LSR - Land Speed Rampage

[gkabbt]

All,

Just wanted to introduce myself and the Rampage project I am working on.

Name is Gregg Adams from North Carolina.

I have been going to the Maxton Monster Mile (www.ecta-lsr.com (http://www.ecta-lsr.com)) for Land Speed Racing as a spectator for about 4 - 5 years and finally got the bug to build something. Earlier this year, I picked up a 1983 Rampage and I am now setting it up as a true Land Speed Racer in the BMMP (Blown Modified Mini Production) truck class.

I have just gotten the truck back from my chassis guy who did the roll cage and some aluminum work. Now the fun work really begins. I will be swapping in a SRT4 (already have) and a Neon 3 speed auto (need to get). SRT4 front strut coil over assemblies (already have) are in the process of being installed. LeBaron GTC vented rear brake assemblies (already have) are to be installed. An axle flip will help to lower the rear. There are a lot of details I am leaving out, but I will add them here in the future.

The link to my chassis guys website and the pictures he took does not work anymore,
so here is the link to my Protobucket.

http://s947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/GKABBT/Gregg Adams Land Speed Rampage/


I have just begun a build diary on landracing.com and it is a little more comprehensive than this one and that is the one I will be updating. http://www.landracing.com/forum/inde...c,10671.0.html (http://www.landracing.com/forum/index.php/topic,10671.0.html)


Let me know what you think.

Gregg

[raccoon]

i think its great.

[GLHNSLHT2]

Why would you put big brakes on it? The bigger brakes are harder to accelerate which means slower speeds. And an Auto? Wouldn't a 5spd be more efficient? Good luck, sounds like a fun project.

[BadAssPerformance]

Cool project! :clap:

I agree on the 5-speed for efficiency and long gearing options.

Going fast, big brakes might be needed pending shutdown area?

["Top Fuel" Bender]

I think you did it all wrong :p
You should give it me and start over

Very Impressive chassis work :hail:

[2.216VTurbo]

Wow:rockon: Serious cage work Gregg and I :love:the bed cover. Little thumb lift in the center is a great touch! To think I was considering a simple four point hood for my Rampage:o Then again I'll see 150 not 250:thumb: What's the current speed record in that class and how bad are you gonna shatter it:eyebrows:?

[Xtrempickup]

my rampage has an axle flip in the rear the tires are tucked nicely, 205/50/15s on CSS lancer wheels. my front suspension is Neon Coilovers and that sits the front maybe 1/2in lower than the rear. my car i barely can get a jack under the front half of the trucklet

[WVRampage]

how fast are you planing to go?

[turbokid]

Wow thats awesome!
Keep up the good work. I would also wonder why you are going with a neon 3 speed your gonna need to build to hold power vs. a 5 speed?
Q

[BLUEBALL]

Looks like its gonna be an awesome ride for sure. Lot of inquiring minds wonderin bout the auto.:) Great choice on the motor. What turbo you goin with?

[gkabbt]

Guys,

Thanks for all the positive comments about my project.
Tim, my chassis guy, really did an awesome job on the cage and aluminum work.

Now let me explain about the method of my madness.

Big Brakes:
Maxton, NC, is a standing 1 mile concrete track with .9 mile shutdown so big brakes needed along with parachute.
Goliad, TX is a standing 1 mile asphalt track with .5 mile shutdown. There is additional runoff on hard dirt. Again big brakes needed along with parachute.
Loring, ME is a standing 1.5 mile concrete track with 1 mile shutdown so big brakes needed along with parachute.
El Mirage, CA is a standing 1.3 mile dry lakebed track with 1 mile shutdown so big brakes needed along with parachute.
Bonneville, UT is a flying 3 mile salt flat track with 2 mile shutdown. Brakes are not really an issue here.

Automatic instead of 5-speed:
In my research for the engine trans combo, what really struck me about the Auto are the Transfer Gears and their affect on overall FD ratio. Maybe my thinking is really crazy but I am seeing this as a mini quick change.
Here is what I have found about possible final drive ratios:
2.60 --- .91 transfer and 2.86 ring
2.97 ---1.04 transfer and 2.86 ring
3.02 ---1.06 transfer and 2.86 ring
3.50 ---1.22 transfer and 2.86 ring

2.78 --- .91 transfer and 3.05 ring
3.17 ---1.04 transfer and 3.05 ring
3.22 ---1.06 transfer and 3.05 ring
3.72 ---1.22 transfer and 3.05 ring
With one transmission, I can gear for the short tracks as well as gear for Bonneville and this is why I am leaning towards the automatic. Crazy?

LSR is totally different than Drag Racing for classes. It is based only on engine size. My truck will be running in the F class, which is for engines between-2.0L - 3.0L, and naturally the SRT4 is a 2.4L. The current record for Maxton is 137 mph and for Bonneville are 138. I "think" my setup will go a "little" faster than that. I know the engine will go 200+ mph. Joegen Muller with Race Deck Floor Tiles did it a few years ago at Bonneville with both a Highboy Roadster and a SRT4. Both of these cars had engines prepped by DCR. DCR is located about 3 hours from me so I am going to talk with him about some engine work.

Alan, the thumb lift on the bed cover is really a nice touch but it will pinch the $h!t out of a finger.....Ask me how I know (LOL).

Sorry to ramble on but I am really stoked about this project.

Gregg

[Pat]

I like the auto for quick gear changes, but I'd be concerned about heat build up. That sucker is going to get hot with your foot to the floor for 2 miles straight.

Sweet project! For the last two years, I've been trying to get to Maxton for the Hot Rod Top Speed Shootout, but I haven't been able to. Your Rampage may just get me down there finally to see you run.

Good luck!!!

[gkabbt]

Pat,

I agree about the heat buildup being an issue. There will be a large trans cooler in the lower grille opening.

I was just getting ready to do another post about Maxton. They will be running next weekend Sept. 19-20 and this one is a bike shootout. There will be lots of bike and a few cars. The bike jokeys are absolutely AWESOME. No way I would do 200 - 260 mph in one mile on 2 wheels. Come down if you get a chance. It really is cool and the people are fantastic. Also, the final meet of the year will be Oct. 24-25.

Speaking of the Hot Rod shootout, I hope to have my truck there next April. Wish me luck.

Gregg

[GLHNSLHT2]

so your gonna have the big 11" front brakes as well? I've seen an Omni with 11" rears and the 10" fronts hit the brakes and the tail pass the front end right into a tree.

[Reeves]

Wow! Awesome project! That chassis work is just killer! Can't wait!

[2.216VTurbo]

so your gonna have the big 11" front brakes as well? I've seen an Omni with 11" rears and the 10" fronts hit the brakes and the tail pass the front end right into a tree.

Christ Jay! remember when you used to contribute useful information to threads?? Gregg has the vision, funding, and drive to make this project happen. So far you have only tried to tell why his plans are a bad idea:blah:

How about you GTFO of this thread until you are supportive? Believe me dude, we know, we *all* know you could do it better if you wanted to:rolleyes:

[Pat]

Pat,

I agree about the heat buildup being an issue. There will be a large trans cooler in the lower grille opening.

I was just getting ready to do another post about Maxton. They will be running next weekend Sept. 19-20 and this one is a bike shootout. There will be lots of bike and a few cars. The bike jokeys are absolutely AWESOME. No way I would do 200 - 260 mph in one mile on 2 wheels. Come down if you get a chance. It really is cool and the people are fantastic. Also, the final meet of the year will be Oct. 24-25.

Speaking of the Hot Rod shootout, I hope to have my truck there next April. Wish me luck.

Gregg

Hopefully I'll make it next year...it looks like a great time. Running at Maxton is something I've wanted to do for a while. I don't think it will happen anytime soon, but one of these days...

Good luck with the project. Keep us posted.

Pat

[Rampage16V]

I am just loving this!!!!

[Vigo]

Personally, i think the difference you can make with transfer gears on an auto is about the same as the difference between 4th and 5th in a manual, and you dont have to 'swap' anything.

in a 3.50fd trans the difference from 4th to 5th is the difference from 3.50:1 and 2.50:1, approximately. which is about the possible range of gearing with transfer gear swaps on an auto.

The only difference is you wont get anything in between. And most people can max out 4th in fairly mild cars. Even revving to 6500 will probly get you no more than 140, which is something a completely stock srt-4 can do with ease, probably in a standing mile..

So im thinking the ability to gear down is going to go completely unused, personally.

With the auto, you'd have to run a lockup converter to avoid massive heat buildup with 1-2 solid miles of flooring it with a high power motor, and i dont know if you can get a converter clutch strong enough to hold it reliably..

So there are things for and against, but for reasons of lower heat problems and less parasitic loss i'd lean towards 5spd.


Cool project anyway!

[Mario]

Very happy to be reading this. One of the many things I hope to do soon as well. I'm going to try and make at least one of the events. Do you have an event that you for sure plan on attending yet?

[junior92]

thats going to be one badass rampage. good luck

[jerseymike68]

thanks for these information

[Reeves]

Any new news?

[contraption22]

Grrrr... just seeing this thread. Links don't work. Anybody have the pics saved?

[Reeves]

I'll have to look on my laptop. It was INCREDIBLE work.
Wonder what happened to this?

[cordes]

Bummer that the pics are down. I wanted to show these to my dad for his page project.

[Reeves]

Bummer that the pics are down. I wanted to show these to my dad for his page project.

I tried to email the website as it still works, but the email portion won't let you type anything in.

[Reaper1]

Sucks I never saw this from the start. If there is anybody that might have the pics saved I'd love to see them!

[Pat]

I met Gregg at Maxton last April. Very nice guy to talk to. I recall him telling me the chassis was almost complete and that he was looking for an engine builder to help him out next.

IIRC, he was hoping to have the car out and running next year.

[2.216VTurbo]

I met Gregg at Maxton last April. Very nice guy to talk to. I recall him telling me the chassis was almost complete and that he was looking for an engine builder to help him out next.

IIRC, he was hoping to have the car out and running next year.

You may be our only link to him if he doesn't post here anymore and his site is inactive. Shake some bushes Mr Pat:thumb:

[Murphy]

http://www.squirrelpf.com/gearingcalc/index.php

[Pat]

You may be our only link to him if he doesn't post here anymore and his site is inactive. Shake some bushes Mr Pat:thumb:

I didn't grab his number or email addy..but I've PM'd him here. I'll try.

If I don't get him, I'll be back at Maxton in April. If he's not running, I'd bet he'll be there spectating.

[Turbo3Iroc]

His info is public.... people finder is your friend.

[gkabbt]

James and All,

Still around so I have not fallen off the planet yet....LOL

I do not have much to report on due to health issues (pneumonia and months with my back).
I was released by Dr. and Physical Therapist at the end of July so I have alot of work ahead of me. Sometimes it really a is B@#$H getting old.

Been very hot and humid here in N.C. this year so I finally got heat and air installed in the garage 1st week in August. After that my wife and I went out to Bonneville for Speed Week for the 2nd time and again it was AWESOME. If you really are a car nut, you must make this trip.

Now for the Rampage. Pat was correct in saying I am about finished with the chassis. I am scheduled to bring it in to my chassis guy on September 13th to finish patching the floors and adding some extra tabs and tubes that were originally overlooked. I want to get the majority of the body stuff done (minus paint) before I get to the drivetrain so hopefully by the end of September I'll be ready for that. Also, I am picking up a 20' V-nose enclosed trailer this Saturday so that is one thing off the list.

As for the pictures being gone, I'll setup a photobucket account and upload them there.

Pat, thanks for the kind words and it was really nice meeting you as well back in April. I do plan on having the Rampage there in April 2011 come hell or high water.

As for getting in touch with me, you can PM me here or my email addy is gkadams@earthlink.net.

As long as health issues do not get in the way, I'll keep you guys posted with updates.

See ya,
Gregg

[cordes]

Glad to hear that you are doing well. Thanks for keeping us updated as I know we are all looking forward to seeing your car in action.

[T-Bohn]

glad your back and looking forward to the updates!!

[gkabbt]

Mike, James and All,

I just created a Photobucket account and have all the pictures that my chassis guy had on his website loaded for you viewing pleasure.:amen:

The link is: http://s947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/GKABBT/Gregg%20Adams%20Land%20Speed%20Rampage/

Comments are always welcome.:thumb:

See ya,
Gregg

[2.216VTurbo]

Superb work Gregg:hail: Holy cow ThatsAllottaCage! I like the way the rear bed hoops attach below the bed to more cage rather than just being plate welded to the bed floor.:thumb: How far along is your drivetrain build?

[gkabbt]

Alan,

I guess my chassis guy's thought process was mo cage, mo better (LOL). :evil:
I wasn't expecting as much as he did but the more I looked at it the safer it looked and I do like it. A good example is, as you mentioned, are the down tubes connecting to the bars under the bed which are attached to the frame. One thing I forgot when I originally took it to him was a push bar so that will be attached to the bars under the bed and be below the parachute mount. As I said in my earlier post, I am going to get this stuff done and the floors patched better so I am concentrating on getting the body stuff done before I get to the drivetrain.

I plan to be starting on the drivetrain by the end of September.

Hope this helps.

As always, comments welcome. :thumb:

See ya,
Gregg

[Shadow]

Interesting project! With what you've mentioned you shouldn't have any problem reaching your goals. good luck! :thumb:

[Reaper1]

That has to be the stiffest L-body or derivitive thereof in existance! HOLY CRAP! I wonder how much all that weighs? Time to start replacing body panels and parts with carbon fiber to make up for it!

[Pat]

Reaper...come to Maxton in April and see it for yourself. I know you're not a straight line guy, but you'll definitely dig Maxton.

[gkabbt]

Reaper,

I will agree with you on the weight thing but you need to understand and learn more about Land Speed Racing. There are no lbs / c.i. restrictions in LSR, so any car can weigh as little or as much as you want. As a matter of fact, some of the cars at Bonneville add many hunderds of pounds of ballast to make the cars have better traction on the salt. As for my Rampage, I am guessing that the final weight should be between 2500 to 3000 pounds.

Like Pat said, you need to come to Maxton and see for yourself. I see you are in Jax, so it probably be about a 5 - 6 hour drive for you. The 1st meet of the year is in April and is the best one to come to so maybe you can make it. As I keep saying, I am going to have my Rampage there in April 2011.

As always, comments welcome. :D

See ya,
Gregg

P.S.
I picked up my enclosed trailer last weekend so that is one thing off my list. I will snap some pics and add them to my Photobucket account.
Also, my 06 Tacoma was struggling hard on the way home with this trailer, so now I am looking for a new tow truck.
It seems like with me, one thing always leads to another. :amen:

[moparman76_69]

I see a mid 90s cummins diesel in your future.

[2.216VTurbo]

^ Oh man Gregg, I'm just realizing the Rampage RT's title of the "Worlds heaviest Rampage" may be in jepardy:o I'll hope that your LSR comes in under 27XXlbs:p

[Reaper1]

Oh I completely dig LSR!! I don't know the rules that well, but I understand the ones I've read. I do know that you have a longer distance to get up to speed, but I would think that acceleration would still be important, especially on old runways where you don't have as much room to get up to speed as out at the salt flats and such.

I WISH I could make it! I've gotta finish my last year on my degree and then find a job. After that, well, I hope I can start joining these types of events on a regular basis! :)

[gkabbt]

All,

Time to bring this one back from the dead.....finally.

Starting back to work on the Land Speed Rampage.

As some of you may remember, I was setting up my 1983 Rampage as a Land Speed Racing truck until we found out that Maxton, NC would be no more after 2011. In this post: http://www.turbo-mopar.com/forums/showthread.php?56803-Maxton-NC-Land-Speed-Racing-2011-Final-Tour I had decided to stop work on my Rampage due to track uncertainty. Well now that the ECTA does have a new premanent home in Wilmington, OH, I have decided to begin again on the truck and am trying to have it ready by the middle of 2012. :nod:

I have just begun a build diary on landracing.com and it is a little more comprehensive than this one and that is the one I will be updating. http://www.landracing.com/forum/index.php/topic,10671.0.html

As I have said in this thread, take a look and let me know what you think.

Thanks,
Gregg

P.S. Still looking for the Direction Connection headlight covers. If you or someone you know has a set for sale, PLEASE let me know. :hail:

[Pat]

Glad to see you're back at it Gregg!

Perhaps I'll see you in OH at some point this summer.

Pat

[gkabbt]

Pat,

Thanks for your reply. Will you be there with the ScAries?

Gegg

[RoadWarrior222]

I had a way figured to hit 155mph with the auto in my voyager, but forgot what the combo was... been a while since I looked at it... you might need taller tires though.

I think you'll want to rig a switch with the lockup, the 'pooter isn't gonna let it kick in while you're giving it full pedal methinks, so you'd wanna kick it in manually around 80 or 90mph.

Aero is gonna get important faster than weight methinks, so don't have too much tire sticking out of the holes. Personally with a Rampage, I'd be thinking of making a Kammback/"breadvan" shell for the back.

[gkabbt]

Taller tires are a given.

Converter lockup microswitch will be on the steering wheel.

Tires will be inside the wheel wells.
I'll be starting out with just the bed cover.
The WGBR VW holds the G/BMMP Bonneville record at 194.520 mph.
Here is the link: http://whitegoosebar.com/

Gregg

[RoadWarrior222]

Whoa, fast little fu..fella.

Well if you wanna "tuck in" the air behind the cab, (or the tailgate sides) you could try finding a bug deflector for a pickup or something else large, that you can fix round the backside of it. Just to angle the air in a bit and give a clean edge to separate from.

[gkabbt]

Whoa, fast little fu..fella.

Well if you wanna "tuck in" the air behind the cab, (or the tailgate sides) you could try finding a bug deflector for a pickup or something else large, that you can fix round the backside of it. Just to angle the air in a bit and give a clean edge to separate from.

Agreed on the WGBR VW.....Hauls Acura (LOL).
The air deflector you are talking about is not legal in the class I am going to be running.

Gregg

[RoadWarrior222]

Sail panels on a 'page probably help with that though, advantage over the VW there... though I can see them making two large vortices, which might start to chuck you around at speed if they suck back on the 'gate. Be good if you could get a lip on the top of the tailgate or back of the bed cover to help shed them.

[johnl]

Great stuff Gregg. Subscribed.

[Pat]

Pat,

Thanks for your reply. Will you be there with the ScAries?

Gegg

Not in April. I just heard that they are limiting the registrants in April to make sure the first event in OH goes smoothly. Perhaps sometime later in the season.

[RoadWarrior222]

Might be wise that, just let in the guys who've been to a few, just in case marshaling is sketchy or there's unforeseen stuff....


... or not "but we always used to do it THIS way..." :D

[gkabbt]

Not in April. I just heard that they are limiting the registrants in April to make sure the first event in OH goes smoothly. Perhaps sometime later in the season.

Yeah, hear wha you are saying. Even if my truck were finished, I don't think I would take it in April.....will probably be mass confusion.
I will be there spectating though.

Gregg

[moparman76_69]

Anybody have more info on the OH location? ECTA website just says coming soon. I might venture over to spectate in April.

[Reeves]

Wilmington, OH! Wow! That's only 1.5 hours away! I'll be there! You guys keep me informed!

[gkabbt]

Reeves,

Now you make me envious because I was only 2 hours from Maxton, NC.
Please do come out and get involved with the ECTA.....Everyone is really super nice.

The April meet has always been the best to me because it is the Hod Rod Magazine Top Speed Challenge.

The 2012 schedule is:
April 28-29 Hot Rod Magazine Top Speed Challenge
June 2-3 (Sponsor to be announced)
July 7-8 (Sponsor to be announced)
Sept 29-30 Throttle Nation Top Speed Challendge

Here is the link for the ECTA: http://www.ecta-lsr.com/

Gregg

P.S.
Hoping to have the Rampage there in July.

[gkabbt]

Wilmington, OH! Wow! That's only 1.5 hours away! I'll be there! You guys keep me informed!

Reeves, Just made my hotel reservations yesterday so let's try to meet up in Wilmington if you go. As I have posted before, the 1st meet is always best to me as this is the Hot Rod Magazine Top speed Challenge.

If there are any other folks close by, come on over and have fun and watch some really fast cars.

Gregg

[Reeves]

Reeves, Just made my hotel reservations yesterday so let's try to meet up in Wilmington if you go. As I have posted before, the 1st meet is always best to me as this is the Hot Rod Magazine Top speed Challenge.

If there are any other folks close by, come on over and have fun and watch some really fast cars.

Gregg

So you'll be there April 28th and 29th then? I'll put it on my calendar.

[gkabbt]

I'll be coming in late on the 26th and then go over to the track on the 27th to do volunteer work for whatever.
I'll be doing the spectating thing on the 28th and 29th.....watching some fast cars and bikes.
Still working on the Rampage and I hope to have it ready and at the July meet.

I'll post a reminder mid April about this for everyone.

Gregg

[Pat]

I'll be coming in late on the 26th and then go over to the track on the 27th to do volunteer work for whatever.
I'll be doing the spectating thing on the 28th and 29th.....watching some fast cars and bikes.
Still working on the Rampage and I hope to have it ready and at the July meet.

I'll post a reminder mid April about this for everyone.

Gregg

Gregg...where are you staying?

[gkabbt]

Pat,

Wilmington Inn and it is very close to the Airpark. $55.00 per night and they still had rooms yesterday.
Call 937-382-6000 and also mention that you are one of the ECTA racers for your discount!

You thinking of coming out?

Gregg

[Pat]

Pat,

Wilmington Inn and it is very close to the Airpark. $55.00 per night and they still had rooms yesterday.
Call 937-382-6000 and also mention that you are one of the ECTA racers for your discount!

You thinking of coming out?

Gregg

Maybe. Not to run, just to hang out and check out the new digs.

[gkabbt]

Yeah, I'm really going just to check it out as well. I kinda think it is going to be controlled confusion.....but still should be fun.

[gkabbt]

Should have mentioned about the Wilmington Inn. 2 people 2 queen beds for $55.00 per night.
I met Bruce Harmon, who run a Gas Lakester and is from Wilmington, at the Maxton October meet and was asking about good places to stay. He suggested the Wilmington Inn and said it is a really nice Mom and Pop type place and thought I would like it.
I like the price.....LOL!