Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series

[Dragsinger]

One the 6th day of Christmas the painter gave to me, shiny rear suspension parts

Yea, I knew it was coming! The rear section shiny black is under way. My painter friend is working his magic.

[Dragsinger]

I like shiny

[Dragsinger]

Some things about the Super 10 frame make it visually different from a door car.

Of course, the frame being completely removable is a huge visual difference. In addition, the frame is wider, beefier than what you generally see with a door car.

Plus in the rear section the rear cab mounts and bed mounts stand well above the frame.

There are always several ways to approach a project and most of the time with proper planning all methods arrive at an acceptable completed project.

For me, with the tools and resources I have, simple is best. Thus, the shiny frame you see here is basically the factory frame with new side rails in the tire area and four link brackets installed properly.

When the bed and bumper go back on it will bolt right down to the original factory brackets.

The central frame section does not require and modification, I will even use the factory transmission crossmember.

The front section, front crossmember, is next to be modified for oil pan clearance.

Next week, rear housing goes back in place, and cab sets back on to begin roll cage install.

[Dragsinger]

On the 7th day of Christmas a shifting we will go, building a Powerglide for the Super 10 .

The new SFI Reid case is completely bare. It has not one bolt, not one pin, not one clip, not one piece of hardware.

So, we need a donor case or other sources for the small parts. I still have several factory cases and for this build I am using the park hardware from a donor case. However, once the park hardware is "borrowed" from a case you have, well, a useless case.

I have found some sources for the park pawl, pin, spring, bracket but the pricing is too high.

If some of you have a broken case with park hardware and other small hardware I will buy or accept donations. You can contact with a PM if you have any of those parts.

Today in the back yard multi-purpose shop I will begin the trans build by making ready some of the sub assemblies.

My trash pile shows the BTE boxes required to ship parts to build two race powerglides from scratch.
More photos to follow

[Dragsinger]

A fair question is, "why buy several boxes of parts then take time to assemble trans from a bare case?"

Answer, simply my style and desire. Often you will hear the comment, "don't build a race car, buy a ready to race package, save money"

For some racers that is reasonable advice. For me, much of my pleasure is in the building. In addition, my brain is wired for problem solving and creativity. So if you are among the build it yourself class, good for you! It is mighty fine therapy and O the lessons learned

[Dragsinger]

Day 7 bonus notes;

If you are building or plan to build your Powerglide I highly recommend H P Books "Powerglide Handbook" written by the late Carl H. Munroe.

This is an excellent, excellent reference containing many photos and many race upgrades that are both helpful and easily performed. His family continues the transmission business and they have all the special tools and hardware the book brings out. Check them at TSR Racing Products.

The reverse piston photo shows a screw driver pointing at a small dot. Get your copy of the book to learn about it's function.

Also see the parking pawl and related pieces in place, nothing to it, one step at a time. The last photo show reverse clutch pack in place topped by the ring gear.

So, how do you take several boxes of parts and transform they into a Super 10 transmission?

You do it one step at a time

[Little Chief]

Great info Mr. W. Keep up the good work and before you know it Super 10 will be turning on the win lights.

[Dragsinger]

On the 8th day of Christmas I see a beautiful sight, a 12 bolt hanging in place.

One of the Guys here at the shop says I am like a Crow, attracted to shiny objects.

[Dragsinger]

A drag race package that performs as expected does so because 100's of small things add up to make a difference.

Especially with smaller engines like the Super 10's 327 package anything that cuts drag must be considered. The design of a Powerglide is such that when in "high" gear, the reverse friction clutches spin at output shaft speed while the steel plates remain stationary. Thus, we have potential for rotating resistance. With a finish line RPM of 8500 + extra clearance in the reverse clutch pack will free up some drag.

In addition, having less friction plates in the clutch pack gives another lower drag benefit.

The photos show a .100" stack of feeler gauges that only have slight drag between clutch plates. The reverse pack contains only 4 friction plates, proper clearance is set by selecting an extra steel plate of the correct dimension.

And the 1.98 gear set goes in next.

[Dragsinger]

In a private message I was ask my performance expectation and goals for the Super 10.

The short answer, "personal satisfaction" and to expand, the lessons learned and satisfaction of on-track performance realized as planned. In a word, FUN! In another word, "Mental Therapy" [well, two words"

So, notice I did not give an expected ET number. To address that, it will qualify to compete. Because of help from experienced racers and builders of the Super Stock packages I expect the performance to be completely competitive.

In addition, I plan to drive the Super 10 at a competitive level.

Keep in mind the FUN word. But do not for one moment think I am playing, far from it. I am building a package that has potential to win in Super Stock competition.

Plus doing with a sly smile and gleam in the eye.