Heymow - Lawnmower Racing Forum

Race and Event Announcements => Non-Affiliated Races => Topic started by: jmiracle83 on July 11, 2014, 12:07:00 am

Title: Looking for a division
Post by: jmiracle83 on July 11, 2014, 12:07:00 am
Can anyone point me In a direction of a racing association or drivers in or around the south central virginia area? Thanks
Title: Re: Looking for a division
Post by: stvn_VA on July 11, 2014, 08:00:32 am
I'm in SWVA.  They are going to have races in Hillsville and Dublin coming up.  Don't know how close you are to those.
Title: Re:
Post by: jmiracle83 on July 11, 2014, 03:19:51 pm
I'm in martinsville, bout hour and a half from dublin. And about the same from hillsville. What association will u with? Just starting my first build just getting an idea of what's around.
Title: Re: Looking for a division
Post by: stvn_VA on July 11, 2014, 03:55:09 pm
No club around here, I'm in Abingdon(Near Bristol). Racing fairs mainly.  I also am 1 1/2 away from Dublin/Hillsville but that just comes with the territory.  I have went down to NC to race with (R.R.U.M.R.A.) Rebels and Rednecks United Mower Racing Association, look them up on there website/facebook.  I really enjoyed racing with them. 
Title: Re:
Post by: jmiracle83 on July 11, 2014, 03:58:57 pm
Since there's no clubs really around here what rules did u build by, the u.s.? What class are u in?
Title: Re: Looking for a division
Post by: stvn_VA on July 11, 2014, 04:55:51 pm
Yes us/ARMA.   Getting ready to go to cp.  Single OHV.   Main thing is get your chassis right and good brakes/steering.   I beat several guys that had more hp  and I was even still running a governor mine just stuck where I wanted it to be.  Safety is the most important thing.   


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re:
Post by: jmiracle83 on July 11, 2014, 08:02:30 pm
Cool hope to catch the race on the 23rd of august
get some ideas and talk to the guys before I order to many parts.
Title: Re: Looking for a division
Post by: stvn_VA on July 11, 2014, 08:16:31 pm
I'll look forward to meeting you. Will you be racing in my class?   My info is in my profile if you need any help.   But to tell you the truth it's all right here on the forum you just have to read it. 


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re:
Post by: jmiracle83 on July 11, 2014, 08:43:03 pm
My first built so thinking gonna build for G/P. Only issue I have to figure out the steering and from end. Been reading a lot but I learn better by looking so I'm gonna come to a race to get a look at how y'all have them setup. And no doubt safety first, you can have all the power in the world but if u can't control it it's useless
Title: Re: Looking for a division
Post by: stvn_VA on July 11, 2014, 09:02:56 pm
Sounds like you starting in the right direction.   Good luck and maybe I'll run into you in august.   I'll be #97 the gray ghost. 


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Looking for a division
Post by: jmiracle83 on July 11, 2014, 09:24:17 pm
cool look forward to meeting you. if you have any pointers or tips im more than willing to take advise. i getting ready to order tires and wheels do u have a recomendation on sizes and brands preferred on the tracks you run also if not to much to ask could u post a pic or 2 of ur mowchine and the steering set up. thanks and safe racing. ;)
Title: Re: Looking for a division
Post by: stvn_VA on July 11, 2014, 09:28:40 pm
I'll send you an email tomorrow.  That way we don't bog down your thread. 


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Looking for a division
Post by: Rooster on July 12, 2014, 08:38:50 am
Look at the build threads, lots of steering pics.
Front tires 13X6.50X6
Rear tires 16X7.50X8
Title: Re:
Post by: jmiracle83 on July 12, 2014, 04:22:28 pm
Yeah thanks rooster I found a lot last night got addicted was reading on hear for about 10 hours while I was at work. Leaning toward the modified L 100 setup that flipper uses. Bonus part I have a good friend that works for john deere = employee discount.
Title: Re: Looking for a division
Post by: GRUBDIGGER on July 14, 2014, 04:06:53 pm
DUBLIN WILL BE A ARMA NATIONAL EVENT. GOOD MACHINES AND GOOD PEOPLE. :D
Title: Re:
Post by: jmiracle83 on July 14, 2014, 11:00:46 pm
Cool GRUBDIGGER got some parts ordered for the front suspension, that flipper had listed in his build  and working a deal out on wheels and tires. But I wanna make sure it's safe  so really doubt I'll have it ready to race by then. But really looking forward to to meeting everyone and checking out their mowchines.
Title: Re: Looking for a division
Post by: GRUBDIGGER on July 15, 2014, 03:14:15 pm
YOU WILL LEARN ALOT BY LOOKING. EVERYONE WILL TALK TO YA.
Title: Re: Looking for a division
Post by: Flipper on July 15, 2014, 03:49:39 pm
Should be NO front suspension at all.
We used a L100 push pull rack n Pinion steering system on our older STX-38's.......that was MAJOR fabrication, and took quite some time to make.

Look at Richard Miller's # 811 in Mod XR class, he has one of my old mowers. I believe he said he may be down there at Dublin.
Burgundy STX38 with hood scoop. Took Rick a little while to get the feel of it, he does very well now. The STX Chassis great for slower speed classes. The Drawback is a stamped one piece frame....if something goes wrong, the entire chassis has to be replaced, this is why we got away from making racers from this series and moved to the L100 series, or the older 160-180...that series was practically bullet proof. Grubdigger raced a 180 for more than 10 years.
Title: Re: Looking for a division
Post by: Rooster on July 15, 2014, 04:36:20 pm
Should be NO front suspension at all.
We used a L100 push pull rack n Pinion steering system on our older STX-38's.......that was MAJOR fabrication, and took quite some time to make.

Look at Richard Miller's # 811 in Mod XR class, he has one of my old mowers. I believe he said he may be down there at Dublin.
Burgundy STX38 with hood scoop. Took Rick a little while to get the feel of it, he does very well now. The STX Chassis great for slower speed classes. The Drawback is a stamped one piece frame....if something goes wrong, the entire chassis has to be replaced, this is why we got away from making racers from this series and moved to the L100 series, or the older 160-180
series that were bulletproof.
Rack & Pinion wil not be legal in USLMRA ;)
Title: Re:
Post by: jmiracle83 on July 15, 2014, 04:57:56 pm
Just ordered the bearings and bushings as well as 2 fan gears from a L100. And got custom spindles and axle under way. Been racing dirt cars for years and dad runs a fab shop so we gonna dig into. Just sold dirt car so got some $ to play with.
Title: Re:
Post by: jmiracle83 on July 15, 2014, 05:01:39 pm
Have an lt 155 but figured I'd take a stab at the free stx first  and save the other for a future build. Thanks for all the help and advise. Guys don't want to annoy anyone with all these questions, and I sure will try to meet up with Richard. Gonna go fire up the grinder and welder, lol wish me luck I think I'm gonna need it.:-[
Title: Re:
Post by: Flipper on July 15, 2014, 07:53:47 pm
Rack & Pinion wil not be legal in USLMRA ;)


To the contrary..........
I am using the stock(slightly Modified) Rack and Pinion("Push -Pull") that comes with ALL John Deere L100 series mowers from 2002 to 2007. The LT100 Series and the older 160-170-180's used a similar Rack & pinion. One could also call these "Fan-Gears",  the parts book and service manual call them Rack & Pinion. I have raced 5 of these racers in USLRMA, all over the county since 2006 and it has never been an issue.

The Rack and Pinion that is illegal in USLMRA is the ARC aluminum box or JR Dragster Style R&P. Some of these were used on golf karts too.  

ARMA allows this steering system. It is also permitted with the Mason Dixon LMRA local rules.
If used, I recommend using a CV Boot Bellows on the sides if it does not come with one. A rock or stone can easily jam it up
without the boots, rendering it very unsafe in a high speed situation.

There was also a comment that Rack & Pinion was never used on a Factory Riding Mower. I recently spoke to one of John Deere's corporate lawyers in Washington DC who informed me that since 1999, Millions of these were made.(Push Pull R&P)


Have an lt 155 but figured I'd take a stab at the free stx first  and save the other for a future build. Thanks for all the help and advise. Guys don't want to annoy anyone with all these questions, and I sure will try to meet up with Richard. Gonna go fire up the grinder and welder, lol wish me luck I think I'm gonna need it.:-[

The LT 155 would be a better candidate, it has a much better robust frame than the STX and it can easily be made removable.
I use a LT160 & LT180 to cut grass with and they drive like Cadillac's.  Be very careful with the Hood on the LT's...it carries a very hefty price tag as with the STX's. The L100 is much lighter and the hood is cheaper(I have bought quite a few LOL!.)....and the L100's are a dime a dozen. Both have a decent wheelbase for racing. The STX series has a shorter wheelbase making them quite "Squirrely" at higher speeds.

Wish you lived closer........I am currently helping a local young ..."Jedi"... who comes from dirt racing background/family too. He is in GP(MODXR) class right now and running up front on a older custom John Deere 180.    Not saying what I am making is right, but it works form me and my team.....and you rarely ever see me pushing my mower off the track. ....well, the wife did push her racer off the track after she finished...ran out of gas....it was still my fault!
Title: Re:
Post by: jmiracle83 on July 15, 2014, 08:01:47 pm
Well after complete disassembly of the stx I know understand what ur talking about, we're figuring on at least 240hrs+ shop time for building this one I. Wife won't let me use the 155 til end of summer when I buy a new one for grass cutting, though I do have a mtd I can maybe use. Decisions, decisions. I love the deere and s the stx reminds me of the mini sprint of the mower world..so guys let me hear ur vote mtd or long nights with the stx?
Title: Re:
Post by: jmiracle83 on July 15, 2014, 08:12:38 pm
Flipper that's why I reached out to you first every time I research stx you name seems to come up, and since I'm a rookie ur a vetern I figured what worked for you was a good start for me if I don't like it then it's only time and busted knuckles to change but thanks for ur patients with my barrage of stupid questions
Title: Re: Looking for a division
Post by: Flipper on July 15, 2014, 08:15:54 pm
Well after complete disassembly of the stx I know understand what ur talking about, we're figuring on at least 240hrs+ shop time for building this one I. Wife won't let me use the 155 til end of summer when I buy a new one for grass cutting, though I do have a mtd I can maybe use. Decisions, decisions. I love the deere and s the stx reminds me of the mini sprint of the mower world..so guys let me hear ur vote mtd or long nights with the stx?

The STX is a real pain...trust me. Built 5 or 6 of them.....you should be able to pick up a L100 with a blown tranny or engine for next to nothing. Or look for a nice 160,165,170,175,180,185....those are tanks and are rock solid. I see them for couple hundred or less. Keep the LT 155 for grass cutting......The MTD is a viable candidate too.



No stupid questions my friend!....all good stuff here!
Title: Re: Re: Looking for a division
Post by: jmiracle83 on July 15, 2014, 08:24:51 pm
Think I'll just put the stx back together and restore it may be worth something one day. And use the other since it's free. The buy a deere when I'm ready to move up and play with the big boys. Not sure what this mower is thought mtd but son painted camo and has no markings other than thus under seat(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/07/16/e9eqebej.jpg)
Title: Re: Looking for a division
Post by: Rooster on July 15, 2014, 08:48:07 pm
http://www.letsmow.com/2014/03/use-of-rack-and-pinion-steering-on-uslmra-race-mowers/

Flipper you sure your not talking about a pinion & sector?
I don't remember  true rack & pinion, but you know Deeres WAY better than I do!
Title: Re: Looking for a division
Post by: Flipper on July 16, 2014, 07:17:26 am
Deere actually calls this a rack in pinion....In reality it's a large fan gear with two tie rods tied to each spindle that is driven by a small drive gear at the end of the steering rod.

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/joeynahas839/IMOWDriveBeltTensioners.jpg
(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/joeynahas839/IMOWDriveBeltTensioners.jpg) (http://s146.photobucket.com/user/joeynahas839/media/IMOWDriveBeltTensioners.jpg.html)

This is a L100 R&P that I mounted on a STX38 - Wife's old IMOW.
I don't believe this is what USLRMA is calling a R&P(the aftermarket Aluminum Gear Box).
This system has been run by many racers in over 20+ vehicles in the past 15 years(or more) in US....including Jayson & Jim Mikula whom perfected it, and gave me the idea.

Please correct me if I am wrong.


and just a note:
By no means am I questioning US's ruling on this. It is what it is... I learned my lesson in the past by questioning a rule.
Fact, I have seen and driven a vehicle(s) with the R&P Alum gearbox in question. I found it to be far superior than anything else I have tried in the past and I do like it. As far as it being used on a production grass cutter?, I don't know, and can't answer that.

Title: Re: Re: Looking for a division
Post by: jmiracle83 on July 16, 2014, 10:12:47 am
That's the set up I was wanting to use on my stx that's what I started order parts for just was not sure how much you extended the ears and thought u said something about making the teeth thicker? If I understood correctly
Title: Re: Looking for a division
Post by: Rooster on July 16, 2014, 10:20:19 am
I guess what Deere calls a "rack" is what the rest of the world calls a "steering Sector" or "Sector gear"?
And you are correct, that is not what the USLMRA rules refers to as rack and pinion.

Doesn't that make changing a belt a real pain?
Title: Re:
Post by: jmiracle83 on July 16, 2014, 11:08:46 am
I kind of thought so too been looking at the rules and was wondering if link belts are allowed? Don't see anywhere that they are not. We use them on machines here at work that run about 10000 rpms.  Just curious(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/07/16/amate2yq.jpg)
Title: Re: Looking for a division
Post by: Flipper on July 16, 2014, 11:43:25 am
I guess what Deere calls a "rack" is what the rest of the world calls a "steering Sector" or "Sector gear"?
And you are correct, that is not what the USLMRA rules refers to as rack and pinion.

Doesn't that make changing a belt a real pain?

Correct sir!......many thanks for clarification!
...well...I put an idler pulley just to the right of the steering stem so the belt bypasses it. It works for a less powerful application like IMOW or GP. Only takes seconds to change the belt.  I revised it to a traditional drive style and yes, you have to remove the steering gear to change the belt.....it's a real pain in the keester. 
I have been looking at the 160-180 series steering selector gears, they are almost 1" thick. They use on tie rod to the spindle and transfers to the other spindle(just like a traditional direct steering but using a Rack & Fan Gear)The L100 series is very thin, I ended up using two selectors(Fan gears) and welded them together. The Tied rods ears are extended about 2.5" on each side giving a much faster response.
Title: Re:
Post by: jmiracle83 on July 16, 2014, 12:27:28 pm
Awesome since I have 3 stx 30 I'm gonna bite the bullet if I tear one up I can take the usable parts off and use them on the next one. Good that's what I thought I ordered t fan gears to weld together and also the plate and steering shift gear. Using ur pics of the redskins mower as a guide. Can u tell how far the rear box u added sits below the factory so called frame? Thanks
Title: Re:
Post by: Flipper on July 16, 2014, 01:07:55 pm
Awesome since I have 3 stx 30 I'm gonna bite the bullet if I tear one up I can take the usable parts off and use them on the next one. Good that's what I thought I ordered t fan gears to weld together and also the plate and steering shift gear. Using ur pics of the redskins mower as a guide. Can u tell how far the rear box u added sits below the factory so called frame? Thanks

It was kind of tricky, I used 1" square steel tube to make a "Cradle"...it slides in and out after removing the left rear tire.
The tranny Sits about 20" below the upper fender deck.
Just so you are aware, this was major pain in the patunia's to get lined up!...and I have moved away from building racers from this series. I had thought about using a L100 Chassis and cutting up a STX frame to make a fender deck......eh....too much work.

(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/joeynahas839/CPBuild04-14-0719.jpg) (http://s146.photobucket.com/user/joeynahas839/media/CPBuild04-14-0719.jpg.html)
(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/joeynahas839/CPBuild04-14-0711.jpg) (http://s146.photobucket.com/user/joeynahas839/media/CPBuild04-14-0711.jpg.html)
(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/joeynahas839/CPBUILD03-25-0712.jpg) (http://s146.photobucket.com/user/joeynahas839/media/CPBUILD03-25-0712.jpg.html)
(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/joeynahas839/IMOWBuild200703-1552.jpg) (http://s146.photobucket.com/user/joeynahas839/media/IMOWBuild200703-1552.jpg.html)
(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/joeynahas839/IMOWBuild200703-158.jpg) (http://s146.photobucket.com/user/joeynahas839/media/IMOWBuild200703-158.jpg.html)
Title: Re:
Post by: jmiracle83 on July 16, 2014, 01:10:27 pm
Lol I figured that but in the end it will be worth it. Just went through my metal pile all I have is 3x3 1/8th wall box will the work for fronts axle
Title: Re: Looking for a division
Post by: Flipper on July 16, 2014, 01:55:00 pm
Make your front axle removable!......then you can make changes with ease!
I am a huge advocate of making the chassis modular for ease of service and repair.
Title: Re:
Post by: jmiracle83 on July 16, 2014, 02:35:17 pm
Great advice, but that size will work for front.? Come on now hard work is good for ya! Lol give me a few day I bet I'll be thinking the same as u.
Title: Re: Looking for a division
Post by: Flipper on July 16, 2014, 03:51:21 pm
I Used 1.5 x 2 x1/8 tube from the front axle.
(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/joeynahas839/2010-12-1915.jpg) (http://s146.photobucket.com/user/joeynahas839/media/2010-12-1915.jpg.html)

Newer Drive System on the L100 along with removable front axle on top.
(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/joeynahas839/16.jpg) (http://s146.photobucket.com/user/joeynahas839/media/16.jpg.html)

(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/joeynahas839/8.jpg) (http://s146.photobucket.com/user/joeynahas839/media/8.jpg.html)

This was some of the old fleet of STX Racer's.
(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/joeynahas839/TheKids201003-28-1028.jpg) (http://s146.photobucket.com/user/joeynahas839/media/TheKids201003-28-1028.jpg.html)

....and this one is for sale!.....best of everything - GP Class loaded with a Kawasaki FC540V...plug in and play.
You do nothing but hop on, race and win. Selling for pennies to the dollar from net cost to make. No Shop Time!...and you probably won't build yours for what I am selling this for either. This is fully modular, dissembles is seconds with a 1/2" socket.
Has all my latest updates. This replaced the wife's STX IMOW, now she has a new Mini Pro-FX-Lite that replaces this....just need room. She finished 2nd last year in GP locally(behind me of course).
(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/joeynahas839/2012-02-26024.jpg) (http://s146.photobucket.com/user/joeynahas839/media/2012-02-26024.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Re: Looking for a division
Post by: jmiracle83 on July 16, 2014, 03:57:15 pm
That's some sweet lookin mowchines. Would love to buy that one but can't convince the wife so gonna have to build on one a little at a time. Plus can't have skins color in this house we are dolphins fans we bleed teal and orange. Pm me with price maybe I can sweet talk her.;)
Title: Re: Re: Looking for a division
Post by: Flipper on July 16, 2014, 04:14:19 pm
That's some sweet lookin mowchines. Would love to buy that one but can't convince the wife so gonna have to build on one a little at a time. Plus can't have skins color in this house we are dolphins fans we bleed teal and orange. Pm me with price maybe I can sweet talk her.;)

The color is Lexus IS Series Red Matador Mica(Burgundy with rainbow glitter)....decals can be removed in seconds with a heat gun.

Welp....it just so happens.....they don't call me Flipper fer nuthin!....well, I have been upside down a few times.
Have Always been a Dolphins fan.
(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/joeynahas839/2013-02-2444.jpg) (http://s146.photobucket.com/user/joeynahas839/media/2013-02-2444.jpg.html)
(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/joeynahas839/2013-01-28010.jpg) (http://s146.photobucket.com/user/joeynahas839/media/2013-01-28010.jpg.html)
(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/joeynahas839/2013-02-2464.jpg) (http://s146.photobucket.com/user/joeynahas839/media/2013-02-2464.jpg.html)
Title: Re:
Post by: jmiracle83 on July 16, 2014, 04:32:50 pm
Nice I've learned in the past not to ask how people got their nickname, on of my best friends is weenie and yes I wished I never asked..
Title: Re: Looking for a division
Post by: Rooster on July 16, 2014, 04:46:45 pm
Teal?????????
Rainbow Glitter???????????
Friends named Weenie??????????????????

I'm Out  :omg:
Title: Re: Re: Looking for a division
Post by: jmiracle83 on July 16, 2014, 05:06:56 pm
Lol rooster I said the same thing sounds a little strange:-\
Title: Re:
Post by: jmiracle83 on July 16, 2014, 05:26:41 pm
Ok bugging u again what degree angle are the axle end plates?
Nevermind read  ur build 12 degrees got it
Title: Re:
Post by: Flipper on July 16, 2014, 08:41:06 pm
Teal?????????
Rainbow Glitter???????????
Friends named Weenie??????????????????

I'm Out  :omg:

:lol2: :lol3:
Ok bugging u again what degree angle are the axle end plates?
Nevermind read  ur build 12 degrees got it

Cut it at 6deg and flip it upside down, then weld at 12deg.
These should help.
(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/joeynahas839/2010-12-192-1.jpg) (http://s146.photobucket.com/user/joeynahas839/media/2010-12-192-1.jpg.html)

(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/joeynahas839/2010-12-1915-1.jpg) (http://s146.photobucket.com/user/joeynahas839/media/2010-12-1915-1.jpg.html)

(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/joeynahas839/2011-01-29008.jpg) (http://s146.photobucket.com/user/joeynahas839/media/2011-01-29008.jpg.html)

(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/joeynahas839/2011-01-29054.jpg) (http://s146.photobucket.com/user/joeynahas839/media/2011-01-29054.jpg.html)
Title: Re:
Post by: jmiracle83 on July 16, 2014, 09:04:05 pm
Aight that's what I've got planned out just figuring how wide from end to end before cutting,f planned on about 20 inches which is about the width of stock.  had to take a break from building and take a trip to tractor supply
Title: Re:
Post by: jmiracle83 on July 17, 2014, 01:41:14 pm
As far as G/P class I've seen some say use front brakes others don't what do u recommend?  front axle about 18 inches is that bout right for stx with 13x6.5x6 tires?
Btw thanks for the email
Title: Re:
Post by: Flipper on July 17, 2014, 03:18:13 pm
As far as G/P class I've seen some say use front brakes others don't what do u recommend?  front axle about 18 inches is that bout right for stx with 13x6.5x6 tires?
Btw thanks for the email

If you can afford them, yes front brakes are nice and work great....turns out I have a complete set of MCP's with Spindles for sale
$475.00/reasonable offer....they are posted under for sale items here.  They come with everything including Master Cylinders, Stainless Steel Braided lines and custom fabricated STRONG spindles. These were gently used on my IMOW.
http://www.heymow.com/index.php?topic=28467.0

18" seems small, I think my front axle is 21" or better plate to plate.
Title: Re:
Post by: jmiracle83 on July 17, 2014, 03:59:55 pm
Ok I know stock is 20 from spindle to spindle.  I'll have to see about brakes. Right now I'm using left over metal and bracket s/ metal stock from race car. Figuring prob won't be able to race til spring, but may be lucky and get it done before then. I just wanna build it safe and right the first time.