I am going to pull the engine out. Inspect the rod and main bearings. Replace the head gaskets with much thicker ones (I want to run cheaper fuel). Santa is supposedly sending me some split mono leaf springs, so they will be going in. Take care. Tom Worthington

I have a long list of stuff to do.
Building a new 434
freshen up my 423
rebuilding the complete rear end with new third member and axles
freshen up the trans
new rotors and pads all the way around
going to replace all the rod ends on the 4 link and wish bone
done pressure washed the complete under side of the chassis and going to some touch up on chassis paint next
going to rebuild the fuel pump and probably replace some of the fuel lines

I'm sure I will find a lot more that I want to do. It's a long winter and I get bored easy.

All my T/D stuff will be gone by the end of 2020.

Putting together a mid 10 second bracket ride for local use. It's a 87 Cutlass that has been my family since new, it was my daily driver many moons ago, been sitting in a garage for the last 7-8 years and it found it's way back to me.

It's back from the body shop with a fresh coat of charcoal grey paint and blacked out trim. Currently it is pretty much just a shell. Keeping the stock suspension, but going with a 9" rear. Doing an aluminum interior because the OEM interior was shot, but will keep the power windows. Going with something unconventional for power, but using an FTI glide of course. I have taken just over 500# out of it that is not going back in, hoping to be under 3000#. Hopefully it will be ready in 3-4 months.....

New transmission being built with the one I have becoming spare
Headlights I got from SL at the Million mounted
New slicks, Switching to Hoosier 1550 from the Big Bubba
New fuel lines.
Jiffy Tite trans cooler lines
Some wiring clean up including wiring headlights.
Replace 2 year old battery.

I may go Lithium for a couple reasons. Faster charging and I am buying a new D1600 for $300 plus every 2 years so if Li truly last 10 years then it's the same money long term.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: TonyB6255,

quote:

Originally posted by top189h:

quote:

Originally posted by Big Steve:

- Sent rockers to T&D for inspection and repairs
-Blower being sent to TBS for re strip and inspection
-New MW CV driveshaft installed
-Added secondary hand brake system to car
-Axles sent to MW for inspection and new dual caliper brackets installed
-New TBM Calipers ordered for primary foot brake

Who did you get the components from for the secondary brake system? I've been thinking about it for a couple of years but haven't pulled the trigger.

I had Travis at American Race cars add the secondary brake systems to 2 of our cars last year...all MW components and very happy with the jobs completed on both cars. Every Dragster we have (4) all have 2 brake systems. 3 of 4 have the CV shafts too. Safety in mind for all this.

Shock rebuild on all 4 corners.

Car is deadly. I need to work on the driver!

Also, does anyone make a simulator for parking in the staging lanes? I'd be better off practicing that than I would spending time on the practice tree!

As far as jr. dragsters go, I'm in a mess. I've wasted an entire year trying to get a 8.90 package to repeat. It has been trying to say the least. I really need help here! PLEASE HELP!

Also, my youngest is starting in jr. this year. Fortunately, I kept the car when my oldest moved to 8.90 so we have a good car to start with. We finished her license runs recently.

I'll probably be crew chiefing 2 jr.s this year and not racing much myself.

Merry Christmas!

quote:

Originally posted by TonyB6255:
I may go Lithium for a couple reasons. Faster charging and I am buying a new D1600 for $300 plus every 2 years so if Li truly last 10 years then it's the same money long term.

Tony, why every 2 years? Most here report that battery is good for 3-5 and there's no way any lithium will last 10 years.

quote:

Originally posted by 1320racer:

quote:

Originally posted by TonyB6255:
I may go Lithium for a couple reasons. Faster charging and I am buying a new D1600 for $300 plus every 2 years so if Li truly last 10 years then it's the same money long term.

Tony, why every 2 years? Most here report that battery is good for 3-5 and there's no way any lithium will last 10 years.

It's more of a precautionary measure for me. I have used the XS D1600 for 3-4 years before but I know when they go bad, there is no warning. I keep the takeout for a backup or to help another racer who thought their 16v battery would last forever. As far as Li goes I don't necessarily believe the 10 year story and would more than likely change out at 5-6 years.

The real problem I have with going Li is the old saying "If it ain't broke, don't fix it"

that's always been the issue with 16v, no warning. are you running an alternator?

quote:

Originally posted by 1320racer:
that's always been the issue with 16v, no warning. are you running an alternator?

Yes a Powermaster mini. If I go Li, I'll have Mark Payne build me one to exact spec needed for Li battery.

Mark is good people and builds good starters and alternators, we race with him at the Divisionals

quote:

Originally posted by NEMO963:
My car:
New crank and 8 new exhaust valves (broke crank at #1 main on last pass). Then back together.
Recert blower restraints and harness
New set of Hoosier 15xx rears
2 new trailer tires (swap 2 each year)

My dad picked up a 3rd Gen Camaro he wants to run in Pro. Hasn't raced since he battled Cancer (two New hips and a knee replaced from radiation treatment damage). All healthy now so been working on all new wiring, a moderately built 350, and safety upgrades. He’s like a kid, every time I show up at the shop he has some part he decided to upgrade...looking forward to watching him run it.

Kudos to you and your Dad!! Enjoy every single moment if it. Awesome stuff.

I plan to finish the Lamplighter and be ready for a good 21 season.

Monte Pannell has some changes underway for his Little Chief, so we will both be ready to rip in 21.

quote:

Originally posted by "The Bender":
All my T/D stuff will be gone by the end of 2020.

Putting together a mid 10 second bracket ride for local use. It's a 87 Cutlass that has been my family since new, it was my daily driver many moons ago, been sitting in a garage for the last 7-8 years and it found it's way back to me.

It's back from the body shop with a fresh coat of charcoal grey paint and blacked out trim. Currently it is pretty much just a shell. Keeping the stock suspension, but going with a 9" rear. Doing an aluminum interior because the OEM interior was shot, but will keep the power windows. Going with something unconventional for power, but using an FTI glide of course. I have taken just over 500# out of it that is not going back in, hoping to be under 3000#. Hopefully it will be ready in 3-4 months.....

Always been a fan of that body. Cant wait to see it out.

all, use this thread to post photos of your progress in the offseason.

After a few years off finally getting the car ready to race again. Sent the engine out to be freshened.

2021's tires, installed on the Firebird, tested and raced on last month

quote:

Originally posted by Lenny5160:
I’m curious about this. I’m injected also, and think I’m going to try Denver next year for the first time. How big are the changes you make for this?

I'm going from a 41 nozzle jet to a 39, and from a 78 main pill to an 82 or so to start. I'll need to see where timing likes to be, but likely as a little timing as well. Add in a higher launch rpm too...

Hit me up if you make it

Well, after 25 years of racing my 10 sec. competitive door car I finally worked up the courage to turn my back on nostalgia, sentimentality and habit and dumped that high maintenance, labor intensive money-pit, the enclosed trailer and support equipment it required and the truck required to haul it all. So no more off-season upgrades, repairs, maintenance, chassis certs, belt re-certs, etc.
I replaced all the above with a gorgeous, luxurious, no maintenance, 12 sec. Cadillac CTS-V coupe and not only do I have money left over from selling all the above but it's nice to have my yard and garage back as well as having time available formerly wasted being a slave to the race car. Wife says it's nice to have me back. We'll see.
Now I drive to and from the track enclosed in my leather, heated or cooled Recaro seats with my *****in' stereo blaring and arrive home clean, comfortable and content.

Will also be trying out the PRO1 belts. I've had all Simpson safety stuff for close to twenty years, but the customer service has been horrible for years, Even talked to them at PRI and got business card from person I talked to so I could talk with them directly..........service was even worse. Hope PRO1 service is better and hopefully all made in USA.