Dragginwagon467

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.

I promise I'll do it. Numbers by Day: x25 on Friday x35 on Saturday x16 on Sunday In total, x38 First-Gen Montes attended the Takeover with a couple more First-Gens in the Car Show participating of their own free will (yes, that's possible). The weather (read as torrential rain) did scare at least a dozen away (those that were making a game-time decision, anyway). Given the opportunity, I think we'll hit 50 next year, barring the wheels completely falling off the economy. I'll say, it was an incredible time, and I'm not exaggerating. I hurt the car in some manner though, so I'll be busy for a bit sorting it out. That being said, Third Annual First-Gen Monte Carlo Takeover anyone?

For this event, the photos will go in a video hosted on YouTube as well…and unless something strange happens, i have a good friend who is going to photograph and video the event for me. I would think we should capture some good memories from the gathering.

I also run a Mark Jones engine...510 CI, 4.310" x 4.375" Your head flow at 0.200" lift looks exceptional on the bad ports - these are typically in the 155-165 CFM range, good ports 175-180. Compression is a little lower than his standard builds (-18cc) and the cam isn't one I've seen him use (generally Isky or Bullet). That being said, the cam lift (which ultimately determines how much airflow the engine sees) is about the same as the Isky 228/238 (0.553"/0.578"), while the duration is a little longer (I would think the torque would be a little lower down low and peak about 4500 and the horsepower should peak about 6200 rpm (which is good carry for 505 cubes and 049 heads). My guess, STP corrected 655 hp @ 6200 rpm and 675 ft-lbs @ 4500 rpm. Good luck, another thread to look forward to on the FGMCC site!

5 days to go. 67 Registered, 15 of them have informed me they’re unable to attend this year. Best guess is we’ll see 50+ First-Gens on Saturday. Wether will be warm on Friday but cools off Friday evening into Saturday and Sunday. Only a few days to wait.

19 Days to go... 64 Montes Registered, 11 of these have informed me they are unable to make it this year...hopefully we'll see them next year. Dozens more responded as going on several Facebook invitations. The anticipation is very high to see the broad spectrum of cars and people at the event. Hope to see you guys and gals there.

Wish we had more time to chat, I’d love to know more details about your car. Overall, seems like it’s a pretty serious piece, set up for racing.

Awesome time Greg, the drive into the venue is beautiful, green and luscious. Parking was nearly perfect (the spacing was perfect) and grill work and food was on point. It’s great getting to speak with various attendees, it helps to understand their personalities and what drives them a little better. Thanks again. Mike

7 Weeks to go, 58 Registered. Had a spontaneous get together a couple weeks ago at the local car show/cruise night...the guys and gals are getting excited for the Takeover. Drove my car to work yesterday and met fellow First-Gen owner Ralph who literally followed me to work to check out my Monte. Ralph owns a olive/black vinyl '72 and it sounds like he might be interested in the Takeover too.

From this photo, it certainly appears to me that your outer wheel molding has been trimmed or is at least shaped much different than my ‘70 molding - your molding is much narrower above the wheel opening. Measure the width of your stainless trim around the opening, that should give a good idea. While I didn’t measure my friend’s molding width, it can’t be but about 5/8”-3/4” wide most of the way above the wheel opening. I typed this yesterday, and I think it helps to explain conflicting information. The challenge with people's "largest tire recommendations" is that when they say "no trimming required," it's quite likely that in the car's 50+years lifetime, the wheel wells have been previously modified (either trimmed or rolled) and it’s not readily apparent so the more correct statement would be, "275/60-15 tires fit without "further" modification." This certainly appears to be the case with 15x8, 4.5" BS and 15x10, 5.5" wheel recommendations. I speak from personal experience, as my car is 100% original and I bought the 15x8, 4.5" BS hoping to run 275/60-15 tires - the tires rubbed the outer trim. I then bought the 15x8, 5.0" BS and reused the same 275/60-15 tires and they never rub, even with my beefy family riding along and 200 lbs of gear in the trunk. I've also inspected another First-Gen with 15x8, 5.5" BS with 275/60-15 and there was no sign of rubbing on the inside at all...but you do need to be mindful of the tailpipe clearance. So, in regards to fitting a 275/60-15 without trimming, there are two sure options - 15x8, in either 5.0" or 5.5" BS - no trimming required for either backspace. 15x8, 4.5" BS will need trimmed with a 275/60-15. 15x10, 5.5 BS will need trimmed more than the 15x8 with a 275/60-15, especially, if you want to stuff your car with a load of passengers and drive it everywhere. It's a shame these fitments require modification, they're hands-down the best looking fitment. This is my friend’s car with 15x10, 5.5" BS and 275/60-15 tires, which required significant trimming/rolling. Take a look, it's hard to argue that the juice isn't worth the squeeze! Also keep in mind, the Tire and Rim Association (TRA) provide tire manufacturers guidelines for an accepted measured range within a defined tire size, so there's certainly a capacity for variation within manufacturers, and even within the same manufacturer. As well, the stated tire section width increases as the wheel width increases...so knowing the section width is more valuable when also knowing the wheel width used to generate the stated section width. A 15x10 wheel makes the 275/60-15 section width larger than the 8" wheel, and that's what makes it look so much better on the car.

For what it is worth, a friend just installed 275/60-15 BFGs on his '71 using the 15x10, 5.5 BS Wheel Vintiques rally wheels (P/N 30-5034052) and even though he was already trimmed from running 15x8, 4.0" BS Corvette rally wheels with 245/60/15, he had to trim more, and quite a bit more. Now, take what he had to trim for the 275 and add at least 3/8" more (295-275 = 20 mm total, or 10 mm per side, which is about 3/8" per side) to fit a 295/55-15 tire. 275/60-15 on a 10" wheel looks amazing though.

Small update regarding camping:

In my mind good rocker arm geometry is never out of style. But, if you're running stock rockers, you likely have stock length valves, stock height keepers, and standard height retainers - just like the General intended so I wouldn't expect the width of your contact patch to be too far off. If you've changed lengths on any of the above, and are out in left field on your pushrod length, all bets are off and check to ensure correct pushrod length at 90° at half valve lift (follow Scott Foxwell's video on YouTube - Link). While it's nice to land a narrow pattern, and nearly centered on the tip, at least nail the narrower pattern and if it's not centered, you may need a different rocker with slightly different dimensions from the fulcrum to the valve stem tip. Also, if bumping up the lift on that SBC, watch for pushrod interference throughout the entire lift cycle. Guide plates and screw-in studs are also a great idea. Regarding the banner, I believe there's reasonable logic behind my offer but I also understand the club's reasoning. Are all these cars racing? As part of the registration process, I've asked if you plan on making fun runs and "What is your quickest 1/4 Mile time in your Monte Carlo?" Of the 54 registered so far, 38 are planning on making Fun Runs. Keep in mind, Fun Runs are made "heads-up" so it only makes sense we try to help pair the cars up as equally as possible. Of course, we can still have call outs if you want to race a specific Monte - just work it out amongst yourselves. Watching and participating in side-by-side Monte Carlo drag race action is one of things I look forward to the most. The track also does not care if you have passengers, and this is great if you want to take your family or friends down the track for a unique experience. The 1/4-Mile ETs breakdown something like this (N/A is unknown): N/A 15.0-up 14.0 - 14.99s 13.0 - 13.99s 12.0 - 12.99s 11.0 - 11.99s 10.0 - 10.99s 09.0 - 9.99s 0 0 0 0 7 9 3 9 4 4 1 1 Keep in mind, you sign a waiver to enter the facility, and the track does what is can to ensure a clean and well prepared racing surface. Drag racing involve speeds well above the speed limit and ultimately, you are responsible for your safety and the safety of your car. Determine the amount of risk within your comfortable level. If I had a low comfort level for risk, I would still line up to race (for the photos) and let the other car go and just cruise normally down the track. That's me, I love racing photos! Each of us is different and that's OK - there's no shame in it. If you like to bench race, let's chat at the track - I like to talk shop, but also like to shut up, listen, and learn too. Best Regards, Mike

Look, I was asked about becoming a “dues paying member” four times before I explained my reasoning for why I (not anyone else) have chosen to forego membership up until this point. I may have even hinted at what it would take for me to become a dues paying member. After I explained my reasoning for not becoming a dues paying member, I was asked, guilted or goaded to become a member no less than 6 more times. Heck, even the forum rules have been updated to prevent guys like me from popping out of the woodwork again in the future… Do I take offense to it? Not at all. Guys are passionate about their hobbies and that passion often translates into persistence and tenacity which drive results. I know persistence and passion can be off putting to certain people, even to the point where they believe they’ve been attacked, insulted or treated rudely - if this is the case, you have my sincere apologies. Like Dennis said, there is no cost for the Takeover, and the main reasons for registering is to ensure the track owner can allocate enough space for us to park together for a group photo (or even a walkthrough video) more than anything, but also to build excitement toward the event. Using the buying power of our attendance to help others save money doesn’t hurt either. If we can make this a yearly event, renew in November - cost is only $35. Registering and buying your tickets ahead of time also expedites your entry to the event...you only need to pull up, show your credentials, drive in and park - directly behind the grandstands. With 3000 cars attending this weekend event, anything you can do to expedite the entry helps everyone. We have several people attending the Takeover during the Blue Suede Cruise with friends who don’t drive a First-Gen Monte Carlo. In these cases, I encourage them to park with their friends - the Blue Suede Cruise is one of the most enjoyable car events and you should enjoy it with your closest car friends. If you want to stop by for a group photo, great, I'll announce the time. In regards to FGMCC attending the Takeover, bravo! However, I think having two "separate" Monte Carlo groups sends a strange message, and it could be interpreted as an "us" vs. "them" situation. Instead, I'd hope for no distinction between attendees and what may have motivated them to be there. I don’t have a sign for the Takeover, I don't plan to either. Further, the Takeover is not a club and I surely don’t intend to run a club. Greg does plan on bringing his Ohio 1st Gen Monte Carlo Family banner, but the FGMCC is more than welcome to put their club banner in front of the group alongside Greg’s. It’s up to you guys, I’m not in this for notoriety or money, I’m in it for the cars, camaraderie as well as the photos and videos. Can you imagine how many Monte vs. Monte drag races we can see? Anyhow, if it’s intelligent conversation you seek, let’s talk engine builds and I’ll talk your ear off. Believe it or not, I’ll even maintain my Christian values. PS. With the new rules, I'm not highly motivated to stop back and check for replies on the daily since I can't reply right away anyhow.

Jeff, I looked at it extensively, and again today. Price, availability, security, amenities, atmosphere. Leaving trailers at the track and driving your car 17 miles to a hotel doesn't seem like a large ask. With all the First-Gen owners on site, I'm surprised FGMCC doesn't attend as a group to promote membership, in person. Hotels within 20 minutes drive, on a Saturday morning, and their pricing for 7/28-7/30 (demand pricing is in effect and subject to change): Name Address City ST Zip Phone Distance Time (Min at 7AM Sat) Zone Map Link Satellite Photo Link Website Email Google Rating Number of Google Reviews Comments Number of Rooms Total Number of Rooms Available 7/28 Number of Rooms Available 7/29 Pricing Date Pricing Source 7/28 Price 7/29 Price Summit Motorsports Park 1300 OH-18 Norwalk OH 44857 0 0 0 Link Norwalk Inn 283 Benedict Ave Norwalk OH 44857 (419) 668-8255 4.1 6 1 Link Link 3.9 132 Language barrier... Nestled behind Burger King and the 24hr Car Wash Racers reserve rooms the previous year. 18 Still too early Still too early Still too early Still too early Woodview Apartments 13 James St Norwalk OH 44857 (419) 706-0399 4.9 7 1 Link Link https://www.woodviewnorwalk.com/ woodview17@gmail.com 5 1 Best Western 351 Milan Ave Norwalk OH 44857 (419) 663-3501 5.6 9 1 Link Link https://www.bestwestern.com/ 4.1 475 Limited rooms, only 5 Friday, 2 Saturday 58 3 8 2/25/2023 Link $299 $299 Econo Lodge 342 Milan Ave Norwalk OH 44857 (419) 668-5656 5.5 10 1 Link Link http://www.econolodge.com/hotel-norwalk-ohio-OH127 3.3 340 No answer. Meixcan resturant on one side, BK on the other 2/25/2023 Link $201 $201 Comfort Inn 415 Milan Ave Norwalk OH 44857 (419) 663-1922 5.8 10 1 Link Link https://www.choicehotels.com/ 3.7 256 2/25/2023 Link $241 $241 Motel 6 11406 State Route 250 N Milan OH 44846 (419) 499-8001 8.9 13 2 Link Link https://www.motel6.com/ 3.6 626 2/13/2023 Link $160 $160 Days Inn 11410 State Route 250 N Milan OH 44846 (419) 956-0479 8.9 13 2 Link Link http://www.reservationcounter.com/ 2.9 618 2/25/2023 Link $269 $269 Red Roof Inn 11303 State Route 250 N Milan OH 44846 (419) 499-4347 9 13 2 Link Link https://www.redroof.com/search/index.cfm? 3.7 374 2/25/2023 Link $240 $240 Country Inn & Suites by Radisson 11600 US-250 Milan OH 44846 (419) 499-4911 9 13 2 Link Link https://www.radissonhotelsamericas.com 4.4 659 2/25/2023 Link $268 $268 Hampton Inn 11608 State Route 250 Milan OH 44846 (419) 499-8000 9.1 13 2 Link Link https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/skymihx-hampton-suites-sandusky-milan/ 4.5 655 2/13/2023 Link $310 $310 Quality Inn 11020 State Route 250 N Milan OH 44846 (419) 499-4681 9.2 13 2 Link Link https://www.choicehotels.com/ohio/milan/quality-inn-hotels/oh410 3.5 560 2/25/2023 Link $201 $201 Holiday Inn Express & Suites 11313 Milan Rd Milan OH 44846 (567) 401-3501 9 14 2 Link https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/reservation 4.6 132 2/25/2023 Link $342 $342 Kalahari Resort 7000 Kalahari Dr Sandusky OH 44870 (419) 433-7200 13 18 2 Link Link http://www.kalahariresorts.com/oh/ 4.3 18719 2/25/2023 Link $346 $346 Plantation Motel 2815 Cleveland Rd E Huron OH 44839 (419) 433-4790 13.2 18 2 Link Link http://www.plantationmotel.com/ 3.9 284 2/25/2023 Link $179 $179 Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott 6220 Milan Rd Sandusky OH 44870 (419) 621-9500 13.7 18 2 Link Link http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/clesd-fairfield-inn-and-suites-sandusky/ 4.1 460 2/25/2023 Link $388 $388 Tru by Hilton 6110 Milan Rd Sandusky OH 44870 (419) 625-8000 13.8 18 2 Link Link https://www.hilton.com 4.3 238 2/25/2023 Link $262 $262 Hampton Inn 6100 Milan Rd Sandusky OH 44870 (419) 609-9000 13.8 18 2 Link Link https://www.hilton.com 4.3 474 2/25/2023 Link $310 $310 Best Western Hotels and Suites 6011 Milan Rd Sandusky OH 44870 (419) 627-9595 14 19 2 Link Link http://www.sanduskyhotels.com 4 929 2/25/2023 Link $263 $263 Comfort/Sleep Inn 5509 Milan Rd Sandusky OH 44870 (419) 625-6989 14.5 20 2 Link Link http://www.sleepinn.com/hotel-sandusky-ohio-OH463 3.8 572 2/25/2023 Link $178 $178 Quality Inn 2119 W Cleveland Rd Huron OH 44839 (419) 433-5359 15.4 20 2 Link Link https://www.choicehotels.com/ohio/huron/quality-inn-hotels/oh405 2.9 311 2/25/2023 Link $207 $207 Motel 6 601 Rye Beach Rd Huron OH 44839 (419) 433-7829 15.4 20 2 Link Link http://www.motel6.com/reservations/motel_detail.aspx?num=4535 3.4 1038 2/25/2023 Link $185 $185 Bellevue Hotel & Suites 1120 E Main St Bellevue OH (419) 483-5740 16.8 20 3 Link Link http://www.bellevuehotelandsuites.com/ 3.9 320 Chris Peters (bellevuehotelandsuites3@gmail.com 80 40 40 $149 $149 Thanks Aaron, I agree.

It is Bellevue (discounted rate with 40 rooms available is important), as is distance from the Turnpike/highway traffic. Bellevue still has a small town feel, the hotels up near the turnpike on 250 don't have a warm feeling. When I've driven by Bellevue the last few years on my way to Blue Suede Cruise, there are 4-5 trailers parked in the lot on the east end. The other option is to leave the trailer at Linder's Lot (at the track )and drive back and forth each day. Either way, there are options for trailers.