The new Truck is going to raise some eyebrows at the Lakes and the Salt Flats. Very professional, and slick. Nothing , and I mean absolutely nothing, in the world is going to be more fun than the look of horror on the faces of the Generals Brainwashed minions when they see the Y-Block FORD in that truck. If you get a chance to take a camera when he opens the hood, aim it at the Scrub lovers when they first see it. The photos will be priceless. For years we've had to endure Scrub powered Fords, charlies gonna turn the tables on them. It'll be GREAT!! With one of Tim's engines in it it's going to fly.

       Where's the radio gonna go? 

  It's a H--- of alot more desireable now than before you got it. when you're  done with it, send it to the midwest, it'll look like all the rest of them up here.

mctim64 (10/12/2012)

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Who needs a rear window?  Always going forward! 

Well, We HOPE so anyhow! 

Hollow Head (7/2/2012)

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Charlie, nobody uses radio anymore! Put an iPod in the dashboard and play some funky music from internet radios .

Probably weighs less too!

It created a (very) short version of the "truck arm" arrangement used on the NASCAR speedway cars. 

Just the letters "FORD" would cause some interesting side effects......

It would be very cool if a guy could tune in over the internet though! They (used to) maybe still -call out the time and speed at the mile markers........great to listen in on. You have to know your friend's car numbers because the line-up is helter skelter.

Chuck

There are lots of people making gobs of horsepower with twin turbos on GM engines, if the head gaskets will hold 30 psi of boot 200 should be a breeze!!!!!!! And then there is Nitrous to cool the intake charge.

Truck is looking fast already.

They say anyone can restore a car, but it takes a real man to cut one up! GOOD JOB!

 What is the reason for the panhard bar on a leaf spring car, do you think there is enough lateral movement at high speed to need this, or is the other thinking?

Is there a reason you like yellow, Looks good to me.

well congrats then, You and Tim will be great representatives for both categories.

Can you turn the stock radiator into a functioning intercooler, and still look like a radiator?

Not only do you think outside the box, you seem to make it round. I love it!

     I own a 57 bird and back in 69 or 70 I was on I-45 outside Houston Headed toward Dallas, there is a long straight section. needless to say top off and flat out wasn't the smartest thing to do, but it sure was exzilirating !!

Both thumbs up for your project, keep pushing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTzbBRyOO0o

With short bolts it just comes off... and then crash and learn thing .

Is air suspension allowed at Bonneville? That would make the ride smooth and you could choose the ground clearance at seconds. Juha Kankkkunen went over 300 km/h on the ice this spring and he drove a Bentley with stock air suspension.

http://secure.chassisshop.com/partlist/6195/

http://www.7tune.com/intercooler-placement-of-the-week/

http://ststurbo.com/

Great progress on the truck, you guys rock out there! 

I was a little surprised by the location of the axle joint for the Panhard rod.  I thought as a general rule Panhard rods should be as long as possible, the ends on the axle and frame should be at the same elevation, that is, the 'rod' should be horiizontal and the height of the rod determines the rear roll center.  I am not sayin' what you have wont do what you need, just wondering if that is accepted practice for LSR vehicles. 

Berndt, google " pinkys car events" and click on Victoria ( melb) and NSW (Sydney) for events that may tie in with your visit. Where in Sydney will you be working etc and when. Best regards bill

Berndt, generally street machine show but everything will be there, bit modern for me, dont forget SYDNEY DRAGWAY has 2 day meet and is not far.

Charlie, while you,re thinking of spinouts you may want a compass on the dash to get back on course. lol.

              get to the rear!!!

                                         Bill

                     by removing or adding clamps. Can't wait to see it finished and

                     the "LOOKS" it's going to get when you lift the hood!!!!

                                               Keep it up,

                                                   Bill

                                                Bill

just wondering...

thanks,Mark

guess I'm safe with my stock ones!

thanks for the edge-u-mo-cation!

Mark

now that's what I call "recalculating"!!

The 57 Ford pickup is now officially retired, due to budget restraints it will be a donor for some race and safety parts.  I hope to put it back on the street in the future.

The roll cage main hoop is the first fabrication project.

I like to start with a clean frame.

We had a great time with your visit.  You are welcome here anytime.  You helped me better understand the blower referencing for the fuel pump or regulator if we use a blow through carb setup.

Chuck,

There will be plenty of Y-Block information on the car.

Here is a mockup of the roll cage.

We think a lot alike, it would be great to run 30 psi and nitrous.  If the engine would stay together, all you would have to do is point it down the track and hold on.

Unfortunately, no fuels are allowed in any pickup classes and you are right to address the sealing of the head gasket with that kind of boost.

After talking to Jerry C and Cliff Williamson (you can see his ad on the inside cover of Y-Block Magazine, issue #101) sealing the combustion area is a major problem that can be resolved to some degree.  By silver soldering wire in the groves of the steel head gasket you might get away with a boost of 10 to 12 psi.  To get it up to 15 or more you would probably have to machine rings in the block to accept a Loc-Wire seal and that would be very expensive due to the irregular shape of the circle.

Here are the arm and leg restraints.

I have seen this article link on quite a few websites and face book pages including a post here. What I haven't done is properly thank the person responsible for the write up. He is John Baechtel and he is the man behind the media group website of HotRodEngineTech.com. His former editor status is for Car Craft and Hot Rod magazines. We have been trying to finish this piece for a couple of years now, just waiting for the weather and opportunity to allow my first run in the truck. And run it did. Posting the new speed and the effort to get this race car on the track is the theme of the story. If you catch the underlying message that even the "little guy" can have success, then you get the reason for the article. The message is also clear that the Y-Block is not to be forgotten anytime soon.  Thanks so much John................

If you care to read the article, here is the link. http://hotrodenginetech.com/

Chassis dyno today, sorry no pictures or videos.  It was just me and the technician.  Just one run with the pre-set tune that I somehow got pretty close.  No such thing as too much power, right?  Wrong, I was hoping to cap it at 340 rear wheel hp to give it about 400hp at the flywheel.  Actual numbers at the rear wheel were 377 hp and 449 ft lbs torque.  Not bad for 258 cu. in., however, the internals are the same as the brick and I hope they stay together for a few of runs.  Tim is currently assembling the 339 stroker with all the great stuff inside.  We will let that one rip.

Front

Power starts at the safety switch in the bed and is sent into the cab through a bulkhead.

The end of the first cable terminates at the master power switch next to the side switch panel.

Then the power is sent to the starter solenoid and passed through the firewall with a cable bulkhead.

Finally, the cable is sent from the firewall side of the bulkhead to the starter.

By using (0) or (1) size cable, very little power is lost over the long system.

Door and shoulder bars were added.

Sample of finish welds.

More samples.

Rick needed to be a contortionist all day to get the job done.

Many thanks Rick....

Throttle under hood.

Fun to finally work on something related to the engine.

Frank, where should I put the radio?

Frank, you are correct with my intentions of getting the air from the base of the windshield.  It will be another outside of the box solution, thanks to you and another friend Cliff Williamson.  I'll post it as soon as it's fabed.

By the way, when are you coming back for dinner?

Air bags and 2" drop spindles.

Lower air bag mounting bracket.

Upper spring pocket enlarged to accept larger diameter air bags.

Finished edges and welded seams.

Air bags installed.

2" drop spindles.

Highest position.

Lowest position.

Hi, Frank.  It is the same yellow as the 57 F-100.  No one will want this "through away" after the salt gets through with it.

You got that right Frank, easy come, easy go.

1-1/8" front sway bar.  (need to fab one for the rear)

Proportioning valve and brake lines ran to bulkheads on the firewall.

Progress continues with new master cylinders, swing pedals, and steering.  The Coleman swing pedals were donated by a former student of mine who now does round track racing (thanks Alan).

More steering.  I had to watch for header clearance and access to changing the #8 spark plug.

Seat mounted.

Headers have been fabed for some time, but finally finished welding all seams.

Exhaust will exit ahead of the front wheels.

The constant temp issue is important.  I believe I will have to run a remote reservoir with a thermostat in line.  The remote tank will help fill the block due to the low water tank and the thermostat will help to heat up the engine.  Hopefully it will also restrict the flow enough to keep it hot during the runs. 

Bed cover frame.

Fuel cell and battery mounted.

I needed to double the firewall thickness.  The rules say it needs to be at least .060" thick and I only made it .045".  Somehow I thought it didn't make any difference since the stock firewall was only .030" thick, but I just didn't want to run a chance in having tech reject it.

Yes you can and I like the reasoning of directing the air from the grille and radiator area to the air intake, but I haven't completely decided on the type or location of the induction system and it may be best to take air from a forward facing scoop or the base of the windshield.

By the way, I just got turned down by the tech committee to substitute the intercooler for the stock radiator.  Sounded reasonable to me, but nope. 

Check fitting the cab with the 6" wide scatter shield.

Driver side

Passenger side

Putting sheet metal around the Y-Block.

Besides, I like Go Mr. Charlie.

Same with the transmission cover and recessed firewall.

Here are the donors.

First off, utilizing a panhard bar with leaf springs is very uncommon in closed course race cars.  But, here I am trying to fuse everything together for a system that suites me.  Dirt cars usually have center mounted panhard bars with a 20" minimum length (mine is 21") to affect the roll equally left and right.  Attaching the panhard bar to either end of the axle affects the roll mostly in the direction of attachment.  Next the axle mount being lower than the frame mount lowers the roll center keeping it to a 2" maximum difference (mine is 1 1/2").  The effects of all this is minimized due to the fact that I will only have about 1" of suspension travel.

Having said all that, most people say that it takes lots of trial and error to fine tune the panhard bar setup, and that's too bad because all I can do is hope that the first trial is not an error.

(Now I need to get up to speed with anti-sway bar setups)

I had great plans to use the Y-Block Quick Time bell, but have decided to abandon it for now.  I have a good idea of how to modify it to use a Y-Block flywheel and starter, perhaps next year.   Tim set me up with a T-5 adaption to a stock truck bell.  He also modified the throwout bearing to match up the truck clutch arm with a diaphragm clutch type bearing.  I am using the metal on top of the scatter shield to double the width.  Tech has passed me with the 3" band, but with greater speeds expected, they will want more.

It is such a blessing to have a friend like Tim.  If it wasn't for him I would just be a spectator.

Hey Mark, my reason for using them (and Tim as well), is that 1" lug nuts fully engaged on the studs (with threads left over) are required for classes over 200 mph (and I plan to go there).

Here are the clamped leaf springs that really stiffened up the rear suspension.

Thanks for the comment, I welcome them all.  I'm just trying to share what's needed to be able to compete and go straight.  The long studs are but one of a "long as your arm" list of safety requirements.

Pinion mount panhard bar.

That's a good question, it wouldn't seem like one would be needed to go in a straight line.  Drag racers use them all the time because of rear axle "walk" during launches and shifts and road racers need them for cornering.

I've done my best with the rear springs to maintain stability by making them stiffer and installing new bushings.  Even with that there is some side play and just a little creates some "rear steer" that increases with speed.  The main problem would be in a spin.  You want that chassis to be stable and stay as flat as possible. 

I just read where Maxton will probably not get it's lease renewed.  That would be a shame, it was developing it's own reputation in the East and was showing increased participation and speeds.

More work on the floor and a drive shaft loop.

Bernt, you are welcome here anytime.  It was a pleasure to meet you and your family.  I enjoyed talking to your son and finding out he was a gear head, even if he has a rice rocket.  We especially enjoyed finding out about Sweden's politics, weather, and day to day life.  When you said you had to chuckle when you only had to pay $4 per gallon for gas for that big LTD rental car, remember that if you took a trip at home like you did here in California, you would have had to show your passport at least 4 times!!!  It might not be to bad to pay close to $8 when you don't have far to drive.

Once I started on the floor, I just couldn't seem to stop!

Here is your radio Frank..........

Floor should go fast.

UPS brought a nice surprise.  The alloy axles, studs and bearing retainers are from Strange.  The narrowed 9" housing and pumpkin setup are performed by Speed Frame Engineering in Farmersville, CA who sponsor me (thanks Al).

Their meets are in July and another big swing back east like we did in 2008 would be great.  We could do Maxton in June, Loring in July, Columbus in early September and make the October Bonneville meet.

Corene and I spent 70 days in that 8' camper on the first trip.  We stayed with friends and relatives from time to time, but 58 nights were spent in the camper and we did quite well.  Do I think she would put up with 140 days on the road?  We would have to hit up every friend, acquaintance and relative for lodging to survive that. 

Driver's side front

Driver's side front finished.  You can't see the bottom plate closing the outrigger.

Driver's side rear

Yes, it went right through the middle body mounts.  I left them for added strength.  Not to worry, there are still four body mounts left.  Again, you can't see the bottom enclosing plate.

Next, it will be interesting trying to stay within the rules and set the engine back as far as possible, a new firewall will have to be built.

Now that the outriggers are done, I needed to get some paint on the rolling chassis.

With 123" wheel base, I hope to get a stable ride.

9" rear axle in the background is off to be narrowed and have some alloy 31 spline axles installed.

Not sure yet if I will need dropped spindles.

Bill, you and me both.  That will be at least another $1500 expense when added to the new requirement of a Hans device. 

Seppo, yes, most suppliers will attach the clips to my helmet.  Lots of racers are upset about the rule because there is no wall to hit and feel like it is just another unnecessary expense.  Quite a few have spun, but very few have had a catastrophic accident.  However, I bet someone who survives a horrible crash in the future will swear by them.  

Likewise Charlie!  I never would be doing this if it hadn't been for you.  You can ask Kathy if that is a blessing or not.

(you know Kathy enjoys this almost as much as I do. )

Great story!  Thanks for sharing. 

bla bla

I've been considering sneaking a gantry lift into my garage for pulling bodies, but I think Corinne might not see the practicality.

Firewall is going to look great with the tunnel finished off...that's a very impressive undertaking that's unfolding beautifully.

Nice work transitioning the factory floor contours to the flat floor skeleton...and I love how you re-purpose things to achieve the shapes you need, very clever.

Chris

Sound like good clean fun to me.  I have no doubt you will reach your goal.  Thanks for sharing.

I too have always wanted to put a Ford in a scrub... A nice Ford blue big block in one of their flagship cars (camaro or a vette) and enter it in all the car shows.  My way of getting back for all the classic Fords defaced with a scrub engine!

It's not just racing that is seeing the introduction of Hans devices look at page 70-71 in the BMW motorcycle riders accessories http://www.motorcycles.bmw.com.au/common_content/motorcycles/assorted_content/accessories/new/AU/rider_equipment_2010_EAL_AU.PDF. Mind you I think you can even get BMW undies BMW have every conceivable accessory.

That may give you an option of not attaching your helmet. I'm guessing that there may be some room for interpretation until compulsory racing recognized hans devices are required??

How long until this sort of device is mandatory for road going vehicles?

Cheers

Warren Adams

With some work you could change the "G" or the "C" to an "F". That'd get some looks.

Cheers

Warren

Thank's for your great hospitality from me and my family. It's really nice to follow your project when we have seen it in live.

Good luck and hope to see you again and best regards to your wife.

Tomorrow i leave for Australia for 2 weeks of work, hope to find something y-block related " down under" to help me survive.

Is there any place to visit when it comes to our cars

I dont know where i will be in Sidney, i will visit a lot of dairies around there.

Thanks for the tip, i will google and see what i can find.

Bill

There is something on Liverpool Catholic Club on Sunday, do you know if it worth a visit.

Funny, my Aussie colleque knows Pinky, it,a small world..

I think I read on hear it wont be ready for speedweek,but are you going to be there?

Hope to see you there.

                         Keith Cornell

Good luck in October.

                      Keith

So your plans are for World Final's in October?

Best of luck to you.

                 Keith

57FordPU (9/13/2012)

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Keith, how I wish, but it looks like El Mirage is the only race I will be able to make this year. I know however that I will be at Bonneville next August. You coming back?

Bed cover finished.

">

Yes I will be back.

We have a few more tricks for some speed................

Check the rule book again on the metal thickness of the firewall. My recollection was .060" for aluminum and steel was not mentioned. I could be wrong on that as I don't have a rule book with me. My original race car had a .050" and I added a second one directly behind it because it was aluminum...Good luck

PS: I think showing your build here shows how much goes into a LSR vehicle. It's not for the feint-of-heart or those who need to pay for everything to be done..........JD

After many years my son wanted to drive 200. I remembered Joe Fontana had gone over 200 in a 53 Studebaker in 1985 with a 12 port GMC on fuel. We teamed up in 1997 and after 5 years my son reach the goal and set a record of 202+ in 2002. He was 34 years old. It was not easy. Every year on the salt we fixed something, many would have given up. In 2003 I got back in the car and bumped his record to 210.9. I had broken the trans in 1st gear as I left the trailer. We removed the broken cluster and I did both runs in high gear only.  I was 59.

The engine is a 321 in 1952 GMC with a Skinner 12 port cylinder head. Skinner injectors with a Hiborn pump and Enderle nozzles. A Howard roller cam, A Joe Hunt 5 Amp magneto and 78% nitro in the tank.

I have since gone back to my gas GMC stock and made a pass at 171 setting the record for that class at 168.

I'm on the Y-Block site because I recently aquired a 56 Victoria. I'm rekindling my high school daze when I got to use my moms black 56 Vic on dates in '60 and '61. This one is not black and is totally restored. Can't keep my hands off anything so I've already replaced the Holley teapot with a 53 Caddy WCFB and the Loadmatic laid waste to a 57-62 Dizzy. Had to cut up an E-Bay bought stock air cleaner to hid the WCFB.

I'll try to post pics of both...I still inspect but normally now on the QT. Steve Davies likes to keep me involved and in the loop since I did it for 30 years.

Once again good luck

As a total side note I just returned from World Finals @ Bonneville and we were very happy to pushup the XO/Gas Roadster record to 169.2 mph with a qualifying run of 169.9 mph.  For you non LSR rules guys this a 1952 stock 7 port head 310" GMC  6 on gasoline pushing a 32 Ford grille shell. My Y-block is in my 56 Victoria.

Hope to see you at El Mirage by the end of the year....Keep us posted..................JD

I'm starting a 12 port crossflow head engine for my next one. It's a Skinner. Originally 5 were built in New Jersey. 15 were recast and I have #14. It's the best of all the heads. You can still get a Wayne, Horning/Fisher, or Howard/Arias all the patterns a own by a close friend in So Cal who currently is casting the "new Ardun" overheads for Flathead Ford/ Merc. and building show and racing engines. I'm sure he will own the Skinner castings some day too. Another friend in No Cal owns the molds and has cast some Wayne Chevrolets.

My son and I both got into the Bonneville 200 MPH club with a Skinner on 75-80% nitro in my roadster and the owner of the engine raisied the compression ran in on gasoline in a streamliner at 255 mph to get in the club. He was 82.

Working with any of the old engines is great fun..............Thanks for inquiry

I had the same problem years ago with my 40 Chevrolet Coupe. One may be enough for your driver compartment. If not you can go from your side covers with reverse louvers. I actually used those clear circular air intakes from small private airplanes. Drilled a hole (about 1-1/2") and popped them in. I remember finding them at Ventura Municipal at a supply store. I'm sure Aircaraft Spruce has them and would work great now because of the need for Lexan windows......Good Luck

Bla