Hopefully I can make it out to the track this Saturday (mainly concerned about weather), but at least I was able to test the Cal-Tracs w/lowered suspension on the street today. I had the hitch removed and we balanced the truck on a scale by using the Cal-Tracs alone. One turn of the traction bars = + / - 26 lbs. Truck no longer looks as low as before

First off I will say that we've discovered we have the same problem Wyldman had, the traction bars are too short and we ran out of thread.

As for performance I am finally able to hook up and launch in a straight line (at least on the street) after taking rpms up to 2000 and letting off the brakes and pushing on the gas (I don't hammer it but I don't have to roll it first either). The tires chirp a little but nowhere near as bad as before, and even if the tires spin I still stay in a straight line. As far as street driveability with pre-loaded springs I would probably back it off a little for long distance, but it's still got nice handling just a lot stiffer.

Anyways I'll let you guys know how it goes on Saturday, especially the 60' times. Also I've decided I'm probably gonna get drag radials pretty soon and just switch them with my F1s before going to the track. Then I should have excellent 60' times.

I was wondering if I can get some opinions from you guys on what the best drag radial would be, and what kind of wheels should I use (I think aluminum would be best - I think this was discussed before). Also (a beginners question) what do you guys use to add/remove the lug nuts on the wheels - is the supplied stock wrench strong enough to tighten them properly?

Thanks,
Mike

------------------
99.5 Black Lightning
PowerSurge Cone Filter
JBA Jet-Hot coated headers
Flowmaster muffler
So-Cal Lowering Kit; Cal-Tracs traction bars
Watter Wetter
Lo-Jack

 

Mike: where are you gonna run it at?...Pomona?..anyhow, the BFG's work well and yeah i'd put em on an aluminum rim. The best psi for the bfg's is 12-15 psi and they need to be heated up well. Iv'e heard good stuff about the nittos too and that they last longer.

Dave. 94 black lightning.

 

DAVE:

I'd like to check out Pomona but I thought it wasn't happening until April?

I was just gonna go to grudge drags at Carlsbad, let me know if you're gonna be there or if Pomona is going on.

Thanks,
Mike

------------------
99.5 Black Lightning
PowerSurge Cone Filter
JBA Jet-Hot coated headers
Flowmaster muffler
So-Cal Lowering Kit; Cal-Tracs traction bars
Watter Wetter
Lo-Jack

 

Brimstone,

Congrats on the Cal-tracs, I told you they would help. Have you called John and asked for the longer center links?

I just finished installing the Bassani headers on the Black Beast and I can't believe the difference! I thought I would lose out on some low end, but I was wrong. This thing lights the tires worse than ever, even at partial throttle. (no bottle, just chip)

Did you notice a change in the pitch of the sound after installing the JBA's? Mine sounds much lower now, more like a low rumble instead of a growl. Can't wait to get to the track tomorrow night, I need some 12's!

I am liking very much!

------------------
Chuck 'Wyldman' Shelton
wyldman@houston.rr.com
Black 99.5 Lightning Build # 1273, DOB 5-14-99, NLOC #315
Best run to date 13.16 @104.8
CD Changer; Tow Pkg.; Lojack; Sal's custom nitrous chip; G-Tech/Pro; SnugLid; BedRug; Invinca-Shield, full kit; NOS KIT 80 hp shot (currently); Clear and smoke Lexan fog light covers; 3M Ti Window Tint; Bel radar detector (shouldn't be an accessory); PowerStack cone filter (a.k.a. supercharger waker upper); American Auto Designs ram air hood; Cal-Tracs traction bars

 

Wyldman, How bad was the install? Did you do cat pipes also? And how much louder? Nothing but questions.
Thanks, Jerry

99.5 Red Hot Bolt
71 Cutlass conv.
Piper PA-28-235

 

Jerry,

The install is a PITA, but we (my mechanic, God love him, and me) got them installed in about 5 hours. After having run them a bit, though, I have to say it was worth the effort.

No cat pipes yet, one thing at a time....

The sound is a little louder and a lot lower than it was. I think it is just right, howls like a banshee at WOT and is almost civilzed at cruise and idle. The drone is no worse than before and sounds better.



------------------
Chuck 'Wyldman' Shelton
wyldman@houston.rr.com
Black 99.5 Lightning Build # 1273, DOB 5-14-99, NLOC #315
Best run to date 13.16 @104.8
CD Changer; Tow Pkg.; Lojack; Sal's custom nitrous chip; G-Tech/Pro; SnugLid; BedRug; Invinca-Shield, full kit; NOS KIT 80 hp shot (currently); Clear and smoke Lexan fog light covers; 3M Ti Window Tint; Bel radar detector (shouldn't be an accessory); PowerStack cone filter (a.k.a. supercharger waker upper); American Auto Designs ram air hood; Cal-Tracs traction bars

 

Hey Wyldman,

I talked to Travis at Cal-Tracs and they sent me a longer link the next day, I was very impressed. They are 24.5" instead of the original 23". Haven't replaced them yet though.

I don't have the bassani headers, but the JBAs have the same effect, much more of a bassy tone and it sounds great with the muffler - also made it harder to launch. If I could do it over again (maybe some day) I would do the full Bassani kit, mainly because
everyone seems to agree they are the best.

Mike

------------------
99.5 Black Lightning
PowerSurge Cone Filter
JBA Jet-Hot coated headers
Flowmaster muffler
So-Cal Lowering Kit; Cal-Tracs traction bars
Watter Wetter
Lo-Jack

 

Mike: Pomona won't be happening until April, and I can't get Sat off work so I can't make it. Good luck at the track.

Dave.