Re: 1968 Plymouth Road Runner
My RR story, continued. I can recall with great clarity that a Hemi with a 4-speed and 4.10 gears on polyglass tires wouldn't win too many stoplight to stoplight challenges. But from a 40 MPH roll, there was not much around that could touch it.
This pic is in my parents garage as we're preparing to install a set of Hooker Headers. Painful side note: I can remember taking the exhaust manifolds and the air cleaner (air grabber car, remember?) to the DUMP soon after this day!
Note the slicks on steel wheels laying there. Yep, it was time to go get a time slip(s)...
Stock, except for open headers and those slicks and no air filter:
12.78 @ 110
Added 4.88 gears, "Landy" tune up on the AFB's and a Vanke mod to the intake:
12.22 @ 116
Added Isky .590 cam, distributor recurve, Schiefer clutch and the first set of Rocket Wheels in the Bay Area (15x4 and 15x10):
11.58 @ 121
A rebuilt Hemi with the above cam, Venolia pistons, Rat Roaster intake "blueprinted" Landy carbs, Accel BEI igntion, Milodon oiling, 5.12 gear, etc:
10.77 @ 128
Even in 10.77 form, the car wasn't cut up at all, still had all of the stock interior, still weighed over 3,700#, and still roamed the street often!
Fast forward to 1976. After buying a '66 Belevdere I Hemi (sedan) the RR was sold. Less, engine/trans/Dana for $1000, with 33K showing on the clock. Yes it still smelled new inside! Hopefully it's a restored show poodle now and didn't get thrashed or wrecked...
Note the CA black and yellow plate: YUF 426. What are the odds?? There was a few acronyms made up back then for what the YUF meant!
GREAT memories. My brother (now 62) is 100% responsible for my Mopar/drag race habit and can't imagine life without this hobby and the friends I've made because of it.
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