Car of the Week: Dave Sidle's '78 Chevy Nova

Welcome to our Car of the Week series, where we feature BTE customers and fans, and the cars (and trucks) they love to drive and race. Today’s spotlight is on Dave Sidle and his '78 Chevy Nova. No shortage of Nova lovers out there!

How did you get into drag racing?

I used to race at the local dirt tracks. After watching my friend get severely burned one night I decided drag racing was the better way to go.

When and where was your first race?

Avilla Dragway in Avilla, Indiana in 1989.

What model/year do you race now?

A 1978 Chevrolet Nova, but I'm working on a 1964 Nova wagon.

Does your car have a nickname?

Moose's Toy

What's under the hood?

A 383 Chevrolet engine with AFR heads, Lunati cam, Edelbrock intake and an AED carburetor.

Car of the Week: Jake Heminover's '68 Chevy II Nova

Welcome to our new series, Car of the Week, where we feature BTE customers and fans, and the cars (and trucks) they love to drive and race. Today’s spotlight is on Jake Heminover of Salem, Illinois and his '68 Chevy II Nova, a car that seems to be a popular choice for BTE fans. 

How did you get into drag racing?

It started just by being around cars and wanting to go faster than the other guy.

When and where was your first race?

When I was 16, on a road called Beer Can Alley in my hometown.

What model/year do you race now?

A ’68 Chevy II Nova

Does your car have a nickname?

Mighty Mouse

How Often Should You Change Transmission Fluid in a Racing Automatic Transmission?

Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) comes in a wide variety of types and specifications. For your daily driver, fluid changes are required very seldomly in most cars and trucks and should be filled with the manufacturer’s recommended fluids.  

In a racing automatic transmission, fluid usage and recommendations vary wildly depending on the transmission builder’s preferences, experience, car weight, engine type, and racing conditions.  

For most racers, a synthetic or semi-synthetic is the best choice. Fluids such as our BTE Racing transmission fluid feature a higher temperature flash point and anti-foaming agents not found in conventional fluids. BTE suggests changing fluid based on regular inspection. For some cars this may be six weekends of racing, but for others, it may be good for usage all year. If the color or smell begins to change, its time for new fluid.

Hydraulic fluids are also a popular choice in turbo powered applications. These fluids are even more temperature resistant when the torque converter is being stalled to build turbo boost. (Also note that hydraulic fluids will affect the stall speed of the torque converter more compared to regular ATF.)

Contact BTE with any questions about which ATF is best for your high performance vehicle.

Car of the Week: Anthony "Tony Boy" Andrade's '68 Chevy Nova

Welcome to our new series, Car of the Week, where we feature BTE customers and fans, and the cars (and trucks) they love to drive and race. Today’s spotlight is on Anthony "Tony Boy" Andrade of Pahala, Hawaii and his '68 Chevy Nova.

How did you get into drag racing?

My father was a hot rodder and street racer and he used to take me to the drag races from a young age. I loved the sounds, the feel and the excitement. 

When and where was your first race?

The first place I raced was at the Hilo Drag Strip. In 2012, my first pass was a 13.1 at 101.

What model/year do you race now?

68 Chevy Nova 

Does your car have a nickname?

The name of the car is “It's about time!" because it took me 10 years to build, and when you’re racing, it’s ‘about time.’

Jamie Hancock Sets New World Record for Drag Radial Pass Using BTE Torque Converter

As you might have heard, Jamie Hancock of Hancock Racing set a world record last weekend with a 4.093-second pass in his Pro Nitrous Corvette at Shadyside Dragway in Shelby, NC. 

On top of all the raw power in that car, Jamie also mentions BTE Racing as part of the team that helped him reach his goal. From a Drag Illustrated article published yesterday, Jamie says:

“The car hadn’t been raced since 2010 and we’d pieced it together with parts from the shop. We got with the guys at BTE and that’s what picked us up big time — that new converter.” 

We are honored to be a part of this history-making run! Congratulations Jamie. For more information on our bolt-together torque converters, visit our website.

Car of the Week: Tom Grover's '52 Ford F1 Truck

Welcome to our new series, Car of the Week, where we feature BTE customers and the cars (and trucks) they love to drive and race. Today’s spotlight is on Tom Grover of Terre Haute, IN and his 1952 Ford F1 truck which just ran a new best ET of 6.55 @ 101.7 in a 1/8th!

How did you get into drag racing?
My youngest son Boyd wanted something that he could race as his first car. So I helped him get a street/strip car. I was the crew chief for about three years and thought I would like to race my own ride.

When and where was your first race?
It was about thirty years ago in a bone stock street car in Freedom, IN.

What model/year do you race now?
A 1952 Ford F1 Truck

Does your car have a nickname?
It's just a "Junkie O Truck"