’71 Chevelle:
Chris recently spoke with Wilson Manifolds concerning the World Motown 4500 manifold on our 406 in the Chevelle.
After giving them the specifics, they recommended that Chris remove the cloverleaf from the manifold that reportedly causes some fuel distribution problems, and install their 1-1/2″ tapered spacer. Reportedly this should improve the midrange and upper end horsepower & torque in the motor:
Motown manifold as used thru 2012 with cloverleaf plenum
Motown manifold with cloverleaf removed opening plenum
Modified Motown manifold with Wilson tapered spacer
’57 Chev:
We have the engine back in the car and ready to go. Details are posted here.
’66 Tempest:
Update January 29, 2013
There is some concern about the number of runs on the engine, therefore Torri will only be driving her Tempest on a limited basis for 2013. Paul has decided to drive for another owner, Ron West, for the 2013 season. – Roger
Chris now has the manifold back on his 406 in the Chevelle and is working on modifying the air dam as required for the taller Wilson spacer.
I got the air dam to fit now just waiting on CSR for the rest of the parts to get both cars finished for next season!
Today we got the new timing belt installed on the Chevelle.
After about 3hrs we got the new CSR transmission shield installed and up in the car. What a friggin’ joke and the supplied bellhousing bolts were about a 1/4″ too long for the Dart block which required taking them all back out and shortening them. All that time and the cooler lines still aren’t attached, nor the shifter, converter to flex plate bolts, trans brake solenoid or driveline. Chris is handling that, but at least it clears the floorboard.
If that transmission goes bad out at the track, don’t look for dad to help change it out there in the dirt. It would be an all-day venture!
It’s hard to believe that as big as the G-body GM cars are that their transmission tunnel is so small. Add a transmission blanket or shield and it becomes nearly impossible.
January 4, 2013:
Plans for the Pontiac in 2013 appear to be on hold at this point. Until Torri, Chris & Paul come to some mutual understanding, it would appear the car won’t be racing that much in 2013.
You need a driver with money. I suggest Bill Gates, or maybe Don Garlits can handle that beast? lol Love you guys
March 26th, 2013:
Just a quick update as Spring weather is coming to our area. Today Chris and I got the valvetrain back on the Chevelle, fired it up and set the ignition timing. The Chevelle is ready to hit the strip.
Next is to put the valvetrain back on the ’57 and we should be good to go!!
March 30, 2013:
Yesterday was a beautiful day so I decided to work on the ’57 and get the valve train back on the 331. Both the ’57 and Chevelle are ready to hit the strip after a good clean up.
I want to wish all of you a wonderful Easter. Please keep Frank Nelson in your prayers as he is currently in the hospital having some respiratory complications. Frank has been battling cancer for some years and is well respected in Divison 6 and a member of the Division 6 Hall of Fame. His son, Frank Nelson, Jr. is our current Division 6 Director and has been keeping us up to date regarding his father.
Roger
It will be an exciting 2013 season for many reasons and especially looking forward to the 2 day Nostalgia event at Pacific Raceways. I am going to try to create some havoc in Sportsman once again.
I hope you feel better this Summer, and you can “ENJOY” a lot more days of racing this year. I’m going to be there as often as I can, to cheer you all on!!!!!
Terry, at our age how we feel is always in doubt! 🙂