Okay here is a bit of an update.

After doing some research, I know now that the LQ4/LQ9 block are the same design. The only difference I have found between the tow is that the LQ9 block is a high nickel iron block which makes it a stronger block. Having learnt that I will be goinga head with the LSX block because we will be running at least 20lbs of boost with the F-1R Procharger. I prefer to over build simply for strength and in case I choose to increase the boost somewhere down the line. We should have the LSX block in the shop by the end of this month.

As we keep moving forward with the project we find 'issues' that need to be dealt with. One of those 'issues' is is the clearance on the front end because of the rake stance of the car. The way the car is situtaed leaves minmal clearance between the front tires and the stock body rail of the front fenderes. There were a few ideas floated to solve this issue, one being a one piece front end. The down side of that solution was that I couldn't open the hood to see the V8 sitting in the engine bay. If the car was a designated 'track only' car then this wouldn't matter but that is not the case.

In preperation for driving my car once it is completed, I attended Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School on February 16-17, 2010.

This course was a special experience which gives me so many points of references of not only how to handle big power but on how to set my car up before I even get into it. I now have an understanding of where I want certain components positioned so that they are easily accessible for my personal comfort, allowing me to focus solely on driving.

After ending the last year with the project moving a bit slow the next few weeks should be a bit more hectic as we are planning to have this car ready for April and race season (I know, haven't I said that before - several times now)

The shop has finally finished the engine & tranny mounts and now they will work on finishing the tunnel, mounts the seats and finish the roll cage. The roll cage is not sufficient enough for the 25.1.e classification that we will need.

I would like to take the time to explain some more about this car project and what my wife and I have long considered to be “its purpose”

Building a Car, Beware

If you have read the story of my RWD Cobalt project car, then you understand that not everything goes as planned. Here are a few lessons that I have learnt over the past three years.

When you are looking at doing a project car, research everything about your car of choice, then research some more and after that do even more research.