Back in the game.. 68 Camaro "Badmotorfinger"

[Flash68]

Well I am glad to be back in the sea of Camaros. After being forced to sell my previous 68 earlier this year, I was able to get back into a position to get another one, albeit much more tame! But I like it that way this time.

I learned a lot from the past build about myself, shops, estimates, priorities, etc... and I think that's a great thing to have gone through now in hindsight. Have a few minor things I want to add or change to this car but otherwise will get to know it as is and go from there.

Well, enough talking.. here are the details and pics from today's maiden voyage. Bought the car in Modesto and drove it about 60 miles back to my new storage unit/shop in Dublin.

Body
4" fiberglass cowl hood
Viper Blue pearl paint
Full roll cage
Monte Carlo bar
Adjustable firewall and master cylinder braces
welded subframe connectors (DSE?)

Front Suspension
ATS Chicane kit with tall spindles
Bilstein coilovers
Global West A-arms
Del-a-lum bushings
Close ratio steering box
Sway bar
Wilwood Superlites 12" rotor/ 6 piston caliper

Rear Suspension
12 bolt Posi, 3.55 gears
DSE mini tubs
DSE drop leafs
Hotchkis hangers and bushings
Competition Engineering Slide-A-Links
Lowering blocks

Interior
Recaro seats
5 point harnesses
Covan carbon fiber gauge pod
Painless wiring harness

Drivetrain
377 sbc - 469 rwhp @ 6500rpm
11:1 Venolia pistons
Brodix Track 1 aluminum heads
Solid Roller cam
264/270 duration @ .050
.659/.634 lift @ .050
Rev Kit
Super Victor Intake
Demon 750
MSD ignition/coil/distributor
Muncie close ratio M-21
Centerforce clutch
Aluminum flywheel
Lakewood scattershield
15 gallon fuel cell
Holley fuel pump
Trunk battery relocation

Exhaust
Hooker Super Comp headers 1-3/4"
Dr Gas X-pipe
Flowmaster Super 40 mufflers
3" pipe with turn downs

Wheels/Tires
ZR-1 wheels satin black
17x8.5 front, 17x11 rear
235/40/17 front, 315/35/17 rear

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/DSCF2850-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/DSCF2860-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/DSCF2865-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/DSCF2881-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/DSCF2866-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/DSCF2885-1.jpg

g2FBQSN0-UI

[sr73bu]

wow... sounds and looks real tough... nice car man! :cheers:

[nicks67camaro]

Nice, Has this car been on other boards? It looks very familiar. Looks like a fun driver. I like the de-stroked 400.....

[78 Type-LT]

that is sweet

[strtcar]

Love the black wheels.

[Richio1]

Good for you. I saw your other 68 a couple times up at Gearhead when I was shopping shops for my build. Bad ass car... This one looks a little more manageable.

Any plans for this one? We can never leave them alone... lol

[Ron.in.SoCal]

Nice job Sir! Good find and a great canvas! Body looks clean, interior's done, it has some cage work and it moves! Any upgrades from here will be a piece of cake.

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Car sounds totally killer....

[Rod]

Very nice car, and welcome back! to the dark side, :evil: great find I remember this one from craigslist, I am glad it went to a fellow Pro-Touring member. I was afraid it would end up in the hands of some 16 year old playing fast and furious wrapped around a tree!! get it all tuned up and start bringing it out to amercan autoX, or SCCA, see you there!

[Flash68]

Thanks guys. I think it'll be a fun car and it is ready for the track if I decide to try that out. Been thinking about it pretty hard.

Sometimes the best cars and deals are not actively for sale. :)

Plans for this? Well, I hope to leave it alone as much as possible for now, aside from a few mild adjustments and tweaks.

remove front bumper
remove Slide A Links
roll fenders
add fire extinguisher
install Mark VIII fan

That's about it for now... I hope!

[68FBODY]

Great looking car, and welcome back.

[mdprovee]

Glad to see you are back in the game....can't wait to see it in person.

[SSMuscle]

That thing looks hot and sounds awesome

[Flash68]

Thanks guys!

Mike, how's your car doing?

[WS6]

Looks good and like a great start to a fun car. Blue is my favorite color.

I hate that you had to get rid of the last one because I really liked that one as well. Where did it end up going? Did it stay in the area?

[Flash68]

Looks good and like a great start to a fun car. Blue is my favorite color.

I hate that you had to get rid of the last one because I really liked that one as well. Where did it end up going? Did it stay in the area?

Thanks Trey. I'm not that happy about selling the last one either. :) It did stay local (not a forum guy though) and he last had it at Campbell Auto Restoration here getting interior work, a roll cage I think and some more suspension stuff. He said he was gonna track it on road courses around here.

[Flash68]

A couple more pics of caging, trunk/fuel cell, and suspension.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/DSC_0141-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/Halloween08016-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/l_025748cf096803056fff3a009b45bd42-1.jpg

[454bug]

Nice car! :twothumbs


I really like the roll cage and underhood cross bracing...


This hobby sure is a lot more fun as a participant instead of as a spectator! :cheers:

[blown9746]

i've seen pictures on here from the previous owner awesome car

[Flash68]

Nice car! :twothumbs

I really like the roll cage and underhood cross bracing...

This hobby sure is a lot more fun as a participant instead of as a spectator! :cheers:

Thank you. I really dug that bracing and cage when i first saw it too. It really looks very well done.

You got that participant part right! :D


i've seen pictures on here from the previous owner awesome car

Thank you. Yeah he posted a couple threads back in 09 with some nice pics but that was about it.

[DFRESH]

That's awesome Dave. Congrats again brother--very cool that you have a car once again. Really great that this one is running already and you can take your time doing what you would like to do instead of "must" do's. Well, not to say that won't still happen from time to time---cause it does--sometimes my car tells me what it wants---and I don't like it--LOL.

See you soon for SEMA man.

Doug

[CruizinKev]

very nice! looks and sounds great! :twothumbs

[68firebird]

that looks great, the black zr-1 wheels look good on it. I'm jealous

[srh3trinity]

Great looking car. Are you having to run spacers with the wheels?

[David Sloan]

Glad to see you got a car this thing look killer! got that mean look to it.

[Flash68]

That's awesome Dave. Congrats again brother--very cool that you have a car once again. Really great that this one is running already and you can take your time doing what you would like to do instead of "must" do's. Well, not to say that won't still happen from time to time---cause it does--sometimes my car tells me what it wants---and I don't like it--LOL.

See you soon for SEMA man.

Doug

Thanks Doug! Yeah this car is already starting to yell at me for stuff. :spank2:

Stoked for SEMA... do I dare bring this thing down there? :idea:


very nice! looks and sounds great! :twothumbs

Thank you Kevin.


that looks great, the black zr-1 wheels look good on it. I'm jealous

Thanks man. I think they work well with the car too... for now. :)


Great looking car. Are you having to run spacers with the wheels?

Thank you. I do not think there are spacers on there. But I haven't removed any of the wheels yet.


Glad to see you got a car this thing look killer! got that mean look to it.

Thanks David! I was pretty bummed I wasn't able to get that orange car of yours. Glad you got that sold and to a good home.

But this car should do me pretty well. :)

[Neil B]

I love this car. It's just dripping with attitude.

[Flash68]

I love this car. It's just dripping with attitude.

Thanks Neil. I couldn't agree more. Put about 30 miles on it today and had a great time. :)

[Flash68]

Ok, got a couple used parts that will be installed ASAP.

I anticipate these Spintech Pro Street mufflers to be quite loud :unibrow:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/DSC08157Small-1.jpg

nice clean 2-speed Mark VIII fan off CL for $55.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/fan-1.jpg

[mdprovee]

Mike, how's your car doing?

My car is doing great Dave. Took it to an autocross a couple of weeks ago, and I am going back in a couple of weeks.

You havin fun with this one?

[Flash68]

My car is doing great Dave. Took it to an autocross a couple of weeks ago, and I am going back in a couple of weeks.

You havin fun with this one?

Mike, great to hear. Glad it's sorted out and acting good! Hope to see you soon with it.

[ZZ427]

Bad @ss ride !

[John Wright]

Good looking ride...love the blacked out rims against that blue

[Flash68]

Thank you fellas.

[nicks67camaro]

I love spintech mufflers. I run their Sportsman and its pretty loud. Those are going to sound awesome.

[Flash68]

I love spintech mufflers. I run their Sportsman and its pretty loud. Those are going to sound awesome.

Yep I had Sportsman XLs on my last car and they were pretty loud. I am going to try to turn it up a notch here and see how it goes. :cheers:

[Nick.V70]

Nice BLUE!!! Not Grey but that blue POPS!!!:cheers:

[Flash68]

Nice BLUE!!! Not Grey but that blue POPS!!!:cheers:

Thanks bro.. trying to spice it up with a little noise and color these days!

[SIK02SS]

Nice! I've seen that around town a few times before

[Flash68]

Nice! I've seen that around town a few times before

Cool man.. I am kinda surprised since the previous owner seemed to rarely drive it. That will change! :cheers:

[LV42DAY]

it already came with all that stuff? thats cheating. no head starts aloud... your making the rest of us look bad

[SIK02SS]

Cool man.. I am kinda surprised since the previous owner seemed to rarely drive it. That will change! :cheers:

By a few times, I literally mean a few times..like maybe 3 :lol:

Glad to hear it, she deserves it :cheers:

[Flash68]

it already came with all that stuff? thats cheating. no head starts aloud... your making the rest of us look bad

Yeah lots of stuff already there. I'll just add and tweak here and there.. or at least I'm trying to keep my hands out of the cookie jar. :cheers:


By a few times, I literally mean a few times..like maybe 3 :lol:

Glad to hear it, she deserves it :cheers:

Thanks! Yes she does need to stretch her legs out. :smoke:

[6'9"Witha69]

Glad to see you back in the game. I loved the last one. THis one will still eb fun and probably hurt less come the first cone rash! Awesome!

But PLEASE, remove the roof stripes!! FORDS have roof stripes!!

Other than that the car looks bad a$$.

[Flash68]

Glad to see you back in the game. I loved the last one. THis one will still eb fun and probably hurt less come the first cone rash! Awesome!

But PLEASE, remove the roof stripes!! FORDS have roof stripes!!

Other than that the car looks bad a$$.

Thank you Nick. Appreciate it.

The beauty of this one is that it isn't anywhere near mint so I can feel ok doing about anything with it, and I already am.

Ha, you sound like a die hard Chebby man huh? I think the owner 2 owners ago did the paint and stripes and I reckon he must have loved the Viper GTS and the Grand Sport Vette with the influence this has.

As I keep saying to people... I wouldn't have built the car anything like this, but I do actually like and appreciate what the previous 2 owners did to the car except for the mismatch of pro-touring front suspension and drag car rear suspension, which I am remedying already.

But I love the opinions! Keep em coming. :cheers:

[lt1chevelle]

seen the car downtown yesterday when we where at the show in livermore. looks nice i like the blue!

[Flash68]

seen the car downtown yesterday when we where at the show in livermore. looks nice i like the blue!

very cool.. thanks for the words. that Livermore show is really a nice little show, and it's really not so little anymore. Over 600 cars!

Bummer it was damn near 100* tho! :spank2:

[lt1chevelle]

Yea it started out as a small little show up over the years it has really grown, but the heat dose suck excpesialy when there is not thAt much shade!



very cool.. thanks for the words. that Livermore show is really a nice little show, and it's really not so little anymore. Over 600 cars!

Bummer it was damn near 100* tho! :spank2:

[Flash68]

Had a great Saturday hanging with Nick and Jason at Nick's sweet shop in Livermore. We thoroughly checked out Nick's growing arsenal of badass parts he is collecting for this Chevelle... gonna be killer when done.

Got my car on the lift and checked out the carnage I recently inflicted on the bellhousing. No one can accuse me of not driving this car. :D

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/DSCF3015-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/DSCF3019-1.jpg


Next.... this

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/photo5-1.jpg

+ this (Nick showing his welding skillz)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/DSCF3011-1.jpg

= Spintech Pro Streets in place of old Flowmaster 2 chambers

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/DSCF3018-1.jpg

Just kidding on the JD... that was just a token of appreciation for Nick's hospitality. The least I could do.

Nick's shop has a sweet frontage road and is tucked back away from the busier main roads in Livermore, so I got some sessions up and down the street. Once Nick sends me the vids I will post them up!

Thanks again to Nick and Jason.

[Gitter Dun]

Wow, bummer about the bellhousing but i'm glad to hear your driving that bad girl. I love the fact that she's got an M21. Mine has a race prepped M22 that some guy out on the east coast builds for a spec Jaguar racing series. Yup, Jaguars. Only prob is i bought it in 2006, lost the receipt, and now I cant locate this guy. Oh well.

Cant wait to hear them Spintechs!!

[Nick.V70]

Thanks Dave for the JD!!!

Here is the vid....

eSJGlNH-h1I

[John Wright]

Sounds good....

[Nick.V70]

RbqG6mIg0Ko


Another driving by

[srh3trinity]

Sounds awesome. I like the attitude of the car, now the exhaust note fits it.

[srh3trinity]

I was just over on Lateral-g and I realized that your car is very similar to the logo car. I didn't know if it had been pointed out yet.

[Nick.V70]

I was just over on Lateral-g and I realized that your car is very similar to the logo car. I didn't know if it had been pointed out yet.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/navbits_start-1.gif It does!!

[phillym5]

Sick!!
Camaro sounds nice! That back end slides out ultra easy, huh... lol. :cheers:

[brans72]

sound fits the car now!

[Flash68]

Wow, bummer about the bellhousing but i'm glad to hear your driving that bad girl. I love the fact that she's got an M21. Mine has a race prepped M22 that some guy out on the east coast builds for a spec Jaguar racing series. Yup, Jaguars. Only prob is i bought it in 2006, lost the receipt, and now I cant locate this guy. Oh well.

Cant wait to hear them Spintechs!!

Thanks man. I actually like the M21, but really miss the 5th gear of the TKO I had before. I imagine I will enjoy the 4speed awhile and eventually go with a 5-6 speed and bring the gears back to 3.90 or 4.10.

Your race prepped M22 must be a blast with that big small block. would love to check out your car one day.

[Flash68]

Sounds awesome. I like the attitude of the car, now the exhaust note fits it.


I was just over on Lateral-g and I realized that your car is very similar to the logo car. I didn't know if it had been pointed out yet.

Yeah I agree. I knew the Pro Streets would be loud, but they are just right for me and this car.

Ha, I did not notice the blue Lat G car before. I always just associate Scott's red 69 with it. Nice! :2nd:


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/navbits_start-1.gif It does!!

Ha, very nice. Thanks for posting the vids Nick. Good times!

[Flash68]

Sick!!
Camaro sounds nice! That back end slides out ultra easy, huh... lol. :cheers:

Thanks Josh! Oh hell yeah the rear suspension needs work. LOL Plus, it's got some rear Dunlops that are 7, yes 7, years old. Plan to put some R-comps on there soon.

But for now I'll work on my drifting. :cheers:

[MrQuick]

wow, that sounds great. Any funky harmonics in the car?

vince

[Flash68]

wow, that sounds great. Any funky harmonics in the car?

vince

Thanks Vince. Yeah I love it now. The sound on the decel is especially nice I think.

What do you mean exactly by funky harmonics?

[compos mentis]

Nice thread...

To quote the CEO of The Human Fund, "I like stuff you don't have to think about too much."

Plus, I see its Rennerfresh. :1st:

[CrossRamRich]

That sure is an improvement. Car just keeps getting better. Sounds great.

[Flash68]

That sure is an improvement. Car just keeps getting better. Sounds great.

Who is this Rich guy? LOL Thanks Rich! Yeah you think it was loud before? :)

How's it goin down there?

[78 Type-LT]

sounds mean fam

[Flash68]

Well.. I was already planning on making the trip down to El Toro for RTTC in February, but after a few days in Vegas culminating in seeing the Optima shootout in Pahrump, I now have tunnel vision and am on a mission to get this car ready for the event. Hell, it's all I've thought about this whole week! :willy:

I plan on getting with a group of Bay Areans to make the trip down and am really looking forward to it. But for now, I am sourcing a few things to get ready, but am not going overboard. SEMA/Optima was bittersweet in that it's the premier event for our pro-touring niche, but it makes you want to spend all your money on more badass parts!

Here's what I am going to do in the next month or so and call it good:

rear Wilwood 12" brakes/4 piston
rear Varishocks
rear Hellwig sway bar
235/315 Nitto NT05 tires to meet 200 treadwear rule
Canton Road Race oil pan
2.5 lb fire extinguisher

And I just picked this barely used Be Cool radiator with dual Spal fans for a great price of craigslist today. Paid just over $500.. sells for $1100+

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/BeCool-1.jpg

I'm so stoked to do the RTTC... this bug really seems to be getting a lot more people lately. I'll be starting a Bay Area RTTC thread soon.

[John Wright]

Hey what did ya come up with for a skid plate to help keep from scuffing up the bell, headers and oil pan?

[Flash68]

Hey what did ya come up with for a skid plate to help keep from scuffing up the bell, headers and oil pan?

Hey John- haven't gotten there yet. I want to get the new oil pan on and take another look at it then. If I do anything with it, I will definitely post up here!

[Matt@BOS]

I'm so stoked to do the RTTC... this bug really seems to be getting a lot more people lately. I'll be starting a Bay Area RTTC thread soon.

Hey, it was nice meeting you at SEMA. I have a feeling this next year is going to be a fun one out on the west coast! I can't speak for the rest of the Socal gang, but I think another road trip or two up to Pleasanton might be in order this year :cheers:

BTW, if there is any way you could stuff something wider than a 235 tire up front, I'd highly recommend it. I know there are a couple tricks, like this: https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?74451-Updates-to-the-LM7-67-Camaro
and I think the larger front tire, especially with the meaty 315s out back would really help the car. It might more money now, but I think it would make a huge difference you wouldn't regret.

Matt

[Damn True]

Great looking car! I'd love to get a closer look at the cage and underhood supports.

[Flash68]

Hey, it was nice meeting you at SEMA. I have a feeling this next year is going to be a fun one out on the west coast! I can't speak for the rest of the Socal gang, but I think another road trip or two up to Pleasanton might be in order this year :cheers:

BTW, if there is any way you could stuff something wider than a 235 tire up front, I'd highly recommend it. I know there are a couple tricks, like this: https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?74451-Updates-to-the-LM7-67-Camaro
and I think the larger front tire, especially with the meaty 315s out back would really help the car. It might more money now, but I think it would make a huge difference you wouldn't regret.

Matt

Hey you too Matt. I told myself I didn't want or need a Camaro wicked nice, and then I saw and sat in yours and I realized what a crock that was. LOL

A roadtrip would be killer and based on a gathering of about 20 cars we are doing at a friend's shop next weekend, I would think we could have a great time. I know that socialite Renner would be down.

Yeah I know I can get a 275 up front (I had 275 on stock subframe on my previous 68) but I just hadn't put too much thought into it here. I guess I am trying to keep things simple for now, but I think the 255's that AJ suggested might be a good call. But I should look into the 275s again I agree. I do have the ATS chicane kit and AFX spindles already, but not sure how much room the GW arms allow compared to the Speedtechs, which seem to be best for clearance. I had the clearance prior with my AirRide Strong Arms, but turning radius but def compromised.

Yeah I saw that guy's car and thread. I really like that car too.


Great looking car! I'd love to get a closer look at the cage and underhood supports.

Thanks True. The car spends most of its time in the east bay around Dublin/San Ramon since SF is no place for a lowered muscle car. I am there most weekdays and some weekends with the car so if you are in that area PM me and I will show you. I think the shop that did it (Performance Dyno Tuning in Oakdale) for the previous owner did a very good job, and those more qualified to critique have all said so as well.

[4086D9]

Hey you too Matt. I told myself I didn't want or need a Camaro wicked nice, and then I saw and sat in yours and I realized what a crock that was. LOL

A roadtrip would be killer and based on a gathering of about 20 cars we are doing at a friend's shop next weekend, I would think we could have a great time. I know that socialite Renner would be down.

Yeah I know I can get a 275 up front (I had 275 on stock subframe on my previous 68) but I just hadn't put too much thought into it here. I guess I am trying to keep things simple for now, but I think the 255's that AJ suggested might be a good call. But I should look into the 275s again I agree. I do have the ATS chicane kit and AFX spindles already, but not sure how much room the GW arms allow compared to the Speedtechs, which seem to be best for clearance. I had the clearance prior with my AirRide Strong Arms, but turning radius but def compromised.

Yeah I saw that guy's car and thread. I really like that car too.



Thanks True. The car spends most of its time in the east bay around Dublin/San Ramon since SF is no place for a lowered muscle car. I am there most weekdays and some weekends with the car so if you are in that area PM me and I will show you. I think the shop that did it (Performance Dyno Tuning in Oakdale) for the previous owner did a very good job, and those more qualified to critique have all said so as well.

The road trips is gonna be badass! Only thing that scares me is leaving the cars out at some hotel. No way I will be able to sleep at night...

[Flash68]

The road trips is gonna be badass! Only thing that scares me is leaving the cars out at some hotel. No way I will be able to sleep at night...

Yeah man I can't wait for that... The guys that road tripped last year said nearly everyone stays at 1 or 2 modest hotels and it sounded like it's a pretty good environment and safety in numbers type of deal.

[Flash68]

All -- I am wide open for critique on my upgrade plans for RTTC, so if you have comments or objections, I welcome them.

[Flash68]

I found this on another forum and just ordered one. Was planning to get a GoPro anyway, so I jumped on it. If anyone else is interested, here is the deal:

http://evsmotors.com/?p=741

[Flash68]

Rich Bermea -- of Road Touring Customs in Gilroy, CA -- have been working on "Phase 2" of my Camaro with the sole purpose of getting it race and road-trip ready for RTTC II in February. Rich is a great dude and knows and loves Camaros. He just posted his own 68 Camaro build thread yesterday - "Pro Vintage." Check it out.

So.. just a few days ago I was almost set on getting the Liberty upgraded TKO 600 to replace my M-21, but after continuing to uncover bad seals and gaskets causing endless leaks on this car and motor, we decided to pull the motor and just reseal everything pretty much everywhere. So, that decision killed the tranny budget for now.

The trans, clutch, motor and most major parts look to be in pretty good condition, and I have put 500 pretty hard (ok, very hard) miles on this car since I got it 4 months ago. It came with a fair amount of paperwork, but many things are still a mystery... some we hope to uncover very soon.

We got the motor pulled today and while I'm on vacation Rich will start on tearing the motor down, inspecting and resealing/gasketing. When I get back we will finish the rear suspension, brakes, trans, and a few other small things... wait, is anything ever really small? :_paranoid

Pics from today.

I'm really diggin the red Comp Cams stud girdle.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/12/DSCF3076-1.jpg

My rear Willwood kit with the obligatory beverage and Red Witch guide book.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/12/photo_0042-1.jpg

I finally became bumperless.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/12/DSCF3093-1.jpg

My attempt at a Steve Rupp-esque photo. LOL
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/12/DSCF3098-1.jpg

[MrQuick]

ahh your missing something... oh. more lighting, windows up and Carl in the foreground. LOL



looks good

[Neil B]

Were you going to have Liberty faceplate the TKO-600? What is your shift RPM with that nasty 377 in there? I'm doing a 377 for my car and I don't want to run the M-21, but it seems that most people say the Tremec won't shift above 6,500-7,000.

[Flash68]

ahh your missing something... oh. more lighting, windows up and Carl in the foreground. LOL

LOL. I am probably missing a lot more than that!

looks good


Were you going to have Liberty faceplate the TKO-600? What is your shift RPM with that nasty 377 in there? I'm doing a 377 for my car and I don't want to run the M-21, but it seems that most people say the Tremec won't shift above 6,500-7,000.

No face plating for me. This car sees mostly street action. RTTC will be my first track event so we'll how the street/ratio goes after that. But face plating is not for a street car from everyone I have talked to - including Liberty.

They sell an upgraded/synchro'd TKO 600 for a nice price that will shift to 6800rpm they told me. My motor revs to about that or 7k so that would be good for me. Budget does not allow for this trans right now but if I had the room, that's the one I would try out. My M-21 will have to do for now.

[Neil B]

Just curious, what rear gearing are you running with the M-21's 2.20 1st gear?

[Flash68]

My car came with the 377, M-21, and 3.55 gears. A very less than ideal situation for 1st gear for racing, but the 3.55s allow me to get down there on the road trip whereas 3.90s or 4.10s probably would not.

My goal is to get to the TKO or T56 type gears with a 3.90 rear gear.

What is your setup?

[Neil B]

My car came with the 377, M-21, and 3.55 gears. A very less than ideal situation for 1st gear for racing, but the 3.55s allow me to get down there on the road trip whereas 3.90s or 4.10s probably would not.

My goal is to get to the TKO or T56 type gears with a 3.90 rear gear.

What is your setup?


I currently have the original 302, M-21, 3.73 rearend in the car. The 302 has aluminum heads and a 247/254 112 cam. It's a dog in 1st gear. My 377 has 13.5:1 compression and a 268/274 108 solid roller. I don't want to put the #'s match M-21 behind it. I'm looking at the TKO because I'm not willing to cut the tunnel or shifter hole. I'm not sure the Tremec is going to work for 7,500rpm shifts without internal mods like Liberty offers. I talked to Keisler at PRI and they recommended their BW T-45 5-speed.

[sik68]

How did I not see this thread until now?! Everything on your car is, as I've muttered to myself over and over before, beastly. Between my 355, your 377, and Gaetano's 427, i have a finely tuned ear for a solid roller, aluminum flywheeled SBC. We need set our rev limits to 7k and have a rev-off. HAHA.

Looking forward to seeing this car in person.

[Flash68]

I currently have the original 302, M-21, 3.73 rearend in the car. The 302 has aluminum heads and a 247/254 112 cam. It's a dog in 1st gear. My 377 has 13.5:1 compression and a 268/274 108 solid roller. I don't want to put the #'s match M-21 behind it. I'm looking at the TKO because I'm not willing to cut the tunnel or shifter hole. I'm not sure the Tremec is going to work for 7,500rpm shifts without internal mods like Liberty offers. I talked to Keisler at PRI and they recommended their BW T-45 5-speed.

Man that sounds wicked. Your cam sounds very similar to mine but I'm only 11:1 comp ratio. Yours must throttle nicely! It's only a few hundred more for the upgraded TKO from Liberty, or American Powertrain makes one too. Check them out if you have not. Don't blame you for not wanting to mess with the orig drivetrain.


How did I not see this thread until now?! Everything on your car is, as I've muttered to myself over and over before, beastly. Between my 355, your 377, and Gaetano's 427, i have a finely tuned ear for a solid roller, aluminum flywheeled SBC. We need set our rev limits to 7k and have a rev-off. HAHA.

Looking forward to seeing this car in person.

Ha, thanks Steven. I've been wanting to check out both your car and Gaetano's for awhile now too. And I too am a sucker for the sound of some 7k rpm old school SBC revving.

[PhillipM]

This car is great! Love following what you are doing.

[Flash68]

This car is great! Love following what you are doing.

Thank you Phillip!

[ROBS6T8]

Awesome car! I just read everything from page 5 backwards... nobody said I was normal! lol The car sounds awesome. Reading these threads gives me motivation to get mine done. When the rendering gets done that will be even more motivation.
Gaetano's car is bad arse! And I found out he likes to drive it hard. He was nice enough to give me a ride last time at Buttonwillow. It was a 13 on the pucker scale.... what a blast. More motivation.
Now what's up with this rain? It's killing my time on the car.
I'll be following this one. Someday, I too hope to be at these events and not just a spectator.

[Flash68]

Hey thanks Robert. Yep I hope to see G's car in action either on the track or street soon.

Now get workin on your project!

[Flash68]

Been ordering a bunch of stuff from Summit with those coupon codes posted on here recenty (thanks to that poster) -- mostly just gaskets/seals to button up this leaky SOB of a motor I have.

But I did decide to upgrade my pan from what I already thought I had upgraded to. I think I am not the only one out there who isn't crystal clear on this either, so thought I'd share. CV Products/Champ makes 2 versions of this SBC pan but many people mistakenly call both of them "road race" pans. One of them is a circle track pan with trap doors only on the left side (3 total) and the true RR pan (5 total) has trap doors on both sides. I found the CV/Champ RR pan on Amazon of all places for $251 with free shipping. It said 2 left in stock when I ordered.

Part #s are (CV) CV1080-LT-RR, and (Champ) CP80LT-RR. Same pan. Here are specs:

http://www.champpans.com/index.cfm?event=productdetail&id=43

Anyway, after spending a good 2-3 hours last night researching old threads, part #s, dealer sites, and PM'ing people, I decided I wanted this pan -- and this post from 2008 helped me feel very good about it too, if anyone else is researching pan options. It's always nice to get an opinion from someone on a subject who has experienced firsthand all the options out there.

https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?40580-road-race-oil-pan-gt-gt-gt-gt-whats-hot-or-not&p=366174#post366174

[dolf]

I have the same pan. Let us know what you use for a dipstick. I am still cipherin this one... Lokar? What is the lsa on your cam? It sounds like it drives rather nice for being so frickin big. Awesome car!

[Flash68]

I have the same pan. Let us know what you use for a dipstick. I am still cipherin this one... Lokar? What is the lsa on your cam? It sounds like it drives rather nice for being so frickin big. Awesome car!

Thanks Dolf! I have some Canton accessories including dipstick that we are going to try to make work. Sounds like there is no perfect fit with that part. Do not know the LSA on my cam and the cam card is back at home... duration at .050 is 264/270 but it was installed on a 102 ICL if I remember correctly. You would think it would be more of a bear but it is fairly manageable.

[Flash68]

After a nice Xmas vacation I was anxious to get back in the shop with Rich and start installing some parts I had shipped while I was away. We made some good progress today fueled by grilled tacos for lunch and dinner in between. There's a sweet Mexican market down the street from Rich's shop.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/photo44-1.jpg

My Champ Road Race pan came in from Amazon, and at $251 shipped, I thought that was a very good deal. 1 left in stock the site says now.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/DSCF3103-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/DSCF3102-1.jpg

We tackled the rear suspension area today starting with the Hellwig 5824 sway bar.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/DSCF3114-1.jpg

Custom length (they said no one ordered this size in over a year) Varishocks. Due to the fab work done by the previous shop working on the car we needed a very short shock compared to most 1st gens. Thanks to Mark @ SC&C for help on this.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/DSCF3110-1.jpg

Installed, along with a 1" lowering block that we swapped in to replace the 2" block already there. Can't lose too much of the attempted -- but not quite reached -- DFresh slammed stance.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/DSCF3132-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/DSCF3135-1.jpg

Got my heads back from the machine shop. Wasn't expecting it, but not surprisingly I guess, they needed new guides and valve springs. They're CNC ported Brodix Track 1's. I guess the Pacaloy valve springs are supposed to be pretty nice pieces.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/DSCF3107-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/DSCF3111-1.jpg

A shot of the naked 377. We pulled the main bearing to inspect and it looked pretty darn good. At least I now know what we're dealing with on this *******ized Camaro.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/DSCF3141-1.jpg

Next projects in line are to replace seals/gaskets on the M-21, finish the brakes lines for the rear Wilwood discs, repair/replace the shifter linkage, put the motor back together, and then on to the new cooling system.

Happy New Year boys and girls. :cheers:

[Ron.in.SoCal]

Great, no nonsense upgrades Dave. I really like your plan of attack! Two things: how did you determine your rear bar requirement, and (man) those are some short shocks! Will you have enough travel without bottoming out?

[Flash68]

Great, no nonsense upgrades Dave. I really like you plan of attack! Two things: how did you determine your rear bar requirement, and (man) those are some short shocks! Will you have enough travel without bottoming out?

Thanks Ron. Rear bar was determined by talking with Dave @ Hellwig and Mark @ SC&C and just talking current setup, planned changes and goals really. This 5824 bar (adjustable 3/4") is their most popular bar these days apparently and they recommend them for most 1st gens.

Yes the shocks are darn short. The travel is actually only 1" shorter than standard (5.15" vs 6.15") so we think(Hope!) it will be fine.

[Flash68]

Pretty good progress this weekend after 2 good days in the shop. The motor is pretty much re-assembled. Waiting on a couple accessories that should come in this week to finish it off.

I seem to have found my calling as parts runner and solvent tank specialist. :D

We discovered what clutch I have. As everyone knows, it's one of those bad ass special custom jobs by "Roy" :lol: It actually felt and worked pretty good for the 500 miles I put on it. I thought it required about the same pedal effort as the McLeod RST 800hp clutch I ran in my last Camaro.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/photo_0061-1.jpg

Valvetrain before stud girdles installed.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/DSCF3144-1.jpg

I like the silver finish on this Champ pan much better than the gold of the CV pan I almost put on.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/DSCF3168-1.jpg

I liked this pic of my 377 with Rich's cross rammed 350 in the background.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/DSCF3165-1.jpg


We hope to have the drivetrain back in and running by this coming weekend.

[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.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5emkwhwIzk

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

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/DSCF3251-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/DSCF3258-1.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.

[DFRESH]

That's awesome brother. Those are some great improvements you've made--the PS pump will be a welcomed addition and much safer. RTTC is only about a month away---gotta shorten my driveshaft and get some miles on mine as well before doing the deal.

Doug

[ROBS6T8]

That is sweet... makes me want to keep my 350 and make it a lil' bigger. I have a 4 bolt main block sitting in the barn as we speak! I always wanted a 383 then these things called ls something came out. lmao Nice work though. That is one good looking pan you have there. Hope it works out nice for ya.
As for Marina, I was thinking of going up there with the wife and checking it out. Was hoping to see Mary's car up there. It would be nice to meet a few other peeps from the PT site. Let me know if you'll be up there. I'm sure I'll be able to pick out your camaro! More motivation for me to out to the garage.

[sik68]

Congrats on getting the car back together. That thing went from 4-7 in the blink of an eye...I like the way you break in engines! Coincidentally, I dropped my engine back in this weekend too...hopefully I can have it on the road by next weekend and this bay area weather holds out.

[Flash68]

That's awesome brother. Those are some great improvements you've made--the PS pump will be a welcomed addition and much safer. RTTC is only about a month away---gotta shorten my driveshaft and get some miles on mine as well before doing the deal.

Doug

I can't believe we're a month away. Yep -- we gotta get some road miles in before the event that's for sure! I am actually glad the old PS pump was leaking so bad it forced us to get a new and improved one. I might have overlooked that before and coulda been ugly at RTTC.

See ya soon!


That is sweet... makes me want to keep my 350 and make it a lil' bigger. I have a 4 bolt main block sitting in the barn as we speak! I always wanted a 383 then these things called ls something came out. lmao Nice work though. That is one good looking pan you have there. Hope it works out nice for ya.
As for Marina, I was thinking of going up there with the wife and checking it out. Was hoping to see Mary's car up there. It would be nice to meet a few other peeps from the PT site. Let me know if you'll be up there. I'm sure I'll be able to pick out your camaro! More motivation for me to out to the garage.

Thanks Robert. If I had a good 350 block I would def put a stroker kit in it. Great bang for buck there and the 350 block is much better than the 400s that for sure. And the pan is a really nice piece I agree. Now I just need to drive safer and not bottom out anymore! ;)

Yes I believe the Pozzi crew with be at Marina with Deanna's Camaro at least. We really hope to make it but if not, we will just do our testing on the streets of Gilroy until RTTC. If we do go to Marina, def come up and say hello!

[Flash68]

Congrats on getting the car back together. That thing went from 4-7 in the blink of an eye...I like the way you break in engines! Coincidentally, I dropped my engine back in this weekend too...hopefully I can have it on the road by next weekend and this bay area weather holds out.

Hey Steven thanks. Good on you too -- sounds like we're on similar schedules here. Yeah this sucker likes to rev!

[Conrad283]

Hey Flash, just wondering if you used spacers to make those wheels fit? Also, did you have to use the offset shackles to make the leaf springs work with the 315's you put on?

Andrew

[Flash68]

Hey Flash, just wondering if you used spacers to make those wheels fit? Also, did you have to use the offset shackles to make the leaf springs work with the 315's you put on?

Andrew

Yes the wheels were on the car when I bought it and there are 2.5" spacers on the front and I can't remember what the rears are... maybe 1/2" give or take an 1/8"?

The rear leaf mounts are not the offset shackles, but they are relocated Competition Engineering mounts. They are moved inboard a little bit to get the similar effect. Most of that work was already done.

[Conrad283]

2.5" spacers ... Wow ...

Thanks for the info

[Flash68]

2.5" spacers ... Wow ...

Thanks for the info

Yep, I know. Ha. Very similar setup to what Stielow did with the Red Witch. Same tire size and wheels.

[TheJDMan]

Flash,
Do you have a good shot of the rear of the car. I would like to see what the tires look like from behind the car but all the pics have too much shadow to see what the wide tires look like.

[Flash68]

Flash,
Do you have a good shot of the rear of the car. I would like to see what the tires look like from behind the car but all the pics have too much shadow to see what the wide tires look like.

I don't actually have a good rear shot I guess. This is a pic from previous owner that may help. I'll have more soon when we are on the ground again with all the new mods.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/DSC_0119-1.jpg

[Conrad283]

What an ass !!!

Are there spacers in the back?

[Flash68]

What an ass !!!

Are there spacers in the back?

Haha thanks man. Yes spacers in back too - I believe they are around 1/2", give or take an 1/8".

[Ron.in.SoCal]

Hey f.gordon! You're on a roll Bro. You gotta be excited. She sounds great! Any other gremlins after the car fired up?

[David Sloan]

Motor sounds Killer, Great progress
Thanks for sharing.

[Conrad283]

Haha thanks man. Yes spacers in back too - I believe they are around 1/2", give or take an 1/8".

Thanks for the info :)

[Flash68]

Hey f.gordon! You're on a roll Bro. You gotta be excited. She sounds great! Any other gremlins after the car fired up?

Ha thanks Ron. It was a great day for sure to get her fired up. And we went from about 10-12 different leaks on the drivetrain to zero. That was a big goal right there. So far so good!


Motor sounds Killer, Great progress
Thanks for sharing.

Thanks David. Great to see you posting. Feel better man!

[oldblu68]

Glad to see a fellow fan of the 68. I like the stance and the underhood bracing. That is a great looking color as well. Congrats.

[ROBS6T8]

That is a nice ass!
Hey Flash do they allow spectators at the marina autox? I don't think the wife's Murano or my Avalanche make good candidates for the good times!

[Flash68]

Glad to see a fellow fan of the 68. I like the stance and the underhood bracing. That is a great looking color as well. Congrats.

Thanks man. The 68 was a pretty good year eh.


That is a nice ass!
Hey Flash do they allow spectators at the marina autox? I don't think the wife's Murano or my Avalanche make good candidates for the good times!

I've never been, but am told yes Marina does allow spectators by someone who has been.

[Flash68]

Amazing what a fully engaged throttle linkage can do combined with a freshened motor.

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).

[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.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_6vVVYCeSI


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTJ_eOA5VCg


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voPRNhWg8N4

[67CamNKC]

Very cool car. It keeps me motivated to get mine done.

[Flash68]

Thanks Shannon. Git er dun!!

[68KMARO]

car looks awesome !
rich

[Flash68]

So.... about the name. 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. :cheers:

[sr73bu]

So.... about the name. 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. :cheers:

Cool! I'm a huge Soundgarden fan too... extremely talented group of guys... I was in 2nd grade when that album came out, my uncle was in his 20's out in the garage listening to "Rusty Cage" at my Grandparents... 20 years later that song still kicks ass. I hear they are coming out with new material this year...???

oh yeah... awesome car.. i've got a 67 i'm doing for my father when my Laguna is done... keep up the great work...

-Sean

[Flash68]

Cool! I'm a huge Soundgarden fan too... extremely talented group of guys... I was in 2nd grade when that album came out, my uncle was in his 20's out in the garage listening to "Rusty Cage" at my Grandparents... 20 years later that song still kicks ass. I hear they are coming out with new material this year...???

oh yeah... awesome car.. i've got a 67 i'm doing for my father when my Laguna is done... keep up the great work...

-Sean

Ha thanks Sean. I knew there'd be another SG fan out there somewhere. LOL Rusty Cage is bad ass! Great driving music too.

I think I'm gonna see Cornell in May on his solo acoustic tour when he comes to SF.

[Flash68]

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

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/02/photo_0062-1.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. :)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/02/photo_0017-1.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. :injured:

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? :hmm:

[senor_camaro]

damn, I just your vids you car has awesome throttle response, I cant wait till my cars done so I can trailer up, I would love to battle it up with you and sik68 at a trackday

[Flash68]

damn, I just your vids you car has awesome throttle response, I cant wait till my cars done so I can trailer up, I would love to battle it up with you and sik68 at a trackday

It has good response as long as its up in the power range -- so at least 4000 rpms or so. Then it's juicy. :)

Git er dun so you can get that thing out here and play!

[CrossRamRich]

Testing!

[Flash68]

Testing!

That will never end!

[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:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/02/SEMA10001-1.jpg

[ROBS6T8]

Wow Flash that looked to be a good time in Marina. The wife wanted to go but I didn't think it would have been much fun watching in the rain. I wish I would have went now! The car sounds awesome. Yeah, I noticed you were resting your hand on the gear shift also. It reminds me of back in the day when I was in the police academy on the EVOC course practicing pursuits and I was always driving with one hand! The instructor told me I would have better control if I used two hands! lmao What did he know? lol
When are you heading down to RTTC? Should have taken the 101 route and we could have had lunch or something when you made it down this far. Anyhoo, the wife and I are heading to Disneyland for her birthday that week, so that wouldn't have worked anyway. I was thinking of stopping by on Friday at the event.... maybe. But they don't have anything go on during the day, do they? Just the cruise that night?
I hope you have a good time. I'm sure you will. I'll be there next year fer sur!
We'll meet at Marina some day. Awesome car!

[Flash68]

Wow Flash that looked to be a good time in Marina. The wife wanted to go but I didn't think it would have been much fun watching in the rain. I wish I would have went now! The car sounds awesome. Yeah, I noticed you were resting your hand on the gear shift also. It reminds me of back in the day when I was in the police academy on the EVOC course practicing pursuits and I was always driving with one hand! The instructor told me I would have better control if I used two hands! lmao What did he know? lol
When are you heading down to RTTC? Should have taken the 101 route and we could have had lunch or something when you made it down this far. Anyhoo, the wife and I are heading to Disneyland for her birthday that week, so that wouldn't have worked anyway. I was thinking of stopping by on Friday at the event.... maybe. But they don't have anything go on during the day, do they? Just the cruise that night?
I hope you have a good time. I'm sure you will. I'll be there next year fer sur!
We'll meet at Marina some day. Awesome car!

Rob it was a bummer about the rain there, but it was still fun nonetheless. At least I got some practice and the car performed without a hiccup after the changes, which is what we wanted to test out. So that was worth it.

Yeah, knowing I was going to stay in 1st gear the whole time I def shoulda just worked the steering wheel better. First timer! LOL

We are leaving Gilroy mid-late Thurs morning to go rendezvous with some more guys at Ironworks in Bakersfield in the afternoon for some grub and BS'ing... then head out that early evening for LA. The cruise starts at 10am on Friday leaving Irvine and making a nice loop. There is a post with all the deets in the RTTC section on this forum. Should be quite a blast. If you can join up for any of it Friday, Sat or Sun it should be a great time.

Now git that car done of yours and join us. :)

[69projectKAOS]

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:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/02/SEMA10001-1.jpg

holy moley! if i saw all three of your cars driving down the street i probably would have a heart attack! your car and those two cars are beautiful! do you know off hand what wheels are on the car on the left? -Dom

[Flash68]

Ha, thanks Dom. Your ride looks pretty sick as well man. I've thought of doing one of those fender Grand Sport type stripes too. That looks great.

I'm not sure exactly which version, but the wheels on the left are Fikse.

[69projectKAOS]

thanks lol, i kinda thought those were fikse wheels. i love your car and i saw your car somewhere on the internet im guessing while the previous owner had it and i was like DAMNN thats sick as hell! haha i am in the process of putting a cage in my car, and i saw u have one in yours and was wondering if you have any pics of yours on the interior and trunk so i can see how it is routed for when i do mine. -Dom

[Flash68]

Thanks man for the good words.

PM me your email and I will send you all the good cage pics I have of the car.

[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 hospital 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:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/photo8-1.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.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/photo_0018-1.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.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

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)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=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 quite putting my damn hand on the shifter for no reason!!


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

[Flash68]

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

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/184259_10150109811331715_578911714_67205-1.jpg

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

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSCF3282-1.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.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSCF3292-1.jpg

[johnny68]

my son and i are really impressed by your car it was my sons favorite sounds great even more you drove it to and from bitchen bud great job
john

[sr73bu]

Thanks for sharing the pics and documentation of RTTC... 1010 miles each way?... thats hardcore pro-touring... Awesome... Car sounded great too...

-Sean

[Flash68]

my son and i are really impressed by your car it was my sons favorite sounds great even more you drove it to and from bitchen bud great job
john

Thanks John. Appreciate the words.


Thanks for sharing the pics and documentation of RTTC... 1010 miles each way?... thats hardcore pro-touring... Awesome... Car sounded great too...

-Sean

Thanks man! 1010 miles total including race miles. It's about 450 each way and then we had the 85 mile cruise Friday.

[DYNODANNY]

Dude your camaro is sick, this is the kind of builds I love, congrats on your ride.

[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.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/RTTCII386-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/RTTCII387-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/RTTCII383-1.jpg

[68KMARO]

your driving looked great and for your 1st time. Great car and driving.

rich kaupp

[Flash68]

your driving looked great and for your 1st time. Great car and driving.

rich kaupp

Appreciate it Rich!

[Rod]

You rocked it Dave!! and the cars looking awesome it was fun and hopefully we can all do it again! great to meet you!

[Flash68]

You rocked it Dave!! and the cars looking awesome it was fun and hopefully we can all do it again! great to meet you!

Thanks Rod. You too man.. I am pondering going to Marina AutoX next weekend.... Brian H and his Vette are gonna be there. You thinkin about it?

[ROBS6T8]

Looked like a lot of fun guys. Did you get all your issues worked out? I was talking to Kyle (bosses son) and he said you were still wrenching on her! lol
AutoX at Marina? I should try to make it and watch. But then again there's a car in the garage needing some, I mean a lot of attention!
Thanks for the pics. What's next for her? lol

[Flash68]

Looked like a lot of fun guys. Did you get all your issues worked out? I was talking to Kyle (bosses son) and he said you were still wrenching on her! lol
AutoX at Marina? I should try to make it and watch. But then again there's a car in the garage needing some, I mean a lot of attention!
Thanks for the pics. What's next for her? lol

I'd say most of our main concerns were addressed and held up well. We made last minute adjustments before the trip and while parked at Doug's house on Friday. Nothing major luckily.

We are tentatively planning on going to Marina next weekend. It should be a bigger track since it's an American AutoX event I hear. The Top 2 or 3 performer from RTTC (the red 64 Vette) will be there and would be great to see go if you're around.

What's next? Try to keep my wallet from bleeding I guess. LOL

Here's the short to-do list.

Fab and install a dipstick (yeah, really)
Adjust/repair/replace shifter linkage
repair header collector (damaged from an I-5 overpass transition at 70mph)
cut front wheel spacers 1/8 to 1/4"

That's about it for now!

[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.


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

[Vicinity]

I can't remember if I posted in this thread before, but I love this car! I need to paint my ZR1's black. :)

[Ron.in.SoCal]

That was awesome Dave. I like the way your car 'complains' when you let off the gas, as if it wants to run some more!

Gearing for certain tracks is a funny thing, huh? Congrats Bro, another good day...:cheers:

[killer67]

Nice driving Dave!

[Crazy4Speed]

Awesome car man. I love that blue and she sounds like one mean machine.

[Rod]

sounds like an AWESOME Day Dave, sorry i missed it! the rear end on my bucket is still apart waiting for the Posi(tru-trak) to show up and much like you're car my linkage on the trans is still notchy, I will try for the next Auto X with you!! and we will get Newman to go also!

[ROBS6T8]

Great video. Another event that I missed. But hey I got the subframe out of the car and stripped!
Mary and David are great peeps. I got my wife a ride with Mary down in Del Mar and let me tell you, the wife had tears of joy and excitement when she got back to me. She told me that she couldn't wait for the car to get done! hehe my little plan worked! Thanks Mary!
It can't be that much of a secret... please share! lol How's that wallet holding up? lmao

[Jeff70]

Looking good. What im most impressed with is 70-80sec run and not a single swear word from Mary!

[mpozzi]

First thing to change ... that steering wheel!!!!!!!!!!!! And yes, there were a few four-letter expletives softly spoken. Especially on the sweepers.

This Camaro has a ton of promise and with a few tweaks and changes, should handle any conefest quite well.

Cheers,
Mary Pozzi

[sik68]

First thing to change ... that steering wheel!!!!!!!!!!!!

If it's actually coming off, I'll take the lil guy!

[Flash68]

I can't remember if I posted in this thread before, but I love this car! I need to paint my ZR1's black. :)

Thanks! Luckily mine came already flat black. :)


That was awesome Dave. I like the way your car 'complains' when you let off the gas, as if it wants to run some more!

Gearing for certain tracks is a funny thing, huh? Congrats Bro, another good day...:cheers:

It is a snarly SOB, you're right about that. I knew after having El Toro set up well for me, I would run into one soon that was not. :)


Nice driving Dave!

Haha, you do realize that was Mary driving right? Or maybe you are making fun of my 2 DNF runs out of 3 attempts. LOL


Awesome car man. I love that blue and she sounds like one mean machine.

Thank you!


sounds like an AWESOME Day Dave, sorry i missed it! the rear end on my bucket is still apart waiting for the Posi(tru-trak) to show up and much like you're car my linkage on the trans is still notchy, I will try for the next Auto X with you!! and we will get Newman to go also!

yeah Rod get that thing running... what are you doing about your linkage? We were just brainstorming on that tonight with mine... the next American AutoX event is in May, and then June is Goodguys I guess. Yeah let's get Kyle to come up for the May event.


First thing to change ... that steering wheel!!!!!!!!!!!! And yes, there were a few four-letter expletives softly spoken. Especially on the sweepers.

This Camaro has a ton of promise and with a few tweaks and changes, should handle any conefest quite well.

Cheers,
Mary Pozzi

Haha, Mary the steering wheel mod is top secret! LOL. Ya know, I really like the wheel but it is too small for AutoX for sure.

Yeah you had some nice things to say during the 1st 2 runs that are not on video ;)

Mary - Thanks for the words and advice again!


If it's actually coming off, I'll take the lil guy!

Gotta think about that one a bit.... ;)

[Nessumsar]

I really want to get to an event with a bigger course like that. The car sounds great Dave, although the GoPro doesn't do it justice.

Maybe one of these days I'll make it up there and play in your guys' backyard.

[Flash68]

I really want to get to an event with a bigger course like that. The car sounds great Dave, although the GoPro doesn't do it justice.

Maybe one of these days I'll make it up there and play in your guys' backyard.

Thanks Jon. I took a video of short of an awesome sounding 64 Vette running the course and then when I uploaded it just didn't capture the badness, so I didn't post it.

I read one of your posts you'll be coming up to the GG Pleasanton in June?

We will be back at Marina in May for the next big course event if you're interested.

[Nessumsar]

I will make atleast one of the Pleasantons this year, just not sure on which one(s) yet.

[mdprovee]

Dave,

Looks like you had some fun. I am going to try and make the May autocross, Marina looks fun. I am also trying to make the ones they have at Oakland and Great America. Need to get a few more miles on the car, then time to play.

[Flash68]

I will make atleast one of the Pleasantons this year, just not sure on which one(s) yet.

Cool man. I believe DFresh and some fellas are planning on doing that June trip up here again if I'm not mistaken. Did you do that with them last year?


Dave,

Looks like you had some fun. I am going to try and make the May autocross, Marina looks fun. I am also trying to make the ones they have at Oakland and Great America. Need to get a few more miles on the car, then time to play.

Marina is a pretty cool venue I gotta say. Great environment with the American AutoX people. Some killer cars there. I am looking for the Oakland schedule too. Haven't seen it yet. I only have the Marina schedule for the year. Would be great if you came down in May!

[mpozzi]

Get on www.baautox.com for the Northern CA autocross scene and events. To run SCCA Solo events, you'll need to be a member but for UFO and AAS, come, run, and have fun!!!

Cheers,
Mary P.

[Flash68]

So I saw on another forum recently there was a local photography student working on his masters at SF Academy of Art and was looking for various types of cars to shoot for his senior thesis. Being more of a Euro/Porsche/etc forum, he got lots of Porsches volunteering. I offered to be his muscle car guy and we met up about a week ago and toured some semi rural roads behind my office in the east bay. He is pretty talented for a student I thought. Curious to know what some pro's like Rupp or McGaffin would think, but either way thought I'd post some of his and my faves.

Disclaimer: the last one with me "posing" is something he asked me to do, as well as all his past subjects, as he was in part trying to profile the owners of the cars as well. :enguard:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/_MG_9446-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/_MG_9465-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/_MG_9473-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/_MG_9497-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/_MG_9505-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/_MG_9510-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/_MG_9520Edit-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/_MG_9530-1.jpg

[johnny68]

Luke I am your father.............. great pictures Dave love the under motion one
john

[sik68]

Dave, they look great, especially the last 2!

[Flash68]

Haha thanks guys... I like the Vader reference. lol

[Nessumsar]

Those are pretty nice shots Dave; I especially like the first and seventh shots. Glad to see I'm not the only one with their RTTC decals still on the car! :)

[sik68]

Those are pretty nice shots Dave; I especially like the first and seventh shots. Glad to see I'm not the only one with their RTTC decals still on the car! :)

Warning...I peeled mine off 1 week ago and it took some rattle-can primer with it! If it happens to you too we can file class action...the look on Bill Howell's face would be priceless when this comes across his desk.

[CarlC]

[QUOTE=Flash68;796814]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/_MG_9520Edit-1.jpg

That's money!

[sik68]

There was something missing:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/_MG_95301-1.jpg

[Flash68]

Those are pretty nice shots Dave; I especially like the first and seventh shots. Glad to see I'm not the only one with their RTTC decals still on the car! :)

Thanks Jon. Yeah a couple people asked me (even told me to) when I was going to take them off... I like them and also they still advertise for the RTTX events and that leads to discussions. I'm thinking of leaving the #28 on there for my Willow Springs day in 10 days if they allow that for the number. Hell, why not?


Warning...I peeled mine off 1 week ago and it took some rattle-can primer with it! If it happens to you too we can file class action...the look on Bill Howell's face would be priceless when this comes across his desk.

Uh oh... now I am never taking it off. LOL


[QUOTE=Flash68;796814]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/_MG_9520Edit-1.jpg

That's money!

Thanks Carl. That's my fave as well.


There was something missing:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/_MG_95301-1.jpg

LOL nice work! I was bummed I didn't have that hook on there yet.. woulda been perfect for that shot!

[Chad-1stGen]

Damn that speed shot is sexy as hell!

[Vicinity]

Dude, those pics are AWESOME! New phone background. :)

[bonecrrusher]

I spy black stig?! LOL... love the action shot.

[srh3trinity]

Great pics, this car has so much attitude and by that I mean bad attitude.

[Cdog]

Car looks great. It was my favorite at RTTH. The sound of the deceleration on that car is like lion growl.


BTW. I see your helmet is as big as mine.:cheers:

[Flash68]

Thanks guys.

Corey -- they call me Lord Helmet. LOL

[CrossRamRich]

Very nice. "Come with me to the dark side, it is your destiny!" Speed shot looks like something that belongs in a Motortrend mag. Bitchen.

[Flash68]

So, prep for Willow Springs this Sunday is almost done:

DSE power steering cooler
Stainless coolant reservoir (ebay special!)
M-21 shift linkage stops adjusted (troublesome at RTTC2)
Champ dipstick installed -- (Todd, you impressed? :lol: )
Adjusted camber from -1.7* to -2.2*

Hoping to get temporary oil temp gauge installed to get a baseline reading on oil temps this weekend. Weather forecast is low 60s as of now so should be nice.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/DSCF3386-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/photo10-1.jpg

Yeah it's kinda dirty -- this ain't no show car! :machine:

[rfalker1]

man I love your car, I never thought black rims could look so good with a white strip you dared to be great and succeeded ;)

[buck19]

What do you think of Gearhead as a restomod builder? I am considering them for a project.


Good for you. I saw your other 68 a couple times up at Gearhead when I was shopping shops for my build. Bad ass car... This one looks a little more manageable.

Any plans for this one? We can never leave them alone... lol

[Flash68]

man I love your car, I never thought black rims could look so good with a white strip you dared to be great and succeeded ;)

Thanks man. But I cannot take credit for the color and wheels. They were on the car when I purchased. But I did endorse them by buying it. haha


What do you think of Gearhead as a restomod builder? I am considering them for a project.

I had a very good experience with Gearhead. Great group of guys there. What type of project are you considering?

[rfalker1]

Looool, that is the truth right there

[John Wright]

Nice pics and vids...thanks for sharing.
I enjoy seeing the enthusiasm in your postings.

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

that thing is fuggin BAD!

[Flash68]

Nice pics and vids...thanks for sharing.
I enjoy seeing the enthusiasm in your postings.


that thing is fuggin BAD!

Thanks bros!

[senor_camaro]

those stickers add 10hp, lol j/k. your car looks sweet!!!!

[youthpastor]

wow...car looks sweet- glad you are beating on it a little!

[ROBS6T8]

Dude, those pics are AWESOME! New phone background. :)

X2... I need to find a photographer for mine! When it's done of course. :banghead:

[Flash68]

This is a little wordy, but since RTTC2 had been my previous best all time experience in a car, that has now been trumped I am here to report. Had an absolute killer time at Streets of Willow Springs on Sunday meeting up with some of the Socal boys who are willing to beat on their cars a bit. Chad, Brett, Mike & I were the 4 Camaros there to represent our team amidst the sea of Bimmers, EVOs, and S2000 type cars. Brett wasn't allowed to run because his rollbar isn't done yet, but his killer Camaro got tons of attention.

My team includes my ace crew chief Rich Bermea of Road Touring Customs who has become a damn good friend of mine in the past year. These races and trips wouldn't be half as fun without this dude. Everyone who meets him loves the guy, naturally. Thanks buddy! :cheers: For this event he brought along his sidekick Frankie Jud, another skilled wrench and all around great dude. Plus he brought a 2nd GoPro to put on the outside of the car. :unibrow:

If you haven't ever stayed a night in Rosamond, CA......... well, you made a good decision. :lol: Quite the place. While I headed back to the Bates Motel after dinner to nurse the end of a head cold, the crew headed out to lovely establish known as the Rosamund Bikini Bar.... they were back in about 20 minutes. :lol:

Let's get to the racing. 1st Session - decided to jump up into Intermediate group since I've done RTTC and a couple autoX events, and that was a good group to start in with the point by deal and to get accustomed. Took it nice and easy and started learning the course while watching the gauges and checking things over. We added an cheapo oil temp gauge and rigged it up to monitor that before building an oil cooler system later. Well, that backfired a bit as I pulled off the course after 4 laps after the gauge showed 275* and rising. 270* was our predetermined warning number. Crew checked oil pan temp and it was only like 110 and water temp never budged over 180, so it was determined the cheapo POS gauge was not accurate. Sweet. Best time 1:36 taking it pretty easy. Thanks to Jay @ Speedtech for initial tire pressure recommendations.

2nd Session - Got a full 9 laps in but probably only 2 really clean ones due to knuckleheads not knowing when to give a point by (I gave my share throughout the day BTW). Pushed it harder and knocked 3 seconds off to 1:33. Crew made continuous adjustments to tire pressures & shock settings.

Chad encouraged me to try to get into Advanced for 3rd session so I talked to the organizers and they were cool with it.

3rd Session - Great call by Chad to move me up to Advanced. Faster and smarter drivers and better spacing even though similar number of cars in this group. Got 5 solid laps (can't remember why not more) and knocked 5+ seconds off my time. Down to 1:28 now. Some minor right side tire pressure tweaks and we were pretty dialed in for the rest of the day.

The real reason I think I knocked off 5+ seconds is Rich found this in my tail pipe. We think Todd must've snuck in and planted them. :rofl:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/photo_0045-1.jpg

4th Session - Short session as the tranny linkage was already feeling mushy (reoccurring issue since RTTC) going in so I wasn't sure if I'd make the checkered... and that came true... but because the battery tipped over in the trunk on my 2nd lap (:lol:) -- guess that battery hold down didn't gitter dun (cheaper chrome piece that came on the car). Battery tipped over and knocked the fuel pump electrical out of commission, so it just died and I pulled over. So I got to test out my new Chainsaw tow hook. :D

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/IMG_0839-2.jpg

Session 5 - Battery reconnected and tightened down and shifter linkage massaged a bit (not much to do -- we just need a new linkage... or trans!). Ready to rock. Got to line up 2nd right behind the badass Orange C6 Z06 all race prepped on R888's. He set low time of the day with a Pro Driver at 1:23. The owner was driving this time so I gave myself a shot... a long shot. Or no shot :lol: Held with him okay for about 1/2 a lap then fell back. Shifter started giving me bad trouble and had to really slow shift it and force into gears. Gave her hell for 3 laps and laid down my best time on my final lap. Felt like a 1:27 but I knocked 5 thousandth's off my best for a lower 1:28.2. Video review shows the shifter issue slowed me a bit there.

Here is my 5th & final session trying to keep up with that sick C6 Z06. Best lap is 3rd lap before pulling into pit.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAAOWm9KYfY

And here is just my best lap of the day.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUys96wdAj0

I received some really nice praise from other drivers and the event organizers at the end of the day. They were shocked I was on street tires. Some of these guys used to seeing imports don't give our cars too much credit since they don't see many of them. That's how it seemed anyway.

No offense to autoX lovers, but man this puts that game to shame in the fun department IMO. I can't wait to get back out to a road course, and I encourage anyone on the fence to do the same.

[David Sloan]

Very Cool !! Nice video!
I said it before that thing just looks sick!!!
Iam with you on the road course, It is just a blast an i cant wait to get back out there!!
Thanks for sharing

[Gitter Dun]

Awesome job to you and your crew Dave!! Now you know why I dont autocross(No offense to the autocross folks). I've tried the autocross thing 3 times but just doesn't compare to driving road course.

As far as the Muncie and linkage go I got my M22 from a guy that builds them for a road racing jaguar series out on the east coast. I'ts been in the car for 5 years now and IIRC I think it was about $2200. I talked to him on the phone recently about the hp I'm putting out and he told me they were good to 800 hp. Hopefully he's right but so far so good. I change fluids after every track day and he recommends Royal Purpal gear oil. I am using the Hurst Super Speedway linkage. Its bigger than the traditional Hurst linkage box and I had to enlarge my trans tunnel on the left side to make it fit but so far so good although I will be going to the Renegate sequential linkage soon.

Hope to see you guys at Buttonwillow July 30th!!

[Flash68]

Very Cool !! Nice video!
I said it before that thing just looks sick!!!
Iam with you on the road course, It is just a blast an i cant wait to get back out there!!
Thanks for sharing

Thanks David. I hope to see vid of you out hammering down on a road course very soon too. Be well.


Awesome job to you and your crew Dave!! Now you know why I dont autocross(No offense to the autocross folks). I've tried the autocross thing 3 times but just doesn't compare to driving road course.

As far as the Muncie and linkage go I got my M22 from a guy that builds them for a road racing jaguar series out on the east coast. I'ts been in the car for 5 years now and IIRC I think it was about $2200. I talked to him on the phone recently about the hp I'm putting out and he told me they were good to 800 hp. Hopefully he's right but so far so good. I change fluids after every track day and he recommends Royal Purpal gear oil. I am using the Hurst Super Speedway linkage. Its bigger than the traditional Hurst linkage box and I had to enlarge my trans tunnel on the left side to make it fit but so far so good although I will be going to the Renegate sequential linkage soon.

Hope to see you guys at Buttonwillow July 30th!!

Thanks G. The crew is working great because I can't wrench worth a damn and I cover their costs and they share in the competitive drive to shave seconds and tenths just as much as me. So it was a blast and I hope it continues.

Never heard of the Super Speedway Shifter... will look into that.... I've been considering lately either a Jerico or a the Tex Racing T101a 4 speed... I know of a pretty fair deal on one with ratios I like including the rail shifter. And it's the same size as Muncie from what I understand. Not many parts needed changing. I may have to pick your ear on this subject as you seem to have already been down it and are way ahead of me!

Buttonwillow could be a possibility..... we are also throwing around Laguna Seca or Thunderhill in the next 2-3 months..... interested in those?

[Cdog]

This is a little wordy, but since RTTC2 had been my previous best all time experience in a car, that has now been trumped I am here to report. Had an absolute killer time at Streets of Willow Springs on Sunday meeting up with some of the Socal boys who are willing to beat on their cars a bit. Chad, Brett, Mike & I were the 4 Camaros there to represent our team amidst the sea of Bimmers, EVOs, and S2000 type cars. Brett wasn't allowed to run because his rollbar isn't done yet, but his killer Camaro got tons of attention.

My team includes my ace crew chief Rich Bermea of Road Touring Customs who has become a damn good friend of mine in the past year. These races and trips wouldn't be half as fun without this dude. Everyone who meets him loves the guy, naturally. Thanks buddy! :cheers: For this event he brought along his sidekick Frankie Jud, another skilled wrench and all around great dude. Plus he brought a 2nd GoPro to put on the outside of the car. :unibrow:

If you haven't ever stayed a night in Rosamond, CA......... well, you made a good decision. :lol: Quite the place. While I headed back to the Bates Motel after dinner to nurse the end of a head cold, the crew headed out to lovely establish known as the Rosamund Bikini Bar.... they were back in about 20 minutes. :lol:

Let's get to the racing. 1st Session - decided to jump up into Intermediate group since I've done RTTC and a couple autoX events, and that was a good group to start in with the point by deal and to get accustomed. Took it nice and easy and started learning the course while watching the gauges and checking things over. We added an cheapo oil temp gauge and rigged it up to monitor that before building an oil cooler system later. Well, that backfired a bit as I pulled off the course after 4 laps after the gauge showed 275* and rising. 270* was our predetermined warning number. Crew checked oil pan temp and it was only like 110 and water temp never budged over 180, so it was determined the cheapo POS gauge was not accurate. Sweet. Best time 1:36 taking it pretty easy. Thanks to Jay @ Speedtech for initial tire pressure recommendations.

2nd Session - Got a full 9 laps in but probably only 2 really clean ones due to knuckleheads not knowing when to give a point by (I gave my share throughout the day BTW). Pushed it harder and knocked 3 seconds off to 1:33. Crew made continuous adjustments to tire pressures & shock settings.

Chad encouraged me to try to get into Advanced for 3rd session so I talked to the organizers and they were cool with it.

3rd Session - Great call by Chad to move me up to Advanced. Faster and smarter drivers and better spacing even though similar number of cars in this group. Got 5 solid laps (can't remember why not more) and knocked 5+ seconds off my time. Down to 1:28 now. Some minor right side tire pressure tweaks and we were pretty dialed in for the rest of the day.

The real reason I think I knocked off 5+ seconds is Rich found this in my tail pipe. We think Todd must've snuck in and planted them. :rofl:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/photo_0045-1.jpg

4th Session - Short session as the tranny linkage was already feeling mushy (reoccurring issue since RTTC) going in so I wasn't sure if I'd make the checkered... and that came true... but because the battery tipped over in the trunk on my 2nd lap (:lol:) -- guess that battery hold down didn't gitter dun (cheaper chrome piece that came on the car). Battery tipped over and knocked the fuel pump electrical out of commission, so it just died and I pulled over. So I got to test out my new Chainsaw tow hook. :D

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/IMG_0839-2.jpg

Session 5 - Battery reconnected and tightened down and shifter linkage massaged a bit (not much to do -- we just need a new linkage... or trans!). Ready to rock. Got to line up 2nd right behind the badass Orange C6 Z06 all race prepped on R888's. He set low time of the day with a Pro Driver at 1:23. The owner was driving this time so I gave myself a shot... a long shot. Or no shot :lol: Held with him okay for about 1/2 a lap then fell back. Shifter started giving me bad trouble and had to really slow shift it and force into gears. Gave her hell for 3 laps and laid down my best time on my final lap. Felt like a 1:27 but I knocked 5 thousandth's off my best for a lower 1:28.2. Video review shows the shifter issue slowed me a bit there.

Here is my 5th & final session trying to keep up with that sick C6 Z06. Best lap is 3rd lap before pulling into pit.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAAOWm9KYfY

And here is just my best lap of the day.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUys96wdAj0

I received some really nice praise from other drivers and the event organizers at the end of the day. They were shocked I was on street tires. Some of these guys used to seeing imports don't give our cars too much credit since they don't see many of them. That's how it seemed anyway.

No offense to autoX lovers, but man this puts that game to shame in the fun department IMO. I can't wait to get back out to a road course, and I encourage anyone on the fence to do the same.

Man that looks fun. Someone has my sense of humor with the banana in TP! :)

Can't wait to get my car done and get out there with you guy's.

A tip. No shifting through the turn. You need to be threshold braking and heel toe down shifting on entry to the turn and ride that gear until you have the car rotated aiming toward the next apex. The car will be much more manageable and you will feel the input while in the proper gear through the turn.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNzx2XJ3So8

[Gitter Dun]

Thanks David. I hope to see vid of you out hammering down on a road course very soon too. Be well.



Thanks G. The crew is working great because I can't wrench worth a damn and I cover their costs and they share in the competitive drive to shave seconds and tenths just as much as me. So it was a blast and I hope it continues.

Never heard of the Super Speedway Shifter... will look into that.... I've been considering lately either a Jerico or a the Tex Racing T101a 4 speed... I know of a pretty fair deal on one with ratios I like including the rail shifter. And it's the same size as Muncie from what I understand. Not many parts needed changing. I may have to pick your ear on this subject as you seem to have already been down it and are way ahead of me!

Buttonwillow could be a possibility..... we are also throwing around Laguna Seca or Thunderhill in the next 2-3 months..... interested in those?

Any of those tracks but Laguna. I dont want to deal with the decibel requirements their. I'll talk to you soon about the trannies.

[Gitter Dun]

Man that looks fun. Someone has my sense of humor with the banana in TP! :)

Can't wait to get my car done and get out there with you guy's.

A tip. No shifting through the turn. You need to be threshold braking and heel toe down shifting on entry to the turn and ride that gear until you have the car rotated aiming toward the next apex. The car will be much more manageable and you will feel the input while in the proper gear through the turn.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNzx2XJ3So8

I didn't want to burst your bubble yet Dave cause I figured you were probably ear to ear with smiles but Cdog is right. You want to be hammering toward the turn full throttle if possible and then do all your downshifting before corner entry and then throttle through and out of the corner. Heel toe down shifting cant be done safely without setting up the gas and brake pedal correctly. You want to set them up so that you can comfortably blip the throttle with your heel while riding on the brakes.

Another thing you want to try and think about is to try and always keep the suspension loaded. Full brake or full gas. A free car is an unpredictable car.

You should really try and make Buttonwillow with me. I'll take you out in my car and you will instantly see what Cdog and myself are trying to tell you.

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/photo_0045-1.jpg





https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/3452299309_e3c4ef4dd6-1.jpg



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tKt4KTfppA

[Cdog]

I didn't want to burst your bubble yet Dave cause I figured you were probably ear to ear with smiles but Cdog is right. You want to be hammering toward the turn full throttle if possible and then do all your downshifting before corner entry and then throttle through and out of the corner. Heel toe down shifting cant be done safely without setting up the gas and brake pedal correctly. You want to set them up so that you can comfortably blip the throttle with your heel while riding on the brakes.

Another thing you want to try and think about is to try and always keep the suspension loaded. Full brake or full gas. A free car is an unpredictable car.

You should really try and make Buttonwillow with me. I'll take you out in my car and you will instantly see what Cdog and myself are trying to tell you.


And to add to that. When you brake/downshift/ blip you are transferring the weight from the rear to the front of the car making use of the traction. This will allow you to predictably load the suspension, feather the throttle, maintain under power and use the power to rotate the car.

[Flash68]

Man that looks fun. Someone has my sense of humor with the banana in TP! :)

Can't wait to get my car done and get out there with you guy's.

A tip. No shifting through the turn. You need to be threshold braking and heel toe down shifting on entry to the turn and ride that gear until you have the car rotated aiming toward the next apex. The car will be much more manageable and you will feel the input while in the proper gear through the turn.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNzx2XJ3So8


I didn't want to burst your bubble yet Dave cause I figured you were probably ear to ear with smiles but Cdog is right. You want to be hammering toward the turn full throttle if possible and then do all your downshifting before corner entry and then throttle through and out of the corner. Heel toe down shifting cant be done safely without setting up the gas and brake pedal correctly. You want to set them up so that you can comfortably blip the throttle with your heel while riding on the brakes.

Another thing you want to try and think about is to try and always keep the suspension loaded. Full brake or full gas. A free car is an unpredictable car.

You should really try and make Buttonwillow with me. I'll take you out in my car and you will instantly see what Cdog and myself are trying to tell you.


And to add to that. When you brake/downshift/ blip you are transferring the weight from the rear to the front of the car making use of the traction. This will allow you to predictably load the suspension, feather the throttle, maintain under power and use the power to rotate the car.

Thanks guys, and you guys def aren't bursting my bubble. I understand the theory of the heel/toe concept, I just have not practiced it and cannot do it yet! LOL

I just bought the Sparco pedals but they are much smaller than I had thought they were. I have had the Modo pedals before and they are larger and fully cover the factory pedals. Was talking to Chad and checking out his Modo pedals at the track and he said they were almost TOO big and that the standard gas pedal might be perfect for him vs. the heel/toe gas pedal he currently has. I need to figure out the best setup for me, just as you said Corey.

What you don't see in those vids is the first 3-4 sessions of me trying several of my amateur techniques (and a very poor unsuccessful attempt at heel/toe). What do you see is the best way I found I could apply braking/shifting to get me around. It wasn't the best way but it worked for me okay on this first day. But yeah I really do need to practice the heel/toe thing to get better. No doubt!

Thanks guys. I got a ways to go!



Any of those tracks but Laguna. I dont want to deal with the decibel requirements their. I'll talk to you soon about the trannies.

Yeah I hear ya man... I'm hesitant about that too. I'll give ya a buzz.

[Flash68]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/3452299309_e3c4ef4dd6-1.jpg



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tKt4KTfppA

I love it when I LOL all by myself at something. Classic.

[rfalker1]

you loooked like you did good on the track to me

[Vicinity]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/3452299309_e3c4ef4dd6-1.jpg



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tKt4KTfppA

I'm so glad I wasn't the only one who pictured that scene.

[Flash68]

Thanks to Jay (BrakeLate) for this video chasing me in my 2nd and final Intermediate session before moving up to Advance to get some room to run. He catches up to me about the 5:50 mark. Since I burn quite a bit of oil, he first thinks there is a problem with my car when I smoke on decel/shifting. :injured: It's nice to be able to watch my lines from this perspective.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=os-Dg5QiYnw

[John Wright]

checkout you guys with the long legs!!!!!

[Cdog]

Very cool!

[sik68]

Sweet Dave, looks like you had a blast! Track days are the best!

[Flash68]

Yeah Steven -- it was an amazing day just like you predicted. :)

[johnny68]

Dave thats sooo awesome

[Flash68]

Just got home from the shop working all afternoon and into the night with Rich on my transmission deal... the M21 that came with the car has been giving me problems with shifting since RTTC so we decided to pull it and throw in one of his spare M21's in the shop for the upcoming GG AutoX next weekend in Pleasanton. Well, getting it out and talking more about it, we decided to try the wide ratio M20 he had there. We think the 2.52 1st should actually be much better for autoX as I will max out at 60ish mph in 1st (70ish with M21). We used parts from at least 3 different Muncies I believe so it's a bit of a mutt now. :thumbsup:

I was stoked to read recently this AutoX will not be the usual peanut but a little longer course to stretch our legs. How long I have no idea... I just can't imagine more than 60mph will be seen.

This move will also help us determine if the M21 itself was the problem or if the linkage was it. We've been stumped thus far.

It will also provide me with real world data in my never-ending and incessant research of my next trans (TKO, T56, T101a, Jerico are all candidates).

Also found we had one bad roller rocker (galled) so that is on order. Would love to move to shaft rockers someday.

Ok, I am getting delirious.... off to bed. :cheers:

[Flash68]

a couple more vids from the 2nd GoPro at Willow Springs 2 weeks ago...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qcoi4Q_LBwg


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8cyh2mK3tE

[Flash68]

We definitely did not "win the big race" this weekend, but we did "win" in finding a nice used M21 for sale and stumbling upon a piece of history (more on that later)...

Met up with Chad-1stGen and continued making some new friends in the Mustang crowd -- Carlos, Jay, Dave are all great guys who were very helpful and welcoming. I took rides with both Carlos and Jay and got to see their different lines on the track (both are instructors). Unfortunately, I got more seat time as a passenger than I did driving my own car. Boo. :lol:

The models and photographers June and Nicole were a pleasure to spend time with as well. :unibrow:

After our 3rd Muncie trans in less than a month, Mr Muncie failed us again. In our rush to salvage the weekend we made calls, checked craigslist, posted on forums/facebook and struck out... until Rich thought to check out the onsite race shops there and see what they had. Well, whaddya know... an M21 laying underneath a Cobra body.... doing nothing. $400 later and 2 trips to the ATM and we have a new trans... Rich dove into it and knocked it out in about 1:30 I believe in an effort to make the final session at 4pm. Trans got in just fine (minus reverse - but who needs that) but the linkage and shifter would just not go into multiple gears no matter what was tried.... so the day was done.

My crew chief Rich is a stud and as I keep saying, I wouldn't be able to attend these track days without him, so thanks buddy. I think we only put down about 30 bud lights this weekend (poor performance, I know)... many at the track.... was anyone else surprised they serve alcohol onsite? I admit it did come in handy once we were just spectators. :thumbsup:

After 4 muncie transmissions in less than a month, I officially hate Muncie, whoever he is. I gotta figure something out soon....

I only took one video of my 2nd and final shortened session where I hit consecutive 1:42 laps with shifting issues and point-by's. You can see me yelling and waving at some guys to just go around me during some of my issues. :willy:

At about 2:10 in my video, one of the highlights was hitting 130-132 on the front straight just before my braking point and a C6 Z06 passes me and cuts in front for the turn-in as he was doing close to 140 I would guess. Open passing in advanced is pretty fun once you're comfortable with it.

Still gotta work on my rev matching, but adjustments need to be made to the pedal setup as the brake pedal engages way too high to roll over and blip the throttle.


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

And last but not least, in our search for a spare M21 trans, we stumbled upon this little gem of history.... yes, it's the real deal. Very cool.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/photo_0024-1.jpg

[rustomatic]

I've had this transmission scenario in the past, albeit not at your performance level. I went through three toasted C4 autos in a '67 Mustang before finally switching to a T5. So many cool results abounded--the T5 really transformed the car, in poundage, freeway performance, and torque transfer. I think the Tremec gods might be calling you, unless you like Richmond better... Either way, the extra gear and the absence of hokey shifter linkage will really create a much nicer place both under and inside your car.


We definitely did not "win the big race" this weekend, but we did "win" in finding a nice used M21 for sale and stumbling upon a piece of history (more on that later)...

Met up with Chad-1stGen and continued making some new friends in the Mustang crowd -- Carlos, Jay, Dave are all great guys who were very helpful and welcoming. I took rides with both Carlos and Jay and got to see their different lines on the track (both are instructors). Unfortunately, I got more seat time as a passenger than I did driving my own car. Boo. :lol:

The models and photographers June and Nicole were a pleasure to spend time with as well. :unibrow:

After our 3rd Muncie trans in less than a month, Mr Muncie failed us again. In our rush to salvage the weekend we made calls, checked craigslist, posted on forums/facebook and struck out... until Rich thought to check out the onsite race shops there and see what they had. Well, whaddya know... an M21 laying underneath a Cobra body.... doing nothing. $400 later and 2 trips to the ATM and we have a new trans... Rich dove into it and knocked it out in about 1:30 I believe in an effort to make the final session at 4pm. Trans got in just fine (minus reverse - but who needs that) but the linkage and shifter would just not go into multiple gears no matter what was tried.... so the day was done.

My crew chief Rich is a stud and as I keep saying, I wouldn't be able to attend these track days without him, so thanks buddy. I think we only put down about 30 bud lights this weekend (poor performance, I know)... many at the track.... was anyone else surprised they serve alcohol onsite? I admit it did come in handy once we were just spectators. :thumbsup:

After 4 muncie transmissions in less than a month, I officially hate Muncie, whoever he is. I gotta figure something out soon....

I only took one video of my 2nd and final shortened session where I hit consecutive 1:42 laps with shifting issues and point-by's. You can see me yelling and waving at some guys to just go around me during some of my issues. :willy:

At about 2:10 in my video, one of the highlights was hitting 130-132 on the front straight just before my braking point and a C6 Z06 passes me and cuts in front for the turn-in as he was doing close to 140 I would guess. Open passing in advanced is pretty fun once you're comfortable with it.

Still gotta work on my rev matching, but adjustments need to be made to the pedal setup as the brake pedal engages way too high to roll over and blip the throttle.


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

And last but not least, in our search for a spare M21 trans, we stumbled upon this little gem of history.... yes, it's the real deal. Very cool.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/photo_0024-1.jpg

[Ron.in.SoCal]

Man Dave, you have been through the ringer on your trans. Sorry it killed your track day -- and you almost pulled it off! Time to start over, right? Get something in there you can do proper maintenace on and hopefully you won't have to go through that again...thumbs:

[Gitter Dun]

Just being able to see the '68 Sunoco Camaro had to make your day, thats awesome!! Sorry you had some troubles, been there before more times than I care to say.

Chin up brother, it's all part of the gig.

[Flash68]

I've had this transmission scenario in the past, albeit not at your performance level. I went through three toasted C4 autos in a '67 Mustang before finally switching to a T5. So many cool results abounded--the T5 really transformed the car, in poundage, freeway performance, and torque transfer. I think the Tremec gods might be calling you, unless you like Richmond better... Either way, the extra gear and the absence of hokey shifter linkage will really create a much nicer place both under and inside your car.

Tremec is an option, but I'm not a fan of Richmond stuff. I predict I will have an ex-Nascar trans in the car soon. But agreed, this shortened track day is what it took to get me to just get it over with and fix the problem once and for all.



Man Dave, you have been through the ringer on your trans. Sorry it killed your track day -- and you almost pulled it off! Time to start over, right? Get something in there you can do proper maintenace on and hopefully you won't have to go through that again...thumbs:

Yup. My crew chief did all he could and then some. It was a valiant effort. If I did stay with Muncie, it would have to be a M22 or upgraded version like that. But I am thinking something different. And no overdrive. Will I get kicked off the PT site? LOL

[Flash68]

Just being able to see the '68 Sunoco Camaro had to make your day, thats awesome!! Sorry you had some troubles, been there before more times than I care to say.

Chin up brother, it's all part of the gig.
Yeah man that was very cool, but we were bummed we did not stay longer and gawk, as we were still thinking we could get the trans in and make the last session or 2, so we had to jet.... but hey, we know where it is now. :)

And thanks, I am okay with how the day played out. Need to take your licks sometime if you plan on doing this stuff often enough.

Looking fwd to Buttonwillow in Sept I think.... which weekend/event is it again?

[Rod]

Dave!! Bro maybe we can find a swinging deal on some trick 4 speeds for our buckets! I need one also! like you i dig the 4 speed on the track, the ratios are just perfect!!

[Gitter Dun]

Looking fwd to Buttonwillow in Sept I think.... which weekend/event is it again?

I think a few of you guys were talking about September. I'm shooting for July 30th and if I can afford to make September I will. In September I believe NCRC is running configuration #1. I need to do configuration 13CW to see if the changes I made to the car made a difference.

[Flash68]

Dave!! Bro maybe we can find a swinging deal on some trick 4 speeds for our buckets! I need one also! like you i dig the 4 speed on the track, the ratios are just perfect!!

Yo Rod, what up. You having 4 speed issues too? You have a T-10 or Muncie? Can't recall.. I do like the 2-4 ratios for road racing, but a shorter first would be ideal for autoX I think. You ready for a Nascar trans? LOL


I think a few of you guys were talking about September. I'm shooting for July 30th and if I can afford to make September I will. In September I believe NCRC is running configuration #1. I need to do configuration 13CW to see if the changes I made to the car made a difference.

I thought you posted recently about skipping July and shooting for Sept Buttonwillow? I think July 30 is too soon for me with trips, family, work, etc and then the trans thing... I want to be sorted out for the next event. None of this put a trans in 24 hrs before we leave for an event. LOL

We'll see how it plays out I guess. Hope we can all get together at a track sooner or later...

[j-rho]

Good to see some in-car video where we can see driver inputs. "Hood cam" is so much less interesting. :drive1:

Looks like you could drop a few seconds off your laptime with later and more aggressive braking. The motor sure seems to spend a long time "exhaling" particularly on entry to T2, and setting up for T9.

I suspect the car has plenty of power to hold 4th gear through T1, and third through the omega - turns 3,4,5. That way there's only one upshift and downshift per lap. Reducing shifting allows one to focus on the line better and reduces the likelihood of fragged transmissions. :-)

Looking forward to seeing more video!

[Flash68]

Good to see some in-car video where we can see driver inputs. "Hood cam" is so much less interesting. :drive1:

Looks like you could drop a few seconds off your laptime with later and more aggressive braking. The motor sure seems to spend a long time "exhaling" particularly on entry to T2, and setting up for T9.

I suspect the car has plenty of power to hold 4th gear through T1, and third through the omega - turns 3,4,5. That way there's only one upshift and downshift per lap. Reducing shifting allows one to focus on the line better and reduces the likelihood of fragged transmissions. :-)

Looking forward to seeing more video!

Thanks for the words. I think you are right on all counts, and had I more than 7 total laps for the day, I think I would have corrected many issues you see in the video. I was also taking it very slow to see how the grip was with the newly oiled/resurfaced track. First time on a big track -- made sense to ease into it. :)

Not sure it would be good to stay in 4th in T1 with the 3.55 rear and high revver motor, but agreed on saving the trans by reducing shifting. Oh well, that's not a problem anymore. LOL

Thanks again -- sounds like you know this track well?

[Flash68]

See Todd... I actually was involved in the tranny swap. And beer was involved apparently. :pat:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/254349_2042778824176_1085492243_2455474_-1.jpg

[John Wright]

Can't wait to see how you do with a decent transmission.....you were haulin, even though you had shifting issues.

[j-rho]

Thanks for the words. I think you are right on all counts, and had I more than 7 total laps for the day, I think I would have corrected many issues you see in the video. I was also taking it very slow to see how the grip was with the newly oiled/resurfaced track. First time on a big track -- made sense to ease into it. :)

Not sure it would be good to stay in 4th in T1 with the 3.55 rear and high revver motor, but agreed on saving the trans by reducing shifting. Oh well, that's not a problem anymore. LOL

Thanks again -- sounds like you know this track well?Have many laps there but haven't been back in a few years. Willow is very fast and requires serious cajones to get the most out of 1,5,9, and 8, if your car is powerful enough. Doing it in something as powerful but relatively ill-handling as an old Camaro would be exciting!

This video is of a car that's the Camaro's polar opposite - an 80's Honda Civic. It was a windy day, all headwind on the front straight. The car exited turn 9 at around 6000rpm in 4th gear, and was only at about 6400rpm at the end of the straight (maybe 6mph pickup). The car has so little power, it exits the uphill turn 2 slower than it enters, despite being full throttle the whole way around.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shbCxmm9184
Still, was able to turn in this string of 1:39s and 1:40s by using all the track, and by braking as little, and late, as possible.

Have gone 1:27 in a Honda S2000 but this video is better for instructional purposes. The only line change I'd make in something like the Camaro would be to pinch off the exit of Turn 5 a bit, to make full use of the power over the Turn 6 plateau and through Turn 7 (which is really a straightaway). You could probably get away with the same shift points, using the same gears (4->3 entering Turn3, 3->4 after Turn6).

Good luck getting your trans issues sorted! I'm actually looking for spare M21s for my project, if you have any to get rid of when you're done...:cheers:

[sik68]

This thread is getting better and better all the time. BMF is seeing a lot of productive track time and once the problems get ironed out (sooner than later hopefully), it and Dave could very well be unstoppable.

[Flash68]

Can't wait to see how you do with a decent transmission.....you were haulin, even though you had shifting issues.

Thank you John. It is def past that time for a new/different tranny!


Have many laps there but haven't been back in a few years. Willow is very fast and requires serious cajones to get the most out of 1,5,9, and 8, if your car is powerful enough. Doing it in something as powerful but relatively ill-handling as an old Camaro would be exciting!

This video is of a car that's the Camaro's polar opposite - an 80's Honda Civic. It was a windy day, all headwind on the front straight. The car exited turn 9 at around 6000rpm in 4th gear, and was only at about 6400rpm at the end of the straight (maybe 6mph pickup). The car has so little power, it exits the uphill turn 2 slower than it enters, despite being full throttle the whole way around.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shbCxmm9184
Still, was able to turn in this string of 1:39s and 1:40s by using all the track, and by braking as little, and late, as possible.

Have gone 1:27 in a Honda S2000 but this video is better for instructional purposes. The only line change I'd make in something like the Camaro would be to pinch off the exit of Turn 5 a bit, to make full use of the power over the Turn 6 plateau and through Turn 7 (which is really a straightaway). You could probably get away with the same shift points, using the same gears (4->3 entering Turn3, 3->4 after Turn6).

Good luck getting your trans issues sorted! I'm actually looking for spare M21s for my project, if you have any to get rid of when you're done...:cheers:

Jason, those are fantastic times in that gutless wonder Honda! LOL and a 1:27 is just down right stupid fast. Would love to see a vid of that. The 1:29 run I've watched on Jack Olsen's RSR clone was balls out.

Thanks for the advice and good words... We have a pile of Muncie trannies right now and may be selling one or 2 of them. I will shoot you a PM if so. Cheers!


This thread is getting better and better all the time. BMF is seeing a lot of productive track time and once the problems get ironed out (sooner than later hopefully), it and Dave could very well be unstoppable.

Thanks Steven. And you are way too kind. I am just trying to work on the driver mod for now, as he needs just as much work as the car, but it's a greatly rewarding process so far... hope to join you at a track day soon with yours!

[j-rho]

Jason, those are fantastic times in that gutless wonder Honda! LOL and a 1:27 is just down right stupid fast. Would love to see a vid of that. The 1:29 run I've watched on Jack Olsen's RSR clone was balls out.

Thanks for the advice and good words... We have a pile of Muncie trannies right now and may be selling one or 2 of them. I will shoot you a PM if so. Cheers!

Here's a link, the Willow Springs lap starts around 5:00. This car was a bit heavier with about the same power as Jack's car, but really big sticky tires. Still flat out around Turn 8, at about 145mph.

http://www.gofastvideo.com/video/103/2003-OTC-Medley
This was from 2003's "Open Track Challenge" sort of a west-coast version of One Lap. Seven tracks in seven days. Hoping they bring it back some day.

[Rod]

nascar, nascar, nascar, fast like Nascar!!

[MrQuick]

lol

[Flash68]

Here's a link, the Willow Springs lap starts around 5:00. This car was a bit heavier with about the same power as Jack's car, but really big sticky tires. Still flat out around Turn 8, at about 145mph.

http://www.gofastvideo.com/video/103/2003-OTC-Medley
This was from 2003's "Open Track Challenge" sort of a west-coast version of One Lap. Seven tracks in seven days. Hoping they bring it back some day.

Wow man you can rip it. That's awesome and I wish I saw that vid before I went down -- not that it mattered with the trans issues, but still.

That sounds like a great event -- and on our side of the world over here!

Just checked out your Camaro site -- I knew I had saw that once before... good stuff, although lots of your "tech" talk is way the hell over my head. :) Looks like you're building for AutoX, but will you be attending any road course events with your Camaro?


nascar, nascar, nascar, fast like Nascar!!

I'll come at you like a Spider Monkey. LOL

[j-rho]

Wow man you can rip it. That's awesome and I wish I saw that vid before I went down -- not that it mattered with the trans issues, but still.

That sounds like a great event -- and on our side of the world over here!

Just checked out your Camaro site -- I knew I had saw that once before... good stuff, although lots of your "tech" talk is way the hell over my head. :) Looks like you're building for AutoX, but will you be attending any road course events with your Camaro?
I might do the occasional track day, but the build is geared (figuratively and literally) towards autocross. It'll top out around 113mph in fourth (no good at big Willow), no roll bar to save weight, and the brakes are smaller than what I'd put on a track car. Would be fun to run it at Laguna Seca though, and it should be good for an RTTC type event.

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

yea a civic!

ahahah

[Flash68]

I might do the occasional track day, but the build is geared (figuratively and literally) towards autocross. It'll top out around 113mph in fourth (no good at big Willow), no roll bar to save weight, and the brakes are smaller than what I'd put on a track car. Would be fun to run it at Laguna Seca though, and it should be good for an RTTC type event.

Cool man let me know if you get to Laguna... and hope to see you at the next RTTC with it!

[Brakelate]

Just tracking progress on the "BlueBerry".

I saw this video and cracked up... it's so Sinister looking cruising up the street. Only thing better, would have been to see a big Ant driving it with an Exterminator guy standing in the driveway watching it go by!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2FBQSN0-UI&feature=player_embedded

Get this thing to Buttonwillow! :smoke:

[Flash68]

Ha, thanks Jay... that was the day I bought it and drove away in Modesto last summer... still think it was a great buy and I was lucky to find an old dead ad of it for sale months prior where he had no luck. I was pretty close to paying a little more for a less capable 67 in Texas right before that. Good timing and research paid off.

Buttonwillow is likely my next venue. Hope to see you there!

[Ron.in.SoCal]

Who goes on vacation to a resort in Mexico and hangs out on PT.com all day? Quit posting and get back to the beach...;)

[Flash68]

Who goes on vacation to a resort in Mexico and hangs out on PT.com all day? Quit posting and get back to the beach...;)

hey I can spare some time here and there on a vaca from my vaca. LOL

Will get back to serious stuff like a new trans solution next week!

[Ron.in.SoCal]

Cant wait Bro! Be safe and have fun....:)

[Vegas69]

It's an addiction! Wait till yours moves. ha ha You're fuct.

[Ron.in.SoCal]

It's an addiction! Wait till yours moves. ha ha You're fuct.

Yeah, I am already...

[ROBS6T8]

It's an addiction! Wait till yours moves. ha ha You're fuct.

Yeah, I'm looking forward to that day as well! :yes:

Great thread Dave. Be safe down there.

[Flash68]

Well after a little hiatus and some time researching and sourcing parts, we are back at it. Took out the trans and clutch yesterday to make way for this new baby:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/DSCF3459-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/DSCF3463-1.jpg

It's a Tex Racing (now G-Force) T101A 4 speed from a Nascar team. Can routinely pick these up with some race miles on them for about $1800-2200, but I found a gem with mostly fresh/new parts on craiglist for $1750 in the gear ratios I was looking for - very close to the M-21/M-22 ratios.

2.26 1st
1.54 2nd
1.29 3rd
1.1 4th

It's got dog rings so can't wait to do some clutchless shifting and left foot breaking on the road course. :thumbsup:

One of the reasons I liked this conversion is that it's nearly the same case size as the Muncies I'd been using, and the only things we think are needed for the swap are a clutch disc change (10 spline to 26), a Turbo 400/1310 yoke, and some tunnel mods to make room for the heim shift rods and bulkier Hurst Super Shifter.

Also cleaned up the dirty exhaust system a bit. A $5 can of Rustoleum goes a long way. :D

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/DSCF3474-1.jpg

[Gitter Dun]

Sweet deal. Same as my muncie with the 32 spline output probably. Your driveshaft will most likely need to be shorter. I have an extra in the garage if you need it but be sure to get me some dimensions if you think you'll need it.