Messages

1

Front Engine Dragsters / Re: Ford Y Block?

« on: October 12, 2017, 11:49:32 AM »

This will make a great period car. There are several Y-block enthuiasts in the Midwest.

2

Front Engine Dragsters / Re: I'm outta here

« on: September 27, 2017, 08:39:43 AM »

I'm just a newbie, but I enjoyed your opinions. I will miss you.

3

Front Engine Dragsters / Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?

« on: July 25, 2017, 09:12:24 AM »

I think I've finally got my 180" FED ready for an initial outing.  Below are some learnings and modifications made since I bought the built but never raced car earlier this year:
     New slicks and tubes (Hoosier 14.5 x 32.5")
     New safety belts
     Installed a gasoline primer system to improve starting
     New starter
     Converted to a 16 volt system (battery & charger)
     Replaced bad launch controller
     Cleaned out jets, lines and nozzles
     Removed 19° caster from the front axle (41° to 22°)
     Removed friction from steering system:
        Straightened bent shaft from steering wheel to box.
        Loosened, drilled and pinned the nut on the idler arm.
        Replaced rod ends on the tie rods (seized and/or tight balls).
        Modifed the transfer arm to remove drag (replaced standard bolt with a shoulder bolt)

 I will be going to National Trails Raceway outside of Columbus, Ohio on Wednesday July 26th.  I hope to post some pictures soon.

Thanks to all of you folks who answered my newbie questions.

4

Front Engine Dragsters / Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?

« on: June 27, 2017, 09:47:52 AM »

I finished the modifications on the caster on my front wheels. Went from 41° to 22°.  Steering still very difficult, turns out the shaft from the steering wheel to the steering box is binding up.  The shaft had a 0.110" of run out, need to fix this.

Went to Frank Hawley's school last week in Joliet, IL.  The class was well taught.  It was a good experience since I had been out of a dragster for the last 25 years. I learned some things and got all of my licensing chores taken care of for now.  It felt great being back in a dragster (even though it was a RED).

5

Front Engine Dragsters / Oil Filters

« on: June 14, 2017, 10:59:08 AM »

What are the opinions on Oil Filters for an alcohol motor?
     OEM paper or after-market stainless steel screen
     Single or double filters?

6

Front Engine Dragsters / Re: Glenn wins procomp at Memphis

« on: June 14, 2017, 06:31:47 AM »

Great Job @ Memphis.  Good luck @ Bowling Green.

7

Front Engine Dragsters / Re: What did you do on your Front Engine Dragster TODAY?

« on: June 11, 2017, 04:47:25 PM »

I measured my caster angle since my initial outing with the car last night was far from perfect.  The car was very hard to steer and the front tires wanted to "lay-over".  The caster angle was 41°, way too much in my mind.  I'm thinking 15° is about right.  Any Thoughts???