Good for you Dwayne, next season will be here before you know it. Spot on Larry, thought I had a mid twelve second car all day, until I got that slip (13.5 on street radials) It's a blast for sure but like myself and others, you have to be prepared for an expensive tow bill if something goes south at the track that day. Even though it might happen, the fun and comradery with other fellow Buick owners and or friends hanging out at a track for the day is a chance I'm willing to take. Once your hooked you'll be finding ways to spend money to go faster (just the way it is) I remember the first purchase after that day was a set of Mickey's and a 9.5 converter from Jim so I could better my times the next time out.
Hey thanks deluxe68 Your right nexed season will be here fast. That was one thing I was afraid of, breaking my car that night,I was A long way from home. I was thinking about converting it to A 4 speed,I have been collecting some parts,but now I don't know .My dad told me he would leave it auto and put A small stall in it. Auto would probably be better on the drag strip, but years ago every one ran 4 speeds.I probably wouldn't go racing every weekend, but do want to get into it more, im hooked on that rush now.
Yes it can and will get pricey if your not careful. When you get the DR's, get 275-50-15, they're VERY close to a 245-60-15 in overall diameter, so it wont kill your rear gear. What gear do you have? Keep it an automatic. A manual trans. you may end up breaking more parts, AND going slower if your no good at shifting.
Im running 3:42 gears and A Eaton posi. I may keep it automatic and buy A converter from Jim,I've heard good things about his's converters. This spring I will definitely get A set of DR,s,and try the size you recommend .
Dwayne B. This ain’t a bad thing to be hooked on, just ask anyone on here! And don’t be fooled, it’s an EXPENSIVE HOBBY even when you are careful!! But if you map out your plan for performance and stick to it, know what you need not just want you want, and follow the Parts For Sale section a lot of what’s on your list will come up for sale. You can save a lot of money that way, money you will need for tires and race gas!! LOL Good Luck!
Your running the same gear as me, so yes, get the 275-50-15 DR's When you get the DR's you'll probably find you'll have a hard time turning them with a stock convertor I had a TCI convertor with my BFG's TA's, it would turn 'em no problem, when I bought the DR's, it was tough, those DR's STICK I got in touch with Jim on one of his custom convertors, he spec'd a 9.5" 2800 stall, I put it in, and next time to the track, with my DR's, I did a short burn out and WHAAAAAM my tach. went to 4 grand wasn't expecting that LOL. I FINALLY got into the 13's, I went from a 14.2 something right down to a 13.7 something, just from the convertor change! Jims convertors are worth EVERY penny
I think I'm all ready there,but getting some awesome advise from all the members.Im willing to lesson and learn for sure.
Thanks, I might look into seeing if I can add the car onto our triple A, DD coverage. My current classic car insurance covers towing but I have to pay the bill and then submit for reimbursement, I never really looked into other options.
Nothing wrong with a 4 speed but I'm with your dad & Mark, I'd keep it an auto. I have the same converter and had the same nice results. It was definitely money well spent. Adjusting your governors shift points is another thing you can do (unless you plan on manually shifting the auto at the track). I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at the track with a set of drag radials and a nice converter to start with.
AAA+ covers any car you happen to be driving, OR being driven in. Mooney broke down in Allentown, Pa. on our way back from Columbus one year (water pump). My AAA+ coverage got HIS GN home for 50.00, it was 105 miles of towing (flatbed). Never seen Ronny so happy.
Just make sure to wipe off the numbers of the windshield and try to get someone to pull you back to the pits so you can tell the tow company it didn't break racing, that you were just there as a spectator.
