John Gallina going for New Record

[Scott231]

As some of you may know, John Gallina runs a little twin-turbo GN in SS/DX in NHRA competition and currently holds the national record for this class (best of 7.81@178 with a 207ci motor). I am presently in Las Vegas and got to watch John's car run with its new twin PTE-61s ported shroud turbos. The car made a lot more power off the line, but an incorrect wheelie bar adjustment sent the car to the center line. With a little adjustment and some peddling, he went an 8.80@166.

The Gallina's are back at it again today with Crew Chief Len Freeman (my newest best friend in Vegas) to straighten out the car and get it intot he 7's. Next weekend will be a Divisional race where John can officially try to break his own record with his last pass ever in his GN (its for sale and John is retiring after next weekend's event).

Let's all wish this Buick Legend the best of luck over the next two weekends!

 

[EightSecV6]

Good luck to John and crew!

 

[Scott231]

Hey Bill - You were a hot topic amongst the Gallinas and Len!

 

[Cheeseburger]

Good luck to him, hope he gets it!

 

[John Wilde]

Duttweiler is using Harry's Turbos now.
This is very interesting.

Good luck to John, Marka and Len!!! =)

 

[KevinBroadwater]

Is that the car hhe has for sale?Like $95,000?

 

[EightSecV6]

Originally posted by Scott231
Hey Bill - You were a hot topic amongst the Gallinas and Len!

I've only spoken to him a couple times but he's a heck of a nice guy, I wish him the best.

 

[gnfanatic]

Bill, did you get my email I sent ya lastweek? I am not sure if your old email ady works anymore.

thanks
Ralph

 

[Scott231]

Originally posted by John Wilde
Duttweiler is using Harry's Turbos now.

Yep! Turbonetics ran into a supply issue, but Harry stepped up to the plate.

The new units are working quite well from what I saw.

 

[Scott231]

Originally posted by KevinBroadwater
Is that the car hhe has for sale?Like $95,000?

Yes, this car, trailer and all spare parts are on the block. John and Marka are ready to move on from the racing world.

 

[Scott231]

Talked to Len Freeman late yesterday and a few minutes ago. Turns out there were a few matters effecting the car's performance. First - as Len reviewed the data from Friday's pass, he could tell the converter was slipping too much. So as we all know, that means the trans had to come out (TH-400) for a converter swap. In the process of removing the trans, Len found a cracked bellhousing and had to send the piece out for a welding repair.

So this morning with a different converter installed and the welded bellhousing, the car ran an altitude corrected 7.93@172 and that is with all 207 cubic inches.

And if that impresses you, get this - John was somewhat spooked that the car might launched sideways again so, according to the datalog, he was not at full throttle for 2.3 seconds.

Next week is it. John's last hurrah and final attempt to reset the record so if you are anywhere near Vegas next weekend, you need to go to The Las Vegas Speedway to witness the fastest Super Stock car in NHRA history. BTW, a guy named Kenny will be joining the Gallina crew next weekend!

 

[LV GN]

thanks scott. it was a good weekend. the white regal sold this weekend to another nhra driver. who will be trying to set a record with it next weekend. i will try to set a record with the tta and as im told kenny will drive john's car and reset the ss/dx record for the last time. and if the weather is the same. the car will put a 7 on the board.

i also want to say i have been working for the gallina's for the last 5 years. and i have been to many track's. got to meet many top people in racing. and learned so much from this experience. that i would never have had the chance anywhere else. and it was an honor to be able to help them. i will miss many things about racing with them. i also wish them luck and want to say thank you.

LEN

 

[LV GN]

well we didnt get the record but had a great weekend. thanks to nick for all the help. good luck to the gallina's.

 

[Scott231]

Originally posted by LV GN
well we didnt get the record but had a great weekend. thanks to nick for all the help. good luck to the gallina's.

Correction Len, John didn't break the record...but he already holds it at 7.81 Even with Ken Duttweiler at the wheel, the car just didn't want to go straight down the track...

Didn't you say that Marka's TTA set a Super Stock record as well?

 

[LV GN]

i ran the record and then backed it up the next day. but the car weighed in 17 lbs lite. so i didnt get it.

 

[Nick Micale]

Originally posted by Scott231
............ Even with Ken Duttweiler at the wheel, the car just didn't want to go straight down the track...

Actually other than one run, it always ran straight. Couple minor problems, and one major problem kept Ken from re-setting the record.

The major problem, NHRA Division 7 officials overbooked the event with over 1000 racers, and cut 2 qualifying runs for stock and super stock classes.

The minor items on the car were resolved, but did not have the opportunity to try for better times.

On the single run Saturday AM, Ken left with 35 psi and it hit so hard there was momentary fender/tire contact which made the car veer right. Ken stayed in the throttle, although not for the entire run, kept the car straight even though out of the groove, and still ran an 8.30 @169 MPH. Another run or 2 would have put the car into the 7's again.

 

[ChrisCairns]

Originally posted by LV GN
i ran the record and then backed it up the next day. but the car weighed in 17 lbs lite. so i didnt get it.

See....you'd be famous now if you hadn't lost all that weight on that diet....lol.

 

[Regal-luvr]

What kind of rpms does this car turn?I just watched a video of it at Bowling Green this year and it sounds like 9-10,000 rpms off the line.

Did it used to have just 198 cubes?Thats what it says on the BG site.

 

[LV GN]

Originally posted by Regal-luvr
What kind of rpms does this car turn?I just watched a video of it at Bowling Green this year and it sounds like 9-10,000 rpms off the line.

Did it used to have just 198 cubes?Thats what it says on the BG site.

it leaves @ 6800 rpm's and shift's @ 8800. its 207 ci

 

[Regal-luvr]

Len,
Thanks for the info.I thought it must be up around 9000 rpms.I believe it has to be one of the sweetest sounding Buick V-6's I've ever heard.Just wish I had $95,000!

My V-8 friends cant believe a 207 CI car can run that quick.Let us know who buys the car.