Jim Doyle photo – April 9th 2016
This Saturday we took the ’57 out for its first hits of 2016 with the new 1-7/8″ fenderwell headers Chris built for the car. On the tune-up end, we advanced the camshaft 2-degrees from the last time the car went down the strip on July 25, 2015 to hopefully pick it up to the 1/8th.
We also installed new springs on our coil-over rear shocks and a new tandem master cylinder over the winter. We have a full report on all our work on the cars over the winter posted here.
Roger & Paul with Chris’ final product!
As we moved forward in the staging lanes for our first hit, we could not help but think of the tragic passing of Mark Lyle. He was the NHRA Chief Starter but he started here at Pacific Raceways and Division 6, and had long ties with the crew and many of us local racers. Mark and his family lived in North Bend, WA. Our tribute to Mark is posted here.
On our first two hits, the track was a bit dicey on the top end due to all the tree pollen, but by our third hit the very capable track crew at Pacific Raceways had it working well. Here’s our video report. – Roger
After the TNT, I made this side-by-side comparisons of slow-motion launches from 2015 and this weekend:
https://youtu.be/ZvzaDJ_wjZo
I looked at a few plugs on Sunday after the race, and the motor looks a bit lean with the new headers. Not the best way to read plugs however. It is best to click the motor at the end of the run and look at them then.
We also need to raise the wheelie bars a bit more for the next time out with the car. At least with the cam advanced we can once again turn the tires on the starting line which the old stick cars need.
Chris pulled the driver’s side header this afternoon which confirmed by looking at the exhaust ports and valves that the engine is lean with the new headers. We look for an improvement with a jet change.
Rejetted both 660’s this morning to richen the air/fuel mixture. Should run a bit stronger next time out.
Jetting and header pipe length was perfected years back with the old headers. We’re close with the new headers that scavenge better! In the end, should make more power.
I still LOVE your FIVE SEVEN Roger my friend. God I wish I was healthy enough to drive that beauty, even if it was only once.
Thanks Terry, still love driving the car but my days of driving will be coming to an end also in the near future. It has been a great adventure!