Roll call for Drag Week...

[cjshaker]

Any update on who all is in for Drag Week this year? As far as I know, Alan and I are the only 'for sure' people going this year. What about Kevin? Will you be going this year? Looks like it will be a small FE crowd this year. Maybe 3 or 4 total, and only 1 or 2 of those are forum members, me included.

Except for an oil change and replacing my stock type starter with a Rob McQ starter I bought, I've got all the small things done I wanted to take care of. That gives me roughly 4 weeks to get the DW trailer and hauling rig ready for the trip, which is good because I've got about 2 weeks of other stuff planned before then.   My goal this year is, A: to make it through the week without any issues, and B: to start out running the same as my best last year (12.5) and improve on that. I don't think I'll have any chance of catching Alan with my current set-up. Oh yeah, and C: not get threatened to get kicked out of Drag Week, like I did last year

[jayb]

Sounds like Scott and Jack Miller will both be going with FE cars.  My former trunk monkey Joel is hoping to have his 33 Plymouth ready, but will bring his GTX in case that one is not finished.  Kevin says he is going one way or the other.  The Drunk Monkey and I are staying home 

[thatdarncat]

Plan A, my '67 Cougar, looks like it will not be done in time for Dragweek 2017. My machine shop also is behind on the FE I dropped off, mostly my fault for not getting it there earlier this year. The good news is I feel confident in having the car ready to race by the beginning of race season here next year, so hopefully I can get some track time in before Dragweek 2018. It's disappointing though, since there are always so many unknowns for next year - How far away will Dragweek be?, How much will gas cost?, etc. I'm continuing to work on the car though. 

Plan B this year is going to be my '96 Lincoln MK VIII. Not very exciting I know, but it should be about a second quicker than my '78 Lincoln MK V ( AKA The Road Pillow ) I took last year. I had planned on taking the '96 Mark back on Dragweek 2012, so it already has a set of slicks mounted and a driveshaft loop installed. My mechanic buddy BradFORD & I did an inspection last Friday for any needed maintenance, and we have a list to address over the next few weeks. The '96 Mark is my daily driver and has 234,000 miles though, so it's not a slam dunk that it can complete Dragweek. Even without the Cougar done I still wanted to go this year, hopefully I can provide some reports during the week.

Here's a link to the Dragweek prep we did to the '96 Mark VIII in 2012: http://fepower.net/simplemachinesforum/index.php?topic=635.0

[bluef100fe]

I have lots of work to get done but I'm planning on attending. Not booking any hotels or anything, maybe I can snag one at one of the stops along the way. Otherwise does anybody know if any of the tracks have shower facilities? I've slept in the truck enough times but a shower can sure make a person feel refreshed... I bought a slew of safety items the truck needed to be legal for sub 11 ET's... hopefully I didn't forget anything and hot rod will clear me for faster than 11's.   If I read the IHRA rule book correctly, items I needed are 5 point harness, 1-3/4 x 0.118 6 point roll bar, sfi balancer and flexplate, transmission shield, driveshaft loop, wheelbstuds to the end of the lugnuts...  along with getting all that installed, I have to get the new 35 spline rearend, new leafs and brackets installed, sort out the new rear disc brakes, also run a second fuel line for the extra electric pump I purchased since I feel the edelbrock mechanical pump isn't up to the task to keep the new engine fed...nothing like a thrash before dragweek... can you guys that have participated before let me know if there's anything I've missed or over looked? Besides making major changes right before dragweek lol. Thanks

[AlanCasida]

Yup I'm going to be there unless I blow something up ahead of time.    Sorry to hear your not going to make it Jay. It won't be the same without you.

[thatdarncat]

I have lots of work to get done but I'm planning on attending. Not booking any hotels or anything, maybe I can snag one at one of the stops along the way. Otherwise does anybody know if any of the tracks have shower facilities? I've slept in the truck enough times but a shower can sure make a person feel refreshed...

I don't remember noticing any showers at Cordova, GLD, or Gateway - maybe? And I haven't been to Byron before. If no one here has an answer maybe try emailing the tracks? Most of your decent sized truck stops have showers for a few bucks, I've done that a few times while on the road. If you buy Hemi Joel some shrimp during the week you might be able to talk him into using his hotel room shower One issue with booking hotels for Dragweek is often you don't get to spend much time there. I think Jeff Lutz sleeps in his car more than anywhere else. That's one thing about dragweek, it's the great equalizer.

Do you have a trunk monkey going with? Do you have a smart phone? If you do it will be a big help for the map and internet. Last year I bought a suction cup phone holder thing off Amazon to hold my iphone in view while I was driving. It helped since I was alone. If you have a cell phone try to have a way of keeping it charged while on the road - cigarette lighter plug, etc. I've been bringing a clipboard along to hold my Dragweek route sheet - it helps keep the sheet from blowing out the window while you drive ( I assume Big Blue doesn't have A/C ) and if you need to make notes on it. If you don't have a clipboard they're usually available cheap at a thrift store. If you don't have a camera on your phone you'll need a digital camera for taking pictures of the checkpoints, and being able to show the dragweek crew the next day. One good tip I saw was to take pictures on both a camera and your phone - if you lose or break one you'll still have a backup. You have to turn in your timeslip each day too, I take a picture of my timeslip first, just for my records. On registration day you'll need your Drivers license, Proof of insurance and proof of registration that matches the vehicle and VIN. And as you probably remember, they will check for functioning lights, turn signals, brake lights and horn. A cooler is good if you have room for it, and liquids of course. Although the tracks have food stands, they often have long lines, or are quite a ways from the pits, and you may not have much time to leave your vehicle. The tracks often are not prepared for the amount of people that turn out during a week day, and the fact that we are concentrated there for only a few hours. Bring any "unique" or special tools you've modified just to fit your truck. You can probably borrow just about anything up to a welder from another competitor, but it's that special wrench you've bent just to adjust your valves that no one will have. I'm sure I'll think of more stuff, glad you're getting a chance to go.

[cjshaker]

Well duh, I forgot about Scott and Jack

Kevin, I remember that post about your Lincoln. You're going to get a reputation as having the most comfortable cars at Drag Week
I look forward to seeing you again.

Cody, that's great that you're going! I'd love to see your truck going down the track. Sounds like you've got a "Jay's" week worth of work to do (that's a month to normal people ) Hope you get it all finished.

That was all great advice from Kevin. I don't recall seeing any showers at any of the tracks last year, but I'd doubt they'd have them open even if they did. Like Kevin said, being only a partial day event at each track, I doubt they'd have all the amenities open at the tracks. In the event of no shower, a couple of wash rags and some water will get you through the week. It's not like you'll be looking to pick up a hot date    Last year, I had planned on just sleeping at the tracks. That didn't work because they didn't open them the night before. Luckily my wife and sister had booked rooms (they tagged along just to watch), so me and my son just stayed with them at night. A smart phone and clip board are both good ideas and come in very handy. If you don't have a smart phone, a camera and good map are good ideas. Last year one of the roads on the DW map was closed so you had to improvise after the checkpoint. That wouldn't have been possible without a good map or punching the address in a GPS unit. You do have one big plus going for you, you don't need a trailer.

Jay, bummer you won't be going. I'm sure Freiburger will also be disappointed not to see you there. It certainly won't be the same without the Drunk Monkey, he was good entertainment last year

So it seems that 7 or possibly 8 forum members will be going, with either 4 or 5 of them being FE's. Good, I won't be the only forum member there with an FE.

[bluef100fe]

I'm uncertain if I'm going solo yet or not.  hard to get anybody to take a week of vacation to ride along and fix anything that breaks on the mistress... I don't blame them but it would be nice to have somebody to keep me awake... do I need a race license for faster than 11.0? If so thats probably a problem... hoping to have cage installed after this weekend... fit the rest in before the following weekend... been talking about making this trip since I met Jay at kaukauna in 2006? 2007? Should be a hoot if plans come together.

[cjshaker]

Cody, you don't need a Competition License until you run 9.99 or 135 mph.

Ditto on finding someone willing to do this with you. My son went with me last year, but he's into the No Prep, Outlaws thing, so he loved it. This year, my wife is coming, but that basically means I'm on my own when it comes to fixing things. I'm not saying anything more for fear of jinxing myself, and I don't mean with the wife

[thatdarncat]

I'm uncertain if I'm going solo yet or not.  hard to get anybody to take a week of vacation to ride along and fix anything that breaks on the mistress...

Lol, yeah that's why Jay & I have had such a hard time getting our mechanic buddy BradFORD to go along again. Poor guy works all week on peoples stuff, then we try to get him to go on a "vacation" that is really just a communal rolling vehicle torture test.

You don't need a competition license until you hit 9.99, above 10.00 you're ok. 11.00 to 11.50 requires at least a roll bar with padding near driver ( roll cage will obviously be ok ), SFI belts and SFI jacket. What do you have for a seat in the truck - stock bench? One issue I'm not sure of is if they will require you to have a headrest of some sort, at the point where the roll bar is required ( 11.49 ).

Having someone with is nice, it's a cool roadtrip, my issue is Dragweek is always the same time as the NHRA Division V ET Finals, and most of my racing friends are busy there. I found in 2015 I was so hyper sensitive to listening to whatever sound the car was making I didn't really get tired, even late at night. You're also pretty hopped up on adrenaline. Add in usually having to check the route map often, and stopping occasionally for the checkpoints ( which can turn into local car shows ) You'll find you can hook up with random groups here and there on the road portion, and that will help keep you alert. If you do start to get tired there will be plenty of opportunities to stop along the way and help other broke down Dragweekers 

[Nightmist66]

Hope to be there one way or another. Would like to be FE powered, but the project is not looking good right now. Definitely a jayb DW thrash.....

[AlanCasida]

I am in the same spot. My friends don't really want to use up a whole week of vacation just for a ride-along and I can't get them to take their cars. So, I do it by myself. I really don't mind. I have always tried to be self sufficient and I decided from the beginning if there is something wrong with the car that I can't fix myself or requires two people I will call AAA and call it a day. I'm not into pulling transmissions or changing rod bearings on the side of the road anymore! Trying to navigate the driving directions are the most challenging part.

[bluef100fe]

 OK I'll have to check the sfi rating code on my jacket, stock bench seat in the truck and it's gonna stay that way not sure where I would put a headrest since when I have my helmet on in the truck my head is pretty much against the back window already... I was looking in the rulebook and they don't give a height dimension for the 1.25 seatbelt bar?  I assume it needs to be below my shoulders to help hold me down in the seat but I'm uncertain how low I can put it because there's not a Lot of room behind the seat in that cab.. thanks for all the advice so far and any other pointers you guys can give me would be greatly appreciated

[bluef100fe]

How strict are they going to be for proof of registration?  the truck has had collector plates on it for 20 years? All I have is the title and the plates that are on the truck. Would that be sufficient?  I recently put insurance back on it so that's not a problem but as far as the little registration paper that comes with the plates that is long gone lol,  thanks again

[57 lima bean]

"communal rolling vehicle torture test."....Perfect..lol.BradFORD is with out a doubt someone you want on your side.

[thatdarncat]

How strict are they going to be for proof of registration?  the truck has had collector plates on it for 20 years? All I have is the title and the plates that are on the truck. Would that be sufficient?  I recently put insurance back on it so that's not a problem but as far as the little registration paper that comes with the plates that is long gone lol,  thanks again

It's the same here in Minnesota, we don't have yearly renewals on our collector plates, so no annual  paperwork. In 2015 what I did was ask at the local DMV and they were able to run a report on their computer that printed out my registration info and I brought that, and Hot Rod was fine. I think the DMV did charge me a couple dollars to do it, anything to get their cut lol. Last year I still had the paper work that came with the collector plates on my Lincoln and that was fine too. I'm sure your title would be fine too. The Hot Rod people seem to have run into this stuff plenty of times at this point, and they knew our Minnesota collector plates didn't renew yearly.

[cjshaker]

Same here, I have collector plates in my Mach, good for 50 years I believe. I have the registration that came with the plates, but the DMV should be able to run you off a set if you've lost yours.

From what I saw last year, when it got to the end of the tech line, it was VERY late in the day. It took a loooooooong time to get all the cars through (I hope they have more/better lines this year). By the end of the day, they were just shoving cars through and doing minimal checks, like dates on belts, jackets and helmets. They were just trying to get finished! So if all else fails, wait till the end, there's a good chance they'll just push you through..lol  Do you have a roll bar in the truck?

[thatdarncat]

There is a "Secret" Facebook Dragweekers page ( guess it's not a secret now  ) A couple weeks ago Lonnie Grimm, Hot Rod's head event guy commented that they have a plan this year to make the tech line run "much" smoother and quicker, I guess we will see. But they are also planning on 400 cars this year. It's been discussed quite a bit on various groups, but I really don't think these tracks have any idea what is about to land on their door step when Dragweek comes, and of course the tracks change around each year. At National Trail, the host track last year, I think only 2 of the track's tech people showed up on Sunday and they were just overwhelmed. I don't know if Hot Rod explains things well, or if the tracks just don't listen. For the whole event, especially Sunday, you just have to tell your self to be patient and use the time to walk around and visit & check out the cars. Starting on Monday everything starts going so fast you'll have a hard time taking it all in.   

[thatdarncat]

OK I'll have to check the sfi rating code on my jacket, stock bench seat in the truck and it's gonna stay that way not sure where I would put a headrest since when I have my helmet on in the truck my head is pretty much against the back window already... I was looking in the rulebook and they don't give a height dimension for the 1.25 seatbelt bar?  I assume it needs to be below my shoulders to help hold me down in the seat but I'm uncertain how low I can put it because there's not a Lot of room behind the seat in that cab.. thanks for all the advice so far and any other pointers you guys can give me would be greatly appreciated

I took a look in my 2013 NHRA rule book, I didn't pull the latest version up online, but I assume these rules haven't changed - Section 4:10 Roll Bar & Section 4:11 Roll Cage - Cross bar is for seat bracing and shoulder harness attachment, must be installed no more than 4" below, and not above the drivers shoulders. That is also where it should be in relation to the side bar attachment to the main hoop. I will say I've seen cars I think are a little outside that spec ( lower ) and they seem to pass. Section 6:2 covers seats - seat back is supposed to have at least one bolt into the cross bar. If the cross bar is not right at the seat back they want a brace from seat to cross bar. I also think I've seen cars ( like in Stock Eliminator ) that just have the seat back at the cross bar without a bolt, but I'm trying to give you the "official" rules. Section 10:6 covers head protector - "...any car with a roll bar or roll cage, a padded head protector must be provided at the back of the drivers head and constructed in an attempt to prevent whiplash... A padded roll bar or cage alone is not acceptable as a padded head protector unless it is within 4" of the drivers helmet" I would take that to mean you could put padded upright bars on either side of your head, as long as they are within 4" of your helmet, and not necessarily right behind your head. It also leaves a lot of leeway as to how you construct the head protector - I would think a padded, narrow, flat piece of steel  behind your head running from cross bar up to the main hoop would work too. Removable head protectors are ok, if you want something you can take out for the drive. I think Jay made his head protector removable.  I'm not a NHRA tech guy, so just take these as suggestions. 

[Drew Pojedinec]

I'm uncertain if I'm going solo yet or not.  hard to get anybody to take a week of vacation to ride along and fix anything that breaks on the mistress..

Need a mechanic with really low standards of living?  I work 28 days on 28 days off, if I know when drag week is, I might be available if you needed company.

[thatdarncat]

I'm uncertain if I'm going solo yet or not.  hard to get anybody to take a week of vacation to ride along and fix anything that breaks on the mistress..

Need a mechanic with really low standards of living?  I work 28 days on 28 days off, if I know when drag week is, I might be available if you needed company.

Dragweek this year is September 10th through September 15th. Plan right now is Hemi Joel & Jeff, and myself to arrive sometime Saturday evening September 9th.

[Drew Pojedinec]

Looks like I go to work on Sept 14th. 

[cjshaker]

Dragweek this year is September 10th through September 15th. Plan right now is Hemi Joel & Jeff, and myself to arrive sometime Saturday evening September 9th.

Same plan here. I could probably use a hand in getting my small trailer off the back of my truck, if any of you guys feel giddy to help.

[thatdarncat]

Dragweek this year is September 10th through September 15th. Plan right now is Hemi Joel & Jeff, and myself to arrive sometime Saturday evening September 9th.

Same plan here. I could probably use a hand in getting my small trailer off the back of my truck, if any of you guys feel giddy to help.

Shouldn't be a problem.

[thatdarncat]

Hot Rod just published the entry list for Dragweek. Of course it's not 100% accurate since there will be some who have dropped out since entering last spring, and it doesn't include anyone getting on from the waiting list, but it's still fun to check out.

[1968Torino]

I'm for sure going to be there. I'll have my sons FE powered 68 Torino. My dad will be my co-pilot. My wife will meet us at the different tracks as long as we make it. I'll be taking maps, a gps, and a smart phone. Following the route is the most difficult part of the whole trip. I keen navigator makes things smoother. I've got most of what I need to do finished up. There are a few things I'd like to do yet. I've converted over to e85. Very happy with that. Just hope Illinois is green weenie enough to have a few stations with it. My brother will be there in a tube chassis falcon. No idea what class he's running. I'll see you guys in a couple of weeks.

[cjetmech]

If anyone needs somebody to ride shotgun I'm available. I'm on vacation that week and was just planning on doing home projects but I'd certainly drop that plan to go to DW. 50yr old aircraft mechanic who has FE drag racing experience. 5yrs in a weekly points series so I know the drill. I'll work with you on expenses too. I'd be coming from the northeast. If anybody is interested email me at jcurrie8765@icloud.com.

[cjetmech]

And fwiw, I'd have no problem bench pressing a C6 on the side of the road at 2am, changing a rear pumpkin in an Arby's parking lot, or spending all day in the hot sun repairing your broken FE in the pits. Actually I'm one of those strange individuals who enjoys that kinda stuff!

[cjshaker]

Jim, I'm really glad to hear that you'll make it. Your buddys Falcon looks pretty serious. Looking forward to seeing both of you there!

cjetmech, I'd probably take you up on that if it wouldn't get me in hot water with the wife..lol She's had her heart set on riding along this year, so I'm really hoping it's a smooth ride like last year was.

[cjetmech]

Jim, I'm really glad to hear that you'll make it. Your buddys Falcon looks pretty serious. Looking forward to seeing both of you there!

cjetmech, I'd probably take you up on that if it wouldn't get me in hot water with the wife..lol She's had her heart set on riding along this year, so I'm really hoping it's a smooth ride like last year was.

Well if anything changes and you need somebody give me a shout. Like I said I'm off anyways so I could leave at the drop of a hat.

[57 lima bean]

1968Torino...Have a great time.I"m believing you have more than one navigator.

[bluef100fe]

Well just a little update on my junk, she survived the 50 mile trip pulling a car trailer with a golf cart and 120 feet or so of tubing, to meet the tubing bender at my buddies house, the mistress is back home finishing up the rollbar welding and new seat and belt brackets. Was hoping for an opportunity to make a few test passes but I'm afraid that won't happen at a track if at all before the event. I still have a rear axle and suspension to change, as well as install a larger radiator, as it ran hotter than I'm comfortable with on the highway and threw town. Also need to add the extra electric fuel pump. My friend Mike got his vacation time approved so I do have a copilot going with now.

Progress pic link: https://www.facebook.com/ladowski/posts/10211830007160043

Side note I seen Jay Brown listed under modified NA on hot rods website?

[cjshaker]

Good deal, Cody!
I must have missed something, why are you changing the rear and suspension when it seems to be working as is?

And Hot Rod seems to have gotten a lot of peoples classes mixed up, but Jay said he wouldn't be making it this year anyway.

[bluef100fe]

Doug,

I broke a 31 spline Yukon axle this June at the all ford race in Kentucky that I go to every year, the axles are well used and well over ten years old, last 6-7 have been taking the abuse of the wide open transbrake launches and mid/upper 1.5 60 foots at 4000 lbs, they are/were on borrowed time, they are also in the older, lighter housing, not the heavy truck housing that most people use. Anyway I don't trust them anymore, they been good to me for a long time, just time to upgrade for reliability sake, and to ease my mind, the suspension has to change because the new housing/ axles are 4 inches narrower than stock, the tires/rims would rub on the springs if I didn't relocate the springs closer to the frame, I went with the narrower housing to help tuck the tires inside the fenders because they stuck out of the fenders and I didn't like the look, the upgrade to rear disk brakes will be a  welcomed improvement also, heavy object moving fast is hard to stop quickly lol. Anyway, just like every other project of mine, they snowball out of control really fast.

[thatdarncat]

I stopped at Hemi Joel's house last night to see how things were progressing on the coupe. Apparently there is plenty of time lol.

[cjshaker]

He's obviously been busy since the yard hasn't been mowed in a few weeks

I got the email from Hot Rod last night that said they were planning on having 2 tech lines for registration day. No different than last year, so I think I need to show up a little earlier this time. Shouldn't be a problem though since last year was close enough that I didn't even leave till that Sunday morning.

I checked the distance from track 1 to 2, then from track 2 to 3, which are some long hauls, but that still leaves quite a few miles for the last 2 days. Hopefully those will be convoluted country miles like last years trek from Wayne Trail to Norwalk, and not directed into or around Chicago.

[jayb]

I stopped at Hemi Joel's house last night to see how things were progressing on the coupe. Apparently there is plenty of time lol.

Why, that LAZY trunk monkey...   

[thatdarncat]

We don't have an epic thrash by Jay this year for dragweek so Joel has agreed to step up and provide one lol. The Coupe ( or Coop as Joel callls it ) might actually have a chance at being finished this year, although here we are with one week to go and it hasn't gone down the road or a dragstrip, or even fired up yet. Lots of progress made today, it helps when Joel sets up a supervisory position so he can keep an eye on what Jeff is getting accomplished

[AlanCasida]

He's obviously been busy since the yard hasn't been mowed in a few weeks

I got the email from Hot Rod last night that said they were planning on having 2 tech lines for registration day. No different than last year, so I think I need to show up a little earlier this time. Shouldn't be a problem though since last year was close enough that I didn't even leave till that Sunday morning.

I checked the distance from track 1 to 2, then from track 2 to 3, which are some long hauls, but that still leaves quite a few miles for the last 2 days. Hopefully those will be convoluted country miles like last years trek from Wayne Trail to Norwalk, and not directed into or around Chicago.

I am going to get to get here earlier too. In their info packet they emailed out they said to be prepared as the trip from St Louis to Byron would mainly be interstate but the rest of the drives would mainly be two lane roads. I am hoping that's an indication the we will not be going through Chicago.

[cjshaker]

In their info packet they emailed out they said to be prepared as the trip from St Louis to Byron would mainly be interstate but the rest of the drives would mainly be two lane roads.

I saw that too, Alan. Interstates at 55 mph for me, should make for a long day...lol
I'm hoping to pick up a GV overdrive while I'm there this time. If I remember right, they had a special deal for people who bought at the event last year?

Joel looks like he's been in management too long..lol

[AlanCasida]

We don't have an epic thrash by Jay this year for dragweek so Joel has agreed to step up and provide one lol. The Coupe ( or Coop as Joel callls it ) might actually have a chance at being finished this year, although here we are with one week to go and it hasn't gone down the road or a dragstrip, or even fired up yet. Lots of progress made today, it helps when Joel sets up a supervisory position so he can keep an eye on what Jeff is getting accomplished

As we say at work when management is hounding us on a machine that is down "All we lack is finishing up!"

[Royce]

8 carbs on Dragweek?   That might be one of the less common definitions of insanity... Hmmm  16 jets to change   do you have 8 fire extinguishers?  lol..  How many get blocked off between tracks?  Instead of a trailer you need a fuel tanker.. Or is there a hidden EFI system I don't see..

Hope you make it!

[Nightmist66]

Things didn't go as planned for me. Just when I thought I was making progress on the car, I went backwards. No FE power for me. 


Is there a class I could enter my daily driver in, without being too slow and laughed out of the track? '03 Crown Vic with basic bolt-ons, 93 octane tune, 4.10 gear. Should run mid 14's. Not sure what else I can bring right now...

[AlanCasida]

Things didn't go as planned for me. Just when I thought I was making progress on the car, I went backwards. No FE power for me. 


Is there a class I could enter my daily driver in, without being too slow and laughed out of the track? '03 Crown Vic with basic bolt-ons, 93 octane tune, 4.10 gear. Should run mid 14's. Not sure what else I can bring right now...

As long as you have some DOT tires for it you can run in either Small Block Street race or street machine eliminator class. My car isn't running quite like I want it too and I have considered doing the same thing with my '04 Mach1 if I can't get it doing a little better.

[thatdarncat]

8 carbs on Dragweek?   That might be one of the less common definitions of insanity... Hmmm  16 jets to change   do you have 8 fire extinguishers?  lol..  How many get blocked off between tracks?  Instead of a trailer you need a fuel tanker.. Or is there a hidden EFI system I don't see..

Hope you make it!

Insanity...yup. Joel has his heart set on that intake set-up. Nope, not EFI. It will be interesting. And the subject of fire extinguishers has been brought up. 

[thatdarncat]

Things didn't go as planned for me. Just when I thought I was making progress on the car, I went backwards. No FE power for me. 


Is there a class I could enter my daily driver in, without being too slow and laughed out of the track? '03 Crown Vic with basic bolt-ons, 93 octane tune, 4.10 gear. Should run mid 14's. Not sure what else I can bring right now...

Sorry to hear about your FE. Yes, like Alan said, you have a couple choices. Street Machine Eliminator is kind of a general class - anything 10.00 et and slower. Only need to follow the NHRA safety rules which are pretty basic at your expected et - all your lug nuts in place, battery holdown, etc. Also like Alan stated, Dragweek rules require either DOT race tires or slicks. If you use slicks you need a driveshaft loop, if you use DOT drag tires you don't need the driveshaft loop if you are slower than 11.49 et. Don't worry about being the slowest, I ran my '78 Lincoln Mark V last year ( AKA the Road Pillow ) and finished with a mid 16 second average, there were still a few cars slower than me. I'm taking my '96 Lincoln Mark VIII this year and you will probably be quicker than that also. Slowest cars that finished were in the high 18 second range the last couple years, and in 2014 the slowest was in the 20's ( A Volkswagon Type 4 ). Come to have some fun, meet some good folks from all around the world, see the wildest street cars in the world and experience the challenge.

[thatdarncat]

Jeff & Joel were back at it this morning, I stopped over this afternoon. We got some more stuff bolted on the Coupe. Jeff has a couple more parts to fabricate, like a switch panel, so he ran home for a bit.  The project is at the point where wiring is the next major thing to do, so Joel started that this afternoon. He has an aftermarket harness kit. He got the MSD and fuse box mounted inside, started stringing the wires. We kid Joel, but he does actually do some of the work himself, good thing he's a good sport. Here he is starting the harness install.



I had to head back home this evening, when he gets it wired it should be close to getting fired up, maybe tomorrow. I need to work on my stuff the next few days, I don't know if Joel will have time to give us an update next week so we may have to wait for the next report.

[Nightmist66]

Thanks guys. I figured those two classes were my only options.

 I knew about the tires. Guess I better find some quick. Would like to get some drag radials on my 17in Cobra wheels and just leave them on the whole time. I have had the car to the track before and squeezed 93mph out of it. A lousy stock converter is really holding me back at the line. Don't know if I can get another one in before the race. Ran high 14s with the old 3.73 gear, but just installed some 4.10s. I'll see what happens....

[Nightmist66]

As long as you have some DOT tires for it you can run in either Small Block Street race or street machine eliminator class. My car isn't running quite like I want it too and I have considered doing the same thing with my '04 Mach1 if I can't get it doing a little better.

Sorry to hear you're still having trouble, Alan. I wouldn't mind seeing the Mach 1. I always liked those. What color is yours and is it stock? Auto or stick? What kind of time does it run?

[AlanCasida]

As long as you have some DOT tires for it you can run in either Small Block Street race or street machine eliminator class. My car isn't running quite like I want it too and I have considered doing the same thing with my '04 Mach1 if I can't get it doing a little better.

Sorry to hear you're still having trouble, Alan. I wouldn't mind seeing the Mach 1. I always liked those. What color is yours and is it stock? Auto or stick? What kind of time does it run?

Thanks, I think I may have my fuel issues figured out...maybe. My Mach 1 is Azure Blue with a 5 spd. I bought it new and it is box stock. I have never had it to the track. It has about 37,000 miles on it so I don't drive it a lot.   

[Nightmist66]

My Mach 1 is Azure Blue with a 5 spd. I bought it new and it is box stock. I have never had it to the track. It has about 37,000 miles on it so I don't drive it a lot.

I love that color and would be my only choice if I got one. Gotta have three pedals too. 

[cjshaker]

Things didn't go as planned for me. Just when I thought I was making progress on the car, I went backwards. No FE power for me. 


Is there a class I could enter my daily driver in, without being too slow and laughed out of the track? '03 Crown Vic with basic bolt-ons, 93 octane tune, 4.10 gear. Should run mid 14's. Not sure what else I can bring right now...

Jared, that's a real bummer that you can't take the Fairlane. I hope it's nothing serious. If Kevin can run the Road Pillow, I think you'd be fine running pretty much anything   Even if it's just a daily driver, you paid your money, so enjoy the event. In fact, a daily driver will let you enjoy it even that much more, since you wouldn't have to worry about breaking anything.

Thanks, I think I may have my fuel issues figured out...maybe. My Mach 1 is Azure Blue with a 5 spd. I bought it new and it is box stock. I have never had it to the track. It has about 37,000 miles on it so I don't drive it a lot.   

Alan, I sure hope you've got your fuel issue sorted out. I don't recall you having any problems in previous Drag Weeks? I had considered taking my '09 GT (stock drivetrain except for a cold air intake, cat back exhaust and tune) since my wife is going, just to make it easier on me, but I'm still taking the Mach because I enjoy driving and racing it so much.

Jeff & Joel were back at it this morning, I stopped over this afternoon. We got some more stuff bolted on the Coupe. Jeff has a couple more parts to fabricate, like a switch panel, so he ran home for a bit.  The project is at the point where wiring is the next major thing to do, so Joel started that this afternoon. He has an aftermarket harness kit. He got the MSD and fuse box mounted inside, started stringing the wires. We kid Joel, but he does actually do some of the work himself, good thing he's a good sport. Here he is starting the harness install.

I hope Joel makes it with his Coop, but that thing looks more like a torture device, given the fact he's got to drive it 1000 miles..lol  Hopefully he can at least get a quick tune on those carbs before the event. What is that hand lever for? I see he has a brake pedal, so rear hand brakes only isn't the case. I thought he may be just crazy enough to try that

[thatdarncat]

I hope Joel makes it with his Coop, but that thing looks more like a torture device, given the fact he's got to drive it 1000 miles..lol  Hopefully he can at least get a quick tune on those carbs before the event. What is that hand lever for? I see he has a brake pedal, so rear hand brakes only isn't the case. I thought he may be just crazy enough to try that

The hand lever is for the emergency brakes. The Coop is manual transmission, and I agree with Joel, they're probably a good idea. The latest update I have is Joel is still working on the wiring, but hopes to be ready to fire it up tonight.

[Royce]

I think the hand lever on the Coop is really for drifting.. Joel being a renaissance man, I would think that car is a multi role racer

[Nightmist66]

Things didn't go as planned for me. Just when I thought I was making progress on the car, I went backwards. No FE power for me. 


Is there a class I could enter my daily driver in, without being too slow and laughed out of the track? '03 Crown Vic with basic bolt-ons, 93 octane tune, 4.10 gear. Should run mid 14's. Not sure what else I can bring right now...

Jared, that's a real bummer that you can't take the Fairlane. I hope it's nothing serious. If Kevin can run the Road Pillow, I think you'd be fine running pretty much anything   Even if it's just a daily driver, you paid your money, so enjoy the event. In fact, a daily driver will let you enjoy it even that much more, since you wouldn't have to worry about breaking anything.

Thanks, Doug. Nothing too serious. I think I bit off a bit more than I could chew for the amount of time. I had one simple upgrade planned in the beginning, but it soon turned into "while I'm at it".    Next thing I know, the whole car is in a million pieces and I'm still waiting on parts to arrive. Maybe I'll have it ready by the next solar eclipse...

I don't know, when I take something to the track, I TRY to break something! 

[cjshaker]

I had one simple upgrade planned in the beginning, but it soon turned into "while I'm at it".

LOL, you could have shortened your answer to this   That seems to be a disease we're all afflicted with

I was going to tear into my car to do some more upgrades this year, but held off so I could continue to drive it while I got everything ready. Then I'll try to do it in small stages during the non-driving months over the next couple of years. But you know how plans go...

[AlanCasida]

More last minute fun. As my last pre DW prep I washed my car Monday and cleaned the wheels, etc. After I got done I felt my car and thought "Man this thing still feels really dirty". Great...there is overspray all over my car. No doubt I did it at some point while working on the Mustang. I thought I had it well covered and I even moved it out long before I did any color painting. No matter,  now I am hand compound out the whole upper 2/3 of the car since I don't dare power polish it for fear of burning through the paint. It still looks really good but fells like sandpaper when you rub your hand on it. 

[Nightmist66]

Try some clay bar with waterless wash or something safe for paint, Alan. I know it removes overspray. Just went through it too. I was amazed how easily the clay bar works. Doesn't scratch, either.

[AlanCasida]

Try some clay bar with waterless wash or something safe for paint, Alan. I know it removes overspray. Just went through it too. I was amazed how easily the clay bar works. Doesn't scratch, either.

Thanks, I'll give that a try. I have been using 3M Perfect-it polishing compound that works pretty good but it is a lot of rubbing. I have the trunk, roof and fender tops done. I have to stop at the parts store tomorrow anyway to get some more Perfect-it so I'll grab some clay bar while I'm there. One thing is for sure, this will be the cleanest this car has been for a really long time!

[cjshaker]

Plus 1 on the clay bar. I just recently started using them, got a great deal on several through Amazon, and they work fantastic! I even gave a couple to my friends to try. My paint feels like glass afterwards. A good wax then and the car is easier to wipe down and dust off than it's ever been. I'm sold on them. Save yourself some money though, water in any old spray bottle works good as a lubricant.

[JERICOGTX]

We are still plugging away. Still have not fired the car yet... What could possibly go wrong with this trip?

[thatdarncat]

We are still plugging away. Still have not fired the car yet... What could possibly go wrong with this trip?

Now he's just being a drama queen 

[1968Torino]

OK, we are all loaded up. Taking off in the morning. I have to be there Friday to help my brother get a NHRA cross license. I'm giving myself a little extra time because I'm traveling with my wife. And because of that I have to take the suburban instead of the crewcab. Gas in central Texas is hard to find right now. I'll have to get e85 on the way. I hope to see all of you there Sunday.

[turbohunter]

Godspeed Jim.
All my best to you and yours.

[cjshaker]

Wishing you safe travels, Jim. That's a long haul for sure! Looking forward to seeing you again.

[jayb]

Good luck Jim!  I'll be pulling for you - Jay

[Stangman]

Yeah good luck to everyone going, be safe!!!

[428 GALAXIE]

Sorry not FE nor I'm in any part of this well bought couple support shirts 
Anyway tough that had to share this.

https://www.facebook.com/VIPFlyingFinns/

[thatdarncat]

Sorry not FE nor I'm in any part of this well bought couple support shirts 
Anyway tough that had to share this.

https://www.facebook.com/VIPFlyingFinns/

I've been following the Finns and their '67 Plymouth VIP a little bit. I'm part Finnish myself, there are lots of Finns here in Minnesota.  They have a post going on the Moparts forum as well, so I would guess Jeff & Joel are watching their effort too. They've been in the states for a little while now and seem to be having a lot of fun already.

[thatdarncat]

OK, we are all loaded up. Taking off in the morning. I have to be there Friday to help my brother get a NHRA cross license. I'm giving myself a little extra time because I'm traveling with my wife. And because of that I have to take the suburban instead of the crewcab. Gas in central Texas is hard to find right now. I'll have to get e85 on the way. I hope to see all of you there Sunday.

Glad you're able to make the trip Jim, I'll be sure and say hello.

[1968Torino]

We made it. My brother got to the track and is currently working on is NHRA License. I'll be in a hotel just up the road in Clinton IA. The only real problem getting here was a couple of trailer tires. I finally had enough in Wichita and bought a new set this morning. Tomorrow I'll take it easy and finish up a few odds an ends. See you all on Sunday. Safe travels.

[bluef100fe]

Well it wasn't from a lack of effort but I will not be heading to drag week this year ... truck isn't quite ready and I'm burned out from a very long week at my machine shop trying to fill orders and make parts for the truck with not a lot of sleep. Roll bar is in, new rearend is mocked up under the truck as of now with its new spring brackets, perches, shackles, and springs but there is gussets to be made, finish weld all the brackets, set ride height, fab shock mounts, finish brake lines, widen wheel tubs, new bigger radiator to make fit and re plumb. Oh well maybe next year, you guys all have fun and be safe. I hope to hear/read some updates/news from social media about the event and the FE's entered..

[428 GALAXIE]

I really wanted to see your pick up in drag week.
Hopefully next year. You guys really burn the midnight oil but if it ain't going to happen so be it.

[57 lima bean]

"My wife has been instrumental in getting to Drag Week this year. After all it is a tribute to our son who passed early this spring"

      Best of luck Jim.Where do ya find gals like that?

[thatdarncat]

Sorry you won't make it Cody, hope to meet you next year. I'm hitting the road now, I just heard from Joel & Jeff and they're still a few hours away from leaving so I'm going to head out.

[cjshaker]

Glad you made it, Jim.
Bummer to hear Cody won't make it. I was looking forward to seeing your truck, but totally understand about having to much to finish.

We made it to the hotel. No problems on the drive except the people around Chicago who have ZERO driving courtesy. Apparently turn signals and allowing people to move over have not been explained to people there.

Only problems I had was another busted exhaust hanger (damn cheap parts store stuff, I'll make my own this time) and the fact that,apparently, when I checked brake fluid level in the truck, I forgot to snap the holder back on the cap. I noticed the brake pedal going a bit lower the last 70 miles or so, so went to check the level and found the cap gone, the front well empty and the back one close to it. Nice. I refilled it, put a piece of rubber over it and bungee strapped a piece of wood over it to hold it in place. Hopefully that'll work OK till I find a replacement or get back home. Gotta love it when your problems are self induced 

[cjshaker]

So I called the local Auto Zone to see if I could get a master cylinder reservoir cap and the GIRL on the phone asked if I wanted the rotor also. I just love parts store counter people   I gave up on her real quick. Then I called the local O'Rileys (I think it was anyway) and the guy there was actually helpful. I couldn't get just the cap, but he could order me the cylinder WITH a cap, so he's doing that and will hold it for me till I get back next Saturday.

Meanwhile, my fix..lol
Sorry I can't resize, you'll have to enlarge, then right click and "view image".

[machoneman]

Holy shit Doug! You win my award for the most effin' shade-tree yet effective road fix of all time!

Gosh, you outta bronze that wood block when you get home and mount it above the fireplace as a conversation piece!

Man, if wood could talk.......

[Heo]

  You think its thick enough Doug?
Good luck for the rest of the week

[cjshaker]

I was going to use a piece of plywood, but I like to over-engineer things..lol

[CaptCobrajet]

Doug is true FE blue!  Not only is he running an FE, but he also towed with one!  Best of luck Mr. Doug......

[cjshaker]

Yes sir, Mr. Blair, all my trucks have been FE powered for the last 26 years. Kept an even 55-60 mph and your 390 pulled it without even grunting.