Mikelly

Neil, Do a search here on this topic...we have discussed this one many times over... Both have benefits, and both have their short comings... BTW, See you next week! Mike

Curtis, Do a search here on this topic and you will find the issues that Zcar printed these specific stories on one mans quest to break 185MPH. The car was a black 76Z (I think...) with side skirts, a Gnose, and a turbo. Mike

Guys, I know somewhere out there I read on one of the sites about someone running a T56 with the L6 motor in a Z. I had a guy (Russ Metzger) e-mail me and asking for particulars. Any of you guys know about this type of swap? Mike

Well if someone else has already overcome these hurdles, I'm all ears. I'm NOT for re-creating the wheel when at all possible. I only know of one 1st generation Zcar that has reached speeds in excess of 180 miles per hour. That was the vehicle discussed in the two installments of the ZCAR mag article. One thing I was looking at was possibly using air ducts to plumb air into the trans tunnel, and out the back of the car, using the air to cool the trans and the rear diff... I saw this in a race tech article I have from Grass Roots Motorsports, and have another blirb on this type of design from a "SALT FLATS" news letter (Or something like that sent out to subscribers and members of the timing association). It is very interesting reading, as has been this thread... Maybe the software simulation is the best idea based on Michael's, and other comments here... Mike

Michael, I haven't seen any of the molds or finished parts yet. Once the guy gets them all in the same place at the same time, I'll try to drive down and evaluate the situation. I'll post what I find after I see the molds. Mike

Pete, That is a true statement. I'm actually having to make sure I'm not "Too" hard on him, as the folks at the detention center actually had concern over that issue... Imagine that. Oh well, I tend to see things very black and white and tend to lean to the hard edge rather than being Politlcally correct/ warm and fuzzy... I'll have to mkae sure I don't leave any visible marks on the boy... On the plus side, I'll get my deck sealed, privacy fence sealed, walkways powerwashed, siding wahsed, lawn mowed, weed eated, tons of fill dirt moved, interior of the house painted, and the garage cleaned up and garage floor repainted... Hmmm wonder if he would have rather stayed in jail??? We made him sign a contract to do these things... Mike

Al, I missed this whole thread...Sorry not to respond sooner... I had four half shafts, one set came off my car and one set came of a car I parted out... I gave Jamie T one set, and kept one set as a backup... So what I'm saying here is this... IF yours are indeed the same size, I can exchange one of them, since Jamie is going to need it. Also, if you have a bad u-joint, you have the ones off the parts car, because Mine had new spicer units in them... And though they had been hammered a bit, were still tight when I took them off the car... Let me know if I can help or if you need to swap an axle. Mike Kelly

This unit wouldn't fit ZX models. As for the air dam integrated into the Gnose.. I haven't seen any of these molds and the guy has loaned several of them out and is in the process of finding them.. To give you guys an idea of how expensive this is gonna be... He wants $500 for JUST the hood mold.. Mike

Thurem, I assure you this will not take place on a public highway. I'm planning runs on the Salt Flats, and also at the various open road races across the country. As for pulling high speeds on the highway, my little brother just got handed his final sentance on Tuesday for being convicted of reckless endangerment in Virginia - excess speed - 104mph in a 55mph zone. His sentance is 30 days in jail, 6 months restricted license (To and from work or school only), $1250 fine and mandetory one day drivers improvement course. He originally was sentanced 10 days in jail, $750 fine, 6 months restricted license and the one day drivers improvement course. He didn't want to sit in jail, and he listened to his attorney. I'm currently working with the local Detention center Captain to get my little brother released to me under house arrest and fitted with a tracking device on his leg. Fortunately the Captain of the facility knows me from my years in law enforcement and is willing to work with me and knows that I'll make the boy tow the line while he's with me... Lots of chores around the house that will be completed daily. If all goes well I'll have him at my house tonight where I can start the process of un-doing years of bad example. The kid is 20 years old and looks to me as being his hero, and I haven't set the proper example. We'll work to correct that with time. Bottom line is I personally will not be setting any jail house records in my little beast. I'll be doing it in safe restricted areas. Mike Kelly [ June 15, 2001: Message edited by: Mikelly ]

I understand the concern and I appreciate it. However, I'm doing what I'm doing with about 12 years of research, developement, and trials at getting to this point. Quite honestly, If I go up in smoke "TRYING" to attain this goal (I'm VERY goal driven) then so be it, and I hope one of you good souls finds this very post and reminds everyone just that. I'm shooting for 200MPH in a Z car and no one will change my mind. The family and friends gave up long ago. I certainly won't be letting a random post on this board dissuade me. Mike Kelly

OK Guys, Here is the deal... I have a chance to buy a bunch of Molds for Various parts, the hoodscoop/ high rise hood so many of you are in to, Gnoses, a one piece front end with integrated G-nose and front spoiler, can am style rear fenders, and a spoiler for the G-nose... I HAVE NOT SEEN THESE MOLDS, only been told of their existence and just today contacted the individual about possibly buying them. They aren't going to be cheap, not even close... So here is what I need each of you guys to do is reply here with your wish list of items you plan to purchase in the future... Obviously this isn't set in stone and financial priorety changes week to week or month to month with all of us... I'm just trying to see if there is good enough reason for me to entertain buying these molds... Mike Kelly ZF Racing LLC

Damn you guys are working me OVERTIME!!!! John is Correct. My current design is to run a loovered pan down the trans tunnel, lookvers allowing excess heat to escape. I also agree that the rear cell area has to be cleaned up, as does the front area... Doing away with the rack I am not so sure of, but may be an issue... John has already looked at this. I checked into time at a wind tunnel in North Carolina... it was rediculous silly pricing per hour, and you better have folks on hand who know what to look for before you venture in to deep. I'm waiting until my little experiement is closer to prime time before I hit up the "Prospective" sponsores for cash to go play in a tunnel. However, the added benefit can be double edged... You can create a wing effect if you aren't carefull. Mike

That is correct, they aren't done yet, but will be the same design as Simon's. Do a search in this category under "Simon" and "Adjustable Control Arm" and you will get a link to his pics of his Rear design I'm copying. Mike

The reference to weight was specific to the T56 .5 gear ratio and possible trouble the stock Vipers have in running top speeds in 6th gear. Most of that was due to additional weight. Hennessey claims his Venim 800 only uses about 6# boost per turbo (Twin turbo configuration) to make his 200MPH runs in his viper kits... and his 6 speed T56 is unchanged except for the presure plate and short shifter... That tells me that the T56 is a viable candidate for the job. However, the Z has dirty CD numbers as has been discused above and that will have to be sorted, as I plan to run something different on the front end, and maybe have to change the configuration of the car to accomidate a turbo or supercharger to add power...There...I just said it... Yes, I'm thinking about adding an additional 100-200HP by gooing into the motor and lowering the compression, swapping the rotating assembly, and getting a BIG super huffer.... Keep the info coming guys... I'd like to hear that Ican do this without the super huffer if at all possible... to give you guys an example of how bad the CG#s are on the Z, a 3rd generation Camaro hit 185+ a few years ago with only about 450 Flywheel HP... They have much better CG numbers... Mike

Kevin, I think the original version of that book was called "SLOT CAR MUSTANG" and I have it if that is the same... This one was in binder format with black and white. Another good book on suspensio setup is "HOw To make your car Handle" and I forget who wrote it, but a White Porsche on a road course is on the cover... I got my original design for Sub-frames and seem-welding from the SlotCar Mustang book...Very good info. I'll have to dig that book up. Got a note back From Hennessy and they actually are running the T56 in some of their Vipers. One Viper ran two years ago and achieved 187mph with a few bolt ons and some MAJOR suspension and aerodynamic mods. Supposedly the issue with the Viper is the nose... That BIG opening is an issue and catches MUCH air. He claims that in a sub-500HP GTS Viper, without any mods, it will not push 6th gear. However, Hennessey also pointed out something we already know... That additional 600# of static weight on those cars is also a huge problem. It is much harder to move the extra weight. Hennessey told me that based on my flywheel HP, Torque (Both estimates), weight of the car, and the mods I will run on the car to clean up aerodynamics, I should be much better suited to push 6th gear, but more importantly is the fact that I'll be able to use MORE of 5th gear, which is where some of the early Vipers had even MORE trouble. All good stuff... Mike

Those of you who are interested in adjustable rear control arms, please contact me offline. I'm ordering stock for creating the parts, and need an EXACT head count for the initial production run. I know I don't have the parts done yet, but these will be VERY similar to Simon's design. I should have something done by end of June, beginning of July, and will be able to start production at that time..... If you want to get on the first run batch, e-mail me at dat74z@yahoo.com. Thanks! Mike Kelly ZF RACING LLC

OK Guys...Jamie is officially ate up... The Z Bug has bitten and its venim is coursing through his veins!!! Feels good doesn't it Jamie? Mike

This is all good info... If I can't get the responses I'm looking for from the Henesssey Camp on T56 durability and open road racing, I'll contact Lingenfelter. If need be, I'll sell the T56 and buy a Richmond... Bottom line is this: I'm getting to 200MPH or taking flight trying. I appreciate the info you guys are generating on this. With the control arms, day to day life, and trying to keep some semblance of fitness, it is hard thinking everything through. I consider you guys my technical "Advance Team"! Keep the discussions and questions coming. Mike

Well I'm working on that as well... A G-nose like front end (Maybe not Exactly a G-nose, but a varient of it), headlight covers, and chin splitter/ bellypans will aid in that fight to cheat the wind. Also account for lowering the car sufficiantly to allow it to get as close to the gorund as reaonably possible... Mike

Sorry guys....Been busy as hell... The tires are 275-40-17 on the rear and are 25.75 tall and I'm running a 3:7 and the 95 Ta T56 trans with the .50 6th gear. Kevin, you are one hell of a number cruncher... Mike

Another issue with racing harnesses, and OG Racing will confirm this.... they aren't UV Friendly and actually have a problem failiong over time, which explains the tag on the harness... OG informed Chris CLoud and I that they have boxes of harnesses that they can't sell because the tags expired, but the belts were kept in boxes in their warehouses...Doesn't matter, the tags are dated for a reason! Mike

Kevin, This is the same motor I currently have, and Tim, not your ignorance...Mine, Cast Steel manifolds... Slip of the typing...My brain was on overload after talking to Ron on the phone for an hour... Anyway, Kevin, back to your questions... I don't have a lot of the info on the motor as I didn't put it together. I know the total 383 combo is running at 10.1:1 CR, and I am running Dart Conquest aluminum heads with 1.6 E/ 2.05 I valves. Rocker ration is 1.5 and the whole valve train is hydraulic roller. I think (But can't remember for sure) that the rods are 5.7.... other than that info and the specs I provided above on the cam, I know nothing..... Hell I was originally told by the builder that my cam was a one-off (Or maybe I heard him say something else and got confused, but last night I found the print out sheet that came with the cam and was on-line on ISKY's site searching for a cam that matched what was on my sheet and the above listed cam was it... I'll do some more checking in my paper work when I get home, but Ron seems to think that my cam might be to high of a duration for this FI combo... Maximum RPM will be 6500.... Mike [ June 08, 2001: Message edited by: Mikelly ] [ June 08, 2001: Message edited by: Mikelly ]

Overall, really nice unit. Lack of documentation, but I'm working with a couple of guys to find out exactly where I go from here... Might have to get rid of my cam... We'll see. Found my cam tonight on line in the ISKY online catelog...# is:201282294 Info on it is: High performance use/bracket racing. Lopey idle. 2500 Stall. 9.5-10.5:1 compr. 3.90-4.11 axle ratio. Up to 780 CFM Carb. RPM-Range (3000-7000) Valve Lift (.530 .550) Valve Lash hot (.000 .000) ADV Duration (282 294) .050 Duration (234 246) LC 110 I'm also probably going to go with a cast aluminum exhaust manifold instead of headers... Mike

Rick, Spoke with Ron tonight and he is a wealth of info about FI, intakes, cams, heads... All kinds of good stuff! Thanks for the tip! Mike

I agree with John, Fix it now before you get to far along... Mike