Nov. 11-12, 2007 - Johnny and John Tate, along with the freshly painted Astre with new Big Block Pointiac, were at the Holiday Helpers Race at State Capitol Raceway.  They had some trouble with the starter, a few oil leaks and other things, but the car did get down the track a few times.  After some more work to get the bugs out, the car will be back to its winning ways.

October 11, 2007 - Look Out You Chevy Guys!

I'm back with a bigger and badder Pontiac Big Block!

They said it couldn't be done but I'm here to tell you it can.  It has been one year ago I made my last trip down that Quarter Mile stretch to blow one of the sweatiest little motors going.  So after I salvaged what I could, I decided to run with the big dogs.  Those Chevy guys tried to put me down because I would put a Chevy motor in my little "Astre".  So now the laughing is about to stop because the Pontiac Big Block is on the way.  It will be début at State Capitol Raceway here in Baton Rouge Louisiana on Nov. 10-11, 2007, Holiday Helpers Benefit Race.  So all you Chevy guys, bring it on!

Here's the lowdown for all those little 355 - 377 - 383 - 406 - 468 and 496 Chevy's.  I welcome you to the following Pontiac Engine Tech Info:

Engine             455 CID Stroker
Heads              NO-16 Ported
Intake              Victor
Race Weight     2250 lbs
Fuel Cell           5 Gal.
Type of Fuel     112 Octane
Carb                 Holley 1050 CFM (94 square jets)
Spacer              One Inch Aluminum
Valves               Ferra 211/177 stainless
Piston/Rings      Ross Forged (Flat Tops)
Rods                 Eagle
Compression     13:1
Crankshaft         Eagle Stroker
Balanced Rotating Assembly
Camshaft           Comp Cams - Custom grind (secret specs)
                         Camshaft installed straight up
Rocker Arms      1.50:1
Ignition              All MSD
Timing               36 degrees
Exhaust              Hooker, Super Comp
Transmission      Fully Tricked, 400 Turbo, 4500 stall
Shifter                B & M
Rear End             Moser - 12 Bolt, 4.56, with Moser spool & axles
Brakes Front       Pinto Disks
Wheels Front       Weld - Stars - 15 x 4.5 x 25
Tires Rear           Goodyear Slicks 14  x 32 x 15
Suspension          QA-1 Coil-over on all four corners
Chassis                Art Morrison - All Tube
Interior               All Aluminum, Auto Meter Gauges, Fiberglas racing seat
Exterior Mods      Fiberglas Hood, Lexan Windows
Safety Mods         Certified Roll Cage, dual drive shaft loops,
                           RJS Safety Harness, SFI drive train parts, Window Net
                           Meets All NHRA Specifications.
Paint                   Pontiac Vibe Green
Launch Tech.      Footbrake or Trans-brake
Division #4 NHRA Member.
Best 1/4 Mile ET & MPH  -  ???

Ha, Ha!  I'm not telling!  See ya at the track!  I'll show you the number then! 
         

Sept. 27, 2007 -  Tate, Willie, Reggie, and Skip met with Gary Carter, Manager of State Capitol Raceway last week to discuss all the details of the Holiday Helpers Race on Nov. 10-11, 2007.  Johnny had a lot of input and concerns about the two-day race.  Gary will take the comments from this meeting and pull the flyer together.

Aug. 8, 2007 - Johnny is working hard to get his engine completed.  Look for a full update later. 

June 17, 2007 - Johnny worked Sat. and Sunday selling T-shirts at the Father's Day Race.  He also helped with the award presentations. 

December 5, 2006 - Johnny Tate, a member of the Bracket Masters Board of Directors, participated in the Board of Directors meeting to determine how the team will distribute the toys collected during the race, and to determine how the additional money will be spent to benefit the children.

Johnny and James at BOD Meeting.

November 22, 2006 - Johnny took the Astre to State Capitol Raceway of Friday night to test and tune to get ready for the Katrina Toys for Kids Race on Sunday.  Johnny made two passes, the best was a 10.73 @ 105 mph as he got out of it before the end of the quarter mile.  On his second pass, he forgot to go back into low gear, and made a low 11 second pass at 136 mph. 

On Sunday, Johnny made a time trial, and at the top end, the motor gave out and punched holes in both sides of the block!  Johnny and James Richardson have taken the engine down.  Johnny has started to order parts for the rebuild.  The block, the cam and most of the pistons and rods are junk.  The heads did not get hurt beyond repair.  They could not determine what caused the failure, except they found one of the rod bearings with indication of loss of lubrication. 

November 04, 2006 - Johnny has his car running again.  This time with a big block Pontiac.  Johnny participated in a car show at the Auto Zone. which is managed by Tarrus Jones, on Plank Road in Baton Rouge. 

October 22, 2006 - Johnny was elected Vice-President of Bracket Masters Racing Team.

Sept. 10, 2006 - Johnny and Eddie White were assigned the task of picking the teams to be awarded trophies for Best Appearing Team (Millet Racing), Longest Distance Traveled (Zubie Racing), and two Presidential Awards to teams that had the largest amount of supporters at the race (Arnold's Air Hog's and Joe Louis Racing).   

August 2, 2006 - Johnny is hard at work to get his car ready for the Louisiana Drag Classic.  His new motor is almost ready and it promises to be one strong Indian (Pontiac).  Johnny has purchased new bumpers and other body parts for the car and it should be painted when we see it, although that might be after the race.  I have heard some talk about how quick the car should be when it returns, but have not been able to get any confirmation from Johnny.  He keeps everything real close and doesn't let too many people know what's going on.  When you ask him about the engine, all he does is smile!  Johnny is one of the best footbrake drivers on the team.  With a little power to play with, he may be even tougher to beat.

June 18, 2006 - Johnny participated in the Father's Day race by working on the gate and helping in other areas during the day.  Johnny was also in on the planning for the race and the teams picnic.

May 4, 2006 - Johnny participated in the Career Day activities at Prescott Middle School.  
  

Construction of Pontiac Astre