Dragginwagon467

Here’s the incorrect, in multiple ways, “396.” I hope to get back to a more stock appearing package at some point (after seeing this 632 run 11.2 @ 128 mph 🤣)

Not really interested in changing the rear gear, as the 2.56 are great compromise if your engine has the torque pull from the dig and enough hp to pull through the traps in second gear. I don’t plan on running quicker than 11.50, but love a smooth idle and being able to drive my car anywhere. As well, the 2.56 gear, combined with hard street tires, protects the factory axle shafts from breakage. With a functional second gear, this combination is easily capable of 11.2 @ 128 mph on 225/70-15 Cooper Cobras. Should be able to run 11.50s with a friend or two in the car 😁

Looking forward to the 2025 season…car is still sporting the 2.56 gears, factory converter, but the engine has been swapped for a BluePrint 632. Now, I know what you’re thinking, “how does a tall deck BBC fit in a First Gen MC?” The answer is it’s complicated. There are a few initial challenges: 1. Hood clearance - I wasn’t willing to give up the factory hood, and the Dominator-flanged 632 intake is tall, very tall. To get around this, I sourced a rare intake, casted by GM back in 1969 for tall deck Mercruiser boat engines. Now, even though the spread bore intake is made for tall-deck engines, it wasn’t a bolt-on deal for the cavernous rectangular intake ports on the 632. After epoxying the upper bolt holes closed, the intake fit well. This video explains the intake and modification well. 2. Header fitment - Hooker 2455 are the go to header for many when running a standard deck height Big Block Chevy in the First Gen MC, and I didn’t opt to spend big money on anything else. Now, what that means is, the driver’s side header has been modified (dented) to fit the steering shaft, lower rear control arm mount, and column shift rod. Both headers were dented to accomadate the angled spark plugs for boot and socket clearance. Of course, the taller and wider deck mandated chopping off the head pipes and fitting new collector extensions 3. Engine accessory brackets - The standard deck height power steering brackets swap straight over to the 632. Try as I may, I could not find a stock-appearing alternator bracket set. So, I did what any proper redneck would do…I used the standard deck height lower bracket as a pattern to make my own custom lower bracket. For the upper alternator bracket, I was able to slot the lower hole at the water pump, which allowed the bracket to raise straight up, as needed. All this being said, we dropped it in the weekend before the First Gen Monte Carlo Takeover at Norwalk last year, and didn’t have it street ready until 2AM, the first day…only to find that I had a coolant leak due to cylinder head/intake gasket mismatch. I spent the first day pulling the intake back off, luckily the problem was obvious (now) and I already had an intake gasket that fit much better. By Friday afternoon, the 632 was running again. With only limited street time on the new combination, I chose to trailer the car to the event…and it was a good choice. Day 2, the 632 made its maiden voyage down the track, and it was anti-climactic. In the burnout box, the engine gained rpm at an alarming rate, so much so I had to let off the gas abruptly - it was plainly obvious this wasn’t a 496 or 510. Not knowing what 632 cubic inches was going to do to street tires on a mildly prepped track, I left the starting line cautiously, and rolled into the throttle. Within a split second, it became clear the tires were holding all the torque the massive engine had to offer, so I rolled into full throttle. Acceleration was brisk, and when I slid the column shift into second gear, the TH350 declined the command. Second gear exited the chat somewhere between the burnout box and about 200’ out. That was disappointing, yet probably the best thing that could’ve happened in my situation that weekend. in the end, I made several more passes, with 2.56 gears, factory converter, and without the benefit of second gear, and ran a best of 12.52 @ 112 mph. I drove the car the rest of the season without second gear (what can I say, I missed driving it the first half of the season). The 632 is not for the weak of heart, it has about 8” of vacuum (compared to 15” @840 rpm for my 510), and the cam is so large that the engine doesn’t really “smooth out” until 2500 rpm…meaning if you’re driving slower than about 65 mph, the engine is happier in second gear (which is there, but only slightly above idle power). The 632 is happy enough to idle down to 450-500 rpm, but it’s really choppy (honestly, it’s choppy at 1000rpm.) All things considered, this won’t be my car’s final form. It’s fun, no doubt, and you better have the car pointed in an appropriate direction before applying significant throttle when driving on the street. The engine is just too much, and requires too many sacrifices for a street cruiser. That’s it for now, hope to see a few of you at Norwalk (OH) in July.

*Not an official FGMCC Event* The dates for the 4th Annual First-Gen Monte Carlo Takeover at Summit Motorsports Park’s 24th Annual Blue Suede Cruise, have been set for July 25-27, 2025. Bill Bader has already agreed to provide us the same location near the grand stands for next year. This is a prime location in regards to fun runs and watching the races from the stands. Saturday, July 26th will be the main day for the First-Gen Monte Carlo Takeover. The show schedule has not been announced but generally, gates open at 7:00 AM each day and fun runs begin directly after. Staging lanes open once again around 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM. Last year, nearly all the Montes went down the track for a photo-opportunity, but there’s no pressure and plenty to do if you do not chose to race. To ensure ample space for those attending the Takeover, please register by completing this form: https://forms.gle/heLpBvxxx5PQ4Tqj9 Registration update: 5 have already registered for '25 A few Frequently Asked Questions: Q. What is the First-Gen Monte Carlo Takeover? A. The First-Gen Monte Carlo Takeover started in 2022 as a large group of 1970-72 Monte Carlo enthusiasts converging on one of the premier muscler-car events of the summer - The Blue Suede Cruise at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, OH. The track owner has graciously allocated our group a space to park together, which is greatly appreciated. Q. What is the Blue Suede Cruise? A. Thousands of classic cars from ‘78 and earlier attend the annual Lingenfelter Performance Engineering Blue Suede Cruise presented by Cometic Gasket at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, OH. In addition to a very colorful and chrome-filled car show, fun-runs and Nostalgia Drag Racing League competition, there will be an autocross, a manufacturers midway, a concert by Phil Dirt and the Dozers, fireworks and more. Q. Is there an additional charge for the First-Gen Monte Carlo Takeover? A. Actually, it’s quite the opposite. There is no additional fee for attending the First-Gen Monte Carlo Takeover, and by registering early for the “Takeover,” you will be eligible to purchase a discounted Blue Suede Cruise Car Show ticket. Q. How many First-Gen Monte Carlos will attend the First-Gen Monte Carlo Takeover? A. The numbers from the previous years... 2024 - 29 2023 - 38 2022 - 18 Photo Albums: 2024 - Link 2023 - Link 2022 - Link Hope to see you and your First-Gen Monte (or other classic car) at the 24th Annual Blue Suede Cruise. Best Regards, Mike

Less than 30 Days to the the 3rd Annual First Gen Monte Carlo Takeover.

Monte Carlo #56 Registered this week, his car is pretty recognizable. I know I'm hoping to line up with him - somebody please take my camera and get a few shots while he's still in frame

52 Registered as of 12/30/2023 It's not every day you get the chance to collect a few photos of your First Gen Monte Carlo on a dragstrip, let alone what is probably one of the most premier tracks in the country. There were several who went down the track who weren't there to set a PB, but to collect memories (which they did). Anyhow, here's a video Rich Carter shot at the 2023 Takeover - it's in the playlist shared above.

You mean like this playlist? There are 21 videos here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2zrYdT14Yzc6q8LGGZEiH0_l8vQUYBcS&si=TG35SuqUKCqJFuMU

A video from 2023, Montes on the track https://youtu.be/hhHhf-7OiHo?si=WzzJfi9toFZ-dLm3

39 Montes Registered for the 3rd Annual First-Gen Monte Carlo Takeover 7/26-7/27/2024. Things are shaping up nicely.

*Not an official FGMCC Event. The dates for the 3rd Annual First-Gen Monte Carlo Takeover at Summit Motorsports Park’s 23rd Annual Blue Suede Cruise, have been set for next year - July 26-28, 2023. Bill Bader has already agreed to provide us the same location near the grand stands for next year. This is a prime location in regards to fun runs and watching the races from the stands. Saturday, July 27th will be the main day for the First-Gen Monte Carlo Takeover. The show schedule has not been announced but generally, gates open at 7:00 AM and fun runs directly after. Then again toward 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM. Last year, nearly all the Montes went down the track for a photo-opportunity, but there’s no pressure and plenty to do if you do not chose to race. To ensure ample space for those attending the Takeover, please register by completing this form: https://forms.gle/PH8vVsafVcbQZGhV9 FAQ: TBD Registration update: 13 have already registered for '24, Link TBD A few Frequently Asked Questions: Q. What is the First-Gen Monte Carlo Takeover? A. The First-Gen Monte Carlo Takeover started in 2022 as a large group of 1970-72 Monte Carlo enthusiasts converging on one of the premier muscler-car events of the summer - The Blue Suede Cruise at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, OH. The track owner has graciously allocated our group a space to park together, which is greatly appreciated. Q. What is the Blue Suede Cruise? A. Thousands of classic cars from ‘78 and earlier attend the annual Lingenfelter Performance Engineering Blue Suede Cruise presented by Cometic Gasket at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, OH. In addition to a very colorful and chrome-filled car show, fun-runs and Nostalgia Drag Racing League competition, there will be an autocross, a manufacturers midway, a concert by Phil Dirt and the Dozers, fireworks and more. Q. Is there an additional charge for the First-Gen Monte Carlo Takeover? A. Actually, it’s quite the opposite. There is no additional fee for attending the First-Gen Monte Carlo Takeover, and by registering early for the “Takeover,” you will be eligible to purchase a discounted Blue Suede Cruise Car Show ticket. Q. How many First-Gen Monte Carlos will attend the First-Gen Monte Carlo Takeover? A. The numbers from the previous years... 2022 - 18 2023 - 38 Notable highlights from the 2nd Annual First-Gen Monte Carlo Takeover: Saturday saw 37 First-Gen Montes attend the Takeover (plus two more that had no idea of the event). We had at least 3 Monte Carlo SSs attend. Long Distance: Brad Austin trailered his Black 454-powered '70 nearly 500 miles from Opdyke, IL, while Adolfo Rodriguez drove his Autumn Gold 396 small block powered '70 nearly 300 miles from Holland, MI. Honorable mentions: Steve Griffith drove his highly customized '72 about 250 miles from Pendleton, IN. Those traveling 200 miles or more: Gary Hull, Steve Playter, Rich Carter, Mike Lovegrove, and Jack Makowski. Racing: Erik Kuderick's green, 582-powereed, alcohol sipping '72 blasted to an 8.99 @ 150 mph and took the honors as the quickest and fastest First-Gen at the Takeover. Jim Cherol's gold, 572-powered '70 Monte took similar the honors for Montes driven to the track (2hrs). Show: We didn't have classes or pick a winner, but there were a couple in the group which stood out. Hope to see you and your First-Gen Monte Carlo next year. Best Regards, Mike Summit Motorsports Park is at 1300 State Route 18, Norwalk, Ohio. For more information, visit summitmotorsportspark.com or call 419-668-5555

Here you go.

That’s not too bad. The power hangs on fairly well up top and that torque curve is nice and flat.

A playlist of First-Gen Monte Carlos on the dragstrip. I’ve uploaded videos from Day 2. Day 2 saw Eric’s alcohol-injected 582-powered Monte run an impressive 8.99 @ 150 mph. Day 3 saw Jim C’s 572-powered ‘70 stop the clocks at 10.60 @ 128 mph, after driving two hours to the track. Jim’s 3.73 geared S60 is tamed by a TH400 sporting a Gear Vendors over drive unit There were several high 11-Second/low 12-Second Montes, which made for some highly competitive, side/by-side racing. 11.72 @ 112.06 Gary’s ‘72, 489, TH400, 3.73 11.78 @ 114. Harold’s ‘71, 388, TH350, 3.73 12.14 @ 112.14 Paul’s ‘70, 489, 700R-4, 3.73 12.15 @ 116.88 my ‘70, 510, TH350, 2.56 More videos to come.

A photo from Saturday.