Chris... that sound is when I am putting it in forward or reverse. That is the "forward/reverser" It is a Lenco. You can actually shift gears backing up after the burnout and in theory... lol... you can go as fast backwards as forwards. There aren't any syncronizers, so you that is why you hear that grinding... that camera for some reason amplifies the sound. I shot that video at night from a different view point, just for the hell of it. It gives you a good view of the shift light at the top left corner, and you can see the vibration of what you actually see inside the car going over 220+ mph in just over 6 seconds.
Brett - We turn them about 8200 and some guys go upto like 8600 but depending on the manifold, cam, etc... it will change where they make power, which changes the gearing options and weather tune ups...
As for between round maintenance...
Run the Valves (Check springs for any broken or weak)
Download and analyze the data from the RacePak (Determine any gear,clutch, timing changes, etc...)
Swap the slicks (side to side)
Pack the parachutes
Pull the clutch out and resurface
Possibly change transmission sections (ratios) We fine tune by .01 and we work on the splits as much as anything.
Refuel the car, drain catch cans...
Adjust timing, jetting, etc.... (Engine Tuning)
And have it all done in about 45 mins... if nothing is broken...
**** And did I mention my fiance does the clutch, and my crew is usually myself, Tinzy and my 72 year old father... lol! We are lean and mean! hahaha....
Here are some more videos for you guys...
Cale Aronson VS John Montecalvo (Norwalk)
Cale Aronson VS John Montecalvo (St. Louis)
Cale Aronson VS Trevor Eman (Norwalk)
Cale Aronson VS John Pluchino
Cale Aronson VS Jeff Dobbins