went 1/8 mile racing

[Kevin Leitem]

went to the track today and was extremely satisfied. last year my best 1/8 time was 7.22. I wanted to start out easy so i could have many excuses if it did not run well!!! so i took 10% blower drive out of it( now only running 20% O.D.) I am running it a little rich right now around 11.8 to 12.1 vs 12.6 of last year. and i did not use the transbrake today. The temp today was in the 90's and the humidity was very high also. it was a miserable day to be at the track. and to top it off this track just reopened after being closed for many many years and it was just horrible, no rubber laid down, no track prep, and only the 1/8 mile and RT timers were working! but all i was really looking for was to get some data logging done and see how everything was working since i changed so much. First gear never did hook up, pretty much spun all the way. but once i shifted into second the car felt stronger than ever and seemed to pull even stronger in 3rd! but i figured with such a horrible launch and with all the detuning i did that if i got a 7.5 i would call it a success. well to my delight it ran an 7.28, 7.29, couple 7.31 and the worst was a 7.41. now i just can't wait to get back to my favorite 1/4 mile track (Pittsburgh Raceway Park) and start getting more agressive. it will be a few weeks till i get back to full boost, Timing and get it leaned out some more. i only like to do 1 change at a time. i will keep you all posted. Kevin

[DamonSlowpokeBaumann]

Running rich with less boost and a softer launch those numbers sound very promising..Good luck!

[CMac89]

I remember you saying you planned on putting a C4 in over the winter. Did you carry out with that plan?

[Kevin Leitem]

I remember you saying you planned on putting a C4 in over the winter. Did you carry out with that plan?
yes i am running an Art Carr C-4 with transbrake, 4,500 stall. So far i really like it. on the street the converter actually seems tighter than the aod did with the 3500. well at least till i stand it. but putting around it is suprisingly tight. maybe being 250 pounds lighter this year helps.

[no164ford]

When you going out to Pittsburgh Raceway? I finaly got my car out there last Wensday night Run great till I got in the parking lot then it started to run crappy? I am going to try to make it this Friday night for test and tune if I get the car running right by then. I would like to see you make some passes:)

[1HUMINBIRD]

Kevin:

Were you pulling your car down Rt. 19 this afternoon around 4 p.m.? I was in a group of Harleys heading north and I thought I saw you heading south.

Scott

[Kevin Leitem]

Kevin:

Were you pulling your car down Rt. 19 this afternoon around 4 p.m.? I was in a group of Harleys heading north and I thought I saw you heading south.

Scott
yep that was me

[CMac89]

What RPM do you shift and go throught the traps at? Does it sit in the converter at all going down the track?

[gfxbird]

I'd be interested in knowing when you are going to Pittsburgh Raceway Park too. I'd sure like to see that car run.

[doug93sc]

Great times Kevin...I am looking forward to watching it run at the shootout!

[Burbank95sc]

Nice times.I can't wait to see your sc at the Shootout.I think that we'll have another 10 sec SC soon.:D

[Kevin Leitem]

What RPM do you shift and go throught the traps at? Does it sit in the converter at all going down the track?
I was shifting at 6,000 but now that i have good valve springs (found out that i was running on completely worn out springs last year) i think i will be able to run it to 6500 no prob. since it was only 1/8 mile i was going through the traps at 5300. so no it doesn't sit in the converter all the way

[CMac89]

What size is it? Lockup or no? If you can take it to 6500 then I would be willing to bet you would pick up quite a bit from a 5300-5500 8" converter.

[Kevin Leitem]

What size is it? Lockup or no? If you can take it to 6500 then I would be willing to bet you would pick up quite a bit from a 5300-5500 8" converter.
9" 4500 stall, non locking. but i still want it to be somewhat streetable. right now it seems to be fine on the street. my buddy has been hounding me to go higher, maybe next year, I am seriously thinking about going to a powerglide with that kind of stall you mentioned. only if i am willing to make it a pure track car. but if it will let me hit my ultimate goal of 9.999 then i will do it

[Super XR7]

Nice work Kevin. I am looking forward to seeing your car at the Shoot-out, don't hurt it. What was your mph on the 1/8?

Mike

[CMac89]

Well, that's why they make lockup converter's. My drag cars will drive around at 2K like it has a stock converter in it and it flashes to 6400rpm.

[Kevin Leitem]

Nice work Kevin. I am looking forward to seeing your car at the Shoot-out, don't hurt it. What was your mph on the 1/8?

Mike
they just reopened the track and all that was working was the 1/8th E.T.

[Kevin Leitem]

Well, that's why they make lockup converter's. My drag cars will drive around at 2K like it has a stock converter in it and it flashes to 6400rpm.
i didn't know they made lockups for a C4 transmission?

[CMac89]

Yeah, come to think of it I don't think anybody really sells them. You would have to try Coan or Rossler.

My tranny guy makes them. He even puts mechanical locks on the converter to keep it from slipping at all.

[David Neibert]

Kevin,

Glad to hear the car is running good and is back on the track. Please keep us posted on your progress.

David

[XR7inWI]

Cool runnin's man. Definitely keep us posted.... and remember, we LOVE to see video if good runs. ;)