1971 Firebird Build ("The Other Woman", a.k.a. Project "T.O.W.")

[silver63c10]

Glad to see it back together again, Bryan. That swaybar setup is SAH-WEET. Some amazing packaging going on back there.

Good luck and safe travels to Goodguys! Wish I could make it out to see everyone but I'll be out of town.

[GrabberGT]

Originally Posted by SSLance

The Marriott is the host hotel, right? If so, cool...we are in!!

Yes it is. We can do GG registration packet pick up and the class at the same location

[carbuff]

She's home! First drive this afternoon went perfectly. We fixed the vibration problem that was the initial goal for this work as best I can tell. The new rear gear brings the RPM down at highway speeds which felt great. The new rear springs make for a more comfortable ride. In the 2 or 3 turns I could do at all aggressively, the rear felt a touch more compliant. The engine is running great, given the limited tuning so far. All in all, things have come out great!



Here are some final shots of the assembled sway bar arms. Not sure I've taken/posted these yet...

[SSLance]

I love it when a plan comes together...

[cpd004]

Awesome! Definitely looking forward to continued driving impressions.

[RussMurco]

I knew you'd pull it off! Car looks great and sounds like it will be more fun to drive!

[chichirone]

Bryan, TOW looks great. Stoked for you.

Totally bummed Amy and I will miss seeing you (and everyone else) at the GG's event this weekend since we moved north.

The sway bar is a beauty! The watts link looks terrific with the new set up. Really interested in your driving impressions. I (and Steve too) better get a a video of TOW on the auto-x.

Hope you had a safe drive north. Have a great time at the Sutton workshop. Make sure you get to Babe's in Roanoke. Chicken fried steak and fried chicken all around!

[carbuff]

A quick update for everyone... TOW and I made the drive up to Fort Worth ok on Wednesday. Other than not having time to do much tuning, the new engine setup worked great. The suspension was the same. A nice ride up, definitely a bit softer, and cruised the highway great.

I'll write more later, but here is the result of the GG autocross. I finished second by about 3-tenths. I actually led after day 1, and after the first 3 rounds of the second day. One of Mike Dusold's customers with a first gen made a great run and took the lead over me by a half second. He improved again next run to get to a 0.9 second lead.

Late in the day I discovered that my rear shock settings were not set where I expected them to be. I'd been driving with them several clicks off all day. Not sure how that happened, but it certainly wasn't helping. After fixing those, and at the suggestion of Ron Sutton, I also dropped the rear Watt's mount a bit. The next run I picked up almost 3-tenths. I was getting more confident with the car, driving it harder, so the next run I pushed more. That got me another 3 tenths, but it just wasn't enough to take over the lead. I was certainly gaining on the leader and on the car setup, but just ran out of time.

I had a lot of challenges to overcome this weekend (power steering not working, oil fire in the engine compartment, engine tuning not right) to even finish the event, so I am really pleased with the result. That said, I'm human, and competitive, and I really wanted to get that first GG win! But with all that changed recently, I have to hang my head high and be proud of where I ended up. I'm ready for some rest now, but I wish the Spring event were happening next weekend already.

Before I end this, a big thanx to Steve Gernon, Chris Moore, Kyle Tucker (yes, that Kyle Tucker), Ron Sutton, as well as Gary Lockmore (not certain if he's on LatG) for the help and moral support this weekend!!! You hear this all the time, but it really proved true for me this weekend: the people involved in this hobby are for the most part really awesome people! There were several others as well who I don't think are here that lent a hand and helped get me through a long weekend...

Time to rest up for the road trip home tomorrow. More soon...

[chichirone]

Bryan, great job this weekend. Tracking your progress all weekend, you and TOW were deep in the thick of things competing for your 1st GG's win. 2nd position is no slouch considering the high caliber of cars in your class. You overcame a thrash to even get the car ready and a number of hurdles at the event. You should be VERY proud of what you and TOW accomplished.

Safe travels back to Austin tomorrow. Cheers!

[SSLance]

Wish I could have stuck around to watch the racing, sounds like it was a blast all weekend. Was great to finally meet all of you in person, can't wait until we get to line them up on the track together some day. How was it having your own personal setup consultant right there at the track with you on race day? What a bonus right?!?!

Congrats on the successful weekend Bryon. I'd be pretty damn proud of your results for sure.