New year, new challenges!!!

 I have been a little slow in putting out updates because we have been thrashing to get the car done so we can get started learning to drive and tune the car. We are on the home stretch as far as the car is concerned. Lots of little things have to be done but the hard part is complete!

The car is off of the rotisserie now and is on the race jacks for assembly. Pretty much everything mechanical is on the car except the items that are at the manufacturer getting the SFI safety certifications renewed. The driveshaft, flywheel, bell housing, engine diaper (catches parts and oil if the engine grenades), transmission safety blanket, and fire suit are all back at the manufacture's shops.

We have gone through many changes so far this year. Late last year, the NHRA changed some rules that excluded the control system I had in the car. To make the car legal would require a big investment and a lot of work.

We decided to leave the old control system and forget the goal of trying to race at an NHRA event. When we started assembling the car and got excited about racing again, we decided to make it NHRA legal. Mike Janis Jr. and Traci were instrumental in helping me make that decision.

The new system replaces 4 other systems in the car with one integrated solution. The system is a Fueltech FT600 Engine Control Unit (ECU) that controls all switching functions, ignition control, fuel timer control, data acquisition, and digital readout! This change requires a complete re-wire (again). It is a very sophisticated system and simplifies data acquisition and analysis by having all events in the car collected in one place.

I am so blessed to have the resources to do it right and have my Sunshine constantly encouraging me.

I am also blessed to have the Janis family supporting me. I even received a special gift from them for Christmas to show their support. I received cardboard cutouts of the entire team. Needless to say, I have had a lot of fun with “The Crew” doing silly pictures and doing facebook posts.

All of the composite fabrication is done and all of the 1/4 turn fasteners are attached.

Chassis is off the rotisserie and all of the major components and suspension are installed.

Body is temporarily installed to check the fit of everything before final paint and wrapping.

The engine has been refreshed and connecting  rod length changed to reduce compression ratio for new supercharger combination. Here is a series of pictures of the tear down and rebuild.

Engine is back in the car and being rigged and wired. 

Electrical rewire with new FuelTech FT600 ECU is underway. Every wire on the car was stripped out and EVERYTHING has to be completely redone!

New ECU/Display bracket I fabricated from titanium tubing.

Lots and lots of wire that will become the central nervous system of the car.

Exhaust temperature sensors installed and roughed in. Everything will be fastened and cleaned up after the system is complete and functional.

Many thanks to Jesus for giving e the skills/resources to chase my dream. 

Could not do this without HIM, my Sunshine, and the Janis Family.

Love you all!

Luke 1:37 For nothing will be impossible with God.