Driving on Big Willow was the best way to spend my birthday! On my third time ever on that track, I managed a 1:53:36 topping out at 125 MPH on the front stretch. So far my tune is still spot on (within 2% total), as the baro was around 26.50 (temp was around 95 degrees). It was a blast to drive and much more fun (for me) then The Streets of Willow. The SS did overheat as I was pushing the WOT areas, guess I will need a bigger radiator and relocate my trans cooler. The day didn't go without it's snags. My buddy with an EVO lost a V-Clamp for his wastegate, so he was running pretty much N/A and quit early. And for us, we have developed a (noise) "problem" with our streering. I will address these issues and others and by cooler days, I will hit the open track events again. I may even invest into some track only brake setup and race tires.

Below are links to some pictures (first four are proffesional, the last two my wife took) and a video compilation I made with my in-car camera setup and my wife video taping from the paddock. Enjoy!

Video

Isn't Willow Springs fun!?! I really enjoy that track. Streets is fun, but I don't really enjoy it in heavy cars like the F-Body. Redline doesn't make you run numbers?

The video download was only ~700 KB, which makes me think that the upload to the server failed. I'm curious to see it.

Jason

Sounds like you had a great time, now your "whine" is the power steering pump(good chance) so look into a Turnone pump or bigtime underdrive pullys. I don't think it would be a good idea to move your trans cooler, so maybe a bigger rad. Or try sealing the rad off and a few mods to the airdam like this.....(it really does work wonders)

I use a 3" piece of "plastic cardboard" with small bolts/washers now
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/fir...ne/DSC00776.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/fir...ne/DSC00775.jpg
and seal the rad side's off
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/fir...ne/DSC00818.jpg

video link no workie

Sorry about the link fellas, I guess I must have cut the link short. It is fixed now.

JKnight, I agree completely. It is much more fun to toss around this big heavy F-Body on Big Willow vs SOW. I think of myself as a good driver on the turns, but I am not skilled enough for SOW ... yet.

firehawkclone, the sound is not a whine, although the PS fluid did boil over. It is more of a thud/clunk after a dead stop and the wheel is turned. I am going to inspect the suspension for loosened hardware, then loctite and retorque it. I may just leave the trans cooler alone as you suggested, the trans never got above 198 degrees, but the coolant spiked over 250 degrees! I looked for the SLP radiator and I can no longer find it, it must have been discontinued. Any other radiator brand you guys recommend? I will look at you ducting links, I may put those ides to work.

The SLP rad is just a lt1 unit. Check your caster bushings, it's the rear bushing on the front lower a-arm's. Run a search on PS & rad here, and you will find everything you need to know on it.

Hey George, How the hell have you been?

Happy blated b-day. Willows is a fun track, I have not been on it in several years now. I just remeber that Monroe hill turn 6 as being scary as hell. The Vette would lift the front tires coming over that and. I ran a 1:27 on it on BFG R1 RR compounds. My straightaway speed was over 150 - heck I did 134 in the 1/4 on street tires at LACR back in 1989 at a 10.89- scary fast for a car that still sees street use today.

Email me if you and the lady come down to Irwindale for sat night races. I am crewchiefing on a supertruck currently.

Dean- Sakeed123@aol.com

Dean! How's it going, I didn't know you were on here as well. I will talk to the Mrs. and see what we can do. We will possibly bring our little one with us, he is just 10 weeks old right now.

Somehow I can already visualise the Top Fuel tricycle. Congradulations to you both and the new addition.