TED COX RACING
Alpine, Utah
BONNEVILLE LAND SPEED MODIFIED SPORTS CAR FOR SALE - 200 MPH PLUS!
TRANSMISSION, DRIVE-TRAIN, BRAKES and GEARING
In designing the car to exceed 200 mph and possibly exceed safely the current record (252.955 mph) for the B/Gas Modified Sports car class, Ted did a considerable amount of research. The course at the Salt Flats is normally 5 miles long for all out speed and timing followed by approximately 3 miles or more to slow down and exit the course.
Ted researched the gear ratio's that would be ideal for his Stealth in regard to the distance available at the course, the 825+ HP engine, the weight of the vehicle (3990 lbs) etc. He had assistance from a number of seasoned Salt Flats racers and used some very helpful spreadsheets provided by Sumner Patterson from Blanding, UT. Note: it turned out that Sum's projections (See spreadsheet below) proved to be very accurate once we had some actual runs at the Salt Flats that we could compare with the projections.
Once Ted had calculated the ratio's he believed were optimum, he decided he would go with a heavy duty automatic transmission. He then began to research what automatic transmission he would select, torque converter, transmission shield, drive shaft, rear end .... and of course, brakes to bring the car safely down from 250 mph to zero, well within the 3 mile shut down distance.
TRANSMISSION SELECTION
Ted decided he wanted a heavy duty automatic transmission that could handle up to 1000 HP. The trans needed at least 4 speeds forward and manual shift. He selected a GM 4L80E transmission custom built by Phoenix Performance Transmission.
The transmission gear ratios are as follows: 1st 2.48; 2nd 1.48; 3rd 1.00 and 4th 0.75 (overdrive). The transmission is combined with a race car torque converter with a 2500 rpm stall speed..
A nice extra custom feature included with this transmission is a converter lock up feature. With a switch on the dash, Ted can lock up the converter when he is in 4th gear, in effect giving him a "5th" gear if he needs it.
4L80E Trans attached to Ted's engine with SFI transmission shield installed..
DRIVE SHAFT SELECTION
Ted selected one of the strongest driveshafts he could find. The shaft he chose is a Denny's 1350 Series Nitrous Ready Driveshaft ... the strongest one they make. it was balanced for revolutions up to 10,000 rpm and cut to length for his Stealth. The assembly includes a high strength chrome moly slip yoke.
REAR END SELECTION
The 9 inch Ford rear end was narrowed and strengthened by Art Morrison Enterprises. Randy"s and Yukon Gear & Axle was Ted's choice to build and complete a super strong rear end assembly capable of handling up to 1000 HP. The rear end gears are 2.47 with a very strong "non-locker" assembly, heavy duty racing axles and bearings. "Heavy car" Wilwood disc brakes complete the assembly.
Sumner Patterson Gearing and Shift Point Spreadsheet.
