General

416 Cubic Inch R1A-W5-W8 Update

I have an update for you guys on my new race motor for the Duster…

But first, sorry about not updating the web site for a while now… it has been about 3 months since I posted something here. Some big changes in my life has been happening. I quit my job at Rainbow Studios / THQ and joined my cousins’ company to do programming work for them. I’ve been working for the new company for about a month and a half now and have been really enjoying the work so far. I am going to go back and update the web site with news back dated to when they happened. It will take me a week or so to get all caught up.

But anyway – Ryan Johnson has sent me an e-mail with some pictures of some parts for the new motor. He expects to be able to put together the short block real soon now. This is the latest major parts list for the motor:

  • 48 degree R1A 340 block with bushed lifter bores and partially filled
  • Fully ported W5 heads (flows 339 @ .700) angle milled to 16 deg
  • 498 W7/W8 intake fully ported
  • 950 CFM Proform carburetor
  • K1 Technologies 4″ 4340 crank with 2.10″ GM journals
  • Crower 6.125″ middle weight billet I beam rods
  • Diamond flat top pistons
  • Custom bullet 48 degree cam shaft
  • Crane ultra pro .903″ 48 degree .210″ offset solid roller lifters
  • Custom manton pushrods
  • T&D offset rockers 1.65/1.65 ratio
  • Comp 955-16 pacaloy roller valve springs
  • Ferra 6000 series stainless race valves

And here are the pictures:

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TPI Torque Converters

The company that made the torque converter for my Duster just set up a new website. Check them out! I will likely be getting two new torque converters from them in the near future.  One for the Dart, and the other for the Duster.  When I do, you can be sure I will write up a review and post new time slips along with videos and pictures. A looser torque converter should drop the Duster right into the 11′s!

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Here is their web link: TPI Torque Converters (http://tpiconverters.com)

Important: If you buy a torque converter from them, be sure you mention HerboldRacing.com!

418 Top End Mock Up

I decided to put together the top end of the 418 – bolts and stud nuts finger tight only… to check fit and to see if there are any concerns with my parts or tools.  I think it looks good!  I may need to have the intake machined to get the ports lined up right.

Click on the pictures to see the captions:

I put the head studs on.
Beauty shot of the head studs...
I put some cheap temporary gaskets on.  The Cometics are backordered.
I put the heads on.  They fit onto the studs perfectly.
Dang.  My half inch socket doesn't fit between the middle springs.  I need to find something smaller.
I put the intake manifold on.
Checking gaskets between the manifold and heads and block...
I put the thunder carb on.
I put the air cleaner on - there is a spacer under it.
I put the valve covers on.  Sexy!

ADRA 2010 Race #6

I set a new personal record in this race! New low ET of 12.1986 and that was on the brakes too. Here is a picture of the launch – you can see the front tires really getting into the air.

Race6Launch

I went three rounds in this race.  I think I was 2 rounds away from the finals.  I lost to Vic Sibilla on a double breakout.  You can see me hitting the brakes in the video – big puff of smoke coming off of both tires.  That can be dangerous but I did not even feel the wheels lock up.

Here is the in-car video:

And here is the helmet camera video:

The next race is going to be on May 14.

Camshaft Arrived

The camshaft I ordered from Comp Cams is here.  Some eye candy for you guys:

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