An hour later was the next run. It was a near-carbon copy of the last, with burnout trouble and a slight loss of traction after launch because of a small amount of water on the tires. The launch boost was the same at 2 psi and the 60 got worse, at 1.74. Oddly enough, I only saw 23 total pounds of boost going down the track, even though I attempted to add more. Ultimately, I was able to improve on the previous ET, running an 11.11 at 125.
This time the data log didn't look so good. The current O2 correction was maxed at -5.5, but the air/fuel ratio started to drop into pig-rich territory. I contacted Cal Hartline, and through some long-distance troubleshooting we determined that there probably wasn't a problem. Likely the IAT sensor location was to blame and we made a fueling adjustment.
Now I was down to my last run of the day; it was after 5:30 p.m., and getting dark. I twisted the wastegate rod two full turns hoping to get into the 25- to 26-psi boost range, checked the tires, enabled the XFI logging, and pulled to the line.
Finally, it all came together. Both wheels spun hard, the burnout was perfect, and I really hazed the Mickeys. Two quick revs in Neutral, then up to pre-stage. Stand on the brake, gently bring the revs up, 2 ... 3 ... 4 psi-LAUNCH!
Though the launch wasn't pretty (with the lack of suspension tuning throughout the day), it worked: 1.54 60 foot. The cabin filled with the evil hiss of a hardworking turbocharger, now seeing 26 pounds of boost. The eighth-mile flew by in only 6.9 seconds, and this sucker just kept pulling. In no time, the Dodge-side clock read: 10.83 126.62
This was the first serious speed the T had seen after a quarter-mile, and I was on the brakes hard to get it slowed down. What a rush, and what a way to end Power Trip's track day!
I am completely psyched about these numbers-the Buick is my first 10-second car, and after all of the blood, sweat, and tears required to get this thing built, it was an immense relief to see a "10" on E-town's scoreboard.
With the new engine's break-in procedure complete, it was timefor an oil change. Along with a new filter, I turned to Quaker State (www.quakerstate.com) for its new Q Advanced Engine formulation. This 10-30 is fully synthetic, and is said to provide solid protection against high-temp, high-load engine friction and temperature. Q also boasts that it provides enhanced protection for turbo- and supercharged engines, perfect for this high-powered LC2. | 
Here's contributor Brian Reese working the air gun and bolting up the M/T hardware. I hope to duplicate this wheels-up look in the future. |
Mounted to the M/T rims, the rear ET Drags weigh in at 39 pounds each; the ET Fronts are a mere 22 pounds apiece. | |