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#1 |
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Dennis,
I believe the 66' Comet Cyclone convertible was the 'Official Indy Pace Car' in 1966. The car 'should' have had functional scoops in that fiberglass hood, instead of the faux-units. At the 66' NHRA Winternationals, the manufacturers and dealers used the C/Stock class to promote their 'new and hottest street performance cars'. Mercury, with '8' Comet Cyclone GT entries in class, were out in force to win C/Stock. Not an easy task, as a total of '27' cars were entered, including the dangerous 66' Oldsmobile 4-4-2 (400/360HP Tri-Power) and the 66' GTO (389/360 HP Tri-Power). The Mercury contingent did not disappoint, as the Comet Cyclone GT's took 3 of the top 4 qualifying spots, plus 3 more spots in the Top 10 C/Stock qualifiers; #1 Ken Casteel,,,,,,,,,,,12.95 @ 104.40 MPH #2 Les Shockey,,,,,,,,,,13.05 @ 107.14 MPH #4 Roger Gustin,,,,,,,,,,13.05 @ 105.00 MPH #7 Billy Lagana,,,,,,,,,,,,13.09 @ 104.75 MPH #9 Eddie Schartman,,,,,13.11 @ 104.03 MPH #10 Tom Strunk,,,,,,,,,,,13.12 @ 105.05 MPH Last edited by Paul Ceasrine; 10-27-2011 at 12:54 PM. |
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#2 |
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Car Life Magazine,,,,,,,,,,April 1966
Performance test of the 1966 Mercury Comet Cyclone GT, 390/335 HP, C-6 Automatic, with 3.25 Gears Test was performed at Carlsbad Raceway Dragstrip, January 1966. Editors Analysis; * Plenty of usable torque on the low-end. * Not much of a top-end performer. * Restrictive valve passages in the cylinder head, hinder engine breathing. * Valve size adequate (2.03" intake / 1.56" exhaust) * Hydraulic-lifters limit attainable RPM. * Performance results; 15.20 @ 90 MPH Test was performed with 7.75 x 14" tires, and 3-speed console shifted automatic. Shift points were 4800 RPM (1st to 2nd) and 4600 RPM (2nd to 3rd). Note: The car came from the dealership, equipped with fabricated tubed headers, with 3" dumps. ![]() Last edited by Paul Ceasrine; 10-26-2011 at 11:52 AM. |
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#3 |
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1966 Indianapolis 500,,,,,,,,
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#4 |
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Paul I remember when I was in high school and seen those Comet's at
the local Merc dealership. I always liked those and had a soft spot in my heart for them and the Fairlane GT's |
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#5 |
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The 1966 390/335 HP Comet Cyclone GT's hung around for awhile
1966 in C/S 1967 in B/S With the National Records in 12.70 range. But in 1968 (classed in D/S or D/SA) things got a little tough. National Records; D/S,,,,,,,12.39 @ 113.10 MPH D/SA,,,,12.49 @ 112.50 MPH pc |
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#6 |
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Its a shame they came with such a small carb. Even if they had the 735cfm Holley it would've helped, although I'm sure a 750 or 780 would've been better.
Danny Durham |
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#7 |
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danny,
Correct on the 600 Holley, a bit undersized. The #3778 700 CFM Holley, better suited for that engine, With 1 11/16" primary and secondary throttle bore size openings,,,,,more GULP!! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the April 1966 Super Stock Magazine, the editors gave the 1966 Comet Cyclone GT the 'Performance Award'. They tested the car at Daytona International Speedway. A 4-Speed car with a wide-ratio transmission and 3.50 gears. Performance Results: 14.40 @ 96 MPH Last edited by Paul Ceasrine; 10-26-2011 at 11:30 AM. |
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