spring 2013 - Lane Automotive

FEATURES:
The Parts You Need and the Service You Deserve!
The Spotlight .......................1
Editor’s Notes ......................2
New Allstar Products ............3
New Products .............4,5,6,7
Aftermarket News................8
Tech Forum .................................9
Rodding Journal .......................10
2013 Car Show Events ...............11
Lane Collectables ......................12
Eddie Warren’s ‘57 Chevy By John McLellan
Many young fellows while countless hours away, in study
hall, after school, and many other places dreaming of the
special hot rod that they will build someday. We’ve all been
there, and can attest to the fact that only a few of those
dreams ever get realized. That’s because the barriers between dream cars and their reality counterparts are considerable and very difficult to overcome. Reality almost always
rears its ugly head in the form of obstacles like budgets,
income, time and even finding a suitable place to work on the
project. For those who persevere and actually get that project
to the turnkey stage, the feelings of pride and accomplish(Above) Eddie's '57 rolls out of the garage after some major chassis and body work.
ment are only surpassed by the thrill of climbing behind the
wheel and, in the case of our feature car this issue, Eddie
Warren’s 1957 Chevy drag car, blasting down the drag strip at
warp speed.
Eddie has been
a Lane customer
since he was old
enough to drive
and his cars have
always had one
characteristic in
common: his shoe
print permanently
pressed onto
the backside of
the grille! He has
owned the ‘57
Bel Air two door
hardtop for several
years and has taken (Above) Eddie Warren's '57 Chevy doing what it does best! (Inset, above right) The '57 when it arrived at Eddie's garage
it from a forlorn stocker to a righteous drag strip performer,
thanks to a complete Chassis Engineering kit.
Eddie chose a small block Chevrolet, displacing 420 cubic
inches and filled with Eagle crank and rods, J&E Pistons and
an Ultradyne roller cam. The short block is topped with Dart
Pro 1 cylinder heads. A Powerglide transmits the horses to a
Dana 60 rear end. The combination has yielded 9.70 second
elapsed times.
Eddie campaigns the car in the quarter mile e.t. brackets at
Martin US-131 Dragway and Osceola Dragway , but lately has
begun favoring the eighth mile sprints at Bunker Hill, Indiana.
Eddie feels that the shorter tracks are pure drag racing without the speed up, slow down games common to quarter mile
Loaded on the trailer for one of its first passes at the drag strip.
bracket racing.
We are extremely glad that Eddie persevered, and we are
proud of his outstanding 1957 Chevy, a classic drag car to be
sure!
SPRING 2013 1
RACING AND RODDING
SPRING 2013
Editor’s Notes
Hot Rodding Loses Two Great Ones
Darrell B. Baldwin July 15, 1947 - January 7, 2013
Long time hot rodder, drag racer and Lane customer Darrel Baldwin passed away on January 7 at the Cleveland Clinic
after undergoing a heart procedure. Darrell, his wife Jeanine
and their family were mainstays of our annual car show and
cruise events almost since day one.
In looking back over 25 years of photos of each show, we
can spot at least two or three Baldwin rides in almost every
one. There were, in no particular order, a Chevy drag race
pickup, a '37 Chevy sedan, a chopped and pro-streeted '29
Model A coupe, a bright red 30 Model A sedan, a pro-streeted '40 Ford sedan and several others in Darrell's collection.
They were all hand-built, by him, and each was a testament
to his skills and attention to detail.
To Jeanine, son Brent and daughter JaNay, we extend
heartfelt condolences. We will miss Darrell's laugh, his enthusiasm, and the enjoyment he brought to the hobby that
all of us love so much. Godspeed Mr. Baldwin.
Editor’s Notes
Ralph Kitron, Sr. April 15, 1939 - February 5, 2013
After years of horrific suffering - and subsequent recovery
from cancer, neurological problems and heart and respiratory ailments, long time friend and cohort, Ralph Kitron, Sr.,
passed away on February 5, surrounded by his family.
How do you sum up a relationship with Ralph Kitron?
There just are not enough adjectives, and most would not
be sufficient anyway. You didn't just know Ralphie, you
experienced him. A veritable font of hot rodding wisdom,
raucous humor, outstanding ingenuity and overwhelming
ambition Ralph constantly set lofty goals for himself, and
attainment of these goals, in turn, kept him alive for the past
ten years or so.
I had been introduced to Ralph many years ago, at our
first Lane cruise night, but we did not become close friends
until he purchased the remains of Mel Hoyh's “Swamp Fox”
dragster from Art Owsiany and me about thirteen years ago.
Little did I realize then just how much my life would change,
for the better, after the sale of that old front engine dragster.
Like a man possessed, Ralph called in “markers” from
many of his friends, and within months of when I hauled
the dragster to his house on a trailer behind my Mack B-61,
the car was restored to its 1967 beauty, complete with a 392
Chrysler built for cacklefests. For the next several years, we
accompanied Ralph and “Foxie” to such far flung drag strips
as Route 66, Columbus, Cordova, Martin, Indy, Beech Bend
and, last, but not least, Famoso Raceway near Bakersfield,
California for the California Hot Rod Reunion.
I had the honor of push starting the car at many of these
events and could never quite believe all the fun that came
about as a result of a dusty, engineless dragster, found in a
barn in Portland, Michigan in 1991. That was the magic of
Ralph Kitron. He had the ability to transform everything he
touched into an instrument of wonder. Godspeed Ralphie!
2
Phone 269.463.Lane • Toll Free 800.772.5266
By John McLellan
New Allstar Products
Strut Bars ALL22642
Strut bars increase the rigidity and strength of a chassis eliminating flexing and increasing
reaction times. Bars can be installed as an upgrade to existing ten point cage kits or when
building a new chassis. Pre-bent to fit a variety of applications, bars are 65" long overall
with a 14" leg. Constructed of 1-5/8" x .134" wall mild steel tubing.
Modified Bumper Extended Length ALL22332
Extended length front bumper is constructed from 1-1/2" x .095" wall mild steel tubing.
Universal fit bumper extends out 21" from frame mount to leading edge of bumper and measures
40" wide at frame mounting points. Weighs less than 20 lbs.
“All-In-One” Heated Tire Groover ALL10770
Self-contained groover has built-in temperature controls eliminating the additional cord and separate
control box common with other groovers. Trigger style groover features a Hi/Low toggle switch and a
temperature control dial in the handle for setting desired heat level. “All-In-One” groover requires
“All-In-One” blades; do not use standard groover blades with this groover.
Pedal Extensions
Clamp-On Steering Column Bracket ALL52128
Aluminum bracket clamps to 1-3/4" tubing and is 7-1/2" center to center. Mounting bolts face the seat,
so the driver can easily adjust the column up and down while sitting in the seat. An oversize rod end
(sold separately, ALL 52132) mounts horizontally through a 3/4" hole, allowing some left to right adjustment without
moving the bracket or notching the interior panel.
Adjustable Idler Arms
Forged, screw design idler arm aids in correcting bump steer problems. No plastic parts or springs to
wear out like OEM types. Not legal with some sanctioning bodies. Choose from GM 1968-72 Chevelle
style (ALL56340) and GM 1978-88 Metric style (ALL56341) arms.
Roller Bearing Lower Control Arm Bushings
Free up stock front suspensions and help prevent binding commonly found with stock rubber
and steel insert bushings. Steel bodied bushings are complete with needle roller bearings and
hardened inserts that are ready to install and do not require special mounting hardware. Bushings
for Chevelle, Monte Carlo, Camaro, Firebird and GM Intermediates all have 1/2" I.D. mounting holes.
SPRING 2013 3
New Allstar Products
Kits move floor mounted pedals closer to the driver,
eliminating the need for extra long seat brackets to move
the driver forward. Just leave seat in the desired location
and move the pedals closer to the driver. Available in
2" (ALL41050) and 4" (ALL1051) kits.
New Products
Variable Temperature Control
with Quick Start
Controller senses coolant temperature and regulates the fan speed
with an adjustable 160 - 220 degree F. thermostat Fan will continue to run for 30 seconds after
engine is off. For 12-volt use only. 45 AMP max load rating. Choose from threaded or probe type sensors.
Flex-a-fit Radiator/Fan Combo 1967-69 Camaro/Firebird
FLE52187
The Flex-a-fit cross-flow radiator has a core with two rows of one inch tubes and makes
use of patented side tank technology. The T channels offer 130 percent better heat
transfer and the durable mounting system integrates offers limitless fastening points for
expansion tanks, electric fans, oil coolers, etc. The dual 1-inch all-aluminum radiator core
is hand welded in the U.S. and includes the 15-inch Black Magic Xtreme S-Blade electric
fan, OE mounting brackets, adjustable thermostat, A/C relay, and necessary installation
hardware. Dimensions: 27-3/4" x 18-1/2" x 7", 3300 CFM.
High-Flow In-Tank Fuel Pump AEM50-1000
The AEM high-flow fuel pump is engineered for high output, naturally aspirated and forced induction EFI V6 engines. Its universal 39mm diameter fits
most vehicle applications. Offset inlet eases installation. Factory tested flowing 320 LPH @ 43 PSI. Kit
includes rubber sleeve and end caps, pre-filter, hose and clarifying lead.
Universal Adjustable Fuel Pressure Regulator
AEM25-302BK
The AEM universal adjustable fuel pressure regulator is capable of supplying engines up to 1000 horsepower. CNC-machined from 6061-T6 billet aluminum, the regulator is engineered with AEM patented
interchangeable discharge ports which enable regulator output to match that of any fuel pump. Tapped to
accept a -6AN or 9/16" x 18 fittings and includes a 1/8" NPT port for a fuel pressure gauge or sensor. Adjustable from 20 PSI to maximum fuel pump capacity.
Wideband Failsafe Gauge AEM30-4900
New Products
The 2-1/6" diameter gauge enables accurate tuning of air/fuel ratio and continuously monitors boost
pressure or vacuum to keep them within the defined operating window if the engine runs lean. Features
include an internal data logger, a three-color sweeping LED display, and the technology to activate a
failsafe strategy to save an engine from catastrophic damage.
Universal Gauge Boot AEM30-8444
Boot is made from silicone rubber and slips over the back of the gauge to protect from moisture, dust
and debris. It does not make the gauge fully waterproof, however.
Inline Wide Band UEGO AEM30-2310
AEM’s inline wideband UEGO (universal exhaust gas oxygen) is a must for data loggers that
do not require a gauge to monitor air/fuel ratio. Includes a Bosch O2 feedback 4.2LSU sensor
which gives the controller its speed and accuracy.
4
Phone 269.463.Lane • Toll Free 800.772.5266
New Products
Electric Fans
SPAL electric fans are recognized as a leader in automotive technology tailored specifically to meet the rigorous performance cooling requirements. The fiberglass
filled polypropylene construction is heat resistant, resulting in long-life expectancy, and maintains
consistent CFM rate. Fully sealed motor for waterproof/dustproof protection. Fans only; no controls and
mounting hardware (sold separately). Paddle, straight, curved blades.
LS Slant Edge Valve Covers
A sleeker, taller valve cover, it will accommodate a wide
variety of valve train configurations. Covers have a more GM performance look than any
other valve cover on the market. Available in 6 different styles, all have mounting holes for
integrated ignition coil bracket, which is included.
LS Coil Relocation Brackets Wiring Harness
for Slant Edge Valve Covers
Proform LS ignition coil brackets are specifically made to mount the ignition coils above
Proform LS slant edge valve covers so the beautiful Chevrolet logo can be seen. The bracket kits
include all the hardware to complete the installation. The other alternative is Proform’s relocation
extension wiring harness relocates the LS ignition coils remotely. Factory style Delphi connectors
are available in two lengths.
Polished Aluminum Centerbolt Valve Covers PFM141-134
Tall, die-cast aluminum valve covers have smooth tops and fit 1987-current small block
Chevrolet with center bolt cylinder heads. Covers will clear most valve train combinations and
are supplied with mounting bolts, steel and rubber washers and grommets. Sold in pairs.
Chevy Orange Bowtie Engine Dress-Up Accessories
Latest look for 1958-86 Chevy small block engines! These stamped steel engine dress-up accessories are electrostatically painted and baked with a durable, Chevy orange epoxy and embellished with famous Chevrolet and Bowtie emblems.
Carbon Fiber Style Engine Dress-Up Accessories
Reasonably priced, stamped steel accessories have a simulated carbon fiber appearance and
bright red racing emblems.
Proform alternators are assembled using 100% new components and machined
v-belt pulleys. Before packaging, they are completely tested. Delco style 1-wire
is an easy hook-up for any 12-volt application.
Heavy Duty Bench Top Valve Spring Tester PRM66776
Proform’s new billet aluminum 1000 lb. digital bench top spring tester is the most accurate way to check
spring pressures. Check springs up to 1.5" in diameter and 3-7/8" in height. Digital display reads out in 1 lb.
(0.5 kg) increments and has a back light feature. An automatic shut-off preserves battery life.
Billet Aluminum Scale Ramps PFM67649
Use black anodized scale ramps with Proform wireless vehicle scale or other
brand scales. Peak height is 2-3/8". Set contains 4 ramps.
SPRING 2013 5
New Products
GM Delco Style Alternator Natural Finish
New Products
Racing HTC 64T plus Brake Fluid
BRM04816420
A high performance brake fluid for extreme racing applications, HTC 64T has a higher dry boiling point – 335
degrees C. - than other racing brake fluids for the highest performance under all racing conditions. Brembo HTC
64T plus must not be used in brake systems containing magnesium parts.
Catalytic Converter
Flowmaster 49-state universal catalytic converters are designed
to fit a wide variety of applications. The highest quality materials
are used to manufacture these USA made catalytic converters. Stainless steel outer shell construction
with noble metal loadings meet or exceed USEPA standards.
Forged Aluminum Brake Calipers
The New AFCO forged aluminum brake calipers for dirt
late models, asphalt late models and sprint cars are track tested and proven to have less deflection, less pad taper, less heat and better release characteristics needed for short track racing.
Calipers provide extra wheel clearance for inner bead lock wheels. The stainless steel abutment plates
reduce wear for long service life. Calipers are complete with speed-bleeders for quick weekly brake fluid maintenance.
Universal mounting eliminates need to stock left hand and right hand units.
Aluminum Metric Brake Caliper 15 lbs. Lighter per Car!
New AFCO aluminum metric brake caliper is ideal for UMP, USMTS modifieds and other race cars
using GM metric brake calipers. Test proven to reduce flex, brake fade and taper while providing
a better pedal feel and better stopping power than similar cast iron calipers. Aluminum calipers are
15 lbs. lighter than cast iron and fit stock 5-1/2" center-to-center GM mounting. Calipers have universal
1/8" NPT inlet fluid ports and a hard anodized finished. Available in 2" and 2-3/8" bore sizes for maximum brake tuning.
Lightweight Cast Iron Metric Brake Caliper
AFC6630312
New Products
New AFCO lightweight cast iron metric brake caliper is 2 lbs. lighter than stock. Superior strength
yields improved brake system performance with less flex, less fade, less pad taper and better pad release.
Fits all GM metric caliper brackets. Engineered for open wheel modifieds and other stock cast iron caliper applications.
Approved for USMTS, UMP, USRA, NCRA, WISSOTA and AMRA sanctioning bodies.
Big Block Chevy Mechanical Fuel Pump
Pro Cam’s blueprinted mechanical fuel pump is engineered to eliminate
common fuel pump failures. The 6-valve high-flowing 130 GPH supports up to 1200 HP with gasoline and up
to 600 HP on alcohol while maintaining consistent pressure at high RPM. The large 1/2" NPT inlet and outlets supply a high volume of fuel needed for high performance racing applications. Easily re-clock position
of the pump if needed. The 15 PSI fuel pump requires a pressure regulator between pump and carburetor.
“Stepper Motor” Memory and Data Logging
Tachometers
Small, electric motor driven pointer is more precise than the common internal tachometer instrumentation. High RPM warning light 2 stage one for maximum rpm and
the other for redline. The memory tach records the peak engine RPM and can be viewed playback in the
pits. The data logging tach records all the entire race. Playback in real time or double speed, pause or back
up to see something over again. LED back lighted and bright red illuminated pointer. Will work with most
magneto ignition systems 4, 6 or 8 cylinder.
6
Phone 269.463.Lane • Toll Free 800.772.5266
New Products
NecksGen
The new Impact NecksGen is very lightweight at 1.8 pounds it
is very comfortable with integrated body forming pads and belts into the unit. The NecksGen is a
flexible unit allowing upper body and arm movement with lateral tethers that offer superior side-on impact
protection. The tethers are pre-set for best protection; fine tuning adjustments can be made for a full range
of head motion desired. The low rear section, which is adjustable from 10-40 degrees, creates minimal interference with
seat and helmet. Can be used with all 2" and 3" shoulder harnesses (medium and large units only). Quick release helmet
hardware is included with every unit that is designed to be used with pre-drilled SAH2010 helmets. For helmets without the
holes, detailed instructions, quick release helmet hardware are included. Exceeds SFI 38.1 certification.
Drag Shock
Bilstein’s new drag shocks initial tests produced 3-tenths faster elapsed times
using a new self-adjusting deflective disc valving that instantly removes
front suspension “lag” on launch. Gas pressure “pre-loaded” increases launch
control and grip for improved stability and control down the track.
Extreme Volume Steel Shocks
Bilstein XVS series 46mm steel body monotube shock absorbers are specifically tuned for modifieds and
late model race applications. These shocks include an extreme volume nitrogen bulb and are completely racer
rebuildable. The zinc plated finish provides fast heat dissipation. Available with or without base valve in linear or
digressive valving.
Extruded Aluminum Suspension Tubes
Significantly stronger and lighter than traditional hex and
round suspension tubes, QuickCar units are made in the USA from extruded aluminum billet
with precision machined ends, corrosion resistant black anodized finish and identification on the left hand threaded end.
The extrusion makes it easy to adjust by hand, or with a wrench (sold separately). Offered in a variety of lengths from 7" to
72" in 5/8" diameter tubes and 7" to 60" in 3/4" diameter tubes.
Enduro Cell Dirt Modified/Late Model
Fuel Safe’s new dirt late model/dirt modified fuel cell containers are
made from 20 gauge steel with a black powder coat finish, external
mounting flange and FIA-FTA3 certified bladder. The 6" x 10" powder coated fill plate is fitted with a
-10AN outlet (with rigid fuel pickup), an -8AN vent, -8AN return, 2-1/2" threaded fill cap, aircraft grade nutring and assembly hardware, and FL08 dipstick. 2 year warranty.
Jones Racing new LS-series serpentine water pump drive kit for use with
the new Allstar LS timing cover conversion kit (Part No. ALL90090). Crank to water pump includes short
Jones water pump assembly with pulley, one-piece lower pulley, heavy duty serpentine belt and independent balance bolt to help reduce harmonics.
Allstar LS Series Timing Cover
Conversion Water Pump Drive Kit JRP49098-LS
Jones Racing new LS-series serpentine water pump drive kit for use with the new Allstar LS timing
cover conversion kit (Part No. ALL90090). Crank to water pump includes a water pump pulley, one-piece
lower pulley, heavy duty serpentine belt and independent balance bolt to help reduce harmonics.
SPRING 2013 7
New Products
Allstar LS Series Timing Cover
Conversion Water Pump and Drive Kit
JRP1020-LS-ALL
Aftermarket News
Engine Builder Challenge Has New Sponsorship
Design Engineering, Inc. (DEI) has announced its sponsorship of the 2013 Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge, a scholarship program that encourages high school
teens to take an interest in the performance aftermarket by
providing a series of competitions that exhibit their enginebuilding skills.
Created in 2008 by Jim Bingham, owner of Winner’s Circle
Speed and Custom Inc., the scholarship program is growing
immensely in terms of sponsors, teams and scholarship dollars, according to a DEI press release.
Aftermarket News
“We appreciate DEI’s commitment to this event. Our youth
have incredible talent and represent the future of the performance aftermarket. This event has been a very rewarding
experience cultivating the growth of this engine challenge
and seeing the dedication of the teams year after year,”
said Rodney Bingham, director of Hot Rodders of Tomorrow, in the press release. “We are encouraged by the level of
support from manufacturers like DEI who sincerely want to
encourage youth to consider the performance aftermarket
as a career.”
With financial support from DEI and other performance
manufacturers, educational institutions, SEMA, PWA and
AERA, more than $6,000,000 has been raised for student
scholarships from OTC, SAM and UNOH. Every student that
places first through fifth in the nationals is awarded college
scholarship funds; prizes range from $6,000 to $10,000 for
students to pursue a career in the automotive aftermarket.
The engine challenge, which involves the break down and
reassembly of a small block Chevy, was initially developed as
a special event for the Winner’s Circle Race and Performance
Expo. With added encouragement from Vic Edlebrock, the
Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge Program has
grown from having five competing teams to a nationwide
competition with more than 600 students, seven events and
150 sponsors, the release noted.
The first Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge
event will be held February 22 at the Race and Performance
Expo in Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, Illinois, and the
competition will culminate at the 26th annual PRI Show in
December. Lane Automotive will again host an Engine Challenge May 24th and 25th at our car show.
To learn more, go to www.hotroddersoftomorrow.com.
8
Phone 269.463.Lane • Toll Free 800.772.5266
Tech Forum
Lake Speed Jr. Talks About Viscosity
Lake Speed Represents
Joe Gibbs Driven Motor Oils
Does your Weight make the Grade?
Viscosity is the most important property of a lubricant.
Understanding viscosity promotes the ability to reduce
SPRING 2013 9
Tech Forum
wear, improve fuel economy and make more horsepower.
For starters, in oil nomenclature, “W” does not
stand for “Weight”. It stands for
“Winter” and that is the key to
understanding viscosity grades.
A 10W-30 is a multi-grade (two
viscosities) motor oil, and as the
name implies, it meets more
than one grade. Forty years ago
there were winter grades for cold
weather and summer grades for
warmer weather. A typical winter
grade was 10W. A typical summer
grade was 30. These oils were
straight grade oils. A 10W flows
well in cold weather, to protect
the engine at start up, but it’s is
too thin for use in the summer. A
30 grade grade oil, thick enough
to protect in the heat, was recommended for summer use.
Then, multi-grade oils were
formulated. A 10W-30 had the
winter cold start flow properties of a 10W and the summer, high temperature thickness of a 30 grade. Multigrade oils could stay as close to the optimum viscosity
over a range of temperatures - not too thick when it is
cold and not too thin when it is hot.
The difference between a 0W-30 and a 10W-30 is indicated by how well each flows at lower temperatures.
The viscosity of hot oil is measured using different test
parameters than when the oil is cold, so the numbers
after the “W” don’t relate to the numbers in front of the
“W”. The difference between 10W-30 and a 10W-40 is
the high temperature viscosity. Obviously, a 10W-40 is
thicker than a 10W-30 at high temperature.
Armed with knowledge of viscosity grades, how can
we put it to good use? Remember that using oil with a
viscosity that is too high can result in excessive oil temperature and increased drag. Using an oil with a low
viscosity can lead to excessive metal to metal contact
between moving parts. Using the correct viscosity oil
eases starting, reduces friction and slows wear.
For even more effective start up protection, use a
synthetic 10W-40 instead of a conventional 20W-50.
The synthetic 10W-40 flows easily and still maintains
enough viscosity to protect piston skirts and bearings
when it gets hot. The improved temperature stability
of synthetics make them a better
choice for race engines and serious high performance engines.
Even with a synthetic, however,
viscosity changes with temperature. Selecting the correct viscosity for an application requires
knowing the operating temperature of the oil. Engines that run
high operating oil temperatures
require higher viscosity oil.
Engines that run low oil temps
require lower viscosity oil. Look
at an NHRA Pro Stock engine, a
NASCAR Sprint Cup engine and
a World of Outlaws 410 Sprint
engine. Each engine has a very
different operating oil temperature – Pro Stock, 100°F; NASCAR,
220°F and sprint cars, 300°F. All
three engines run very different
viscosity oils as well − SAE 0W-5, SAE 5W-20 and SAE
15W-50.
Here’s another thought regarding viscosity. It is
vitally important to keep internal engine clearances in
mind. Looser clearances in the engine and oil pump
require higher viscosity oil to maintain oil pressure.
Tighter clearances need lower viscosity oil, which provides better cooling and improved horsepower.
Armed with knowledge of viscosity grades, you can
now select the right one. In return, you will prevent
wear, improve fuel economy and make more horsepower.
Rodding Journal
Rodding Journal
Geezer 2012 WRAP-UP... By John McLellan
Most geezers will concur that they have arrived at this lofty
Coil Over Strut conversion for the front and QA1 coil over
station in life primarily because of their ability to learn from
shocks for the rear. Time was running short by the time we
mistakes - theirs and those of others. If one cannot learn
were able to gather together all the necessary components.
from mistakes, there is no place for them in the hot rodding
The parts finally arrived and John and Brian managed to get
sport in general, and land speed racing in particular. I am
them installed before the September Ohio Mile event. With
here to testify that we geezers can and do make mistakes,
the new strut suspension, the caster angle, so vital to high
and we can and do learn from them. And then go fast, to
speed control, could be increased and the new coil springs
boot.
mounted as part of the package had a rate of 325 pounds to
The chronicles of our land speed efforts left off shortly after
control up and down movement.
our first visit to the East Coast Timing Association’s new
We made the trek to Wilmington, Ohio again in September
Ohio Mile event in Wilmington, Ohio in April, 2012 when the with high hopes of seeing great improvement in speed.
Geezer Two ‘84 Firebird was runner-up in the Hot Rod Speed The weather was the best it had ever been, with moderate
Challenge after a 213 mph run. Subsequent visits to Wilmtemperatures and very little adverse winds. The new strut
ington in June, late July and September saw some speed
suspension was set. Brian pulled the car to the line for the
improvements, but
first pass and everyalso revealed some
thing sounded great.
issues that needed
Then, toward the end of
correction before
the run, he felt a popany more serious reping that sounded for
cord attempts could
all the world like the enbe made.
gine was up against the
The problem of
chip in the rev limiter.
traction loss at high
The chip was replaced
speeds continued
and we once again got
to plague the car
in the long line for anat the June event
other pass. When Brian
and we determined
finally pulled to the
that some added
starting line and got the
weight might make
“go” signal, the engine
the car more stable.
stumbled, then picked
The Firebird had a
up as he accelerated,
Atul Patel, owner of the Wilmington Inn, and one of our primary sponsors, poses with the car and John
heavy duty weight
then we could all hear
Pranger, Geezer Express crew chief. Atul, an acknowledged gearhead, will be on board again in 2013.
box built right into
that popping noise again
the rear seat floor area, but finding something heavy to use
as he shut the car down at the one-third mark. Something
for ballast proved to be quite a challenge. We went so far
was not right under the hood.
as to check the Goodwill store for used barbells. We finally
Back in the pits a quick check showed one cylinder with no
decided on bags of water softener salt. They were heavy
compression at all. Head gasket? Piston? Valve failure? This
(40 lbs.), relatively compact and moldable. We were able to
was not the place or the time to tear down an engine that
stuff five of the bags into the weight box for a total weight
could not be repaired with parts on hand anyway. Less than
increase of 200 lbs. The new ballast helped some, but it was
a week later, the engine was out of the car and back at Baker
becoming obvious that more suspension work was needed.
Racing where it was discovered that at least two intake
Speeds were not up to the April performance yet. Heavier
valves had disintegrated.
coil springs were needed to control up and down moveAs this is written, a set of new Brodix aluminum heads have
ment at high speed.
been acquired from Lane Automotive and are awaiting
In July, Brian was able to coax a few more miles per hour
some massaging from the good folks at Baker. The car is alout of the car, posting two runs of slightly better than 218
ready registered for the first ECTA event in Wilmington, Ohio
mph, still with ill handling and loss of traction. At one point
the end of April 2013. Hopefully, this year’s Hot Rod Speed
on this run, the GPS showed a speed of 221 before Brian
Challenge will be won by the Geezer Express.
backed off a bit. Heavier coils, by themselves, were not the
best solution to our suspension ills.
Back in John Pranger’s shop in Grand Rapids, it was decided
that a front suspension re-do was in order. After much
discussion, we decided upon QA1’s adjustable Promastar
10
Phone 269.463.Lane • Toll Free 800.772.5266
2013 Car Show Events
Seventh Annual Open Header Cruise To Kick Off Car Show Weekend
Our Seventh Annual Open Header Cruise at 5:00 pm on Friday May 24 will pick up where we left off last year... and we hope to again
increase the number of participants. We will be looking into running the same cruise route as last year, starting in Coloma and merging
into the old route on the north side of Watervliet. We’re hoping for 100 cars, and would be really happy if even more showed up! Sign up
for the Open Header Cruise here, on our web site - www.laneautomotive.com, or call John McLellan at (269) 463-0202. When you visit this
web site, you’ll see a general description of the Open Header Cruise as well as a list of the cruise rules.
Plan Now To Attend Our 2013 Car Show
Work is moving right along on the 25th Annual Lane Automotive Car Show and Cruise-In which will take place May 24-25, 2013. Many
things will remain unchanged, including Saturday’s nitro-fueled Noisefest and the Chassis Dyno Challenge which have grown to be real
crowd pleasers. Enjoy the Fourth Annual Hot Rodders Of Tomorrow Engine Builder Challenge, too.
NAME
ADDRESS
CITY
STATE
HOME PHONE:
WORK PHONE:
ZIP CODE
CAR YEAR:
Don’t Miss Out On All The Fun, Sign Up Now
CAR MAKE:
Mail To Lane Automotive,
ATTN: John McLellan 8300 Lane Drive, Watervliet, MI 49098
or Register On-Line @ www.laneautomotive.com
CAR MODEL:
Uncork Those Pipes and Join Our 2013 Open Header Cruise !
NAME
CITY
STATE
HOME PHONE:
WORK PHONE:
ZIP CODE
CAR YEAR:
Don’t Miss Out On All The Fun, Sign Up Now
CAR MAKE:
Mail To Lane Automotive,
ATTN: John McLellan 8300 Lane Drive, Watervliet, MI 49098
or Register On-Line @ www.laneautomotive.com
CAR MODEL:
Lane Automotive Dyno Challenge Registration Form
Time slots are limited so register soon. A $30 entry fee is required and will be donated to Relay For Life. Once registered you will be
notified via email as to your date and time slot. The Dyno Challenge dates are May 24 and 25 (during the Lane Cruise-In and Car Show).
Be sure to go to www.laneautomotive.com for info and rules.
NAME
E-MAIL
ADDRESS
CITY
HOME PHONE:
WORK PHONE:
CAR YEAR:
CAR MAKE:
CAR MODEL:
STATE
ZIP CODE
Don’t Miss Out On All The Fun, Sign Up Now
Mail To Lane Automotive,
ATTN: Scott Wahlstrom 8300 Lane Drive, Watervliet, MI 49098
or Register On-Line @ www.laneautomotive.com
CID:
SPRING 2013 11
2013 Car Show Events
ADDRESS
Huge Diecast Collectables Sale!
New 2013 Lionel NASCAR Arriving Daily
Check Out Our Selection Of Slot Cars
Thousands Of 1/64 Scale Cars On Sale!
8300 Lane Drive Watervliet, MI 49098
Phone 269-463-LANE • Toll Free 800-772-5266 • Fax 800-772-2618