Charity

We found a Mustang, which we used to raise about $500 for ACS Relay for Life.

I'm sorry if you like Mustangs, but it was destroyed.

Voyager

Eric and Clark bought a 1991 Plymouth Voyager, then decided to put a 1987 Chrysler 2.2L T2 engine in.  This was the spectacular result:

Eventually the van received a limited slip differential and some proper engine calibration and found its way to a 1/4 mile track where it ran a 13.2 on 22psi and slipping clutch.  We'll hopefully get that video posted later.

Like any car we get our hands on, this van found its way to the autocross course.  It was terrible, but it had a turbo, so all was well inside the passenger compartment.

Next time you complain about your car, just imagine this under braking.

Not much body roll, but not much grip either.

Loose Lugs History

"Loose Lugs Racing"  was first used some time in 2010 when a group of car nuts and all around motor sports enthusiasts (who at the time were members of the Firebirds car club at Kettering University) were given a 1993 Mercury Topaz.  As is typical when given a car, it was quickly turned into a racing machine, or in the eyes of some - destroyed.

We had little time.  Only 2 days later the car was set to compete in its first (and last) autocross event.

Unfortunately, there isn't a picture of the original Topaz, but here is the first known photograph where Loose Lugs team member Eric is seen adding horsepower.  By this time, we had already started converting it to the TopEvo (note the Evo X look -a-like front fascia).

The Topaz was destined to be a racer.  As received, it already had substantial weight reduction - the entire trunk floor had rusted away in addition to the floors.

Most of the autocross preparation came in the form of visual distractions for our competitors.  We did check the tire pressures and engine oil level though.

The cabin is all business, and included automatic shoulder belts.

At the autocross, the car performed flawlessly for all 20 or so of its runs.  Here is a sample of Justin driving:

The TopEvo mysteriously disappeared one night, never to be seen again.  Maybe we should have taken the keys out.

More to come.