1968 Camaro "Badmotorfinger" v2.2

[Flash68]

Dude....

You're a real stud with your girdle on.

Bravo, Greg. :lol:

Motor's lookin' very sanitary Dave! Do you have a contact number for 'Roy'??

Thanks Ron. Unfortunately for you and everyone else, Roy's contact info is not available to the peasants of society. He is that good. :captain:

Very nice Dave. Should be killer.:thumbsup:
What are looking at for numbers on power and torque?

Thanks man. The motor was dyno tune in 2008 and hit 469 rwhp, so that's about 550 crank using 15% drivetrain loss. But, that number was at 6500 rpm where they shut off the dyno. This configuration is made to scream to 7000+ rpm so there's maybe some more power in it than that.

:lol:

You've been Welded. :woot:

Everyone deserves a good welding around here once in awhile. :lateral:

Looking good sir. Now would be a good time to add an oil temp gauge to keep tabs on your ROAD RACE project. :D

Oh thanks.. the ole "while you're down there" bit huh?

I don't think I like your tone on the "ROAD RACE" comment Kuzanski!!! :lol:

[tones2SS]

Thanks man. The motor was dyno tune in 2008 and hit 469 rwhp, so that's about 550 crank using 15% drivetrain loss. But, that number was at 6500 rpm where they shut off the dyno. This configuration is made to scream to 7000+ rpm so there's maybe some more power in it than that.
Very nice Dave. Good luck with the build.
Keep us posted.:cheers:

[Nick.V70]

Man I have been working too much and not had time to check in on the thread. Looking great Dave !!! Can't wait to see it when you have it back.

[CrossRamRich]

Having a blast workin on this one! :woot:

[Vegas69]

Put a banana in his tail pipe just to mess with him at start up.:lol:

[CrossRamRich]

Funny! Think I can pull it off?:_paranoid

[Flash68]

Haha you scheming bastages! :lol:

[uk68327]

Awesome build thread, always good to see 68's :thumbsup:

[Flash68]

Man I have been working too much and not had time to check in on the thread. Looking great Dave !!! Can't wait to see it when you have it back.

Thanks bro.. I'll see ya soon one way or another! Lookin fwd to seeing your progress as well.

Awesome build thread, always good to see 68's :thumbsup:

Thanks Mark.. likewise! :cheers:

[fleetus macmullitz]

:(

Thought Dub Renner might've posted sumthin new here.

Later.

[Flash68]

We got the motor back in and fired up this weekend. There's nothing quite like the sound of open headers at 7k rpm. This was an older camera of mine and it doesn't even close to capturing the sound of this thing.

-5emkwhwIzk

New power steering pump from PSC. Looks like a very nice piece.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff245/flash68/DSCF3251.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff245/flash68/DSCF3258.jpg

Just need to mount the forward bars, breed blakes, mount wheels/tires, e-brake cables, and then ready to put some road miles on it.

One thing we are pretty excited about was we are almost certain that previously it never saw full throttle because of the throttle linkage setup. It wasn't even close to wide open with full pedal mash. Like a 1/2" off. So the 500 miles I put on this previously might have been at a significantly lower power level than its potential. That would be sweet.

If we can, we are going to try to make the Marina autoX next weekend.

[CrossRamRich]

Damn!, forgot the bananas!:lol:

[waynieZ]

Sounds so sweet !

[awr68]

Very cool! Give em Hell!

[torino420]

Sick Dave! Glad to see things are coming back together.
You were only getting half throttle before ?!??! oh my....:yes:

Hey did you ever figure out what that thing is pressing up against your brake master cylinder? Just curious.

Hope to see it again soon.

[Flash68]

Damn!, forgot the bananas!:lol:

Ah, don't listen to Todd! :D

Sounds so sweet !

Thanks Wayne!

Very cool! Give em Hell!

Thanks bro. You better being dishin some hell out soon too. :unibrow:

Sick Dave! Glad to see things are coming back together.
You were only getting half throttle before ?!??! oh my....:yes:

Hey did you ever figure out what that thing is pressing up against your brake master cylinder? Just curious.

Hope to see it again soon.

Thanks J! Yeah, I don't know if we were getting 3/4 throttle or what, but it sure doesn't add up that we ever had near full, so this could be fun.

Near the MC... you referring to the proportioning valve? I don't remember....

[uk68327]

That sounds awesome! :hail: You've probably mentioned it on the thread somewhere, but I'm being lazy:unibrow: what mufflers are you using?

[1965_SS]

Sounds amazing!!!

[tones2SS]

That's great Dave. Sounds good bro.
Good luck with everything. Hopefully you get to auto-x that bad boy soon.:cheers:

[Cris@JCG]

Soundz good!! Looking forward to seeing it on the track..

[torino420]

Near the MC... you referring to the proportioning valve? I don't remember....

that part that looks like it is tightened against the front of the MC that is attached to the bar, you can see it in the last pic. Again just curious no biggee :)

[Vegas69]

Is that mouse ready to become a mid afternoon snack for a certain rat? :unibrow:

[fleetus macmullitz]

-5emkwhwIzk



That sucka should help scare off the street toughs you're plagued with out there...

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k156/wnyjazz/Street-Toughs-seinfeld-14730074-128.jpg

[mdprovee]

Sounds good Dave, glad you got it running.

Any problems with the pan fitting inside the car?

[Flash68]

That sounds awesome! :hail: You've probably mentioned it on the thread somewhere, but I'm being lazy:unibrow: what mufflers are you using?

Thanks. Spintech Pro Street. Although I don't really want to put them back on after the open header session. :_paranoid

Sounds amazing!!!

That's great Dave. Sounds good bro.
Good luck with everything. Hopefully you get to auto-x that bad boy soon.:cheers:

Thanks guys.

[Flash68]

Soundz good!! Looking forward to seeing it on the track..

Thanks Cris. You too bro!

that part that looks like it is tightened against the front of the MC that is attached to the bar, you can see it in the last pic. Again just curious no biggee :)

Ya know I'm not sure on that but I am very curious! I'll find out...

Is that mouse ready to become a mid afternoon snack for a certain rat? :unibrow:

Haha, I am definitely tempted but I will refrain from engaging in the smack talk with you until I get one event under my belt. Then... it's on. :D

That sucka should help scare off the street toughs you're plagued with out there...

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k156/wnyjazz/Street-Toughs-seinfeld-14730074-128.jpg

"who.. who doesn't want to wear the rrrribbon?" :lol:

Sounds good Dave, glad you got it running.

Any problems with the pan fitting inside the car?

Thanks Mike. It was just a little extra care and attention to drop the motor in with it but once it's in it fits great. We do need to figure out a dipstick for it... nothing for now as that is a little bitch of a project.

[manny z]

Hay bud, glad to see that you have gotten yourself another car. Looks good. You should take it to sears, or thunderhill to have some fun.

My car is still at Jasons. I had a few issues I had to get squared away, but now he is back on the car full speed.

[mdprovee]

So are you saying you can use a stock type dipstick with this pan. I was not aware of this. Damn!

[uk68327]

Thanks. Spintech Pro Street. Although I don't really want to put them back on after the open header session. :_paranoid


Thanks Dave :thumbsup: spintech's may be a bit loud for our circuits over here, but I can still give them a try :unibrow: and I would definitely not be able to run open headers!

Cheers,
Mark

[Flash68]

Hay bud, glad to see that you have gotten yourself another car. Looks good. You should take it to sears, or thunderhill to have some fun.

My car is still at Jasons. I had a few issues I had to get squared away, but now he is back on the car full speed.

Yo Manny! Good to hear from ya. I'd love to take my car somewhere around here. We'll see how it does at RTTC next month and then go from there.

Good deal on your ride. When you think it will be finished? The Gearhead crew is a great group of guys for sure.

So are you saying you can use a stock type dipstick with this pan. I was not aware of this. Damn!

We are not sure what we will do. But most everyone running one of these RR pans I have seen has trouble fitting a dipstick. Definitely takes some modding. Will let you know what we end up doing. The Hooker headers are not the best for clearance.

Thanks Dave :thumbsup: spintech's may be a bit loud for our circuits over here, but I can still give them a try :unibrow: and I would definitely not be able to run open headers!

Cheers,
Mark

I had the Spintech Sportsman XL's on Vertigo and they sounded good too, albeit a little quieter. Yeah, open headers is fun for awhile. :D

[skatinjay27]

hellz yeah dave!!!

i bet you itchin hard to race this car! have fun

[Tom.A]

Congrats on getting it going. Sounds good.

[Flash68]

hellz yeah dave!!!

i bet you itchin hard to race this car! have fun

Hell yeah AJ. Can't wait to tear up something. You decide if you're going to RTTC? Maybe I'll steal you away from Todd for some pit crew trade secrets. :D

Congrats on getting it going. Sounds good.

Thanks Tom!

[CrossRamRich]

Brakes bled, exhaust on, alignment shop and road test tomorrow! We are on track for Marina autocross sunday. Wicked car!:thumbsup:

[torino420]

Brakes bled, exhaust on, alignment shop and road test tomorrow! We are on track for Marina autocross sunday. Wicked car!:thumbsup:

sweet! pics and more video please! :D

[fleetus macmullitz]

Maybe I'll steal you away from Todd for some pit crew trade secrets. :D


Poacher....:mad:

Get your own buddy to help ya.


http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k156/wnyjazz/_1277074719.jpg

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k156/wnyjazz/buddy_hackett.jpg

[manny z]

I am really hoping for around june July. So what is this event you are going to? I'm working down south an would like to go check it out, if Im off that weekend. Let me know.

[CrossRamRich]

This car is "STUPID QUICK"! :hail: It's all business.:unibrow:

[Flash68]

sweet! pics and more video please! :D

I didn't have my new GoPro charged and ready to install today for the test drives, so that'll have to wait til Sunday I guess.

Poacher....:mad:

Get your own buddy to help ya.


Hey, if you can't find your own, steal from someone else! :D

I am really hoping for around june July. So what is this event you are going to? I'm working down south an would like to go check it out, if Im off that weekend. Let me know.

Event this weekend? Or next month? This Sunday is an autoX in Marina that happens about once a month I believe. If you're asking about next month, that is Run To The Coast -- gonna be a blast. Check it out here:
http://www.pro-touring.com/forumdisplay.php?105-RTTC-Run-to-the-Coast-California

This car is "STUPID QUICK"! :hail: It's all business.:unibrow:

Amazing what a fully engaged throttle linkage can do combined with a freshened motor huh. Lemme know what you think when you drive it tmrw.

My first impression from the short drive tonight was:

--More power on tap from freshened heads and adjusted throttle linkage

--overpowers the new stickier tires around 5500rpm when the cam really wakes up

--the turn in is MUCH improved along with the turning radius


Didn't get to really test out the new brakes - need to bed them first anyway.

We are also going to put back the advance in the MSD distributor (previously locked out).

[torino420]

Very nice, look forward to hearing how it does this weekend. :thumbsup:

[DFRESH]

Happy for you brother---it's great when you make the improvements and have immediate payback---quicker and better turn in--that's a complete victory. RTTC--less than a month away----now lets pray for good weather--it's been mid/upper seventies and sunny here everyday for that past 2 weeks---hope it holds for us.

Skip---best pics ever of the "Gangstas" on Seinfeld. Got a good laugh outta that one--nicely done bro.

Doug

[Vegas69]

If the car is turning over well, I'd leave the distributor alone. Monster cams like all the timing they can get from idle on up. I run 28 initial and 36 total on mine and it's alot less rowdy. Listen for any pinging under load.

[Flash68]

Very nice, look forward to hearing how it does this weekend. :thumbsup:

Thanks J.. just picked up my helmet and gloves today. Gotta go use them now.

Happy for you brother---it's great when you make the improvements and have immediate payback---quicker and better turn in--that's a complete victory. RTTC--less than a month away----now lets pray for good weather--it's been mid/upper seventies and sunny here everyday for that past 2 weeks---hope it holds for us.

Skip---best pics ever of the "Gangstas" on Seinfeld. Got a good laugh outta that one--nicely done bro.

Doug

Thanks Doug. I think most of the better turn in/radius is due to the camber being dialed in now. It might have had a poor alignment prior but it's solid now. New specs were recommended by a top shelf source!

Yes this weather we are having is amazing. Been wearing shorts last few days up here in Norcal. :thumbsup:

If the car is turning over well, I'd leave the distributor alone. Monster cams like all the timing they can get from idle on up. I run 28 initial and 36 total on mine and it's alot less rowdy. Listen for any pinging under load.

Thanks Todd. I've been going back and forth with this with Rich lately... I talked to the previous dyno tuner and they remembered it being tough to idle well with the advance set up, so they locked it out. It's run fine for me before, and the starter doesn't seem to have trouble turning it over. Rich also is thinking some advance will make it run cooler down low, be easier on the starter, and help it run smoother down low.

28 initial for you? Wow that's more than I would have suspected. Haven't heard any pinging yet.... I'll discuss further with Rich. Thanks.

[Vegas69]

Does it have vacuum advance?

[Flash68]

Does it have vacuum advance?

negative.

[Vegas69]

You look to have the same MSD billet distributor I have. I have a source for custom bushings. The largest bushing MSD makes is 18. Not enough for your motor. I think they come in 23/28 or so. With no vacuum advance, it's even more important to have more timing at lower rpm. The whole point of vacuum advance is to start ignition sooner under high vacuum conditions. Fuel takes longer to burn in that scenario. While your engine never has high vacuum in comparison to a stock engine, it does in comparison to idle and load conditions. I wish I had vacuum advance on mine. It would need to be adjustable due to our naturally low vacuum. The other factor is a clean idle. The more inital you have, the more vacuum you create. That is important for a consistent idle that doesn't foul plugs. That keeps you out of the transition circuit in the carburetor. I've thought of locking mine out but my combo works fine as is.

I'm not trying to step on Rich's toes, but our builds are on the same piece of paper and I've spent countless hours fiddling with alot of this crap.

[Flash68]

I'm not trying to step on Rich's toes, but our builds are on the same piece of paper and I've spent countless hours fiddling with alot of this crap.

I know you have, and that's why I just text'd him to read your posts and call me to discuss! :thumbsup:

[Flash68]

Well I am no longer a virgin... on the AutoX, that is. Went down to Marina Sunday and played in the rain with all the little Datsun 510's and imports. Just missed seeing Deanna run her 2nd gen when we got there.

The car performed well. The driver? Hmmm.. Nothing broke, leaked, or fell apart. Was hoping for some dry runs so we could get some feedback on the tires and suspension, etc, but at least I have wet/rain experience should it rain for RTTC. :_paranoid

Would have been nice to get out of 1st gear one time. The GoPro camera and roll bar mount is pretty cool. I am not sure what that annoying "ratcheting" noise is on the video though??

After the racing, Rich and I went over to the Pozzi Racing shop and chatted with Mary, Dave, and Deanna for awhile. With Deanna's 2nd gen, Mary's 2nd gen, and the One Lap Camaro all in there, it was quite a Camaro lover's paradise to check out. Got some tips from Dave on the car setup as well, and that never hurts. :thumbsup:

I realized I kept wanting to rest my hand on the shifter even though I never shifted. :lol: All I can ask for is continous improvement, and that I did achieve. Overall a fun day even with the weather.

O_6vVVYCeSI

fTJ_eOA5VCg

voPRNhWg8N4

[uk68327]

Would have been nice to get out of 1st gear one time. The GoPro camera and roll bar mount is pretty cool. I am not sure what that annoying "ratcheting" noise is on the video though??

Great vids :thumbsup: seems like the GoPro is a pretty decent camera - been looking at them for a while now! As for the noise, sounds like something is flexing and making contact - and the cam mic is picking up the noise?.

Mark

[waynieZ]

Nice job! It looks like it was a wet ride. Glad to see you made it and had a good time.

[fleetus macmullitz]

D,

You may not have gotten out of 1st gear this time, but the community here has full confidence that someday you will. :lateral:

[Ron in SoCal]

Yeee-Haaaaa! Muscle Car Dave is a Cone Dodger....:thumbsup:

Congrats Bro. It's about time. Oh and don't worry about that spin. As a rookie, If you don't do that at least once you're not trying hard enough!

[Flash68]

Great vids :thumbsup: seems like the GoPro is a pretty decent camera - been looking at them for a while now! As for the noise, sounds like something is flexing and making contact - and the cam mic is picking up the noise?.

Mark

Thanks Mark. Yeah the cam is a great little piece I think. I'll have to go hunting for that noise now. Ha.

Nice job! It looks like it was a wet ride. Glad to see you made it and had a good time.

Thanks Wayne - we almost didn't go because it was pouring rain in the morning but we had faith it would at least let up a little.

D,

You may not have gotten out of 1st gear this time, but the community here has full confidence that someday you will. :lateral:

Ha, I will be getting out of first gear for sure in exactly 25 days. :thumbsup:

Yeee-Haaaaa! Muscle Car Dave is a Cone Dodger....:thumbsup:

Congrats Bro. It's about time. Oh and don't worry about that spin. As a rookie, If you don't do that at least once you're not trying hard enough!

Yeah no kidding, it is about time I got out and did something. And I fully expect to see some more spins in the future. Controlled spins of course. :D

[Cris@JCG]

Looking forward to seeing your 68 in person.. Great job.. Just went & dug out my 68 Camaro out of the WHSE... Getting it ready for RTTC..

[Flash68]

Looking forward to seeing your 68 in person.. Great job.. Just went & dug out my 68 Camaro out of the WHSE... Getting it ready for RTTC..

You too Cris - thanks. Anxious to see your ride buddy! :thumbsup:

[fleetus macmullitz]

Since that painful separation during the holidays (lol), great progress made in a short period of time, even with you assisting Rich. :_paranoid


Seriously...congrats. :thumbsup:

[vinz68]

Congrats!! Glad to see you having a good time with the car!! Sounds great!:thumbsup:

[Flash68]

Since that painful separation during the holidays (lol), great progress made in a short period of time, even with you assisting Rich. :_paranoid


Seriously...congrats. :thumbsup:

Seriously... the holidays were unusually painful. :lol: And yes I am quite the lowly skilled assistant as Rich can attest!

Thanks Skip for all the support buddy! :thumbsup:

Congrats!! Glad to see you having a good time with the car!! Sounds great!:thumbsup:

Thanks Vin. Love both your cars man. And now I'm trying to go out and use them hard like you too. :cheers:

[chr2002ca]

Thanks for sharing those vids. Sounds great! Congrats on getting your mods done and being able to go out and immediately enjoy your hard work. I look forward to seeing your 68 in person at RTTC. :thumbsup:

[Sieg]

Great vids :thumbsup: seems like the GoPro is a pretty decent camera - been looking at them for a while now! As for the noise, sounds like something is flexing and making contact - and the cam mic is picking up the noise?.

MarkThe non-HD GoPro's had audio issues, I tried three and wasn't pleased. The clicking may be a lose front lcd display cover or the contact point between the camera shutter button and the case shutter button. Try a small piece of tape on them and see if that helps.

The Go Pro HD produces good audio. It comes with a separate open back cover for the case which would work well in the interior of a car. The majority of my experience is with street, track, and off-road motorcycles.

Go Pro also just released an lcd that attach's to the camera back and the $79 kit includes the two style of case doors. http://gopro.com/hd-hero-accessories/lcd-bacpac

I set up my close friend and KTM dealer as a GoPro dealer in Oct/Nov and we've been very pleased with them as have our customers. Dollar for dollar those little cameras are pretty hard to beat.

Back to the car........Congratulations! Nice ride! :hail:

[Flash68]

Thanks for sharing those vids. Sounds great! Congrats on getting your mods done and being able to go out and immediately enjoy your hard work. I look forward to seeing your 68 in person at RTTC. :thumbsup:

Thanks Chris. And likewise - anxious to see yours! :thumbsup:

The non-HD GoPro's had audio issues, I tried three and wasn't pleased. The clicking may be a lose front lcd display cover or the contact point between the camera shutter button and the case shutter button. Try a small piece of tape on them and see if that helps.

The Go Pro HD produces good audio. It comes with a separate open back cover for the case which would work well in the interior of a car. The majority of my experience is with street, track, and off-road motorcycles.

Go Pro also just released an lcd that attach's to the camera back and the $79 kit includes the two style of case doors. http://gopro.com/hd-hero-accessories/lcd-bacpac

I set up my close friend and KTM dealer as a GoPro dealer in Oct/Nov and we've been very pleased with them as have our customers. Dollar for dollar those little cameras are pretty hard to beat.

Back to the car........Congratulations! Nice ride! :hail:

Thanks, and great info!

[KPC67]

Its great to see you out having fun with your car:woot:
i must admit I am jealous of you getting to see one lap, and the Pozzi's rides.
I live four hours from James, and have never seen his car.

[tones2SS]

Very cool Dave. Glad to see you got your feet wet. (Pardon the pun.) Cool videos. I take it, the car did good then!:thumbsup: :cheers:

[ibdmann]

very nice

[Vegas69]

One of the worst names in the history of pro touring. :thumbsup:

[Flash68]

Its great to see you out having fun with your car:woot:
i must admit I am jealous of you getting to see one lap, and the Pozzi's rides.
I live four hours from James, and have never seen his car.

Thanks man, yeah we spent quite awhile pouring over that car and Mary's... Deanna's is super nice too and will be killer when the interior is done.

Very cool Dave. Glad to see you got your feet wet. (Pardon the pun.) Cool videos. I take it, the car did good then!:thumbsup: :cheers:

Haha thanks. Yeah our goal was to keep everything together and stretch the legs a bit. No leaks and things held up. So far so good. I was happy how I improved but all those lil Datsuns and Civics whooped me. :lol:

very nice

Thanks!

One of the worst names in the history of pro touring. :thumbsup:

And there's Todd chiming in! :lol: There is my queue to give a little background on the name since most probably don't get it. Thanks for the lead-in buddy! :thumbsup:

So, Badmotorfinger is my favorite album from my all-time favorite band, Soundgarden. I'm a grunge rock guy -- what can I say. I have always loved the word -- just something about it. And here's the history on it from the band:

The Badmotorfinger logo consists of a jagged, cyclone-like design. In the center of the logo is a triangle containing a spark plug. Guitarist Kim Thayil suggested the title Badmotorfinger as a joke on the Montrose song "Bad Motor Scooter". Regarding the title, Thayil said, "It was sort of off the top of my head. I simply like it because it was colorful. It was kinda aggressive, too...It conjures up a lot of different kinds of images. We like the ambiguity in it, the way it sounded and the way it looked."

So, there you have it. Love it or hate it. But it does mean something to me. :thumbsup:

[awr68]

Very cool Dave! Nice to see the mods finished and car in motion!! :thumbsup:

[Flash68]

Very cool Dave! Nice to see the mods finished and car in motion!! :thumbsup:

Yeah buddy! Now get back in your garage! :lol:

[EBMC]

Congrats Dave! Glad to see you out thrashing on it!

[torino420]

Awesome Dave, glad to see the hard work paid off. Must have been tough staying in first gear though huh!?!

[Ron in SoCal]

I thought it was a description of your mechanical skillz...:lol:

[Flash68]

Congrats Dave! Glad to see you out thrashing on it!

Awesome Dave, glad to see the hard work paid off. Must have been tough staying in first gear though huh!?!

Thanks guys. Jason, you should bring that big Ford out for a run around a course. That Q Link would probably stick pretty damn well! Yes 2nd gear would be nice at least once in awhile! :lol:

I thought it was a description of your mechanical skillz...:lol:

That works too... another reason I like the intentionally ambiguous moniker. :unibrow:

[skatinjay27]

lol one of my employees is a soundgarden nut and has that logo tattooed on his leg...

glad to see you getting to actually enjoy your car dave!
have fun a rtth as i cant make it since my manager quit on me 2 weeks ago...

[fleetus macmullitz]

I've seen this play out before with this Renner character. One of his (many) threads starts to lag so he and/or one of his lackeys cronies come up with a new spray...:(

Flash, you post a few 1st gear vids...:geezer:

and then fittingly on Super (hype) Bowl week, you come up with some obtuse name from some obscure band...and I use that term 'band' lightly.

Someone wake me up when he hits 2nd gear. :rolleyes:

[Rybar]

Congrats Dave on getting the car back together and running it in the Auto-x :thumbsup:

[Flash68]

lol one of my employees is a soundgarden nut and has that logo tattooed on his leg...

glad to see you getting to actually enjoy your car dave!
have fun a rtth as i cant make it since my manager quit on me 2 weeks ago...

Awesome. I like your employee. Give him the :thumbsup: from me.
Bummer you can't make it man. :mad:

I've seen this play out before with this Renner character. One of his (many) threads starts to lag so he and/or one of his lackeys cronies come up with a new spray...:(

Flash, you post a few 1st gear vids...:geezer:

and then fittingly on Super (hype) Bowl week, you come up with some obtuse name from some obscure band...and I use that term 'band' lightly.

Someone wake me up when he hits 2nd gear. :rolleyes:

LOL - where is Renner when I need him???? :willy:

Can I get a tranny spray or something that allows me to shift into 2nd?

And hey... an attack on Soundgarden is an attack on humanity! Them's fightin words! :captain:

You're a piece of work Skip... in a good way that is. :D

Congrats Dave on getting the car back together and running it in the Auto-x :thumbsup:

Thanks Ryan!

[fleetus macmullitz]

Soundgarden is an attack on humanity!

X2!



:lol:

[89 RS]

Good stuff Dave. :thumbsup: Awesome name for the Camaro and a great explanation behind it. Can't go wrong with some Soundgarden.

[Flash68]

X2!

Booooo hissssss.

:lol:

Good stuff Dave. :thumbsup: Awesome name for the Camaro and a great explanation behind it. Can't go wrong with some Soundgarden.

Thanks Corey. I like your attitude! :D

[Flash68]

Some good and some bad happened today. Hopefully the bad created some good and prevented bad from happening later.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff245/flash68/photo_006-2.jpg

Apparently before the distributor was reinstalled recently we did not notice the lack of a bronze gear for use with the big solid roller cam. It now has the bronze gear in it as of today. Not sure exactly why the steel gear snapped today while just heading out for a cruise. Esp after working it hard last weekend for 75 miles or so including the AutoX. :question:

So we put my girlfriend to work on the side of the road. :D

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff245/flash68/photo_001-7.jpg

We still got to enjoy the 75* day for a little bit before sundown still and put a few miles on her. Will change the oil again (maybe twice) since the broken gear pieces are down there somewhere. :_paranoid

Still not sold on why the steel gear broke now... it had been in there for who knows how long before I acquired the car... then I put 500 pretty hard miles on it before we pulled the motor and freshened up... put it back together and it breaks in under 100 miles?

Thoughts? :question:

[Ron in SoCal]

Some good and some bad happened today. Hopefully the bad created some good and prevented bad from happening later.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff245/flash68/photo_006-2.jpg

Apparently before the distributor was reinstalled recently we did not notice the lack of a bronze gear for use with the big solid roller cam. It now has the bronze gear in it as of today. Not sure exactly why the steel gear snapped today while just heading out for a cruise. Esp after working it hard last weekend for 75 miles or so including the AutoX. :question:

So we put my girlfriend to work on the side of the road. :D

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff245/flash68/photo_001-7.jpg

We still got to enjoy the 75* day for a little bit before sundown still and put a few miles on her. Will change the oil again (maybe twice) since the broken gear pieces are down there somewhere. :_paranoid

Still not sold on why the steel gear broke now... it had been in there for who knows how long before I acquired the car... then I put 500 pretty hard miles on it before we pulled the motor and freshened up... put it back together and it breaks in under 100 miles?

Thoughts? :question:

Hey Dave - two things come to mind. First, it prob was going bad for a while so it's just bad timing (or good if you consider this could've happened at rttc). Second, don't forget you just found and fixed a throttle linkage prob which can allow for a little quicker spool up of the engine, i.e. more torque, quicker = harder gear mash. If it's any consolation, it happens alot. Ask me how I know...

[DFRESH]

Sucks. Good thing you got that figured out now---that would be a tough one to fix on the side of the 5 fwy. This is the stuff you go through when you are putting it on the road and driving it---you continue to find the weak links and will eventually conquer them all. Put a magnetic drain plug in the pan, and when you change the oil cut the filter and see what you've captured. 19 days and counting to RTTC trip.

These repairs------are makin me thirsty.

Doug

[mdprovee]

Dave, sounds like the same I luck I am having. Keep your head up, and keep fighting

[Flash68]

Hey Dave - two things come to mind. First, it prob was going bad for a while so it's just bad timing (or good if you consider this could've happened at rttc). Second, don't forget you just found and fixed a throttle linkage prob which can allow for a little quicker spool up of the engine, i.e. more torque, quicker = harder gear mash. If it's any consolation, it happens alot. Ask me how I know...

That's what I'm hoping Ron. I just try to subscribe to the "coincidences are usually not coincidental" mantra and find the cause-effect for something like this. Not always possible, I know.

One idea from one of Rich's friends (experienced car/engine guy) was that there could be a bad combo of cam end play and vertical placement of the distributor to cause uneven gear wear that he saw on the old steer gear. (The cam does have a cam buttom)

Sucks. Good thing you got that figured out now---that would be a tough one to fix on the side of the 5 fwy. This is the stuff you go through when you are putting it on the road and driving it---you continue to find the weak links and will eventually conquer them all. Put a magnetic drain plug in the pan, and when you change the oil cut the filter and see what you've captured. 19 days and counting to RTTC trip.

These repairs------are makin me thirsty.

Doug

Exactly. Could have been a weekend killer later this month. And yep we've got the magnetic drain plug in and hoping it pulls all that shiat out.

Who knows what else we'll find in the next 19 days! :willy:

Pour me a beer?

QBrNkPyr8I8


Dave, sounds like the same I luck I am having. Keep your head up, and keep fighting

Yeah Mike I hope your stuff turns around too buddy. You bout ready and all dialed in to make the trip?

[Vegas69]

Must not like the new name..... ha ha Your old pal, old buddy Todd has a few thoughts. :unibrow:

1. Your gear mesh doesn't look right. The distributor looks like it needs to be deeper. They make slip collar distributors just for this problem.

2. When the engine is cold, you need to take it easy. Your oil pressure is high and that is when a majority of the stress takes it's toll on the gear. How much oil pressure do you have when you first start driving and row through the gears?

3. A bronze gear is the wrong direction unless you want to swap it every year. A bronze gear is only to be used on a billet gear. Do you have the cam card so you can reference the manufacturer and cam gear type? I'd go with a melonized gear.

4. If you decide to ignore my advice on the gear. I'd block your oil filter bypasss. In fact, I'd block it either way. Remember what took out the bearings on my first engine? A bronze distributor gear that wore and sheered. When the engine is cold, GM designed the oil system to bypass the oil filter some. That takes any debris and sends it directly through your cam, rod, and main bearings. No good. If your engine doesn't have a blocked bypass now, you need to keep a close eye on the engine for a while. Inspect the oil filters and I'd change the oil a couple times. Don't drive it anymore unitl this is done. What a blocked bypass does is make ALL the oil be filtered ALL the time. You should switch to a K&N filter or Moroso high flo and keep the engine under 3k until the oil get some temp in it. How do you know? The oil pressure starts to drop. If it's normally 75 at 2500 cold then wait until it's 60 to start driving normally.

These high performance motors need alot of maintenence. You should be checking the timing on a regular basis. If you start to lose timing, you will know the gear is wearing again.

[waynieZ]

I'm using a Filter Mag on my engine from the first start up. When I bought it I cut t he filter open and found nothing in there but I blocked the bypass and figure its cheap insurance.

[Flash68]

Must not like the new name..... ha ha Your old pal, old buddy Todd has a few thoughts. :unibrow:

I think you're right! and I was hoping you'd chime in.

1. Your gear mesh doesn't look right. The distributor looks like it needs to be deeper. They make slip collar distributors just for this problem.

That's exactly what Rich's neighbor/friend was telling us. He said use an adjustable slip collar, or even machine the existing collar down to fit.

2. When the engine is cold, you need to take it easy. Your oil pressure is high and that is when a majority of the stress takes it's toll on the gear. How much oil pressure do you have when you first start driving and row through the gears?

Oil pressure is betw 60-70ish I believe on start up then settles down a bit.

3. A bronze gear is the wrong direction unless you want to swap it every year. A bronze gear is only to be used on a billet gear. Do you have the cam card so you can reference the manufacturer and cam gear type? I'd go with a melonized gear.

I do have the cam card and it's a Stahl billet cam, which is why we threw the bronze in there.

4. If you decide to ignore my advice on the gear. I'd block your oil filter bypasss. In fact, I'd block it either way. Remember what took out the bearings on my first engine? A bronze distributor gear that wore and sheered. When the engine is cold, GM designed the oil system to bypass the oil filter some. That takes any debris and sends it directly through your cam, rod, and main bearings. No good. If your engine doesn't have a blocked bypass now, you need to keep a close eye on the engine for a while. Inspect the oil filters and I'd change the oil a couple times. Don't drive it anymore unitl this is done. What a blocked bypass does is make ALL the oil be filtered ALL the time. You should switch to a K&N filter or Moroso high flo and keep the engine under 3k until the oil get some temp in it. How do you know? The oil pressure starts to drop. If it's normally 75 at 2500 cold then wait until it's 60 to start driving normally.

These high performance motors need alot of maintenence. You should be checking the timing on a regular basis. If you start to lose timing, you will know the gear is wearing again.

I'm not sure what our current status is on the bypass. I'll talk to Rich about this before it gets driven again. This has me a bit worried.

[Vegas69]

GM runs melonized on billet core. A billet cam can have a press on cast iron gear. You may want to call the cam manufacturer. I did some serious research when my gear sheered and found the melonized to be the safest solution in most situations. It has longer service life than a bronze gear but should sheer BEFORE the cam gear. Factory cars ran a cast iron cam and distributor gear.

If you decide to stick with bronze, checking timing is important and so is the blocked bypass. One instant indicator of timing loss is a lower idle speed hot.

[fleetus macmullitz]

This issue is probably not due to the name change ...

[Vegas69]

One more thing while I'm thinking about it. A solid roller requires high spring pressures to operate properly. The cam is dependent on windage slinging oil up on the camshaft lobes for lubrication. Your idle speed should be at 1000 rpm or higher for proper lube. When the car is started cold, I'm sure it doesn't like to idle. You should keep the rpm up to lube the camshaft right away.

[Flash68]

GM runs melonized on billet core. A billet cam can have a press on cast iron gear. You may want to call the cam manufacturer. I did some serious research when my gear sheered and found the melonized to be the safest solution in most situations. It has longer service life than a bronze gear but should sheer BEFORE the cam gear. Factory cars ran a cast iron cam and distributor gear.

If you decide to stick with bronze, checking timing is important and so is the blocked bypass. One instant indicator of timing loss is a lower idle speed hot.

Yeah a call to Stahl is in order for tmrw for sure. I forgot about the nature of your first engine issue.

I think I (or maybe Rich) will call you about this. Thanks Todd.

This issue is probably not due to the name change ...

Grunge died for a reason perhaps. :_paranoid

[Flash68]

One more thing while I'm thinking about it. A solid roller requires high spring pressures to operate properly. The cam is dependent on windage slinging oil up on the camshaft lobes for lubrication. Your idle speed should be at 1000 rpm or higher for proper lube. When the car is started cold, I'm sure it doesn't like to idle. You should keep the rpm up to lube the camshaft right away.

Yep idle has always been higher than 1000 -- currently about 1200. And it actually isn't too bad on startup. I hold it in the teens for a bit but it seems to "settle" easier/quicker than I would have thought.

[Flash68]

1. Your gear mesh doesn't look right. The distributor looks like it needs to be deeper. They make slip collar distributors just for this problem.



We are using a pretty thick gasket on the dist currently... what do you think about swapping out for a real thin gasket?

[Vegas69]

Not sure it will be enough. There is a special tool for measuring the proper depth. I like to do things once if possible.:unibrow: A local machine shop better have one.

[Flash68]

Not sure it will be enough. There is a special tool for measuring the proper depth. I like to do things once if possible.:unibrow: A local machine shop better have one.

Doing things once is great.. if you can pull it off :)


So... we've been thinking on this all day... and one other thing that we changed when putting it back together was a higher volume oil pump. We put a Melling 10555 pump in place of the previous OEM replacement M-55 pump. This constitutes a 25% increase over OEM.

Could be the culprit, or at least contributory?

[Vegas69]

That certainly may have accelerated the failure. It would've died either way. Just a few miles down the road. Set it back up right and you should be good to go until you put in your LSX.

One other thing that can cause the gear failure is cam walk. Is there a cam button?

[Flash68]

That certainly may have accelerated the failure. It would've died either way. Just a few miles down the road. Set it back up right and you should be good to go until you put in your LSX.

One other thing that can cause the gear failure is cam walk. Is there a cam button?

Ha, I was spending quite a bit of time on LS1tech for a bit there, but now since getting this motor back together and driving a bit, I really love this thing for what it is. Modern tech is great and all, but old school original is..... well, there's just something about it.

And yes there is a cam button in it.

[Vegas69]

Just making sure Rich didn't forget a piece. :D

It's in there, use it up first. :unibrow:

[GregWeld]

Dave -- couple of things.

Noticed the o'rings on the distributor.... hope your block was machined accordingly. The block should have been machined with chamfered edges on it to accept the o'ringed distributor. They are used to RAISE oil pressure...

Todd is right on about the cam -- and needing to double check with the manufacturer about what style billet cam they're putting out. As he pointed out - some are using a pressed on distributor drive gear so that running a "normal" distributor gear is possible for street engines.

There is another solution to running a bronze gear... COMP CAMS offers a synthetic carbon poly distributor gear for around $100. It's stronger than the bronze gear and if you need to run one - then this carbon poly gear will supposedly give you better life in a street roller motor. Supposedly they show NO WEAR. I say supposedly because I've never run one personally. I run the pressed on drive gear roller cams. I just don't need more BS to deal with such as inspecting my distributor gears. I have to disassemble half my air valves and my fuel system etc to get to my distributor! No thanks.

You also DO NOT want to use synthetic oil for break in of a new distributor gear -- they don't have the heavy metals used to protect engine parts like this. You need oil with the zinc etc in it.

[GregWeld]

Dave --

Forgot to say -- MOST aftermarket blocks are chamfered and then you have to use the o rings on the distributor - but if your block is not chamfered - you take the chance of cutting the rings and they end up in the oil pan... We don't need no stinking parts in our pans!! LOL

I run a Dart Little M block... so have 'run into' this issue.

[torino420]

another gear option that I have been researching since I currently run a bronze gear is Lunatis' "Everwear" gear. Looks like a good option as well as Comps poly gear.

http://www.lunatipower.com/ProductGroup.aspx?id=243&cid=43

[Flash68]

Dave -- couple of things.

Noticed the o'rings on the distributor.... hope your block was machined accordingly. The block should have been machined with chamfered edges on it to accept the o'ringed distributor. They are used to RAISE oil pressure...

Todd is right on about the cam -- and needing to double check with the manufacturer about what style billet cam they're putting out. As he pointed out - some are using a pressed on distributor drive gear so that running a "normal" distributor gear is possible for street engines.

There is another solution to running a bronze gear... COMP CAMS offers a synthetic carbon poly distributor gear for around $100. It's stronger than the bronze gear and if you need to run one - then this carbon poly gear will supposedly give you better life in a street roller motor. Supposedly they show NO WEAR. I say supposedly because I've never run one personally. I run the pressed on drive gear roller cams. I just don't need more BS to deal with such as inspecting my distributor gears. I have to disassemble half my air valves and my fuel system etc to get to my distributor! No thanks.

You also DO NOT want to use synthetic oil for break in of a new distributor gear -- they don't have the heavy metals used to protect engine parts like this. You need oil with the zinc etc in it.

Dave --

Forgot to say -- MOST aftermarket blocks are chamfered and then you have to use the o rings on the distributor - but if your block is not chamfered - you take the chance of cutting the rings and they end up in the oil pan... We don't need no stinking parts in our pans!! LOL

I run a Dart Little M block... so have 'run into' this issue.

another gear option that I have been researching since I currently run a bronze gear is Lunatis' "Everwear" gear. Looks like a good option as well as Comps poly gear.

http://www.lunatipower.com/ProductGroup.aspx?id=243&cid=43

Actually a few people have told us since to remove the bottom or both of the o-rings on the distributor to help with oiling.

Not sure about the machining of the block. Was done a long time ago. It's a factory 400 4 bolt.

We are using conventional VR1 oil. Were running straight 30 -- switching to 10w30 now. VR1 does have the zinc in it.

Thanks for the links on those alternative gears... so now we have a few more options it appears in addition to bronze and melonized. First thing's first -- gotta find out what Stahl used for the cam gear... left him a voicemail today. Apparently Jere isn't in the office much anymore the lady told me. Did confirm the cam by serial # and it was made in 1987! An oldie but a goodie.... I hope. :thumbsup:

Thanks guys.

[GregWeld]

If the cam is that "old" you can bet it's a billet blank... I think the pressed on gear drive is a "late" advanced feature.

Glad to hear you're running the zinc oil although this is thought to be important (as in HUGE) for the flat tappet guys - it does also help for break in of parts like the gears we're talking about - and the "cam boys" all recommend a break in period using a high zinc style oil for that purpose.

See ya soon buddy -- so keep 'er running! No excuses! :D :woot:

[Flash68]

If the cam is that "old" you can bet it's a billet blank... I think the pressed on gear drive is a "late" advanced feature.

Glad to hear you're running the zinc oil although this is thought to be important (as in HUGE) for the flat tappet guys - it does also help for break in of parts like the gears we're talking about - and the "cam boys" all recommend a break in period using a high zinc style oil for that purpose.

See ya soon buddy -- so keep 'er running! No excuses! :D :woot:

Well I got a message from Jere via Judy (wife?) that the cam is still billet and the gear is hobbed into the core. She said I would know what that means. LOL.. I had to look that one up! So... as you said Greg... looks like it is not like the "newer" press fit gears of more modern cams.

Jere also recommended a bronze gear, as did the tech guys at MSD. But in the end, after tech calls to both Comp Cams and Lunati on the gears you and Jason linked to (Thanks again, fellas), we felt better about what Comp had to say about their carbon poly gear. The Lunati guy could not tell me exactly what material their gear was made of. :_paranoid
Yes, the CC gear ain't cheap at $110, but we're gonna give it a shot and hope you get what you pay for sometimes. :thumbsup:

http://www.compperformancegroupstores.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=CC&Product_Code=12140&Category_Code=

And of course the bronze gear will be in the glove box as backup.

We also are upgrading to the Wix R series (from the standard Wix) oil filter in addition to the VR1 10w30 oil. Will change the oil at least twice here and inspect before making the trip down south.

Looking forward to seeing the fellas and having some BBQ in Bako! :cheers:

[Vegas69]

Very few tech guys no what they are talking about. :D I don't know anything about that comp gear. Couldn't be any worse than the bronze gear. I still think the melonized steel gear will give you the best longevity on the street. It's you car and I've said my peace. See you in 2 ish weeks for the ass kicking of your life.:lol:

[Flash68]

Very few tech guys no what they are talking about. :D I don't know anything about that comp gear. Couldn't be any worse than the bronze gear. I still think the melonized steel gear will give you the best longevity on the street. It's you car and I've said my peace. See you in 2 ish weeks for the ass kicking of your life.:lol:

Yeah I know.. don't you love it when a guy calls and asks you for your advice for an hour and then does the opposite? :lol:

I guess if it doesn't work I'll blame it on Greg for telling me about it. :D

Like you said Todd, it's about as clear as mud on this deal on what exactly is the thing to do, so I'll be a guinea pig on this "exotic" gear. :captain:

Sometimes I just like to go my own way and learn the hard way. Been there done that.

I may have an inferior car, but my driver mod will be the x-factor. :_paranoid

See you on a DRY weekend in OC.

[Flash68]

If this cam gear and distributor gear matching is new to you, as it mostly was to me, here is a page I found that looks to be a helpful guide.

http://www.cpgnation.com/forum/properly-matching-your-comp-cams-camshaft-2519.html

[Vegas69]

Ya, next time I see you calling at 9 I'll just politely miss your call. This gives me the opportunity to say I told you so. You don't know how much I'll appreciate that moment if it arrives. :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[GregWeld]

Yeah I know.. don't you love it when a guy calls and asks you for your advice for an hour and then does the opposite? :lol:

I guess if it doesn't work I'll blame it on Greg for telling me about it. :D

Like you said Todd, it's about as clear as mud on this deal on what exactly is the thing to do, so I'll be a guinea pig on this "exotic" gear. :captain:

Sometimes I just like to go my own way and learn the hard way. Been there done that.

I may have an inferior car, but my driver mod will be the x-factor. :_paranoid

See you on a DRY weekend in OC.

I can take the heat....


I've owned so many motors and been there and done that so many times that I've lost count. Trust me - this whole gear deal isn't what it used to be... I'd suggest that you've added additional stresses by adding the extra volume oil pump... so checking the distributor gear for you - might become a habit similar to running the valves and changing plugs... :D

One of the things that I try to do when going to shops - or to shows - or to stuff like SEMA etc -- is to try to sort stuff like this out. Directly from the "experts" like the factory boys. I personally like doing that more than looking at the pretty paint jobs. Even then I forget half of what I've found out. I found out at the Eaton booth - that running synthetic diff gear oil was a complete NO NO if you're running a posi.... seems the stuff is TOO SLICK. REALLY? Completely opposite of what a guy would "think" - until you talk to the guys that build 'em for a living. Who knew?

Anyway - good luck with the gear swap.... and glad you found it before you had a catastrophe at high rpms.

[Flash68]

Ya, next time I see you calling at 9 I'll just politely miss your call. This gives me the opportunity to say I told you so. You don't know how much I'll appreciate that moment if it arrives. :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Yeah yeah I know... I am really setting myself up here aren't I. :lol:

Next time I'll call you before your bedtime... like 7:30? :D

I can take the heat....


I've owned so many motors and been there and done that so many times that I've lost count. Trust me - this whole gear deal isn't what it used to be... I'd suggest that you've added additional stresses by adding the extra volume oil pump... so checking the distributor gear for you - might become a habit similar to running the valves and changing plugs... :D

One of the things that I try to do when going to shops - or to shows - or to stuff like SEMA etc -- is to try to sort stuff like this out. Directly from the "experts" like the factory boys. I personally like doing that more than looking at the pretty paint jobs. Even then I forget half of what I've found out. I found out at the Eaton booth - that running synthetic diff gear oil was a complete NO NO if you're running a posi.... seems the stuff is TOO SLICK. REALLY? Completely opposite of what a guy would "think" - until you talk to the guys that build 'em for a living. Who knew?

Anyway - good luck with the gear swap.... and glad you found it before you had a catastrophe at high rpms.

I'm glad you let me know about this gear. Great to know about all the options out there.

And yes the HV oil pumps really seem to help add to the problem from all the info I have found. Switching to "lighter" oil and this poly gear material, in addition to blocking the oil bypass, are all the things that hope to get us on the right path here. If not, the gear material should all end up in the filter and we can go back to a bronze. Guess we'll find out.

Ya know, the advice on SEMA, etc. and being there to gain knowledge is a great call. I guess your years of experience does bring more to the table eh?

Thanks -- can you smell that BBQ? Rodger is probably fabbing some crazy custom gusseted BBQ with a blower on it for the meet up. :woot:

[projectile]

I'm with Todd, a melonized gear is best for the street. If you have time it would be a good idea to sacrifice a bronze gear first. No doubt the cam gear has some scuffing and galling. Running the bronze gear first will help to smooth and "polish" the cam gear before you install that expensive poly gear.I have done it once with success. I am running a bronze gear in my engine. I check it every 2000 miles when i check valve lash. I consider it regular maintenance. I just remove the cap and check the backlash at the distributor rotor. Only works if you dont have the advance mechanism cause of the play it has to the shaft-if that makes sense. Faster than removing the distributor...

[Flash68]

I'm with Todd, a melonized gear is best for the street. If you have time it would be a good idea to sacrifice a bronze gear first. No doubt the cam gear has some scuffing and galling. Running the bronze gear first will help to smooth and "polish" the cam gear before you install that expensive poly gear.I have done it once with success. I am running a bronze gear in my engine. I check it every 2000 miles when i check valve lash. I consider it regular maintenance. I just remove the cap and check the backlash at the distributor rotor. Only works if you dont have the advance mechanism cause of the play it has to the shaft-if that makes sense. Faster than removing the distributor...

Thanks Ray -- I do have a little time -- how many miles would you suggest running the bronze gear? (we have the bronze MSD 8471 gear in it right now). There's probably 30 pretty hard miles on it so far with the bronze gear since the switch.

And we also have no advance on it and the dizzy is locked out.

[projectile]

Can't remember, it was 5 years ago. I would guess about 200 miles. Not sure it helped,but the bronze gear had some deep grooves worn in it when i removed it. Gear on billet cam is pretty hard(heat treated i'm sure). I am still running that cam. Let the bronze gear take the abuse for as long as you can without it completely failing of course.
When i install a new gear i check the backlash with a dial indicator and write it down. That way you will have a measurement to compare to as it starts wearing. Save time, i hate pulling the distributor, especially mine with the intake in the way.

[Flash68]

Can't remember, it was 5 years ago. I would guess about 200 miles. Not sure it helped,but the bronze gear had some deep grooves worn in it when i removed it. Gear on billet cam is pretty hard(heat treated i'm sure). I am still running that cam. Let the bronze gear take the abuse for as long as you can without it completely failing of course.
When i install a new gear i check the backlash with a dial indicator and write it down. That way you will have a measurement to compare to as it starts wearing. Save time, i hate pulling the distributor, especially mine with the intake in the way.

Cool Ray.. we might just run with this bronze gear then for a bit in the next 2 weeks before we head down south for RTTC... or we may make the trip with it and check it when we get down there. Depending on how it looks, maybe just leave it in. I guess the "safe" and proven route is to run the trip and event with the bronze gear... that's been happening for decades with success right?

Thanks for the tip on the checking the backlash.

P.S. I still really wanna check out your car in person one of these days! You weren't interested in taking it to RTTC? I'm not sure how far you are from Bakersfield, but it'd be cool if you came to meet us and have BBQ on Thurs afternoon before the weekend racing. 3 - 5 pm at the Ironworks shop. Should be a lot of fun.

[GregWeld]

Guys giving advice is all "guessing"....

Listen to Comp Cams not guesses.

[GregWeld]

Thanks -- can you smell that BBQ? Rodger is probably fabbing some crazy custom gusseted BBQ with a blower on it for the meet up. :woot:


The boys from the North (EH?) are bringing pizza....

Have you ever been in Canada? I ordered a pepperoni pizza up there once while on the boat... I'm pretty sure it was bologna not pepperoni. The slices were like 4" in diameter... and I've never seen pepperoni that large have you?

PS -- Nothing wrong with a bronze gear. The "wrong gear" would be not checking it for wear on a regular basis. The poly carb gear is just "new tech" and has lots of testing behind it to show that it wears better than bronze... but doesn't mean that it's an install and forget piece either. To me - this is an issue like running a solid lifter motor... every once in awhile you have to run the rack. No biggie it's just maintenance.

I'd be checking the distributor after EVERY track day. That's when oiling is an issue... and it's when you're putting the most stresses on stuff. Takes nothing to pop it out take a peek and stab it back in... and it beats sitting like a FORD on the way home.:unibrow:

I run Pure Power oil filters.... They filter 100% of the oil. They have magnets installed (doesn't help for bronze) and they're cleanable and let me see what's up with every change. In my book $200 is CHEAP for a filter when it's on a motor with a $1000 crank in a $2500 block... Or in Todds case - a $5000 block. :woot:

[Flash68]

Guys giving advice is all "guessing"....

Listen to Comp Cams not guesses.

The boys from the North (EH?) are bringing pizza....

Have you ever been in Canada? I ordered a pepperoni pizza up there once while on the boat... I'm pretty sure it was bologna not pepperoni. The slices were like 4" in diameter... and I've never seen pepperoni that large have you?

PS -- Nothing wrong with a bronze gear. The "wrong gear" would be not checking it for wear on a regular basis. The poly carb gear is just "new tech" and has lots of testing behind it to show that it wears better than bronze... but doesn't mean that it's an install and forget piece either. To me - this is an issue like running a solid lifter motor... every once in awhile you have to run the rack. No biggie it's just maintenance.

I'd be checking the distributor after EVERY track day. That's when oiling is an issue... and it's when you're putting the most stresses on stuff. Takes nothing to pop it out take a peek and stab it back in... and it beats sitting like a FORD on the way home.:unibrow:

I run Pure Power oil filters.... They filter 100% of the oil. They have magnets installed (doesn't help for bronze) and they're cleanable and let me see what's up with every change. In my book $200 is CHEAP for a filter when it's on a motor with a $1000 crank in a $2500 block... Or in Todds case - a $5000 block. :woot:

Rich talked to Comp Cams while I called Lunati... the Comp tech seemed much more on the ball than the Lunati guy I talked to, plus there is much more detail on that Comp poly gear -- as well as lots of opinions out there -- like anything!

No Canada for me yet... curious about this pizza though. No more BBQ? :question:

You're right on the maintenance -- I can't expect a hydraulic roller LSx type experience with a big solid roller high revving gen 1 sbc... gotta be committed to checking things often, esp after hard days on a track. No doubt.

Sounds like a badass filter. Your filter may be worth more than my block. :lol:

Hey Todd -- why the deleted post this morning? Were you being mean to Greg again? LOL Spill it!! :cheers:

[Vegas69]

I was being mean to Greg and figured my advice would fall on deaf ears anway. :rofl:

[Flash68]

I was being mean to Greg and figured my advice would fall on deaf ears anway. :rofl:

Touche.. :unibrow:

[GregWeld]

I was being mean to Greg and figured my advice would fall on deaf ears anway. :rofl:

I didn't get the mean part. Everybody has an opinion and worthy discussion points. It's how someone makes an "informed" decision.

In the end -- none of us really give a crap what he decides to do as long as he's making a best effort, informed choice.

I see three choices:

Melonized

Bronze

Poly Carb

He's doing the right thing by studying the issue - calling manufacturers for their advice - and getting opinions here and anywhere else he can. However, I personally take the advice from the factory boys even if it take a couple calls a couple days apart or I have to "elevate" the discussion. I'd also call an engine builder or two to see if they have any valid thoughts.

This is straight off COMP CAMS website regarding this subject:

What Distributor Gear Should I Use With My Camshaft?


Matching camshaft and distributor gears is one of the most critical, yet often overlooked step in engine assembly. The proper distributor gear for your camshaft differs by both the material and the kind of lifter for which your camshaft was designed. Using the wrong material can lead to premature gear wear, possible camshaft wear and ultimately engine failure.

First off, no steel distributor gear is compatible with both flat tappet and hydraulic roller cams. This is because hydraulic rollers can be made from two possible materials and either of those materials requires a different gear than the flat tappet cam. Regardless, a steel gear is not compatible with a cast iron flat tappet cam.

Distributor Gear Materials:

1. Cast Iron

2. Composite (offers great life, conforms well to the mating cam gear, and is compatible with ANY camshaft gear material)

3. Melonized or hardened steel (material that OEMs use with factory roller cams; many aftermarket distributor manufacturers use these as the default gears for their distributors)

4. Bronze (conforms well to the mating camshaft gear and will not damage the camshaft gear, but it is a self sacrificing gear intended to be used in race applications only and should be replaced about once a year)


If you have a cast iron hydraulic or solid flat tappet cam, your distributor gear options are:

1. Cast iron distributor gear

2. Composite distributor gear


If you have an austempered ductile iron hydraulic or solid roller cam, your two options are:

1. Melonized or hardened steel distributor gear

2. Composite distributor gear


If you have a billet steel hydraulic or solid roller cam, your two options are:

1. Bronze distributor gear

2. Composite distributor gear


COMP Cams® recommends the composite gear because it is compatible with all camshaft gears – flat tappet, austempered cast iron cores, and billet cores. If the steel gear is not hardened, it is not compatible with either of the roller cam types.

Note: If you have an austempered core hydraulic roller cam and a .500” shaft distributor with a steel gear, verify with the manufacturer of the distributor that the steel gear they use is a melonized or hardened steel material and it will work fine.

[GregWeld]

Note the differences in materials here --- between austempered ductile iron vs billet steel cam core.

[Flash68]

I surely can be accused many a time of having analysis paralysis, but I'll take over-analysis any time over not thinking it through.

We have been asking so many people, builders, drivers, crew members, bla bla bla and it's pretty much been bronze and a few supporters for a composite with mixed results.

Yeah that gear guide is the text from the link I posted a page or 2 back. That made me feel a lot better I guess.

Bottom line is we now have 1 of each of the 2 gears that are made to be run with my cam. And we will be checking the oil and gear wear here often in the near future to make sure all is well.

I do appreciate everyone's comments and advice -- these discussions are far more rewarding than all the pictures and videos -- esp when they help prevent making the mistakes others have made and avoid future carnage. :cheers:

[Vegas69]

Greg, I was just giving you a little hell about relying on these tech guys. I've had very little success with that. They usually have a very limited window of knowledge and have a special interest in mind.

I think you are making the safe decision for the camshaft using a bronze or plastic gear. I've seen bad feedback on both so it's a toss up. As long as you check it often like a valve lash as Greg mentioned. The main thing is you took my advice and plugged the bypass. IMO the brass AND plastic gear are likely going to wear quickly and the debris would have gone through the bearings and caused an engine failure in the near future. It's just a compromise all the way around.

I absolutely wouldn't remove the orings from the distributor. Your bearings and valvetrain are much more important that your gear. I've seen people file a slot in the bottom pop out for a little extra spray.

[The WidowMaker]

i friggin hate the ups and downs of these cars. i just hope to see it running well at RTTC.

Tim

[Flash68]

Greg, I was just giving you a little hell about relying on these tech guys. I've had very little success with that. They usually have a very limited window of knowledge and have a special interest in mind.

I think you are making the safe decision for the camshaft using a bronze or plastic gear. I've seen bad feedback on both so it's a toss up. As long as you check it often like a valve lash as Greg mentioned. The main thing is you took my advice and plugged the bypass. IMO the brass AND plastic gear are likely going to wear quickly and the debris would have gone through the bearings and caused an engine failure in the near future. It's just a compromise all the way around.

I absolutely wouldn't remove the orings from the distributor. Your bearings and valvetrain are much more important that your gear. I've seen people file a slot in the bottom pop out for a little extra spray.

I do agree Todd -- lots of times any type of tech support can be cheap labor (especially when dealing with large companies) with little to zero direct experience with the products. It's just a gamble pure and simple. A bronze should work and a composite should work... but which lasts longer? $10 question at the moment!

i friggin hate the ups and downs of these cars. i just hope to see it running well at RTTC.

Tim

Thanks Tim... I think we have a good plan in place with backup! :cheers: See ya there.

[GregWeld]

It's why GM and FORD etc has zillions of engineers... and they put 100's of thousands of test miles on their products before they hit the streets.

Actually what all of this should show all of us - is to have some respect for just how well OEM products (Chevys and Fords etc) work and how we rely on their reliability.

Think about a ZR1 motor.... 638 HP WITH A FACTORY WARRANTY... and all you do is change the oil. Pretty spectacular in my book.

RE: Tech guys.

I do my research at the big trade shows and car shows where there are real adults in management positions in attendance. I also hit a couple of competitors and play dumb and listen to their answers to the same questions. The world isn't perfect - but it can be 'okay'. ;)

[camcojb]

Just make sure your camshaft end play is correct. Too much movement front to back will destroy the gear real fast. I've seen the bronze gears fail in a hundred miles or less.

I've never had great luck with the bronze gears but they have their purpose. I don't think you can wait a year to check them though. I use the melonized GM gears on all of mine, including billet rollers; however, the billet rollers I used had a cast distributor gear pressed on as requested by me. DO NOT use a steel gear on a billet core without the cast gear on the cam.

In your case I think you should have good luck with either polymer or bronze, but make sure the cam end play is spot on and I'd inspect it often, at least initially.

[GregWeld]

Good advice on the end play Jody.

Guys that aren't used to rollers can often overlook that important little detail.

[Flash68]

Jody & Greg -- thanks guys.

Will check the gear early and often here as well to make sure everything is "lined up" right.

Gonna try to put some hard miles (is there another kind? :D) on it this weekend, bed/test the new brakes, etc.

[Flash68]

The non-HD GoPro's had audio issues, I tried three and wasn't pleased. The clicking may be a lose front lcd display cover or the contact point between the camera shutter button and the case shutter button. Try a small piece of tape on them and see if that helps.

The Go Pro HD produces good audio. It comes with a separate open back cover for the case which would work well in the interior of a car. The majority of my experience is with street, track, and off-road motorcycles.

Go Pro also just released an lcd that attach's to the camera back and the $79 kit includes the two style of case doors. http://gopro.com/hd-hero-accessories/lcd-bacpac

I set up my close friend and KTM dealer as a GoPro dealer in Oct/Nov and we've been very pleased with them as have our customers. Dollar for dollar those little cameras are pretty hard to beat.

Back to the car........Congratulations! Nice ride! :hail:

I'm gonna try the tape on the camera trick tmrw and see if that cures the clicking. Thanks for the tip.

Have you tried out that LCD "BacPac" add-on yet? That thing looks pretty cool and I might get one if there's positive feedback on it.

[Flash68]

I want to thank Gaetano (Track Junky) for offering to let me use his car hauler to take my car down to RTTC. That was an unsolicited offer from a guy I have yet to meet in person. We've shared emails and PMs and our Norcal get together was recently postponed, but I just wanted to publicly thank him for that nice gesture. Another one of the great contacts I have made on this forum. :thumbsup:

Thanks again G, but I am determined and NEED to do this road trip thing! :D

[Flash68]

Pretty decent weekend of forward progress and street testing as we get ready for the RTTC road trip. We are down to mostly "minor" things on the white board to-do list, but every time 1 or 2 things get erased, 2 or 3 things replace those. That's how it goes.

--Changed/inspected oil a 2nd time since distributor gear broke last weekend. This oil looked and the oil filter was cut open and looked great as well. Bronze gear doing it's job so far. Will check again either in Bakersfield or in Irvine after a few hundred miles of wear.

--Wilwood e-brake kit installed

--Played with prop valve and dialed in maximum rear brake bias and still could not achieve rear brake lockup. May not have optimum MC bore. Looking into that now, but brakes are much improved as expected over previous disc/drum setup.

--Car was stalling when stomping on brakes. Adjusted various carb settings.

After the last of the street testing runs on a sparse commercial road, a few cops starting heading to the area. I'm sure I had nothing to do with it. :_paranoid

But, one of the worst things I could have done for that day was ride shotgun in Rich's flagship build car (for his buddy/customer Eric David). It's very similar to Todd's 69 in a lot of ways, and it ruined me for the day. What a beast and beautiful car (Eric's on left, Todd's on right for those that just registered yesterday). We are working on convincing him to come to RTTC with us. :thumbsup:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff245/flash68/SEMA10001.jpg

[GregWeld]

ASSume your pedal ratio is at 6:1 or better?

Also - what M/C bore you running?

[Vegas69]

Eric has a gorgeous car. I mentioned how loose the track is at El Toro and how he would likely do some damage when he was here in November. It's my fault. :D That photo is the perfect example of different blacks. His has a blue tinge while mine is dark.

As we discussed, it's the pads. I can lock up my rears easily with a larger bore master cylinder and my Carbotechs. It's an amazing difference. I ended up needing to dial out about 5-6 turns. They are an autocross pad with good initial bite. The wilwood pads they send with the street kits don't squeak and have great life. They just don't work that great. My rear pads were nearly brand new after 3-4k on them. I haven't had them squeak like my front road race pads.

[Track Junky]

I want to thank Gaetano (Track Junky) for offering to let me use his car hauler to take my car down to RTTC. That was an unsolicited offer from a guy I have yet to meet in person. We've shared emails and PMs and our Norcal get together was recently postponed, but I just wanted to publicly thank him for that nice gesture. Another one of the great contacts I have made on this forum. :thumbsup:

Thanks again G, but I am determined and NEED to do this road trip thing! :D

Anytime Dave. After all the help that was offered to me from the guys on this site to try and get me to Optima it was a no brainer. After reading about your distributor gear woes I didn't want to see you not make it to RTTC.

Good luck and hope you do well.:thumbsup:

[Flash68]

ASSume your pedal ratio is at 6:1 or better?

Also - what M/C bore you running?

ASS is right. I do not know. I remember reading some posts about this awhile back, but did not do anything with it.

Since the car was a pretty well running car when I got it (minus about 12 or so drivetrain leaks), we have just made changes and see how the results were on the fly.

We are not sure what the bore on the MC is either... it is not an aftermarket piece -- some GM stock style piece, but not sure off what year or model. That could/should be one of our next steps in this process... I think.

We are down to prioritizing final things to check/adjust/replace/etc with less than 2 weeks to go for the road trip, and this may not make the cut. If not, we will continue to look at this when we get back.

Eric has a gorgeous car. I mentioned how loose the track is at El Toro and how he would likely do some damage when he was here in November. It's my fault. :D That photo is the perfect example of different blacks. His has a blue tinge while mine is dark.

As we discussed, it's the pads. I can lock up my rears easily with a larger bore master cylinder and my Carbotechs. It's an amazing difference. I ended up needing to dial out about 5-6 turns. They are an autocross pad with good initial bite. The wilwood pads they send with the street kits don't squeak and have great life. They just don't work that great. My rear pads were nearly brand new after 3-4k on them. I haven't had them squeak like my front road race pads.

Yeah it is. And shame on you for scaring away another nice car. Haha. I'd be hesitant too with such a beautiful paint and body.

Yep, I believe you on the pads. Again, one of the final things to decide to leave as is for the trip/racing. Not sure I will get to it before next week but definitely on the short to-do list and will happen soon.

You think I should change pads before proceeding with a possible MC change? Guess it would make sense to know what MC I got first huh... :lol:

Anytime Dave. After all the help that was offered to me from the guys on this site to try and get me to Optima it was a no brainer. After reading about your distributor gear woes I didn't want to see you not make it to RTTC.

Good luck and hope you do well.:thumbsup:

Yep, a great niche of car guys. Thanks for the well wishes man. I just hope to do well, learn about my driving and my car, and avoid carnage! :woot:

[Vegas69]

If you can lock the fronts, you should be able to lock the rears...

[Flash68]

If you can lock the fronts, you should be able to lock the rears...

Haven't been able to lock the fronts yet... maybe I need to get back on those calf raises.

[GregWeld]

Haven't been able to lock the fronts yet... maybe I need to get back on those calf raises.

Seriously -- I wouldn't be tracking the car if you can't make the brakes work beyond tire grip... you're asking for trouble.

Another ASSumable question. Did anyone BED the pads in? And do the brakes work better after you put some heat in them?

That last question is most important... because if they don't... you'll be having one of those off track excursions that nobody wants. :D

[Vegas69]

I agree, you should be able to achieve front lock up unless your master cylinder is way oversize. Like 1 1/8.

[Flash68]

Seriously -- I wouldn't be tracking the car if you can't make the brakes work beyond tire grip... you're asking for trouble.

Another ASSumable question. Did anyone BED the pads in? And do the brakes work better after you put some heat in them?

That last question is most important... because if they don't... you'll be having one of those off track excursions that nobody wants. :D

Yeah we need to get this figured out by next week!

I wouldn't I EXACTLY followed this bedding procedure on the Wilwood pads that came with my new rear disc kit, but have done a variation of it. :/

http://www.wilwood.com/TechTip/TechPadBedTip.aspx

Another thing is the front Wilwood discs and Brand ?? pads were on the car when I got them and we have never even inspected them. I remember talking about doing that and I was considering getting better pads recently but caught up with motor stuff and just haven't gotten to it. And now here we are less than 2 weeks from Go time.

Honestly I haven't done enough brake testing to know if they get better or not with more heat. We have been playing and adjusting numerous things at all once unfortunately. Not ideal I know, but it's how it has gone.

I agree, you should be able to achieve front lock up unless your master cylinder is way oversize. Like 1 1/8.

We really need to pull the MC on the car and see what heck it is.

Thanks to both of ya for looking out. Most of this stuff is all new for me.

P.S. is it worth it, and/or even too late now, to follow that pad bedding procedure to the tee?

[Vegas69]

If you haven't induced front lock up, you really don't know if your proportioning valve is adjusted correctly. Before you do anything, take it back out and stomp on the brakes going 60. The fronts should lock up even cold. Just don't flat spot your tires. You need to figure out your threshold braking anyway.

[Flash68]

10-4 I'm on it!

[fleetus macmullitz]

Most of this stuff is all new for me.



Your time spent with the M3 and the P-car...known now as 'The lost years'.


:P

[Sieg]

I'm gonna try the tape on the camera trick tmrw and see if that cures the clicking. Thanks for the tip.

Have you tried out that LCD "BacPac" add-on yet? That thing looks pretty cool and I might get one if there's positive feedback on it.
I haven't tried the BacPac yet since most of my video is motorcycles right now, but I can see where it would be very handy at times, especially for optimizing the camera position and composing still photos.

Did the tape help?

[Flash68]

Your time spent with the M3 and the P-car...known now as 'The lost years'.


:P

Yeah, and esp with the P-car, the lost $$ years. :lol:

As much as I liked those cars when I had them, a muscle car just has so much more soul. :thumbsup:

I haven't tried the BacPac yet since most of my video is motorcycles right now, but I can see where it would be very handy at times, especially for optimizing the camera position and composing still photos.

Did the tape help?

Yeah looks like a great thing to use while you're out recording in the "field" or at an event.

The tape did seem to help I think, but I also think the volume seems a bit "muted" now maybe?? Not sure why or even if it's related because I didn't change anything else at all.

Here's a before and after 1 week apart. Don't mind the squeaking in the 2nd video... that is some roll cage noise we are addressing now.

before tape

mlefwVq7yTY

after tape

74bVTqsdCcE

[Sieg]

Beyond the camera which isn't too bad, that motor sounds damn good! Reinforces my 383 plan for the future, I like old school.

To clarify:

- The camera is a GoPro Hero Wide non-HD?

- Where do you have tape?

[Flash68]

Beyond the camera which isn't too bad, that motor sounds damn good! Reinforces my 383 plan for the future, I like old school.

To clarify:

- The camera is a GoPro Hero Wide non-HD?

- Where do you have tape?

Well thanks. It's a revver for sure!

I have the HD Hero.

I put 2 strips over both buttons on the cam, that's it.

[Sieg]

Well thanks. It's a revver for sure!

I have the HD Hero.

I put 2 strips over both buttons on the cam, that's it.
Sounds like a DZ on steroids! :thumbsup:

They have also had an issue with a lose fitting lcd display lens, might try testing with tape on it. Not sure on the reduced sound level issue.

Are you running the open back on the case?

[Flash68]

Sounds like a DZ on steroids! :thumbsup:

They have also had an issue with a lose fitting lcd display lens, might try testing with tape on it. Not sure on the reduced sound level issue.

Are you running the open back on the case?

It should sound even better when I replace the current 7k rev limit pill with the 7400 pill that will be here next week. :unibrow:

Yeah that makes sense. I only had tape on the 2 buttons. I just added bigger pieces on the back and top. Will see if that works.

What do you mean running the open back? Mine closes in and covers the cam on all 4 sides. I don't see any other way to secure it. Is yours different?

[CrossRamRich]

Testing

[Flash68]

If you haven't induced front lock up, you really don't know if your proportioning valve is adjusted correctly. Before you do anything, take it back out and stomp on the brakes going 60. The fronts should lock up even cold. Just don't flat spot your tires. You need to figure out your threshold braking anyway.

Well during a window of dry weather today Rich was able to go out and hammer the brakes and they did lock up. (Guess I was being a sally. :lol:) No lock up from the rear but the fronts did. So if that's the case with the prop valve set at max, we could have a larger than optimal MC bore size. Of course, as you said, the pads could be a factor as well. Will check that out tmrw.

Oh, I did find out I have a 16 gallon fuel cell when all along I thought (and was told) it was a 12 gallon. That's good news for the road trip!

[fleetus macmullitz]

So it all seems to be all workin' out for you now...

What's up with that?

:D

[Sieg]

What do you mean running the open back? Mine closes in and covers the cam on all 4 sides. I don't see any other way to secure it. Is yours different?

My HD Motorsport kit came with a skeletonized back door for the case that the instructions said it reduces audio wind noise up to 100 mph. I think it's shown in the replacement housing picture but no text reference? (The back with 3 foam pads on it seperate from the housing)

http://gopro.com/camera-accessories/replacement-hd-housing//

[CrossRamRich]

Put a few gallons in the tank, tightened up my Wolverine high top drivin boots, and headed to the "Garlic Farm" proving grounds for an afternoon rodeo. The first lap was greasy as expected, then the tires warmed. After that it was on. Power oversteer, slight push but managable by right foot. You could hear the front tires squeal as I pushed thier threshhold. Right then left figure eights, hard acceleration then brake test, lock up, modulating as not to flat spot the tires. Rear brakes did not lock up with the front, however they are doing thier job. Steering is great for the tight stuff, the variable ratio box allows you to drive with one hand on wheel and on on shifter, rarely using other hand. Did get into second, but ran out of room quickly. In the short time it gave more confidence as the tires and brakes got hotter. This baby is a handfull, pipey like a two stroke, raw and bare bones ride. Probably not a nitpick driver car, but a kick in the ass to have a great time. Isn't that what its for? :hail: Nice car Dave, thanks for letting me be part of the evolution. Lets kick ass next week! Run whatcha brung!:cheers:

[fleetus macmullitz]

Great write-up Rich.

Hallmark should hire you to write cards for the gearhead market those fancy boys at that company have seemed to overlook. :mad:


:lol:

[Flash68]

So it all seems to be all workin' out for you now...

What's up with that?

:D

That can change as quickly as the weather forecast for El Toro next week. :_paranoid

My HD Motorsport kit came with a skeletonized back door for the case that the instructions said it reduces audio wind noise up to 100 mph. I think it's shown in the replacement housing picture but no text reference? (The back with 3 foam pads on it seperate from the housing)

http://gopro.com/camera-accessories/replacement-hd-housing//

Aha! Ok I just found it with all my other accessories. Guess I missed that one. LOL. I've been running the solid back door and will switch that out next time. Thanks for enlightening me! :thumbsup:

Put a few gallons in the tank, tightened up my Wolverine high top drivin boots, and headed to the "Garlic Farm" proving grounds for an afternoon rodeo. The first lap was greasy as expected, then the tires warmed. After that it was on. Power oversteer, slight push but managable by right foot. You could hear the front tires squeal as I pushed thier threshhold. Right then left figure eights, hard acceleration then brake test, lock up, modulating as not to flat spot the tires. Rear brakes did not lock up with the front, however they are doing thier job. Steering is great for the tight stuff, the variable ratio box allows you to drive with one hand on wheel and on on shifter, rarely using other hand. Did get into second, but ran out of room quickly. In the short time it gave more confidence as the tires and brakes got hotter. This baby is a handfull, pipey like a two stroke, raw and bare bones ride. Probably not a nitpick driver car, but a kick in the ass to have a great time. Isn't that what its for? :hail: Nice car Dave, thanks for letting me be part of the evolution. Lets kick ass next week! Run whatcha brung!:cheers:

Hey, how come I haven't been to the Garlic Farm Proving Grounds? :lol:

Awesome review man. I didn't know you had it in ya. :D

See ya soon...

[Ron in SoCal]

Awesome review man. I didn't know you had it in ya. :D



It's the Wolverine boots, Sally! :D

[6D9]

Right on Dave! Sounds like you are really getting that beast dialed in. Can't wait to see it in person! I ended up selling my SBC and am getting all my stuff together for a BBC
.

[Flash68]

It's the Wolverine boots, Sally! :D

I need some heavy duty boots too apparently! :lol:

Right on Dave! Sounds like you are really getting that beast dialed in. Can't wait to see it in person! I ended up selling my SBC and am getting all my stuff together for a BBC
.

Thanks man... we're getting there... slowly but surely.

Congrats on the sale and the upcoming BBC... that's gonna be a beast. :D

[6D9]

I need some heavy duty boots too apparently! :lol:



Thanks man... we're getting there... slowly but surely.

Congrats on the sale and the upcoming BBC... that's gonna be a beast. :D

Thanks Dave I hope so! My little SBC ran good....lol

[uk68327]

Yeah, and esp with the P-car, the lost $$ years. :lol:

As much as I liked those cars when I had them, a muscle car just has so much more soul. :thumbsup:

The tape did seem to help I think, but I also think the volume seems a bit "muted" now maybe?? Not sure why or even if it's related because I didn't change anything else at all.



Possibly stating the obvious, but you haven't accidently taped up the mic on the camera?

Great watching the videos - we need more! :cheers:

[Flash68]

Possibly stating the obvious, but you haven't accidently taped up the mic on the camera?

Great watching the videos - we need more! :cheers:

I don't think I do. I looked to confirm the mic location, but I am pretty sure it has to be these 3 little holes that I left uncovered.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff245/flash68/photo1.jpg

Thanks Mark

[tones2SS]

Right on Dave! Sounds like you are really getting that beast dialed in.

I agree. That's great Dave. Good luck!:thumbsup:

[uk68327]

I don't think I do. I looked to confirm the mic location, but I am pretty sure it has to be these 3 little holes that I left uncovered.


Thanks Mark

Well at least it's not something silly then :) Regardless of that, it still sounded awesome :thumbsup:

[89 RS]

Cool vids Dave and that engine sounds freakin awesome.

[fleetus macmullitz]

Yeah, she's a sweet ride.


JAct-S2Es9E&feature=related


:lol:

[Flash68]

Well at least it's not something silly then :) Regardless of that, it still sounded awesome :thumbsup:

Cool vids Dave and that engine sounds freakin awesome.

Thanks guys.

Yeah, she's a sweet ride.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=


:lol:

Skip -- linky no worky. :willy:

[fleetus macmullitz]

Skip -- linky no worky. :willy:

Freekin hackers...I wish they'd target someone else's posts. :mad:


:D

[Flash68]

Freekin hackers...I wish they'd target someone else's posts. :mad:


:D

Haha I knew it was either going to be that scene or a juicy van scene. :D

[fleetus macmullitz]

Haha I knew it was either going to be that scene or a juicy van scene. :D

Although I am an approved supplier, my inventory is limited and thus becoming more and more predictable. :(

[CrossRamRich]

Magic Man and El Diablo in full effect! 1015 miles of driving and racing. :willy: Thanks to Doug Renner, Roger at Ironworks, Dave "Obi Wan Kanobi" Pozzi, and the massive Pro Touring community. Epic road trip and race weekend. Dave, you made me proud.That boy can drive!:hail: :wow: :bow: :cheers: :woot: :yes:

Abracadabra Holmes!

[fleetus macmullitz]

Not surprised Flash that you no longer hold the title of tonites episode when it comes to 'trackin' it'... :D

-F0wlfmxKdU

[tones2SS]

Magic Man and El Diablo in full effect! 1015 miles of driving and racing. :willy: Thanks to Doug Renner, Roger at Ironworks, Dave "Obi Wan Kanobi" Pozzi, and the massive Pro Touring community. Epic road trip and race weekend. Dave, you made me proud.That boy can drive!:hail: :wow: :bow: :cheers: :woot: :yes:

Abracadabra Holmes!

Very nice Dave!:cheers: :thumbsup:

[Flash68]

Wow. What a way to spend a long weekend. I can't remember more fun with a car or more good times with a bunch of car freaks. Awesome racing and social event rolled into one. I'm hooked. Sorry if this post is going to be novel-like, but it really was the best weekend I can remember having, so bear with me, or go read Todd's epic thread. :lol:

So much to be thankful for and people to thank. My good buddy, crew chief, and wrench Rich Bermea/Road Touring Customs -- great road trip and we did what we intended to do and then some. Thanks for all that you did for me buddy. Can't wait til the next one!

My Camaro buddies Vegas Todd and Doug Fresh are the best. Great guys with awesome cars and so hospitable with their homes, tools, advice and support. I consider them great friends.

Also thanks to the Tennessee boys Bill, Yancy and Danny for all they did and continue to do for us. The volunteers were great and got to talk to many of them during the days. Many I "know" from the forums. Too many to list that's for sure! :cheers:

1010 miles of great American road trip (I called it the Half Lap of California) that started on Thurs morning and continued til Monday when we pulled back into home base in Gilroy. The car proved more than valiant and only had a few minor hiccups (some driver induced of course).

We'd had oil leaking a bit more than we liked out of the driver side valve cover breather and just got the Moroso baffles in Thurs morning. After we (Rich and I in my car and Rod towing his sweet Camaro) hooked up with the Newman boys in their sweet 55 Chivy in Paso Robles, we headed over to Ironworks in Bakersfield to meet up with that crew - Rodger, the Speedtech guys, and the Northwest guys Greg, Bob and Tim. Great BBQ spread provided by Speedtech and Rodger let us borrow Brycen for a bit to skillfully weld on the baffles, which Rich then installed. Problem solved. Thanks Rodger. :cheers:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff245/flash68/photo-8.jpg

As temps hit 43* over the grapevine, our duct taped heater vents (no heater, remember) helped curtail the cold air and we managed to get to Doug's house around 9pm to meet up with Doug and Todd. Badmotorfinger had gotten us there safely. 1st stage completed.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff245/flash68/photo_001-8.jpg

Friday cruise was money. Great route mapped out and there was just a tad of rain. RainX worked pretty good for me. Well, it kinda has to. :D
Had a great run thru the Ortego Hwy chasing Yancy in his 5th gen Camaro with Dfresh following. We broke from the pack and had some fun in the twisty canyon roads. But my GoPro was full so no vid of that. :mad:

Had lunch at Bob's Big Boy after hanging at Spectre for a bit - we were late for the food and wanted to get back to Doug's for some tuning on my car. Rich, with Todd sitting in his chair directing (not really), made some adjustments and got the car into race ready form for the weekend. My coil wasn't looking good and leaking a bunch so Doug had one on his wall (seriously) and he let me have it. Thanks Doctor Fresh. Doug also masterfully handled the Tri-tip, chicken, and brats on the BBQ. Rich and I handled the beer since Todd is no fun anymore and Doug only drinks Moonshine.

[Flash68]

Saturday heading into El Toro and getting ready to race created a feeling in me I have not experience since high school I think -- that anxious/nervous/excited energy that one cannot put into words. You just can't buy that stuff anywhere and better than any drug I ever tried. :_paranoid

Had a good first day and laid down a decent road course time of 1:13 as we were in the first group and the wettest condition. I was :01 off Todd for our morning group of 20 cars and his 1:12 was the best of the group. Can't complain there for my first road course effort ever.

On to the autoX and conditions had improved. I got 3 or 4 runs I believe and laid down a 39.5 best for a pretty respectable time. That slot car Vette hit a low or mid 37 for best time of Saturday. We then got shut down for the Speed Stop as the timers were not working and they decided to fix it for Sunday.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff245/flash68/188569_680655997960_19907323_36850502_3106317_n.jp g

As you know, it was party time at the Renner facility that night and it was great meeting more and chatting with more friends and sharing laughs... mostly at Doug's expense. I can say that apple cider moonshine tasted non-alcoholic yet was 120 proof I believe. :thumbsup: Yes I had a slight headache on Sunday morning but it didn't matter -- it was go time.

Started with 3 Speedstop efforts, but they were telling us the wrong stop box location for 2 runs so that was kinda messy. More runs later there so that was fine.

Went over to road course 10 min practice session and hit our first snag -- a janky shifter linkage had me off the track in the first half lap -- limped back to the pits in 3rd gear (that's fun with a monster solid roller cam). Rich made the adjustments and we were back in business for more AutoX and Speedstops after lunch. Bummer to miss out on the practice session on the dry road course as it woulda definitely helped me later.

Went over and nailed about the best I could do on the Speedstop on the 2nd effort so I said I'm done. Save the brakes and car for the road course and autoX. I think Todd ran like 17 times on the Speedstop after I quit. :rofl: I still don't know what my time was though.

Went over to AutoX next and spun out a couple times in the same spot trying to be a hero. We did up the rev limiter from 7000 to 7400 since I was bouncing off it way too early and it wasn't worth shifting into 2nd. Not much better sound IMO than hanging it out at 7k+ rpm for a few seconds. I was setup well for this course since I could stay in 1st gear (I top out at 70mph with my M21 and 3.55 gears) and focus with 2 hands on the wheel.

On my 10th and final run of the weekend I nailed my best time of 38.8, which should have me in the top 10 and I think top 6 or 7 based on talking to others. But for some reason I wasn't listed in the top 10 when they announced it and not sure why. Hoping it will show up as everyone there said it was a clean run. Here's that run (720HD is best)

IBbmDbnl3HI

Last was the road course and I needed to improve by several seconds to make my goal of getting into top 10. Thought I needed a 1:08 or 1:09 to get there but not sure where I ended up. Todd says he thinks he was about 1:10 for 6th, but I think his time had to be better. Again, we still don't know our times there yet. Here is my road course run. (720HD is best) I need to quit putting my damn hand on the shifter for no reason!!

JRmDucklPsU

[Flash68]

Headed out on Monday from Doug's for the drive back. Gorgeous day to cruise home. 60+ and sunny. :thumbsup:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff245/flash68/184259_10150109811331715_578911714_6720507_990997_ n.jpg

Stopped in Gorman for gas and lunch, and decided I had a Snow-Touring photo opp.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff245/flash68/DSCF3282.jpg

1010 miles later we were home. Dead tired. Ears ringing. Worth every cent, minute, and not enough sleep. I will never forget this trip.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff245/flash68/DSCF3292.jpg

[EBMC]

Man Im so jealous! That sounds like a blast.

[waynieZ]

Glad to hear you guys had a good time. Nice times!

[awr68]

That's Awesome, Dave! Glad to hear it was such a great trip and experiance! I so wish I could have been there...Blake even offered to pick me up on the way down...but I had to work! Oh well, another time!

Your car looks great in race form! I bet you got a ton of looks as you blasted down the interstate! :thumbsup:

[awr68]

Just watched the vids you posted...sounds awesome dude!! You did a great job of driving...both hands on the wheel tho! ;) I can totally see why you are hooked!! :yes: :thumbsup:

[fleetus macmullitz]

Very nice...especially like the stance. :thumbsup:

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k156/wnyjazz/188569_680655997960_19907323_368505.jpg

[torino420]

Wow Dave, sounds like it was an absolute great time. Glad the car performed well for you with little hicups.

[Vegas69]

I was impressed with Dave and his car boys. :yes: This was his first real event. To drive that far and run so well.. You deserve to be stoked.

That nervous energy doesn't go away. It's been there at every event for me. It's a drug only racers feel. :D

I'm really not sure what I ran just yet. With a 1:12 in wet, sloppy conditions, I'm sure my best run Sunday was in the 1:05-1:10 range. Two years in a row with a dead battery in my go pro. :faint:

[KPC67]

Your car looks great Dave.
Can tell your proud.

[Tom.A]

Sounds great Dave and car looks awesome.

[phillym5]

It was sick watching your car run. Just flat out mean. Your car was in my top 3 for most entertaining... and most bad ass. The Detroit speed 70(?) and the Speedtech Nova were my other favorites.

[6D9]

Great write up! I really wish I could have gone. So cool to see the car performed great. Congrats....:thumbsup:

[Ron in SoCal]

Great write up Dave. It was fun watching you come off the chicane and blast your car down the straight! You're a rookine no more Bro...:lol:

[uk68327]

What can I say Dave, fantastic vids, car sounds angry as you come off the throttle :cool: Love the write up, I think I need to move to the US :unibrow: and join in the fun!

[Flash68]

Thanks guys. I am still on a high from this event days later. Unreal. If you've even considered coming to this event, with or without a car, I can't encourage you enough. I can't believe I missed last year's event even as a spectator. This makes cruising around on the street (which I enjoy) seem boring.

So now just impatiently awaiting for the final results to be posted. :lateral:

[96z28ss]

Nice see you again.
All I can say was working the autocross and watching him rev that engine to 7400 rpm was crazy.

[Flash68]

Nice see you again.
All I can say was working the autocross and watching him rev that engine to 7400 rpm was crazy.

You too Bob. Thanks.. I think? :lol:

Rich @ Road Touring Customs really got this car into shape and it's a testament to his work that this thing held together for 1000+ miles including the major beating it took. Thanks again Richie! :cheers:

[tones2SS]

Sounded like a great time. Thanks for the write up and the photos.
Looks like good times for sure.:thumbsup: :yes:

[carbuff]

All I can say was working the autocross and watching him rev that engine to 7400 rpm was crazy.

I miss my high revving 377. That was a fun engine and would pull to 7500rpm fast! Weeeee!!!!

:thumbsup:

[Flash68]

Well it looks like all the results are in and I am very pleased with how I fared against the big boys of our niche. As I mentioned I really was wanting to finish in the top 1/4 maybe with the hope of hitting top 10 in something.

I finished 9th, 11th, and 18th overall in AutoX, Road Course, and Speed Stop, respectively. And on Road Course and AutoX specifically, all I see above me are known players and heavy hitters like DSE, the Pozzis, Finch, Speedtech -- mainly vendors and past Optima participants -- oh, and that damn Akes guy -- so I don't see how I could ask for more out of my first real event.

What it really does is add even more fuel to my fire even quicker and I feel even more competitive now than I did going into it. I didn't expect to be so close to the leaders, well except in road course. 6 seconds is quite a gap. But had I gotten to use the 10 minute practice session on Sunday morning I am confident I could have figured out my lines and carried more speed. The car really impressed me more than I was anticipating.

Here's a couple pics I was emailed by someone who was there. Thanks Geoff.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff245/flash68/RTTCII386.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff245/flash68/RTTCII387.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff245/flash68/RTTCII383.jpg

[awr68]

Great looking car and HUGE congrats for doing so well...and it being your FIRST event makes it even better! :thumbsup:

Here's a serious question...not a slam! How was it driving that hard with the 4" hood? You are taller than me, but my experiance is that's its very hard to see the pass side front corner with the taller hood...just wondering what your real world thought's are now? :cheers:

[KPC67]

The car looks great:thumbsup:

[skatinjay27]

that is f-ing awesome dave!!!
im soo bummed i wasent able to make the event and hang with you fruits.

[89 RS]

Good deal Dave, sounds like you had a great time and are still jazzed up!:D

[GregWeld]

Yeah --- but you're still the same old DB! You're just a bit faster now!


:rofl: :rofl: :cheers: :woot:

[torino420]

nice job Dave, looks like so much fun. Great action shots! :thumbsup:

[Flash68]

Great looking car and HUGE congrats for doing so well...and it being your FIRST event makes it even better! :thumbsup:

Here's a serious question...not a slam! How was it driving that hard with the 4" hood? You are taller than me, but my experiance is that's its very hard to see the pass side front corner with the taller hood...just wondering what your real world thought's are now? :cheers:

You know I actually have fallen in love with the 4" cowl. The 4" hood and the 377 are things I likely would not have built from scratch, but I am glad I ended up with them. I dig them both a lot. I think the 4" hood works really well with the 2 center stripes too. And I can see just fine out of the windshield. The seats are fairly fixed as is as far as placement due to the cross bar behind the seats, and I sit pretty high in the car (my helmet touches the headliner). I think I can see everything I need to see so it's all good.

Yeah --- but you're still the same old DB! You're just a bit faster now!


:rofl: :rofl: :cheers: :woot:

Well... thanks... I think? :lol:

The car looks great:thumbsup:

that is f-ing awesome dave!!!
im soo bummed i wasent able to make the event and hang with you fruits.

Good deal Dave, sounds like you had a great time and are still jazzed up!:D

I would say I am still about as high as Charlie Sheen. :D

nice job Dave, looks like so much fun. Great action shots! :thumbsup:

Thanks guys. If ya'all can make it next time, do it! :thumbsup:

[Van B]

Car looks great! The speed stop is so much tougher that you think it is going to be. At least for me it was. Good to see the hook it firmly set as far as track events go. Have you ever done any track stuff before?

[Flash68]

Car looks great! The speed stop is so much tougher that you think it is going to be. At least for me it was. Good to see the hook it firmly set as far as track events go. Have you ever done any track stuff before?

Thanks Jeff. Yeah I was pretty fortunate to nail what I thought would be about the best I could do on the Speed Stop on my 2nd run of Sunday. Saturday was a wash since they were telling us the wrong markers to stop anyway. :lol: Plus I liked the idea of saving my brakes and car in general for the real deal AutoX and Road Course finals of the afternoon.

I knew I would have fun, but man it was just so much more than I was expecting. And then to place high was just icing on the cake.

I would consider this my first real event. I did a small AutoX in the rain about 6 weeks ago in Marina but it rained hard and was all wet and I couldn't give anything past 1/2 throttle on any of my 4 runs, so I wouldn't consider that much practice.

Love your car man, hope to see it run someday.

[Van B]

Trying hard to win my way to Vegas this year since I could not go last year.

[CrossRamRich]

Gettin ready for Marina Autocross on sunday. Badmotorfinger needed a little attention after the big road trip to RTTC. Plugs, valve adjustment, etc. Stout performer!!!!:cheers:

[GregWeld]

Gettin ready for Marina Autocross on sunday. Badmotorfinger needed a little attention after the big road trip to RTTC. Plugs, valve adjustment, etc. Stout performer!!!!:cheers:

Rich -- THEN QUIT POSTING AND GET YOUR AZZ BUSY BOY!


:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:


One of these days when I get rich like Charley and Dave - I'm gonna get me one of them there ride along mech-a-necks!

[Vegas69]

It's Mike Honcho. Don't tell anybody but he "Spread his but cheeks for Playgirl magazine" :rofl:

Rich, did you find any loose valves? How is the gear doing?

[GregWeld]

It's Mike Honcho. Don't tell anybody but he "Spread his but cheeks for Playgirl magazine" :rofl:

Rich, did you find any loose valves? How is the gear doing?

Shouldn't you be at an open house or something? :lol:

[Vegas69]

I don't do open houses. :D

[CrossRamRich]

It's Mike Honcho. Don't tell anybody but he "Spread his but cheeks for Playgirl magazine" :rofl:

Rich, did you find any loose valves? How is the gear doing?

Thats beautiful!!!:lol:

Yes all the valves were around .002 to .003 off thier cold adjustment. .015 intake .017 exhaust. Gear is beautiful put a MSD holdown on, lost 6 degrees with the cheap one. Had a bent cheap fuel pump block off, caused leak at RTTC. Distributor cap, center electrode broken, replaced. New plugs, NGK, gapped at .045. Oil was DONE. Shifter still bein funky, workin on that more today and fixing a collecter gasket. Trying out Lucas octane boost,:unibrow: seems to be working. Now try and catch us!!!:willy: We need a good radiator catch can, any suggestions?

[Flash68]

Valves were consistently off by about .003 Rich said.

Distributor gear is in perfect shape. Some more gear material from the previous gear was on the magnetic plug and a little in the oil filter.

Oil was black and a little low (yes we are working on a DIPSTICK solution). :willy:

Timing was down to 30* which was a little worrisome. But Rich discovered we were still using a cheapy distributor hold down that was likely the culprit. Replaced with better MSD hold down.

Replaced old plugs (should have down before probably) with new NGK 7938's.

Old plugs showed a little detonation so timing was set to 36* and Rich threw some Lucas octane boost in the fuel cell so we will see how she runs tmrw at Marina.

EDIT: Rich, I guess we are pretty much on the same page! :D

[Sieg]

Trying out Lucas octane boost,:unibrow: seems to be working.

Rich,

Might give Kemco 130 a try too: http://www.kemcooil.com/products.php?cId=4

I've had good luck with it in my bikes. Leaded with a nice racey aroma. :unibrow:

[CrossRamRich]

Rich,

Might give Kemco 130 a try too: http://www.kemcooil.com/products.php?cId=4

I've had good luck with it in my bikes. Leaded with a nice racey aroma. :unibrow:

Wow! Thanks for the tip. That stuff is the real deal. TEL, main ingredient, that'll work.:yes:

[Flash68]

We need a good radiator catch can, any suggestions?

How much capacity would you prefer, Boss? I can source this.

[Vegas69]

Sounds like success. :thumbsup:

[Flash68]

Had an eventful day yesterday at the Marina AutoX. Some awesome dedicated track cars there. American AutoX series is pretty serious stuff I found out firsthand. Didn't get to see Brian Hobaugh's red 64 Vette run as I had hoped... he was packing up when we got there.

Mary Pozzi and Brian both encouraged me to specifically come to these American AutoX events as they are big tracks made for bigger car. They were right. Very cool and difficult 2 lap course that resulted in 70 to 80+ second times.

I took 3 runs and of course spun out on 2 of them, but I feel I did okay all things considered. Traction was no where near what we saw at RTTC. The car just wouldn't stick and do what it did for me at El Toro. We had pretty good weather too. 60s and overcast most of the day.

Mary P took my car out for 3 laps after I was done, and I was stoked about this. I learned a ton from those 3 ride alongs. One that stood out was that I hit the brakes like a 9 year old girl. :lol: Man when she gets on the brakes she does it with conviction.

My GoPro was on the wrong setting for all my laps but I fixed it for Mary's final and best run here.

LFWVqIKKF44

For some reason this vid wasn't as clear as past ones. You can't really view the course that well or get the affect of the car hitting the brakes so much harder than when I have driven. Huge difference.

The course also was a challenge for my car because we had to run in 2nd gear and it didn't get up into its powerband in any of the straights. And I wasn't interested (or was Mary) in take lap after lap screaming at 7000rpm all day. Some courses are great for certain cars, and others not. That's how it is.

Mary and Dave P talked with us awhile after and we discussed several things to take a look at one the car based on how it behaved. Thanks to the Pozzi's for their insight and ideas about my car. Pretty valuable info right there. :thumbsup: and top secret... :D

Oh, and then I ran out of gas on the way home. Doh.

[tones2SS]

Very cool Dave. Learning from the best is good. :thumbsup: Running out of gas on the way home,...not so good.:(
Have fun buddy.:cheers:

[GregWeld]

Good write up Dave!

The Pozzi's are such sweethearts! So helpful and eager to share!


So - you need a quick change rear end --- get to the track - switch ratios and get that badmotorwhateverthehellitis bang the rev limiter. :rofl:


Running out of gas! Priceless.


So my story on that.... just completed doing the EFI for the first time on the Nomad many years ago --- I'd put about 10 gal of gas in it -- dyno etc... get 'er done and park it for a couple weeks. Comes the weekend of GoodGuys show here - get up and get 'er washed up - and head out at O'dark thirty. Car goes 10 miles and starts bucking -- then runs fine - then bucks - hiccups - then runs fine. I'm thinking "crap!" Must be a wire on a header I didn't tuck away right etc.... Then she just gives up. No biggie - call a tow truck. A tiltbed rollup comes and gets me. Since I'm on the side of the freeway - we can't hear or talk. He buttons it all up and I jump in the cab. He asks me what's wrong with it.... and I say... I just did full new EFI blah blah blah but it felt just like you'd run out of gas. BINGO! Lightbulb comes on and I tell him to get off the next exit and go to the gas station. While it's up on the bed I put some gas in - hit the key - it fires off immediately... We back it off - I pay him the $175 and off I go to the show... YES I told all my buddies what I did - and anytime we head off somewhere - their first question to me is "do you have gas"? :cheers: :woot:

[Flash68]

Good write up Dave!

The Pozzi's are such sweethearts! So helpful and eager to share!


So - you need a quick change rear end --- get to the track - switch ratios and get that badmotorwhateverthehellitis bang the rev limiter. :rofl:


Running out of gas! Priceless.


So my story on that.... just completed doing the EFI for the first time on the Nomad many years ago --- I'd put about 10 gal of gas in it -- dyno etc... get 'er done and park it for a couple weeks. Comes the weekend of GoodGuys show here - get up and get 'er washed up - and head out at O'dark thirty. Car goes 10 miles and starts bucking -- then runs fine - then bucks - hiccups - then runs fine. I'm thinking "crap!" Must be a wire on a header I didn't tuck away right etc.... Then she just gives up. No biggie - call a tow truck. A tiltbed rollup comes and gets me. Since I'm on the side of the freeway - we can't hear or talk. He buttons it all up and I jump in the cab. He asks me what's wrong with it.... and I say... I just did full new EFI blah blah blah but it felt just like you'd run out of gas. BINGO! Lightbulb comes on and I tell him to get off the next exit and go to the gas station. While it's up on the bed I put some gas in - hit the key - it fires off immediately... We back it off - I pay him the $175 and off I go to the show... YES I told all my buddies what I did - and anytime we head off somewhere - their first question to me is "do you have gas"? :cheers: :woot:

A quick change is EXACTLY what I need! :thumbsup:

Bad Momma Jomba to you Greggers! :lol:

Your gas story is awesome... I had those same thoughts... why is it missing? What happened now? We just changed the plugs... hmmmm.... :willy:

Lucky I ran out right near a friend of Rich's south of Gilroy so we were back on the road in 10 minutes. :cheers:

But I like your story better. :rofl:

[CrossRamRich]

Damn these race cars are thirsty! Thank God for my friends. Was a long day and a great learning experience. Trying to make a multi purpose car is difficult. We will be changing the alignment, adding one degree of camber, bringing it to 2.5 negative.

[Flash68]

We will be changing the alignment, adding one degree of camber, bringing it to 2.5 negative.

Ssshhhh.... don't let Todd know any of our special sauce recipe. :_paranoid

[fleetus macmullitz]

Enjoyed the vid and the writeup. :thumbsup:

[awr68]

What's with the Rated 'G' version of a Mary P video? :D

[Flash68]

Enjoyed the vid and the writeup. :thumbsup:

Thank you good sir. I aim to please. Usually.

What's with the Rated 'G' version of a Mary P video? :D

Because I had the darn cam on wrong setting for the "good" runs. :D

[awr68]

As long as she's not getting soft on us!! :D

[Flash68]

As long as she's not getting soft on us!! :D

Oh no.. my favorite line on her first run was "God it pushes like a dump truck!"

:lol:

[Vegas69]

:rofl: :rofl:

[awr68]

Oh no.. my favorite line on her first run was "God it pushes like a dump truck!"

:lol:

Too funny!! That's our Mary...tellin' it like it is! :lol:

[CrossRamRich]

Pretty damn fast dump truck!!:yes:

[fleetus macmullitz]

Having a wrenching talent like crew chief Rich 'Smokey' Bermea and a world class athlete for a driver, Flash 'Hotshoe' Gordon, they're gonna make the Queen... uh Mary, proud for years to come.

[Flash68]

Pretty damn fast dump truck!!:yes:

Burnin the midnight oil down there eh Richie? :unibrow:

Having a wrenching talent like crew chief Rich 'Smokey' Bermea and a world class athlete for a driver, Flash 'Hotshoe' Gordon, they're gonna make the Queen... uh Mary, proud for years to come.

Haha, one can only hope! :thumbsup:

[BeCool68]

Very nice!

[tones2SS]

Oh no.. my favorite line on her first run was "God it pushes like a dump truck!"

:lol:

:lol: :cheers:

[CrossRamRich]

[QUOTE=Flash68;338532]Burnin the midnight oil down there eh Richie? :unibrow:

Ya. Workin on Scotty's DSE suspension, once you get on a roll.......ya know.:cheers:

[CrossRamRich]

Having a wrenching talent like crew chief Rich 'Smokey' Bermea and a world class athlete for a driver, Flash 'Hotshoe' Gordon, they're gonna make the Queen... uh Mary, proud for years to come.

Having Mary drive the car and give feedback, is like having Eddie Van Halen play your guitar!:hail:

[fleetus macmullitz]

Having Mary drive the car and give feedback, is like having Eddie Van Halen play your guitar!:hail:

Obviously a very smart move to have Mary do that. :thumbsup:

[CrossRamRich]

Car starting to rust! Need an event! :unibrow:

[DFRESH]

Car starting to rust! Need an event! :unibrow:

Woooooooooooooooooo! Woooooooooooooo!

Help me Tom Cruise.

Still got that Bud Light sitting in my fridge homie---don't worry, it will be there when you come back for the next RTTC---lol

Doug

[CrossRamRich]

Woooooooooooooooooo! Woooooooooooooo!

Help me Tom Cruise.

Still got that Bud Light sitting in my fridge homie---don't worry, it will be there when you come back for the next RTTC---lol

Doug

I will need it to help my friend put out the invisible fire!:willy:

[DFRESH]

I will need it to help my friend put out the invisible fire!:willy:

LOL---

Sorry for the highjack Dr. Gordon--I'll send you some left over Tri Tip. I was looking on my parts wall this evening gazing at the Pep Boys chrome coil on the wall and found another Bud Light bottle cap behind one of the model cars on the shelf. I wonder how it got there----hmmmmmm.


Doug

[Flash68]

:lol: Oh man, more RTTC flashback chatter.... love it. :cheers:

Still working on setting up a track day in the coming months... possible candidates so far are Fernley, NV and Buttonwillow... Rich wants to do Laguna Seca (as would I), but everyone I know who has a lot of experience at that track tells me about the hardcore enforcement of the ridiculously low 92db sound limit. Talk about a buzzkill. And as some do, I don't feel like going intentionally slow near the sound meters, or as yet others do, making a custom exhaust just to point away from the meter. No thanks. :willy:

Doug -- yes please send some of your badass tri tip!!!

[Ron in SoCal]

:lol: Oh man, more RTTC flashback chatter.... love it. :cheers:

Still working on setting up a track day in the coming months... possible candidates so far are Fernley, NV and Buttonwillow... Rich wants to do Laguna Seca (as would I), but everyone I know who has a lot of experience at that track tells me about the hardcore enforcement of the ridiculously low 92db sound limit. Talk about a buzzkill. And as some do, I don't feel like going intentionally slow near the sound meters, or as yet others do, making a custom exhaust just to point away from the meter. No thanks. :willy:

Doug -- yes please send some of your badass tri tip!!!

Come down for Del Mar next weekend! You can save Doug the UPS charge...:lol:

[CrossRamRich]

Pozzi said he had some type of sound measuring device we could try. We will do Laguna Seca!:yes:

[Sieg]

Pozzi said he had some type of sound measuring device we could try. We will do Laguna Seca!:yes:
If you take a look at the bike on the far right in this picture in front of the rear tire and below the swingarm you can see the exhaust tip that FMF made for the KTM RC8's that the Skip Barber School uses to defeat the sound check. The stock exhuast is undermounted with a right side rear exit. The tip was essentially a "J" shape to exit left.
http://sieg.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/KTM-Laguan-Seca-11-09/IMGP5410/714371381_ymDpG-O.jpg
The new models we were testing did have the mod and they asked us to feather the throttle past the station coming out the fast uphill T-5............gotcha. :unibrow: Only the a few timid riders followed that rule.

Running the track once is worth the hassle. Be prepared for the G-out in turn 6! Check header and oil pan clearance and possibly add bump stops to the suspension for it. I'm guessing base on the bikes that a car plants pretty hard there, maybe someone with Camaro experience there can verify?

[Flash68]

Come down for Del Mar next weekend! You can save Doug the UPS charge...:lol:

Would love to Ron... maybe next year. :cheers:

Pozzi said he had some type of sound measuring device we could try. We will do Laguna Seca!:yes:

I have a sound measuring device too. It's called my ear. :lol: Trust me, I know quieter cars that have been black flagged there. Even the Porsche guys I know make custom exhausts to shoot away from the sound meter. I
can barely hear Porsches at WOT. :_paranoid

Someday man... we'll get there. :thumbsup:

If you take a look at the bike on the far right in this picture in front of the rear tire and below the swingarm you can see the exhaust tip that FMF made for the KTM RC8's that the Skip Barber School uses to defeat the sound check. The stock exhuast is undermounted with a right side rear exit. The tip was essentially a "J" shape to exit left.
http://sieg.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/KTM-Laguan-Seca-11-09/IMGP5410/714371381_ymDpG-O.jpg
The new models we were testing did have the mod and they asked us to feather the throttle past the station coming out the fast uphill T-5............gotcha. :unibrow: Only the a few timid riders followed that rule.

Running the track once is worth the hassle. Be prepared for the G-out in turn 6! Check header and oil pan clearance and possibly add bump stops to the suspension for it. I'm guessing base on the bikes that a car plants pretty hard there, maybe someone with Camaro experience there can verify?

Yep, it's such a common trick to aim the exhaust/sound.

Your other warnings are making me a little nervous tho now... :_paranoid

[Sieg]

Your other warnings are making me a little nervous tho now... :_paranoid
No need to be nervous if you do your homework and you're prepared. :D

Not that I've ever holed an oil pan before. :_paranoid

[Flash68]

No need to be nervous if you do your homework and you're prepared. :D

Not that I've ever holed an oil pan before. :_paranoid

I'll get there but I'm still very new on the track... I'd like to get more seat time at other places before Laguna to be honest.

I think I need to get a dipstick for my oil pan first. :lol:

[Sieg]

I'll get there but I'm still very new on the track... I'd like to get more seat time at other places before Laguna to be honest.

I think I need to get a dipstick for my oil pan first. :lol:
Laguna isn't bad for a beginner. Just don't go out and try and set the lap record first sesson. :D It's not a high-speed circuit, more technical. You just need to establish your reference points for approach, turn in, and braking. Turn 1, 6, 7, and 8 (the corkscrew) are blind so references are on the horizon or the track surface. I think the max speed I saw cresting T-1 on the KTM RC8R was 145, the MotoGP guys see about 165 which is hard to comprehend. I'd guess you might see 130-135 with your car, the key is scrubbing speed on the downhill approach to the dual apex Andretti hairpin (T-2). It's a great track!

I haven't ran any car track days, I'll assume they're similar to bikes and run three 20 minute sessions on the hour for advanced, intermediate, and beginner skill levels?