I've never raced a car before Saturday.
About a month ago I had collected a giant pile of parts and started frantically building a car to take to the Pittsburgh Chrysler Classic. I didn't think I could have a car ready, but I didn't like the idea of missing the first ever slant six points race in Pittsburgh.
Here's what was in the pile:
A solid but ugly 2 door 1980 dodge aspen body. well-used stock '71 block with solid lifters, a bbd super six (aluminum intake), fresh mildly ported head with .060 off, stock cam, stock exhaust manifold with 2" pipe and turbo muffler. stock EI at 12 btdc and 28 total advance. Fresh timing chain. Power steering has to go, but was running during race time. Stock '71 904 trans. Stock 2.76 7-1/4 rear. Cheap rolling tires and steel rims. Couldn't get a working speedo between the '71 trans and '80 cable.
Anything I didn't mention is still bone stock.
On friday (july 23) I worked from 10am till 2:30 the next morning to get my car ready, and I even had to wake up extra early Saturday to re-install a steering pump.
The first real test drive was making it to the track ( about 45 minutes at highway speed ), but we had no notable problems.
The car was sluggish and not looking very pretty compared to the other cars at the event, but no one even seemed to notice. I think I was one of the slowest cars, but I still had fun. Everyone was helpful and fun to talk with. My car got better every run, thanks to lots of hands on suggestions from other slanters.
19.475 sec at 69.9 mph (first run ever, what a rush!!)
Reaction time was .56 ( I guessed )
19.634 sec at 70.1 mph (timing and carb adjustments made the motor run better, but the shifts were now waaaay too early)
Better Reaction .544
18.96 sec at 73.75 mph (fixed the kickdown)
Reaction was .75, because I was waiting for the guy next to me. (oops)
I actually let off the gas on my elemination race, thinking I was going way faster than my last time trial.
19.3 sec at 71.5 mph (dialed in at 18.90, I might have been closer if I knew how to drive )
Reaction was .83, because I was sunburnt and worn out.
I lost by about .3 sec to a car running 11.53 (wow!!!)
I have a whole new respect for what it takes to run in the 17 sec range and below. These slant6 racing guys are dedicated!!!
After my elimination, the long hours and late nights set in, I skipped the sportsman eliminations on Sunday and got some much deserved R&R.
Thanks to everyone!!!
Eventually I plan,
727 low geared trans, higher stall converter
Some type of cam upgrade
3.23 posi rear and "short" low profile rear tires
Manual steering box
Overall Weight reduction (goodbye to anything not required by law)
Aluminum Bumpers
Carb rebuild / rejet
I hope to get into the 16-17 second range and stay street legal by next years race, but we'll see what my tax refund looks like.
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( If dreams really do come true 
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I also have to see what the exhaust shop gives me for a price, plus inspection/emissions.
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