Well, after just over 3 years I took my '65 back to probably the worst track in the world, my local track, Carlsbad Raceway. The plan was to take it easy and do some "shake down" runs, and that's what I did, I did have a couple little problems, realized that I need 2 batteries, or 1 super powerful one! Anyway, first pass, just running thru the gears, 14@74, 2nd pass, push it alittle harder, only took it to 5000rpm ran an 11.06@114, 3rd pass, launched out, shifted to 2nd at the light, 6800, forgot the shifter is now a Reverse Pattern and went the wrong way, recovered to 3rd and went thru the traps at 11.09@123. 4th pass I forget the details, but ran a 11.01 @ 130mph. Yes 130mph, car easily ran these numbers, NO NItrous, and all pass were "foot brake" off idle launches with terrible 60ft. times, 1.80's, didn't mess with tire press. just set it at 14.5psi and never checked it again, yes probably should have went down to 11 or 10 psi, next time out for sure. Never tried the Trans brake, button "failed" so I gotta get a new one. All and all it was fun, car has already went quicker than old motor "on the bottle", 127 mph then, now 130, that should put it in the low 10 sec. range on the motor, then "squeeze" it to warp speed!!! Gary G.
BADBUIK PIC Gary brought his car out to a show yesterday. Nothing like a big Buick motor with huge carb to draw a crowd.
You went 11's at Carlsbad!!!!ou: ou: You are a brave man!!! Congrats on your times:beer :beer ... Michael
I was beginning to worry. Good to hear you got it to the track and its showing some good potential. Keeps up to date and let us know when your done "babying" that thing. :Brow:
Hey Rick, sorry I missed your calls, I tried to call ya back, also left a message at one number, I figured you'd see this Posting and reply. I know how much you love typing replies.......Cell phone is back in business, call any time. Was great going back to the Track, need to make some minor changes but may go back to the track on Sat. Getting the Trans brake working should make for a more fun ride. Gary G.
Hey Gary, it occurrs to me, since your car is a convertable, won't you be limited in the times and or speed your allowed to run? Seems I heard convertables are not allowed into the 10 second range at many or most tracks.
HEY! I know I can be long-winded but I'm just trying to be helpful. :Brow:Sometimes the "LONG" Versons don't even get it all explained. Why, are you getting tired of reading? You must of called my house since I don't have an answering machine here in Iraq. Its good to se you up and running but I ain't scared yet. :moonu: I'm just glad that the "Buick-World" is so slow at getting things together and done. I never have to worry about being left behind. :laugh: Of coarse, my race partner Robert is already in the low 5.30's (1/8 mi.) and is keeping my work cut out for me but he has a 98 Mustang with a 377 Winsor motor. Its sad when you catching hell from a guy beating you with a small block. At least i have a handy-cap, its called a Buick. I'll try to call you again. Hopefully the phone will work this time. :moonu:
Hey Len it's been quite awhile, hope you're doing well. Car is "legal" now until I run 9.99 or quicker, and it will, then I will need to have the cage certified, NHRA competition license, and a full fire suit. I can also run with the top down, just like an open cockpit race car, as long as I have wrist restraints on, they are supposed to keep your arms in the cockpit area if you crash. They attach from each wrist to the lap belt latch, I have tried this, kinda hard to get used to, can limit some movement, like driving with hand cuffs on.....Carlsbad is pretty easy for "teching in" here's how it went on Sat.; " hey it's the BadBuick, print and sign your name......" Rick, you crack me up. I'm kinda worried about you, putting in all those little "mooning" Icons in your message. I guess it's better than looking a Camel in the old 3rd eye... I'll talk to ya later... Gary G.
