Category Archives: Restro-Mods

Racing in America – Henry Ford Foundation

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Some of you know I don’t just write this blog, but participate on other forums as well.

For a little while now, I’ve been writing bi-monthly articles for www.racinginamerica.com site.

Here is some info on the goals of the organization.  No you don’t have to donate, but it is tax deductible.

 

Henry Ford Museum

 

 

 

This section of our website contains information and resources for anyone who might want to better understand this fascinating and complex sport.

Automobile racing is exciting and colorful, and those same qualities make it a stimulating and enticing subject; also conducive to developing knowledge and skills.

Our objective here is to provide both the motivation and the resources for further exploration and education.

The content here will continue to grow as time goes on. It will include more in-depth features on the history, people and innovations of American auto racing. We also will present practical applications of math, physics and science in racing, which provide career opportunities in fields that include design, engineering and a variety of technologies. All this is presented in a way that’s designed to spark interest and stimulate a desire to learn more.

Check in here often to find new opportunities and resources.

As a starting point, we offer these two downloadable Educator DigiKits in pdf format:

Science, Life Skills and Innovations in American Automobile Racing
Educator DigiKit
Teacher Guide and Unit Plan for grades 3-8

Physics, Technology and Engineering in Automobile Racing
Educator DigiKit
Teacher Guide and Unit Plan for grades 9-12

Auto Factoids for week of Sept 26

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9/26/1967  Everyone loves this car  AMC’s Javelin the car was in the public’s hands by 1968.  I loved the body style.

 

1968 Javelin

 

 

10/1/1908 – Mr. Ford began selling is Model T

 

Model T Ford – Rag Top

 

(they were all convertibles!!!…just saying!!!)

 

Oh.. you’ll like this one.

10/2/1959 – Chevy introduces the Corvair.  Believe it or not I’ve seen some of the sale footage and they treated it like a jeep.  Chevy had drivers drive up  embankment, up and down streams with water over the tires.  This gave Ford a scare but it wasn’t until they could put together the Mustang did they really have an answer.

 

1959 Corviar.

My Brother-In-Law’s 1965 Monza…very nice car.

 

Thanks for reading

Tim

 

Wrenchin’ Tip for 10-14-10 Back Cut your Intake Valves

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If you are work on your older cars engine, there are a good many tricks that you can use save a couple bucks and gain a little horsepower.

This one is an oldie but a good.

Have your intake valves back cut, you’ll get a similar boost as if you use high lift rocker arms or cam.

The procedure is best done by a qualified machinist.  So while you have your engine apart and laying all around our garage on pieces of cardboard (come…you know that’s what happens!!!) have him take a little off the port side of your intake valves.  This creates the same effect as an earlier opening a later closing action like  just a like a the addition of a an upgrade cam.  The lighter valve means less spring pressure is required to control the valve at higher rmps.

A 30 degree cut is what they do on vortex engines.

 

The backcut is at the edge of the normal valve cut.

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

Sports Car Club of American (SCCA) event “EVO” Comming Up”

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What the heck is Evo you might ask?

Well let me tell you.

Evo is short for Evolution Performance Driving School. Evolution Performance Driving Schools are hands-on, foot to the floor autocross driving schools. With programs designed to improve the driving skills of 16 year old novices to multi-time Solo II National Champions. (I didn’t write that it from their web site.)

This even is sponsored  by the SCCA Tucson, Arizona Border region and will be held at the Marana Airport, Marana, AZ .

This weekend two instructors Brian Peters and Tom Kotzian will we taking us through our paces with our cars.  Both of these guys have plenty of experience with National level Solo with the SCCA, including multiple National level wins, and Championships.

Yes I’ll have my  07 Corvette there and Well see how I do.

I’ll report back with pics and vids.

Thanks for Reading.

Tim

1974 Torino – The One that Got Away.

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While I getting my act together after a very nice week-long road trip I wanted to share a car that I once owed and that for all too common reasons let it go to a new home.

1974 was about the time the U.S. government’s fossil fuel consciousness began to kick in, choking the horsepower out of the muscle car.  But this car was an exception. Here’s its specs.

Gran Torino Sport
VIN:  4H38Q107971
Body:  65R
Color:  3D
Trim:  DB
Trans:  U
Axle:  9
DBO:  75
Date: 08/73
Vin Code:  1974
VinCode Body Serial = Gran Torino Sport 2dr HardTop
VinCode Body:  Medium Blue Metallic
Seat:  Balmora B/Cloth & Corith (L/B Bench)
Trim Code:  Med. Blue
AxleCode = 3.25:1
DSOCode: Phoenix
Assembly Plant:  Lorrian

Undercarriage is aerodynamic ball joints are much larger than other Torino’s of the same vintage
Transmission  is unique (Minus the traditional “Humped” housing)
Engine is 351-V4 Cobra Jet (Not a Cleveland)
9” rear end
10.5:1 ratio
Came with a 3500 Stall Speed Torque Converter.

This was an amazing car.

Unless you are an expert on the Torino what you won’t know is that the 351 V4 Cobra Jet for 1974 was only one of 300 engines made that year.  It took me nearly two years of research to find this out.

I sold this car to a nice guy up in Green Bay.  Here is a before shot:

 

1974 Grand Sport Torino

 

Here is what the fellow up in Green Bay created:

 

After

 

 

Engine hasn't been touched.

 

 

Great looking hood.

 

It’s good to see that she’s looking so good.

Thanks for reading.

Tim

Still on Vacation but look what I found!!!!

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I’ll be back with some cool stuff so show.

Here one:

Thunderbird - wasting way...going cheap..needs work.

Car People!!

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People love their cars.  Some people love only a specific make or model.  I case you haven’t noticed I have a thing for Corvettes and thing for Mustangs (yup Ford and Chevy).   I enjoyed this comment from a guy who left it on my Facebook

Andy from my Facebook wrote this:
Part of the reasons why I Love Corvettes, the heritage, history and traditions. To some it’ ll be just be a car, to others it’ s part of their lives. A true Corvette owner/enthusiast will appreciate all aspects of the Corvette, from whateve…r generation. They may have a least favorite but none should be hated or looked down on, because without the last there would be no present. I Love the great community behind this Car, it makes owning one so much better. Owners all across the world willing to give others a helping hand, worldwide Corvette events are held, some over 500 owners attending, a lot for good causes. To me, that’ s something very special because this doesn’t just represent a “Car”. It represents a special select group of individuals willing to enhance the past traditions, that is Loyalty!!. I plan to hold onto it for as long as I live. Something this special is hard to come by and shouldn’t be let go. Just felt like sharing this thought!! Have a great Sunday.See More
 
Brent worte:  Beautiful and well written Andy!
 
Tim Sweet –  As a previous owner of a C4 and the new owner of a C6. You are right on Andy.  Save the Wave!!!!

Auto Factoid for Week of Sept 12 2010

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I’m head out on vacation.  There will one or two more post prior.  Please enjoy and thank you for reading my “Stuff”!!! 

9/13/1945 – Pontiac began producing cars for the first time after the war. 

 9/15/1881 – Ettore Bugatti Born, Milan, Italy – I just so a Bugatti (modern) sold at Barrett Jackson for  over $700,000 

Bugatti W16

 

9/16/1908 – General Motors Incorporates – Aren’t we close to their new IPO…yeah..I think so…oh wait…I’m a tax payer..I already own a piece!!! 

9/17/1854 – David Buick was born on this day in Arbroath Scotland – yes they named a car after him – sorry…not funny. 

Thanks for reading 

Tim

Auto Factoids for Week of Sept 19 2010

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Yes I’m playing catch up with these. I’ll have another engine series coming up.  Enjoy. 

9/19/1970 – The Pinto debuted 

1970 Pinto

9/21/1895  Duryea Motor Wagon Company was created. One of the first companies in the US to build gas powered cars.  Their first was the one-cylinder “Ladies Phaeton”. 

a one-cylinder "Ladies Phaeton"

 9/23/1969 – Here’s a biggie….the debut of the Dodge Challenger. 

1969 Challenger (this is the TA)

9/24/1909    Virgil Exner was born in Ann Arbor, Mi   Who?  Oh..you didn’t just ask that!?!?!?!    Car designer for Chevy, Studebaker and Chrysler. 

Some of his work.

 Thanks for reading. 

Tim

Auto Factoid for Week of Sept 5 2010

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Trying to play catch up with Auto Factoids:

9/7/1954 – Production of the Ford Thunderbird.

Ford Thunderbird

9/8/1903   Preston Tucker born in Michigan.

1948 Tucker....love the suicide doors

9/9/1935  Studebaker exports first cars to London.  They were Studebaker Commanders.

Studebaker Commander 1935

Thanks for reading.

Tim