VOTE for Eric to win the Optima Batteries $50K overhaul! - Lateral-g Forums

va72mlibu · #1 07-20-2006, 11:49 AM

Hello all,

My name is Eric Jankowski and I recently entered my 1972 Malibu in Optima Batteries Full Ride Competition. I am one of five finalists for the top prize of a $50k vehicle upgrade, as well as an unveiling at SEMA, and appearance on Dream Car Garage on Speed TV. I am humbly asking for support from this community to help me take home the prize.

Now, I fully realize that it is entirely selfish for me to make this request, but please allow me to give you a little background. I've been a muscle car (and Chevy) guy my whole life. My dad started the obsession by taking me to car shows and drag races and telling me stories about all the cool cars he had when he was a young man. I've wanted a Chevelle since before I could even drive. I earned a commission and entered the service right out of college. I was stationed in Germany for 3 years, then Iraq for one LONG year, and am now back stateside. I am an active member of Team Chevelle and have always planned on taking the car the Pro-Touring route. I've never posted here because I am still in the crawl stages of the resto-mod process.

I've done some snooping on the internet and it seems like the only other finalist with any momentum is the Dodge Neon. So if you would like to support my campaign, please check out www.optimafullride.com Thanks so much for your time.

Eric

kennyd · #2 07-20-2006, 01:34 PM

i was going to vote for you untill i saw the mustang ( f o r d ) wheels on a chevelle ! lol just kidding
i voted for you !

sick65 · #3 07-20-2006, 01:35 PM

You got my vote.

rocketrod · #4 07-20-2006, 03:53 PM

You got my vote! Good luck.

DaveO · #5 07-20-2006, 04:11 PM

So that was your car I voted for!? Congrats & good luck, Eric. And thanks for your service to our country!

Mr.VENGEANCE · #6 07-20-2006, 04:55 PM

actually i voted for you A FEW times..

id rather see a nice malibu than them other things really..

WicKeD_SS · #7 07-20-2006, 10:10 PM

You got my vote also

The best one there by far!

**61Bubbletop** · #8 07-21-2006, 09:28 AM

I voted for you Eric...I like the wheels on your car...Good Luck, and thanks for your service, my family and I appreciate it.

Bowtieracing · #9 07-21-2006, 10:15 AM

You got my vote too,best of luck!

va72mlibu · #10 07-21-2006, 08:30 PM

Alright, here’s a rundown of what I would like to see happen. Bear in mind that this is a constrained version, based on my assumptions regarding maximum use of sponsors products. I will definitely be Autocrossing the car and plan on doing some road race stuff as well.

Engine: Edelbrock is one of the sponsors, so I’m assuming they’ll want to use one of their crate engines. If so, I’d definitely want the EFI engine and beg to have the Banks Twin Turbo System bolted up. Since I’m not footin’ the bill, throw on a serpentine belt system as well.

Suspension: I’m leaning towards the joint SC&C/ATS Street Comp AFX Set-up with ATS’ tubular Lower and tubular and adjustable Upper Control Arms. QA1 Coil-overs are the first choice, but again, as Edelbrock is a sponsor, it may get their components. As far as rear suspension, I’m certainly open to suggestion. Seems like there’s no definitive answer on what works best for GM A-body, but the Edelbrock stuff is available, so another logical choice. Baer is another sponsor, so their brakes will go on I’m sure. All I’ve read about steering boxes leads me to believe that Lee Manufacturing is the way to go for that.

Drivetrain: Car is currently a TH350, but I really want a manual. Hoping for a TKO600 tranny. The 10 bolt rear just won’t do, so a Moser or similar rear-end would be great.

That’s it for the mechanicals. I’ll post again soon when I get a chance to put some ideas together for interior and appearance. Thanks again to all who voted.