The build of the Thunderbird (a.k.a. Rocketbird) is still ongoing.
We're running both cars next weekend (we hope). I spent many weeks already on this BMW V12 Rocketbird project. It took me a full 3 days to build a custom carbureted intake manifold. Yes, that's a cut-down ammo can! I welded 12 pipes to it, cut out two flanges with the plasma cutter and two custom gaskets with a razor blade, and welded 12 more short pipes onto the flanges. Don't worry, all that's left to do is make a custom driveshaft with a slip yoke, make a custom exhaust in an area without enough room to do so, make a trans mount, add a radiator, cut down two new ebay HEI distributors and figure out how to mount them on a BMW motor, cut the plug wires to fit, set the timing, figure out a throttle assembly, repaint the whitewalls and remount the wheels, swap the seat and harness, and a myriad of other stuff. Oh, and the Mark VIII isn't ready either. It's not like we procrastinated, we started right after the last race, and have hundreds of hours in this already. Next time I offer to put a BMW V12 in anything, save me a lot of headaches and just shoot me in the face with a 12 guage. Seriously. It's the only humane thing to do. ;) -Jeff
We're running both cars next weekend (we hope). I spent many weeks already on this BMW V12 Rocketbird project. It took me a full 3 days to build a custom carbureted intake manifold. I attached a pic of the finished intake. Yes, that's a cut-down ammo can! I welded 12 pipes to it, cut out two flanges with the plasma cutter and two custom gaskets with a razor blade, and welded 12 more short pipes onto the flanges. Don't worry, all that's left to do is make a custom driveshaft with a slip yoke, make a custom exhaust in an area without enough room to do so, make a trans mount, add a radiator, cut down two new ebay HEI distributors and figure out how to mount them on a BMW motor, cut the plug wires to fit, set the timing, figure out a throttle assembly, repaint the whitewalls and remount the wheels, swap the seat and harness, and a myriad of other stuff. Oh, and the Mark VIII isn't ready either. It's not like we procrastinated, we started right after the last race, and have hundreds of hours in this already. Next time I offer to put a BMW V12 in anything, save me a lot of headaches and just shoot me in the face with a 12 guage. Seriously. It's the only humane thing to do. ;)
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