Tri-County Camaros Southwest Florida Chapter

[AFCMSGTRET]

If you're looking for some fun and excitement in your life…keep reading.



June's meet will be at the Buckingham Airfield located in Fort Myers. A lot of people don't know this but Buckingham Airfield is one of the best autocross sites in the country. Check out this short video to see what it's all about: .



On Saturday morning, 1 June 2013, the good folks of Gulfcoast Autocrossers, Ltd., (http://gulfcoastautocrossers.com/) will hold a "test & tune" and Novice School. Cost is $25 per driver and includes a great day testing your car and your driving skills and showing off to friends and family.



But wait…it also includes lunch (burger or hot dog lunch, and a drink. Some people also bring other things to eat like sandwiches and plenty of non-alcohol drinks)! Reasonably priced food items will also be on sale for spectators.



Please arrive no later than 8AM for registration. The Novice Class will start promptly at 9AM and there will be no late entries for the school.



If you want to drive your car on the course, you should bring a helmet. However, if you don't have one some loaners are available. If you'd rather just be part of the club meet that day, hang out and not drive, that's great too!!! You will be able to watch and cheer on club members as they attempt to impress us!



Each car on the track must have identifying numbers. The course follows SCCA standards when it comes to numbering standards. The numbers should be a minimum of 8" tall, with a bold stroke, no less than 1.25" thick. Class letters must be a minimum of 4" tall with a 0.75" stroke. Additionally, the colors selected should be of high-contrast as compared to your car color. They should be easily readable from the timing and scoring RV. You must have your car number, and class letters installed, before tech inspection. Paper numbers and class letters are available for sale in the tech area and are $1 each. Shoe polish and tape numbers ARE NOT PERMITTED (but a little birdie told us that sometimes they permit tape--two inch painters tape would be recommended).



It is suggested you bring lawn chairs, ice chest with plenty of drinks, extra food if you wish, sunscreen, hats, cameras, etc.


Car 77 in the pictures below belongs to Eric

[flyer08]

I was excited to to do this and went to their website....I don't know what they deem to be unacceptable noise wise but no loud cars lol.

[Kiernans88]

Originally Posted by flyer08

I was excited to to do this and went to their website....I don't know what they deem to be unacceptable noise wise but no loud cars lol.

Lol if it's TOO loud...you're TOO f ucking old!

[Matt @ FSP]

So on a totally unrelated topic.. Who does HVAC work? We have a 5-ton compressor & air handler (Comfort Maker) that our buddy gave to us (Like new) and we need it mounted, copper ran, hooked up and some plenum work (Ducted to office/bathroom and then two open shots to the shop).

[AFCMSGTRET]

Originally Posted by Kiernans88

Lol if it's TOO loud...you're TOO f ucking old!

If the car is louder than an airplane...then there might be a problem. They fly aircraft out of there all the time like this one for mosquito control ...

[Bad Dad]

TH400 I know you old guys know what this is

[AFCMSGTRET]

Originally Posted by Bad Dad

TH400 I know you old guys know what this is

A legend:

GM TH400
History of the TH400
** The TH400 transmission is largely considered as one of the greatest transmissions ever manufactured.*Its name in itself is synonymous with strength and durability.*It was used in a multitude of different vehicles and has a well respected reputation that spreads many spectrums including: Muscle Cars, Full size Trucks, Jeeps, and even luxury vehicles like Ferrari and Jaguar.*Its service for over 30 years earns the TH400 the well deserved title as one of the most legendary transmissions of all time.
****** The TH400 Transmission was developed by GM’s Hydromantic division as a replacement for the original Hydromantic transmissions such as the Power Glide, The Super Turbine 300 and Jetaway transmissions.*Although GM was hesitant in its initial development, it finally came to fruition after GM was able to obtain the licensing rights to the patented “Simpson Gear set”.** It was this major breakthrough that would set forth the foundation of the TH400.*The importance of Mr. Simpson’s invention should not be underestimated as it would also lead to the development of other popular transmissions such as the Torquefite 727, Mercedes 3 speeds and Ford’s C6.*The Simpson gear set is largely considered as one of the most major advances in the development of the modern automatic transmission and he earned well deserved millions of dollars through licensing fees.*
** Once GM had the ideal platform to work off of, Engineers went to work to design the optimum transmission. The TH400 was the first three speed, Simpson-geared automatic to use what is called “overrunning clutches”.*This design would allow for both first and second gear interaction; this feature basically eliminated the need for simultaneous release and engagement of the clutch to make the 2-3 gear change. Further additions to this design include a large multi-plate clutch to provide smoother reactions. It is this key attribute that allows the TH400 the ability to withstand higher than normal input torque and numerous shift cycles of the transmission.*In a nut shell, The TH400 was designed specifically to handle frequent stop-and-go driving. Commercial type vehicles were quick to see this advantage and hence the multitude of delivery and industrial vehicles were supplied with this transmission*
*** The transmission was further strengthened by some innovative design changes.*Significant added strength was achieved by the use of a cast iron center support for the transmission's concentric shafts that mate the clutch assemblies to the gear train. This improved center support was further enhanced by adding an enlarged contact point for first gear.*The gear train's reaction carrier was restrained from counter-rotating the engine in first gear by a “roller clutch”. In other words, the first gear reactive force is evenly distributed around the whole case itself.*This added design change significantly increased the transmissions ability to disperse and handle extreme engine torque loads via even displacement; therefore, drastically decreasing the likely hood of mechanical failures.
**** The first TH400 transmissions were introduced in 1964 for passenger vehicles including Cadillac and Buicks, Followed next with Oldsmobile, Pontiac and some full-sized Chevrolets.*Many of the Buick, Cadillac, and Oldsmobile TH400s produced during1965-67 were equipped with a torque converter that incorporated a Switch-Pitch variable-pitch stator.** The switch-pitch offered two stall speeds, applying the proper electrical signal selected a low or high stall. The high stall offered advantages of torque multiplication to “get off the line”, while the low stall decreased slippage at high speeds. The variable stator clearly offered big advantages for the Muscle car collectors and drag racers.
*** By the late 70’s, Big GM passenger cars grew out of favor.*The Oil embargo of 1973 coupled with growing tensions in the Middle East forced up gas prices.*The lighter and more fuel efficient TH350 had taken over most passenger vehicles and the 700R4 overdrive transmission was ready to make its debut.*By the 1982, The TH400 was rare to see in any passenger vehicles. The Presidential Limo (a modified 1984 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham) used during the Reagan Administration was the last known GM passenger vehicle to use the THM400.*Many one ton Chevy trucks continued to use the TH400 until the early 90’s when they too would change to an overdrive transmission. The U.S. Army HUMVEE was the last mass produced vehicle using the TH400.

[CamaroDreams76]

How many TCC members are going to the autocross even at the buckingham air field?

I recently bought a '13 1LE and wanted to see how the TCC club is.

[Bad Dad]

Originally Posted by AFCMSGTRET

A legend:

GM TH400
History of the TH400
** The TH400 transmission is largely considered as one of the greatest transmissions ever manufactured.*Its name in itself is synonymous with strength and durability.*It was used in a multitude of different vehicles and has a well respected reputation that spreads many spectrums including: Muscle Cars, Full size Trucks, Jeeps, and even luxury vehicles like Ferrari and Jaguar.*Its service for over 30 years earns the TH400 the well deserved title as one of the most legendary transmissions of all time.
****** The TH400 Transmission was developed by GM’s Hydromantic division as a replacement for the original Hydromantic transmissions such as the Power Glide, The Super Turbine 300 and Jetaway transmissions.*Although GM was hesitant in its initial development, it finally came to fruition after GM was able to obtain the licensing rights to the patented “Simpson Gear set”.** It was this major breakthrough that would set forth the foundation of the TH400.*The importance of Mr. Simpson’s invention should not be underestimated as it would also lead to the development of other popular transmissions such as the Torquefite 727, Mercedes 3 speeds and Ford’s C6.*The Simpson gear set is largely considered as one of the most major advances in the development of the modern automatic transmission and he earned well deserved millions of dollars through licensing fees.*
** Once GM had the ideal platform to work off of, Engineers went to work to design the optimum transmission. The TH400 was the first three speed, Simpson-geared automatic to use what is called “overrunning clutches”.*This design would allow for both first and second gear interaction; this feature basically eliminated the need for simultaneous release and engagement of the clutch to make the 2-3 gear change. Further additions to this design include a large multi-plate clutch to provide smoother reactions. It is this key attribute that allows the TH400 the ability to withstand higher than normal input torque and numerous shift cycles of the transmission.*In a nut shell, The TH400 was designed specifically to handle frequent stop-and-go driving. Commercial type vehicles were quick to see this advantage and hence the multitude of delivery and industrial vehicles were supplied with this transmission*
*** The transmission was further strengthened by some innovative design changes.*Significant added strength was achieved by the use of a cast iron center support for the transmission's concentric shafts that mate the clutch assemblies to the gear train. This improved center support was further enhanced by adding an enlarged contact point for first gear.*The gear train's reaction carrier was restrained from counter-rotating the engine in first gear by a “roller clutch”. In other words, the first gear reactive force is evenly distributed around the whole case itself.*This added design change significantly increased the transmissions ability to disperse and handle extreme engine torque loads via even displacement; therefore, drastically decreasing the likely hood of mechanical failures.
**** The first TH400 transmissions were introduced in 1964 for passenger vehicles including Cadillac and Buicks, Followed next with Oldsmobile, Pontiac and some full-sized Chevrolets.*Many of the Buick, Cadillac, and Oldsmobile TH400s produced during1965-67 were equipped with a torque converter that incorporated a Switch-Pitch variable-pitch stator.** The switch-pitch offered two stall speeds, applying the proper electrical signal selected a low or high stall. The high stall offered advantages of torque multiplication to “get off the line”, while the low stall decreased slippage at high speeds. The variable stator clearly offered big advantages for the Muscle car collectors and drag racers.
*** By the late 70’s, Big GM passenger cars grew out of favor.*The Oil embargo of 1973 coupled with growing tensions in the Middle East forced up gas prices.*The lighter and more fuel efficient TH350 had taken over most passenger vehicles and the 700R4 overdrive transmission was ready to make its debut.*By the 1982, The TH400 was rare to see in any passenger vehicles. The Presidential Limo (a modified 1984 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham) used during the Reagan Administration was the last known GM passenger vehicle to use the THM400.*Many one ton Chevy trucks continued to use the TH400 until the early 90’s when they too would change to an overdrive transmission. The U.S. Army HUMVEE was the last mass produced vehicle using the TH400.

Copied and saved Great History

[AFCMSGTRET]

Originally Posted by CamaroDreams76

How many TCC members are going to the autocross even at the buckingham air field?

I recently bought a '13 1LE and wanted to see how the TCC club is.

CONGRATULATIONS on your new 1LE. Sounds like a day at Buckingham will be right up your alley. As far as I know, you'll have the only Camaro there set up for road racing! Hope to see you there.

Nobody is keeping a list of those that will be driving next Saturday but I personally know of 7 or 8 Camaros that will be there.

I was asked a question about taking the novice course and Eric (our expert on the autocross at Buckingham Field) gave me this info:

In order to drive the course everybody has to take the novice class the 1st time. After that you can show up anytime and run whenever the group you are assigned is to run, as long as you help pick up knocked down cones too.

The class is really a walk thru of the course. That way you know where to go and which way to turn around the cones. And then they have some of the drivers who are also instructors ride along with you in your car and give you pointers on how to navigate the course.

And they are very nice and let you go at your own speed. So if you want to go slow, that’s fine. If you want to gp fast that’s OK too. But as you’ll see the speed those guys can go around the course compared to rookies like me is in another league.

But I have fun, just don’t do donuts like I did once when I spun out. I figured what the hell let’s have a little fun and do a smoke out. When I got back to the end of the course the Instructors let me know that’s a big no, no, and nicely gave me the riot act.

But they knew it was my 1st time so they were pretty cool about it. So now I just power slide when I feel like it.

Even though that kills your time, who cares, where else can you power slide your car around without getting hassled.

[CamaroDreams76]

Originally Posted by AFCMSGTRET

CONGRATULATIONS on your new 1LE. Sounds like a day at Buckingham will be right up your alley. As far as I know, you'll have the only Camaro there set up for road racing! Hope to see you there.

Thank you!

If I go, I definitely wont be on the track. The car only has 200 miles on it as of today. No where near being broken in

[Bad Dad]

Originally Posted by CamaroDreams76

Thank you!

If I go, I definitely wont be on the track. The car only has 200 miles on it as of today. No where near being broken in

Track the best place to break it in

[flyer08]

Broke in? Isn't that what happens when you burnout leaving the dealership?

[redxed36]

Hey guys!!! Well I now have my engine for my 86'....(Finnaly) but sadly until i can get my tranny the camaros out for the count for now. Since i am growing tired of being at the track and other events where i should be driving im gonna bring out the honda fit lol lets see what 95HP can DOOOO!!!!(yes i know that number is exaderated low lol) So who wants to go toe to toe with a honda? And dad (JERRY) its you and me ol' timer.....its on...