Stang TV Forums

Will a Mustang be Billy Glidden or Mike Moran�s Next Ride?

Andrew Casselberry — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:04:11 GMT

Word is that Ford Racing has been very “racer friendly” with the new 2010 Mustang Pro Stock body program and don’t be surprised if you see some heavy hitters in the various heads up series debut the new sleeker Mustang next year.

Photo Credit: Drag Racing Online

With the recent for sale posting by Mike Moran for his Monte Carlo and a YB message board notice by Billy Glidden that his Pontiac GTO is gone after the Street Car Super Nationals at Las Vegas, we wonder if a 2010 Mustang Pro Stock body is on its way to both racers.

Ford Racing head Brian Wolfe has been very aggressive pitching the Pro Stock body program to racers outside of NHRA Pro Stock. We would love to see both Glidden and Moran return to the Ford camp since they are both very popular heads up racers and began their careers in Ford drag cars. One racer that has already purchased a Roush built carbon fiber Mustang body is Steve Matusek. Steve is currently working with Larson Race Cars to build a 2010 Mustang to compete in Pro Modified, ADRL and in the NMCA Pro Street. And since Larry Larson is also Mike Moran's chassis guy as well, there might be some cross over knowledge for Moran and a Pro Stock Mustang body as well......

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Video: Ford Enlists Video Gamers For Real Lap In Mustang

Chris DeMorro — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:12:18 GMT

Video gaming has become an industry that threatens to eclipse all other forms of entertainment. Racing games form a cornerstone of the video gaming world. Some of the hottest, most anticipated games have created cults all their own (the Gran Turismo Series, for instance). As part of Ford�s ever expanding social networking marketing schemes, the Blue Oval enlisted four veteran video gamers to take to try and beat their best video game track times in the real world.

As part of Ford�s �Stang Unleashed program, the gamers were put to the test in Need for Speed: SHIFT, before heading out to the Willow Springs race track to try and beat their times.

The four gamers, Troy, Justin, Jason, and Kirby have a combined 63 years of gaming experience, and not one of them is older than 24. One has got to wonder how Ford even found these guys. But find them they did, and the first thing they did for the drivers was put them through the Fastlane driving school. Then they unleashed them on the tracks of Need for Speed: SHIFT, where Troy racked up the best average lap time of 1:03.8 on the Horse Thief Mile circuit at Willow Springs. The slowest virtual time was 1:11, keeping the competition tight. Just how tight would become clear out in the real world.

One thing that struck me odd about this particular segment was the actual cars. In SHIFT, the car is clearly a 2010 Cobra, although Ford put the competitors behind the wheel of a plain-jane Mustang GT. This immediately means the results are somewhat off, and it is understandable why Troy was over ten seconds slower in the real world race. He won the day with a two-lap average of 1:14, but if he had been granted an actual snake, the results probably would have been even closer to his video game times. The field was even tighter out on the actual track too, with the slowest time being posted by Kirby with 1:17. A neat test, but one that should have been done right.

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Rob Campisi runs a personal best 6.64 Elapsed Time in his Twin Turbo 2004 Mustang

Chris Taylor — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:02:38 GMT

Twin turbo Outlaw racing has become an extremely popular venue here in the states. But this type of racing has not only become popular here, the guys across the pond in Australia have taken a liking to it as well. While the rules for certain classes may be different over there, and the driver sits on the right side of the car, the basic layout is extremely similar. Enter Rob Campisi (nicknamed Campo) and his 2004 twin turbo tube chassis Mustang. This is a car that if brought to the states, would likely be competitive with some of the most successful guys over here.

According to CV performance, the car made it's debut this year and in more testing has recently run a personal best of 6.64 at 214mph at Sydney International Dragway. An impressive run no doubt.

Photos courtesy of: CV performance.

The car has only made 20 or so passes down the 1320 this year after it's new build and is just getting dialed in. Most of the build was done by Street Car Fabrications and the custom tuning was done by CV performance.

For now, the car consists of a twin turbo 400 cubic inch small block backed up by a power glide transmission. Although rumor is that the team is getting ready to move to a 632 cubic inch big block still featuring twin turbochargers in hopes of even quicker elapsed times. It is believed that if the build is executed properly, they could have a 5-second turbo car on their hands. A short video of the personal best run was also recently released, and shown below:

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The 2010 Mustang Goes Off-road Rally Racing

Chris Taylor — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:44:02 GMT

American muscle cars have never really been a common sight in off road rally racing. Cars such as Subaru�s and other smaller all-wheel-drive vehicles are generally the choice for most. There are however, two-wheel-drive classes where a vehicle such as the Mustang can be competitive. Mike Hurst, who is the technical director of Rally America, formerly piloted an �86 Mustang in the series. It was then sold to his friend Mark Utecht, who is one of Rally America�s finest competitors in the two-wheel-drive series and still races the car today.

As with most racing friends, competition is always in the air, and the two aforementioned drivers got into the seat of identical 2010 Ford Mustangs. It was a test to see who would come out as the better driver on the Ojibwe Forests Rally course, according to MustangBlog.

Photo courtesy of: Ford.

J.B. Niday, who is the managing director of Rally America, was excited to see a pair of 2010 Mustangs competing at one of his events, as this was a first time experience for him. The Mustang performed surprisingly well in the rough terrain, nothing quite like the pavement oriented racing that the Mustang is typically associated with. The dirt, gravel, and even some roughly paved areas made this a unique challenge. The Mustang did not suffer from any mechanical failures throughout the whole event and turning in some respectable times.

Both Mustangs appeared to be very close to stock with the exception of some interior trim removal and a set of more off road oriented tires. The cars competed in 4 short stages. The final overall times - Mark Utecht ran it in 11 minutes, 23 seconds which was enough to outperform competitor Mike Hurst who came in a miniscule 9 seconds slower.

Could we possibly see the Mustang take more of an off road following after this? Surely this example shows the car is ready for it, but will there be drivers and sponsors willing to take the leap into Mustang off road racing?

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Ford Racing To Build Boss 302R for Road Racing

Andrew Casselberry — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:58:13 GMT

Based on the success of the FR500C and FR500S Mustang road racing programs, Ford Racing recently announced their plans to build a 2010 Boss 302R. The original Boss 302 Mustangs were made famous in the glory days of SCCA's Trans-Am series, by drivers like Parnelli Jones and George Follmer. Ford was also successful on the street in 1969 and 1970 with a Boss 302 Mustang package. The engine installed in the Boss 302 was a high winding "G code" power plant with solid lifters and other high performance parts.

It appears that Ford may be trying to bring back the street package for 2011 and the Boss 302R is set to be the race version of the car. The Boss 302R will be limited to 50 units, built on the prototype line at AAI (aka Flat Rock Assembly) and is intended for road race use only.

With the 2010 Camaro set for a full assault in the Koni Challenge Series next year, it appears Ford Racing wants its latest Mustang sheet metal out on the track going head-to-head with the competition. With the five year old FR500C Mustang, Ford has won Grand-Am GS Championships in 2005, 2008 and 2009 and looks to defend its title against Porsche, BMW and the return of cross-town rivals Chevrolet.

Photo Credit: Ford Racing The Grand-Am legal Mustang 302R is based off the successful FR500C program.

Like the previous FR500 Mustangs, the Boss 302R will be a factory built racecar and ready for open track events or wheel to wheel racing in SCCA or NASA races.

The base "turnkey" 302R Mustang will come complete with a 5.0L 4-valve engine rated at 400 horsepower. The engine will be mated to a 6 speed Tremec manual transmission with a race spec hydraulic clutch. A Grand-Am legal roll cage and race seat with safety harness is also installed at the factory.

Ford Racing is offering a $50,000 Boss 302R �upgrade� that will make it legal for the Grand-Am's KONI Challenge Series. The KONI Challenge 302R will feature a sealed 5.0-Liter engine and close-ratio 6 speed Tremec transmission. Suspension updates include KONI dampers and KONI Challenge spec springs, swaybars and bushings. The Grand Am Grand Sport legal Mustang will also feature a seam-welded body, Grand-Am spec roll cage and trunk mounted fuel cell.

Photo Credit: Brenda Priddy The Coyote 5.0-Liter engine is rumored to be powering the 302R, official word should come at the LA Auto Show.

Rumor is that the Boss 302R will feature Ford�s new Coyote 5.0 liter modular engine to satisfy Grand-Am�s request for a street derived engine in the race version of the Mustang. The previous FR500C �Cammer� engine was a 4 valve naturally aspirated motor not factory installed in a �mass produced� Mustang. In 2005, Grand-Am approved the engine for competition but after a few races and protest from other teams, air inlet restrictors brought the horsepower down to the 400 hp range. The Coyote 5.0 Liter engine is planned for the 2011 Mustang GT and the racing environment will be the perfect test before its showroom debut.

The Boss 302R will be built in the AAI Pilot Assembly Line with bodies produced off the mainstream production line.

The Boss 302R is available through Ford dealers that are in the Ford Racing Performance Parts program. Orders will be taken till mid-December and production is expected to begin in first quarter of 2010. The base Boss 302R is priced at $79,000 while the Grand-Am spec 302R package is priced at $129,000.

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Shelby Announces Twin-Turbo Mustang Package

Chris DeMorro — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:53:18 GMT

When it comes to forced induction, V8 engines are synonymous with superchargers. Yet a slow-but-sure paradigm shift has been taking place both in the mainstream and aftermarket showrooms towards turbochargers. Ford is doing it with EcoBoost and it looks like Shelby is getting serious about turbochargers too.

Amidst all the hoopla at SEMA last week, Shelby announced a new twin-turbo package developed in conjunction with Turbonetics for 2005-2009 Ford Mustangs.

Pictures:Shelby

Called the �Shelby Turbo�, this 550 horsepower package provides what is likely a last gasp for the previous generation of Mustangs. The 235 horsepower bump comes from a single Turbonetics turbocharger. It has been a long time since Shelby offered a turbo package. You have to go back to the late �80�s and the Dodge Daytona Shelby Z�s and K-Cars, and there hasn�t been a turbo Mustang from Shelby ever.

With 550 horsepower this is already a fast car, but several handling enhancements take it a step further. A Shelby Pro-Plus 4 wheel disc brake system provides stopping power and a upgraded suspension with caster and camber plates. The dual exhaust system comes from Borla, and Shelby provided the functional �deep draw� hood. The suspension can be further tuned with Eibach springs and sway bar kit and a number of Shelby body enhancement parts such as boost gauges, grill, and 18x9 chrome aluminum wheels. The final tally, without the Eibach suspension is $22,599 with installation plus vehicle cost.

An astounding sum, but also an important car for the future of Shelby, who is rumored to be working on a twin turbo GT500 and a secret 1,000 horsepower twin turbo project. Could this be a precursor for times to come?

Press Release:

Executives with Shelby Automobiles, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (CSBI:PK) unveiled a new turbo based post-title package for 2007-2008 Shelby GT�s and 2005-2009 Ford Mustang GT�s with a manual transmission. The 550 horsepower �Shelby Turbo� package boosts not only the car�s output, but also enhances the handling, braking and looks of the venerable pony car.

�In 1985, Carroll used a turbo to turn Chrysler�s K Car into a rocket,� said Amy Boylan, president of Shelby Autos. �Though we�ve offered supercharged packages for vehicles for several years, many enthusiasts longed for a turbo option because of the different driving characteristics offered with this type of force induction. The Shelby Turbo was created to fulfill that need.�

The turbo was developed with the help of California based Turbonetics. Since 1978, Turbonetics has been the leading source for turbochargers and forced induction components.

�Turbonetics has the unique ability to combine our individual component specialties with precise engine tuning to create incredibly reliable and powerful bolt-on forced induction systems,� said Brad Lewis, president of Turbonetics. �We were excited to work with the Shelby Autos team on designing and engineering a solution that is the first 50 state and CARB compliant turbo system in history for their post-title packages.�

Mustang Racing Technologies of Plymouth was also involved in the program.

�As the vehicle integrator for this project, I was responsible for matching the Shelby brand attribute requirements to the appropriate solution,� stated Scott Hoag, founder and president of MRT. �It was a challenge as the Shelby Autos team wanted the package to be 50 state and CARB compliant while also meeting rigorous performance standards. The result is a robust package that is worthy of the Shelby name.�

The package can be applied to a 2007-09 or Shelby GT 2005-09 Mustang GT at the Las Vegas Shelby facility or one of its mod shops. The installed package costs $22,599, not including the car. Standard components include:

- Shelby/Turbonetics Turbocharger with 550 HP (at the crank)

- Short throw shifter

- Shelby Pro-Plus 4 wheel brake system

- Performance suspension with Caster/Camber Plates

- Borla dual exhaust

- Shelby Bar Grille and stripes

- Shelby Gauge Pod and Shelby Signature Gauges

- Serialized dash and engine bay plaque, as well as a Certificate of Authenticity

- Shelby Functional Deep Draw hood with pins

- Shelby Turbocharged Floor Mats

- Specific 18� X 9� Chrome Aluminum Wheels with Goodyear Eagle F1 275/35/18 tires

Optional equipment includes:

- Shelby GT-H Front Fascia and Shelby Rear Fascia

- Baer 6-Piston Extreme front and rear brake kit

- Front Brake Ducts

- Performance clutch

- Eibach Pro-2 Coil-Over Shocks and Struts

- Eibach Pro Sway Bar Kit and Eibach Pro Alignment Kit

- 1� drop Lower Ball Joints

- Bump Steer Kit

- Upgraded front lower control arm bushings

- 8-point roll cage

The Shelby Turbo package is now available. Interested parties can contact Roger Sorel with Shelby Autos at (702) 942-7325 or Rogers@ShelbyAutos.com.

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First Mercury Marauder In The 9's, Runs 9.759 At Alabama Dragway

Chris Taylor — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:52:47 GMT

Most don�t view 4 door passenger cars as ideal for racing. The size and weight usually deters most builders from selecting them, but who says you can�t go fast with a heavy car? Enter the Mercury Marauder - produced for 2 years (2003-2004). While it may have not been the most successful car sales-wise for Ford, it was a unique performance sedan. It boasted a 302hp 32 valve motor from the factory and many appearance upgrades.

In stock form they aren�t the quickest cars on the strip, but when modified correctly, you can take one of these cars well into the 9-second range. A few weekends ago, the first Marauder pass in the 9�s was made at Alabama International Dragway with a 9.759 elapsed time at 140.1mph. The run wasn�t just a fluke, as it was backed up by a 9.80 on the next run.

The pass was first rumored on MercuryMarauder.net, and then followed up with pictures and video of the record-breaking run.

Photos courtesy of: MercuryMarauder.net.

Previous to this pass, the best runs ever performed by a Marauder were in the 10-second range, but those records were shattered by this run with 281 cubic inches. An F1R Procharger goes against the common �no replacement for displacement� saying, with 18psi into the 4.6L motor built by Greg Walker of Walker Performance. The motor is also topped off with a 50-75 shot of nitrous to get things going.

Marty, the owner of the car says his main wrench on the project is Jeff Harris of Dallas, Georgia. At the rate this project has progressed, this car has a lot more in it, and could very likely need a parachute in the near future as they work closer to the 150mph mark.

Being the first Marauder in the 9�s, it is certainly an accomplishment to be proud of, and it is great to see 4 door cars out there proving they can perform. There is almost no doubt this car will be breaking it�s own records soon again, and makes me wonder, could we possibly see a Marauder in the 8�s?

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Fastest 6.4 Powerstroke Diesel Pass at 11.01 seconds

Chris Taylor — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:56:49 GMT

The diesel performance world has exploded with new offerings as of late, and diesel drag race cars and trucks are becoming more popular every year. With Ford's recent offering of the 6.4L Powerstroke diesel to replace the 6.0L, you had to know that diesel racers would be eager to claim the title of the "fastest." After his run last weekend at Bowling Green in the NHRDA East Coast finals, Aaron Rudolf can now claim the title of fastest 6.4L. The truck was built and is raced by Rudolf, who is the owner of Rudy�s Diesel Performance.

Word of this pass first came from The Diesel Garage forum, and was later confirmed by Rudolf with videos of the runs made that day.

Videos courtesy of: Aaron Rudolf

A few 6.4 Powerstroke�s have made it into the 11-second barrier, however, Rudolf wanted more from his �08 F250. With its extensive list of modifications, it ultimately ran an elapsed time of 11.01 seconds at 124.32 mph. Not only did Rudolf go home that day as the fastest 6.4L Powerstroke, but he also placed first in the Super Street class.

So, how did this truck get there? No doubt the newest Powerstroke offering is in a class of its own, performance-wise. However, many modifications were made to the motor to achieve these times: a Spartan custom tune, Nitrous Express 2-stage kit, ported heads with bigger valves, and ported exhaust manifolds. The fuel system still contains stock fuel injectors (which Rudolf has plans to upgrade), with an upgraded fuel pump and fuel rails from Elite.

Rudolf performed the EGR and DPF (diesel particulate filter) delete in-house. The suspension in the truck is essentially stock, and the truck rolls on a set of factory Ford 20� rims, wrapped in Toyo Proxes tires. The transmission is a fully built Suncoast 5R110 with a billet input shaft, intermediate shaft, and upgraded clutches.

As it sits, the truck is extremely close to breaking into the 10-second range. More upgrades are planned for this already stout truck, and no doubt Rudolf knows how to get it done. Watch out, a 10-second 6.4 Powerstroke could be coming to a drag strip near you!

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1982 Mustang GT project For Sale

cobragt5 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:22:53 GMT

EARLY 1982 GT BUILT 4-82 RARE OPTIONS CAR!

Only 51264 original miles

P/S P/B A/C PREMIUM SOUND, POWER WINDOWS AND LOCKS, REAR WINDOW WIPER OPTION, REAR DEFROST, CRUISE CONTROL, TRX SUSPENSION, TILT WHEEL AND INTERVAL WIPERS, POWER REMOTE HATCH RELEASE, UNDER HOOD LIGHT, LEATHER WRAPPED CRUISE STEERING WHEEL. ALL ORIGINAL FACTORY GLASS, BUILD SHEET INCLUDED, MATCHES VIN AND BODY BUCK TAG. FACTORY REAR CARGO SHADE OPTION, MISSING SHADE, HAS MOUNTS ON QUARTER TRIM. ALSO INCLUDED,THE FACTORY AIR CLEANER AND EXHAUST MANIFOLDS.

Correct date code 302 that is out of another 82 GT

Intake, Valve covers and 4SPD is MISSING ALONG WITH BELL HOUSING AND DRIVE SHAFT AND EXHAUST.

CAR NEEDS A FULL RESTORATION,IT HAS BEEN STORED OUTSIDE FOR OVER TEN YEARS!

HAS SOME SURFACE RUST IN FLOORS AND SOME SMALL RUST HOLES IN SPARE TIRE WELL. PASSENGER DOOR NEEDS A SKIN OR REPAIR. SOLID BODY PANELS, NO HOLES.

HAS A SMALL RIP IN AIR DAM. COMES WITH 4 TRX WHEELS AND A REPRODUCTION HOOD THAT HAS SOME DAMAGE TO THE REAR CORNERS. INTERIOR IS MOSTLY COMPLETE.

$1500 or best offer

CAR IS SOLD WITH A GEORGIA BILL OF SALE AND IS NOT DRIVE-ABLE!

IT IS SOLD AS IS,NO WARRANTY!

YOU WILL NEED A TRAILER TO PICK UP IT UP!

WE ARE NOT PARTING IT OUT SO PLEASE DO NOT ASK!

CASH AND PICK UP ONLY! Contact Me at cobragt5@comcast.net.

fs:fox body exhaust

spadoc79 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:19:49 GMT

i'm going to long tubes and race mufflers so i dont need these---

bbk shorty headers-$100

mac prochamber-$150

flowmasters with turndowns-$50

whole set $200

make me an offer on any or all of it

Eaton's Differentials Help You Get A Grip

Tom@StangTV — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:00:23 GMT

When we stopped by the Eaton booth this year at SEMA, our attention was drawn to a clean looking Tri-Five Chevy, we couldn�t over look many of Eaton�s great products. Like their full line of differentials for almost any type of application. We shot a video that really a good job at explaining what each differential is best suited for. Everything is covered from the Eaton Posi, ELocker and the legendary Detroit Locker. Find out why OEMs and performance enthusiasts trust the Eaton name.

Check out the Video Feature!

For more info, visit www.eaton.com

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tallahassee

spadoc79 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:36:40 GMT

any one here in, around, or from tallahassee?

Inside Spaghetti Menders Wiring Systems & Technology

mark@stangtv — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:22:45 GMT

Wiring is usually the last thing an enthusiast thinks about when building a new race car. And - it usually shows. Bundles of unlabeled wires, shorts, difficulty starting, and electrical gremlins usually show up when the car debuts, or soon after. Even if not, the wiring being an afterthought usually comes back to bite the racer at the worst possible time... race day. One man, Bob Lapp, made a vow a lot time ago to fix this disaster once and for all by designing, building and selling turn-key, cutting-edge, simple wiring systems for race cars. His company is named - most appropriately - Spaghetti Menders.

Tracing back through someone�s wiring job can be a headache. Pull back on a race car's dash and often all you find is black wiring from an obvious single spool of wire. What is ground, power, or even what goes where -- sometimes even the owner doesn't know. Hopefully, this can be avoided from day one with a correctly engineered and installed system.

We followed along with Bob as he designed and wired up a system for our infamous 1978 Malibu - aka Project Grandma. Grandma sports an Edelbrock EFI-powered 555ci Crate engine built by Pat Musi.

Spaghetti Menders: A Wiring Company is Born

�I use to be part owner of a company that use to wire fire trucks and ambulances, that required massive amount of wiring,� says Bob Lapp, owner

of Spaghetti Menders. �Through integration of systems, thats how we came up with relay banks and smaller triggers to fire them all. How it started in the race cars, was when I first wired Les Baer�s car."

"We used the old relays with the plug-ins on the bottom that we use to bolt to the firewall. In the process of working on the car, one of the workers hit a wire and ripped it out of the bottom of the relay. What happened was that the car took off and the fuel pump shut off. Mix that with the nitrous that was still on and then the hood disappeared.

The question came up, �How do we keep from this happening again?�....This is where we came up with the concept of sealing the relays in epoxy. We used the computer cables on the emergency cars, so that was easy.�

Understanding Spaghetti Menders Wiring Philosophy

When we spoke with Bob Lapp, he explained to us that there are three core goals when it comes to wiring a car:

Organization

Simplicity

Reliability

Spaghetti Menders has done a great job incorporating all of them. Moving into their tenth year in 2010, each system has been designed vehicle specific. The team takes into account all accessories being used in the car and if it is turboed, supercharged, nitrous-fed, or naturally aspirated. This helps determine if you will need a circuit for your bilge pump or a timer for your nitrous kit.

Each system is broken down into different modules in the vehicle, with a central �hub� joining all of them together. For example - for our Project Grandma, we have the needed components for our Edelbrock nitrous system but also provisions built in for a supercharger that we plan to add later. For our application, the relay boxes are broken down into dash, motor, switch panel, and trunk.

Spaghetti Menders designs their circuit boards for their systems in house

From the left, the top and bottom posts are the power and ground to the relay box. The green middle connector are inputs. The 9-pin cable is for trigger sources to the switch panel. The rest is a five circuit relay that independently contain one relay, yellow light to indicate a working circuit, green activation light, fuse, and power output post.

The Relay Boxes

The magic of the system lies in the heart of the relay boxes, and that is the lack of wiring. By the slim profile, you can image how impossible it would be to run that much wiring, and that is because everything is controlled by a circuit board. Each relay box also has one main battery and ground input from the battery that is attached to the side.

�The main concept behind it was to get the high power closest to the device,� Lapp remarked. �Then by using the computer cables, it is signaling the relay on and off, which can be any length and small wiring. It only requires 250 milliamps to trigger the switch which is why it can be that small.�

Bob was the first person that used computer cables and relay boxes together on race car wiring and it has proven as a viable option. These posts also serve as a constant power/ground source for all associated electronics.

The switch point power for the electronics is done through a smaller post on the opposite end of the relay. Between this post and the relay is two lights (yellow and green) plus a fuse. The yellow light closest to the relay tells you that power is getting to that circuit properly. When you activate the switch, the green light will eliminate, if it doesn�t, the fuse is blown or the relay is bad. Pretty simple right?

Each relay box comes clearly labeled for what goes where

Inputs and Switch Points

Each relay box also contain 3-5 wire inputs between the positive and ground posts. These inputs can do a variety of tasks. For example our nitrous relay box, we inputed the trans-brake, and carb-mounted activation switch. The trans-brake input serves as an interrupt while the nitrous will not activate unless it sees the nitrous activation switch. There is even an input that comes from the fuel pump relay box that will cut power to the nitrous relay box incase of pump failure.

�The inputs on the relay boxes is where we need that other real world data coming into the car,� Lapp stated. �For example, we can run the intercooler pump input in the trunk, versus having to run it all the way to the front of the car.� Each of these inputs also have an LED to ensure it operates correctly. Generally, a three pin input is used in which the center pin feeds power to the first and third pin inputs.

The switch points for the relays are distributed through the computer-like 9 pin cables. Each relay box feeds those cables back to a central �hub�, (dash, motor, trunk) and distributed to the switch panel via a 15 pin plug. �Depending on what you need, the interface box talks between the relay boxes and switch panels,� Lapp says.

�The interface modules allow for expandability of the system. This is where we make a decision of what kind of application it will be. A supercharged application uses the same relay boxes as a nitrous one, they are just told to do different things.� Since switch points are low amperage, these small diameter wires are more than suitable. The panel then turns on the respective device correctly, since these are all pre wired before you get it.

The central �hub� where all the switch points come together from the car. Instead of wires running up and down the middle of the car, it is just these cables

Only one 15-pin computer cable connects to the switch panel that comes pre-engineered specifically to your application

Everything Goes to the Battery: The Theory of Floating Grounds

Spaghetti Menders utilizes floating power and grounds, meaning the power only draws directly from the battery (and not piggybacked to other sources) and all the grounds route to the negative battery terminal and not to the chassis. This locates a bulkhead fitting into the wire wall to supply power for the front/cabin relay boxes as well as the starter.

Each electronic connection that requires a power source or a ground is routed to either the bulk heads or directly to the battery. Not only does this keep wiring cleaner, it also guarantees a strong enough power and ground source for everything wired in. Another aspect is data logging and sensor read outs; daisy chained power sources and chassis grounded points can cause interference that can keep these from operating correctly.

Bulk head fittings safely transmit power and ground through the firewall, offering pickup points from the battery on each side

The main components laid out

Installation Highlights of our Spaghetti Menders Control System

The system in our Malibu is typical for an EFI Big Block with a single state nitrous system. However, we also have added provisions for an intercooler should be add a supercharger or turbocharger in the future.

Luckily the "Chief Menders" of the Spaghetti, Theresa and Bob Lapp, were able to make it to the powerTV garage to help us with the installation. Also since we didn�t want to run an alternator, we went with a dual 16-volt system.

Lets take a look at some of the installation highlights:

Dual XS Power Batteries (S1000) that are 16V provide the voltage to the Spaghetti Menders system. Spaghetti included a dual battery kit that includes all connections, battery cables, and charging lugs to make setup simple and easy. Just measure, cut, and install.

First course of action was to get the electronics mounted where we wanted them. As we installed them, we labeled all the wires so we knew later where they needed to go. Bob started with the battery terminals and remote shutoff switch first. The charge plug for the batteries was placed in a cutout through the license plate.

Bob frequently has to advise people where to run wiring in the safest area possible. You want to try to stay away from heat, fans, headers/exhaust, superchargers and other danger areas that could sever wires. We ran our wires under the front roll cage extensions.

Here we mounted the front Spaghetti relay box that would control the lights, engine controls, fans, and water pump right by the front fender. It was mounted on a tab to the left of the radiator.

Bob then uses screw in c-clips to run the wire underneath the cage for a clean fitment. Power, ground, input cable, and the nine-pin cable are the only wires we need to run in there. The remaining wires will go to head lights, park lights, electric fan, and water pump. The input wire will go to our bump start (driver and passenger side) for adjusting valves on the fly.

Mounted to the rear mini-tub was the relay box for the fuel pumps, batteries, intercooler, rear lights, etc.

Spaghetti's custom control box.

Here's our wiring job half way through in the rear of the car. It looks a little intimidating, but you need to remember: one wire at a time.

More Junk in that Trunk

Our relay board in the trunk housed two fuel pump outputs (though we only have one, hence the loop), rear parking lights, brake lights, and intercooler pump (for when we add a supercharger). Our inputs included one for the intercooler pump and a master kill switch to disable the fuel pumps if the kill switch is turned off. Above the large board is a smaller one that is designed for our nitrous fuel pump. A secondary switch panel is used and this will only activate the nitrous pump when you need to. Also, when we go to the supercharger, it will be easy to remove the nitrous accessories.

We removed the dash in order to run all of our wires cleanly and neatly. With the Spaghetti system, wires really do not need to be nearly as long as in a traditional style control box. Since we have relay boxes in the engine compartment, interior, and rear trunk area, wires longer than 8 feet are rare.

The interior is where we run into our largest amount of wiring. A slew of Auto Meter gauges, MSD 7 ignition box, Pro-Flo XT ECU, and other accessories all needed to be routed accordingly. For low amperage electronics - like our gauges - we ran to a power junction block (picture above the Auto Meter tach) to tie these together on one power source.

Wiring for the ignition box and ECU get their own power sources. Our relay outputs for our under dash relay box included motor start, ignition power, dash lights, computer power, and line lock power. The inputs on the three pin included another bump start switch and neutral safety switch. Below the relay box was our Spaghetti Menders nitrous timer and dedicated relay box. After two days of wiring, we were buttoned up and ready to roll.

Spaghetti's Top Five Wiring Tips

1) Label Everything -- It is hard to remember where each wire is ran in your car. Label the wiring at any junction point, at the contact. This way if you ever run into wiring problems down the road, it will make for a lot easier process on tracing it.

2) Correct Size Wire -- Ignition boxes draw more amperage than gauges do. Make sure that if wire extending is needed, to lengthen the wires with the manufactures recommend gauge. Also keep in mind that some contacts require special wire, like a shielded cable to help eliminate electrical noise.

3) Color Code It - As mentioned above, if wire extending is needed, stick with the same color. Don�t have a yellow wire coming out of the ignition box that is connected to a black wire. This is going to make your life hell when it comes to finding a problem.

4) Mending Connections + Shrink Tubing - Different people and manufactures will either tell you to use socketed/crimp connections or solder connections. Some say soldering can cause interference through the metal and others say butt connections fall apart too easy. Ask the manufacture what they recommend for their component. Either way, use shrink tubing. It will help product soldered connections from grounding out. For crimp connections (like ours) it helps keep the bare wire at the end of the plug from grounding out and it also helps hold the wire into the connector.

5) Double Check Your Connections - This is simple, just sometimes time consuming. Double check all your connections when you are done. Not only test the connection to assure it is tight, but also the wires are going the right way. Having polarities swapped backwards on an electronic is not only the easiest way to destroy it, but potentially burn your car to the ground.

The Final Results

It took Bob about 16 hours to completely wire our 1978 Malibu from start to finish, including the time to take breaks to shoot photos and video. The end product was stunning - clean, logical, and simple. What once started out as a heap of wires, boards, and spools ended up as an organized electrical system.

Spaghetti Menders offers a top-shelf wiring system that is customized to your application for your exact race car. Basically - they do the hard work for you in terms of designing how the system will operate. All you really need to do is install it - and trust us - with Spaghetti Menders - this is the easy part.

Once we were completed, we decided to fire up our Malibu! Hopefully you'll enjoy the fine sound of the Edelbrock/Musi 555 as much as we did! Thanks Spaghetti Menders!

Contact:

Spaghetti Menders

Web: www.racewiring.com

Phone: (815) 963-1005

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Replica Cobra Flips at Track

Chris DeMorro — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:37:15 GMT

The danger involved with racing is part of the allure and thrill of going fast. There is even the old stigma that the only reason people watch NASCAR is for the crashes. Professional racers are surrounded by millions of dollars in safety and protective equipment designed to endure even the most catastrophic collisions. But this often isn’t the case of your average weekend warrior.

As the Youtube video dug up by Jalopnik shows, even when things seem to be going right, they can go very, very wrong, as happened to this unfortunate (but unharmed) racer in a replica Cobra.

This video shows a very fast, very loud Cobra screaming down the straightaway at Virginia International Raceway just before spinning out and flipping. The full VIR course is 3.27 miles in length, and hosts many automotive sporting events. This video was taken way back in 2007, and the flip appears to have happened on the back straightaway, which is 3,000 feet in length and features a sharp right-hand turn at both the beginning and end. VIR also features numerous elevation changes, which may have contributed to the crash as well.

The flip itself could have happened for any number of reasons. This Cobra was clearly very, very powerful the way it assed the 400+ horsepower GTO like it was just standing still. The question is, did the owner invest as much money into the suspension as the engine? Still, it is hard to fault the driver based solely on this video evidence. As soon as he crests the slight hill, the car seems to start spinning, completing about 270 degrees before flipping over on to its roll bars.

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eBay Find of the Day: Ford �.32 Revolver�

Chris DeMorro — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:06:07 GMT

The business of hot rodding is as competitive as full contact sports - with many award and rod shows taking place at venues across the country. Proud builders lug their expensive hobbies and habits from coast to coast, chasing elusive awards like the Ridler, Boise, and America’s Most Beautiful Roadster.

According to the eBay auction though, only one car has ever achieved this Triple Crown of champions; the Ford .32 Revolver built by Dave Emery. It is being auctioned off by Best of Show Automotive.

Picture: Best of Show Automotive

That’s right, not even big name builders like Chip Foose or Boyd Coddington has ever won all three awards with the same car. But Dave Emery did, 12 years ago with the .32 Revolver, which is actually based on a Darrell Zip “Zipper” Highboy. Emery added an all-new aluminum and fiberglass front clip, as well as a chopped window from a Volkswagen Beetle.

The suspension comes from an ’85 Corvette. The engine is a small-block Chevy backed by a TH-350 transmission (with just 700 miles), and the whole car is a lesson in attention to detail. Even the engine is a work of art.

Attention was paid to every detail, like the rear tail lights being molded into the body. The welds are seamless and invisible throughout the car. The dashboard alone took 450 hours to design and build. The shaved doors are operated by an electronic key fob, as is the engine. For such a simple looking car, the details are immense and almost overwhelming. And for the scant price of $169,000 - it can sit in your garage, forever collecting value (and dust).

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