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Cliff Ruggles' 455 Ventura |
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Cliff Ruggles has been building and racing cars since the mid '70s. He purchased his 1973 Ventura in the mid '80s and at the time it was powered by a low compression 400 with 6x-8 heads. That engine propelled the car into the low 14s. The best et was 13.78 @101 mph at Richmond Raceway in Virginia. A few years later, Cliff installed a 428, lower gears and a better converter but the car was plaqued with traction problems. (Car at left with new 2002 paint job.) |
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| Last year, Cliff decided it was time to for more power and consulted others including enthusiast, Jim Hand. Following his own experiences and much of Jim's advice, Cliff set out to build a true "daily driver," one that would require only pump gas (absolutely no additives).
Cliff's engine project was complete for the 2001 spring "test and tune" season . However, he soon discovered that without traction the car was unable to make a strong pass. At launch the Ventura would get out of shape and not run straight. Later, at Norwalk Raceway (OH), running BFG Drag Radials (60' times between 1.92 and 1.97 seconds) using a "roll out" start, the Ventura turned an e.t. of 12.70 @ 110 mph. Switching to Hoosier Quick Time Pro tires, traction was somewhat better. At Quaker City Raceway (PA), the car logged a 12.50 second run @ 110 mph. Cliff intends to solve the traction problem in 2002 so watch for the update. |
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