Originally posted on July 14, 2018.

Well, we are poised for a LOT of progress over the next 2 weeks.  We are supposed to retrieve the engine from Mike Kopchik of Rage Fuel Systems early this week.  That is pivotal because Mike can get the engine and transmission in place and wiring and plumbing connected.  You see the empty engine compartment in the photo below behind the firewall which separates it from the driver’s chamber. 

This is not without complications, however.  Mike is working with Pat Norcia at Ram Clutches to get the clutch package best suited for the streamliner.  Ram is a family-owned operation located in Columbia, SC, and they have a lot of experience with racing applications.  We have worked with them on previous projects and trust their judgment.  Pat has recommended a custom-made clutch which will take 10 days to complete.  So Mike will have to put in the work to get everything in place and then remove it to get the clutch installed.

You may remember in an earlier post I mentioned the dolly system.  This photo shows the dollies in operation.  Mike has moved the car around in the shop which is no small task.  He had to position the car so that it is under the engine hoist. 

Also to come quickly is the graphics on the car which will be done by Ricky and Jamie Gaskins of Frontline Designs.  Learning about them has been a blessing.  They do a large number of Nascar applications.  We had been looking for someone to help us in this capacity for several months and Mike recently found them through a friend.  Of all things, they are located in Darlington!  All that time we spent searching and they are less than 10 miles from us.

Hopefully we will have lots to tell soon . . .