Talking about the parts that go into a car, especially a race car, can get technical because there's lots of stuff. I'll try not to get too scientific writing this blogette, which believe me, shouldn't be a problem, I know just enough to be dangerous.
Today's sermon will be about one of the less glamorous, but very important parts.
And to do that I have to talk some about the rules. The rules tell us that the car shall be more or less as it was in 1964. One of the big moving parts is the differential or the rear axle, or what we'll call the rear end. As with almost every part, this could be a story in itself just giving background on a rear end. I mean there's 10 bolt, 12 bolt, ring and pinions, spider gears, limited slip, gear ratios, on and on it goes.
For the rear end the rules are a bit vague. They tell us, axle ratios are free, or anything goes, and limited slips are permitted. That's about it.
Today's sermon will be about one of the less glamorous, but very important parts.
And to do that I have to talk some about the rules. The rules tell us that the car shall be more or less as it was in 1964. One of the big moving parts is the differential or the rear axle, or what we'll call the rear end. As with almost every part, this could be a story in itself just giving background on a rear end. I mean there's 10 bolt, 12 bolt, ring and pinions, spider gears, limited slip, gear ratios, on and on it goes.
For the rear end the rules are a bit vague. They tell us, axle ratios are free, or anything goes, and limited slips are permitted. That's about it.
The 8.2, 10 bolt differential that was stock on most mid-size GM cars of 1964 is not what you would call, most preferred for racing. In fact, 
during my education on differentials, we find it to be serviceable, but not in great demand. We hear some competitors in our class use a Ford 9", a very strong and reliable rear end. Us being rookie first timers in this race, figure we had best not stray from what is entirely legal.
So, out comes the differential and off to what is fondly known as "The Rear End Shop". I had sent them a sponsor letter, but as with most, we had no response. This is something we have to rebuild, so we had no choice. We met Dan, the owner who listened to our story and without hesitation offered to split the cost of the parts, and donate the labor. Well alright!
Dan, you are... the man!
As we talked about what was needed to be done, it was again clear we weren't starting with the best equipment, but we are road racing not drag racing.
New seals and bearings, ring and pinion, forged steel axles, an Eaton limited slip and don't forget, a girdle, don't spin the tires too much, and we'll be fine.
So now that that's back in hand, and ready to go in, our mission is to keep piling up the goods and get this thing rolling again.
during my education on differentials, we find it to be serviceable, but not in great demand. We hear some competitors in our class use a Ford 9", a very strong and reliable rear end. Us being rookie first timers in this race, figure we had best not stray from what is entirely legal.So, out comes the differential and off to what is fondly known as "The Rear End Shop". I had sent them a sponsor letter, but as with most, we had no response. This is something we have to rebuild, so we had no choice. We met Dan, the owner who listened to our story and without hesitation offered to split the cost of the parts, and donate the labor. Well alright!
Dan, you are... the man!
As we talked about what was needed to be done, it was again clear we weren't starting with the best equipment, but we are road racing not drag racing.
New seals and bearings, ring and pinion, forged steel axles, an Eaton limited slip and don't forget, a girdle, don't spin the tires too much, and we'll be fine.
So now that that's back in hand, and ready to go in, our mission is to keep piling up the goods and get this thing rolling again.
NEXT TIME: So, what's under the hood?
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2 comments:
Ernie, Just found your blog, got interested the other day cause we passed a car carrier northbound on 101 and on the lower deck he had a 53 Ford with the crossed Mexico and USA flags on the hood. A little search and I found La Carrera Panamericana. We are full time RV'ers staying in San Jose area right now. I ride motorcycle a lot and thought it would be interesting to ride up and check out your progress. Do you know any others in the area building a car. When is the race going to be held in 2007? My e-mail is spyderman47@hotmail.com
Forgot to leave you my blog spot. It's http://spydermansadventures.blogspot.com/ Later.
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