Author Topic: Hot Rod Drag Week 2019 is ( kind of ) underway. (Read 14781 times)

thatdarncat · « **on:** September 09, 2019, 10:00:24 AM »

Hot Rod Drag Week 2019 has started, however it has been raining all morning so far. Sounds like they may make the determination whether day 1 will be a rainout soon. Reports I saw on Facebook yesterday made it sound like registration day went well yesterday, and there was a test & tune session in the afternoon. It was also announced that everyone who was on the waitlist and showed up got registered. The unofficial count I saw yesterday was 351 competitors registered yesterday, so the event did not fill up, and if true that will be a lower count than the last few years. Hot Rod will probably announce the official count today. There is a live feed each day, you can access from the Motor Trend On Demand website, and people have said you can access from the Motor Trend channel on YouTube also. I have the website link below. So far it has just been Brian Lohnes & David Freiburger talking and filling time with some good car chat and racer in need announcements. Everyone feel free to add anything to this post you want. I saw a post today that Scott Miller is there with his FE powered ‘68 Cougar.

Here’s the link:

https://www.motortrendondemand.com/detail/5-45am-pt-hot-rod-drag-week-day-1-virginia-motorsports-park/0_2mi9uhuf

thatdarncat · « **Reply #1 on:** September 09, 2019, 10:10:09 AM »

Meanwhile, while it’s raining, here a YouTube video to meet some of the Aussies on Drag Week 2019, and their updates.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=qJP5xuSd7d4&fbclid=IwAR3NJC3y9aIx5BSE-wtHX6sfO4Vanynjmqhc5F8IHQ1uQqjB4D_C3rfy8ek

thatdarncat · « **Reply #2 on:** September 09, 2019, 10:17:42 AM »

As usual, a few people had troubles on registration day and the test & tune session. One of the more unfortunate I saw online yesterday was this VW. I don’t know what the cause was. Sounds like they may be out, and not trying to fix it.

thatdarncat · « **Reply #3 on:** September 09, 2019, 10:55:51 AM »

Sounds like they’ve dried the track and will be running soon. Due to the rain delay I heard only one pass per person today, and that assumes it doesn’t start raining again.

thatdarncat · « **Reply #4 on:** September 09, 2019, 11:43:30 AM »

Track is running!

There is a 1919 Franklin this year. They just turned a 30 second ET. If they finish the week that should set a new record for slowest Drag Week average ET. Like I say every year - don’t use the excuse that your car is too slow for Drag Week, I guarantee there will be someone slower lol.

thatdarncat · « **Reply #5 on:** September 09, 2019, 11:59:00 AM »

There’s also supposed to be a Tesla participating this year, the first all electric vehicle on Drag Week. There was debate before the event about which class he would have to run, since most classes specify gasoline, E85, or alcohol. Only unlimited allows any “fuel”. I’ll have watch on what was decided.

Heo · « **Reply #6 on:** September 09, 2019, 04:09:10 PM »

Quote from: thatdarncat on September 09, 2019, 11:43:30 AM

Track is running!

There is a 1919 Franklin this year. They just turned a 30 second ET. If they finish the week that should set a new record for slowest Drag Week average ET. Like I say every year - don’t use the excuse that your car is too slow for Drag Week, I guarantee there will be someone slower lol.

Thats what a 70s Mercedes 220 Diesel ETs

AlanCasida · « **Reply #7 on:** September 09, 2019, 04:39:14 PM »

I saw today's drive route. Right up through Richmond, DC and Baltimore. Yuck.

thatdarncat · « **Reply #8 on:** September 09, 2019, 06:01:07 PM »

There’s a ‘64 Ford on Drag Week, no idea which engine. Does anybody know the car?

Stangman · « **Reply #9 on:** September 09, 2019, 07:37:34 PM »

There’s a nova with a boss nine motor turboed. Thing is sweet, it didn’t come out of the hole right and still ran 9.20s

TomP · « **Reply #10 on:** September 09, 2019, 08:05:21 PM »

Also one of the many, many black 55 Chevy gassers has a 540" 460 type Ford.

The wheelie by the Toyota 4Runner was cool!

Royce · « **Reply #11 on:** September 09, 2019, 08:11:03 PM »

The Boss 9 in the scrub Nova is one of Kaase's employees. I guess it makes about 2500 horse...Nice turnabout for all the LSs in Mustangs

Stangman · « **Reply #12 on:** September 09, 2019, 08:48:53 PM »

If he gets that car to hook properly should run 8.70 / 8.90. The engine compartment is sweet.

Stangman · « **Reply #13 on:** September 09, 2019, 08:50:30 PM »

They said the galaxies was a 352 2bl but I’m not sure if they were kidding or not.

cjshaker · « **Reply #14 on:** September 09, 2019, 08:55:36 PM »

Scott Miller ran a 9.64 @ 167. Had a 1.6 60" and broke traction just as the nose topped out. Probably hit the limit to hard, but he still ran about 2 mph faster than he averaged last year. Hope he can overcome that bad start, since there were no 2nd runs today.

You can watch him run here...
https://youtu.be/aOCkZsWutvM?t=19181

thatdarncat · « **Reply #15 on:** September 09, 2019, 08:56:07 PM »

Quote from: Stangman on September 09, 2019, 08:50:30 PM

They said the galaxies was a 352 2bl but I’m not sure if they were kidding or not.

I think that was mostly a poke at us FE guys

If Jay was on site they’d probably be a little more respectful lol.

turbohunter · « **Reply #16 on:** September 09, 2019, 09:00:17 PM »

Nice to see you posting Doug.

thatdarncat · « **Reply #17 on:** September 09, 2019, 09:01:34 PM »

If you listen through today’s early coverage, while Lohnes & Freiburger are killing time, around the 55 minute mark they go into trivia on the birth of the 428 Cobra Jet, the origins of the Thunderbolt, Tasca, etc., and a nice mention of Ray Paquet’s accomplishments and class wins at the Indy Nationals.

thatdarncat · « **Reply #18 on:** September 09, 2019, 11:08:12 PM »

And the Jay Brown - Freiburger “feud” got mentioned today at the 1:43 mark. Apparently that’s a part of Drag Week history now lol.

Stangman · « **Reply #19 on:** September 10, 2019, 06:01:21 AM »

Yeah there was alot of guys that because of the rain would have taken a second pass. But hey thats drag week. I have a couple of buddies running and one pulled of a 9.75 and the other should have ran the same but ran a 13 and change from unloading like Scott. And then there was some guys that ran the fastest they have ever run??!!

cjshaker · « **Reply #20 on:** September 10, 2019, 07:03:18 AM »

I made a typo on Scott's speed; it was 147, not 167. The car looks good and sounds strong, so hoping he can overcome that first day.

And thanks, Marc. Had too much going on to be spending time on the computer, but.....it's Drag Week.

Stangman · « **Reply #21 on:** September 10, 2019, 10:42:37 AM »

He just ran a 9.07 @ 149 not to shabby for a dump truck motor

thatdarncat · « **Reply #22 on:** September 10, 2019, 10:46:17 AM »

Yes, good to see you here Doug!

A few pictures of some of the Fords of Drag Week.

The Starsky & Hutch Torino is there, he’s been on a few Drag Weeks.

thatdarncat · « **Reply #23 on:** September 10, 2019, 10:49:35 AM »

Along with Scott Miller’s fast ‘68 Cougar, there appears to be a pretty stock ‘67 Cougar.

thatdarncat · « **Reply #24 on:** September 10, 2019, 10:52:25 AM »

The Maverick in SME class just ran a 10.00, the limit for the class, nice run.

Stangman · « **Reply #25 on:** September 10, 2019, 12:33:13 PM »

Boy was I wrong, the Boss Nine Nova just ran a 7.20 @ 176 sweet. Boy that would be hot in a 67/68 Mustang.
Just a preference.

turbohunter · « **Reply #26 on:** September 10, 2019, 12:54:26 PM »

Keep the coverage coming guys. I’m doing a job that I can’t watch it on. And barely time to eat and sleep 8 when I get home.

Parts money

cjshaker · « **Reply #27 on:** September 10, 2019, 12:58:27 PM »

That was a helluva run by Scott! Hopefully that'll make up for yesterday.

There is also a '62 Comet. No mention of what engine is in it though. Probably a small block....if it's not one of those LoSer engines.

Stangman · « **Reply #28 on:** September 10, 2019, 01:07:24 PM »

Saw that Doug, its got alittle Gasser look to it. And it ran pretty good.

thatdarncat · « **Reply #29 on:** September 10, 2019, 02:10:30 PM »

Robert Smith pictures of the ‘62 Comet.

thatdarncat · « **Reply #30 on:** September 10, 2019, 02:48:16 PM »

Scott Miller’s FE powered ‘68 Cougar. Jim Macione picture.

turbohunter · « **Reply #31 on:** September 10, 2019, 02:49:48 PM »

That thing is so flipping clean.

Royce · « **Reply #32 on:** September 10, 2019, 03:45:24 PM »

Supposedly the Boss 9 Nova was a conservative pass.. They think they could do 6.60s

thatdarncat · « **Reply #33 on:** September 10, 2019, 07:52:10 PM »

Scott on his 9.02 @ 149 pass today. Screenshot.

cjshaker · « **Reply #34 on:** September 10, 2019, 08:13:27 PM »

Kevin, can you find a link to the daily results? I have looked and can't find any standings, even from day 1.

jayb · « **Reply #35 on:** September 10, 2019, 08:26:59 PM »

Try here Doug:

https://www.hotrod.com/articles/hot-rod-drag-week-2019-day-1-race-results/

Its interesting that there is another guy in Scott's class who is running about the same MPH as Scott, and went just a little faster on the first day. If he can get his car to hook, might make for a heck of a race...

thatdarncat · « **Reply #36 on:** September 10, 2019, 08:56:15 PM »

Jay has you hooked up for the results, or you can go direct to the spreadsheet here:

https://st.hotrod.com/uploads/sites/21/2019/09/Monday-Results.pdf

I haven’t seen Tuesday’s results yet.

cjshaker · « **Reply #37 on:** September 10, 2019, 11:13:40 PM »

Odd, I looked over that whole page repeatedly and can't find the link to the PDF for results. Thanks for the direct link, Kevin. If the other guys ran an average time compared to yesterday, then todays run should put Scott in the lead with about a 9.32. It'll be interesting to see Tuesdays results.

thatdarncat · « **Reply #38 on:** September 10, 2019, 11:53:38 PM »

Quote from: cjshaker on September 10, 2019, 11:13:40 PM

Odd, I looked over that whole page repeatedly and can't find the link to the PDF for results. Thanks for the direct link, Kevin. If the other guys ran an average time compared to yesterday, then todays run should put Scott in the lead with about a 9.32. It'll be interesting to see Tuesdays results.

Hot Rod’s website has always been wonky, totally possible, I saw multiple people yesterday report they couldn’t find the link either. Possibly just a function of different browsers or something.

Here’s another cool 10 minute video from the Aussies with day 1 highlights. The black Fox Mustang has an Australian Ford Barra engine swap. It's interesting to learn about them.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=b7LZlhiCCL8

thatdarncat · « **Reply #39 on:** September 11, 2019, 05:48:24 AM »

Here’s the link to the spreadsheet results after day 2:

https://st.hotrod.com/uploads/sites/21/2019/09/Tuesday_Results.pdf

And link to Hot Rod Day 2 Report:

https://www.hotrod.com/articles/lots-drama-day-two-drag-week-2019/

thatdarncat · « **Reply #40 on:** September 11, 2019, 07:28:30 AM »

The Toyota Cresta of the Australians is also powered by a Ford Barra engine. Both the Cresta and the Barra powered Mustang ran 9.0’s this morning.

cjshaker · « **Reply #41 on:** September 11, 2019, 09:10:08 AM »

Scott ran a 9.07 @ 149. That'll put him SOLIDLY in first place by almost 4 tenths, maybe more if the other guys continued to slow down like they did yesterday. Scott, his dad Jack and Blair are really making that car a force at Drag Week!

Kevin, for some reason, that link for the days results does not show up anywhere on my work or home computer (I've tried all the links on that page), so please keep posting them. It's very much appreciated.

CaptCobrajet · « **Reply #42 on:** September 11, 2019, 09:33:43 AM »

Going pretty good. Scott is just making easy runs, not pushing it on the starting line. He left off idle today. 120 mph in the eighth mile off idle! Not getting greedy......

machoneman · « **Reply #43 on:** September 11, 2019, 10:20:50 AM »

Quote from: thatdarncat on September 11, 2019, 07:28:30 AM

The Toyota Cresta of the Australians is also powered by a Ford Barra engine. Both the Cresta and the Barra powered Mustang ran 9.0’s this morning.

Very cool engine. Had no idea about this engine at all. Wonder why Ford didn't import the design here and make a bunch?

cjshaker · « **Reply #44 on:** September 11, 2019, 10:34:54 AM »

Quote from: CaptCobrajet on September 11, 2019, 09:33:43 AM

Going pretty good. Scott is just making easy runs, not pushing it on the starting line. He left off idle today. 120 mph in the eighth mile off idle! Not getting greedy......

It was pretty obvious that he was leaving easy, not carrying the front end like he usually does. He's being smart about it. No reason to push things when he has an obvious advantage over the other cars.

thatdarncat · « **Reply #45 on:** September 11, 2019, 12:25:43 PM »

I’m pretty sure the Falcon Sedan Delivery has been on Drag Week before.

thatdarncat · « **Reply #46 on:** September 11, 2019, 12:29:54 PM »

The yellow ‘65 Fairlane is running a SB Ford with mechanical fuel injection. The passes I’ve seen so far they’ve been struggling, but I know they just barely got the car finished in time for Drag Week.

thatdarncat · « **Reply #47 on:** September 11, 2019, 12:39:24 PM »

Local legendary racer Bob Ida showed up at Atco Raceway today with his new generation Ford GT and Hot Rod let him make an exhibition pass, ran a high 10.

Stangman · « **Reply #48 on:** September 11, 2019, 01:16:32 PM »

I didnt see his run today. Did he run a 9.07 @ 149 today also because thats what he ran yesterday.

XR7 · « **Reply #49 on:** September 11, 2019, 01:21:11 PM »

Quote from: CaptCobrajet on September 11, 2019, 09:33:43 AM

Going pretty good. Scott is just making easy runs, not pushing it on the starting line. He left off idle today. 120 mph in the eighth mile off idle! Not getting greedy......

Yeah that is hauling A$$! Running strong for sure! It looks like he switched to Dominator carbs this year. Any other changes since last year? Very impressive.

thatdarncat · « **Reply #50 on:** September 11, 2019, 01:29:08 PM »

Quote from: Stangman on September 11, 2019, 01:16:32 PM

I didnt see his run today. Did he run a 9.07 @ 149 today also because thats what he ran yesterday.

Yes, Scott ran 9.02 @ 149 yesterday ( Tuesday ).

Stangman · « **Reply #51 on:** September 11, 2019, 01:44:51 PM »

tried to find his run anybody know what time in the feed. Also saw a 63 galaxie that I didnt see the last couple of dys, although I am working.

Royce · « **Reply #52 on:** September 11, 2019, 02:15:45 PM »

Mechanical fuel injection and struggle are often used in the same sentence.....How does that Falcon get from track to track? Certainly they don't run the Hilborn?

thatdarncat · « **Reply #53 on:** September 12, 2019, 06:28:18 AM »

Direct link to spreadsheet results after Day 3:

https://st.hotrod.com/uploads/sites/21/2019/09/Wednesday_Results.pdf

Link to Hot Rod day 3 story:

https://www.hotrod.com/articles/race-results-day-3-of-hot-rod-drag-week-2019/

thatdarncat · « **Reply #54 on:** September 12, 2019, 07:13:48 AM »

The Australian Ford Barra engined Cresta & Mustang both ran high 8’s this morning. They tend to be a couple of the first down the track in the morning.

thatdarncat · « **Reply #55 on:** September 12, 2019, 07:18:04 AM »

Quote from: Stangman on September 11, 2019, 01:44:51 PM

tried to find his run anybody know what time in the feed. Also saw a 63 galaxie that I didnt see the last couple of dys, although I am working.

Scott Miller’s run is at the 1:20 mark on the Day 3 coverage. And yes, I saw the ‘63 Galaxie too, kind of a light blue color with a teardrop hood. Owner is Jon Baker and he’s running SME, had a 13.11 pass yesterday.

cjshaker · « **Reply #56 on:** September 12, 2019, 08:47:38 AM »

Scott just ran a 9.20 @ 147, still being conservative off the line. That's enough to lower his average and keep him in first place though.

thatdarncat · « **Reply #57 on:** September 13, 2019, 05:23:53 AM »

Link to spreadsheet results from Day 4:

https://st.hotrod.com/uploads/sites/21/2019/09/Thursday_Results.pdf?fbclid=IwAR0AvFYBfP9_zdk6xaH0-bgVVEuBODdSTHMiIEc-F8ekdgAzivmBZy8pXSo

cjshaker · « **Reply #58 on:** September 13, 2019, 08:26:35 AM »

I don't know if anyone is even paying attention, but the battle in Gasser A/Gas has really been a good one. Finnegan is in a narrow lead, but ONLY because 2nd place contestant, Jarrad Scott, gave him spare parts to fix the G-Force tranny in his car AND helped him fix it. That is true sportsmanship! Both guys run a Hemi/GF 5spd combo. Finnegan lost 1st gear yesterday, then tried a 2nd gear run, which didn't pan out. That effectively put him out of the running, because there was no way he was going to make a pass good enough to maintain his position over 2nd place Jarrad....until Jarrad stepped up, helped him out, and BARELY got him to the line before lanes closed, where Finn made a pass just good enough to keep him in 1st place.

Jarrad was behind me in the tech line in 2017, with his then newly completed Falcon Ranchero gasser. Being a Falcon lover, and having owned several of them over the years, I talked with him quite a bit that day and throughout the week. He ended up winning his class, and well deserved it. Jarrad is a really nice guy, and this goes to show just how nice a guy he truly is. I can't think of a better DW story than this, and it goes to show just how cool some of these guys are.

In my opinion, this is the class/race to watch today. Finnegan has a narrow .163 lead, and if Jarrad has a good run, he could close that gap quickly. I think both of them deserve awards this year!

thatdarncat · « **Reply #59 on:** September 13, 2019, 12:45:41 PM »

Here’s the blue ‘63 Galaxie, real nice looking car.

thatdarncat · « **Reply #60 on:** September 13, 2019, 12:49:14 PM »

Jackie Steinke has the quickest average close to the 10 second cut off in Street Machine Eliminator going into today. Her husband is a many time Drag Week competitor whose car is nicknamed “Honk if Parts Fall Off”, hence her license plate “Mrs Honk”.

jayb · « **Reply #61 on:** September 13, 2019, 01:41:04 PM »

Quote from: cjshaker on September 13, 2019, 08:26:35 AM

I don't know if anyone is even paying attention, but the battle in Gasser A/Gas has really been a good one. Finnegan is in a narrow lead, but ONLY because 2nd place contestant, Jarrad Scott, gave him spare parts to fix the G-Force tranny in his car AND helped him fix it. That is true sportsmanship! Both guys run a Hemi/GF 5spd combo. Finnegan lost 1st gear yesterday, then tried a 2nd gear run, which didn't pan out. That effectively put him out of the running, because there was no way he was going to make a pass good enough to maintain his position over 2nd place Jarrad....until Jarrad stepped up, helped him out, and BARELY got him to the line before lanes closed, where Finn made a pass just good enough to keep him in 1st place.

Jarrad was behind me in the tech line in 2017, with his then newly completed Falcon Ranchero gasser. Being a Falcon lover, and having owned several of them over the years, I talked with him quite a bit that day and throughout the week. He ended up winning his class, and well deserved it. Jarrad is a really nice guy, and this goes to show just how nice a guy he truly is. I can't think of a better DW story than this, and it goes to show just how cool some of these guys are.

In my opinion, this is the class/race to watch today. Finnegan has a narrow .163 lead, and if Jarrad has a good run, he could close that gap quickly. I think both of them deserve awards this year!

Sounds like Jarrad would be a good candidate for the Spirit of Drag Week award...

cjshaker · « **Reply #62 on:** September 13, 2019, 02:56:10 PM »

Quote from: jayb on September 13, 2019, 01:41:04 PM

Sounds like Jarrad would be a good candidate for the Spirit of Drag Week award...

I agree 100%.

Scott just ran a 9.11 @ 148. That should seal his win!! Way to go Scott...BP powered FE for the win!!

mbrunson427 · « **Reply #63 on:** September 13, 2019, 04:25:05 PM »

I'm hoping he pulls it back through and dials the car up!

thatdarncat · « **Reply #64 on:** September 13, 2019, 06:50:00 PM »

In the 15th running of Hot Rod Drag Week, Tom Bailey makes history being the first legit street car to run 5.998 @ 250 after completing Drag Week. He won the Unlimited class today, then on the final pass of regular competition today he pulled off the 5.998.

turbohunter · « **Reply #65 on:** September 13, 2019, 06:54:25 PM »

cjshaker · « **Reply #66 on:** September 14, 2019, 12:32:39 AM »

It was a perfect run...like a rocket on rails. Pretty awesome to see.

machoneman · « **Reply #67 on:** September 14, 2019, 09:08:08 AM »

Double wow! Not entirely surprised by the 5 second e.t. but......250 mph? Didn't think that was even possible w/o big wings, nitro or a blower (or both).

Made me think of "240 Gordie Bonin", a nitro funny car driver of yore, may he now R.I.P., when F/C e.t's were IIRC in the 6.40-6.60 range and yes, the 240 mph moniker was given to him by the press after hitting 240.

http://www.speedzonemagazine.com/zones/nhrazone/13/bonin/gordie_bonin.htm

thatdarncat · « **Reply #68 on:** September 14, 2019, 12:13:05 PM »

Link to YouTube video from the Hot Rod coverage of the pass:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QZHtQuHJh7s&fbclid=IwAR3ZtxRI_f9ogSRxINtvzJ7aHWMuk05MHN9SpNMAS4PaCNOIRvoZ4ntGySs

Link to Steve Morris video in the pits:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RAsp2WPEVao

TomP · « **Reply #69 on:** September 14, 2019, 12:25:17 PM »

That was a pretty great way to cap off Dragweek.
That Ranchero was run by Dennis Taylor (Alex's dad) in gray primer and a Chevy engine in Drag Week three years ago, so it was painted and the Hemi stuck in by the new owner.
Notice it doesn't have rollbar tubes through the back window like most do. Dennis told me it's legal the way he did it and i'd love to see close up interior pics to see how. I saw the car in person then but never looked to see where the back braces go.

thatdarncat · « **Reply #70 on:** September 14, 2019, 12:36:02 PM »

Quote from: TomP on September 14, 2019, 12:25:17 PM

... Notice it doesn't have rollbar tubes through the back window like most do. Dennis told me it's legal the way he did it and i'd love to see close up interior pics to see how. I saw the car in person then but never looked to see where the back braces go.

I noticed a couple trucks like that while watching the live feed and thought the same thing, although I wasn’t totally paying attention to the ET’s they were running. But I was curious as well.

falcongeorge · « **Reply #71 on:** September 14, 2019, 03:45:57 PM »

Im curious about this too. I have tubes through a plastic window on my truck, not that crazy about it.

TomP · « **Reply #72 on:** September 14, 2019, 08:51:14 PM »

I am just guessing they go back through the quarter panel and then bend inward to the frame. But they can't attach up near the top of the hoop.

millerptl · « **Reply #73 on:** September 15, 2019, 09:34:51 AM »

Thanks to all who watched Dragweek 2019 and followed the cougar. The Blair Patrick FE had a few changes. It’s now a 527, little bit more aggressive cam, 2 - 1050 Pro System Dominators.... I think that’s all the changes.
First day was a bad call by me. Because of the rain we were only allowed one run. So instead of foot braking it for a safe pass I transbraked it and tried to use my air shifter for consistent shifts. The car hooked initially but then lost traction and immediately shifted to second. So I pretty much made that pass in third gear.
Second day, Cecil, ran a 9.02 at 149, probably should have tried a second run to see if she would leave off the transbrake, but I didn’t.
Third day, Atco, ran 9.07 at 149.51, kind of muggy so I called that a good pass and hit the road.
Fourth Day, MIR, I was hoping for good DA but it wasn’t there, 9.20, don’t remember the mph.
Fifth day, VMR, 9.11 at 148.99, tried a second hit on transbrake but no go.

We went to Test and tune at VMR one week before DW and had two good hits off the transbrake and thought we had it figured out but I guess we didn’t. I good launch off the transbrake and the 8.99 is in reach.

I would love to find a little more air flow in the intake and/or heads, the small block chevys NA are getting too close for comfort. 3200lb BB have to get in the 8’s before SB.

Thanks to my dad for putting together a great total package that is reliable, runs cool, doesn’t use oil, never took the valve covers off, never changed oil, never checked the transmission fluid, we did change spark plugs. Car runs at 180 engine temp, 165 trans temp, and runs cooler in stop and go traffic. Now the passenger area is like a sauna and you sweat like a pig.

Thanks Blair Patrick for an engine that Brian Lohnes and David Freiburger love to talk about. One of the best compliments is from my Chevy buddies who tell me if they ran a Ford they would want an FE.

XR7 · « **Reply #74 on:** September 15, 2019, 11:27:13 AM »

Thanks for the recap Scott, great job winning your class, 3 in a row is unreal! Congrats to all involved, way to represent.

falcongeorge · « **Reply #75 on:** September 15, 2019, 11:55:21 AM »

Quote from: TomP on September 14, 2019, 12:25:17 PM

That was a pretty great way to cap off Dragweek.
That Ranchero was run by Dennis Taylor (Alex's dad) in gray primer and a Chevy engine in Drag Week three years ago, so it was painted and the Hemi stuck in by the new owner.
Notice it doesn't have rollbar tubes through the back window like most do. Dennis told me it's legal the way he did it and i'd love to see close up interior pics to see how. I saw the car in person then but never looked to see where the back braces go.

Tom, is he running coil-overs and hairpins with a dropped tube axle up front? Any pics of the front axle/suspension?

Stangman · « **Reply #76 on:** September 15, 2019, 12:00:38 PM »

It was a pleasure folllowing the car for the week. Sounds like the car was extremely reliable for you which is great. I think the mileage for the week was around 800 miles. Well congrats again you and your dad should be proud of yourselves.

cjshaker · « **Reply #77 on:** September 15, 2019, 12:04:54 PM »

Yes, thanks for the recap, Scott. And a huge congrats on your 3rd straight win!! That is a HUGE accomplishment! And other than a couple of well used rockers last year, to be that dependable and consistent through those years speaks volumes about how your car is put together and maintained. Get that trans-break figured out, and I think you'll easily be in the 8's. Congratulations to everyone involved in the team.

millerptl · « **Reply #78 on:** September 15, 2019, 12:47:17 PM »

The other change I had was bushed steel rockers. Also, amazingly, I got 1 mpg more this year than last year. How you go from dual 850's to dual 1050's and pick up fuel mileage. Go figure.

turbohunter · « **Reply #79 on:** September 15, 2019, 01:37:42 PM »

Quote from: millerptl on September 15, 2019, 12:47:17 PM

The other change I had was bushed steel rockers.

Would love to hear about those.
And adding my congrats as well.

machoneman · « **Reply #80 on:** September 15, 2019, 06:38:59 PM »

Quote from: millerptl on September 15, 2019, 12:47:17 PM

The other change I had was bushed steel rockers. Also, amazingly, I got 1 mpg more this year than last year. How you go from dual 850's to dual 1050's and pick up fuel mileage. Go figure.

Flatter roads? LOL

57 lima bean · « **Reply #81 on:** September 16, 2019, 11:25:38 AM »

Congratulations Scott and to the Miller family efforts.Drag Week looks so easy from the live feed.Its fun to know better

mbrunson427 · « **Reply #82 on:** September 16, 2019, 04:11:14 PM »

I turned on the live feed as much as I could at work last week to try and catch the Cougar running. Got to see it go twice. Love that car, it's pretty obvious from watching it run that there's plenty of horsepower on tap.

I'm not sure how far you've gotten into the suspension tuning, but from my experience, Calvert is one heck of a resource. John has his FE Fairlane and Mustang and is inherently an FE guy. When we built our '64 Fairlane we were having some troubles, he must have spent 3 or 4 hours on the phone trying to get things dialed in. The car had Mustang II front suspension and he went out of his way to have a custom adjustable front shock built the proper length for what the car needed. He went way beyond the level of help that we expected, initially just called in to see how much pre-load we should be putting on the bars. You may have done this already, but if not, definitely give him a call and I'm willing to bet he has a ton of enthusiasm for your guys' car.

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Author Topic: Hot Rod Drag Week 2019 is ( kind of ) underway. (Read 14781 times)