Update on BA 409

[La Hot Rods]

It was a fun time.
I can say that this 4 year journey has been a ride and I have no regrets.

 

[La Hot Rods]

I would say somber day, but only see another page.

 

[blkblk63ss]

Are you junking the car?

 

[La Hot Rods]

Are you junking the car?

Not my car to junk.

 

[Tom Kochtanek]

We put her away for a while to figure out what's next in the evolution of the car. Had it for 10 or 12 years now, first as a driver, more recently as a door slammer. Got it with a big-headed dual quad 409, headers and a TH350, drove it around for years. In 2014 we wanted to be a part of the Reunion program at Great Bend, so James did his magic and we put a fresh stock stroke 409 with 690 head, bunch of used stuff from down the basement. I think James was in the mid 12s with that engine. The BA409 got an upgrade last year. with a transplanted stroker from another car I had. Went with different heads (583s from Dan "Ishiftem"), new headers from Mark Wilson and James installed a McQuillen intake. Knocked the from bumper off and got into the 11s, with a best of 11.33 at 117.



We decided the car was unsafe at those speeds, so it's back to the drawing board on this one. We'll put it on ice for a bit, everyone has other projects going and the resources are stretched as usual .



Here's a shot of the engine bay:



Cheers!
TomK

 

[La Hot Rods]

Have you done your mud burnout lately.



My badges of honor.

 

[Tom Kochtanek]

Sounds weird, but the BA409 car has been "out of sight and out of mind" for the better part of the last year. Apparently I kinda forgot about it .

Now that it's back in sight I get the chance to go over things and assess where we might go with it . It's good to have options. Better to have the resources to match . Gotta work on those things!

Thanks to Nathan (see pic in James' post) for towing the BA409 20 miles up the road to the manshed on a windy day . I like the new Suburban!

 

[La Hot Rods]

That's funny Tom, it has only consumed my life for the last 4 years.

 

[La Hot Rods]

Update!!!!! Tom and I had a little talk about the Shaker, and he said it should be a race car.
So than means I can fix the rust and install a rollbar.
Sounds like it will see track time again.

 

[boxerdog]

Good news !!

 

[nana1962409]

So does this mean it will appear at some events this year?

 

[La Hot Rods]

Now that would be fun, but it will be governed by the budget and it's turn in line.

 

[BRYAN FUGATE]

Get it together racing seasons here! Should I put you down for the Rock N Race??

 

[La Hot Rods]

That would be a stretch,

 

[RussC]

Update!!!!! Tom and I had a little talk about the Shaker, and he said it should be a race car.
So than means I can fix the rust and install a rollbar.
Sounds like it will see track time again.

Years ago I had a 6 point in our first belair. As the car got quicker I removed it and put in a full cage. I saved some part of it...not sure how much...I know the hoop is still upstairs. I'll try to look tomorrow. Might be something to start with??? You'ld be welcome to it

 

[La Hot Rods]

Now that sounds like a plan Russ.
Any chance of keeping some of the history going is a plus plus.

 

[scott hall]

James believe me when I say slowing a car down isn’t much fun but it kept dad and I out racing with you fellers. Easier on parts also. All I did was change radiator cap and killed 3 tenths.

 

[La Hot Rods]

Scott your car is a nice car, the Shaker is a rusted up heap. It is not safe at any speed.

 

[Iowa 409 Guy]

Looks like Russ' bar will make you ready to come to Tri-state in July as fast as you get ER done James

 

[La Hot Rods]

Dave, a rollbar is just a start for this car.