UPDATED AUGUST 24, 2019
July 27, 2019:
We took the ’57 out this day in Pro Bracket at Pacific Raceways and learned that replacing the 3-4 shift arm in the Doug-Nash 5-speed did the trick and resolved the constant shifter adjustment issue we were having. We’re making progress!
Over the winter we’ll reset the pressure ring (finger) height on the pressure plate and open the air gap a bit on our Ram clutch!
We have a video report below which also features Ryan Warnke in his Junior Dragster, Jeff Warnke in his bad-ass Nova, and Martin Lambert in his hard-charging Monza, AND a significant announcement for 2020 within! – Roger Young
Q2 video capture on Feb 27, 2019. 1.426 60-foot!
New, lower input gears have arrived from Liberty’s Gears for 2020 upgrade. This will lower 1st thru 4th in our Doug-Nash 5-speed. We’ll also be resetting the pressure ring (finger) height on our Ram clutch and opening the clutch air gap before the car goes back out to the track:
New 23-33 lower input gears (center), high-reverse slider (left) & high gear pro-shift ring (right) from Liberty’s Gears for 2020
August 20, 2019 Update:
Today Chris & I got the transmission out of the ’57 and installed the new 23-tooth input gear and new pro-shift ring which mates with the new 33-tooth cluster as seen on the right of the picture. (Old gears were 23-32) along with a new high-reverse slider, all from Liberty’s Gears.
We then reinstalled our used 3.11 1st gear set back in the transmission as seen on the left of the picture.
The lower input gear ratio set impacts the 1-4 gear ratios as follows:
3.11 1st to 3.21
1.99 2nd to 2.07
1.49 3rd to 1.53
1.21 4th to 1.24
High remains 1:1
This should help accelerate the car quicker to the 1/8th!
August 22, 2019 Update:
Transmission is back together for 2020. Next is to adjust the clutch pressure ring height and get it all back in the car, then set the clutch air gap as a final step in the process. – Roger
Assembled Doug-Nash 5-speed with Long shifter
August 24, 2019 Update:
Chris and I got the clutch reset today, reduced the lever weight by .5 grams per lever, reinstalled the transmission and set the clutch air gap. Pretty much ready for 2020 with Chris behind the wheel! – Roger
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I’m glad we got the constant shifter adjustment problem resolved with the new 3-4 shift arm from Richmond. That was driving us NUTS!!
We’re very pleased with the new 372 SBC, making excellent power. Now to reset the clutch and take a little centrifugal off the levers and open the air gap and I think Chris will enjoy running the car and it should be pretty trouble free which we have been shooting for!!
I’m waiting to hear from Liberty’s Gears regarding a lower input gear set which should quicken the car to the 1/8th so we can SEND Chris down the track in fine fashion!!
Update 8/5/2019:
Thanks to Terry & Paul at Liberty’s Gears, the lower input gear set and reverse/high gear slider are on their way!
With the lower input gears, here is how it will impact the individual gear ratios:
1st gear: From 3.19 to 3.21 (with the original 3.11 ratio back in the gearbox)
2nd gear: From 1.99 to 2.07
3rd gear: From 1.49 to 1.53
4th gear: From 1.21 to 1.24
High gear: Will remain at 1:1
This brings the overall gear ratios back in line to what it was when we ran the 331 with the lower rear gears.
The new motor is performing flawlessly. We will get the other issue sorted out and I’m looking forward to try to drive her next season.
I’m looking forward to you behind the wheel in 2020, should be fun!!