DC Performance Project: Viper Powered 32 Ford Roadster

[Daniel Cragin/DC Performance Inc]

Thought you all would like to see Leonard Knight's Viper Powered 32 Ford Project. We built the engine; it features polished J.M cylinder heads, custom cam & valve train, Hogan´s Manifold with 4 venom carburetors, a belt drive distributor, and zoomie pipes. The car is being finished at JV enterprises in San Dimas.

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[JGK95]

Awesome Deuce!!

Dan,

Thanks for sharing. Any weblinks to the project that your'e aware of?

Jay K.

 

[2BADD 4U]

Dan! Awesome! that sucker is gonna FLY!!!

Dave

 

[Simms]

Now that is a bad little monster.

 

[obaa996]

Ooh... Ooh... I'm going to need a few moments alone....

 

[Leonard Knight]

Thanks for posting the picture Dan. I never could figure out how to do that. There is no website but I will ask Dan to post for me as we make progress. The zoomies each have a muffler inside that you can open for straight through or muffle it with the movement of a lever. I am using the viper trans and full Kugel front and rear suspension.

I am having a custom 10 cylinder belt drive distributor built for it now that should be done in a few weeks. REALLY retro, no computer, no fuel injection.

I want to thank Dan for all his help on this. If you need anything, even the unusual he is the man.

 

[jrkermode]

Is it just me, or are zoomies the bitchinest exhaust ever conceived?

Since, you're going retro on the fuel and ignition, please tell us Dan is going to tune it to blow flames on over-run.


P.S. Any plans for a showdown with Brock Yates' Viper rod?

 

[Leonard Knight]

Aren't flames mandatory? I haven't seen Brock Yates viper rod. What is it?

 

[jrkermode]

That's what I'm talking about!

About Eliminator II
Several years ago Brock Yates bought an old hot rod out of a barn in Arizona. Turns out it was a 1950's road racing car built by a guy named Duffy Livingston. Duffy called it the Eliminator.

Anyhow, being that it was 'Merican iron and had a bit o' redneck about the whole affair, Yates naturally fell in love.

He has since had the thing restored, run it at the Monterey Historics, showed it at Pebble Beach, written a book about it (and Duffy), and built a tribute car, powered by Viper, natch'.

Car and Driver has a road test of Brock's creation in the most recent issue. Problem is, they evaluate the thing like a regular car. For example, Eliminator II was criticized because of too much wind buffeting (apparently enough to pull your hair out by it's roots). Who cares about all that ***** stuff?

But, now that there are 2 Viper powered rods. Car and Driver can do a proper comparison test, this time concentrating on stuff like; longest patch, smokiest burnout, biggest flames, loudest exhaust, wheel standing ability... You know, important stuff.

Chances are Brock will haul the Eliminator II out here for the Monterey Historics weekend (August). Monterey is pretty close to LA. 2 rods, too close, Comparo?

 

[Leonard Knight]

I'm in for the Challenge. This car was built to be loud enough to make women and children cry. As for the burnouts I have the viper 6 speed with 4:30 gears in back. I should be able to start my rubber laying in 4th and go until there is nothing left. Bring on the eliminater!

 

[ChoiceViper]

But, now that there are 2 Viper powered rods.

Don't forget Sniper.

 

[J DAWG]

Awesome intake.

 

[VPRVENM97]

Very cool!

 

[SNKEBIT]

Curt in our MN VCA bought a viper powered roadster at Barrett-Jackson last year, that would make 4!!!

 

[AlbertFattal]

Leonard, you live like 5 blocks away from me. I met you a few times, once in the In-N-Out hot rod show and another time at the Saleen Factory tour. Lets see some awesome pics once you get it done too!

- Albert

 

[Clown Shoe]

Cant wait to see the finished product at a good Guys rally. It looks like it is going to be a class act.

 

[Leonard Knight]

Thanks everyone. I wanted something different and I really have a soft spot for the viper having had several now. I hope to have it finished for the LA Roadster show in June but these headers are very time consuming so that no welds show. We are trying to come up with a different interior as well. I have been thinking about embroidering a viper head with a 32 ford in its mouth on the seats.

Also the big headache is a paint scheme. I want something that stands out but is as timeless as possible. I have a black 39ford so black is out. I want wild if anyone has any ideas. At least a two tone.

Thanks

 

[Bobpantax]

Looks like it will be a great vehicle. What are you doing with the suspension? Anything special or is it just for straight line fun? Also, I think the wheels shown in the picture are not right for the car. Too many spokes and they are too thick. As far as color schemes, paint the entire tub as a snake head pointing forward so that it looks like it is about to eat the engine. The split tongue of the snake could extend onto the valve covers. The rear view of the vehicle would be multi hued scales. It would take one hell of a painter to do it right! Just my two cents.

Bob

 

[Marv S]

Dan, you have some fun projects.

This was the Viper powered '28 at Barrett

 

[Leonard Knight]

Bob:
Thanks for the input. The front suspension is an articulated coil over system. The shocks are inboard much like the prowler was. Rear is an independent system with a 4 bar using a 9" ford center section. Entire front and rear suspension is polished.

As for the wheels I was going for that old 12 spoke Gasser look but with a modern touch. On the paint idea we are toying with something like what you mentioned but I am just not sure yet. I want a classy look as well as unique.

Leonard

 

[Bobpantax]

Thanks for the answer. Please post a some pictures when the vehicle has been completed. If you do not mind disclosing it, what is the total budget for the vehicle?

 

[Hisserman]

Here's another car for the Challenge. It's a '32 Ford that was shown at the '04 Detroit Autorama. I wish I had taken more pictures!!

 

[Hisserman]

bump (the picture is working now)

 

[Paul Hawker]

Leonard.
April 2-4 the Goodguys show at Del Mar will be showcasing Boyd Coddington"s new "What the Haye" a Viper V-10 powered roadster based on a 1930s era Delahaye.
Might be worth a trip to see what Boyd has come up with mounting a V-10.

I think your Deuce is fantastic looking. I have never seen mufflers mounted inside Zoomies before. Congratulations on a terrific concept.
P.

 

[Leonard Knight]

Thanks Paul. I think I saw that one at the Grand National Roadster show. I might bring my 39 ford down for the event, not sure yet. These mufflers are similar to those used on some Harley's these days. You can open and close them with a cable.

Bruce:
I don't have an exact budget on this car. I started out saying I wanted a fast 32. Then I talked to Hogan about their manifolds and thought I might do something crazy. Then came the ignition. I did not want an 02 sensor so we came up with the idea of a belt drive distributor. Unfortunately no one makes one so we are making our own, cap and all. Should give it the top fuel look when it is done. It just keeps evolving so I have not capped it yet. It is costing more than my SRT10 though but it is not being built by one of the "name" builders so it is much less than they would charge. I post the numbers when I finish if you are interested.

Thanks for the interest.

 

[Lee00blacksilverGTS]

You oughta paint that car VIPER BLUE in honor of the drivetrain, with some kind of wild white or silver ghost flame treatment.