Strip Tuning Log
| Run/Tuning | Launch RPM | Shift Pt. | 60-ft. | 1/8-mile | 1/4-mile |
| 1. 36-deg timing, 32 psi in rear tires | 1,500 | 5,200 | 2.40 | 9.67/NA | 14.77/96.98 |
| 2. New AC filters | 1,500 | 4,800 | 2.52 | 10.01/NA | 15.16/96.42 |
| 3. Same | 2,000 | 5,200 | 2.27 | 9.55/NA | 14.67/96.76 |
| 4. 38-deg timing, 28 psi in rear tires | 2,200 | 5,200 | 2.19 | 9.41/NA | 14.51/97.10 |
| Best Pass Corrected |
13.96/100.93 |
| 5. 32-deg timing | 2,500 | 5,500 | 2.41 | 9.70/NA | NA/96.73 |
Run Notes: 1) Sticky track, bogged, broke up; 2) Short-shifted and granny-shifted; 3) Launched harder, same speed, better e.t.; 4) Raised launch rpm, still biting; 5) Did not pull hard at the end of track, really hot day.
John, a mechanic, painter, and auto restorer, has been racing for 29 years. He bought his 2+2 in 2002. "I saw it sitting for sale in pieces and thought it would be a cool driver," he says. It’s special to him because, "I watched it get towed through an auction and wanted to see it on the road again." His favorite moment in it was driving it after it had been off the road for 20 years. In addition to his 2+2, John owns a ’70 GTO Judge R/A-IV four-speed tribute, a ’69 GTO R/A-IV coupe, and a ’74 Formula. He says in the past he’s owned "dozens and dozens of Pontiac’s best, from ’64 to ’81."
Strip Specs
Year/Model: ’65 Catalina 2+2 convertible
Race Weight with Driver: 4,150
Curb Weight: 3,950
Fuel Level When Weighed: 1/2 tank
Fuel: Sunoco 93 octane
Engine: ’65 421, SR block
Cubic Inches Before/After: 421 / 453
Engine Built By: Glasgo & Co.
Induction System
Air Cleaner: Original chrome air cleaners with paper and reproduction foam elements
Carburetor: Stock Pontiac Tri-Power with mechanical linkage
Jets: 0.066 center carb, 0.072 outer carbs
Spacer Plate: None
Intake Manifold: Stock ’65 Tri-Power intake
Fuel System
Pump: Stock ACDelco
Lines: 3/8-inch, reproduction
Regulator: None
Heads
Casting: #77
Head Porting: None, screw-in studs replace factory press-in studs
Flow Numbers: Unknown
Valves: Ferrea stainless steel, 1.92 / 1.66-in
Bottom End
Pistons: Ross, forged-aluminum, 24cc dish, 4.12-in
Rings: Total Seal Classic, file-to-fit, 1/16, 1/16, 3/16-in
Rods: Eagle H-beam, forged-steel, 6.800-in
Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
Crankshaft: Eagle cast, 4.25-in stroke
Rotating Assembly Balanced: Yes
Camshaft
Brand: Melling SPC-8 R/A-IV replacement
Duration at 0.050: 231 / 240-deg
Duration Advertised: 308 / 320-deg
Lift with Specified Rocker Arms: 0.470 / 0.470-in
Lobe Separation Angle: 113.5-deg
Installed Position: 109-deg
Rocker Arms: Comp Cams roller tip, 1.52:1
Ignition
Distributor: Factory ’65 Pontiac with ACCEL points
Amplifier: None
Coil: Pertronix stock replacement
Wires: ACDelco 7mm
Spark Plugs: AC43S
Total Timing: 36-deg
Rpm That Total Timing is Reached: 2,200
Exhaust
Manifolds: Factory 421 H.O. long-branch manifolds from RARE
Exhaust Pipes: 2.50-in
Mufflers: Summit Turbos and 2.25-in tailpipes
Crossover: None
Drivetrain
Transmission: Muncie M20 four-speed, wide-ratio
Clutch: Centerforce Dual Friction
Shifter: Factory Hurst
Rear: Pontiac 8.875-in
Rear Gear Ratio: 4.11:1
Posi: GM
Axles: Stock
Chassis and Suspension
Brakes F/R: Stock Pontiac 8-Lug drums
Wheels F/R: 14x6 stock Pontiac 8-Lug
Tires F/R: Goodyear 8.25 reproduction bias-ply
Tire Pressure F/R: 35 psi / 28 psi
Suspension Front
Springs: HD special-made
Shocks: Stock replacement
Control Arms: Stock
Stabilizer Bar: 0.75-in
Other Features: None
Suspension Rear
Springs: Stock
Shocks: Gabriel air
Control Arms: Stock upper and lower
Stabilizer Bar: None
Other Features: None
Chassis Mods: None
The Rest
Interior Mods: None, stock dash-mounted tach and factory gauge package
Exterior Mods: None
Safety Mods: Seatbelts
Color: Montero Red
Launch Technique: 2,000 rpm and slip clutch
Best 1/8-mile ET/MPH Prior to Event: N/A
Best 1/4-mile ET/MPH Prior to Event: Never raced it before