Re: 1966 OLDS 442
Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2021 7:31 am
59457 ... I changed the oil and lubed all the grease points on 4/11/20. A little over 2000 miles on the
oil since last change. It looked normal in the drain pan, nothing new to report. There was also plenty
of grease in all the tie rods/ball joints, some only requiring a half pump before I heard the sound of
grease moving out under pressure. This was done so I could have a fresh oil change before hitting TRP yesterday.
I was pretty nervous that the car might not finish the quarter with the 3.90 gears in it after driving
in a bit on the street, but time came to test it out. The track had suffered three days of rain and cold
weather prior to yesterday. It’s really hard on the staff when that happens. Photo cells were failing and
the track prep took some time. These factors, coupled with it being the first test and tune of the year
( decent amount of racers on hand ) made for a long day in the low 40’s temps. We only got to put down
3 passes before we all left. I would’ve stayed longer for more if the flow of cars was faster, but we all
felt it was time to go when we did. My first pass was a 13.65, 60’ 2.19 @ 104.53. I was kind of ok with
that since I spun like crazy at the line. My second pass I modified my launch technique and had a 2.21
60’ time. I blew the 2-3 shift so I idled across the line. My final pass I finally got a launch that I felt
pretty good. I put down my best of 13.42, 60’ 2.00 @ 104.19. It was a best by .05. My speed was up
all day by a MPH or two, which I feel may have been attributed to a slight tailwind.
What I learned from the whole experiment with the 3.90’s. 1) The car is DONE at the stripe with
the 3.90’s. 5500 right at the traps. Ideal for drag racing. 2) Wheel hop is gone. I can hammer on it as
much as I like and I might spin both wheels, but my work paid off and I don’t have to listen to the banging
of a hopping axle anymore. 3) Driving at 60 mph with the 3.90’s is NOT fun without overdrive and I’ll
soon be switching out to the 3.23 for this summer’s drivability. 4) Not sure if the investment in a 5 speed
is really worth the work and dollars for the minimal gains I got from the 3.90. I’ll continue to ponder the
swap and research it a bit more, but I really thought that I’d be in the 13.1’s or 2’s with that gear set up.
I have time to think on it, that would be a “next year” project if anything.
GM
oil since last change. It looked normal in the drain pan, nothing new to report. There was also plenty
of grease in all the tie rods/ball joints, some only requiring a half pump before I heard the sound of
grease moving out under pressure. This was done so I could have a fresh oil change before hitting TRP yesterday.
I was pretty nervous that the car might not finish the quarter with the 3.90 gears in it after driving
in a bit on the street, but time came to test it out. The track had suffered three days of rain and cold
weather prior to yesterday. It’s really hard on the staff when that happens. Photo cells were failing and
the track prep took some time. These factors, coupled with it being the first test and tune of the year
( decent amount of racers on hand ) made for a long day in the low 40’s temps. We only got to put down
3 passes before we all left. I would’ve stayed longer for more if the flow of cars was faster, but we all
felt it was time to go when we did. My first pass was a 13.65, 60’ 2.19 @ 104.53. I was kind of ok with
that since I spun like crazy at the line. My second pass I modified my launch technique and had a 2.21
60’ time. I blew the 2-3 shift so I idled across the line. My final pass I finally got a launch that I felt
pretty good. I put down my best of 13.42, 60’ 2.00 @ 104.19. It was a best by .05. My speed was up
all day by a MPH or two, which I feel may have been attributed to a slight tailwind.
What I learned from the whole experiment with the 3.90’s. 1) The car is DONE at the stripe with
the 3.90’s. 5500 right at the traps. Ideal for drag racing. 2) Wheel hop is gone. I can hammer on it as
much as I like and I might spin both wheels, but my work paid off and I don’t have to listen to the banging
of a hopping axle anymore. 3) Driving at 60 mph with the 3.90’s is NOT fun without overdrive and I’ll
soon be switching out to the 3.23 for this summer’s drivability. 4) Not sure if the investment in a 5 speed
is really worth the work and dollars for the minimal gains I got from the 3.90. I’ll continue to ponder the
swap and research it a bit more, but I really thought that I’d be in the 13.1’s or 2’s with that gear set up.
I have time to think on it, that would be a “next year” project if anything.
GM