RAIV and RAV more continuation....

[warpath]

Thanks guys. I’ll add what I can from memory. I’ve restored dozens of cars over the years, and at one time had a fairly decent collection of cars myself, but never could pry a set of V heads from him.

I wish I could get my father to get involved in these discussions. He could probably add allot of info, but has always shied away from discussions. He has had a number of people over the years approach him about writing an article about the cars. (Especially after Pete’s book came out) He has always turned them down.

As Steve showed, the intake you are talking about is the 63 421SD bathtub. That is the intake originally on his 63. He has the intake, heads, and exhaust in storage. The car has had RAV heads and the 2x4 intake on it since the early 70’s.

He had (has) an entire binder related to RAV documentation. (I say had because I have tried to find it and he can’t remember what happened to it)

He did a fair amount of experimentation with the V heads when they came out. Around 74 he tried running Super Stock with the 63 but AHRA, IHRA nor NHRA would consider the heads legal. They considered them experimental and had no data related to them. He was introduced to Tom Nell through a mutual friend and Tom helped him put an entire binder of data and specification related to the program. He submitted it to all 3 bodies, but only AHRA agreed to legalize them. (He ended up setting a 2bl, 4bl, and 2x4 bl. record at the same meet with the 63) He ran AHRA exclusively until the Sunbird was built in 79.

Speaking of ex. manifold and back door parts. For about 20-25 years he had a set of the F/B 303 ex. Manifolds that came right out of the dyno room. They had holes dilled and tapped in them for the ex. Probes. Unfortunate, they got separated and sold, so somewhere out there 2 people each have a manifold with holes drilled in them.

For years, he also had a RAV display motor put together with a crossram intake. He made adapters to use in on the 400, but never ended up using it. Do not know where it went, believe he sold it to someone in California?

Brian

[Steve_Hoog]

Brian... now I'm impressed!!! I sure hope you locate your fathers notes, because Tom Nell is the real deal in this. There may be no other such notes in existence.

I love pics, if there is anyway you can share some of past or present it would be sweet.

What do you do now in the way of Pontiacs and racing?

[tjs44]

Brian and say say this with NO DISRESPECT,WHY do people save stuff and keep it out of the hands of people that could use the it now?I know of many people that have no intentions of using SD and RA V parts that are stored in their garage.I have had tons of SD and RA V parts go through my hands.If I have no intentions to use it or extras I do my best to move it to people that can use them now.I have NO intentions of putting them in the "box" with me when im gone.In fact a year or so ago I needed another RA V balancer for my other motor and could not pry one away from anyone,so I had them repoped and have put a couple extra in circulation.Tom

[warpath]

None taken Tom.

Actually I feel the same way now.

At one time around 92-93 my collection consisted of a 70 LS5 Chevelle, 70 W30, 71 W30, 70 W31, 2 black 69 Judges, 68 RA2 GTO, 70 RA4 T/A, and a 73 T/A. I had that he who dies with the most toys wins mentality!

At some point, between the storage fees and not driving them, I thought this is ridiculous. I sold every car except the 68 GTO and 1 of the Judges. (I still have them). Then again, I did buy a house with the money, so I guess it was not that bad.

As far as my father and V stuff. He never collected that stuff for bragging rights. He was playing with combinations constantly back then. I hate to say it, but I believe he even cut up a number of heads.

He really only has a set of heads left and what is on the 63. He sold most of that stuff over the last 15 years after the GP was gone. I do not see the Catalina going anywhere soon. I think he would get rid of us before getting rid of that car! As far as SD stuff, I know he does not have any parts except what belongs on the 63.
Brian

[Steve_Hoog]

Brian

Neat stuff, have you followed in your fathers footsteps on racing? And give the quick on the two cars you still have, please. Where did your dad get his stuff?

Also, I would love to get into contact with some one that knows the Akron area. I've tried a couple from GTOAA and POCI with no luck. Would like to investigate the possibility that one of the Magnums or Golden Sabres have survived, Akron would seem the logical place to start. I'm sure Mr. Glasgo has already done some research on the Magnum, but I have never heard anything official on either car. Could you help with that?

Steve

[Belair62]

For all of us who may be wondering how TJS44 and Brian (Warpath) have this kind of insight...let me take a second to show you where Tom and Brian come from.Looks like Brians Dad may have some seat time..Tom was actually there in 63! I will refrain from any Moses comments !!!

[Steve_Hoog]

***** **** Belair!!!!!!!!! Don't hold out on us like that again!!!!

[Belair62]

Photos courtesy of Pontiac Musclecar Performance 1955-1979 by Pete McCarthy...not sure if it's still available but the number I see on it is TX2 617 877 .This is a very informative Pontiac book.

[warpath]

[ QUOTE ]
Brian

Neat stuff, have you followed in your fathers footsteps on racing? And give the quick on the two cars you still have, please. Where did your dad get his stuff?

Also, I would love to get into contact with some one that knows the Akron area. I've tried a couple from GTOAA and POCI with no luck. Would like to investigate the possibility that one of the Magnums or Golden Sabres have survived, Akron would seem the logical place to start. I'm sure Mr. Glasgo has already done some research on the Magnum, but I have never heard anything official on either car. Could you help with that?

Steve

[/ QUOTE ]


As far as being a car nut I followed, but I have probably only done 1 percent related to racing that he did. I kind of took a number life twists.

Turned wrenches for a few years for Sohio after graduation (BP for the younger guys) and put muscle cars together on the side for extra cash. By 88, my father went into semi-retirement as far as racing and got more involved with parts. We officially started Warpath Restoration that year. I ran the car restoration side and he ran the parts business side. Got an engineering degree in 94 and went to work for Dana’s Chassis division during steering and suspension design. Left them 2 years ago and went to work for a division of Parker Hannifin in their advanced materials unit. I do still stay involved with the
product reproduction side of Warpath.

Have never really stopped racing, just always done local bracket racing. The last few years have got involved with WKA racing (Never thought I’d enjoy turning but it is really fun!) See attachment.

For Belair, my father kind of missed the real early times. He was drafted into the Army in 62 and spent the next few years working for Uncle Sam. He does have some great stories of being in the Army during those times. He raced a Buick for a few years after getting out and then got the 63.

As far as where he got his V parts. Answer is everywhere. Funny thing is I think every person that seriously raced those parts kept in touch with everyone. As he heard of any parts or someone getting out, he would try and buy up what they had. (especially related to heads and intakes)

Sorry can’t help much with the Magnums. Aside from reading about them, don’t know much else. John probably is one of your best sources around that area.



Brian

[warpath]

Here is an interesting letter.

Background:
When NHRA turned down his request to run Super Stock (another interesting letter), he turned to AHRA. They turned him down at first also. He sent a number of letters asking that they reconsider. He finally got them to agree to review the heads in late 76.
They wanted to inspect a head, an intake, proof they were not “experimental” and all the specifications.

He sent a letter to Alex Mair asking for help.
He asked:
1) How many engines were made and how many were put in cars?
2) How many were manufactured?
3) For what purpose?
4) Were the heads available over the parts counter?

This letter at least got AHRA to believe they were made. He then needed Tom Nell’s help with the specifications.