Page 6 - NM SPRING
P. 6
looking for a challenge. The plans obstacles. Before a tube was cut Spring 2017
were drawn up for a most unusual and welded it was first reviewed in
build. An old school frame and look a computer program that simulated
was a must. At Brian’s request a the load and stresses it would be
double rail design was chosen to be subjected to. The chassis design
made of chrome-moly tubing. This was modified several times during
style of frame suited three needs: construction to ensure a quality
looks, strength and safety. With product. The result is a chassis
the strength of this design, front that’s been inspected and tagged
strut bars became unnecessary for 6.0 seconds.
providing a cleaner look. The idea
was to build a car that resembled With the chassis plans
a vintage fuel altered. Hairpins finalized. Jim and Jon could begin
were chosen to locate the forged construction. With the chassis in
aluminum straight axle up front their capable hands, work began on
with a custom torsion bar similar the dual fuel, dual ignition engine.
to those used by old fuel altereds
and funny cars. The chassis A lot of time and energy went
wheelbase was stretched to 125” into the fuel and ignition system
for high speed stability. Knowing a that would allow a smooth and
fuel tank was needed up front, the efficient transformation. Managing
design required that the radiator fuel delivery and ignition timing
be relocated to the trunk. The specific to the fuel being used were
louvered trunk lid would allow the but a few of the hurdles that needed
heat removed from the radiator to to be overcome. This is how it all
escape aided by dual electric fans. works:
From the start, the car was For street driving pump gas is
built to compete in Hot Rod the fuel of choice. There is a 15
Magazine’s annual Drag Week. gallon tank located in the trunk. A
This event requires participants Weldon pump and regulator were
to drive their cars 1200+ miles chosen for their proven reliability.
over five days competing at four Sitting on top of the Littlefield
different tracks. Putting your car 8-71 High-helix retro blower is
on a trailer or towing in any way a polished Hilborn four port up-
is against the rules resulting in right tall EFI casting. This was
instant disqualification. Rules also heavily modified to accept a larger
prohibit support vehicles of any fuel rail, four Injection Dynamics
kind to follow along. Competitors nozzles along with both electronic
can however choose to pull a 4’ and mechanical idle air control
x 8’ trailer behind their car if valves. A throttle position sensor
they like, so a trailer hitch was and barrel valve round out each
incorporated into the rear of the end of the throttle shaft. To fire the
chassis. Jim knew this chassis EFI fed mixture, an MSD ready
would be subjected to forces not to run distributor located in the
normally seen in a race car. The stock rearward position was used.
street driving and pulling a loaded An MSD AL-7 digital ignition box
trailer presented a unique set of provides the spark. A F.A.S.T. XFI-
6 Continued on next page
Nitro Madness Magazine