The Dodge Challenger Message Board

At long last, I have started my engine and broken the cam in yesterday.
The only problem left is the clutch return spring, which is too weak (pedal stays down for a while, then springs back up when you least expect it).
I'm wondering whether the original over center pedal spring may still be installed (shouldn't be with a Centerforce clutch).

First time out is scheduled for friday evening.

I couldn't start it in time for Santa Pod, because I forgot one oil galley plugs when I assembled the engine (luckily, it was one in the front - all I had to do was to remove the water pump, damper and timing chain cover). When I tried to prime the pump on thursday, I had zero pressure. No wonder.

Here's a pic.

fbernard wrote:I couldn't start it in time for Santa Pod, because I forgot one oil galley plugs when I assembled the engine.

I was paranoid about doing that on my engine.

You missed a good Nats. I did look out for you just in case you had made it.

I had that same issue when I rebuilt my car, we solved it by going back to the 3 finger type clutch instead of the diaphragm type clutch and left the spring on the pedal assembly.
Congrats and good luck!
Gord

dave-r wrote:
You missed a good Nats. I did look out for you just in case you had made it.

I didn't miss it, I just rode along in the French Connection Tradesman.

I toured the pits and camping area trying to see a known face, but all I really know about people on this board is the cars they drive!

I took loads of pictures (2.6 GB!).

I saw quite a few cars that I usually see only in pictures here. Some look really good (that plum crazy RT SE on the track looks incredibly good...)

All in all, it was a great week-end. Maybe a little shorter than usual in the saturday evening dept. (the rain didn"t help, but what's with the bar closing down before the end of the show? Didn't even get to have one Guinness this year!)

If you were there on the Firday night in the beer tent you would have seen me singing "Bad Moon Rising" in my wig and stars and stripes jacket.

Bar was open until midnight friday and saturday.

On Saturday night when it started raining I was stood (dressed normally) right in the middle of the entrance to the tent talking to the girl with the Starsky and Hutch film car (and sweater). Her husband didn't look too happy about the length of time I was talking to her. Or insisting on a kiss for my birthday.

Here I am without wig up in the control tower gantry (I did a little comentary) holding on to everything while the jet car does its stuff.

The whole gantry shakes and rocks with every blast from the afterburner. The plastic windows all look as if they will blow in (like when Sammy Miller used to run the rocket car) and the shock waves slam your feet hard through the floor. You can even feel the heat through your shoes.

In other words, being up above the jet car on a run is a great experience.

sounds like you had an awesome time dave

Always do mate.