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Bonneville Salt Flats Discussion => Build Diaries => Topic started by: 57 ranchwagon on January 09, 2010, 04:06:58 PM

Title: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: 57 ranchwagon on January 09, 2010, 04:06:58 PM
Here are a few Pics and a short description of myself and a Friends Land speed racing project. About a year ago while sipping on a few cold ones and maybe alittle homemade whiskey a plan was hatched. We were going to try a modern day attempt at what Karol Miller did in the 50's but with modern technology. This is not a high dollar project with lots of money thrown at it.(although more has been thrown at it than planned for right) It is a group effort of several like minded friends that drive there cars to shows and have fun doing it. We will be towing to the races for logistical purposes (I have driven my 57 y-block ranchwagon from Ga to Vegas and back it is worth doing) its really is the only option. We will run a 55 Fairlane in the C/CGPRO (C Classic Gas Production) Class. We are going to run ECTA races in NC to sort out a few things and head for the salt In 2010 or 2011 depending on our results. I have attempted to due as much of this build my self as possible verses farming out work to the pros. All metal fab was performed in house with the help of friends. I will attempt to update this as much as possible but I have come to realize im horrible at documenting my work.


    http://s759.photobucket.com/albums/xx231/slg1992002/

 
Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: basher13 on January 09, 2010, 04:24:08 PM
Looks great, love 55's of the non chevy variety. What's been done suspension wise and how does it feel at speed? Love that intake :cheers:
Dan
Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: RichFox on January 09, 2010, 04:27:45 PM
I love it. Of course i have a Packard powered LSR (sorta) car. So that figgeres. I think if it was mine I would have gone with a 292. Seems like the heads would support that better. But it's yours and I love it.
Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: 57 ranchwagon on January 09, 2010, 05:18:57 PM
The suspension is mostly stock with good shocks lowering spindles (for better geometry) sway bars and kal trac rear traction bars. The heads are 312 heads but it is essentially a bored and stroked 292. I have not run it at speed yet but should be a interesting ride.I have had a 57 ford to 115 on a drag strip it wasn't completely terrifying.
Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: Model T Steve on January 09, 2010, 06:22:54 PM
I believe Miller is still alive and well and living in Northern Ca.
Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: Milwaukee Midget on January 09, 2010, 07:13:51 PM
Beautiful car. 

Do you have a rule book?  My question is the cage and as to whether or not it would pass tech for SCTA.

It'd be fun to see a Fairlane with a Y-not block racing.
Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: SPARKY on January 09, 2010, 07:45:34 PM
Miller was my high school hero!!!   My folks had a 500 245hp 312 for about 3 months untill I totaled it out running my buddies dads 58 348 Chev.
Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: 57 ranchwagon on January 09, 2010, 07:51:30 PM
I forgot to mention the cage is only about 60% done the door bars diagonal rear bars and roof bar are not in i need to figure out my seat situation before I weld down those bars. This is my first cage so it a little slow going. I brought the car to maxton and had it pre inspected in Oct just for the main hoop halo bar and floor pads and it was given the OK with a few changes and the rest of the bars and gussets of coarse. Joe also saw no problems for SCTA also.
Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: 57 ranchwagon on January 09, 2010, 07:56:50 PM
Hey Sparky that's awesome I love hearing those  kinds of stories  hope you were not hurt to bad.(from the wreak or your folks) I drive my 57 ranchwagon everywhere and it never fails some body's always got a story about one in there family. ( some stories are fun some alittle scary and weird like conception of children and numerous conquest in the back of a wagon) :-D
Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: jimmy six on January 10, 2010, 02:02:16 AM
My hero, Karol Miller, and I have become friends over these last few years. He does reside in Northern California retired from the oil business in Houston TX. His daughter lives a few doors from our son.

He is planning on returning to Bonneville with a replica of his orange and white 56 Victoria; we have discussed it a lot. The restored 56 is currently registered and he drives when ever he wants. 3-speed on the column just like the original one.  I believe it will be at a USFRA meet. He doesn't want to cage the car to meet all of the current rules. He still has the original timing plague's from the 50's at Bonneville and a certification for his runs on Daytona Beach.

He always wears his championship NHRA ring from the 60's If you can remember the Singer/Miller dragster with the blown Lincoln. A fine respected gentleman................JD
Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: Ole Don on January 10, 2010, 11:07:48 AM
Karol Miller is my hero too. My 55 will again be at the September meet. I hope to run in the 130 again.
Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: jimmy six on January 10, 2010, 11:30:07 PM
I'll add one more of the forgotten pieces of Karols Bonneville history. In 1960 he bought a new Ford Starliner. He drove it to Bonneville removed the AC belt and made a few passses at 160 mph and was the hit of the week like he usually was. I won't tell you it was stock.....When he ran the 56 Victoria he knew exactly what it would do. It seem he was pretty good friends with the Texas hyway patrol at that time and a new stretch of interstate 10 or one of the other ones around Houston was built and not open yet. I fanaggeled a high speed run with some eyes looking in the opposite direction on one of the hyways. It may have been with the small displacement engine with the latham blower. That I don't remember..............I hope he runs this year
Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: Anvil* on January 12, 2010, 01:35:53 AM
Some of these guys will have (more than) a few ideas and sources for parts

http://www.y-blocksforever.com/

Just keep a close eye on the rulebook and ask questions here before doing anything you're not absolutely sure is legal for the class (and is still any question contact the official types).

Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: 57 ranchwagon on January 12, 2010, 08:52:47 AM
 Thanks Anvil I am very familiar with that site and post on there forum excellent source of info and great bunch of guys. I pretty much live life now with the rulebook in hand and have made the trip out to Maxton several time to get clarification on some subjects but i am sure there will still be a few more issues to resolve. Thanks for looking out.
Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: Anvil* on January 12, 2010, 02:04:27 PM
Welcome.
Rather fond of the Y-blocks, had owned a few over the years.
Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: 57 ranchwagon on January 18, 2010, 11:01:23 PM
Had a pretty productive weekend got the headers built just need to finish weld them and send off for coating. It was our first set of headers and was a little intimidating but turned out good enough considering. Not easy to fit 1 3/4 primary in a 55 ford pretty tight for sure. Wanted to get the mock up engine out and the real bullet in but time ran short. The pipes were a little more time consuming than anticipated. Have some new pic of the work follow the link. Thanks to Brent, Dan and Rooster for the help this weekend.

http://s759.photobucket.com/albums/xx231/slg1992002/Lsr%20build%202009/
 
 
 
Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: Geo on January 19, 2010, 12:21:22 AM
Nice work!  Any tips or tricks to share?  How did you determine the cuts?  What did you cut the tube with?

Have you thought about a heat shield for the master cylinder?  By the time you get back to the pits there will not be any brakes.  :-o

Geo
Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: 57 ranchwagon on January 19, 2010, 08:51:38 AM
 I am far from a expert but we used the trial and error method, mark with a sharpie and keep all the cuts as square as possible. Most of the tubes were cut with a vertical band saw( the more teeth per inch the better it cuts thin tubing we use 14-16 TPI). The header is not as close as it seems but I plan on wrapping the headers just in case plus theres alot of pipe in the engine bay it will help keep temps down. I am happy with the out come for my first attempt.( I also see why the cost of custom headers is what it is)
Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: 57 ranchwagon on February 23, 2010, 07:46:30 PM
Its been a while since my last update things are going slow but there going. Got the rear cage section completed and fuel cell and parachute mounts done. Also got a new toy for the shop should help with the last of the fabrication. Here's a link to some picks.

 

http://s759.photobucket.com/albums/xx231/slg1992002/Lsr%20build%202-22-10/
Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: Rob on March 04, 2010, 03:46:19 AM
If it's not a rude question, what'd they sting you for the bender and were the dies extra?

Watching your build quietly down under.

Rob
Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: 57 ranchwagon on March 04, 2010, 10:14:44 PM
It was alittle over 2000.00 with stand, handle ,1" 180 die and 1 5/8" 180 degree die and a copy of bend tech pro program that was shipped to the front door. Bent my first tube just yesterday and I really like it very solid and the tolerance seem very precise. I don't have alot of bending experience but I have used cheaper benders with less than stellar results this thing seem solid and I guess time will tell.
Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: 57 ranchwagon on March 09, 2010, 07:58:19 PM
Time for a quick update things are getting done but lots left to do. Finally finished the trunk got the parachute mounts braced the cell is finally mounted,fuel pump and filter mounted and the battery tray and cut off mounted. That completes the major fab for the trunk. the cage is 80% done and finally mounted the seat and got my 5-point harness mounted. Hoping to have most all the major fab work finished by late this week or early next week so all thats left is to install the engine and finish the wiring and plumbing. Here s few pic and thanks for the support and advice i have received. Sam

http://s759.photobucket.com/albums/xx231/slg1992002/lsr%20update%203-9-10/

Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: Rob on March 13, 2010, 07:58:56 PM
Thanks for the bender info Sam,

Car looks like it's coming along well.

Cheers,
Rob
Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: 57 ranchwagon on March 25, 2010, 06:51:28 PM
Well thing are crazy hectic here.  As of tomorrow there is exactly 2 weeks till the first race at Maxton. There are plenty of things left to do but, theres still a real chance we can make it barring any major set backs. The motor is in with trans the trunk is done and painted the cage is done(the 2 last door bars will go in last for easier access). All gauges and controls have been mounted and removed to paint the cage. Front end was rebuilt and inspected. longer studs in the hubs up front. All my safety gear is in except my helmet should be here end of next week along with the drive shaft and window net from stroud. So next week is lots of plumbing and wiring. There is very little fab work left so hopefully all major issues have been resolved. Hoping to fire it up next sat and have a week to handle any leaks and such. Keep your fingers crossed for me and we just might make it. Defiantly not expecting much in the ways of performance the first race just hoping to get thru tech and maybe get licenced. here's a link to a few pics.   Thanks Sam

http://s759.photobucket.com/albums/xx231/slg1992002/Lsr%20update%203-25-10/



P.S. just made my reservations hope that doesn't jinx me.



Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: SPARKY on March 25, 2010, 08:20:15 PM
OHHHH the Ford X factor  I had almost forgotten about them!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: 57 ranchwagon on March 25, 2010, 09:01:00 PM
yes sparky they truly make transmission swaps a real treat. :x
Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: yalincoln on April 14, 2010, 10:41:34 PM
hi! hey ranchwagon do you know if frank burns is in this forum? i love your car, thanks, wayne.
Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: 57 ranchwagon on April 16, 2010, 01:02:50 PM
I'm not sure if he is on here or not. Is this the same Burns who runs the yellow truck? Thanks for the kind words Wayne almost done just knocking out the little things(they take the longest). Trying to make a friends show at 411 Dragstrip this weekend, but lots to do so defiantly looking at maxton in may. Thanks Sam
Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: rancheroman on April 16, 2010, 01:13:48 PM
If I'm not mistaken, the Burns that runs the yellow truck from California is Charlie Burns.  That's my 2 cents worth..Paul.
Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: 57 ranchwagon on April 16, 2010, 02:59:17 PM
Yeah I knew about Charlie but I have also heard the truck referred to as the Burns Brothers, I don't know if theres a connection.
Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: mtkawboy on April 16, 2010, 07:06:31 PM
I hope it handles better then my 427/425 powered 57 Ford Custom 300 did flatout. Felt like it touched down on each side about every 100 feet or so. You would quit before it would but that was in 1965, no aero, no tires, no safety equipment, & no brains.
Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: 57 ranchwagon on April 18, 2010, 11:17:53 PM
Here is the latest update almost done just need to finish wiring the Ignition and bolt on the headers . The head was pulled and valve replaced. Still have to plump the rest of the fire system and fuel system and plumb a few oil lines. The window net needs to be mounted and a few bars finished in the cage. Thanks to everyone for the kind words it still amazes me anyone even care about my little build when i see the caliber of cars being built on this site. Mtkawboy handling is still alittle unknown for this car should be interresting while there have been some improvements to tire and safety the aero is  still the same now as then. I cant afford the cubic dollars to speed as alot of people but it will probably feel like a I'm running as fast in this thing. :-D  Here ia a link to some new pics.



http://s759.photobucket.com/albums/xx231/slg1992002/

Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: mtkawboy on April 19, 2010, 01:02:04 PM
Im sure lowered down with modern tires & frontend air dams , and the right alignment specs it will be fine. Its nice to see something different. Have fun, being competitive might be a whole new ball game with a Y-block though, but I sure admire the effort . I wasnt making fun of you, more of myself.
Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: SPARKY on April 19, 2010, 02:28:12 PM
In the  mid '60s I had a fairly hot 361 FE in a 58 custom 300 Ford and a warmed '65 442 both responded to a lot of rake to stop the front end lift. I cut the front coils of them and had the biggest tires (950 x14) I could find for the rear both were in the 155-165 range by tachs and formulas. As others have testified to otherwise a lot of lift and floating sensation.  It was before I knew about air dams.
Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: 57 ranchwagon on May 16, 2010, 11:51:17 PM
Well its been a few weeks since I have been able to update my progress and the good news is it lives. Fired it up today for the first time and it was great nothing motivates you like smelling some exhaust. The last couple of weeks have been challenging to say the least seems like this thing fights me every step of the way. Had a wiring problem I fought for a week. I have never run a MSD box with a Mallory dist. and I got a incorrect wiring diagram from mallory it would fire and stumble but not run finally got it strait with help from MSD tech dept and it fired right up heres a link to the video on you tube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HG4QsASeIPM

 

Also want to thank Bill for the moon disc there awesome looks like as long as we avoid any major hiccups were heading to Maxton friday for tech and some lic passes this weekend (with alittle luck maybe even a full fledges blast if all is Ok)   

Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: Milwaukee Midget on May 17, 2010, 12:04:20 AM
That is one nasty soundin' Y-block. :evil:  Love that intake manifold. 

Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: Peter Jack on May 17, 2010, 01:17:03 AM
Good luck! It's been fun watching it go together. Sounds great! :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

Pete
Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: SPARKY on May 17, 2010, 09:12:27 AM
Tell us about the manifold--your thoughts or research behind it....
Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: 57 ranchwagon on May 17, 2010, 11:26:23 AM
Well the intake is a bit of a mixed bag. It was built by and run on Jerry Christiansen race car about 16 years ago. During the R&D phase of the motor it was dynoed with 4 or 5 diffrent intakes and this one was the winner it was heavily modified with epoxy to suit our motor (diffrent plenum size runner shapes etc.) all done trail and error style on the dyno  short  of the heads it probably has the most R&D of the motor. It is actually made of sheet mild steel. We are doing some R&D right now on a 2x4 set up and depending on the out come we may have this intake reproduced in sheet aluminum once were happy with the design.
Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: Milwaukee Midget on May 17, 2010, 07:23:17 PM
With those stacked intake ports, it's a tough engine to get to breath well.  If this combo runs as well as it looks and sounds, this is going to be one tough Y-not.
Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: 57 ranchwagon on May 18, 2010, 09:04:20 AM
Here is a short video of the car and a link to some of the final engine pics.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaT4WSunZLI







http://s759.photobucket.com/albums/xx231/slg1992002/Lsr%20update%205-16-2010/
Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: gearheadeh on May 18, 2010, 09:47:21 AM
Here is a short video of the car and a link to some of the final engine pics.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaT4WSunZLI







http://s759.photobucket.com/albums/xx231/slg1992002/Lsr%20update%205-16-2010/



Now we are talkin.......this is what I love about L.S.R.  Lots of variety and Home brewed excellence
Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: mtkawboy on May 18, 2010, 12:10:02 PM
Sounds really good, how much clearance is there between the hood & carb with the hood closed ?
Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: 57 ranchwagon on May 18, 2010, 05:49:41 PM
There is about 6-8 inches clearance the hood would shut with out a scoop but only by a couple of inches we have a cold air system in the works don't know if the scoop will change as we develop the car but its a start.
Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: mtkawboy on May 18, 2010, 08:36:59 PM
Ok, I thought you were going to run production & it looked like it would be close to the hood
Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: 57 ranchwagon on May 18, 2010, 08:55:03 PM
I am running in production cold air systems are allowed as long as intake is not visable from the outside of the body correct me if im wrong.
Title: Re: 1955 Ford Y-block powered LSR
Post by: basher13 on July 06, 2010, 11:29:14 PM
Did I miss something?? You end up makin any runs at Maxton? Do tell.
 :cheers:
Dan