The LT1 That Could
06-08-2011, 10:12 AM
For those of you who know, I blew a head gasket at the track a while back. Long over due really, as this car has 130K on the stock engine with 4-5 years of spray run through it. Anyways, got the car back together and running (oil and vacuum leak free finally) to go do some bracket racing this past weekend. I'm a bracket racer, always have been, don't make fun of me, lol. So when my first 2 passes were 8.98 and 9.02, I was a little bummed at it slowing down almost .4, but still happy with the consistency, and factored in 90+ degree temps. However after a couple more time trials, i begin to notice alot of smoke under WOT in the rear view mirror, and was reminded of that by many racer friends/spectators. A little blow by never hurt anyone right, lol. Went on to make 4 time trials total ranging from 8.98 to 9.12, slowing down each pass. However, I then proceeded to go 6 rounds in eliminations to win street class for the night. Not bad for a return visit to racing after being gone almost 2 months.
Needless to say I was happy about the win, but still bummed about the blow by. Assuming it hurt rings on #7 where it blew the head gasket. Going to run a few more times to finish out the season, then begin disassembly. Still up in the air whether I will use the current block or buy one elsewhere. Just have to see how lucky I am and how much the stock shortblock can take in the next few months.
Plans are very simple as of now...
11.5:1 355cid Budget Build
- Stock Crank
- Scat H-Beam Rods
- Manley -4cc Pistons
- Hellfire Rings
- Clevite Bearings
- LT4 Hotcam Kit
- Light Head Porting
- Will back this up with a 3200-3500 Hughes, Yank or Vig & a fresh set of 3.73s out back
Hoping to see a tenth gain in 1/4 mile from the refresh, cam, converter, and 3.73s (from 3.42s) which would put me somewhere around 12.80-13.0 N/A and hopefully low 11s on the 100 shot. Has gone 12.24 on stock converter, so it's hard to say what it will do.
Needless to say I was happy about the win, but still bummed about the blow by. Assuming it hurt rings on #7 where it blew the head gasket. Going to run a few more times to finish out the season, then begin disassembly. Still up in the air whether I will use the current block or buy one elsewhere. Just have to see how lucky I am and how much the stock shortblock can take in the next few months.
Plans are very simple as of now...
11.5:1 355cid Budget Build
- Stock Crank
- Scat H-Beam Rods
- Manley -4cc Pistons
- Hellfire Rings
- Clevite Bearings
- LT4 Hotcam Kit
- Light Head Porting
- Will back this up with a 3200-3500 Hughes, Yank or Vig & a fresh set of 3.73s out back
Hoping to see a tenth gain in 1/4 mile from the refresh, cam, converter, and 3.73s (from 3.42s) which would put me somewhere around 12.80-13.0 N/A and hopefully low 11s on the 100 shot. Has gone 12.24 on stock converter, so it's hard to say what it will do.