Indy Highlights

[John DiBartolomeo]

What year was it that John Lingenfelter had a helicopter bring in an engine and what was the underlying story behind it all?

[X-TECH MAN]

Originally Posted by John DiBartolomeo

What year was it that John Lingenfelter had a helicopter bring in an engine and what was the underlying story behind it all?

John kicked a rod out of the block of his 1973 Corvette (Now the Linkie SS/JA) SS/LA a few hours before 1st round at the Indy Nationals so he hired a guy who was giving helicopter rides to take him back to his shop to retrieve a block that was already prepped while his guys (and almost every other S/S racer in attendance) pulled and dissasembled the wounded bullet. They made the rebuild in time but was foiled by a piece of silicone that got stuck in the Q- Jet carb needle and seat in the water box during the first round. Im not 100% sure but I think is was 1975 or 1976 during the "Flat out " racing years. I will have to look up the exact year. Im having another CRS attack. They were not many who were a sharp as John or as good hearted. I used one of his carbs, oil pans and picked his brain on building my 350 for my SS/IA Camaro back in the day. I met him while working for IHRA during the heads up days of Super Modifed and I drove a matching Green 1973 Corvette on the street to the races and we struck up a friendship. Of course that Coan lock up converter helped him run fast before it was outlawed.

[FED 387]

Same year Glidden ran a Chevy monza Pro Stock--75-76 whatever year that was ---all you saw was a$$holes and elbows thrashing on that car!!!!!Miss John really nice guy!!!! Shame too bad he is gone. Comp387

[Wade_Owens]

John, I have a complete set of National Dragsters from 1969 to present, if you ever need to look for something. I can pull both Indy issues from those years and look. Let me know...

Wade

[John DiBartolomeo]

Thanks to all. I'd like to get a photo of the Lingenfelter engine swap. Seem to remember seeing that photo somewhere but it's like looking for a needle in a haystack.

[X-TECH MAN]

Originally Posted by John DiBartolomeo

Thanks to all. I'd like to get a photo of the Lingenfelter engine swap. Seem to remember seeing that photo somewhere but it's like looking for a needle in a haystack.

Hot Rod magazine has an article and photos about what went on in a month not long after it happened. I dont remember the month but if I can find it I will let you know.

[Geerhead55]

I'm betting 1976 on this one,,,,I was going through my SS&DI collection recently and came across this story. Sorry I'm at work,,or I'd run upstairs and confirm it for you since my mags are at home. Danny Durham

[Geerhead55]

I'm also thinking that Glidden ran the longer wheelbase 70' Mustang in 75' as did Dyno and came back the next year with the Monza, which ended up with Lingenfelter. I remember seeing the Monza out here at Seattle after John got it and was amazed at how much Duct Tape was holding the frontend together! It was a rough looking piece at that time. Danny Durham

[X-TECH MAN]

Originally Posted by Geerhead55

I'm betting 1976 on this one,,,,I was going through my SS&DI collection recently and came across this story. Sorry I'm at work,,or I'd run upstairs and confirm it for you since my mags are at home. Danny Durham

Im thinking 1976 also.

[FED 387]

If anyone ever got to look at a car after Bob got done sorting/thrashing one out and "massaging the body panels " you would not beleive how rough they were. Neatness was not his strong point !!!! It is/was all about performance!!! comp 387