I've been working on the plumbing and wiring in the Race Wagoon. Fuel lines, brake lines, oil cooler, radiator - geez, a whole bunch of hoses! Then wiring the battery master, coil, starter, MSD, gauges - all this stuff adds up in both weight and expense... … [Read more...] about WAGON UPDATE
RACE WAGON HEART TRANSPLANT
My Lil' Red Wagon finally got its motor. Since I don't have a lift in my garage (wouldn't that be nice), I hooked the transmission up before the installation. I discovered that the length of the early 'A' type comp trans combined with the motor makes for one very tight fit. Tilt the motor, lower the motor, tilt some more, lower some more, wiggle to the side, repeat ten times, … [Read more...] about RACE WAGON HEART TRANSPLANT
WAGON IRS CV JOINT CONVERSION
To go along with the wagon's IRS conversion, I planned to replace the old U-jointed axles with CV joint halfshafts. In theory, CV joints have less friction, so that allows more power to get to the wheels. They are also less prone to failure under racing conditions, especially when using a welded differential. I am using BMW E9 CV joints and axles (got 'em used from a BMW … [Read more...] about WAGON IRS CV JOINT CONVERSION
THE FITTING OF THE MANIFOLDS
My guess is that never in the history of mankind have aftermarket intake and exhaust manifolds fit without quite a bit of filing and grinding. The "quick" project of making sure the carbs and headers fit properly before dropping the motor in turned into a several hour session with pneumatic, electric, and hand tools. … [Read more...] about THE FITTING OF THE MANIFOLDS
BUILDING A NEW COCKPIT
This is the first time I've had the opportunity to design a racecar cockpit from scratch, putting gauges and switches where I'd like them. If I end up not enjoying the ergonomics, nobody to blame but myself. During 23 years as a commercial pilot, I've spent a lot of time in both good and bad cockpits, so I've got some ideas on what I want from this one. Good lines of sight, … [Read more...] about BUILDING A NEW COCKPIT
AND NOW THE FRONT…
I'm getting the front end back together now, and am almost ready to drop the motor in. The steering, suspension, and brakes are on, and I put the wheels back on to make final measurements for the wheel spacers. … [Read more...] about AND NOW THE FRONT…