The Team presented the new Zap's Rat Top Doorslammer for racing in the new 2003/2004 season last Saturday, competing in the local "Top Comp" bracket at the Kwinana Motorplex, Perth Western Australia. Sporting new supporting sponsors Beta Spuds, B & J Transmissions, Veem Engineering and Telfone the car presented slightly different with a new front end paint job highlighting major sponsor Legend Boat Builders.
The event was the first opportunity to test the car since major modifications and upgrades were carried out on the car over the winter break. The car was completely disassembled, and the Anderson chrome moly chassis was sandblasted and clear coated by Bazza's Precision Repair, and a new block, camshaft, clutch and gearbox combo installed.
First lap in the car saw the blower burst panel blow, caused by the fuel inlet hose collapsing and starving the fuel pump of alcohol. Back in the pits, the crew had the heads off in no time to replace several pistons to return to racing, but a bent piston pin caused a delay in being ready for the compulsory last qualifying run, and the Rat was put away for the night.
Zap's engine combo is from Pat Austin's mid 5 second USA Alcohol Funny Car - the most winningest Alcohol Funny Car in the world. "Zap's Rat is 500 pounds heavier than Pat's Funny Car was, which can equate to about 5 tenths off the ET" says Zap. Work that out for yourselves Zap's Rat fans!
Click on any of the photos below for a larger image. The last picture is a link to the burnout movie of the first run of the day.
