Would love to see the engine torn down and everything mic'd to the nth degree to see if it holds any secrets that haven't been shared. Good luck on your resto!
There’s a few unique changes Bill made to the Can Am engines eg. modifying the block to accept water passages in each bank to maintain optimum temperature between rounds, converting closed chamber heads to semi-open chamber, adding a valve train retaining tray should the upper end come apart the pieces would be trapped in the upper end and couldn’t fall through to the reciprocating assembly.
I'm so glad it's not going to be a static display piece there's enough old race cars that have been relegated to that kind of life when they should be taken to the track and have the shit ran outa them that's what they were built for can't wait to see it in action
Trans and shifter were actually a lot more unlikely to find but we're very excited that a complete Jenkins driveline is reunited as it was ran. I don't think another complete driveline exists in or outside of a chassis.
I grew up watching bill I think that's why I am a Chevy man and Pontiac but the man was so sharp taking a 283 hanging with the hemi big block fords my dad was engine builder went from die heart Ford to small block Chevy
2.2 first is a little tight for straightline racing. It's more meant for Transam style racing where you probably dont shift lower than 2nd for the whole race. I was thinking if using a 3 speed Saginaw for 8th mile as if you get your rear right you only have to shift twice and for the bigblock im using shouldnt be a problem pulling it
I still have the July 1970 issue of Hot Rod featuring the car. It ran a best of 9.52 the next year which was among the best times for pro stock. Those certainly were the days. I know Zul ran 8.89 with I believe Bill's 69 body. I met Bill briefly back in 73. Not sure if Zul is still around Good luck with getting her going.
Richie is still in Lindenhurst NY, building boat engines now. I've got a copy of that magazine hanging on my wall for inspiration. Hopefully the blocks repaired and I can get her running again by years end
Yes, Roland Tamaccio, Bill's trans guy, said they kept a stock on hand and they were changed about every 3 passes according to Doug Boyce's book Grumpy's Toys
