Monday, November 15, 2021

Looks like a dangerous place to sit

 


8 comments:

  1. The main danger was if the motor or trans exploded. There wasn't enough traction to endanger the rear end. I sat in a similar one only it had an 8 3/4" Chrysler rear end but the seat didn't have any padding. Fire suit, fire boots, gloves, respirator mask, helmet and goggles. Very uncomfortable on a 90 degree day.

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    1. I've shredding differentials before, but yeah, they don't blow up. Not like a clutch with pieces of it flinging about and embedding in the asphalt. I've also assisted with cleanup by pulling piston rods from the tarmac. Fun times. Expensive failures.

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    2. I blew one up in the lights one time and couldn't see for oil and water on my goggles. I came safely to a stop after I ran over a couple of pistons [or what was left of them]. It took out the center four cylinders from the oil pan rails to the bottom of the heads. Had a connecting rod or maybe several, break.

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  2. I'm assuming there's some wild linkage set-up for the steering, otherwise the steering shaft would run straight thru the engine block. Also, is there even a transmission? Or just straight shaft from the clutch to the differential? Maybe a 2-speed diff?

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    1. It's called Funny Car Steering. The steering shaft goes to a 90 degree gearbox, a shaft extends out to the left side to a bellcrank and then through a series of linkage rods to the front end where another bellcrank moves a pair of drag links to the front wheels. Ok going forward, but shaky as hell if you back up too fast.

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  3. This configuration is why Don Garlits created the rear engine dragster. He lost part of a foot when the clutch/flywheel disintegrated on a "slingshot" configured dragster.

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