66 comet

[Jim Comet]

I had a pretty good day working on the Comet yesterday. After many delays and struggles I was able to fire the engine in the car for the first time. After it fired and while I was warming the motor, neighbors from up and down the street came over and watched. Probably 20 people were there before I knew it. The kids were clapping and jumping up and down, the adults were high fiveing knowing how long I have been working on this car! After the car was up to temp I blipped the throttle some for the spectators (I feel a little bad because it made the baby cry) and when I blipped it to 6200ish one of the collectors shot off to the rear of the car. Now I understand what the collector tethers are for! Now to get the body panels on and get an alignment and I will be ready to run it down the strip hopefully August 4th! Also, Thanks to Kevin for the cooling fan tip and Steve for the tire and wheel help. Jim

[drdano]

Ford Contour fans?  Running the same on my wagon, they are awesome.

[Jim Comet]

Yep, Contour or Cougar V6 fans tied into a dakota digital conntroller.

[57 lima bean]

Fans look great.Any idea what the amp draw is?....Years ago there was a daycare across the alley.I'd fire up the car and the kids would cling to the fence like Jimmy Piersall...some with equal emotional distress.

[Jim Comet]

No idea on amps, but each fan has its own 70 amp relay wired with 8 gauge wire. I should also note, I set my engine back 1 inch. Othewise I may have had to trim the fan shoud slightly. Jim

[thatdarncat]

Looking good Jim. Keep up posted, I’d love to go to the track when you get it there.

[drdano]

My engine is in the stock location, the water pump pulley runs about 1/2" from the fan assembly.  What I like about this fan setup is it's and OEM unit, so probably tested for a billion miles, easy to find cheap in a junkyard and you just need to cut one small section out for the water neck and add two mounting tabs to hold it against the radiator.  Perfect width in a Galaxie too.  Awesome advise given on that. 

[Jim Comet]

Now I need to get it to the alignment shop and hope they can align my homeade steering setup.

[Nightmist66]

At least your neighbors are supportive. 

[Jim Comet]

The alignment went well, the guy has done a number of hot rods and wasn't intimidated by my home built suspension. He set the caster at 3 deg positive, 1/16th toe and 1/2 degree of camber. I might have to put unsurance on it and road test it at lower speeds before I hit the drag strip. Now I just need to paint the fenders, hood, deck lid and bumpers and I am ready!! Jim

[Jim Comet]

Well it's ugly but it is what I have. I am now ready for the track as soon as I can find a weekend open. Jim

[57 lima bean]

Grove Creek this weekend.....But it's so far

[Jim Comet]

If it doesn't run well or breaks, that 1 hour drive will feel like 4 hours. Jim

[57 lima bean]

I predict a 10.86 @ 120 on a full track

[Jim Comet]

Pretty close Steve  , We ran a best of 10.84 @122. I didn't make a lot of changes as I wanted my son to get runs and build consistency. Jim