1) Drain Fuel System.
This is especially important if methanol is your choice of fuel. Blow out all the lines, tank, and components with air. A few squirts of Prolong SPL100 into the barrel valve, fuel pump, and 3-way shutoff valve on fuel injection engines, will keep them from corroding. Also keeps the seals and o-rings from drying out. It doesn't hurt to have your mechanical fuel pump flow tested on a bench every couple of years to ensure that it is still flowing the number and is not cavitating. (which creates air bubbles in your fuel system - not a good thing.)
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2) Unpack That 'chute.
The pilot chute spring has a tendency to weaken if compressed for long periods. It won't hurt to wash the parachute and sprinkle it with some baby powder to help absorb moisture. (This also makes it smell good when you take it out of the box next spring!) Be sure to check for holes or rips in the fabric. Damaged canopies can be repaired by the manufacturer or by a local upholstery shop.
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3) Lube Those Cylinders.
If you're not tearing down the engine this winter, you might want to pull the spark plugs and squirt some Pro-1 XPL-101 Penetrating Oil into each cylinder. Also backing off the rocker's arms will ensure your valve springs are still stiff next year. | 
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4) How's the Bottoms End?
May want to take a look at the rods & main bearings. Now's the time to find out if the crankshaft needs polishing. Your piston rings can easily be checked externally with a leakdown tester. A leakdown will also detect poor head gaskets or a crack in the cylinder. | 
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| Note: One can use a Leakdown Tester to detect poor head gaskets or a crack in the cylinder. |  |
5) Remove Thee Fire Bottles.
If your garage drops below freezing, Coldfire 302 (and other liquid systems) will freeze, expand, and crack the seal. Upon thawing out, the liquid will slowly leak out, the gauge will regress to 0 and you'll be contacting DJ Safety for further instructions. Prevent all that by storing the bottles inside where it's warm and toasty.
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6) Back off the Valve Springs.
It's crucial that you back off the valve springs. Keep the springs relaxed and the newly oiled cylinders closed. Valve float can also cause exhaust valves to run hot, burn, and fail. ... If the spring breaks, the valve retainer may fall apart allowing the valve to drop into the cylinder where it will hit the piston and cause extensive damage to the piston and cylinder head! |  |
7) Service the Magneto.
It's crucial that the magneto is removed from the car before any welding is done. Doesn't hurt to set a schedule to replace the points, cap, rotor, capacitor, and wires. This you can do on your own. Eventually, the magnets will have to be recharged by a pro.
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8) Check Safety Equipment Dates.
The clock continues to run on those expensive SFI-approved items. It's ideal if the renewal period falls during the winter months when all of the equipment can be recertified at the same time. This is also the slow time for manufacturers so turn-around is usually more prompt. Here is a SFI Recertification Chart showing time frames for the more popular items.
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Certification SFI Dates |
9) Need a Special Tool for that Job?- Bypass Pill Driver E-7009.SD
- Billet Alum Spark Plug Gapper
- Spark Plug T-Handle Torque Wrench 3/16
- Valve Cover Speed T-Wrench 7/16
- Dzus Wrench
- Dimpling Tool
- Crimping Tool for 3/16 or 1/4 Hose Ferrule
- Trays and Racks
- Timing Ring & Wrench Set
- Magneto Drive Wrench
- Strap Wrench for System One Filters
- Main Cap Puller
- Sleeve Installer
- Push Rod Straightness Checker
- Valve Adjustment Wrench
- Rod Bolt Stretch Gauge
- Rod-Piston Removal & Installation Tool
- Top Dead Center Checker - Hemi
- Oil Pump Primer Chevy
- Ring Filer
- Aluminum Soft Vise Jaws
- Push on Hose Clamp Hand Tool
- Teflon Hose Separating Tool
- Flaring Tool for 1/8in - 3/4in Tubing 37 Degree
- Koul Tools
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10) Might wanna' inspect those hoses & fittings.
Hoses and Fittings will deteriorate over time. If you want your stuff to last over a long period, it's a good idea to clean them out. Of great importance is to make sure there is no fuel left in the system. Also give them a good visual to find potential defects. XRP Products | 
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11) Inspect your lead acid battery packs!
During the off-season is a great time to pop the cover off your battery packs. A little Di-Electric grease helps keep them ready for next season. The lithium battery packs on the other have have zero maintenance. Just charge them up! Drag Packs |
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Read Some Books!
Now that the season is behind ya' and next year is still a dream, lets fill the brain with some fresh knowledge. The Good Vibrations Motorsports catalog is on top of our list though that's being a little bias. Good Vibrations also offer over a dozen of hard-core racing books ranging from Supercharging to Building Engines. Did we mentioned DVD's for those that need a better visual & audio fix?
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Have a great off-season. If you need advice or have questions, Good Vibrations Motorsports has compiled a vast Technical Library online. Also offer a toll-free line: 800/576-7661 |
