This is the tub, for the lack of a better term, in the driveway.
We had just moved the Datsun 2000 Roadster out to make room.
There are no mechanical parts attached so far.
There is a basic primer on the body and a finish coat (blue) on the
interior.
(photo circa 10/85)
These are the pistons and rods after we finished the machine work.
The pistons are MOPAR Direct Connection forged flat tops. The edge
was beveled to promote gas loading the top compression ring.
The valve relief, cut on a Bridgeport, are standard race modification.
The rod is a standard MOPAR forged rod, It was lightened by removing
the small
end weight pad, and the big end was lightened accordingly, for balance.
(photo circa 01/86)
Dual disc clutch, steel flywheel (10" diameter) and
a flex plate and ring gear from a torque converter.
(photo circa 01/86)
This is a Koni Front Strut for the 1986 FWD Dodge Charger. We could
not buy coil over shocks from them.
(photo circa 01/86)
So we made our own. We cut the welds off with a Dremil motor tool
and
hand held die grinder. Cleaned up the surfaces with hand files and
bench grinder.
(photo circa 01/86)
The coil over sleeve and adjustable spring perch sized up for later
welding.
The shock was taken apart, parts welded up, and then re assembled.
We didn't know any better, we used Bel-Ray Fork Oil 15 SAE.
(photo circa 01/86)
The Dodge race car just before it was painted.
The race car is complete, mechanically. It can race as you see it here.
(photo circa 4/87)
The Dodge race car is sanded, primed and ready for paint.
(photo circa 4/87)
The Dodge race car after all the nitty gritty work is complete.
Race cars look real nice when they are new.
They don't stay that way, unfortunately.
(photo circa 4/87)
Don Baldyga and Robert Leach taking a brief rest
along with the camera man!
The three of us put the race car together.
This is the inside of the race car. Full roll cage, fire system, a
pre-oiler system, fuel cell.
This is quite a bit different from the empty tub we picked up from
Chrysler's assembly line.
(photo circa 5/87)
This is the upper strut mount we had made up. It provides improved
caster and camber adjustment.
The spacer gave us a little more shock travel and allowed us to lower
the body a similar amount.
(photo circa 12/03)
The roll cage goes through the firewall and attaches to the strut
tower.
(photo circa 12/03)
We made up a power brake system, which really worked out great.
There is a vacuum hose on each manifold runner, all tied to the vacuum
reservoir.
(photo circa 12/03)
This is the passenger side strut tower, roll cage is heavily
gusseted,
as seen here.
(photo circa 12/03)
The roll cage goes through the firewall and ties in the strut tower.
(photo circa 12/03)
This is the oil cooler in between the nose cap and the radiator
support.
We have some aluminum ducting to provide airflow as the headlight cover
blocks it off.
(photo circa 12/03)
This is a shot of how the roll cage ties in the rear shock mounts.
(photo circa 12/03)
Another shot of how the roll cage ties in the rear shock mounts.
(photo circa 12/03)
This is the fuel cell, a Harwood hard poly resin type cell in a
metal
container.
(photo circa 12/03)
This is the fire suppression system. A simple mechanical activation
cable turns it on.
(photo circa 12/03)
Fuel pump and ignition "on" switches along with starter button.
Accusump preoiler, MSD electronics.
(photo circa 12/03)
Soft Touch RPM Limiter, MSD 6T, and Tachometer Electronics.
(photo circa 12/03)
Chrysler Direct Connection Brake Bias Control.
(photo circa 12/03)
This is the typical activity on a Sunday when racing at Lime Rock,
in
Conn. There is a NO LOUD NOISE ordinance on the Sabbath.
There is
racing
on Saturday & Monday (like the Memorial Day weekend), so in between
we tweak.
(photo circa 5/87)
Click Here For Racing Events We Attended
This page last updated 12/11/2003.