K-88 / 6 Cylinder

[Countn Carbs]

Well I've had this in my mind for a number of years and have decided to get busy and start making this a reality.  I've always enjoyed 6 cylinders and I want to start off by saying a huge inspiration for this build was a man by the name of Joe Umphenour who ran 6 cylinder dragsters here in Colorado in the late 50's through the 60's.  Joe passed in 2010 but many of us remember him and admire what he accomplished including being inducted into the Colorado Motorsports Hall of Fame.  I think of Joe often.

My build is based on K-88 Chassis Research (reproduction by Cornfield Customs in Loveland, Ohio) and will run a 302 GMC 6 cylinder with a '58 olds rearend - transmission tbd.  Currently I'm gathering parts and will be mocking up what I can.  I welcome any constructive input as I really enjoy the front engine dragster scene even though mine is maybe a bit different.

[Van]

Hi That K88 is going to be nice, you need to make sure to do a few updates to pass tec with it. If you need a Olds rear I have one ready to run with all the good parts.
 Van

[Countn Carbs]

Thanks Van - Yeah before I even started this build I made contact with Kevin (Bandimere's Head Tech Inspector) and continue to keep him updated and involved with the build.  He's been very helpful and I plan to keep him involved as we go.

Thanks for the offer on the Olds rear...I appreciate that.  Matter of fact I just picked up a housing last week that came out of a TE-448 back in the day and it's the right width. It's just the housing though so I'll keep that in mind.

[Countn Carbs]

Well I've been gathering parts here and there but also have started to look into mounting 302 jimmy/PG into the chassis.
Here is the beginning of the mid-plate.  It's basically a spacer which will then allow me to use a 1/4" aluminum mid-plate to mount the engine/tranny into the chassis.

[Countn Carbs]

Here is the main part of the mid-plate.  I'm transferring the bolt pattern to some HD plastic (1/4") thick that I can shape and fit to make a template before cutting the actual aluminum plate.
I hope to be able to have the mid-plate also act as a firewall at the front hoop.

[ricardo1967]

I love your whole project. I'm a big fan of inline-sixes myself. It may not beat a big block in power, but it does have a lot more character.

[Countn Carbs]

Thanks ricardo I'm glad you like it.  No doubt it won't be able to run with the big dogs but looking forward to it. 

[Countn Carbs]

I've been gathering parts and have started to get a front end put together.  I was able to find an old chromed CAE axle (will have it rechromed at final assembly) that turns out it's batwing locations are just right for the width of the K-88 Chassis.  I won't mount the hairpins until we get the chassis loaded with drive train weight and determine how many leaves I'll need in the front spring.
From here we'll move to the back, get some axles made for the narrowed olds housing and start to determine the height of the drive train in the chassis.  The little adapter on the back of the block will be part of the full mid-plate.

[hotrod316]

like the dogs  both cars are sweet

[jeff/21]

nice! different is good too many cookie cutter cars the idea is to have fun.

[Countn Carbs]

Thanks Guys.
I got it to a "roller stage" with new M/W axles and some pie crust slicks.  Rearend is just tack welded in at the approximate location for now and once I get a shorty powerglide transmission I'll finish the mid plate and finalize rearend mounts and anti rotation brackets.

[racerken]

Looking great.   And that 58 wagon is going to make one xxxx of a tow vehicle!!!!!!!!!!!

[crider]

That is looking great!!

[Countn Carbs]

Thanks guys - I appreciate it. 
You are right racerken - the nomad is slated to be the tow vehicle.  It's a 348/3spd car and has been the chase/tow vehicle for a couple of other fed's this past summer.  Fun times for sure.

[racerken]

I would love a wagon to tow my FED with..  It's just not in the budget..