And Now, The rest of the story....

BT SNAKE · #1 (**permalink**) 09-23-2002, 01:12 AM

As most of you know I completed my RFGT40 build on June 10th of this year after starting it last September. My GT has for the most part sat in the garage without ever being driven other than a few trial runs for the past few months. This was mainly because I chose to go with another brand of an engine management system. Robert Logan stronly recommended that I should run with the Motec as he believes they are far more reliable. But Nooo!, I had to try this new one out. well to make a long story short it cost me big time..This system was a brand new one and it was the latest version. The company did not have all of the bugs worked out before they sent it to me. I was chasing gremlins for weeks trying to get it to work. Well I finally decided to ditch it and go back to Robert in hopes that I wouldn't hear the proverbial "I told you so". Being the gentlemen he is Robert let me off easy.
I recieved my new Motec system and thought that I would have it installed in time to make the Run & Gun event but that wasn't meant to be. My 80yr old Dad was admitted into the hospital and he recieved a triple by-pass and a new heart valve. The Doctors say that he is doing better than most 60yr olds. So I decided to jump on the GT and see if I could get it going. With the assistance of John Schnieder, we started saturday morning and after several hours we had ignition ! There was a few adjustments to make and then we were off for a test run. I can't explain the feeling I got when I mashed that throttle . This thing squirted off the line and continued to pull the same through every gear. It was amazing! I don't know what Gordon did to this motor but I LIKE IT !!! There is no hesitation on throttle, just a quick response, like someone clearing their throat. OH MAN what a feeling !!

As far as the handling goes, it is supurb !
This thing is truley an over grown slot car. Robert, you did you homework on the suspension geometry.
Me and John put ten or twelve miles on it and it was just awsome ! This engine really rocks !

I took the wife out this evening for a ride and she was tickled at how smooth the GT's ride was. It also was very quiet until you put your foot down and you got that unmistakable sound that only a GT40 makes.Well, our little trip turned out to be about 30 miles in lengh. It's amazing how time flies when you're having fun !
I can't wait to show it off. This coming week end I am taking it to a show & cruise with some of the other Arizona Cobra members. The show is full up with 550 cars entered. It should be a good place for her debut.
Well, I hope this long and rambling post wasn't too boring for you. I just couldn't help myself cause I'm really exited right now and it feels great. Did I say that motor really Rocks ! Well, it does !

One extremely happy RF owner,
Hersh

Double Venom · #2 (**permalink**) 09-23-2002, 05:34 AM

BT...
Let me be the first!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
DV

bonyhadi · #3 (**permalink**) 09-23-2002, 06:42 AM

Hersch!
Many congrats, look forward to seeing you and the '40 at DVSFIII!
God Bless AMERICA,
Daniel

CobraEd · #4 (**permalink**) 09-23-2002, 08:20 AM

Great news. You've waited a long time for this. Glad it runs so well!!!

Ed

Back in Black · #5 (**permalink**) 09-23-2002, 09:16 AM

Sounds like a great ride, I can only imagine how much fun, and what a thrill it must be to see her ready to take off in the driveway! Enjoy !

mikiec · #6 (**permalink**) 09-23-2002, 09:48 AM

BT....

Congrats on finally getting that lead sled on the road.

Tell your Dad that he has to get better so I can continue to watch him putter around the yard when I come over. Also, there are many tractors in need of restoration left to go. He has alot of work ahead.

See you Sat. You will have to leave real early in the AM as you have about a 4 hour drive to Pinetop. Take the GT through Salt-river canyon.

Mike

Paul Gillespie · #7 (**permalink**) 09-23-2002, 09:52 AM

Congratulations! Time to enjoy. How about coming out Tuesday Night?

mikiec · #8 (**permalink**) 09-23-2002, 10:12 AM

Yeah Paul...That's a good idea.

Hersh shall we see you at the 5 & Diner on Tuesday? Be there about 5:30pm.

Mike

BT SNAKE · #9 (**permalink**) 09-23-2002, 01:39 PM

Good idea guys, I'm gonna try and get to the diner this Tuesday..I'll take any excuse to go for a drive.

Hersh

btsai · #10 (**permalink**) 09-23-2002, 11:12 PM

Congrats, Hershal! Since you'll be spending all your time in the '40, I guess you'll need someone to "exercise" your Cobra now... ;-)

Ben

mikiec · #11 (**permalink**) 09-24-2002, 08:28 AM

Ben,

Don't forget Hersh still owes you first ride..

Mike

BLACKJACK · #12 (**permalink**) 09-24-2002, 10:35 AM

CONGRATU;ATIONS, HIRSH.

I'M GLAD TO HEAR EVERYTHING IS WORKING WELL.

I'M STILL FOOLING AROUND WITH THE COOLING SYSTEM ON MINE BUT I HOPE TO HAVE IT ON THE ROAD SOON.

Y'ALL HAVE A REALLY GREAT DAY,

BLACKJACK

mikiec · #13 (**permalink**) 09-24-2002, 01:43 PM

BlackJack....

Get to work on it. I think Hersh will need some competition at DVSFIII

Mike

Tony Ripepi · #14 (**permalink**) 09-24-2002, 01:55 PM

Hello BlackJack,

Congratulations.... Who is the Gorden & Robert you are referring to. I have decided to use the Wayne Pressley 351 Intake and down draft set up with the Motec EMS on my Coupe . Good to hear about the across the board response.

Any additional feedback as you move through time would be appreciated.

Tony R.

BT SNAKE · #15 (**permalink**) 09-24-2002, 03:31 PM

Tony,
I think you mean me not Blacjack. I was reffering to
Gordon Levy who built my motor and Robert Logan is the owner
of Roaring Forties GT40's from whom I purchased my kit.

Hersh

Tony Ripepi · #16 (**permalink**) 09-24-2002, 04:25 PM

Hello Hersh,

Sorry for the mix up......

TR

BT SNAKE · #17 (**permalink**) 09-24-2002, 05:56 PM

No big deal Tony, I have mixed up my share too.
Hey hows the Daytona coming. Have you started fooling with it yet?

Hersh

Tony Ripepi · #18 (**permalink**) 09-24-2002, 07:07 PM

Hey Hersh,

It is being built by DV in Ohio....the frame /chassis is in the shop we are putting the final touches on parts list/contract/progress payment schedule/ etc. etc.

I am past the days when I want to do it myself, I onltywant to drive them now.....fix the things that are immediately obvious to me and manitain them to do what I want when I want to do it.

.

DV says early next year and for sure it will be at the fling.

Tony R.

BT SNAKE · #19 (**permalink**) 09-24-2002, 10:55 PM

That's good news Tony. You have the right guy building it cause he really won't quit til it's right.

If he doesn't have problems getting the parts he needs it inddeed will be at the Fling. I truley look forward to seeing you there and the Daytona.

Hersh

750hp · #20 (**permalink**) 09-25-2002, 07:41 AM

Wow Hersh - I'm so glad it's all come together for you at last! I wonder if Wolf will ever sell any computers in the US again after this debacle??? There didn't seem to be any winner in that whole saga.... I'm so happy that a Motec is sitting in place now - it's nice to have an engine management system that's on a par with the quality of the rest of the car.

Mikie's right about all those unrestored tractors in the Phoenix area just waiting for your dear old Dad's attention. It'll sure take more than a triple bypass to keep him away from your shed for long

Tony R - congrats on winning the coupe, but I'm even more excited to see who's building it for you!!! So, how exactly does a Viper motor fit in a coupe???

Go on, somebody has to be the first!!!