TR 8 Update, Huffaker GT 1

[roverman]

I could not find ring and pinion, lower numerically than 3.08/1. I decided to build a Yukon aluminum 9" ford, with a drag spool. This should preclude the need for a cooler, in 1/4-1.5 mile, standing start speed events. I'll be building a 4L V8, this time around. The high hp./large motor will need development time. I thing this means about 160 mph., for "flyingwedge", in April. Onward, roverman.

[roverman]

I ordered a Hurst Super Street shifter, through "tech" at Jeg's.  This based on my input of road race usage,(M 22 box), wanting "straight" shift rods. Shifter looks fine, and then I receive the "installation kit"= + $140., and it has 3/8 spagetti, for shift rods !  This is starting to "shift" my brand loyalty.  Onward, roverman.

[roverman]

[roverman]

Regarding photos above, not the best, but you get the idea. I'm not proud of the way the car has been stored, since 1985, but I'm doing a full restoration-now. Bolt-on alterations-only, to upgrade for Mojave 1.5 mile,(April 2013). Lot's to accomplish, for the April run. Cheers, roverman.

[DC Townsend]

Art,
Is the mesh on the driver's side floor over top of the sheet metal or in place of it? Hard to tell from the photo. Looks to be a great ride when completed.

David

[roverman]

David, mesh is on top of original floor pan, just how Huffaker built it.Calling on our collective wisdom, how to I take care of the surface rust, on the floor, under the mesh, without removing it ? If I sand blast, I'll never get all of the sand out. Otherwise, I plan to get a lot of jollies, in this E-ticket ride. Just posted some pic's of "AC 6.1", in  the Healey section. Cheers, roverman.

[WedgeWorks1]

I am confused as to why you would not bring it back to Vintage GT1 specifications? If you think about it there was Slagle's coupe and convertible GT1 cars. There were probably 2 or 3 Huffaker convertibles and 2 or 3 coupes. There was one other GT1 TR8 running with them. I have not seen any of the Huffaker cars back on the track or even brought to exist? You could get away with running a 4 bolt main 4.0 liter engine to run in the class and transmission is open and so is the rear but if those parts are with the car and  it is complete why not? Just my .00000999999 cents worth.

[roverman]

Mike and clan. NO cutting on the car ! Maxton nose and possible belly pan, is only for straight line speed events.I have no current plans to run SCCA GT1. Putting the car back to Huffaker spec', will be very simple. Why use up the long obsolete race 5 speed or rear end ?Going the other extreme,I have no desire to compete for points in VARA, , with their restrictions.  This is the "H5" car that Lee Mueller, among other's, drove for Huffaker. Cheers, roverman.

[DC Townsend]

"Calling on our collective wisdom, how to I take care of the surface rust, on the floor, under the mesh, without removing it ? "

I've great success with Eastwood's rust conversion products (they actually seem to work as advertised). They come in both aersol as well as quarts, etc. and spray on for simple application. That way, no removing the mesh, assuming you can get decent penetration spraying through it. Otherwise, I think you'll need to remove it, deal with rust, paint, replace it.

[Phillip G]

Art,

Thanx for the pics of your Huffaker TR8 GT1 racer !

I hope to someday see it at the racetrack.

keep them on the track,

phillip g

[roverman]

Phillip, As I do yours. Cheers, roverman.

[rtope]

In the pictures from 1-16-13, what type of Rear disk brake system was Huffaker using in the car, and what size were the rotors & calipers???

[roverman]

Ray, AP Lockheed, 4 piston and 10.5" vented rotors ? I'll need to check. I'll be converting to a full-float 8" Ford rear. Trans is M22 Muncie.  Onward, roverman.

[DiDueColpi]

Art!
Pretty cool car. Don't know how I missed the earlier pics.
Must have been the brain damage from the pool accident.
If you need help just yell. We aren't really that far away.
I'd love to be part of putting that car back on the track.
Cheers
Fred

[roverman]

Thanks Fred, as Mike says, we don't see "any" of these cars, anymore. I'm really glad I saved it, all these years. Not saying I woun't, but the thought of road racing this, in SCCA, doesn't appeal to me at this time. I am determined to at least do track days and such.  Cheers, roverman.

[tr8]

Any updates on the car?

[roverman]

How the time flies... I must be having fun ?  It's not like me-BUT, I may have come to my senses. Put the car back as it was built, excepting with a 4.0L block. Car is dirty/neglected, but not that bad to restore. This will be blast to show and drive, just as Huffaker built it.                         Onward, art.

[tr8]

Great plan, glad the car will not be modified, too unique for that.

[willbowen]

Art
do you have the tr8  running yet.  any photos

[MadMarx]

There are Huffaker cars on the run:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khhxzQ745Fg
I was in the blue TR8 right behind.

[John Hamilton]

I need to build a new engine for my MGB GT V8 road race car.  Any advice on pistons, etc?  Things to avoid?

Thanks, John

[MGBV8]

What will your rev limit be, John?

Assuming you are required to use a Rover V8 (maybe Rover 3.5 only) engine, can you only use certain years?  Could you use a 4bolt main 4.0 sleeved down to a 3.5 bore?

[John Hamilton]

I'm pretty sure the sleeved down 4.0 would be acceptable.  Rev limit 7000.  With the previous engine, 10:1 compression, hydraulic cam, I never got it fully sorted.  My run group was all the big bore stuff and it was embarrassing how out-gunned I was.

[roverman]

Read your specific rules, very carefully.  IF is doesn't say you can't ? Says no 180 cranks ? Roller cams ? Roller rockers ?
  You "may" have an advantage, if they're not really savvy on your engine ?
                                                                            Good Luck, Art.

[peterr991]

Any updates on the car?