The combination produces a potent compression ratio of 13.7:1, so Jimmy only feeds the Jeep 112-octane Sunoco race fuel. Power is estimated near 500 horsepower at the 7,000-foot elevation where Our Gang holds ice races. A Barnes dry sump oiling system with braided steel line and AN fittings keeps the engine lubricated regardless of the angles and forces the bolted tires exert on the Jeep.
With an engine more powerful than a speeding locomotive, Jimmy needed a stout transmission. Arnold's Transmissions of Wheatridge, Colorado built the TH350 with upgraded clutches and bands, a modified valve body, and a 10-inch torque convertor with a relatively low 2,500 RPM stall to complement the torquey 406. An adapter from Advance Adapters was used to mate the three-speed automatic to a Dana 20 transfer case from a CJ-5.
More CJ-5 parts are found under the front and rear of the Jeep. The front axle is a narrow-track, open-knuckle Dana 30 with disc brakes, an open differential, and 4.27 gears. The rear axle is a centered Dana 44 with flanged axles, a Power-Loc limited slip, and 4.27 gears. Jimmy fabricated brackets to add disc brakes from the front of a CJ to his rear axle as well for more stopping power.
Body and Interior
Jimmy's flatfender is unlike most of the features you read in Jp, where the body and frame are the only thing left that is Jeep. Instead, he still has a Jeep transfer case and axles, but there is not much body left. A Mallotte fiberglass shell was added atop the DJ frame and Progressive Signs created a full wrap to the one-piece front end and tub to ensure that it would not get scratched or chipped in the frigid cold. Plastic racing seats with padded covers and five-point harnesses keep Jimmy and Andrea safe on the track. Behind the seats, a two-core aluminum radiator sits above the custom 5-gallon fuel cell and keeps the engine cool.
Instrumentation in the Jeep consists of a multitude of Auto Meter gauges that monitor not only the oil pressure and coolant temperature, but also RPM, oil temperature, fuel pressure, transmission temperature, and voltage as well. The steering and brakes are what really keep Jimmy busy while he is racing, though. The quick-release steering wheel is linked to a standard Saginaw box, but Jimmy used a longer pitman arm for quicker steering. The drag link mounting location on the passenger side knuckle was also changed, resulting in super-quick steering with only one-and-a-half turns lock-to-lock. "I learned how to ice race by riding with my father as a kid and watching his every movement," Jimmy noted.
The brakes have been optimized for the unique environment of ice racing. The swing pedal is attached to a billet master cylinder that activates the four-wheel disc brakes. A Jamar cutting brake lever is plumbed into the front brakes to allow Jimmy to lock up just one front brake for tighter turns. "I use this setup with the bare rubber and studs, since the speeds are lower," he explained. "With the bolted tires I have the brakes plumbed so that only the left front and the two rear brakes are used, since things happen so fast with those tires." Next to the brake pedal, the gas "pedal" is actually more of a cage that ensures that Jimmy's foot does not slip off the gas when he is racing.
Good, Bad, and What's It For
While most of the Jeeps that ice race are relatively simple and nostalgic, Jimmy took his flatfender the other direction with the coilover suspension and dry sump oiling system. "I would love to see more people get involved in ice racing," Jimmy told us. "If anyone wants to know what went into building my Jeep, instead of feeling threatened by the competition I will give them an honest answer." This not only allows him to show off the abilities of Edgewater Jeep & 4x4, but also have a whole lot of fun with his family as well.
Why I Wrote This Feature
Jimmy is a third generation ice racer and his grandfather was one of the founding members of Our Gang Ice Racing. He is also one of the guys who is infusing ice racing with new technology and demonstrating to others what is possible. That makes him The Man of Steel (and fiberglass) in my opinion, and I felt that innovation needs to be shared. -Harry Wagner
Hard Facts
Vehicle: DJ-3A
Engine: Chevy 406 V-8
Transmission: TH350 automatic
Transfer Case: Dana 20
Suspension: Koni coilovers w/ wishbone four links front & rear
Axles: Dana 30 (front), Dana 44 (rear)
Wheels: Vary according to class
Tires: Vary according to class
Built For: Hauling ice