First 1/4 mile run in my 63

[ToddK]

We had a Nostalgia Drag race meet at my local strip last Sunday, so I took my 63 Galaxie down for a blast. Wasn't sure on how well it would go, but definitely wanted to have some fun with it. The local law around here is getting very strict on anything like making excessive noise (eg, burnouts, fast acceleration) on the street, so I haven't really had an opportunity to practice launching or fast shifting. The first couple of qualifying runs involved me trying to get the car to launch and shift. Seems my Hurst shifted top loader doesn't like me flat shifting, and launching the car below 3000rpm will lead to a bog off the line and above 3000rpm leads to clutch slip in first. The clutch wasn't slipping in the other gears, but was definitely smelly after each pass.

Here's a couple of vids of the first 2 qualifying runs I made. First vid I launched at 2500rpm and it bogged. I then missed the 2-3 shift. Second vid I launched at 3000rpm, but I missed the 1-2 shift. On both those missed shifts, I tried flat shifting. For all subsequent shifts, I ended up lifting slightly off the gas.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lu2GvU33Oc0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37P0r3dobQw

Best run of the day was 14.35 at 97.2mph. Overall, it was in line with what I expected from the car, and I'm happy I didn't break anything. It did highlight some areas that need attention, especially when I get the next engine together for the car.

Just recapping some details of the car, 63 500XL boxtop. 390 with about 9.0 to 1 comp, C1AE heads with a quick clean up and 2.09/1.65 valves, Comp 270S cam, Tripower intake, long cast headers, wide ratio top loader and 4.11 Truetrac diff. I was running 7" cheater slicks, they held okay. The car is only missing the heater box, otherwise it's full weight, but no power options.

I'll get some pics of the car from my friends camera and post them here.

[ToddK]

[machoneman]

Neat! Makes me miss  my Cali original '63 boxtop, white with red interior but a bench seat.

A clutch should never really smell, regardless if it bogged or spun the tires. Might be worth the effort to pull the tranny and check it.

Just trying to help and FYI: go back and watch video 1. Zoom in on your shifter hand on the 2-3 shift. We all get rusty but unless the shifter needs adjustment, seems you may be pushing the shifter right (hard right) more so than pushing it forward. As you said, ain't easy to practice in your area but you could try some power shifts in 2 to 3 on some lonesome highway. Btw, that's a fine e.t. for the car's set-up.

[65er]

Nice!  Beautiful car inside and out too. Good job!   Driving on the dragstrip is a bit different, isn't i?  I was pretty rough around the edges when I went too.  Made to runs, drove through the staging lights and had to back up both times. The guy at the start line had to tell me to put my window up both times too and I also blew the 2-3 shift on the first run. What a couple newbs, hahah.  Also like me, it sounds like you had a good time and left some room for improvement.  What fun would it be if we were perfect first time out???

[funsummer]

Todd,
nice car. Great effort for a newby at the strip.
Is that motoplex?
if so we must catch up, ive got a 65 and a new motor ready to go in, would like to catch up and talk about all things fe and galaxie.
Very interested in how your diff ratio and other things worked for you and and any advice.
Also did they let you run with just a lap seat belt?
Joel

[BruceS]

Todd, good on ya mate!  And +2 or 3 on the very nice looking XL Boxtop.  I've got a 63 1/2 Peacock Blue fastback, you can see a pic on my post "my latest FE" in member projects in about the February time frame.  It's currently getting front and rear suspensions rebuilt on the way to make it safe and reliable. Btw those times you mentioned aren't bad especially considering you're new at driving / shifting, etc.  Also lucky the Perth, WA weather held good for you... I drove mine about 600 miles one-way from Kansas to SE Texas when I bought it in January and it didn't miss a beat.  Built Ford tough!
Bruce

[ToddK]

Thanks for the tips guys. Yep, lots more practice required. About 20 years ago I drag raced a car with a vertical gate shifter, that was easy compared to the H-pattern. The last few cars I've raced were all auto trans, so this is new - and heaps of fun! The weather was good on the day, although the race was re-scheduled after being rained out the previous weekend.

I do intend to pull the trans as it has a few small annoying leaks, and will check the clutch while I'm at it. I'm not 100% happy with my clutch linkage. I need to check the freeplay between the throwout bearing and the pressure plate with the clutch engaged. From the feel of the pedal, there is not much. I had to use a 69 Mustang clutch lever to match the large input throwout bearing and then in turn, had to modify the pushrod to work with the lever. So lots there to check when I get it apart.

Yes Joel, that was at the motorplex. The minimum seat belt requirement is a 3 point, so my factory lap belts were no good. I fitted a 4 point race harness for the races. I've sent you a PM.

[65er]

Wow, how many of us are in Texas? I'm in Denton 

Edit... Apparently this is not the Texas Mortorplex but someplace with a similar name that's half a world away, lol

[66FAIRLANE]

Good on ya Todd. Looks like fun.

[BH107]

We should finally have ours out in the next few weeks.

[ToddK]

Nice. I hope you run a bit faster than I did.

[manofmerc]

Todd those were some good ets and almost 100mph .I imagine your clutch was slipping some .With a little more track time and maybe a different clutch you should see 14.00 and 99-100 mph Those are some pretty good times for a mild cam and 9.00 compression .Shows that you have a pretty good combination .Doug