Projects Finally got my GASSER to the track

Edit: Wheel stand video on Page 2.

Video and pics below if you dont feel like reading LOL

This car has been in the family for 40 years and 3 generations. About ten years ago I hacked the front end off and converted it to a “gasser”. Well it looked like a gasser but it wasn’t really up to the task so to speak.

I finally got done upgrading the rear end and spent the last three weeks getting all the safety stuff finished and got her to the track this weekend.

specs
- 502 GM crate motor
- 671 blower (10% overdrive making 10lbs boost)
- speedway axle kit with wilwood brakes
- manual body, built turbo 400 with a trans brake
- inboarded rear leafs and ladder bars
- Ford 9”, Currie axles, 4.11 Posi
- Hoosier drag radials, mini tubbed
- NHRA cert cage to 8.50
- some other goodies

It’s been 25 years since I made a run down the track and it showed, my main concern was just getting used to the car. We were able to make 7 hits with each pass better than the next. We were shooting for D/GAS (10.60 index)

Ended up with a best time of 10.66 in the quarter at 130 mph so we’re basically there. Next step is to order up a smaller top pulley and go to 13% overdrive, add a little timing, and increase my launch RPM. I’d also like to get some more RPM out of this thing so I’m gonna talk to a local builder about upgrading the valve train to eliminate float and hopefully get some more top end out of it.

She launches hard, runs straight, and looks badass!

Oh - shes also still sporting roll up orignal galss windows, a full interior, and a legit and registered plate!

Quick Video below

 

Nice.
Fun isn't it ?

Mike

 

Goes nice and straight.

 

Fkn awesome.

 

Nice pass, sounds good too.

 

Hell yeah!
Great launch, great ET.
You have achieved my goal, with a very similar combination. Only one 1/8 mile pass so far for me, a shakedown run.
That '55 picked up the front wheels without effort!

 

VERY - I'm gonna have to keep it in check or I'll end up divorced.

 

Good times, great 55. Thanks for posting.

 

It looks like you chopped up a perfectly good, restorable '55 Bel Air...THAT'S WHAT WE LIKE TO SEE

That's one of the nicest '55 Gassers I've ever seen...and it DO run

Nice Job

 

Nice!

 

Cool - Thanks

 

Thats's badass man, congrats!!

 

B(.)(.)Bie's

 

Very nice-love it!!!-see you ran at Sac. D/G is a good class too. Friend runs in that association with an OT Chevelle. Started in D then C and now B-8.60 index. He won in D gas but just had to keep going up the ladder. Best 8.16 in 160's so far. Tried to tell him to stay in C or D gas.

 

Thanks for all the comments guys, really appreciate it. It's been a long time since I drove this car at the track, best part is I get to this with both my pops and my son. Hopefully, I'll get to hit up some Nostalgia races this year.

 

Neat car! Sounded like it was just loafing. LOL Lippy

 

Nice, love 55 gassers

 

I saw a wheel lift! Did both?

 

Yeah - it was through "mufflers" and a pretty low launch RPM, I was also shifting late and hitting the rev limiter - shakedown runs.

 

What is the race weight?

 

dont know - scale was broken.

My guess is between 3200-3400 without me and I'm a big boy at 255

 

Yery Cool

With the springs mounted inboard did you put a sway bar in back, it goes so nice and straight.

 

no sway bar - springs are only moved in maybe 4 ", I made some pockets in the frame and inset them. I do have some REALLY stiff shocks though.

 

Badass!

 

Good stuff! Is this a pump gas deal?

 

She runs 91 with booster on the street and I ran 110 at the track. I’m going to up the track fuel to 116 just to be safe as I’m not going to pull as much timing out under boost.

 

Awesome!

 

Wow. Nice toy. Bad ass is an understatement.
Love 55 gassers.

 

You have a really nice car. It's nice you kept the interior amenities. Keeping it registered with a plate is reminiscent of the early gassers. Nice job ! Have fun with it.