Car of the Week: Chris Livingood's 1977 Chevy Vega

Welcome to the BTE Racing Car of the Week series, where we feature our customers and fans, and the cars (and trucks) they love to race. Today, it’s all about Chris Livingood (yes, that's his real name) from Ottawa, Kansas and his 1977 Chevy Vega.

How did you get into drag racing?
I’m a third generation racer. I spent a majority of my weekends as a child at the race track watching my dad.

When and where was your first race?
My first time in competition was at Kansas City International Raceway around the age of 16.

What model/year do you race now?
1977 Chevy Vega

What's under the hood?
A 421 SBC built by Driskell Race Engines in Wellsville, KS

Which BTE products do you use in your vehicle?
I’m running a BTE torque converter and a Williams Powerglide filled with all BTE internals.

Why do you use BTE?
The reliability of the product and the great customer support. Prior to switching to BTE, I battled with other companies trying to find the right converter for my application. After several unsuccessful attempts I was referred to BTE by a transmission builder. I provided my engine specifications and desired converter stall and the BTE team got it right the first time. It was great customer experience!

Someone you look up to in racing?
My dad got me interested in cars and introduced me to bracket racing. He showed me that it doesn’t take a big budget to be competitive.

If money were no object, what would you drive?
I would add a dragster or roadster to my garage. I would also like to travel across the country and compete in more big money races.

Car of the Week: Richie Vail's 1965 Ford Falcon Ranchero

Welcome to the BTE Racing Car of the Week series, where we feature our customers and fans, and the cars (and trucks) they love to race. Today, it’s all about Richie Vail and his 1965 Ford Falcon Ranchero.

Both pictures are at the same track, the above was taken 29 years ago, when Vail was 16 years old.

How did you get into drag racing?
My first race was in 1984 at Twin City Dragway in Monroe, Louisiana.

When and where was your first race?
Jackson Dragway back in the late 90s 

What model/year do you race now?
I race a 1965 Ford Falcon Ranchero. This was my first car that was passed down to me from my grandfather. I drove this car all through high school. This car has been in my family since 1967. I did all of the fabrication work on the car, roll cage, front and rear suspension, headers, exhaust, ran all of the brake lines, fuel lines, wiring, everything but the paint and body work. 

Does your car have a nickname?
Doesn't really have a nickname. My youngest son, Jake, calls it "The Old Hot Rod."

What's under the hood?
It has a Keith Craft 427 SBF Windsor, Dart block, AFR 225 heads, Comp solid roller cam, 850 Quick Fuel race carburetor, MSD Ignition, and Vail Motorsports headers. The motor is 10.0:1 compression, and dynoed 620 hp on pump gas.

Which BTE products do you use in your vehicle?
I am running a BTE Top Sportsman Powerglide.

Why do you use BTE?
I use BTE because of the reliability and years of experience they have in racing. They are also reasonably close to my hometown, so I can have the parts that I need in 1-2 days.

If money were no object, what would you drive?
If money was no object, I would be in a Pro Stock car.

What is your pre-race ritual?
I don't really have a pre-race ritual. I just check my car out very closely before every race. The best place to work on a car is in the shop, not the track. 

The Difference Between Powerglide Bands And When To Use Each Type

What is the best powerglide band? We've used and tested just about every band available for powerglide transmissions. Here's some info on the various bands available and our experience using each type.

• Red  - This material is good for general racing applications, but specifically it is best for any powerglide that utilizes an aluminum high gear drum. The red material will not cause premature wear like the other materials on the aluminum drum surface.

• Kevlar - Our general use powerglide band material for many years. This is great for all applications and is a bit more durable than the red material.

• Carbon - Carbon bands feature a material that is more resistant to heat and wear than any other material currently available. We use this on our wide bands in higher horsepower applications.

• OEM - Many transmission builders like to use the OEM bands. The material used by GM during the powerglide transmisson's original production runs during the 1960s and 1970s is widely reported to contain asbestos (making it very durable under high temperature scenarios). A good condition OEM band can be used in cars making extreme power, but finding such a good OEM band 40 years after the last ones were produced can be difficult.

Any of the listed materials will work for most racers. Important things for band and transmission life include the band adjustment settings, the quality of the servo bore, the servo piston, controlling the transmission temperature, and the transmission line pressure.

**Finally, a quick note about wide bands - we only recommend them when using an aftermarket 10 clutch drum - there are no benefits for using most wide bands on the stock, OEM drum.

Car of the Week: Michael Rickman's 1994 Chevy S-10

Welcome to the BTE Racing Car of the Week series, where we feature our customers and fans, and the cars (and trucks) they love to race. Today, it’s all about Michael Rickman of Selmer, TN and his 1994 Chevy S-10.

How did you get into drag racing?
It happened when I was a teenager, through some of my friends and their dad. My drive to get better at racing took off from there.

When and where was your first race?
Jackson Dragway back in the late 90s

What model/year do you race now?
1994 Chevy S-10

Does your car have a nickname?
“Ole girl” maybe. That's what I call her before each round.

What's under the hood?
A new 383 roller motor

Which BTE products do you use in your vehicle?
The 2-speed BTE powerglide loaded up with all the good stuff, also a BTE 8" torque converter.

Why do you use BTE?
Because I believe in the durability and consistency of their products, plus it shows at the track.

Someone you look up to in racing?
Carl Edwards is the guy I look up to. He is a awesome race car driver.

If money were no object, what would you drive?
I would love to learn how to drive a pro stock.