Very cool!! I remember when Norwell posted this on the FAS. I thought it rocked then, sure would be sweet to win it! I'd have to have Norwell sign the dash for sure. Hope someone on here wins it!!!
That's going to look and sound mighty fine rumbling down 400 hiway to work and back everyday with me in it.
Thanks for the really cool post about our project, Ryan. And thanks to all HAMBers for your interest and comments. I was fortunate to be able to drive it at Irwindale on Monday. It is an unruly, stupid-fast beast of a hot rod. I can't imagine that most of you guys wouldn't dig owning it -- modern engine or not. And speaking of, before you dismiss the engine, take a look at what Troy did to "de-modernize" it. Remember, he's the first cat EVER to try to attempt this on the brand new engine from Ford. I'm really impressed with the result, and even more impressed with the power it delivers as it rockets up to 7,000 RPMs:
Driving the RPU on the banked short track at Irwindale was unreal. It accelerates like you wouldn't believe, and sounds like a proper high-revving stock car through the pipes. Everybody there was in awe, and I couldn't stop smiling and giggling like a little girl. Every single time I rolled back on the throttle through the corners -- and held it at redline until the next turn.
Where do you go to enter in this? I was at the shop one day when they were working on the frame and had the engine sitting on a stand. looks like some good work!
OH YES!!! 7,000 RPM's feeeels goood!!! Trust me, I haven't been easy on it, I have definately hit the 7000 mark a few times (and beyond)!!!! Thank God for rev limiters!
Yes, just waiting on the Halibrand-style custom wheels to be finished. To be shod with the Coker's Firestone Indy Roadster tires... They just unfortunately weren't ready in time for the shoot. And speaking of, the Hot Rod TV episode chronicling the entire Raybestos RPU build is scheduled to air next Saturday, August 28, on SPEED channel!
Yes, the wheels are still being made. The current wheels are borrowed from another car, I think the borrowed wheels and tires are what makes it look very similiar to my car. The Indy wheels shoulod give it a different look.
Next week? Wow, I didn't think the show was in that fast of a production schedule!! Definitely not like the mag itself.
Thats so awesome! The engine looks killer. The way the cam covers turned out is rad. I really hope I win.
I posted new pics from the Irwindale shakedown, and final interior thrash by Mark Lopez and the guys at Elegance Auto Interiors in Upland, on the Flickr account: http://www.flickr.com/photos/raybestos Check 'em out.
So, how many of you (besides me) entered by e-mail umpteen gillion times before reading the official entry rules? "Electronic entries limited to 1 entry"
And for those folks that wanted to hear it on track, here are links to a couple new video clips. Turn up your speakers, but it still won't do it justice! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4p22E_TBm50 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEFdJuI-QQc The full Hot Rod TV episode on the build airs this Saturday morning, Aug 28, on SPEED.
The Jalopy Journal
