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Date:May 2, 2008
Testing at Valdosta
We loaded the car for the 2-1/2 trip to Valdosta to make a few "check out" passes. The pre-run warm-up went well, just a few minor leaks here and there, (nothing a couple of wrenches couldn't fix). This was the first pass for us with the altered. The plan was for a 330' run and then try for an 1/8 mile pass. Let me say first, that the burnouts are much more fun with the engine in front! I decided to launch the car at 3,500 rpm and short shift it for the maiden voyage. The car launched hard enough to unload the rear tires slightly, after it hit the wheelie bars, when the car came back to earth, it decided it wanted to head for the centerline. I soon found that the air line for the shift buttons on the steering wheel needed to be re-routed, (I couldn't steer the car to right as fast as I wanted because the line hit my knee!) this all happened around 400' when the # 7 intake spring broke, It popped the burst panel and I just eased out of it and coasted to a 4.89 in the 1/8th.I didn't bring enough "stuff" to fix it at the track, so we loaded up for the trip home. I can say without a doubt, these cars are a handfull, but even with the problems on that 1st run, I can't wait to get out there and run again! This time I'll have a little weight on the front! Later... Justin
VIEWING 1 - 2 OUT OF 2 COMMENTS
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Date:May 23, 2008
So,,,,,,,,,any updates on the Rocket?
T.OUT
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Date:May 2, 2008
Ha Ha,you're so right! There is absolutely no substitute for the engine being out front where "THE GREAT DRAG RACE GODS" intended for them to be.LOL
I got bit by the front engine bug in 98 after working the bleach boxes at the Heartland Hot Rod Reunion.After the first time I sat in a FED I knew it was right. Sitting between the slicks with bullet out front and my nads laying on the rear end housing and feet stradling the gear box was just like being held in mommas arms.I guess that's why "Wild Willie" could fall asleep in the car in the lanes before a pass.
I went home and immediately put my RED up for sale and hunted all winter for a FED.Drove through a blizzard in Iowa to get to St. Paul Minn. and got it. Letting that car go after driving it for 6 years to build an Altered and then having to spend the money on something besides an Altered was one of the lowest points in my life.
I really love the feeling of the car getting up on the tires in a burnout. Hanging the front end higher that the tree and plugging in high gear and driving through it 'cause I didn't wanna drop it was pretty entertaining too. Like you,I learned the value of a wheelie bar and a weight box real fast. Learned the value of making double damn sure everything is closed up tight after getting a face full of warm oil after dark at speed on a strange race track.
I'll never ever never go back to driving a car with the engine behind me.
A Blown Altered is defintely in my future.
Congrats,T.OUT
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