| Strip Tuning Log |
| Run/Tuning |
Launch RPM |
Shift Pt. |
60-ft. |
1/8-mile |
1/4-mile |
| 1. 37-deg timing, 17.5 psi rear tires |
2,500 |
6,000 |
1.49 |
6.78/100.72 |
10.69/125.32 |
| 2. Same |
2,500 |
6,000 |
1.49 |
6.71/101.12 |
10.62/125.04 |
| 3. 17 psi rear tires |
2,500 |
5,800 |
1.51 |
6.71/101.61 |
10.60/125.46 |
| Best Pass Corrected |
10.38/128.13 |
| 4. 17.5 psi rear tires |
2,700 |
5,800 |
1.49 |
6.73/101.08 |
10.63/124.84 |
| 5. 18.5 psi rear tires |
2,400 |
5,800 |
1.51 |
6.74/101.10 |
10.63/125.59 |
Run Notes: 1) Car pulled left on launch, got off the throttle and back on; 2) Straight this time; 3) Dropped shift rpm due to bad air-car ran better; 4) Car went slightly to the right off the line.
Owner Bio: Rich Dwin
Rich, a 53-year-old truck driver, has been racing for 37 years. He bought his LeMans in 2006 because he had just sold his '70 GTO convertible racecar, bought an '06 GTO with the money, and then missed racing a 10-second car. It's special to him because "it's been reliable, fast, fun, and very consistent." His favorite moment in it was two days after our Shootout, when he raced in the Street class at VMP and won First Place. Rich says he's raced Pontiacs exclusively since he was 16 years old. He's owned a '74 SD-455 Trans Am, a '76 (Pontiac's) 50th Anniversary Grand Prix, over a dozen GTOs, three Trans Ams, and five Firebirds. Currently, he owns the aforementioned '06 GTO and a '71 LeMans Sport convertible.
Strip Specs
Year/Model: '72 LeMans
Race Weight With Driver: 3,640 lbs
Curb Weight: 3,430 lbs
Fuel Level When Weighed: 1/2-tank
Fuel: 114 octane
Engine: YC-code 455
Cubic Inches Before/After: 455/462
Engine Built By: Chris Jenkens
Induction System
Air Cleaner: Homemade
Carburetor: Pro Systems 1,050 dominator
Jets: No.93/93
Spacer Plate: None
Intake Manifold: Victor, ported
Fuel System
Pump: Products Engineering, electric, 250-gph
Lines: 1/2-in
Regulator: Holley, 7.25 psi
Heads
Casting: Wenzler Series II aluminum
Head Porting: Yes
Flow Numbers: 335 at 0.600-in intake
Valves: Manley stainless steel, 2.11/1.77-in
Bottom End
Pistons: JE cast-aluminum, flat-top with valve reliefs
Rings: File-to-fit, 1/16, 1/16, 3/16-in
Rods: Eagle forged H-beam
Compression Ratio: 12.5:1
Crankshaft: Stock 4.210-stroke, cut 0.010/0.010
Rotating Assembly Balanced: Yes
Camshaft
Brand: Elgin solid-roller
Duration at 0.050: 268/272-deg
Duration Advertised: Unknown
Lift With Specified Rocker Arms: 0.640/0.640-in
Lobe Separation Angle: 110-deg
Installed Position: Straight up
Rocker Arms: TD rockershafts, 1.65:1
Ignition
Distributor: MSD Pro-Billet
Amplifier: MSD Digital 6
Coil: MSD Blaster 2
Wires: MSD 8.5 mm
Spark Plugs: Autolite AR103
Total Timing: 37-deg
RPM Total Timing is Reached: 2,500
Exhaust
Headers: Mad Dog
Primaries: 2.00-in
Collectors: 3.00-in
Exhaust Pipes: 3.00-in
Mufflers: Flowmaster
Crossover: No
Drivetrain
Transmission: Turbo 400, manual reverse pattern
Converter: Dynamic 9-in, 3,200-stall
Shifter: Cheetah
Rear: 12-bolt
Rear Gear Ratio: 3.73:1
Spool: Strange
Axles: Strange, 32-spline
Chassis and Suspension
Brakes F/R: Stock disc/drum
Wheels F/R: Weld Drag Lites 15x4 / 15x10
Tires F/R: M/T 28x7.5x15 / M/T Drag Radials 295/65R15
Tire Pressure F/R: 40 psi/13 psi
Suspension Front
Springs: Stock replacement
Shocks: QA1, single-adjustable, set two clicks from soft
Control Arms: Stock
Stabilizer Bar: N/A
Other Features: None
Suspension Rear
Springs: Stock
Shocks: Stock replacement
Control Arms: Adjustable upper/boxed lower
Stabilizer Bar: 1.00-in
Other Features: Airlift airbags, set to 28 psi
Chassis Mods: None
The Rest
Interior Mods: S&W 6-point rollbar, Auto Meter tachometer, oil, and temperature gauges
Exterior Mods: VFN fiberglass hood with scoop
Safety Mods: Safety loop, rear electric shut-off switch
Color: Custom red metallic
Launch Technique: Foot brake to 2,500 to 2,800 rpm
Best 1/8-mile ET/MPH Prior to Event: 6.65/102 mph
Best 1/4-mile ET/MPH Prior to Event: 10.48/128 mph