SSHS6 - Are the Marauders coming?

[sailsmen]

[QUOTE=merc;437777]Holy Cow, I just read this information. I need a drive shaft loop now.

OEM production line all-wheel-drive vehicles permitted. Drive shaft loop required on all cars running 13.99 (*8.59) or quicker (except vehicles running 13.00 (*8.14) or slower cars equipped with street tires.) See General Regulations 2.4.

general regulations except street tires slower than 11.5, check NHRA web site.

[merc]

well we went to the track this past sunday just to mess around. and what do ya know? the track lock breaks and locks the rear up. so now i have to do a rear end rebuild in a couple days to try and make it down there.

we'll be there tho. no biggy. if worst comes to worst we'll swap the rear out of the beater marauder to get there. we'll just lose the 4.30 and be back at 3.55.

Holy Cow, glad to see you have an answer to the question.

[Glenn]

Mr. Glassman:

I guess you and Marty will be the only MM "Big Dogs" at SSHS6 running into the 10s??

Glenn

[martyo]

Mr. Glassman:

I guess you and Marty will be the only MM "Big Dogs" at SSHS6 running into the 10s??

GlennWhere's Jerry?

[FordNut]

Where's Jerry?

Good question, I haven't seen him post lately. Hope he's still coming.

[prchrman]

Where's Jerry?

Yeah...he was throwing down some serious whoop...it would be nice to see 2 MMs come up the big dog bracket to meet in the finals...yes...willie

[prchrman]

OBTW...didn't Dennis R. say he was gonna be dair?...is u dennis?

[shakes_26]

Where's Jerry?

No worries man, he's on the way....:rasta:

[FordNut]

OBTW...didn't Dennis R. say he was gonna be dair?...is u dennis?

Last time I spoke with him he said he would be there. Not sure if he's back from vacation yet.

[Paul T. Casey]

Holy Cow, I just read this information. I need a drive shaft loop now.

OEM production line all-wheel-drive vehicles permitted. Drive shaft loop required on all cars running 13.99 (*8.59) or quicker (except vehicles running 13.00 (*8.14) or slower cars equipped with street tires.) See General Regulations 2.4.

On any car in which the driver sits over or in back of the rearend center section, a suitable protective shield of .120-inch (3 mm) minimum thickness steel plate must be installed for those units with universal joints securely mounted to the rearend center section and the bellhousing adapter. Where possible, couplers are recommended in place of U-joints. For straight couplers, the minimum requirement is .063-inch (1.6 mm) aluminium which must contain an inspection cover for removal and inspection of the coupler, securely mounted to the rearend center section and the bellhousing adapter, or as noted in Class Requirements. In place of a crossmember, in the vicinity of the front universal joint, all cars in competition using open driveshafts, must have a retainer loop 360-degrees of enclosure, 1/4-inch (6.35 mm) minimum thickness and 2-inches (5.1 cm) wide, or 7/8-inch (22.2 mm) x .065-inch (1.65 mm) welded steel tubing, securely mounted and located within 6-inches (15.2 cm) of the front universal joint f or support of the driveshaft in event of U-joint failure. Recommended the loop be round rather than oblong to minimize loading on loop. Open drivelines passing any part of the drivers body must be completely enclosed in 1/8-inch (3.2 mm) minimum thickness steel plate, securely mounted to the frame or frame structure.

This mod should be on everyone's list, whether you race or not. We bought these cars with the full intention of "using" them. U joints are the weak link in the system. Now I seriously doubt that if you break one you'd "pogo stick" down the highway, but I'd be willing to bet you'd cause hunderds if not thousands of dollars worth of damage to the underside of your car. Looking at replacing exhaust, and beating out all the floorpan dents as a minimum. I got the Metco unit as soon as it became available through the dilligent efforts of one of our members here.

[merc]

This mod should be on everyone's list, whether you race or not. We bought these cars with the full intention of "using" them. U joints are the weak link in the system. Now I seriously doubt that if you break one you'd "pogo stick" down the highway, but I'd be willing to bet you'd cause hunderds if not thousands of dollars worth of damage to the underside of your car. Looking at replacing exhaust, and beating out all the floorpan dents as a minimum. I got the Metco unit as soon as it became available through the dilligent efforts of one of our members here.

I was at Metco's home office in Anderson S.C today to have the drive loop installed, a custom one made for my car. Now my transmission is having problems and is currently at Team Ford for repair. SSHS6 looks like a spectator sport for me. :mad: Oh another note, Paul my drive shaft will not fall to the ground if all of my U joints failed. My X pipe protects me from the sort of problem. The drive shaft loop is only for show and Tech inspections.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/2/3/8/DSC02825.jpg

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/2/3/8/DSC02828.jpg

[FordNut]

I was at Metco's home office in Anderson S.C today to have the drive loop installed. Now my transmission is having problems and is currently at Team Ford for repair. SSHS6 looks like a spectator sport for me. :mad: Oh another note, Paul my drive shaft will not fall to the ground if all of my U joints failed. My X pipe protects me from the sort of problem. The drive shaft loop is only for show and Tech inspections.

It won't drop to the pavement but it will whip around and beat the hell out of the floor pans and driveshaft tunnel if you don't have a loop. What's up with the tranny? I know where you can get another stocker in good condition to stick in it until you can get yours built.

[merc]

It won't drop to the pavement but it will whip around and beat the hell out of the floor pans and driveshaft tunnel if you don't have a loop. What's up with the tranny? I know where you can get another stocker in good condition to stick in it until you can get yours built.

The transmission is making girding noises and I can't accelerate without heavy vibration. It's currently at Team Ford. I will have additional details in the morning. You can call me on my cell 202-262-5855 in the A.M.

[Blown3.8]

Well the spare rear end is in so we are on for some racing. be leaving friday at 2pm should put us there at 10pm or so.

was the trans messed up before or after the loop install? maybe the shaft wasn't bolted up properly. Hope your trans gets fixed, MArk.

Will race fuel be availible at the track?

[FordNut]

Will race fuel be availible at the track?

Yes........

[Blown3.8]

one more ? can we remove the front passenger seat? or is that against the rules?

[LeadSSled]

one more ? can we remove the front passenger seat? or is that against the rules?

As long as you meet the minimum weight requirement of 4000 lbs. including the driver, you can remove as much weight as you want - including the passenger seat.

[merc]

Game on and car fixed. Time to BBQ some Impala steaks.

[Hotrauder]

Glad it worked out ok, Merc. Looking forward to meeting you. Dennis:beer:

[LeadSSled]

Time to BBQ some Impala steaks.

I managed to recruit a few Mopar hemis as well, so its looks like we'll have a smorgasbord ready for you. Glad you got your car fixed.

[BigKahuna13]

Hey hey hey sorry I didn't participate in this thread, just catching up now.

Not sure who is coming this year, maybe some of the Marauders can in fact take the title....

NOT! :)

Can't wait to see youse guys again, we drove about 500 miles last night from New Yawk to Roanoke, VA and will be getting in about 4pm today after our traditional stop at Hooters outside Clemson U about 1pm-ish...

Like I said you MAY have a shot this year. Even though the Impala record has been dropped a few times already this year (it's currently 9.39 at 149+ MPH) the Combination Motorsports Pig will NOT be there this year. I have heard RUMORS of a certain low 9 second high 8 second Caprice Wagon that will be there but nothing to be worried about I am sure :) . So you boy's better bring it!

Anyone who has never attended don't be scared off if you aren't a 12 sec car or faster. It's all about the celebration of the big boats going fast. It's also awesome to watch the fast cars go down the track whether or not you are a Ford or Chevy nut. As long as a Mopar doesn't win right? hehehehe

Plus there are brackets races and grudge matches and lots of other fun stuff.

Look me up and say hello, I'll be the good looking fella in car Lucky 13. I didn't bring the big block ZZ502 Impala because we had a terrible day at the track on Wednesday at ETown but I will be there tearing up the brackets in my 13 second daily driver SS.

Hope to see a lot of "walk ups" tomorrow.

Safe travels!

Peace, love, and horsepower,

Bill

[Blown3.8]

Hey Kahuna! I heard you had a little truble with a V6 Thunderbird in roanoke. Or maybe somebody from your crew. That was one of my buddies from our T-Bird club. I should Bring mine down there.... we'll see. Been real busy gettin the Marauder ready for the show after a broken rear last sunday.

See Ya'll down there! We are leaving at 11am now. Bout 7 or 8 hours for us.

[LeadSSled]

Game on and car fixed. Time to BBQ some Impala steaks.

Well, how did you enjoy your Impala steaks? :D

Thanks for a great Marauder turnout! You were a big part of making this a successful event. Successful enough that we've tentatively scheduled SSHS& for November 3rd 2007. Mark your calendars!

[merc]

Well, how did you enjoy your Impala steaks? :D

Thanks for a great Marauder turnout! You were a big part of making this a successful event. Successful enough that we've tentatively scheduled SSHS& for November 3rd 2007. Mark your calendars!

They taste like chicken with VHT sauce. The turnout was great, but taking a lunch break at the track, please explain. See ya next year and thanks for setting up the event. :beer:

[LeadSSled]

but taking a lunch break at the track, please explain.

That stipulation is a track requirement. As part of our contract with Atlanta Dragway, their crew gets a lunch break. While the spectators had a lot of "downtime" while the carnage was being cleaned up, the track staff was working their butts off. They deserve lunch too.

See ya next year!

[glassman99]

Good job Leadsled!! One suggestion for next year...prohibit anyone from driving through the water area. This will help the traction issues that we expierenced this year.

[LeadSSled]

Good job Leadsled!! One suggestion for next year...prohibit anyone from driving through the water area. This will help the traction issues that we expierenced this year.


The other thing that hurt is that some people do their burnout in the water box. All that does is sling water up inside the wheel well allowing it to drip onto the track as the car rolls to the line. We really ought to hold a mandatory driver's meeting before the event to cover these points. Thanks for the suggestion - I'll pass it along.

[sailsmen]

Thanks for a great event.:banana2:

Could the Big Dogs go after all the other classes have finished for the day so we can all get to watch them?:D

Have you thought about South Georgia Motor Sports, they have a concrete track?

Thanks again for a great event.

[LeadSSled]

Could the Big Dogs go after all the other classes have finished for the day so we can all get to watch them?:D

I think they did it that way last year. I'm not sure how or why the order got changed. All I can do is pass the feedback along. But consider that done.


Have you thought about South Georgia Motor Sports, they have a concrete track?

It's a "proximity thing". The core group of GASSIT people that are doing all of the legwork are in the North Atlanta area. Logistically, they cannot work as well with a track that is in South GA.

I know that there were some complaints about traction. But the traction was good enough that there were at least 3 cars with broken rear ends. I walked the track too and it was like flypaper. It wanted you to leave your shoes behind. The biggest issue was the very cold track temperatures in the early morning. I don't think a concrete track would help that situation.

The reality is that a good number of you folks are making enough power that using drag radials is a marginal traction solution. I bet if you made the move to full drag slicks, you would fare better. Mine is not a 10-second car, so I know it isn't the same. But I made an early pass (9:30 AM) with Mickey Thompson ET Drag slicks and ran a 12.42 @ 110 mph with a 1.732 60-foot time. It did require a 10-second 2nd gear burnout to warm the tires, but I didn't have any problems hooking all day with the M/T slicks. Jeff Green put down a 9.63 @146 mph pass at 11:00 AM. Anyway, that's my 2 cents.

[shakes_26]

Terry, we had a blast, great fun hanging with you guys and the after party at the Hampton wasn't too shabby. Yeah, blenders, picnic table setup. Hey we even converted one of the Impala guys...well almost he sold his Caprice and has a P71 Vic, retired trooper car I think. So we also had a lightshow!!!

I agree with the drivers meeting, or at least a handout sheet for the drivers so they know the basics. Remember many new racers out there....might be nice to have a drag radial class/street tire class sort of split. I know too many classes and its a pain....

[LeadSSled]

Could the Big Dogs go after all the other classes have finished for the day so we can all get to watch them?:D

Let me try this again as I think I misunderstood your question the first time. It is not practical to have the Big Dogs run ALL of their passes after everyone else is finished. Especially with those high-horsepower cars, it is not fair to make them hot lap their equipment. They have timed the running of the Big Dog eliminations to allow an adequate cool-down period between rounds. So the reality is that if you are racing, you are going to miss seeing some of the racing action. And depending on where you are in the queue, you may miss some big dog action. They normally do run the big dog final after everyone else and that is what I tried to say in my first response to your question.

[Tyrone Minto]

I was going to MVIV (MI to FLA)and made a last minute attempt to stop by your event. Bottom line, I finally found the track at 6:10pm.
It was great to run with the crowd to town. Hope to get my Marauder into the 11s in Gainsville. I still drive my 94 Impala with 190k every month.
I will sure try to make it next year.

[LeadSSled]

Terry, we had a blast, great fun hanging with you guys and the after party at the Hampton wasn't too shabby. Yeah, blenders, picnic table setup. Hey we even converted one of the Impala guys...well almost he sold his Caprice and has a P71 Vic, retired trooper car I think. So we also had a lightshow!!!

I'm glad you had a great time. We like to hang out with the marauder folks too - a great bunch. Yes, there is always some good-natured rivalry, but the reality is that we are all "big car fanatics" and that is a pretty tight fraternity.


might be nice to have a drag radial class/street tire class sort of split. I know too many classes and its a pain....

That's really what it boils down too - they have been trying to keep the number of classes down to make it more manageable. We really are just a bunch of amatuers trying to put together a fun event without taking the fun out of it for the workers/organizers.

[DEFYANT]

Good times, thanks for the invite.

+1 as written above. :)

[XXL-VETE]

I know I don’t post over here a lot, but could you please stop deleting me .. :( :o LOL .. I know I’m not a trouble maker or a troll .. I hate having to reregister ever year ,,, PLEASE !!!! ??? :burnout:
<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p> </o:p>
First off, I can’t tell you how impressed I was with the Marauder turnout … AWESOME …. And the fact that next weekend is your national event; “Holy Bat**** Robin !!!” I was sorry to see so much carnage this year … Don’t like to see that no matter what you drive. We’ve all been there done that. { Mine is still down from last year } I had one small complaint; why weren’t you guy staying at the host hotel .. I had a blast hanging with a bunch of Marauder guys last year, I miss that this year .. they were still renting room to none race people this year ( I hate that ) so next year book you room EARLY!!! You can always cancel it the day of the event by <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:time Hour="18" Minute="0">6:00 pm</st1:time>. If for some reason you can’t make it, and we’ll have no problem putting a racer in that room .. other than that .. Great Job guys !! you’re making ground up fast .. don’t forget .. we had a 9 year head start .. keep bringing the heat .. you might just find out if “Impala Steak” does taste like Chicken .. ;) LOL .. <o:p></o:p>
You guys weren’t on our forum much this year .. ( I missed that too ) and I was saving this pic just for the right moment .. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
If you can’t run with the big DAWGS .. stay on the porch .. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
http://f10.putfile.com/7/18610394213.jpg <o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
Again .. AWESOME job guys .. AWESOME turn out … <o:p></o:p>

See you all next year !!

Kenny

[Paul T. Casey]

Excellent picture XXL. Good message too. I gotta agree with Terry also on the traction "issues." I had a great time, can't wait for the next one. How about giving up the web addresses for the Impala sites (or would that be SSiteSS). I for one would like to get the winners perspective.

[prchrman]

www.impalaclub.com

[LeadSSled]

How about giving up the web addresses for the Impala sites (or would that be SSiteSS). I for one would like to get the winners perspective.

Check out the Racing section of the Impala SS forum. There are several threads about SSHS6 there:
LINK! (http://impalassforum.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=forum;f=11; hardset=;start_point=;DaysPrun e=)

[BigKahuna13]

They taste like chicken with VHT sauce. The turnout was great, but taking a lunch break at the track, please explain. See ya next year and thanks for setting up the event. :beer:

Hey guys. Not sure if there was much Impala being eaten, and it sure doesn't taste like chicken. This was a hands down Impala slam dunk for some reason this year (I think I know why but I'll get to that later).

This year the Impala's won Class A (14.00 and slower), Class B (13.00-13.99), Class C (12.99 and faster), King of the Hill, and the Big Dog. Most of the races had Impala v Impala in the finals. What happened this year?

Here is Smitty's 9.71 at 138 pass vs Area 51 Performances 10.83 at 125. Nice shot, huh?
http://www.blackout.nu/2006pics/Santa%20Pod%202006/BigDogFinal2006BIG700.jpg

http://render2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6%3DzqH%3Axx qUD7qRUrKxzX7BHpUUKxgXP0G%3F87 KR6xqpxQQPoxP0nxeP0xv8uOc5xQQQ oaeeele00JqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqq y7XH6gXP0G%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442

http://render2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6%3DzqH%3Axx qUD7qRUrKxzX7BHpUUKxgXP00%3F87 KR6xqpxQQPoxP0nxeP0xv8uOc5xQQQ oaeeele0onqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqq y7XH6gXP00%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442


I think I know what happened. For the first time all y'all have been getting fast. Scary fast. And you know what happens when you get fast? You BREAK! Now the Impala guys have been fast and have been breaking for years, so we are at the point where we have mostly learned what will be reliable and what won't hold up.

The Marauder guys are still at that stage where you are building powerful drivetrains and now you are learning all the little annoying things that break like axles and motors. The two most dramatic breakdowns of the day were fast Marauders.

http://render2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6%3DzqH%3Axx qUD7qRUrKxzX7BHpUUKxgXP0o%3F87 KR6xqpxQQPoxP0nxeP0xv8uOc5xQQQ oaaQonaPaoqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqq y7XH6gXP0o%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442

http://render2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6%3DzqH%3Axx qUD7qRUrKxzX7BHpUUKxgXPon%3F87 KR6xqpxQQPoxP0nxeP0xv8uOc5xQQQ oaaQonaPa0qpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqq y7XH6gXPon%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442

http://render2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6%3DzqH%3Axx qUD7qRUrKxzX7BHpUUKxgXP0G%3F87 KR6xqpxQQPoxP0nxeP0xv8uOc5xQQQ oaaQ0QJJnPqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqq y7XH6gXP0G%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442

The other Marauder, the Trilogy car, was the one that caused the big delay. What a mess! Synthetic oil takes triple the time and work to clean up.

I know some of you were complaining about the slippery starting line, and to be honest it stunk. The cold weather was a factor but I race all over the east coast and that was horrible. BUT...after that Trilogy Marauder broke they cleaned up the track AND prepped the starting line the proper way. So when the actual eliminations began the starting line was hooking BIGTIME. Almost hooking too good, I beat the tar out of that nice 4 cams two tone Marauder and just to make sure I didn't break out I lifted and then stood on the brakes (my usual trap speed in brackets is about 101 MPH and I trapped 87 MPH) and still broke out running 13.544 on a 13.55 dial. I raised my dial to allow for some spin and got none. Oh well, it happens.

Anyway, keep at it, you are a great bunch of guys and we all have the same goal. To make these big boats go fast. Not a one of us has any common sense because if we did we'd be racing Mustangs and Camaro's or other cars 1000 lbs lighter, right?

Those hard launches take their toll, but you are all learning the hard way like we did. As Kenny said, we had a 9 year head start on figuring this stuff out. Once you get 11 secs and faster it's no longer the power you generate but how you get it to the ground without breaking things!
http://render2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6%3DzqH%3Axx qUD7qRUrKxzX7BHpUUKxgXP0l%3F87 KR6xqpxQQPoxP0nxeP0xv8uOc5xQQQ oaao0PaJPnqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqq y7XH6gXP0l%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442

See you guys next year, right? Remember, the Big Dog ain't always the fastest, but it's the car that goes round after round without breaking.

This years winner went 9.71 at 138 but another Impala went 9.61 at 146 in time trials but couldn't make the call for the semi-finals. It happens.

Put it on the calendar, SSHS7 11/3/07!!!

Bill

[martyo]

Put it on the calendar, SSHS7 11/3/07!!!

We broke, but we didn't cry. You are on the $$ with your post. Who would have thought we would have broken our brand new 31 spline set up??? Oh well, ***** happens.

We will be back net year for sure. Thanks for being such good hosts and setting up this event. I know how much work must go into it.

When will the sign up be posted for next year's event?