I’ll be posting progress reports here throughout the off-season to keep all informed of what the team is doing for 2017. – Roger
Saturday, September 17, 2016:
Today Chris & Paul installed our refurbished Doug-Nash 5-speed transmission in the ’57. The transmission blocked out of 4th gear at the Nostalgia Race so it was time for maintenance. Liberty replaced the 3rd & 4th gear pro shift rings, and furnished new 1-2 & 3-4 sliders. I also replaced the 1st gear cluster gear with a Liberty cryo gear to strengthen the transmission. I have additional details on the ’57 posted here. – Roger
Sunday, September 18, 2016:
Chris replaced his electric water pump in his Chevelle which failed in the 4th round of the GM Nationals, with a new Meziere pump. Chris also upgraded his fuel system by installing a new, high-flow 100-micron in-line fuel filter for 2017 replacing his old canister style BG fuel filter. He also tested the valve springs on the 406 and like our ’57, the PacAloy springs are holding up well.
Next we turn our attention to getting Paul’s rebuilt C-4 transmission back in his Mustang for 2017! – Roger
Sunday, November 13, 2016:
This weekend, Chris & Paul got the C4 transmission, rebuilt by Village Transmission, back in Paul’s Mustang and fired the car. This was a challenge as clearances are TIGHT in the Fox-body Mustang. We’ve learned from other Ford owners it is easier to pull and reinstall the engine/transmission assembly as a unit.
Saturday, December 3, 2016:
Today Chris & Paul shortened the tailpipes on the Mustang, replaced the carburetor secondary needle & seat assembly, and secured the strut ball joints properly on the front end, and repaired a header gasket leak. Paul’s Mustang is race ready for 2017!
Monday, January 23, 2017:
Chris sent his old merge collectors which we ran with the 350 back to Performance Welding to have them reworked for the larger 406 SBC. In effect the new merge collectors will have a larger exit than the current conventional collectors we’ve been running on the 406. Here are the finished collectors for 2017:
Performance Welding merge collectors for the Chevelle. Smaller/shorter segments were for the 350
Thursday, March 2, 2017:
A quick update, we’ve been busy getting the valvetrains back on both the ’57 & Chevelle and working on the trailer with four new tires, winch & battery for the winch. Plus running battery load tests on all the racing & support vehicles. And our tow truck also needs a new battery. Off season required maintenance as we look forward to the upcoming test & tunes! – Roger
Saturday, March 4, 2017:
Today we fired the ’57 and I had Chris run it through the gears on stands while I checked the ignition pattern. Recheck the valve lash and drain the antifreeze and the old buggy is ready for the strip! – Roger
Monday, March 13, 2017:
This weekend Paul got the front end on the Mustang aligned which should improve the handling of the car. The left front strut virtually had NO caster prior to the alignment!
We also fired off the Chevelle and tested the ignition pattern on both the Chevelle & Torri’s Pontiac. All looked good and the Chevelle sounded good with the new merge collectors! – Roger
Need trailer repairs while at Pacific Raceways?
Call 206-391-9695 for a price quote!
It is my hope that the ’57 will stick together for stick-shift races, and nostalgia race this coming 2017 season. We took some clutch pressure out of the car this winter hoping to decrease the shock on the hit somewhat without hurting the clutch! Time will tell !
Just KEEP HAVING FUN MY FRIEND. I surely enjoy watching you go through the gears (like you were in your twenties again) I wish I still had my health, and could beg to make a pass in the FIVE-SEVEN…. Have a fun and safe 2017 season my dear friend….
Thanks Terry, miss the old days when we all ran together!