It has been a while and we need to get this board rolling again! So A few updates on the nova, nothing new on the mustang for now as I promised my other half that I would not spend any money on it until this winter, my bank account can hardly wait, lol. Anyways, I had not been out much with the nova, but figured earlier this year that dragweek was something to do again. I installed a new converter last month, but had not really done any testing on it. Figured I would one and done at the first track(national trail) and was rewarded with a nice 9.16@147. this was the fastest pass so far with the stockish 5.3. Left that afternoon with a leasurly 270+ mile drive up to Norwalk.
My intent was another one and done with a small raise in the launch rpm to hopefully leave on more boost, no such luck. It left ok with a 1.39 60 foot, but just was not making any power and only ran a 10.16. checked the data log, low boost. I took apart the manual boost controller and found a piece of trash, cleaned it out and went back to the lanes. The second pass and she left way better and was on a pass until @1100 feet and I felt it lay over, crap! I quickly scanned the rear mirror, DEATH SMOKE!! All I could think of and kept repeating in my head was please don't oil the tires, please don't oil the tires. I safely made it to the turnoff and it was hardly running so I turned it off. I got a tow back to the pits and promptly pulled the plugs starting on the drivers side as they are easier to get to. #1 looked ok, just wet, #3 had a bent electrode, #7 was fine but a little wet as well. #5, well it wouldn't come out at first, PROBLEM! Seems something large hit #5 and it was now oval shaped, not positive. I stuck a camera in #5 and it looked pretty bad, spun the motor over and the piston didn't move. Needless to say, the end of dragweek 2016 due to a broken rod. Best guess is it pulled apart, I have yet to pull the head and do any other investigation and have already started on a new power plant. Another 5.3, just with a forged rotating assembly, pistons should be here tomorrow. I have gone back and checked the data log on that pass and everything looks good up to that point in the run, so I guess that rod just reached the end of it's life. The time slip was a 1.36 60 foot, 5.7x@120 to 1/8th and 9.06@147 at the stripe, should of been a nice high 8 second pass.
I will download some pics of the plug when I get a chance and some of the internal carnage once I pull it apart. I also have a video from inside on the first day I will try and upload. In the other lane was none other than Larry Dixion the Top fuel Driver. Kind of nice to be able to say that I beat him, but then again, he finished the week and I didn't.
Nova update
Moderator: John_Heard
- ytnova
- Posts: 735
- Joined: Fri Oct 28, 2005 9:21 am
- Location: orlando, florida/ under a hood
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Nova update
I am not really sure what the question is, but I am pretty sure the answer is Big Block.
Re: Nova update
Dang, sorry to hear about this Hope it hasn't eaten too much up inside the motor. Post pix when you get it apart...
1969 ProStreet Camaro RS Best 9.75@139 1.46 60'
Blown 427 BBC, TH400 w/Brake, Back-Half Ladderbar
Narrowed 12-Bolt, 4.10 Gears, Spool, Moser 33 Spline
http://www.marsh-racing.com/harrys_camaro-1.htm
Blown 427 BBC, TH400 w/Brake, Back-Half Ladderbar
Narrowed 12-Bolt, 4.10 Gears, Spool, Moser 33 Spline
http://www.marsh-racing.com/harrys_camaro-1.htm
Re: Nova update
That sucks man. Hopefully you can get back up and running soon!
73 Vette, moly back half
Pump gas 496
Two Pro Systems 950's
Chance 6000 converter
Pump gas 496
Two Pro Systems 950's
Chance 6000 converter
- John_Heard
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Re: Nova update
Sorry about the bad luck, hopefully the new build goes well.
My 1971 X275 Nova | Facebook
- Bruce69Camaro
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Re: Nova update
Sorry to hear that. Looks like we both got the same illness......
Those who think they know it all have no way of finding out they don't.........
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