I'm in the twelves!

[jim_ss409]

I went to the track Friday night for the test and tune and finally got into the twelves. Barely, I ran 12.984. @ 106.6 but that's good enough for me. :deal I tried to scan the time slip but it didn't come out very well. Here's what I got...

R/T... -.003 Yeah I redlighted, but I was close :D
60'... 1.808 I was running 8.5 X 26" slicks
1/8... 8.327
MPH... 83.81
1/4... 12.984 :brow
MPH... 106.60 The mph was lower than I ran at Norwalk by a couple of MPH, I think this was because of a headwind. :dunno

[Ronnie Russell]

Congrats, Jim A ragtop in the 12s is plenty fine. 1.80 60 ft. is impressive. Good job

[bignbad60]

Very Impressive...Congrats :cheers

[CDNpontiac409guy]

Good news, Jim :beerbang :clap
Gee, if that head wind wasn't there, you would have been well into the 12's :deal

[RPO587]

Jim,
Congrats on breaking into the twelves. :clap How did the new Tremec 5-speed work out? Looks like you are ready for a rematch with Fatride next year at Norwalk! :cheers

[Tom Kochtanek]

Jim, when I saw how you handled things at Norwalk, I knew it would just be a matter of time :).

Congrats!

TomK

[droptop62]

How quick can you go in a convertible before the track requires a roll bar of some sort?

[jim_ss409]

Jim,
Congrats on breaking into the twelves. :clap How did the new Tremec 5-speed work out? Looks like you are ready for a rematch with Fatride next year at Norwalk! :cheers

The lower first gear worked great but I had a problem going from second to third on the first two runs. After that I shifted a bit slower and it was fine. I thought I might have problems with the 2nd. to 3rd. shift because the addaptor that moves the stick over to the factory position doesn't have any centering springs like the stock Tremec shifter does. I might try to come up with something to reduce or eliminate this problem over the winter. There are weak centering springs right in the tranny so it's just fine for regular driving. As for racing Fatride... We were pretty close with his small heads but I'm sure he'll be leaving me in the dust once he gets those new heads on.
Droptop, This was an IHRA track so any convertibles running under 13.49 require a roll bar. For NHRA tracks the rule is 13.99 or less. So far nobody's said anything but I think that's because they probably don't expect a big old Impala will run that quick.

[Bam59]

congrats on the 12's
that will be a very good race between fred and you, both outstanding auto's :beerbang

[JimKwiatkowski]

Jim,Congrats on the 12's,I'm looking forward to next year at Norwalk,should be Fun :D

[Ronnie Russell]

Jim, We run at IHRA strip . Dallas area,,big car count, lots of high dollar cars. No such thing as a "Tech-inspection". Since modern day bracket racing is pretty much " run what you brung", there is not much cheating to check on. My theory is the track owners dont want to disqualify anyone that can pay the entry fees: Tech inspection would take time. Have often wondered if it was like that in other parts of the country. Wouldnt be surprised if you could compete every week without a roll-bar.

[jim_ss409]

At this track, Toronto Motorsports Park, (it used to be called Cayuga Raceway) you've got to go through a quick inspection lane where they number your car. The guy seemed very knoledgable and easy to get along with, he knew the car had an X frame so there was no need for a driveshaft loop. But he did mention that I really ought to have a neutral safety switch or a switch on the clutch peddle. As he said older cars weren't equiped that way but acording to the rules I was suposed to have one. The new tranny has a built in switch so I think I'll hook it up. It's a good idea to have one anyway.
Bam, Thanks for the vote of confidence :beerbang but I think I'd need at least a ten car length head start to run with Freds car. :deal But still, I'm very happy to have the car running in the range where it should be. :D

[SS425HP]

Jim, good going. That's moving for a big heavy car. Impressive. Just remember, you walk before you run. It's coming.
Jim, there is an NSCA race at Salem, Ohio the 23rd and 24th of this month. Come on down. Maybe we can get you down to 12.50 and you can run NSS/F class. Would be good to see you, again.
Again, congrats are in order.

Fred

[Garbageman]

Way to go Jim. You have a very impressive car. :bow It not only looks fantastic but it's damn fast. Keep us posted.

Paul

[jim_ss409]

Hey Fred. I see that Salem isn't all that far from here. I think I'm going to be working that weekend but if not I might just show up.

[fatride]

Congrat's Jim/Jim. With what I have in mind for the "Fat Mobile" :rolleyes: you will be a good test for me. I still prefere "Hot Street". I like to drive my car to the strip on Dot drag radials, run the # and drive home. ;) Heads need everything right now. You all know this is a long process if it is to be done correctly. I research the build relentlessly from start to finish so don't look for me anytime soon. :bang

[bjburnout]

Nice going Jim......... :clap

Whenever you can get a big car into the 12's it's exciting........ :bow

If it ever cools down around here your times should be even quicker.

bj :cheers