Guys, I cannot thank you enough for the help.

Kevin and Garrett drove 150 miles to deliver a part for my trailer.

Neil stops by every evening and asks if he can help. He has been a HUGE help in telling us where to find stores and eateries.

Thanks guys ...

Julie, Nick, etc. It's great to meet you again and for the first time.

The Gecko-mobile pictures posted on here do NOT do it justice. The car needs to be seen.

Nah, we drove 150 miles to hang out for the evening, we just happened to bring some trailer parts along with us. It's good to see you guys and if I lived as close as Neil, I'd stop out every night too! (wishing I was closer to the track)

Well, it's really very easy for me to stop by. And I hang around with two fat guys at work every day. They have taught me where all the good eating spots are.

Hey Mitch & Glenn, no worries guys. With as much internet BS as is thrown back and forth, it's good to put faces with names. I'm actually heading up right now to hang out and lend a hand. I'll shoot you a pm with my cell and email address (my phone gets both).

You are at the nationals and you broke the TRAILER?????

Let's hope it stays at that!

Think SPEC trailer Randy.

well it didnt end at that. we 'sploded a clutch disc in my car today in the 2nd practice.
1.5 hours and it was swapped. didnt miss any track time.

Damn! I was feeling good about 2 hours for a transmission with people handing me tools.

When I did a clutch/trans at Mid-Ohio, it was on a grass hill, getting dark, and it took me 6 hours.

Stopped by this afternoon and everyone had left already. Just as well, as I really need to get the GTI running now. I blew some of the rubber parts of the Alfa's driveshaft yesterday. Still moveable but can not be trusted. I have no choice but have to drive the Tahoe for now (busted reverse (sungear shell) and all)). See you all on Friday afternoon!

nape, that also included looking around for someonw who could weld aluminum. i had a couple hands in it w/ me.

Uh oh.....cracked the "Bell housing" eh? I have a TISSUE PAPER bell housing in about 10 pieces myself.....

Better luck....and take it easy on the poor clutch huh?

I give a pretty good round of applause if I do say so myself!

I'll see you guys tomorrow night. Sorry I missed the fun today.

I really wish I could get a scatter shield for an LT1 T56 for my car......

They make one......was in GM High Tech a few months ago....forgot who made it.....

Really? For the LT1 version?

I've seen a kevlar scatter blanket that attaches to the bellhousing bolts. I don't think it's SFI approved, but using kevlar to stop or slow shrapnel isn't exactly a radical idea either, if it's designed well.

Yes.....I have laid eyes on it.....I will search for it......

F Body REAL Bell Housing

WOOHOO!

Looks like you have to do some converting of clutch parts to LS1 style now, but they are "working on" a bolt in LT1 kit due out soon......

Doesnt matter for me, my Quartermaster race clutch set up just needs a hole to put the lines in......

And the whole kit is only $1920 plus freight. Bummer.

I think I'm still looking to buy a Richmond 5 speed.....

$425 for the Bell....

It requires a conversion hydraulic throw out bearing ($325-ish) and their clutch kit ($1300-ish). I don't know if a standard clutch will fit and I can't use just the bell..... I guess it's better than nothing. If you go to that link and click the options and grab the stuff you need from the drop downs, it's $1920.

They do say that they have a Bell for a BOLT IN LT1 in the works.....perhaps in a few months....

From another forum:

"Just got of the phone with Billy at McLeod, and he said that they just sent off a prototype lt1 bellhousing to be reproduced,yesterday. He said look for them around 6 months from now. They will be the same price as the old 8710-15, because it will replace the 8710-15. It will be a direct bolt in replacement, so No More Converting to ls1 push style. "

Where did you see that at? Any idea where I could find them? I searched google and Summit and found shields for autos and blankets for manual transmissions, but I didn't see anything for the bellhousing.

Call Stroud, they will build/make you one (or they used to, unless something has changed). Tell them what you need and they'll let you know what it will cost. As I remember, it wasn't too terribly expensive.

Agreed - The Kevlar blanket will be very light, vs a steel bellhousing which will be very heavy.

I gotta ask (since you got me thinking about it), will the kevlar burn?

Good question ;-) The Wiki says at 450deg C it sublimates (solid to gas phase change) and duPont claims Flame Resistant and Self-Extinguishing: http://www2.dupont.com/Kevlar/en_US/tech_info/index.html

I had considered a blanket a while back as I'm always weary of such things. However, I wouldnt' be as much concerned with the kevlar itself burning as its ability to soak up and hold oil should a leak occure and then catch fire....

Just got back from the 2400 mile one way tow from Mid Ohio last nite! I had such a blast I cannot say how much! I'll do a race report later. I did want to sincerely thank Kevin, Garrett and Neil for their invaluable assistance and hospitality. FRRAXERs are the BEST!!!!!

You're very welcome Julie. I'm glad you made the trip and it's good to hear that you made it home safely. 2,400 miles is a pretty serious drive.

No problem Julie, anytime!

Cool, glad to hear you made the trip safely!