I did a best of 12.9 @ 106.2, which was disappointing.  

Now listen to this...Bruce ran a 13.29 at 106.6(?)mph against me.  Stock 93
stickshift vette.  Stock = *No* aftermarket parts.  Unbeleivable.

Later I saw him run a 13.12 at 107.7 mph!  Stock 93 stickshift vette!?  I don't 
think so!  The way I see it, he is cheating.  Plain and simple.  Its
the only reasonable explanation :-).

I thinks he's away for the week, so we'll have to wait for the real story.  

This vette from hell is starting to irk me.  :-)

Way to go Bruce - I hate you.

Eric

Maybe 4 or 5 times a year, I'll get a round in. What does this have to do with
note 8 in the MUSCLECARS file? Simply that that's just enough repetition to make
me understand that I don't know what I'm doing :-). The *mind* has a reasonable
idea of how it goes, but the *body* is out to lunch :-). So it went on that
October 1 evening.

I had just done a 13.32 @ 107.48, with a somewhat tentative start (2.01 short)
for the first pass of the night, and then found myself lined up with Eric in the
other lane. This wasn't any big deal, mind you. I had just seen him run a 12.90
against my son (who spent most of 1st and 2nd gears moderately sideways on his
way to a 13.61 @ 106.00(!) mph), so my assumption was that Eric would launch
like a rocket and just run away, while I could run my own race. I don't want to
look stupid or too eager against him, however :-), so I decide on another fairly
easy launch so I won't go sideways. As some folks know, the track is often
somewhat greasy until a number of cars settle it down, and I've learned that the
hard way in the recent past. I've also recently rediscovered *speed*, not power,
in powershifting, and have been preaching to all that would listen about
dab-pull, dab-push, dab-pull as the hot tip to getting the shifting done. I
resolve to ignore the black-and-titanium GT, therefore, and just try to put up
some good numbers.

Eric apparently has other ideas, however :-).

He lights 'em up right out of the hole, and damnit if I don't actually get out
on him! When the slicks suddenly hook, the GT leaps, and, out at the tree, we're
even up in spite of my wuss 2.03 short!

You just read a number of words about me running my own race, nuthin' special,
etc., etc., right? Well forget all that :-). All the old synapses fired, and I
was BANGIN' those gears, allright allright.

To no avail, though. It wasn't any big thing, but the GT pulled me continuously,
and just enough to prove who was decisively in control - all the way through
second and much of third. At the big end, I had stopped the Mustang, but we
crossed the line with me behind by something near two car lengths - and there
was simply *nothing* I could do about it.

I stop at the scales to get a reading (3505), and Eric pulls up on my right.
Grinning, he says "You can pay me later for that run :-)." He was right, too.
Even with a slower short time, I had still beaten my previous run, with a 13.29
timeslip - my first 13.2. Shows what a little adrenaline can do. I also *hurt*
the next morning when I got up :-).

'Nuff said. Eric's car is *fast*, even if he didn't get the numbers he was
hoping for.

The next time up, I'm behind a '55 Chevy wagon with *huge* slicks. He does an
impressive burnout, and launches with air under the front wheels on his way to a
10 second ET. Goody! I'm gonna get a *good* spot to launch! As per my normal
practice, I dump the clutch with traction control still engaged on my way to the
line, and just turn the tires a couple of times until the brakes apply. Then I
stab the disable button and line up *carefully* in the '55's tracks. On the last
yellow, I launch pretty hard (1.96 short), and it feels like I'm gonna get that
13.teener that I've been cautiously hoping for. I've been breaking loose pretty
hard on the 1-2, but that doesn't prepare me for the dashboard light that flares
right after the shift. What the hell? ASR ACTIVE, it says.

Sh*t.

I guess stabbing the button just don't cut it. Ya gotta check, doncha know :-).

Now I can *taste* a sub-13.2 run, and it's important to me. Last year, Vette
magazine went 13.21 @ 107.33 in a '92 LT1 on a very cool day, and they said that
was the fastest LT1 they had ever heard of. What the heck. It would be forever
unofficial, but a 13.20 or better would make me feel as if I had the fastest
stock LT1 in the country.

We have to wait a *long* time before the next run, and the Thing is nice and
cool. Three cars up, there's something wicked with a wide pair of slicks, and,
fortunately for me, the two street cars behind him and ahead of me drive around
the water and just get on with clean runs.

I line up aggressively with the water temp at 185 degrees, showing 3000 rpm on
the tach. On the last amber I come up fairly hard on the clutch with the right
foot going almost immediately to the floor. The Thing fairly *leaps*, and,
although I lose some precious hundredths due to wheelspin on the 1-2, there just
ain't nuthin' wrong with the shiftin' on this pass. It feels good enough that I
am very low in the seat as I cross the finish line, head cocked over so I can
catch a glimpse of the ET display in my lane.

13.12, it says.

That's a fair bit better than I had hoped for (he said, casually) :-).

I'm laughing all the way through the shutdown, and am still chuckling as I drive
back up to get the time slip.

It says 13.126 @ 107.78, with a 1.929 short(!).

Back at the pits, I park it, and as I get out of the car, my son is waving his
fists and shouting at me as his buddy holds him back, while they both grin.

THAT ISN'T STOCK! YOU'RE CHEATING! IT'S A ZR1!

etc., etc.

Later, I line up again, and, proving the point I made in the first paragraph, I
balloon to a 13.91, spending most of first gear sideways. I don't care, though.
I've clearly got a runner. Correcting for weather conditions (power factors were
at 1.014 when I made that pass), I've got a 13.18 car under standard day
conditions, at 107.44.

I'll take it :-).

The Saleen is showing its stuff, too. Although he's getting sideways at the top
of first, and *well* through second gear, number 1 son is hovering near 106 mph,
in the mid 13s. On a sunny day with similar air, I think the blue oval car would
be going 13.2s or possibly even better. He's a happy camper. Me too :-). The bow
tie and blue oval have both been done proud. He's back in Mississippi now,
beginning simulator time on A-4s, but I've still got time for a perfect Saturday
in October. Given enough barometer and a sun-warmed track, I'd be looking for a
miracle :-).

Bruce

    re -1
    
    Bruce, please explain more about this "hot tip" in powershifting!
    
    dap-pull dap-push????   I'll try anything for another 1/10.
    
    Mark

Nice writeup Bruce - Thanks for the effort.

Mark - FWIW, concentrate on moving the hand/shifter and the foot/clutch at the
*same* time.  This simultaneous movement should mean that you are engaging the 
next gear when your clutch is at full travel.

Once you've got this down, reduce the time of movement by "dabbing" the clutch.
You're well trained arm should instinctively meet the next gear with the 
farthest clutch pedal travel.

Say the word WHAP while tossing a powershift.  That's how long it should take.

I'm a WABANG shifter.  I've witnessed, and have on tape, Bruce throwing
at least 2 WHAP shifts.  :-)X10.

Eric

    
    A reminder for those in the Springs & Pueblo Co. areas....
                                           
    rumor has it a few of the CXO folks are headed that way
    (trailers in tow) provided it's not snowing at the track :-)
    I've got the  Challenger already trailered up.......
   
    -rich
    
    
                      <<< NWTIMA::DRAG_RACING.NOTE;1 >>>

                          -< Remaining PMI Schedule >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sep 10-12	Winston & ET  XXXX
Oct  3		ET Race       XXXX
Oct  17         ET Race
Oct  31		Trick or Treat
    .

    Hmm, I guess I can get pretty close to WHAP. I was driving a friends
    turbo Mazda something-or-other week before last. He asked me how I
    could shift without using the clutch. I told to him to watch more
    closely... I _was_ using the clutch! :-) If you have to let off the
    loud pedal, you're taking _way_ too long...
    
    Harry
    

Rich,

Let's hope that we get a nice cool day with high barometric pressure.  That
way maybe we can get as much as .8 of the air density that Bruce, Eric, and
the street weenie gang get all of the time.  :-)

Hopefully, the gods of internal combustion will smile on me and give me those 
13.8s and 102 or 103 that I want so bad (and some traction).  Maybe I need to 
make a sacrificial offering of an old Ford part to achieve that goal.  :-)

We'll see...

Mark

    re: .509
    

>Hopefully, the gods of internal combustion will smile on me and give me those 
>13.8s and 102 or 103 that I want so bad (and some traction). 

    We should certainly have the favorable weather, I'm looking for very
    low 12's ~118-120mph.  Perhaps we'll have a few stories for the folks
    next monday :-)
    
    -rich-

     If your are interested in 1/10th's there is another method that seems
    to help..Most drivers tend to hold the steering wheel at about the 10
    oclock position..When you shift really hard it tends to pull your other
    hand on the wheel a bit and you correct, for first, for second,
    etc..This tiny bit can add up and if you over correct a tad to much you
    start getting the old rear drift..The best way to compensate is to hold
    the steering wheel right at the bottom, hard between your legs, you
    will find that this tends to also limit the amount of correction so 
    over correction is harder to do. Or if that is too radical the 12 oclock 
    position will also work..A tenth is a tenth..
    
    Jim
    
    

WARNING! If you fall face first into your keyboard by the time you're halfway
through this nerd's view of the world, hit next unseen :-).

On "motorcycle" shifting aids........

I've thought a bit about -john K.'s (now missing) reply regarding ignition
cutoff as a replacement for using the clutch, and have even done a bit of
modeling on the issue. As a BTW, I considered using the Vance & Hines
microswitch a few years back on my Suzuki, but I realized that I'd be only
scaring myself silly on *any* full-bore run on the bike, regardless of how I
shifted the thing, so a trick shift device was not needed :-).

My feeling (which I cannot state with full authority as being factual), is that
a standard automotive synchro will have an *extremely* difficult job doing its
thing as long as the transmission input shafted is in lock step with engine
speed. Therefore, you may very well have to kick the clutch as well as kill the
ignition in order to complete the shift. Assuming that is *not* true, and you
can actually get the next gear without using the clutch at all, then what could
you expect to get out of it?

Using ShiftMaster(tm), I did a model of my car that shows an ET of 13.234, while
taking .15 seconds (fifteen hundredths) for each powershift. Then I changed the
model to the ignition-kill one, showing .05 seconds (five hundredths) for each
shift, and, obviously, no powershifting. I got 13.185 for the ET, meaning the
car went .05 quicker than the base run. Finally, I did a model with .10 second
(10 hundredths, or one tenth) for each powershift, and the car went 13.177, or
.06 quicker than the base run. In all cases the shift times were guesstimates,
in that I figured a twentieth of a second was a reasonable amount of time to
move a shift lever from one gear to another, .15 seconds was a good, quick
powershift, and .10 seconds was the kind of powershift that you hear at the
track from time to time, and admire :-).

The reason the .10 powershift was quicker than the .05 ignition-kill shift is
"polar moments of inertia" (more commonly known as flywheel effect), which is
why you powershift in the first place. When powershifting, the engine obviously
gains rpm during the shift, and, since it has considerable mass in the rotating
parts, its stored kinetic energy is sacrificed (in the form of lost rpm) to a
good cause - namely, your car is given an extra kick of acceleration. When you
lift off the gas during a shift, the engine *loses* rpm during that shift, and,
even though it will need to lose even more rpm in order to match car speed in
the next gear, the total amount of kinetic energy (rpm) lost to the good cause
of vehicle speed will be less than if you had powershifted.

Obviously, a computer model is not the same as real life, but the logic does
make some sense.

Summation?: I believe that the ignition-kill, no-clutch shift technique may not
be worth a whole bunch, even assuming that the engine will have instant full
recovery after the ignition kill. On the other hand, it is likely that this
method would be relatively easy to master, and therefore reliable and repeatable
(I.E. - fewer missed shifts). If anybody tries this, let us know the results,
will you?

On powershifting..........

Sitting in the second set of stands at Epping, one generally gets the feeling as
the cars go by that something cataclysmic has happened in the cockpit as the
drivers go for second gear. Arms and legs seem to fly everywhere as the shift is
made, much as if a strong electrical current had been applied to a private place
:-). I got to thinking about shifting in general, and powershifting in
particular, and came up with some basics:

1 - Quicker is better :-).

2 - Putting power into the process doesn't necessarily mean it gets any quicker.

3 - Not only is the hand quicker than the eye, it's quicker than the foot. Note
that you only have to move your hand in one direction a few inches, but you have
to move your foot *at least* an equal distance in one direction, then reverse
yourself for an equal distance in the other direction. No doubt about it, your
foot's a comparitive slug in this exercise.

4 - There is something about hitting an obstacle that hinders the physical
process :-). No, I don't meaning hitting a wall in your car at 100 mph, but I
*do* mean hitting the firewall with the clutch pedal/arm. The shock of "hitting 
the wall" causes a delay in the whole process, in that you fire the synapses
necessary to pull your leg back up only after you've hit the wall.

Therefore, it seemed (seems) to me that speeding up the foot was the key to
quick shifts, so I practiced "dabbing" the clutch. If you think about it, what
dabbing actually means is to depress the clutch for some distance, slowing at
the end of that distance to a stop, then reversing, all in a "planned" way.
Trying it in your car and comparing the amount of time taken with the more
traditional method of smashing into the firewall and *then* reversing, you'll be
surprised at how much quicker the operation is, *even if you make light contact
with the carpeting*. At the moment, when I "dab", I am actually lightly
contacting the firewall carpeting, which surprised me. I thought that I was
shortening the distance I was actually depressing the clutch, but such is not
the case. It's *still* a bunch faster, however. I'll shorten the distance if I
ever get the nerve, such as if and when I run a bunch of 13.00s :-). I'm
convinced that shortening clutch pedal movement a *bunch* will not cause the
foot to be quicker than the hand - though it could cause the whole process to be
quicker than the synchro, particularly if the clutch doesn't completely
disengage :-(.

The net of all this is that I'm shifting faster - and I don't look as spastic
now as I pass the stands :-). Dab-pull, dab-push, dab-pull.

Summation: Do everything you can to speed up your clutch foot. Be careful about
shortening acual clutch movement.

On lining up...........

I've mentioned in previous notes about "lining up aggressively", or "not lined
up the way I want". These are euphemisms that describe my personal penchant for
lining up "crooked" at the starting line.

Yeah. I know - but hold on a second :-).

See, the thing is (if we go back to basics), you line up by breaking a beam of
light across the starting line with your front tires. Then, sometime before the
green light, you launch, and the front tire has to roll (12 to 15 inches)
through the beam, before the beam gets re-established. When the beam gets
re-established, then, and only then, does the clock start. Staging "shallow"
(meaning you just barely break the start beam before halting your car) is the
hot tip for improving your ET, and, with most street cars, you can leave as the
last amber filament begins to warm up, and still not foul. Basically, you "hit
the line running", with 12 to 15 inches of rollout before the clocks start.

Now. Imagine if you put a board under your car, running from front to back,
dangling down so it would block the start beam (Don't laugh - It's been tried
:-) ). With the board in place, you wouldn't actually start the clock in your
lane until your rear bumper had cleared the starting line. Essentially, you'd
have a car-length running start on the clocks, and you could safely leave on the
first amber light (or even before, if you could guess the starter's intentions).
Your ET would likely drop by around *one full second* compared to a normal
rollout.

Ok. That ridiculous example was merely an illustration that more rollout is good
for ET.

So what does lining up crooked have to do with this? AHA! I see you're already
with me on this. Let's say you line up facing five degrees right at the line.
What has happened here is that your left front tire has broken the beam, *but
your right front tire hasn't made it there yet*. When you launch, and the left
front clears the beam, your right front is still working for you and keeping
that beam from hitting the receiver and starting the clocks. Essentially, on
most street cars, you will get a little more than an inch of rollout for each
degree you move from straight ahead. Depending on what your "normal" rollout
was, a 5 degree rollout can improve your ET by as much as a tenth, and as little
as 5-6 hundredths. Note that you will lose a little down track as you smoothly
straighten the car out, since you're putting a little side load on the tires,
thus increasing rolling resistance slightly until you're going straight down the
strip. On the other hand, lining up facing right means that you'll put a little
more load on the right side tires as you straighten out, which is good, since
the right rear is unloaded due to engine torque in a rwd car, and the right
front is unloaded in a fwd drive due to the fact that the driver is on the left
side.

Now, some advice from your old uncle Brucie......

1 - Forget this for bracket racing. It's only useful for the great ET hunt.

2 - Forget this if you are running something fast, or, probably, if you're
running slicks. You could find yourself around 4 rows up in the stands :-).

3 - If you're still working hard on starting line consistency , this is an
unecessary complication in your life just now.

Having said all that, this technique has worked for me ever since I started
using it in my '64 GTO down at Madison Township Raceway Park in Jersey.

Bruce

PS - Since I am only a sometime racer (and sometime nerd, as you've already
noticed), I don't mean to sound like a true authority here. I would *love* to
pick up some tips from some of the *serious* drag racers in this file. After
all, at the moment, I'm hoping for a miracle with the Thing. "Miracle", in this
case, means a bone stock 12.99 :-).

    
        Bruce....I think your wanted ET's and your realistic ET's that you
    are getting are due to mutual problems. Getting to be an ol fart!
        My deleted reply was by accident when I tried to edit it. However
    i have a complete air operated setup now with ignition kill built in.
    But I still cannot run the same et that a guy half my age can run on my
    machine and he only weighs 5 pounds less than me. My trouble is
    reaction time and launch technique. My wife and kids think its cool
    however when I run through first and second gear with the front wheel
    off the ground and the machine sideways. When the nitrous system gets
    fully integrated into the bike this winter....I wanna be looking at 9's
    in the spring.
    
    -john

    John,
    At your age, you should know better then to look forward to the 9's on 
    two wheels
    
                       :-)
    
    
    TMW......

>My feeling (which I cannot state with full authority as being factual), is that
>a standard automotive synchro will have an *extremely* difficult job doing its
>thing as long as the transmission input shafted is in lock step with engine
>speed. 

That's why the MoPar guys usta grind every other tooth off the clutch gear 
on the New Process trannies.  You could shift one of those babies w/o 
touching the clutch or the coil.

>3 - Not only is the hand quicker than the eye, it's quicker than the foot. Note
>that you only have to move your hand in one direction a few inches, but you have
>to move your foot *at least* an equal distance in one direction, then reverse
>yourself for an equal distance in the other direction. No doubt about it, your
>foot's a comparitive slug in this exercise.

That's why I used to sidestep the clutch.. My foot'd be sliding off the 
clutch by the time it reached the floor.  It'd come up by itself.  I never 
put my foot on the center of the clutch pedal.  It was always on the side.  
My pedal rubber is worn on the side from 122,000 miles of shifting like 
that.

Just cock your foot, aim it at the lower corner of the clutch pedal, whack 
it and let the pressure plate centrifugal weights overcome your big toe and 
it'll force the clutch pedal right past your foot.

Just watch out that it doesn't catch your ankle on the way back up.

BTW, a shorter shifter handle will get you into the next gear quicker, too, 
but it takes a lot more oomph to get there.

    
      Does anyone know how long the season at N.E.D is ?? I was thinking
    of taking my 88 Mustang GT up for its first couple of runs on sunday,
    but I'm not sure if it would be open or not.
    
     Thanks,
    
     Chris
    
     P.S. If it is open, is anyone else going up on sunday ?

They're open tonight - gates at 5:00 pm, racing at 6:00. Note: It's a test
session ('til 10:00 pm). Tomorrow from 8:00 - 5:00, same deal.

Sundays are for racing, although you can get a maximum of three test runs in
during the morning hours.

Test sessions have no limit on the number of passes you can make, other than the
number of cars there.

The weather at Epping is excellent, the NED folks say. I'll be there tonight -
along with Eric and Mike, and who knows how many others.

Bruce

    
       I wish I could go tonight, but I must work untill 8:30 p.m.
    
       So, on saturday night they have the test sessions untill 10:00 p.m.
    also ?? Hmm, maybe tomarrow night !?
    
    
       Chris

We depart from our regularly scheduled street weinie report for this message:

Early Friday evening, the Thing had a number of throwaway runs (4), due to very
poor traction. Along the way, however, I managed to toast a ZR-1 a couple of
times, while losing to him once. As an aside, the loss was due to the starter
spraying the first 5 or 6 feet off the starting line, and then *lighting it up*
in an effort to warm the track a little. I was sitting there a few feet behind
the line, watching the blaze in amazement, and, as it died out, he waved me
forward. Apparently, trying to make a hard start in a semi-liquid pool of
traction goop is not the hot tip, since the tach instantly buzzed to 5K, and I
set a personal 60 foot record of 2.52 :-). In any event, Bob (the ZR-1 owner and
pilot) was impressed enough that an LT1 had toasted him 2 out of 3 that he asked
me if I'd like to make a run or two.

Okay :-).

Bob instructs me in the use of the valet key (a thingy effectively hidden behind
the shift lever), and warns me that I'll have to activate it each time the car
is started, or it prevents the secondary intake tubes from opening, thereby
giving you a 200 HP 65,000 dollar machine, instead of a 375 HP 65,000 dollar
machine. Bob had personally fallen prey to this "feature" when he lined up with
me (I had the Plastic Bullet) last year on Vette day, so he knows of what he
speaks.

Remember me saying a few notes back that it had taken me *four* tries to
actually get Eric's tape recorder turned on so we could listen to the shifts?

Uh-huh :-).

Not once, but *twice*, I tried to make a run without having turned the effing
KEY. The first time, I thought "Man, this thing has long gears!" :-). The second
time (which was actually my third pass), I absolutely had my race face on, and
knew exactly how I was going to launch to set this car's personal best time,
etc., etc. It *was* a good launch, too - for the first 10 feet or so :-). In any
event, none of this was actually my fault. It's either my age (per -john K.), my
ancestry, or Chevrolet engineering, but I refuse to accept any personal blame
for this :-).

It's the second pass that prompted the title of this note, however. I can sum it
up by saying it was one of the most fun-filled, disaster-laden passes I've made,
ranking right up there with the time #1 son and I swapped cars (Daytona turbo
and the Bullet) and ran each other, wherein he learned about instant TPI torque
and a stirring-a-bucket-of-rocks-with-a-baseball-bat gearbox, and I learned
about turbo lag and fwd torque steer :-).

After the first valet pass, I punched it in second gear on the return road, and
discovered a definite torque step at around 3000 rpm or a little below, where
the car would apparently come on the cams. I resolved, therefore, to launch at
around 2500 or so.

Wrong.

Let me try to illustrate what the ZR-1's torque curve is like:

  T	I
  O	I		Ft/lbs - somewhere in the high 300s
  R	I		-------------------------------------------
  Q	I	       /					   \
  U	I	      /						    \
  E	I	     /						     \
	I	    /						      \
	I
	I
	I
	I
	I----------------------------------------------------------------------
	RPM	   2500						  7000


At 2500 or so, I am apparently a bit too aggressive with either clutch or
throttle, and instantly light the tires. The thing is, with the torque curve
from hell, you just can't drive through the peak and get on with the run, 'cause
the peak goes from

<- here, all the way over to - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -  - here->

The result is that I am decidedly sideways, backpedaling like crazy, and it's
still just spinning free, *all the way past the tree*. Somewhere past the 60
foot point (2.32 short), I'm still a little sideways, but, as I near the 80 foot
mark, I start to get a bit more traction. I can tell because I'm getting a
*bunch* of wheelhop :-). Finally, as I near 50 mph and 6000 rpm, I get to full
throttle with the car finally hooked up, and prepare for the 1-2 at a
pre-planned 6800 rpm.

I do a serious second gear, and WHAP! Here we go again! I'm going northwest on a
due north strip one more time! I dial in some opposite lock, and in maybe a
second and a half we're back straight on track, heading for 80, and our 3rd gear
destiny.

WHAP! Here we go AGAIN! This time, it lasts for less than a second, requiring
only a quick dab of steering to correct, and we sail towrd the line in third,
crossing at around 6800 or so.

Now, I think we we can all agree that this was a *seriously* blown run, but as I
cross the line, I have only one word in mind, borrowed from Mr. Hardman, (and I
quote):

YY      YY  EEEEEEEE  EEEEEEEE  EEEEEEEE  HH      HH      AA      HH      HH  !!
 YY    YY   EEEEEEEE  EEEEEEEE  EEEEEEEE  HH      HH     AAAA     HH      HH  !!
  YY  YY    EE        EE        EE        HH      HH    AA  AA    HH      HH  !!
   YYYY     EEEEE     EEEEE     EEEEE     HHHHHHHHHH   AAAAAAAA   HHHHHHHHHH  !!
    YY      EEEEE     EEEEE     EEEEE     HHHHHHHHHH  AAAAAAAAAA  HHHHHHHHHH  !!
    YY      EE        EE        EE        HH      HH  AA      AA  HH      HH  !!
    YY      EEEEEEEE  EEEEEEEE  EEEEEEEE  HH      HH  AA      AA  HH      HH  !!
    YY      EEEEEEEE  EEEEEEEE  EEEEEEEE  HH      HH  AA      AA  HH      HH  OO

The timeslip says 13.34, at 110.6. I can't believe it. I *know* that I've lost
*at least* 6 tenths on this run. Maybe more. On a good, sun-warmed track at 100%
air density, I'd be betting on something below 12.80 - possibly even something
in the .60s. The thing is, it pulls a lot like the Thing - maybe a little
stronger, but not as hard as the Plastic Bullet used to pull.

Unbelieveable.

And now back to our regularly scheduled street weinie report :-).

The Thing finally managed some decent runs on the iffy surface, going through
several 13.20s runs before eventually popping a 13.13. Some timeslip analysis
shows that it's probably getting a bit quicker, although the 60 foot times were
generally off due to the damp evening. I'm still hoping for the perfect day this
month, or perhaps next Spring :-(.

Speaking of damp evenings and traction problems, that's *not* what we have in
mind when we speak of Eric And The Serious Mustang. He's got just the thing for
traction woes.

An air pressure gauge :-).

Early on, he pulls up next to me in the staging lanes, sets the Line-Lock, and
applies a little throttle against the clutch. "Are they wrinkling?", he asks.
"Yes", sez I, with a little quaver in the voice. "A lot?", he asks. "No", sez I,
understanding the direction and intent of the second question, and mentally
preparing to give him a ride home :-).

WHACK! A 12.78, against a previous best of 12.80, followed by WHACK! A 12.77,
followed by WHACK! A 12.70.

Now, we all know what the next logical need will be following a 12.70 - right?

Fortunately or unfortunately, fate intervenes in the form of an acquaintance
with another fairly serious Mustang, who complains of a second broken axle in as
many weeks.

WIMP! A 12.88. No guts, no glory :-). Somehow, I have a feeling that a set of
31-spline axles are on their way to a certain house in Hudson as we speak.

Will we see a 12.60 this year?

Film at 11 :-).

Bruce

    re -1     Mike you didn't tell them how you did it!!  I'd tell 'em but
    I don't want to ruin it for you.
    
    I was there Friday night also. Ran another 13.8 but in all wasn't a
    great night for myself. The track wasn't all that crowded but there
    were 2 spills that made for 2 lonnnggg delays.
    
    Ran into ex-DECie Bob Cristiano. He is now an owner of a 88 Corvette.
    With his third run with this car ever, he turned a 13.97 @100. He asked
    me to post this for him.
    
    Also Bruce, Bob was hoping to run into you. He seems to think you may
    have some parts for his new car. I have his telephone number somewhere
    at home if you don't have it allready.
     
    Mark

I had forgotten.

It's been a long time since I've gone to New England Dragway on a Saturday, and
the startling difference between that all-day session and the night time events
once again became clear to me.

There's simply more time.

Even when the track is packed (and it was), there's a lazier pace in the pits.
People are more willing to jawbone, and there is generally a wider *variety* of
folks there, as well. When the staging lanes are packed (and they were), you see
folks congregating en masse around interesting cars, and, believe me, there are
*plenty* of interesting cars. In addition to interesting cars, we had a bunch of
interesting *trucks*. The Truck Nationals had been rained out from a couple of
weeks previous, so I had the pleasure of watching the big rigs go. The weather
was a bit on the chilly side (topped out at 50 degrees), but it was a brilliant
day, and the breeze was fortunately only a sidewind, so ETs weren't affected
much. Power factors hovered at around 101.6% (giggle, giggle).

For whatever reason, there were literally dozens of really pristine '60s
musclecars, from all makers. It's not unusual to see musclecars up there, but
these were exceptional, both in quantity and quality. Real runners, too. There
were also a number of exceptional, traditional hot rods, as well (mainly '30s
and '40s stuff), and every one of them really honked. I should say that I have
little regard for garage/boulevard queens, so it was a real pleasure to see
these cars bomb the quarter mile. There were a bunch of regulars there, of
course, including Gary Caramanis with his Buick GN from hell, currently running
11.2s, and he's *still* never even removed the valve covers. Smitty was there,
too, with his '85(?) metallic maroon Camaro. Last year, he was going 11.4s
through the mufflers with a Vortech blown (11 psi) TPI 305 and automatic. He
told me last October that he was going to a 350, "not to go any quicker, just to
be able to turn the same times without leaning on the combo as much". I
maintained my face, but inside I was falling down, screaming with laughter :-).
Sure enough, I watched him go 10.88 and 10.86, at around 123-124 mph. Like Gary,
he just drives it in, messes with it a little, and boogies. Unbelieveable.

There was a fair amount of really serious iron, as well, including a Top Alcohol
Funny Car, a *bunch* of nine second bikes, and many Super Comp cars, including
an 8.40s Vette. I accused the latter of not being stock :-). When he asked what
gave me my first clue, I told him it was the decals all over the car. A dead
giveaway :-).

On the Street Weinie front, Ken Rauhala went 14.9s with his '85 GT, and
marvelous Mike learned the marvels of a nosebleeding launch :-). When he showed
me the timeslip(s), I upped and hugged him. Sorry, Mike. :-)

Last but not least, the Thing was in a good mood, just as I had hoped. After
running 13.13 @ 108.04(!) and 13.15 @ 108.66(!), admittedly sandwiched around a
sideways 13.70 @ 107, Paul (the starter, who owned an '85 Vette at one time and
has some interest) told me that I ought to line up straight. He knows what I do
and why I do it, but he told me that I was losing ET because I was getting off
Saturday's narrow racing groove due to the sideways launch, and spinning
somewhat before the tree (which I was not aware of), and on the 1-2 shift, which
is what I've been whining about.

I decide to follow his advice, and because I'll be losing rollout distance, and
because the sun is high and it's up around 50 degrees, I'll launch really
*hard*, hoping the track will take it. I find myself at the line at 3200 rpm,
with the temp at 180 degrees, managed by careful manipulation of the heating
controls. On the last yellow, I'm on the floor with the right foot almost
immediately, with the clutch fully engaged only a moment later. We really sail
out to the tree, and although the 1-2 shift is nothing special, the car grabs
right away, and it feels like a good 'un.

Click. 13.008, at 108.73, with a 1.916 short.

I park it for awhile, since the staging lanes are full, with a line back out
into the pits around 20 cars long - but also because I'm savoring it. Thank you,
PAUL!

Later, I decide that the next logical step is a worthwhile endeavor :-), so I
head for the staging lanes again. This time, I line up with a gentleman I've
been jawboning with in the lanes, with a beautiful '66 Chevelle, complete with
massaged square-port 427 and M & H DOT slicks. He's turning mid twelves, so I'm
not thinking we're going to have anything like a real *race*, or anything. As
luck would have it, though, I manage to cut a light on the Chevy (errr, ahhh,
AHEM!. Actually, it was a .490 :-) ). Although I'm a little late on the clutch
and get a little slip out past 25 feet or so, it's not as bad as it feels (1.921
short), and we've got a real race out at the 60 foot marker. Although he eats me
up all through the mid range, I can assure you that every shift was just about
as good an effort as I can possibly manage. He crosses the line with a 2 1/2 car
cushion, but I'm so anxious to get my time slip, I beat him to the turnaround by
a train length :-).

12.972, it says, at 108.95 mph.

YES!

Bruce

PS - If'n the creek don't rise, I'll be back on Saturday. Anybody up for a
Street Weinie Fall Foliage Bash and Bakeoff?

The weatherman says rain tomorrow, so tonight's the last night of the season at
NED. It would be great to see a bunch of Digits up there..............

Bruce

I'm heading up tonight.  Its been 2 weeks since I've eaten some small block 
Chevy, and I confess that I'm yearnin' for a feast!

I'm not partial to body styles - vettes, camabirds, olds, buicks, whatever -  
bring 'em up. :-)

Eric

    
    I'm new in here, but I think I will be making it up to NED tonight
    also, what do I need to have on the car to get in and be able to run ?
    Any kind of safety equipment, helmit or such ? I read something about a
    catch pan for the radiator, will the stock overflow bottle on my
    88 Mustang GT do ?? Any info apreciated !!
    
    Chris  (Blue and grey GT, kinda loud. Say hi if you se me, I'd like to
    meet the people in here.)

re .258

Chris,

You need a radiator overflow setup.  The stock one is fine.  You must wear your 
seatbelt.Basically if your car is stock, just show up and have fun.

If you run faster than 13.9 you will need a SNELL 85 or better brain-bucket.  If 
you run faster than 13.9 and use slicks, you will need a driveshaft hoop.  If 
your battery is relocated from the stock location, you will need a master cutoff 
switch.  Can't wear shorts, must wear shoes.

If there are any tech inspection related problems, most tracks will let you slide 
a time or two for rulse infractions.

Mark
(who's ready to get dinged on the tech inspection again on Sunday)

    
     Thanks Mark, it is basically stock, underdrive pullys,K+N filter,ADS 
    performance module, MSD ignition, Headman headers, CVX exhaust and a
    couple of other small things. It has the 2.73 rear so I really don't
    expect to get under 13.9. I'm real curious what I will get though.
    
     Thanks again,
    
            Chris

A good time was had by all yesterday.  The weather was about as perfect as you 
could ever hope for.  There were lots of people there (for Pueblo).  I made 6 
runs but only got 4 time slips due to some unknown factor.

The pervious best that the Vega has done was a 13.97 @101.3.  Well, yesterday, 
my slowest ET was better than that.  My first run was a 13.886 @100.98.  That
got me thinking that it could be a good day.  I was right!  My next run was a
13.578 @102.65.  Yahoo, now we're getting somewhere.  I backed up that run, in 
the other lane, with a 13.508 @102.55.  Good stuff!  I need slicks though.  The 
final run of the day dropped back to only 13.779 @101.36.  All runs were on
street tires and through the mufflers.

For you late model Mustang fans, there was a neat 'Stang there.  It was a Cobra
and was running 13.12s.  The owner had modified it slightly by swapping out the
cam and adding an intercooled twin turbo setup.

Mark

    Results from Friday night at Epping:

    1st run.. 14.98 @ 91.3 mph  short time=2.25
    2nd run.. 15.03 @ 91.4 mph  short time=2.29
    3rd run.. missed 2nd gear....... forget it!
    4th run.. 15.32 @ 91.0 mph  short time=2.4 (track got slippery, spun tires)

    This is up 1 mph from the previous Saturday (10/23/93).

    Best times this year came on 10/2/93 (65 degree sunny day).
    14.85 @ 92.2 mph &
    14.88 @ 92.99 mph

    This is an '85 Mustang GT with 106K miles, mostly stock, 2.73:1 gears.

    Due to age & rust it has the following modifications:

    New mufflers, 180 thermostat, ASF32C plugs, Moroso plug wires,
    K&N Air filter, and Kaufmann T-5 tranny fluid.

    None of these changes had any "before/after" effect from
    testing at the track.  In 1990 I went 14.97 @ 91.25

    I noticed I got my 14.85 runs (this year and last) when I
    had the stock spark plugs in (ASF42C).  When I went 1 step
    colder I got 14.9 times, but that maybe related to weather..??

    When the car was new I experimented with changing secondary
    springs in the carb but there was *no* noticeable effects!
    I ended up using the spring which was 1 lighter than stock
    and have been using that the last 5-6 years.

    About the only thing that has helped my times go down has
    been driving technique.  My 1st time at the track I went
    15.41 with 2.5 short time.  Last year I went 14.86 with
    2.15 short time.  This year 14.85 with 2.17 short time.

    Bruce feels that I am running lean so I will open up the
    shop manual and mess with the carb this winter.  I think
    a 14.7 is possible.  Either that or give up and get one of
    these old el-cheapo, slap-it-together, street driven
    Chevy 350's beaters that run 12.60 all night!

    ken

hi,
I'll second the "great day at PMI".
Perfect weather. I watched Mark's 13.50 run, Gee the Vega never ran THAT fast
before !!!! Amazing what a good carb and good driving will do. Great job Mark!!!
	I had an excellent day also, setting an personal best too, but I
can't really talk about it here, seeing as I am not running a "muscle car".


					Brian...

    
    Hi, I was at NED friday night also, wish I knew what some of the people
    in here look like so I could have said hi.
    
    I was in the 88 Mustang GT mentioned in note 8.530 . I got 2 runs in,
    the first was a total flop so I won't even count it ! The second one
    was a 14.48 at 97.58 mph. I was happy with that for my first time ever
    at the strip. Can't wait to beat that next season now though !
    
    Chris
    

Mark, that's really supercar territory you're running in. I'm figuring 109+ mph
if you were at NED, which would put you well down into the twelves, even with
the amazing traction woes I'm sure you would experience.

Chris, you should be more forward next year when you see a green Vette, black &
titanium GT, medium blue metallic '85 GT, etc.

Too bad we missed you, but as you know, there were roughly 4,000 GTs up there
Friday :-). That's a very impressive time for your first time at the drags, BTW.

As another BTW, the Thing could manage no better than a 13.17, with power
factors at around 98.5%. It took a hard pass against a big-block, slick-equipped
pickup to get that time, though. He was running consistent 12.8s, and although
he ran a 12.8 on that pass as well, he was a little late on the lights and
couldn't make up the difference against this madly rowing weinie-driver :-). I
had several 13.3s before that run, though. Running (all) the numbers, I guess
I've finally got a baseline. It's a 13.10, at 107.50. Next spring, I'll finally
start putting in some of the same, idiot-savant type mods that I've grown
familiar with while messing with the Bullet. I'm hoping for 3 tenths with a chip
and thermostat, K & N, modified filter lid and the TPIS airfoil. We'll see.

Eric managed a 12.8 or two, after a number of 12.9s. I think we're gonna see
some significant changes before spring on that car :-). Sub - 12.5s, here we
come!

Bruce

    Speaking of changes over the winter , I have just got a line on some
    rectangulat port heads thats been ported & polished.
    
     I wonder how much more these will flow than my current oval port
    closed chamberd I have now..
    any IEDAS... Todd 68 high altitude CAMARO

    
    Try some of the engine building software to get some hard numbers. I
    found that the porting made a significant difference on my rectangle
    port heads. 
    
    Some questions that need to be answered before you just throw on a BIG
    set of heads. What cam are you going to use? What is your max RPM? What
    intake system will you use? If you have answers that fit into a
    systematic approach to this then you will gain the most from your
    investment. If you don't, you can even loose performance.
    
    don   b
    
    

    Rectangular port heads don't really show any improvment over oval port
    heads until a little over 4500 rpm.  You may loose some torgue by
    installing them.  Can your engine run that type of RPM?  Who ported
    them and for what purpose?  Was it to try and regain some low end power, 
    or just to clean them up to improve flow?  What were the heads used for 
    previously?  What will _you_ use them for?    
    
    Above all if you choose to lay out some $$$$: HAVE THEM MAGNAFLUXED
    FIRST!!!!  Don't forget to budget for the other stuff you'll have to buy 
    if purchasing those heads (intake manifold, maybe another cam...). 

    In addition to -1
    Duh, I was in the drag racing topic... 
    
    To find the flow, have a machine shop run them on a flow bench while
    they're magnifluxing them.  They'll flow better than your oval heads,
    but make sure your existing or final combination will make the power
    where the heads make a difference.  What type of stall do you have if
    using an automatic?  Make sure you'll be getting above 3500rpm as quick
    as possible.
    
    I don't think losing the low end is a big deal if you'll also drive on
    the street.  In a prior life my camaro was a high rpm machine, and the
    lack of off the line torque wasn't a big deal because:
    * It made tons of power to begin with
    * the trans would flash to 3000 getting quickly into the power band 
    
    To make this all work required 2 fuel pumps and an enhanced ignition.
    Finally while I'm rambling, not knowing your whole deal, make sure you
    have high RPM pullies if you don't already have them.  I turned my LT-1
    into a pile of goo at 8500 rpm because I had the stock pullies on the
    motor.  So a $10 item (along with my foot) allowed $5000 to destroy 
    itself.    

    For those who have replied, this the rundown on my 454
    
      1. closed chambered 11:1 forged speed pro pistons .030 over
      2. competition Cams roller .714 lift w/268, 276 dur.
      3. Tci 4000 stall converter currently. 
      4. 12 bolt posi w/4.88 gears. 
      5. holley 835 cfm center squirt. 
      6. Edlebrocl torker intake manifold.
      7. Closed chambered head w/2.18 in. & 1.88 ex. 
      8. 2-bolt main 73 block 
      9. 2 in. hooker headers.
      10. 28.0 x 9 in  M/T et drag slicks
      11. MSD 6A ignition & distributor
    
    Best time & mph @ 5900 feet above sea level was 12.05 et & 112 mph . 
      shifting @ 6500 rpm and going thru the traps @ 6800.
    
      Things to go with new Rectangular heads 
    
       1. 1050 cfm dominator
       2. edelbrock 454-R manifold , port matched 
       3. transbrake & 5000 stall converter
       4. strange axles & c-clip eliminators
       
      Hopefully this answers some of you questions.
                                                  

Since 1989, a bunch of folks from New England have made an annual trip down to
Jersey each November, for a full day session at Atco Raceway. These tend to be
serious racers, and a primary reason for the trip has been that Atco has a
reputation for really good air, and really good traction. Of course, another
reason is that it extends the racing season from the traditional New England
phenomenom of early winter hibernation, as well :-).

This was my first year there, and, although Friday was not a good day for
setting new records at Atco (air densities were around 97.5%), a good time was
had by all, as promised.

*32* vehicles showed up, which strikes me as a huge number of folks hungering
for some good times (minor pun there) 300-500 miles from home, and, amazingly
enough, I wasn't the slowest one to make the trek :-). Since the track was ours
(rented for the day), there was plenty of time to make all the passes you could
ever wish for - either singly, or of course lining up with whomever you wished.

I can tell you that whatever you've read or heard about Atco seems to be true.
It isn't a great facility (not terrible, but far from terrific), but the
starting line took only an hour or so to come in, and, from there on, I was able
to launch damned near any way I pleased. On a couple of occasions, I did the
throttle-down-and pop-the-clutch routine, and heard that skritch-skritch sound
that comes from tires that are protesting, but also getting the job done. In 14
runs, I never got sideways at all. Even when breaking loose, the tires always
recovered almost immediately, and I *never* had to backpedal.

This is very foreign to me :-).

Because of the air, the Thing only ran 13.2s at a bit over 107, but I was still
a happy camper. On one run, I lined up with a Syclone, and chased him all the
way to the traps, nipping him by a tiny margin. There were also a couple of good
runs with a '73 Vette L48, running nitrous. He was running 13.5s and .6s, but
had terrific mid-range, so I'd have to chase him 'til somewhere past the 660
point before moving by.

A veritable sea of Buicks showed up, sounding like a herd of Hoovers on
steroids, and they ran pretty much as expected - meaning fast as hell. Several
anniversary Trans Ams were also there. One of them was running 12.3s @112, with
short times in the high 1.7s - on Gatorbacks, for God sakes! Another was in the
low 11s, while a third went 10.60something.

Most folks were off their best times by a couple of tenths because of the air,
but a couple of folks did their best ever, largely due to the amazing (to me)
starting line conditions.

There were a number of cars in the 10s, and a couple in the 9s.

All in all, and in spite of the disappointing weather (103 - 105% is common down
there this time of year, they tell me), we had a terrific time. I could've made
28 runs, or 42, or whatever, instead of the 14 I actually did make, and that's
one of the reasons it was such a good day. I also got a number of complimentary
comments from some fairly serious racers (local and from New England) when they
learned the Thing was Bowling Green stock, and that warmed this street weinie's
heart. I also asked for advice on launching and shifting from some of these
serious types, and nobody who saw the car run had any. This means that I'm
either beyond salvage, or I'm doing OK. I prefer to believe the latter :-).

I'm hooked.

Bruce

    Bruce,
    Atco huh?...did they take care of the dust? If the wind blows more then
    10 mph...it was a dust bowl.
    
    TMW
    
    ps I'm jealious..it has been years since we have been there....

>                did they take care of the dust? If the wind blows more then
>    10 mph...it was a dust bowl.

Dunno - it wasn't windy. I can tell you that there's an absolute *sea* of
blacktop down there, though. Mebbe that's their fix for the problem.

Bruce

Ken, the formulas don't seem to work with this car. It is definitely not making
that kind of power. I figure the 300 HP rating is a little on the conservative
side, and this engine is one of the healthier LT1s around, but I think maybe
310-315 HP is about all that it might make. One reason I think that large HP
numbers are not real in this case is that the car simply doesn't pull that hard.
With slightly better overall gearing, this car pulls only around 95% as hard as
the Bullet used to pull, in second gear tests using a Vericom. If Chevrolet
folks were fibbing about the HP numbers, it's likely that the torque numbers
would be similarly understated, especially since it's 2-valve technology we're
talking about here, with no special gimmicks to build either power *or* torque.
Since torque is the number that gives you the actual "pull", I believe Chevrolet
is pretty close with their 340 ft/lb rating - and they're also pretty much right
on in terms of the rpm at which the torque and HP peaks occur, as well.

There are a couple of factors that may be involved with the kind of speeds I've
been seeing. For one thing, this vehicle coasts a whole bunch better than the
Plastic Bullet, which would tend to enhance the terminal speed more than the ET.
For another, I think it's possible (pretty definitive, eh? :-) ) that there is
some ram air effect going on, which would also influence speeds more than ETs.

Yet another issue is the possibility that the car is fooling the lights in the
traps, due to it's height and shape. I've seen this at ATCO, where one lane was
consistently 3 mph faster than the other lane, while ETs were essentially
identical. If anything, the "slower" lane (from a MPH standpoint) actually
averaged slightly better ETs. A 3 mph differential would indicate that the front
end of the car was blocking one of the beams, while the front tires were
blocking the other.

At NED, I've seen a 1 1/2 MPH differential, again with more or less identical
ETs, which would indicate that one set of lights was being blocked by the
*spoiler*, while the other was blocked by the tires. As a BTW, I've seen the
same type of thing with the Plastic Bullet at NED.

There are indications that the higher speed recordings were actually the correct
ones, while the lower speeds were bogus - but I couldn't actually swear that was
true in a court of law.

Bruce

On it's last outing, my Vega ran a best run of 13.501 @ 102.55.  Like any good
hot rodder, I want more.  I'd really like to have a timeslip that says 12.999 
or better.

I added about 65 pounds since then to the vehicle weight (bad) with the addition
of an 8-point rollbar.  That 13.501 run was made through the mufflers on street
tires.  

For the coming season, in an attempt to lower my ET, I will run open headers and
use the 8.5x26.0/15 MT ET Drag slicks that I bought.  I also have added a front
facing aero hood scoop and plan on sealing the carb to the hood for, hopefully,
a ram air effect and more go fast.  I also will fiddle with jetting and timing.

What else can I do to to find that .5 second without tearing into the engine?  I
figure that I loose .07 second with the extra weight and pick up maybe .3 with
the open headers and slicks.

Thanks,
Mark

    
    I'm absolutely sure that Bruce will correct me here 8^), but what the
    hell.
    
    Mark,
    
    We need some more information on your runs, particularly short times.
    I'd assume the Vega weighs in somewhere around 2800 as run, and with 
    300+ horsepower you should be seeing some pretty good short times.
    Did you experience lots of wheelspin?
    
    The slicks should help short times considerably, especially if you were
    traction limited with the street radials.
    
    Also, how many runs do you have on this combination?  Perhaps you have
    yet to find a baseline.  Maybe a few more runs will help you reduce
    those ETs a bit.
    
    Tom  
    

re .547

Tom (and others),

My short times were running at about 2.10 +-.10 or so.  The car weighed in at
2800 with ne in it.  It should be about +75 pounds heavier now so figure about
2875 now with me in it.

I was doing a dry burnout to clean the street tires and it would spin 'em as
much as I cared to.  On the line, bringing the rpm up to about 2k, it would 
spin some and wheel hop.  Any higher launch than 2k and it spins more.  The
converter stalls against the brakes at 3100.  I do not know what the flash 
stall speed is.  Peak torque with the engine occurs at 4250 rpm.

The car is not yet baselined as well as it could be.  I spent about 20 runs last
year trying to sort out carb problems.  The carb problem was finally solved by
replacing it due to a bad carb body.  The most consistant it has been was the
last time when I made three 13.5-13.6 passes at 101.8 - 102.65

Thanks,
Mark

Mark, I think that slicks alone might get you at least 3 tenths, considering
that 3100 stall speed - as long as they're not significantly taller than the
street rubber you're now using.. As long as the hood scoop is *at least* 2" high
(or extends to the forward edge of the hood), it's likely you'll get the ram air
effect you're looking for, but the temperature differential alone would be good
for a number of ponies.

If memory serves, you're using either 2" or 2 1'4" exhaust plumbing, so opening
the headers will be fruitful, as well.

You're likely to need some dialing in with jetting and possibly spark advance.
Plus, you'd want to pay particular attention to smoothing the airflow from the
scoop opening to the carb inlet.

The roll cage will improve traction, all other things being equal (because the
platform will be more rigid), so you may not lose as much ET due to it's weight
as you think.

Once the combination (and a change in driving style) is dialed in, I'd be hoping
for 12.8s, at around 106, given similar air to when you went 13.5s.

No pressure :-).

Bruce

    Thanks for the info Bruce.  I figured that the god of making cars go
    faster that they have a right to would have some good valuable input.
    
    The slicks are 26.2 inches tall and the street tires are 26.1 inches
    tall so, they're very close to the same size.  The hoodscoop is 7" tall
    and the opening is roughly 3"x12".  I plan on using the Moroso carb pan
    which comes with foam to seal the carb to the hood.
    
    You are correct about the exhaust.. It's comprised of 2-1/4" pipe ahead
    of the mufflers and 2" behind the mufflers.
    
    Gee, 12.8 at 106, that's not too shabby. Isn't that about what The
    Thing runs?  Having a 12 second "street" car would be neat.
    
    Thanks again,
    Mark

    re: 550
    
    Mark,   See - I told you you should have uncorked those headers 
    in October :-)
    
    rich
    

    The rules meeting for New England Dragway will be this Sunday the 19th
     of Feb. at the Sheraton Tara in Nashua.  The new e.t. breakdowns for Super
    (delay box electronics allowed) and Heavy (no delay boxes) Eliminators
    will be discussed.  There will be an "overlap" between the 2 classes.
    
    Not sure about the time, but I'd say around 1 pm or so.

This cabin fever stuff is for the birds.

It's gotten so bad that, in my delirium, I've talked myself into consistent
12s, based on a *single* pretty much perfect 12.97 run on a very good day last
fall, plus a couple of minor idiot-savant type mods. I tell you, this dandruff
from the sky that keeps coming down is making me crazy. I pulled the Thing out
of the garage last month, made 3 k-turns in the driveway apron, and pulled back
in. Then I had to wipe off the inside of the windshield because of all the
motor noises I had been making :-).

April 2nd is supposed to be the day - but I think we'll need to bring snow
shovels and hair dryers.

Maybe I can get on a methadone program? :-)

Bruce

    Question for you dragster freaks out there.  I came across an as of yet
    unidentified car sitting behind a guy's shed over here in Salem.  It's
    about the size of an Austin-Healy or MG.  It's got a place on the back
    for a parachute.  It's lettered on the side with (I believe) E/FX.  I 
    haven't gotten close enough to really check it out and identify what
    kind of engine (if any).  I'm familiar with the old A/FX class (427
    Fairlanes and Comets) and C/FX (289 HIPO Fairlanes and Comets?) but
    don't know what E/FX was.  I do know that FX stood for "factory
    experimental"  but I can't imagine that this thing which looks foreign
    could have been factory experimental and be powered with anything that
    would require a parachute to stop.  What was the E/FX class?
    Thanks, Wayne

>    would require a parachute to stop.  What was the E/FX class?
>    Thanks, Wayne

It's either a joke or an extremely small cube racer. It'd have to be with 
the displacement to factory curb weight ratio involved in determining class 
distinctions.

    It's looking like it is a Griffith Model 200.  A pocket rocket from
    back in the days of the original Cobra.  They had small block 
    289 Ford engines, fiberglass bodies, and a tube frame.  (Info from
    Steve George who used to drag race a Model 400).  The original Griffith
    was good for 0 - 60 MPH in 4.6 seconds if I remember correctly.
    Unfortunatly, someone has chopped off the top and added the parachute
    pocket.  A good way to ruin a very collectable and rare auto!
    Wayne

    Where did you say it was ?  ;^)
    
    John

    I finally got over to talk to the guy with the car.
    
    It is a Griffith replica.  It seems that these guys used to race an
    original Griffith model 400 (289 Ford, 271 HP K code engine).  I guess
    that wasn't fast enough for them.  They had a guy in Pelham, NH, make
    a new fiberglass model by using the original car as a mold.  They then
    cut across the hood and fenders and added an 18" section.  They then
    had a custom tube racing frame made up and installed a 427 SOHC Ford
    engine. (Now I know why there is a place for a parachute).  They ran
    B/Altered (not E/FX, I imagined that somehow) until the class went away
    (or something like that, the story started to get kinda long).  They
    then switched to Alky and toured the country for four years.  Then
    parts for the engine started to get too hard/expensive to find so they
    sold the engine to some guy in Mass who still is running it in a '34
    Ford Roadster street rod (but at 8 to 1 compression) that was featured
    in "Whip's Wheels" awhile ago.  The only part of the car he still has
    is the fiberglass body and that shows signs of coming apart where they
    added the 18 inch section.  He said that he was toying with the idea of
    putting it on a Corvette chassis because the wheelbase would be the
    same.
    
    The car shell is located at the corner of North Policy Road and the
    road that comes down to the back entrance to the Salem (NIO) plant.
    North Policy Road is the road which Canobie Lake Park is on.
    Wayne
    

    The guy that owned the original Griffith that the mold was made from
    lived in Pelham.  It was a series 200, butr had the hi-po motor.  He raced 
    the Griffith for a few years at Sanford ('63 or 64 timeframe).  Had dual 
    quads, headers by Tubular, etc.  Ran mid tohi 12's as I recall.  
    
    	His name was George Bertini, and the original
    Griffith was called the "Muleskinner".  He passed away a while ago, or
    someone told me.  His partner in the SOHC "Griffith" was Niles ????,
    and the car was garaged in N Andover of ?Mass Ave? somewhere.  It was
    Niles' motor, and George did the glass and chassis.
    
    I don't remember them getting the car squared away completly....they
    were still having some minor problems, when I lost touch w/them. 
    George was putting his Griffith back on the street to sell it, and I
    bought the headers, a pair of coil overs, the modified Hurst (I should
    say swapped for my OEM stuff), and even tried his dual quads, but my
    car ran just as well with the single Holly as it did w/the 2 Carters.
    
    Who owns the car car now, Wayne.....is it still Niles??

13.17, 13.10, 12.98, 12.97 and 13.07.

It was pretty muddy up there at NED, with a fair amount of standing water here
and there
in the pits, but the starting line was OK.

MPH was off 2 at just under 107, but that could be accurate speed for a change,
since the
Thing has had trouble with beam height in the traps at both NED and Atco.

I have the K & N installed, but, on the negative side, was running with 3 1/2
month old
gas.

Whew! That felt like a lo-o-o-ong winter :-).


Bruce

    Mud? Did somebody say mud? There for a minute I thought I'd opened the
    4WD file by mistake... ;-)
    
    Harry
    

The like a stone thrown in a still pool - Wham - I need to make a pass or four.

Happy Happy Happy - all the time,
Throw a powershift.
Now I'm feelin' fine.

:-)Eric

PS.  Bruce, what were the short times?  How did the shifts feel?  Those are
good times considering its the first day - Usually traction is way off.
I feel pressured.

Hi all,,,
The bug to go smoke the weenies has hit here in Colorado big time.
We are gearing up for the first date next Sunday. The grudge matches are being
organized as I type. The side bets are flying. We came up with the idea this
year that any money won in the grudges or side bets will be donated to a
charity.  Should be a fun season.  

				CXO ready to GO !!!

						Brian...

.......while the driver is worthy of gentlemanly Cs :-).

Short times were off a bit, averaging high 1.9s instead of lower 1.9s (on
another excellent and memorable Saturday back in October), and I *think* that's
all the strip would take.

Shifting varied (I believe that is the polite phrase).

Speeds off 2+ MPH, coupled with my best ever 660 speed (85.00 MPH), and best
ever 660-1320 time (4.59), could mean:

1. No change in speed, but timing trap beam height changes (in both lanes).

2. Hogged-out air filter lid eliminates my phantom ram air effect.

3. Tired gas, which, assuming spark retard, would give me similar effects to
what happened last summer, when a hot engine would ramp back the speed
significantly, while affecting the ET only slightly.

The air was pushing 103% power factor.

In any event, the main thing was to get out there. I felt like a sailor hitting
port after a five month cruise :-).

As an aside, the announcer talked the Thing up to the crowd, instructing them to
"watch how this LT1 launches", and stating that he didn't know what I had done,
but that "....he must have a heck of a good chip in there".

When I heard about this, I took the opportunity to get to the tower and tell
them that, contrary to published opinion, the car had a stock chip, but that I
had bolted in the secret weapon of a K & N the day before. The announcer allowed
as to what he meant to say was "a bag of chips in the car", which prompted me to
check my midsection, and agree........

........all of which was then faithfully reported on the PA system :-).

That had me grinning for an hour or two :-).

Bruce

My Air Filter was really dirty.
I have Gas.
My car has bad gas; worse then Bruce's.
Strong Headwind, lousy barometer.
It needs a tuneup.
I wasn't really trying.
Computer Glitch.
Damn oxygen sensors - always leaning out the mixture.
Traction was lousy.
etc.

I reserve the right to pick from the above list should I get worse
ET's then Bruce - Even though I using Slicks.

Eric

PS I'm heading up to Epping tonight.

    ........BUT PRETTY soon it might get interesting. Saturday, my opening
    pass was a 13.00, and the Thing followed that up with 12.96, 12.99,
    12.95 and 12.87(!) @ 108.30.
    
    That 12.87 was a pretty much perfect run, with a 1.91 short. Water temp
    was at 170 degrees for that pass, showing that the upcoming Hypertech
    chip and thermostat installation may have some good potential.
    The 12.95
    and 12.99 passes were with the original filter lid screwed back on,
    showing no real subsatntial change compared with the cut out lid.
    
    If I can get two tenths out of the chip, and can put together a good
    pass against the Black beast, we can get some real adrenaline going
    :-).
    
    Bruce
    

I can't stand it any longer!!!!!  I'm going to get there as soon as I can...
even if it's just to watch Bruce and Eric go at it...what FUN!

/tb/

If Drag Racing was  a game show - Friday woulda' sounded like this...
                                                  
"Ah yes Bob - I'm gonna go with SissyBaby for complete justification."
                                                  
And my prize was several 13.0's and a horrible 12.99 for a best of the 
evening.  It takes me a lousy outing to get my dander up.  Next time.
    
Fear not Tom - I promise that I'll give Bruce the race he deserves :-).
The car is fine; the driver needs to wake up.                                     
                
I had forgotten how unnatural it is to dump the clutch at 5,000 rpms-
and Bog!!!  I'll have to be ruthless.             
                                                  
I need a Saturday session.  

Eric

Last Fall, I wrote that I had forgotten how great Saturday sessions were at NED.
Since then, the two Saturday sessions I attended in the last couple of weeks
made me forget myself again.

I forgot about how Fridays were.

I installed a Hypertech chip and thermostat last Friday, and was pleased enough
with how the car seemed to run that I went up to Epping that night.

Ugh.

I slipped and slid to a 13.15 best, with ugly wheelspin on the 1-2, and an
interesting step out of the tail on the 2-3 that I hadn't experienced before.

All in all, I *think* the chip is noticeably stronger than the stocker, but it's
clear that what I had begun considering as a God-given right to go 12s is really
nonsense. I need pretty much perfect traction conditions with the stock rubber
in order to do so.

Eric's Friday 12.99 looks pretty good from here.

Bruce

I hope don't expect mercy from me on the Strip.  :-)

13.15 ain't too shabby IMHO.  It was warm if I recall correctly - how were
the speeds.

Eric

PS 12.50 is my target ET.  No real good reason, but its a nice round number.

No, not *running* with them :-). Street weinies run pretty much unnoticed, but,
I'll tell ya, when those TA/FC cars go off (fine phrasing, that), it sure gets
your attention.

Best we saw was a 6.20, at around 225 mph. I know that the top alcohol cars make
around half the power of the top fuelers, and are at least a second and maybe 70
mph off the pace, but they sure made these eyes go big and round.

I've never seen a current, 4-second top fueler go, but I might just spend the
money to watch, next time they put on a show up there in Epping. Best quote of
the day:

		"Gasoline is for washing parts.
		 Alcohol is for drinking.
		 Nitro is for RACING!"    :-) :-)

The jet cars were neat, too, but it ain't the same as watching the power being
put to the ground. Know-what-ah-mean, Vern?

On the little-dog front :-), Mike C. went 13.9s, the Thing went 12.9s, and Eric
went 12.7s.

The only drama of the day for this street-weinie was when the hot-damn racer in
front of me left a trail of transmission fluid from the burnout area past the
starting line. Paul (the starter) changed his mind a couple of times on the
cleanup procedure, with me starting, shutting off, starting, backing up into the
water, etc., while a couple of cars go off in the other lane.

Ugh. I'm sitting there with a hot engine and a weird, patchy-looking starting
line. Oh well. I figure this is a wasted pass, but, after lining up and planning
the wuss start, I look over to the other lane, and there's the Black Beast!

Uh-oh. I was looking forward to a run, but this ain't the time or place,
lanewise. I figure what the heck, it's now *gotta* be a wuss start (I don't want
to light 'em up this time, for sure), but I'll go for a light.

With adrenaline stoking the fires, I watch the ambers come down, and launch a
wonderful .476. OK, I went for the light and I got it :-).

The early launch doesn't do much, however. I'm at 2000 rpm (3000+ is standard)
with a little squeal coming off the tires even so, and Eric eats me alive. He
pulls close to a car-length in first, and the 1-2 shift is a treat to watch out
of the corner of my eye. The car just *leaps* in second, and he pulls another
half car almost instantly. My own 1-2 is done correctly, but the resulting
skitter-skitter-skitter causes me to utter an expletive describing a bodily
function. It's now clear what the extra wheelspin on the 1-2 (present since the
chip installation) is costing me.

At the beginning of the Mustang's third gear, I'm around 2 1/2 cars back, but
I've stopped the breakaway. I begin to slowly pull back in third, and the 3-4
shift starts a stronger pull as horsepower and aerodynamics start to take
precedence over traction and gearing. We finish with me close to a car length
back and closing, with my 13.09 to Eric's 12.90.

He goes on to a pair of 12.76s, while I manage a 12.92 best.

It's pretty clear from all this that the Thing is a fast car, but that Mustang
is absolute *hell* for quick, and Eric knows how to work the combination.

'Nuff said.

On a general front, it was a really nice day, with decent air (around 98-99%
power factor at midday) and good traction, and there was *plenty* of serious
iron there in addition to the alky and jet cars already mentioned.

Saturdays are definitely the hot tip :-).

Bruce

    
        I was sitting in the stands at PMI and saw a GMC suburban run a
    14.88  This is a 6200 lb. vehicle folks. Wish the hell I got to see
    what was under the hood.
    
    -john

    
    Was the guy gigglin'?
    

    It's gonna take more than giggle gas to get a Suburban to run a 14.88
    at some 4,500 feet above sea level! Musta been packing something nasty
    under the hood...
    
    Bruce, you haven't been to a drag race until you see the top fuelers
    make a pass. Everything else seems tame after that! (Bracket racing is
    downright boring after seeing one of those bullets get fired off the
    line!) The day I went to Houston Raceway Park, car alarms were being
    set off 300 yards out into the parking lot by the vibrations in the air
    as those beasts would launch.
    
    Harry
    

    
    I was just at the Southern Nationals yesterday.  Got to watch up close
    and personal about 7 nitro cars warming up in the pits.  Sat right
    on the starting line too.  Nice.  Best run of the day was a 4.88 by
    Hill(?)  Tommy Johnson Jr. Blew the backend of his car off.  That
    and when Prudhomme blew up going through the lights (we were down in
    the shut down area when it happened) were spooky moments.
    
    Funniest thing at the drags yesterday was the life flight helicopter
    coming in for a landing and blowing the porta-crappers over.  :^)
    
    On a more serious note, I got my Z/28 running Saturday.  Vroom Vroom.
    Should have some timeslips in about 2 months.
    
    MadMike

The last time I watched the fuelers go, they were in the 6s, at less than 250
mph. Even then, they were louder than the TA/FC cars I watched last weekend.

I remember *feeling* the sound waves on my shirtfront.

Around ten years back, I got to see a satellite launch down at Cape Kennedy,
from around two miles away. I was disappointed at the distance until the damned
thing launched. Then it was clear that two miles was close enough.

I remember my shirtfront acting just as if there were a top fueler in the
vicinity :-).

Bruce

	Nowadays, if you're sitting close to the finish line in front when
	the fuelers go by at 300+ mph, your vision will blur for an instant
	as the shock wave bobbles your eyeballs about.  Truly awesome.  I've
	started wearing ear protection when I'm that close though.  It can't
	be healthy.

	It's one of those things most people just can't understand until 
	they experience it.  It defies words.

	Cheers,
	--Dave

    Bruce, I've sat as close as the police would let us get to a Space
    Shuttle launch down there in Florida. There was nothing between it and
    us but water. That sucker makes the earth rumble when it takes off! (It
    was actually the first flight of the doomed Challenger craft. It blew
    apart on it's next flight. I was glad that I wasn't there to personally
    witness that spectacle. Just seeing it on TV 2,000 times was bad
    enough...)
    
    Huh? Oh.... yeah... Musclecars. Nope, I wasn't in one at the time.
    Cruised up there in my dads 71 Torino Wagon... ;-)
    
    Harry
    

    Last season I was helping a friend with his '69 Camaro bracket car at
    Epping. While we were in his trailer eating lunch a top fueler started
    up directly behind us. We nearly hit the roof from the shock. Then we
    went out to see what it was and got a face full of exhaust. This is not
    a good idea, as our eyes instantly started watering.
     Also last year I was at an airshow at Hanscom field. During the show
    an Air Force B-1 made a high speed, low level pass, and kicked in all 4
    afterburners. He litterally disappeared and the shockwave felt like a
    punch in the chest. Every car alarm in the lot went off. 
                                                             John M.
    PS, Harry, if the Torino wagon had a 429, it would qualify 8^) And
    don't laugh, they actually made some.