Hi guys
This shows the car getting a bigger than original fuel tank. We call that a cackle tank so it can idle longer but the plan is for the car to do a burnout and maybe more. The engine is done,the body panels fixed , it needed a few, it is all painted and the can(bellhousing) coupler, candlestick and TO, pedals and motor plate all fits real nice.
Now here are a few funny things. LONG is a genius engineer and a perfectionist. He had a real hard time getting exact dimensions for the rear bolt and dowel locations off of an FE block because most aftermarket blocks are not exactly like most original blocks. There is no way he would just take a burr to a dowel hole, egg it a bit and run it. No way. If it didn't slide on perfect it gets redone. So this was a problem and he went of a stock block. 2 aftermarket blocks did not fit perfect for example.
I thought you guys might like this too.
Do you see a front motor plate on this car? You would think a car able to go 680s at over 220 MPH might need one? Ponder around 1,500 HP and only one motor plate.
Front motor plate that stresses the entire front of the block is not real easy on a SOHC. But imagine being a top chassis builder in the 60s and just proving to the world that it was not necessary while taking a huge reputational risk.
\
Look at the upper frame rails ahead of the rear motor plate. There are to tiny tabs, maybe 1 1/4 tall, at a 45 deg angle. And there is only one hole in each tab. The motor mount bosses set down perfect, and only one bolt per side is used.
I saw this car debute at lour local track, LION"s. Closest to where it was built. I recall how many people thought that only one bolt per side was impossible. People just couldn't believe it could stay together and not fall out, be dangerous and twist too much
Just think about it though. The block is resting on it's mass, bolted in, and the rear motor plate is doing most of the work already. Just think through the force vectors and forces and look at the rear plate and know, that is all that was needed and no issue at all. Remember the 406s only had 2 per side. This car sure turned some heads. It has beautiful lines too.
This is called the sissy bar car. Look at the front cage bend, then look at the diagonals that kick forward to the top rail. Those are the 'sissy bars' but that name was,well, not entirely flattering in some camps. There was a lot of bravado back then shall we say. Again, a tragic death was part of the motivation there too.
Look at the tabs behind the axle, see the 3 bolt holes? The tabs on the upper and lower frame rails? They hold a magnesium plate for added safety. Shortly before this car got done a rear engine exploded and the housing was jammed rearward and it killed the poor guy. So these plates could have prevented this possibly
I have pages of specs on this cool old FE warrior, if I can scan and upload them some day I will try
Car is 183 inches long, 2 disc clutch, aluminum can(bellhousing),(Titanium has been mandatory since Nostalgia racing resumed in the 80s) high gear only, went 680s at over 220 with no stripped blower, a Schiefer Mag(small amps compared to today) and no true slipper clutch like run in Nostalgia today. For comparison sake. Those changes(Stripped blower,stronger mag,3 disc) and a current slick would make this a 630 car today probably.(Plus tweaking the knobs for that)
The car has gorgeous lines and is an amazing FE example to many of us. It could out rev many 392's by 1,000 to 1,500 RPM and they hit this high note out the back door that was distinguishable from a Dodge from far away. Plus, that tone travelled farther. On certain nights when the wind was right, you could hear these cars charging over 200 MPH from about 7 miles away. Just the end of the run. Hitting 'High C' we would laugh.
When this car debuted it was so high tech about 3 rows of guys would ring around it at some events because it was unique, cutting edge and fierce. It was one of those cars that might get huge buzz in the pits.
Thanks also for that shot of the Garlits Museum. Man, those are some wicked hombre's. It was fun to see all of these run and fight to win and I know many of you saw these cars compete too. For those that didn't, that is one of the reasons I joined these forums. I kind of hoped it could happen again in a way many could enjoy. My friends and I have not given up, but having this Shelby Super Snake back on the line means a lot to many friends.
Finally, Kalitta's car is just awesome there, it got a new chassis(Logghe) at HMS and our guys went the races with it, Few had a permanent Crew then, you 'drafted' guys who seemed skilled at the race. That car always had our red oval HMS stickers on the cowl, so we need to get them a pair,,,ha haa . This car had full shop privileges and carte blanche at HMS. Robinsons car was built a block away by Woody Gilmore who is a great guys. He came up to HMS many Saturday mornings to chat with my Boss. Great man. 80 now.
I have many more pictures for later. I hope I am OK posting these....hee heee
No kidding, this car changed my life. I get a rush remembering this car slaying so many Dodges. Ford guys would hoot and holler in the stands, it was a spectacle of sorts.
And this Hot Rod, and the other SOHC cars in the museum shot, was a big factor in me trying and trying to get in at HMS.
You guys are all great and thanks for your friendship and help by email or calls over the years too.
Thank You Kindly
