posted this on the other forum too but I know there are guys that don't go there so I put it here too.
I was just trying to get 1 more weekend in after a summer of odd problems kept my car in the garage mostly. I started at beaver springs in April and only 4 runs in because I blew a header gasket and couldn't get at the bolts while laying under the car at the track. Ran 11.60 11.80 at 121 mph with 2.2 60 ft times and hitting the rev limiter, 7200, well before the traps. Went home watched some video that was posted and saw the rear bounce up at the hit so I change my upper shock mounts and stood my shocks up almost straight. while doing that I noticed the wheel studs were all bent on the drivers side. Changed the studs out and was thinking I didn't have the lug nuts torqued properly at beaver springs. Took it to time trials at Milan made sure everything was torque up, ran 11.30 at 123 with a 1.50 60ft time still hitting the rev limiter well before the traps. re torqued the wheels, went out again and bent the lugs again. The racers around me were suggesting it's the lug nuts. Took it home and put new studs in the drivers side got new lug nuts, also put some new 750 Quik Fuels on it, took it back the next time trials and ran 10.82 at 123 still finishing the last 200 ft on the rev limiter. Second run was 10.90 at 123 and I bent the studs again. I decided the steal Vintique wheels can't handle the power so I ordered some retro looking Weld Wheels and figured if I'm buying the wheels I might as well get some 30 inch tires in there to replace the 28's and bring my rpm's down. It took 6 weeks to get the rims and a week to get the tires to fit the rear of my Comet. I thought I was all set now! Took it out Saturday to the Nostalgia drags, lots of cars so only 1 time trial. Got to the line knowing I had only this one run so make it good. Got the slicks hot, got a decent launch, hit second no problem, third and didn't feel anything, played around with shifter and third was gone but 4th was there. Then I looked in the mirror and saw nothing but smoke behind me. got back to the pits and the passenger side of the case has a big crack and oil everywhere! I thought I was all set with this TKO, I bought it new from Liberty's, all face plated but the weak link I guess. Now I'm wondering if an auto is the way to go? Here's a photo of the car after the calamity. Sorry for the racers that had to wait for the cleanup!
edit to add motor info
482 pond block 4.24 x 4.25
Kieth Craft stage 2 heads
tunnel wedge
comp solid roller ex 4869 296XSR @ .050 258 lift .663 it actually was a 4876 lobe which is not in the catalog anymore but close to this
in 4877 298XSR @ .050 260 lift .666
11.1 pump gas
Prec Oil rockers
Mahle pistons