Author Topic: THe road to Drag Week 2016 - Hemi Style (Read 40839 times)

Hemi Joel · « **on:** July 10, 2016, 03:15:04 PM »

It just kills me to concede that my early Hemi powered 31 Plymouth coupe will not be ready for Drag Week 2016, but that is the reality I need to face. So on to plan B! I really need to reprogram my enthusiasm for the new plan, because it is not really there yet. I am still emotionally clinging to my dreams of running the Hemi-Coupe. Hopefully writing a blog here about it will get me energized!

31 coupe:

So Plan B is to bring my 67 GTX that I ran in Factory Appearing Stock Tire (F.A.S.T.) years ago.

F.A.S.T. 67 GTX:

Last time I ran the car was 2010, and I blew up the Hemi by accidentally setting my two-step launch control to 9300 rpm instead of 3900.

The plan now is to keep the budget somewhat low by putting together a 484 inch Hemi from spare parts that I have laying around, make some changes to the car for streetability and durability, but keep with the stock appearing theme. For Drag Week of course, I do not need to comply with the strict F.A.S.T. rules, so I will take some liberties as needed.

Hemi Joel · « **Reply #1 on:** July 10, 2016, 03:34:21 PM »

I will probably run in Street Race Big Block NA, or the Daily driver Bracket race. I expect the car to get solidly into the 10's, which would get it into the quick 32 program at Drag week, but would not be too competitive in SRBBNA. It has a roll bar and will tech to 10.00 e.t.
But the non bracket classes at Drag week have a few perks that might be worth it.

Bolted to Floor · « **Reply #2 on:** July 10, 2016, 03:50:17 PM »

Either car looks to be a lot of fun to drive. Good luck.

Hemi Joel · « **Reply #3 on:** July 10, 2016, 03:55:41 PM »

Beginnings of a to Do list:

Clean up the mess in my shop so I can work on it

dig the GTX out of the back corner and push the coupe back into the corner.

Find all the parts for the car and for the Hemi and get them into 1 location

order any parts I need for the Motor

Put the motor together, maybe dyno it?

Put the moter and 4 speed back in the car.

complete the wiring on the car, for F.A.S.T. I didn't wire anything that wasn't nescessary to get down the track, like headlights and blinkers

re-do the fuel system, with the stock tank for street fuel and a 4 gallon cell for race gas. I street pump and 1 race pump, plus a valve to switch between them.

Figure out what tire will fit under the back of the car. It is all stock wheelwells, so maybe an 8.50 - 26"? Drag Week does not allow street tires, so I am going to buy a pair of slicks. Maybe my thinking is wrong here, but since I have 4.10 gears, I need a short tire to keep the rpm in the power range when it is in 4th gear. With a 26" tire 130 mph = 7000 rpm, a 28" tire = 6500 rpm at 130.

Maybe add caltrack bars and mono leafs? Are they needed, or will my stock Hemi leafs be good enuff?

Maybe add frame ties? I didn't need them with the G-70 14 bias ply's, but with slicks they would help.

ToddK · « **Reply #4 on:** July 10, 2016, 05:25:04 PM »

On my '63 B body Dodge, I can easily fit a 28x9 slick on an 8" rim in the stock wheel wells, so you should have no problem there. My car has subframe connectors and runs only SS springs, pinion snubber and adjustable shocks on the rear. It has done a 1.54sec 60', lifting the left front wheel. However, my car has is an auto. I think you may be testing the limits of stock leaf springs launching with a manual trans and slicks. I'd be adding at least the Caltracs. I do like the monoleaf springs for the added weight saving.
Does your car have a Dana 60, or the 8.75" rear axle?

jayb · « **Reply #5 on:** July 10, 2016, 05:32:44 PM »

Joel, does this mean you lose the bet?? I'll bet JericoGTX is hungry already

I think your GTX would be awesome at Drag Week. My Mach 1 ran as fast as 10.45 with 4.11 gears and 27" slicks, so I'd be looking at tires in that general size range. Get 'er in gear, I'd love to see that car at Drag Week.

If you don't make it, can I borrow your new trailer??

Hemi Joel · « **Reply #6 on:** July 10, 2016, 05:35:59 PM »

Yup, it's going to cost me a dinner. Is there a Taco Bell near National Trail?

57 lima bean · « **Reply #7 on:** July 10, 2016, 06:08:48 PM »

808 S High St, Columbus, OH 43206

thatdarncat · « **Reply #8 on:** July 10, 2016, 11:14:38 PM »

Joel, I have 2 different sets of 28x9" Hoosier slicks and one set of 28x9" Goodyear slicks mounted on slightly different backspacing wheels with the 4 1/2" bolt pattern Mopar was wise enough to share with Ford. I also have a set of 26x8" Hoosier slicks, but they are mounted on wheels for my Lincoln MK VIII, which have a different 5 lug bolt pattern, but might be useful for you to test fit. I can stop over anytime if you want to try them.

JERICOGTX · « **Reply #9 on:** July 11, 2016, 04:45:18 AM »

You need to get the Cal Tracs and mono leafs on order ASAP. Are you going to run stock wheels? I think instead of the meltdown drags this weekend, we need to dig the car out, and get started on it. My time is limited, but some work is better then none at this point.

machoneman · « **Reply #10 on:** July 11, 2016, 07:59:31 AM »

Maybe add frame ties? I didn't need them with the G-70 14 bias ply's, but with slicks they would help.

Joel, the frame ties, weld-in only, would help a lot to not only stiffen the chassis but allow much more repeatable runs (i.e. e.t. consistency) with any rear tire type or drag race suspension system.

Hemi Joel · « **Reply #11 on:** July 11, 2016, 10:37:31 AM »

You darn cat, that is awesome, I really appreciate it! That will really help figure out what will fit. OK, I ordered a set of weld in frame ties from US Car Tool. They are contoured to fit the bottom of the floor. So some paint repair will be needed.
I'll order the caltracs and mono leafs today. I think I'll stick with my single adjustable QA1 rear shocks.

Good idea, Jeff, I'll skip the meltdown drags and hunker down on the GTX. I pulled the heads off the shelf last night, and found that they are all disassembled. I forgot about that, I thought they were ready to bolt on. Now I need to find all the parts.

Hemi Joel · « **Reply #12 on:** July 11, 2016, 10:55:22 AM »

I hate to weld on the bottom of the car because it looks like this, but I have to do it:

JERICOGTX · « **Reply #13 on:** July 11, 2016, 11:58:31 AM »

We could have just made our own connectors... Personally you are not going to need them for one week of racing.

BTW, you will not want me in the car after a all you can eat Taco Bell dinner... Your better off buying me a steak dinner.

Hemi Joel · « **Reply #14 on:** July 11, 2016, 12:23:16 PM »

The car really should have the frame connectors anyway, to keep the car straight for the long term. Drag Week 2016 won't be the last time I drop the hammer on it. I should have put them in when I built the car, but I was so obsessed with saving weight that I didn't. I decided on the US car tools because they will show up ready to install - that saves me a half a day + of sourcing material and fabricating, + I like that they are contoured to the floor, and they weren't that expensive.

OK, Texas Roadhouse. We will need to celebrate just for showing up at Drag Week! And if Jay makes it in the Shelby, I'm buying him dinner too!

machoneman · « **Reply #15 on:** July 11, 2016, 12:27:51 PM »

Quote from: Hemi Joel on July 11, 2016, 10:55:22 AM

I hate to weld on the bottom of the car because it looks like this, but I have to do it:

Wow, that IS an awesome underbody! But, with care (duct tape on some cardboard to shield from the paint from weld splatter) the weldments should look clean and with some touch up paint, look great.

thatdarncat · « **Reply #16 on:** July 11, 2016, 12:34:44 PM »

Joel, I know you said you ordered the US Car Tool frame connectors already, but you might want to consider these from Global West instead - link here, click on the frame connectors on the left side of the page:

http://www.globalwest.net/1965-72satellite.html

The Global West frame connectors only require welding to the front and rear subframes which will save you a lot of work and much of your floor paint. The Global West bars work really well and tuck up under the car nicely. My friend has them on his Mustang drag car and I believe Jay planned on using them on his '68 Shelby. I plan on using modified ones on my Cougar.

JERICOGTX · « **Reply #17 on:** July 11, 2016, 03:12:41 PM »

And THAT is why I said we can just make a set of connectors. They only need to weld to the rear frame, and front torsion bar mount. Way less mess, and hassle. And Joel, PLEASE let me weld them in for you...

Hemi Joel · « **Reply #18 on:** July 11, 2016, 03:34:12 PM »

I will let you weld them in if you buy me dinner at Texas Roadhouse.

JERICOGTX · « **Reply #19 on:** July 11, 2016, 03:50:49 PM »

I've seen your welding... You better just let me do it.

cjshaker · « **Reply #20 on:** July 12, 2016, 06:49:35 PM »

Much like the Tin Man Fabrications subframe connectors I used on my Mustang. They require a lot less grinding and repainting, but to avoid the overspray you still need to mask and cover the entire car and underside. It's easy to find a line to break it on so it's still better than grinding the entire length and repainting the entire floor.

Hemi Joel · « **Reply #21 on:** July 13, 2016, 02:13:40 PM »

I got it dug out of the corner where it has been sleeping under its cover for 6 years. I test fit my 9.50 -15 Quicktime pros, and had about 1-1/4" clearance to the inner wheel tub and spring. I'm picking up a pair of 10x28 15's from Jay tommorrow to test fit.

TomP · « **Reply #22 on:** July 13, 2016, 03:35:11 PM »

I am curious if it hooked at 9300 on those tires?

I think you'd be better off running a 61 Meteor wagon with a 585" SOHC...

JERICOGTX · « **Reply #23 on:** July 14, 2016, 09:46:04 AM »

Well if Joel has to go to plan C, and bring the HEMI convert to Drag Week 16, he now has a suit to match his HEMI engine.

jayb · « **Reply #24 on:** July 14, 2016, 10:25:15 AM »

That is a monkey suit if I've ever seen one LOL!

Hemi Joel · « **Reply #25 on:** July 14, 2016, 12:09:31 PM »

That's my official owl killing suit.

TomP · « **Reply #26 on:** July 14, 2016, 12:46:31 PM »

Mister Peanut!

thatdarncat · « **Reply #27 on:** July 14, 2016, 12:51:27 PM »

Quote from: TomP on July 14, 2016, 12:46:31 PM

Mister Peanut!

I think that would be a circus peanut!

JERICOGTX · « **Reply #28 on:** July 18, 2016, 12:26:38 PM »

And while Joel has been out chasing squirrels, his hard working Trunk Monkey, has been busy getting things on the car done... LOL.

Got a few things completed over the weekend. I'll let Joel do the photo's.

machoneman · « **Reply #29 on:** July 19, 2016, 06:25:02 AM »

What's the plan for some drag sessions to sort things out before DW?

Hemi Joel · « **Reply #30 on:** July 19, 2016, 05:29:44 PM »

Quote from: TomP on July 13, 2016, 03:35:11 PM

I am curious if it hooked at 9300 on those tires?

I think you'd be better off running a 61 Meteor wagon with a 585" SOHC...

No hookey at 9300...

Hemi Joel · « **Reply #31 on:** July 19, 2016, 05:59:57 PM »

Progress report:

My two former trunk monkeys, Kevin and Jeff came over, and having 3 trunk monkeys in one place ended up to be quite a party!

Kevin brought some wheels and tires, and he picked up one from Jay as well for me to test fit. We decided on 9x28- 15 on a 7" rim as the biggest that will fit my stock wheelwell without getting custom offset wheels. So I ordered a pair of MT ET Drags.
I spent a bunch of time finding parts and digging them out of various storage hideaways, and got a couple of workbenches halfway cleared of clutter so I had a place to work. Got the block cleaned up and onto the bench. I found some slight rust in a few areas like the main bearing bores, so I polished them up with scotchbrite. The #1 and #5 main cap parting surfaces had some material transfer from cap walk, so I carefully honed the block surfaces with a stone, and the cap surfaces with 600 grit paper on a granite surface plate. I installed the 3/4 groove competition main bearings and caps and checked all the main bearing clearances. They are right at .0020. I wouldn't mind seeing .0025-.0030, but I think they will be OK.

I like to do the crank work on the table, so I can then test fit all the flywheel/clutch/bellhousing/transmission/starter stuff and dial in the bellhousing while the crank is easy to turn and Im not under the car. The bell is a new quicktime scattersheild, and it was concentric to the centerline of the crankshaft within .006". Close enuff. But the counterweight levers on the Advance clutch hit the inside of the bell. So I put some washers between the block and the block plate to push the bell rearward .125" as a test. That solved the clearance issue, so I ordered an extra block plate to put in there as a long term solution.

Jeff came over and got busy pulling the F.A.S.T. fuel tank, and installing the new caltracs and mono leafs.

I hope to get the new slicks mounted and test fitted this week, and the short block all assembled over the upcoming weekend.

ToddK · « **Reply #32 on:** July 20, 2016, 03:26:50 AM »

What size Advance clutch are you using? I have a 7" twin plate from them that I got a few years ago to use in my race car, but then went with a C4. I have been thinking about running in my street/strip Galaxie with the Jerico behind it. I'm wondering how the clutch will handle limited street duties.

Hemi Joel · « **Reply #33 on:** July 20, 2016, 12:35:08 PM »

The clutch is a 10" single disc. The only streetability issue is that it is extremely light. So it surges and bucks sometimes when you try to creep along slowly in traffic. Same thing in the pits. I just stab the clutch if it starts doing it.
I noticed that the clutch fork pivot bracket is not properly positioned to center the throw-out bearing. Plus I have heard that the bracket can flex, so I am going to machine a pivot from a chunk of solid steel.

The car has a nice stance with the caltrac parts installed:

We had to remove the gas tank because it was set up for F.A.S.T. with a 2 gallon cell, pump and regulator hidden inside. A new stock tank from Auto City Classics is going in.

XR7 · « **Reply #34 on:** July 20, 2016, 03:30:42 PM »

Interesting observation about the light weight clutch. I have a light weight pocket milled aluminum flywheel, about 10 1/2# and it surges and "bucks" in the pits as well. I never put two and two together. I have seen oval track cars do the same thing quite a bit... and they have real light weight clutch assemblies, so it makes sense. Thanks for turning on the light bulb in my head...

How much does your flywheel weigh? It looks small for diameter as well, 141 tooth ring gear and Hemi 8 bolt crank? FE's have 184 teeth and are about 14 1/2+" diameter.

Hemi Joel · « **Reply #35 on:** July 23, 2016, 08:22:46 PM »

XR7, the flywheel has a 130 tooth ring gear and weighs just 8 pounds, The pressure plate is 13, and the sintered iron disc is a portly 4 pounds.

THe weight levers on the clutch were hitting on the inside of the Quicktime bellhousing, so I had to buy another "block saver" plate to go between the block and the bell. That will space it rearward far enuff to eliminate the interference.

THe total weight of the whole clutch/flywheel/scattersheild/double block plate assembly is 60#.

I also drilled a "trunk Monkey hole" for adjusting the clutch.

ScotiaFE · « **Reply #36 on:** July 23, 2016, 08:33:47 PM »

Hint:
When you are looking up it will help.

57 lima bean · « **Reply #37 on:** July 24, 2016, 03:29:25 PM »

Wow ...A dash one block.Can't be many of those left.ScotiaFE....Funny.I don't think Joel's TM would need any reminder.Seeing his car run 10 flats a couple of weeks back he seems to be well versed.

JERICOGTX · « **Reply #38 on:** July 26, 2016, 11:19:41 AM »

I think I bought my SoftLoc in '98 or '99. Have a good system down to adjusting one, but the reminder never hurts. Keeping Joel around long enough to do his part will be the tough task. Lol.

Hemi Joel · « **Reply #39 on:** July 26, 2016, 04:08:46 PM »

I'm going to triple my fee for signing autographs, that should help free up some time.

What's a dash one block?

thatdarncat · « **Reply #40 on:** July 26, 2016, 05:32:25 PM »

Quote from: Hemi Joel on July 26, 2016, 04:08:46 PM

What's a dash one block?

I'm going to guess Joel is a little disoriented today due to the heat and that's why he didn't know a Mopar trivia question, I know Jerico GTX would know. Here's a link, go part way down the page to the explanation of "dash" blocks.

http://racehemi.maxwedge.com/topics/castings.php

JERICOGTX · « **Reply #41 on:** July 26, 2016, 08:42:51 PM »

I knew what the -# meant but have never seen a -1 block before. My junk usually came from a junk New Yorker or a Córdoba. The higher the number the more likely it will have core shift, and basically be a boat anchor.

Hemi Joel · « **Reply #42 on:** July 27, 2016, 03:50:55 PM »

Come one, come all, step right up folks! Stump the Trunk Monkey and win a cigar!

JERICOGTX · « **Reply #43 on:** July 29, 2016, 09:41:13 AM »

I look taller...

JERICOGTX · « **Reply #44 on:** August 19, 2016, 09:17:16 AM »

Last night was the first night back after Bonneville. I got the wheel studs swapped in the axles, and drilled the rims for rim screws, and got the screws installed. It is going to be a tough task to get everything finished, but if I can keep Joel WORKING, instead of writing lists we should be OK. Doubt he will see this as he has sworn off all internet, to work on the car.

Hoping tonight I can get the new fuel tank installed, Dana 60 filled up, and start working on the sub frame connectors.

jayb · « **Reply #45 on:** August 19, 2016, 03:03:22 PM »

Jeff, you are one dedicated trunk monkey!

cjshaker · « **Reply #46 on:** August 19, 2016, 04:07:57 PM »

Jeez, I'm really wishing I had a Trunk Monkey. I need to find a better set of friends, or at least some that are interested in cars.

JERICOGTX · « **Reply #47 on:** August 19, 2016, 04:40:52 PM »

Quote from: jayb on August 19, 2016, 03:03:22 PM

Jeff, you are one dedicated trunk monkey!

Hopefully Joel's head doesn't swell, but I really owe him. In the last 3 years since getting divorced, I have been able to go to Florida for vacation the last 3 years, been to Drag Week, and now Bonneville. Without Joel, none of that would have happened.

Hemi Joel · « **Reply #48 on:** August 22, 2016, 01:32:57 PM »

I had to wake up the Trunk Monkey and force him to get back to work. but he is making progress.

Hemi Joel · « **Reply #49 on:** August 22, 2016, 02:01:13 PM »

Against my better judgement, I put my shortblock together before i had the heads ready. These heads have never been on this shortblock, and wouldn't you know, it has valve to piston issues. So I have to tear it apart and cut the pistons. Arg. I worked on that for a while, but got kind of frustrated and tired of it. so I opted for a change of pace and worked on the wiring. That should be easy to finish, then I'll get back on the motor.

Hemi Joel · « **Reply #50 on:** August 22, 2016, 02:03:33 PM »

I'm going to run PAC endurance valve springs with #255/635 pressure. It takes lots of oil to cool them on the long street drives, so I plumbed the block for full time oiling to the rocker gear.

jayb · « **Reply #51 on:** August 22, 2016, 03:34:37 PM »

At 3000 RPM, you really don't need to cool those valve springs, Captain Stabbin'. Can't hurt if you've got the oil, though...

Bolted to Floor · « **Reply #52 on:** August 22, 2016, 09:08:01 PM »

Quote from: Hemi Joel on August 22, 2016, 01:32:57 PM

I had to wake up the Trunk Monkey and force him to get back to work. but he is making progress.

Nap times over, time to loose the blankey!!

Hemi Joel · « **Reply #53 on:** August 24, 2016, 06:02:47 PM »

Quote from: Hemi Joel on August 22, 2016, 02:01:13 PM

so I opted for a change of pace and worked on the wiring. That should be easy to finish, then I'll get back on the motor.

Why does the wiring always take so long? Even when I pare it down to the bare essentials, it is a challenge. The steering column had to come out just to make room to get at stuff. I'm too old to be working under the dash like this...

turbohunter · « **Reply #54 on:** August 24, 2016, 06:19:30 PM »

You should bug Jay for one of his handy dandy new wiring clean up boxes.

jayb · « **Reply #55 on:** August 24, 2016, 07:56:23 PM »

There's PLENTY of time before Drag Week

WConley · « **Reply #56 on:** August 24, 2016, 08:00:24 PM »

Just hang this sign under your dash. You'll be fine!

The trouble light would be a bonus, but then you'd have to add a 120V inverter. Never mind...

Nightmist66 · « **Reply #57 on:** August 24, 2016, 08:17:14 PM »

Quote from: Hemi Joel on August 24, 2016, 06:02:47 PM

cjshaker · « **Reply #58 on:** August 25, 2016, 09:59:56 AM »

That looks like the wiring behind Jay's Shelby's dash, before his recent box making. Wiring like this gives me nightmares, but me thinks there's a little Tom-(or Joel)foolery going on in this photo

JERICOGTX · « **Reply #59 on:** August 25, 2016, 10:08:27 AM »

I begged and pleaded with Joel to let me take care of the wiring. All he said was "I got this". That was what I walked into yesterday... It was as ugly as the picture showed. The wiring was a mess too.

jayb · « **Reply #60 on:** August 25, 2016, 03:42:58 PM »

Quote from: cjshaker on August 25, 2016, 09:59:56 AM

Wiring like this gives me nightmares, but me thinks there's a little Tom-(or Joel)foolery going on in this photo

Yes indeed, Joel is a sly and mischevious trunk monkey

I remember back in 2008, when Joel and I were at Bowling Green for the start of Drag Week. I pulled my Galaxie over to the scale where there were probably 50 participants waiting around. It weighed 3935 with me in it, and everybody went, "Whoa!!". Back in the pits, Joel said we should have stuffed the trunk with the tool box, the gas cans, and whatever else to make it as heavy as we could, just to really wow the crowd LOL! Something tells me that rats nest of wiring under the dash is along the same lines as a toolbox in the trunk...

Hemi Joel · « **Reply #61 on:** August 25, 2016, 03:52:17 PM »

It's all about the presentation...

JERICOGTX · « **Reply #62 on:** August 31, 2016, 05:37:19 AM »

Last night, I installed subframe connectors in Joel's GTX. The dual fuel system is now 90% complete, and we are gaining on the CAR being complete. Joel still has to finish the engine, but is taking the next couple days off of work, and we should be OK. Hopefully we can get a few street miles on, before we load up and head out next Friday night. Going to be tight, but we WILL be going...

Hemi Joel · « **Reply #63 on:** August 31, 2016, 10:47:02 AM »

YUp, Jeff is hard at work while I goof off almost full time.

Here he is welding in the frame ties.

Since I'm a rookie at cutting pistons, it is taking me a while. I am kind of sneaking up on it, cut some, then assemble and test. So I don't take of any more than needed. I can't go backwards with the mill!

We should be ready for Drag Week in time, if nothing major goes wrong.

jayb · « **Reply #64 on:** August 31, 2016, 11:01:03 AM »

Nice machining setup on that piston!

turbohunter · « **Reply #65 on:** August 31, 2016, 12:10:09 PM »

Nice Mr. Joel.
I believe this may call for a "we are not worthy" bow from the peanut gallery.

cjshaker · « **Reply #66 on:** August 31, 2016, 02:49:59 PM »

Those must be some pretty valuable U-joints to need locking up

Did it pain you to weld the subframe connectors on such a pristine (nearly)original car?

JERICOGTX · « **Reply #67 on:** August 31, 2016, 04:56:52 PM »

Just a HEMI car... They made plenty of them in '67. Besides, they were built to race, not sit in the grass at a show, while the owner sits next to it under a umbrella.

Hemi Joel · « **Reply #68 on:** August 31, 2016, 08:50:31 PM »

Quote from: cjshaker on August 31, 2016, 02:49:59 PM

Those must be some pretty valuable U-joints to need locking up

Did it pain you to weld the subframe connectors on such a pristine (nearly)original car?

Those are date coded, ink stamped, NOS 1970 HemiCuda convertible 4 speed U-joints.

I figure the frame connectors will help preserve the car, so no guilt there.

Hemi Joel · « **Reply #69 on:** September 05, 2016, 01:40:02 AM »

So here we are, 1 week before the start of Drag Week, and I am in a last minute thrash to get the GTX ready. Over the the last week or two, I have put the Hemi together. Since the last time this short block was together was 2005, it seems that I have spent more time looking for stuff and cleaning parts than I have actually wrenching.

I used the Summit windage tray with an integral gasket. I didn't think it had enuff holes in it to scrape the crank, so I make a few myself using a knife heated with a torch:

Hopefully, this FlowKooler water pump will help keep it cool on the street.

By the time I got it all screwed together today, and started cleaning it up to paint it was almost dark. I was so tired from the long hard days all week, I could barely stand up anymore. Then Jeff came over, and offered to do the honors with the $10 harbor freight HVLP gun. He was out there spraying by porch light, with bugs flying all around. THen it started raining, so we pushed it inside and blew the water off of it. When the rain quit, we pushed it back out and finished.

Seeing the Hemi in fresh paint lit a new fire of motivation in my heart, and I immediately got busy on it again.

I pulled the K frame out by dropping it onto a freight cart that I converted to a K frame cart. THe motor and trans will get assembled on and set on the cart, then the body lowered over it.

I still have a ton of work to do. The first passes on the new combo will be at Drag Week.

cjshaker · « **Reply #70 on:** September 05, 2016, 02:05:07 AM »

Jeez, you're up as late as I am working on stuff.
And it's LESS than a week that you need to be on the road, but who's counting

Good luck on the rest of the week. Hopefully everything will go smoothly and there are no break-in issues with the engine. What compression did you build into it?

jayb · « **Reply #71 on:** September 05, 2016, 08:37:46 AM »

The motor looks great, Joel. Jeff has been a real help; I think he's been indispensable for both of us...

Qikbbstang · « **Reply #72 on:** September 05, 2016, 09:37:24 AM »

Joel FWIW: for decades I made a living separating the wanted from the unwanted in filtration. One of my favorite side-lines was studying windage trays at every opportunity. A favorite is the modern production Chevy Vette windage tray almost a refined version of the vintage FoMoCo FE trays and your Summit tray. They all use the cheese grater louvers that try to capture the centrifugally thrown oil'liquid boundary layer from the top surface of the tray and direct it down to the basement under the tray. Deep or tall grates tend to grab both air/wind and the oil. Absurdly tall grates direct everything (a lot of wind) down below. Low or shallow grates are more selective just going for the thin oil boundary and selectively limiting the air/wind sent below to the sump.
JMHO the last thing you want is to send excessive air/wind down under the tray, first because not only must the gases/wind someway come back up but secondly it vastly complicates what you want to be calm area under the tray/in the sump where you are hoping the oil can shed itself of aeration/bubbles prior to being picked up and pumped back through all your bearing surfaces that depend on an oil film to hold things apart. Premium lube's have anti-foaming agents that encourage the oil to shed itself of air -- junk oil or worn out additive package oil will make great milk shakes the way air is retained in it. Last I heard shaving cream or aerated oil sucks at providing film strength or providing hydraulic support.
LSS- Probably was not the beat idea to work over that production tray.
Personally I will say the concept of using a woven wire mesh trays or mesh windows in a stamped tray is perfect for aerating any lubricating fluid.. The hundreds of openings of the mesh act like the bubble wands kids use to blow bubbles - couple them with the massive back & forth displacement pulsations of the pistons and wind storm going around the crank and I can think of no better way to aerate oil.

Hemi Joel · « **Reply #73 on:** September 05, 2016, 09:54:53 PM »

Got the engine and trans in today. Not ready to start it yet.

cjshaker · « **Reply #74 on:** September 05, 2016, 10:09:27 PM »

Good luck on the small stuff. Hope it goes well.
That's a cool tunnel ram in the background, by the way.

jayb · « **Reply #75 on:** September 06, 2016, 07:48:17 AM »

Getting closer. Plenty of time before Drag Week!

TomP · « **Reply #76 on:** September 06, 2016, 05:28:20 PM »

Good thing you guys have both had all summer to work out the bugs. Hope things go smoothly the next couple days.

JERICOGTX · « **Reply #77 on:** September 08, 2016, 07:51:29 PM »

Joel is making sure the finer details are covered...

BruceS · « **Reply #78 on:** September 08, 2016, 08:27:36 PM »

Wow! I thought those horns were reserved just for us Texans!

jayb · « **Reply #79 on:** September 08, 2016, 08:28:21 PM »

Have you guys run it yet, or done the shakedown cruise?

JERICOGTX · « **Reply #80 on:** September 08, 2016, 09:36:35 PM »

No. Still have to finish exhaust, install seats, shifter, fuel line to the carbs, make plug wires, wire the fuel pumps, install distributer, and just a few more things. Moving along though...

Hemi Joel · « **Reply #81 on:** September 08, 2016, 09:45:52 PM »

Taking a break for a few minutes.
We still need to bleed the brakes. I found a leaky caliper and rebuit that. And install the LM1 meter too.

cjetmech · « **Reply #82 on:** September 18, 2016, 05:57:02 PM »

Joel what happened with the red GTX? Did you just run out of time? I was surprised to see the conv out there, it looked like you were real close with the other car.

JERICOGTX · « **Reply #83 on:** September 18, 2016, 08:01:43 PM »

We finished the red car at 2:00am Saturday before leaving. We were hoping to leave Joel's place Friday night by 8:00. When Joel finally fired the HEMI at 2:00am, the engine only had 10lbs of oil pressure at idle. Joel figured he had installed the wrong lifters, causing the pressure to bleed off.

While we could have pushed the car into the trailer, had a set of lifters dropped shipped to Natioal Trail, and hoped the push rods might have worked, it just wasn't a god idea. We were both walking zombies at that point. Towing that far with so many variables just didn't seem like a good idea.

cjetmech · « **Reply #84 on:** September 19, 2016, 02:26:10 PM »

Thats too bad, great effort though. Atleast it'll be going soon and a definite for DW17, unless Joel decides to run the Dusenberg. THAT would be interesting.

JERICOGTX · « **Reply #85 on:** September 19, 2016, 06:25:36 PM »

Actually the red GTX was the plan B car. Joel has been building a 31 Plymouth coupe for the Hot Rod class. The plan is to switch out the 11:1 Pistons for a set of 13:1 slugs and a bigger cam. The car needs to go to a chassis shop and have misc things finished up.

machoneman · « **Reply #86 on:** September 20, 2016, 12:54:53 PM »

Quote from: JERICOGTX on September 18, 2016, 08:01:43 PM

We finished the red car at 2:00am Saturday before leaving. We were hoping to leave Joel's place Friday night by 8:00. When Joel finally fired the HEMI at 2:00am, the engine only had 10lbs of oil pressure at idle. Joel figured he had installed the wrong lifters, causing the pressure to bleed off.

While we could have pushed the car into the trailer, had a set of lifters dropped shipped to Natioal Trail, and hoped the push rods might have worked, it just wasn't a god idea. We were both walking zombies at that point. Towing that far with so many variables just didn't seem like a good idea.

Sorry to hear that. But you both made the right decision. Hopefully, you will have time this Fall for a lot of drag strip testing to sort things out.

cjetmech · « **Reply #87 on:** September 20, 2016, 05:56:16 PM »

LOL, I wish I had those kind of issues. Joel's backup is a 10 sec Hemi GTX, Jays backup is either a 9 sec SOHC Galaxie or a 9 sec 850hp R code Mach1. The hotrod gods have smiled on both of these guys. I'm just glad that they share so much of it with us. What would be bad is if they were into BBC's. That would suck.

Hemi Joel · « **Reply #88 on:** September 21, 2016, 07:47:50 PM »

In hindsight, I wish I had trailered the race car out and attempted to fix it there. 3 years in a row of doing Drag Week in parade cars is wearing on my man-card privileges. Next year...

Still I had a great time, how could I not?
The convert was 2 tenths off from last year and I don't know why. I need to check into it.

BattlestarGalactic · « **Reply #89 on:** September 21, 2016, 10:47:52 PM »

Wow, heard about the project car, very cool. Bummer not getting it completed in time, then to have the red car go kaput. Ugh.

There is "always next year"...................right?

JERICOGTX · « **Reply #90 on:** September 22, 2016, 09:20:12 AM »

Quote from: Hemi Joel on September 21, 2016, 07:47:50 PM

In hindsight, I wish I had trailered the race car out and attempted to fix it there. 3 years in a row of doing Drag Week in parade cars is wearing on my man-card privileges. Next year...

Still I had a great time, how could I not?
The convert was 2 tenths off from last year and I don't know why. I need to check into it.

You just need to start making a list, and buckle down on the coupe NOW!

Hemi Joel · « **Reply #91 on:** September 22, 2016, 11:46:55 AM »

What are you talking about, I have a whole year! That's plenty of time.

Hemi Joel · « **Reply #92 on:** September 22, 2016, 11:49:33 AM »

I do owe JericoGTX a huge debt of gratitude for all his help. He worked his butt of to try to get us to Drag Week in a race car. Thanks buddy!

cjshaker · « **Reply #93 on:** September 22, 2016, 12:40:54 PM »

Quote from: Hemi Joel on September 22, 2016, 11:46:55 AM

What are you talking about, I have a whole year! That's plenty of time.

Lmao!! I feel a last minute thrash coming on here, in about 11 months.

Gregwill16 · « **Reply #94 on:** September 23, 2016, 03:34:02 PM »

Any of you Mopar guys coming to KY this weekend for the Mopar event?

cjetmech · « **Reply #95 on:** September 23, 2016, 04:26:21 PM »

Quote from: Hemi Joel on September 21, 2016, 07:47:50 PM

In hindsight, I wish I had trailered the race car out and attempted to fix it there. 3 years in a row of doing Drag Week in parade cars is wearing on my man-card privileges. Next year...

Still I had a great time, how could I not?
The convert was 2 tenths off from last year and I don't know why. I need to check into it.

Hate to say it Joel (but this is an FE board). Maybe its time to give up on those Hemi's and make the switch to FE power!! You must have squeezed enough knowledge out of Jay by now to build a helluva high riser!

thatdarncat · « **Reply #96 on:** September 23, 2016, 04:33:59 PM »

Quote from: cjetmech on September 23, 2016, 04:26:21 PM

Hate to say it Joel (but this is an FE board). Maybe its time to give up on those Hemi's and make the switch to FE power!! You must have squeezed enough knowledge out of Jay by now to build a helluva high riser!

I happen to know that Hemi Joel is hoarding some FE parts in his shop.

Hemi Joel · « **Reply #97 on:** September 23, 2016, 06:20:11 PM »

I love the FE - that's were my hot rodding roots lie. My first performance cars were a pair of 67 Cougars. One 390 GT, and another 390 car that I swapped a 428 CJ into. One of these days, I'll need to get my 65 F100 back on the road. And I long for a GTE, and a Shelby GT500 Kr convert. A cammer powered Starliner is also on my wishlist. But the 426 Hemi really fits my style: easy and simple to make big power, visually impressive, good ROI, some what uncommon and exotic. I'll always be Hemi Joel

Russ67Scode · « **Reply #98 on:** September 23, 2016, 10:08:25 PM »

"Hate to say it Joel (but this is an FE board). Maybe its time to give up on those Hemi's and make the switch to FE power!!" How many HEMI's did FORD make !!!

JERICOGTX · « **Reply #99 on:** September 24, 2016, 06:00:51 AM »

Joel is a majority HEMI guy, but I know of ONE Ford he would almost sell his sole for, and it's not FE powered. He hoards plenty of non Mopar HEMI stuff, but none of it is good for making HP. Lol.

cjetmech · « **Reply #100 on:** September 26, 2016, 12:02:40 PM »

Ahh I didn't know Joel was an FE guy at heart. If I could I'd have a HEMI something in my garage along with a bunch of FE's. Along with a Boss9, 440+6, 429SCJ, Boss351, and maybe even an SD455.

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Author Topic: THe road to Drag Week 2016 - Hemi Style (Read 40839 times)

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