Landracing Forum
Bonneville Salt Flats Discussion => Build Diaries => Topic started by: Avanti Dan on April 05, 2010, 12:45:10 AM
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A fellow named Scott asked me to post some pictures and tell the story of the project that I am working on. In September of last year by request I posted my "Bucket List" on the Racing Studebaker's web site. Yes this is a real "Bucket List" like in the movie. I have been battling cancer for over four years and am not sure what the future holds. After three tumors you can't help but wonder. There were only four items on the list and the last one I felt was the least obtainable. I wanted to drive a Studebaker on the Bonneville salt flats to experience speed flat out and for more than 7 or 8 seconds (drag racer in the past). We should never underestimate the guys and gals who love Studebaker's and even more love making them go fast. I first thought I would be using this Harry Hoffman built '53 coupe.
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Bonneville%20Studebaker%20Sept%2009/DSCF12181.jpg)
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Bonneville%20Studebaker%20Sept%2009/DSCF12091.jpg)
When that deal feel through I thought it would just die right there. Then I got a message from a fellow who had rescued an old Bonneville car off of eBay. He offered to loan me the car so that I could go to Bonneville. The car was the #90 Bill Burke Avanti. I have assembled the history of this car to some degree and it truly is a "World Famous" Bonneville car. It was featured in a 1997 documentary by the BBC. I was floored and now as I learn just what type of machine I have been loaned I feel honored to be given the chance to restore this vintage machine to it's racing glory days. Here's a picture taken the first time I saw the car in December of last year.
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/The%20Bucket%20List%20Dream/BurkeBrosAvanti014.jpg)
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/The%20Bucket%20List%20Dream/BurkeBrosAvanti021.jpg)
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/The%20Bucket%20List%20Dream/BurkeBrosAvanti012.jpg)
The car set a number of records, 15 that I have been able to verify so far. One is still on the books, 239,208 in C/CBFALT in 1979. The car has not been raced at Bonneville since 1997 to 2004 depending on who you talk to. It is basically sound. Some frame corrosion that is easily repairable. Since I am going the Nostalgic route I wanted to run a Studebaker engine. So another of the Racing Studebaker guys offered to loan me his Bonneville prepared 304 Avanti engine. It was machined and engineered by last years record setter Jim Lange (D/CBGALT 223 MPH) and just needed to be finished. The owner has been working on this engine for years and the funny part is he doesn't own a car to put it in. So now it will have a home, at least for this year. Since it will not be ready until June I needed an engine to use for El Mirage. We want to get the car certified and do some shake down runs to see what needs to be done for Bonneville. So another of the guys on RS offered to loan me his engine for El Mirage. Here's a picture.
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Picking%20up%20the%20Twin%20engine%203-3-10/S4020116.jpg)
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Picking%20up%20the%20Twin%20engine%203-3-10/S4020117-2.jpg)
Now you can see that this is not just any Studebaker engine. This is a clone of a rare 1963 R5 style Avanti engine. One of these engines made Bonneville history back on 1963 when equipped with Bendix fuel injection it powered a stock bodied Avanti to 196 MPH with none other than Andy Granatelli behind the wheel. That car and engine that the Granatelli's built was what started my dream of racing at Bonneville. So it is fitting that one of my technical advisers on this build is non other than Andy. We are making progress on the build and here are some recent photos:
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Avanti%20Motor%20Mounts%20HGR%203-10-10/S4020172.jpg)
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Avanti%20Motor%20Mounts%20HGR%203-10-10/S4020171.jpg)
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Avanti%20Motor%20Mounts%20HGR%203-10-10/S4020174.jpg)
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Avanti%20Motor%20Mounts%20HGR%203-10-10/S4020154.jpg)
The work in the pictures is being performed by Pat King and the crew at High Gear Ranch in Paso Robles, CA. He is a veteran Bonneville driver and builder (The Raspberry Rocket and others) and he is doing a great job of getting the car ready to race and most importantly "Safe". Although this is a Bucket List, I don't really want to die in this car. Who knows they might find a way to cure my cancer. So safety is what we are after. Here's one more picture of the car the day my friend came over and applied the lettering. I really like that he kept the original lettering theme with the additions.
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Avanti%20Work%20Day%202-19-10/DSCF1541.jpg)
So now you have the thumbnail sketch of the project. If there is any interest I will post more pictures and tell more of this amazing story of generosity and kindness. I pinch myself regularly to see if this is really happening. Everything you see has been donated in an effort to see me fill my Bucket List (hence the cars name The Bucket List Dream) and this is what makes land speed racing and the people who love it and the people who love Studebaker's some of the best people on this planet.
Chasing the Dream. Dan Sallia
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Wow!!
Thanks for posting the build pictures Dan.
I'm sure all will appreciate the passion that you are bringing to the sport. Its really impressive how the Studebaker land speed community are backing you.
Good luck at El Mirage and I'll look for you at Speed Week.
Cheers,
Scott
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Dan,
Any more pictures and info you can post will be viewed with much interest here. I remember seeing this car and the Burke family at Speedweek in the early '70's, brings back fond memories. Remember thinking then that 1/2 the remaining mid '50's Stude coupes in the world must have wound up at B'ville!
Hope things work out well for you and the Stude Family team. Stay safe, have fun, and go fast.
Ed
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Great story, I will enjoy reading about your progress. Best of luck to you, Dean
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Bravo! From one old Studie guy to another. J.B.
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Thanks for posting !
Most of all:
all the best wishes for you and your health !!!
...and all the best wishes for your project here.
Absolutely fantastic !
Please keep us posted.
PS: I've always has a soft spot for Avanti's
though I've never seen one 'live'.
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Great to hear the progress everyone is making on this car, can't wait to see it run. With the motor set back and the one picture of the cage, I'm wondering how gettin in and out works. Got any more photos?
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That's one Studebaker Charles ain't getting in.
Stan
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That's one Studebaker Charles ain't getting in.
Stan
Stan,,, you are correct,,, I don't see how anyone is going to pass an exit drill... looks very safe and strong,,, but tight !!!!
Charles (tiny Stude pilot ) :cheers: :evil: :cheers:
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Cool! Looking forward to seeing the progress and you achieving a dream.
Scott
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Quote
"looks very safe and strong,,, but tight !!!!"
Charles, I'm certain that you have dealt with "tight" at least once in your life.
FREUD
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I respect the passion to fulfill your dream. I salute the LSR people who are helping get your dream on the salt. No matter the speed achieved, you will never forget the trip, Good luck and go fast safely :cheers:
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Maybe you exit the right side(?).
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That's what I was thinkin, how bout a roof hatch? Anything in the rules say the doors have to be funtional?
Great car Dan, thanks for posting over here, need more pictures. :cheers:
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Great car & I wish you much luck.
terry
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What if the car is on the roof?
DW
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Sorry it has taken me so long to get back here. I have been distracted by the return of my cancer. They found another tumor and we have been discussing how to best treat it. It looks like radiation treatments are in my future. A lot has happened on the car. High Gear Ranch has been busy restoring the frame. The engine is being dyno'd in Modesto. I just completed the front suspension rebuild.
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Avanti%20Work%20Day%204-23-10/DSCF1777.jpg)
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Avanti%20Work%20Day%204-23-10/DSCF1778.jpg)
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Avanti%20Work%20Day%204-23-10/DSCF1780.jpg)
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Avanti%20Work%20Day%204-23-10/DSCF1781.jpg)
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Avanti%20Work%20Day%204-23-10/DSCF1783.jpg)
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Avanti%20Work%20Day%204-23-10/DSCF1784.jpg)
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Avanti%20Work%20Day%204-23-10/DSCF1787.jpg)
As for entry and exit. You enter through the right side door. The door is funtional and wide. The steering wheel is removable. The cage allows for reasonably easy exit and entry. The only issue is the distance from the seat to the door. I find I can open the door with my foot. The handle lifts up and then I don't have to bend over to open it. I am over six foot tall so bending over with the door closed is not the easiest thing to do but can be done. In an emergency you could crawl out the drivers side but it would be somewhat difficult. I haven't pracitced that yet but plan to now that I have the driving suit.
More to come soon.
Dan
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:-D Dan, good luck with your therapy. It can be beat! You will be in our prayers. also, the car is coming along ! looking forward to seeing it on the Salt soon. Crow.
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Wow, what an inspirational story. I will keep you in my prayers! Can't wait to watch the progress. See you on the Salt brother!
Chris
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Dan,
In my Prayers and in my heart!! I'll think nothing but positive thoughts for your recovery and your build! See you on the salt.
Lynda
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I want to Thank all of you for your kind words, prayers and thoughts. I am waiting word from the doctors as to when treatment will start. I told them I was available after the 16th. (El Mirage). One of my doctors is Doc Jeffries. Some of you know who he is. Record holder at El Mirage and Bonneville. I think he knew why.
This past weekend we had the car at the Morro Bay car show. It attracted a lot of attention. The car was delivered to the shop the day before the open house on Friday and the new fender skirts were delivered just as the open house began. They still had wet paint. We are not getting many "that car will never pass tech" comments since the frame was reapired and restored. The car looks solid and strong. Just have to get 300 little things finished before the 14th. Still waiting on the engine. Seems Gene Winfields engine got put in front of ours. Can you imagine. So here are some pictures from this past weekend.
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Morro%20Bay%20Car%20Show%20Saturday%205-1-10/DSCF1866.jpg)
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Morro%20Bay%20Car%20Show%20Saturday%205-1-10/DSCF1869.jpg)
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Morro%20Bay%20Car%20Show%20Saturday%205-1-10/DSCF1870.jpg)
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Morro%20Bay%20Car%20Show%20Saturday%205-1-10/DSCF1871.jpg)
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Morro%20Bay%20Car%20Show%20Saturday%205-1-10/DSCF1873.jpg)
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Morro%20Bay%20Open%20House%204-30-10/DSCF1848.jpg)
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Morro%20Bay%20Open%20House%204-30-10/DSCF1856.jpg)
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Morro%20Bay%20Open%20House%204-30-10/DSCF1853.jpg)
It is good to have the frame done and the car back on the ground and rolling. I got a nice ride around the block with the help of four young horses (Teens). I even pulled away from them on the downhill stretch. It is so nice to have the steering working like it should. Amazing what removing the rust and corrosion will do. So now we have to set up the front suspension and then the rear. Should have the engine by weeks end. Just in time for the Estella War Birds Museum and Vintage Car Show is Paso Robles. Hope to showcase High Gear Ranches excellent frame and engine mount work. Parnelli Jones will be there and I hope to get him to sign the car. Maybe we will get some more support to finish the project.
Dan
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Well more success. The car and driver are now official members of the Gold Coast Roadsters Club. By this weekend we will be registered in SCTA and BNI and will have gotten the first inspection performed on the car. While it is not race ready we are taking it down to EL Mirage to meet with some potential sponsors. While there if time permits we will have the tech officials look it over. The car has been transformed from it's rough form to a safe and solid car. We will have the engine in the car and if all goes well it will move under it's own power. Still missing the fire suppression system and belts ect. We will have the car ready for the El Mirage race on June 13th.
Last weekend we had the car on display at the 2nd annual Paso Robles "Warbirds, Wings and Wheels show. Here are few pictures.
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/DSCF1900.jpg)
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/DSCF1901.jpg)
We added 38 signatures and raised a few dollars for parts. The highlight was when Paula Murphy's son came by and I got him to sign the hood with a note about being her son. Hopefully I can add her signature soon. So to those of you going to El Mirage to dirt race look us up. I would love to meet each and every one of you.
Dan
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Hello Everyone,
Well we are disappointed but reality wins. The car is just not ready for this weekend. The engine is still on the dyno in Modesto. The car needs the engine to finish the set up. So it is not to be. We will begin work on Monday to be ready for June 13. That should give us time to make sure it is ready. So I am going to El Mirage anyway to check things out and meet people and learn. I will be sporting a black Huntsman World Senior Games jacket if warranted and a Clay Smith grey shirt after the jacket comes off along with a white safari hat. So look for me and be sure to say Hi. I will be spending most of my time with Dave Bloombergs Avanti. It's the Gold #1963 car. See you on the dirt.
Dan
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Finally found it!
After trying to figure out what was going on with the engine some good old detective work paid off. Turns out the replacement cam gear was mis marked and is off by one tooth too advanced. That explains a lot of things. Still I am amazed that Karl was able to get 400HP with the cam 13.5 degrees advanced. Keep in mind this is a 47 year old 304 CID Studebaker engine with 39,000 miles of street driving and weekend drag racing under it's belt. So when the parts arrive and the testing resumes we are looking for some respectable numbers. Then the engine comes to the Central Coast and goes back in the car for the set up of all the control systems. Then it's off to LA for an evaluation. I'll post some pictures and info as they become available.
Dan
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Sorry it has taken me so long to get back here. Been very busy with the car, Relay For Life in two weeks, fighting with my doctor, my wife has been sick. Ya, life got in the way. We have made progress with the car. Here are some photos from todays work session.
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Mike%20Howe%20Builds%20It%206-12-10/DSCF2117.jpg)
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Mike%20Howe%20Builds%20It%206-12-10/DSCF2119.jpg)
Fabricated some pipes for the cooling system.
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Mike%20Howe%20Builds%20It%206-12-10/DSCF2125.jpg)
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Mike%20Howe%20Builds%20It%206-12-10/DSCF2126.jpg)
Fabricated the passenger side exhaust system.
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Mike%20Howe%20Builds%20It%206-12-10/DSCF2132.jpg)
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Mike%20Howe%20Builds%20It%206-12-10/DSCF2129.jpg)
The drivers side exhaust.
Then started it up to hear how it sounded. Man the video doesn't do it justice but it still sounds great. It's awesome sounding in person. Not bad for an engine designed and built 47 years ago. It may have 39,000 miles on it but it's still tight and sounds very powerful. Looking forward to racing it at El Mirage on July 11. It should be a fun ride.
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Mike%20Howe%20Builds%20It%206-12-10/th_DSCF2133.jpg) (http://s125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Mike%20Howe%20Builds%20It%206-12-10/?action=view¤t=DSCF2133.mp4)
Enjoy and I'll try to keep a little more up to date.
Dan
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Great stuff.
terry
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Dan,
Glad to have a report. Thanks for posting. I know how life gets in the way. There has been a two year delay in my build. I just raised the car on the lift for the first time. Looks good underneath. Back to work topside.
Geo
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Hello Everyone,
Well it finally happened. I was able to make 1 1/2 passes at El Mirage this weekend. After a 24 hour thrash to make the tech inspectors happy we got the yellow sticker and went racing. We discovered a trans problem on the first pass. Figured it out and had a fun and challenging pass on the second. We were one of the last cars to run and the track as all marbles at the end. The car drifted left close to the cones so I let off and brought it back center. Got back on it and it slowly drifted left and wiggled a little when it hit the soft spots. Unfortunetly about 300 to 400 feet from the finish it drifted close to the cones so a backed out and coasted through the lights. Recorded a 122 and change pass. According to the data I was at 147 when I backed it down. I figured I shouldn't take the chance that the car could get loose and the car hit the lights. I figured that might make me unpopular with the SCTA guys. So we have some things to work on but a solid base. The Bonneville engine is in progress and hopefully will be ready for Speed Week. I'll keep you posted. Here's some photos from this weekend.
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Post%20El%20Mirage%20July%202010/DSCF2387.jpg)
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/El%20Mirage%20July%202010/DSCF2377.jpg)
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/El%20Mirage%20July%202010/DSCF2378.jpg)
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/El%20Mirage%20July%202010/DSCF2351.jpg)
Dan
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Great job Dan! Can't wait to look it over and watch you run at SW.
:cheers:
Dan
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Finally got a copy of a video that was shot at El Mirage. No telephoto lens but good anyways. Turn up your speakers becasue that Studebaker V8 sounds good going through the gears. Hit the rev limiter half way down (6000 rpm @150 mph) and backed of and slowly got back in it. What a blast. Can't wait for Speed Week. Need some more money to come in to go but hoping for a miracle. Like the one that got me to El Mirage.
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/El%20Mirage%20Video%20by%20Waterfall%20July%202010/th_ElMirage-July2010108.jpg) (http://s125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/El%20Mirage%20Video%20by%20Waterfall%20July%202010/?action=view¤t=ElMirage-July2010108.mp4)
Enjoy. Dan
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A local TV station di a story on my quest for speed. Check it out:
KCOY TV Santa Maria.com
Sports
Local sports stories
The Bucket List Racer
Enjoy.
Still short on funds to get to Bonneville. Stll hoping that something will happen. Would hate to think we worked this hard and sacrificed so much and not make it. The car is being prepped for paint.
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Avanti%20Paint%20Prep%20Sand%20Blasted/DSCF2441.jpg)
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Avanti%20Paint%20Prep%20Sand%20Blasted/DSCF2436.jpg)
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Avanti%20Paint%20Prep%20Sand%20Blasted/DSCF2442.jpg)
Will be primed tomorrow. Painted on Monday. Lettered on Tuesday and Wednesday. Pick it up on Friday. Work all weekend to get it ready. Engine by Wednesday. Leave for Bonnville on Thursday if money comes in. Relying on donations is rough but exciting none the less.
Dan
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Well things did not work out. We will not be going to Speed Week. The engine is not ready. Problems with the block. Hope to make it to World of Speed next month. :-(
Dan
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Dan, that's bad news, I was looking forward to seeing the car and visiting with you (if I had the time). It seems like every year I plan on seeing more people and get too busy with racing and the days seem too short.
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I agree on both points Gary. Sorry you won't make it Dan, WoS is a good event. You will enjoy the USFRA and will be able to get more runs in, cooler weather too.
It always amazes me that we are in a small community approx 5 x 3 miles in size and you cannot see everyone you know in a week.
DW
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It was so much easier when there was only one course. Everyone was in the same line.
Walk the line and if they weren't there, they were in their pits and the pits weren't a mile long.
FREUD
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Between the city at The Bend and the size of the Pit, they should both have their own zipcodes!!! :roll:
Lynda
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Dan you have done more than 99% of the world.
terry
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hop u have the handeling problem solved espically if u plan on going any faster than140mph good luck Mike :cheers:
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Just came across a box of old pictures in the shed, and found this one inside, from 1996.
(http://www.vincentstreamliner.com/images/Burke_1996.jpg)
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We DID It!!!!
We made it to World of Speed. We used a 1957 Packard (Studebaker) 289 cubic inch engine that was all original and reportedly had only 22,000 miles on it before the owner tried to race a train and lost. The block suffered some damage but was useable. The pan and valve covers were wadded up so we replaced them. New freeze plugs, replaced the cam with a used R1 cam to get an aluminum cam gear for good measure, new valve springs and all new gaskets and seals. Unfortunately we didn't want to disturb the internals so we didn't replace the head gaskets. Bad call on our part. Installed a Novi 2000 belt driven centrifugal supercharger in place of the factory McCullough. Used an R2 blow through carb and an ice water intercooler. We figured the engine could push the car to 130 or 140. A 1957 Golden Hawk similarly equipped ran 147 in '57 so that was our model. We made six runs. Once we got the tune right we saw the car exceed all our expectations running 159 miles per hour!! Everyone was very surprised and pleased to see this "used" engine run that fast. We knew going into the last run that we were pushing compression betwee en two cylinders but didn't want to go home without knowing just what it could do. The car handled extremely well. We got the front end dead nuts on. It started and ended in the groove I put it in. I was able to drive it with my finger tips and never had to make a correction. Not even when I hit the ruts at the four mile mark. It was blast to drive and the reality was everything I dreamed it would be. Awesome!!
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Opps. Forgot the pictures.
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Bonneville%202010/DSCF2817.jpg)
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Bonneville%202010/DSCF2804.jpg)
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Bonneville%202010/DSCF2773.jpg)
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Bonneville%202010/th_DSCF2754.jpg) (http://s125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Bonneville%202010/?action=view¤t=DSCF2754.mp4)
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Bonneville%202010/Incarrun066.jpg)
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Bonneville%202010/Incarrun050.jpg)
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Bonneville%202010/DSCF2823.jpg)
I want to thank all of the people who make Land Speed Racing possible. You made my battle with cancer worth the fight just to make it to Bonneville and fly down the salt. God willing I'll be back next year. Dan
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Good on ya Dan,
I hope eveything else goes as well as that meet did, 159 is haulin' but most of all you ran on the salt ...there's nothin else that comes close.
DrG
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Great story Dan! :cheers:
Lots of folks were cheering for you. I'm glad you shared your project build with us.
I wish you success in your future challenges.
Scott
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Amazing that you could run that well on an old engine like that :-o Good job :cheers:
Having lived in Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez for most of my life the pics out of the shop look like the area close to Santa Maria but it says your from Indy?
JL222
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Way to go Dan! Very inspirational! Hope to see you next year on the Salt! I'll be watching your racingstudes thread for updates!
Chris
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To answer your question, the shop that restored the car is in Paso Robles. Actually it is just out of town between Paso and San Miguel. Santa Maria is about an hour and a half away. I will be in Santa Maria tomorrow with the car as I am going to be displaying the car and sharing my story at the Cruiz'n For Life car show and cruise. If you park and get a seat on Broadway about 1PM you will see me go by in the cruise. Then the car goes back to Paso for new head gaskets and some modifications. We are planning to race the car at the last race of the year at El Mirage (El Dirto) November 13 & 14. If you are in the area stop by and say Hi. Let me know you heard about me here on Landracing.com.
Dan
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Update
The parts to fix the engine should be available tomorrow. Plan to work on it on Tuesday. If all goes well we will race at El Mirage on November 13 & 14, weather permitting. We would really like to see what this engine is capable of running on all eight. :-D
So I will post pics of the engine repair as we go.
Dan
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p56/dieselguy2006/Bonneville%202010/DSCF2817.jpg)
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Sorry it's been so long but life get's in the way. The engine has been repaired and is back in the car. Got to drive it in a parade. Slow speed but got it all the way warm. Switched to a Edelbrock 600 carb. Modified it for blow through supercharger. Switched to a bigger cam. Clay Smith 284. Sounds real lumpy and cool. Lost a little on the low end but can't wait to see how it pulls on the high end. Did some light work on the heads to improve flow and reduce the chance of detonation. If we can figure something out for a Hans device we will run it at El Mirage in May. Look for an update next month.
Dan
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Update:
The car went into the shop this week to begin work on the "Race Prep" for El Mirage on May 14 & 15. If your in the area please stop by and say Hi! I will post pictures after I go up and see the car. If you are going to the "Gas Up" at the end of the month the car will be on display. Look for the guy with the "Got Studebaker" shirt. Be sure and say Hi and let me know you heard about it here.
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Bumper sticker recently seen (two instances):
BAILOUT STUDEBAKER
Mike :cheers:
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Dan:
What an interesting story. Especially so because I grew up with the Burke family and that Avanti (a Kellison J4 Panther too) in San Gabriel. It has been over a decade since my last contact with Bill Jr. so not sure how the family is doing. Has Bill Sr. ajd Steve Burke stopped racing?
John Goodman
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I have not been following this thread until today....
All i can say is ....WOW.... you got THIS car!.... I would have loved to have owned it !!!!!!! I did inspect this car at least once at Bonneville.... Steve Burke's 2 nephews were driving it..... with a blown big-block Chevy..... I think it went mid 220s..... I remember saying that the cage was, to me, like a prison cell.... and damned near bullet proof.....
The 237+ record you referred to..... was that the one set by Mike Cook?...... and.... if I recall correctly, I inspected that car LESS than 10 years ago....
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Mike,
I want one of those stickers.
John,
I ran into Dennis Jones at the Gas Up and he told me that Bill Sr. is still alive and kicking but moving slowly these days. I guess old age has taken it's toll. Dennis told me that he is 93. As far as I can tell Steve is not involved in racing anymore.
fastman,
The car was raced from August 1963 until 2004 by the Burke family. Father, sons, grandkids, nephews and of course for 12 years by Mike Cook. The 239.208 record was set with Steve Burke at the wheel. Mike set some El Mirage records witht he car that are still on the books. I hope to find out soon if Mike what records Mike set with the car at Bonneville.
Everyone,
We were able to get the car to El Mirage in May. After making the safety crew happy I strapped my crew cheif from Bonneville into the car and he was able to get his rookie license requirements out of the way. A new induction system is being built along with a new engine for Bonneville. Hope to make it to Speed Week.