NEW EVENT: LT5 Gang Reunion @ Stillwater

[A26B]

YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST, ON THE ZR-1 NET REGISTRY FORUM!
Jointly sponsored by the ZR-1 Net Registry & Jerrys Gaskets

No registration fees, in fact no registration required. No banquet, tee shirts, badges, no waxing or racing or anything else, just bring yourself & pay your own way as you choose.
Well then..... what are we showing up for??

The Mercury Plant in Stillwater, OK is closing forever the end of this year. The last vestige of the LT5 birthplace will cease to exist. Even now, there are only a few souls from the LT5 era still work there, as most have moved away since Mercury announced the plant closing. The glue that bonds the remaining few will no longer hold them together.

Now is the last moment in time to reunite all the LT5 team members, Lotus, General Motors/Corvette, Mercury and RK Machine. "Wait a second" you say, "What is RK Machine? I never read about RK in the HOTB book!" Some would say he is the missing link, but that has other, not-so-nice connotations, so lets use the "missing chapter."

Seriously, this will be a reunion of the Lotus, GM, Mercury & RK Machine employees who were directly employed on the development and manufacture of the LT5 engine. This "event" is for them. We just get to mingle in their reunion and help to celebrate their accomplishment. If there is anything I have learned from inviting these folks to attend the reunion, it is this; The LT5 Program was the highlight of their entire professional career.

So, please come to Stillwater, OK, August 5th, 6th & 7th for their Reunion.

The schedule is subject to some adjustment, but is essentially correct.

Aug 5th:

6PM ~ ?? Willie's Saloon, Stillwater. Social hour(s):cheers:

Aug 6th:

10AM ~11:30AM, MerCruiser Plant, Stillwater. Informal gathering of ZR-1 Corvettes.

1PM ~ 5:30PM, RK Machine & Museum, Ripley, OK. Tours guided by the man hisself, Rick Kirk. You won't want to miss this!

5:45PM ~ 6:30PM, Photo Shoot at the MerCruiser Plant. For everyone. Plan is to have Mercury group, Lotus Group, GM Group and RK Machine, then the entire Team. Then, we will take photos of the ZR-1 folks.

6:45PM ~ 8:30PM, Cherokee Strip BBQ, Stillwater. :thumbs:

8:30PM ~10:30PM , Outlaw's in Stillwater for the Willie's Cup Final Match. Willie's Saloon no longer has a shuffleboard, so we've moved down the street for the big match.:rock:

Aug 7th:

7AM ~ 9AM, Boom A Rang Diner, Stillwater. Farewell coffee & breakfast. The diner is closed to the public, so this is our own private deal!:cool:

Lodging Accomodations: The reserved block rate is over and the last word I received from a late comer is the hotel is now full and rooms are hard to find in Stillwater.

Who of the LT5 Gang will be there? Here's the list as it exists today.

Gary Cline, Mercury Senior Manufacturing Engineer************ Unable to attend
Graham Behan, Lotus LT5 Chief Engineer********************YES
Geoff Jeal, Lotus Calibration Engineer********************** YES
Dave McLellan, GM Corvette Chief Engineer******************Declined
Jim Minneker, GM Corvette Vehicle Integration Engineer*********Declined due to job requirements
Roy Midgley, GM Small Block Chief Engineer******************YES
Gib Hufstader, GM Engine Systems Design Engineer************ No, conflicting schedule
Jack Underwood, GM Chevrolet Media********************** Invited, pending
Tim Holland, Lotus Calibration Engineer/Record Run************ Invited, pending
Bud Agner, Mercury Plant Manager************************ YES
Steve Campbell, Mercury LT5 Project Manager*************** Cancelled due to job
Chris Allen, Mercury LT5 Assembly Supervisor****************YES
Greg VanDeventer, Mercury******************************YES
Scott Skinner, Mercury**********************************YES
Ed Barton, Mercury Machining Supervisor******************* YES
Debbie Thurman, Mercury*******************************YES
Brian White, Lotus & Mercury**************************** YES
Rick Kirk, RK Machine********************************** YES
Larry Banning, GM LT5 Project Engineer******************** No Contact
Pam Eacker, Mercury LT5 Engine Assembly****************** YES
Mary Brake, Mercury LT5 Engine Assembly****************** YES
Terry Deere, Mercury LT5 Parts Procurement**************** YES
Jerry Schmidt, Mercury Assemby/Machining Facilities Engineer* YES
Darla Bradley, Mercury LT5 Project Bill of Materials Admin******* YES
Bill Kepple, Mercury LT5 Engine Internal Block Assembler******* YES
Dewayne Sharpton, Mercury LT5 Engine Tester***************** YES
Kim Trunk, Mercury LT5 Administrative Assistant************** YES
Marguerite Munoz, Mercury LT5 Engine Cam Timing Assembly**** YES
Ken Brake, Mercury LT5 Project Maintenance***************** YES
Keith Schmidt, Mercury LT5 Process Documentation************ YES
Dennis Schultz, Mercury LT5 Manufacturing Engineer*********** YES
Bob Larson, Mercury LT5 Manufacturing Engineer************** YES
Larry Miller, Mercury LT5 Project Admin********************* YES
Billy Furrh, Mercury LT5 Assembly & Shipping Prep ************ YES
Dale Tanner, Mercury LT5 Assembly*********************** YES
Jose Gonzales, Mercury LT5 Machining ********************* YES


There are so many stories when you get a couple of these people started talking. Just imagine this group...

PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU ARE PLANNING ON ATTENDING SO I CAN TRY TO MAKE SPACE RESERVATIONS . EMAIL ME jerry@jerrysgaskets.com

[Kevin]

I would love to know more about R.K's involvement with the LT5. first time i heard about them was on "rides"

[A26B]

Come on out Kevin. Rick will tell you more than you can imagine, plus some!

[Kevin]

COme on out Kevin. Rick will tell you more than you can imagine, plus some!

there is no way i can make it, i'm going to be right in the middle of a move then :(

[Daniel_Mc]

Jerry,
This sounds great and I'm planning on attending that isn't a bad haul for me at all. Hopefully work won't get in the way....

Daniel

[gbrtng]

Count me in - Mary too ...

[DaveK]

Wish I could but that's right when my family is coming over. :(

[rgfllamas]

Wow,
Should be a GREAT event. Surely wish there was some way I could make it but it's not going to happen for me.:cry:

[C4Fanatic]

Looks like that weekend is open for me as well...and a very short drive from up here in KS.

[A1990]

Email sent :cheers:

[ZR-1Mike]

Email sent!! :handshak:

[C4Fanatic]

Email sent

[A26B]

Update on Lodging: The room block code is "LT5 Reunion". Simply tell the desk The code when you call to make your reservations.

[A26B]

Make your reservations NOW as the block hold on the rooms will expire in one week, on the 22nd.

Please let me know by email if you are going to attend so I can keep you informed directly by return email.

[A26B]

Roy Midgley has just confirmed attendance!! Roy was the GM Small Block Chief Engineer. Thanks Roy!!

[A26B]

Although there is no registration requirement, please email me to let me know if you are coming and if you are bringing anyone with you. I do need to know to make sure we have space available at the places we are going to be having dinner, social hour, etc.

email me: jerry@jerrysgaskets.com

[RUSSELL]

Email and PM sent. Got to learn to read before I type.

[White Bullet]

This is an opportunity of a lifetime. I am serously considering attending. I will have to check with the wife and see if this is possible. I will have a decision in the next couple of days.

[A26B]

Getting close. Be sure to make your reservations at the Holiday Inn while the block rate is still in effect.

[Meanmyz]

Meanmyz reporting for duty sir! Email sent.:saluting:

[ZZZZZR1]

Meanmyz reporting for duty sir! Email sent.:saluting:

Jeff,

We expect pictures!!!!


Have a blast

David

[Meanmyz]

Jeff,

We expect pictures!!!!


Have a blast

David


We'll do David! But, I was kind of hope'n to see the blue beast! Guess, I have to wait until next May??!

[ZZZZZR1]

We'll do David! But, I was kind of hope'n to see the blue beast! Guess, I have to wait until next May??!

Carlisle??? Big event next month!!!

May I get to see your 1994 on display!

My motor got the same treatment your dad's Admiral got too....

Here's a picture:

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t199/pennstatefootball/MotorDone2.jpgj

Though, Pete say's my car sounds like **** because of the Corsa.... :blahblah:

:cheers:

David

[Meanmyz]

It looks awesome David! No, I can't make Carlisle, just too much stuff going on. But I sure hope to make the Gathering next spring.

[Ccmano]

Any of you FBI guys going? I may need a roomy....:-D
Want to go in the worst way but not sure if I can get the time off and would have to fly in and out.
hmmmmm.....
H

[A26B]

I have updated the list of Reunion attendees. We now have 15.

Please note new attendees added, include the following;

Brain White will be there: While the LT5 project was still considered "top secret" it was necessary for Mercury to begin staffing for the huge LT5 project. During the course of reviewing resume's, Brian White came up. Needless to say, Mercury was surprised to find that Brian had done is internship with Lotus and was involved in the development of the first LT5 engine. Not only was he qualified, but he already had LT5 experience and knew about the "secret"... a real bonus for Mercury.

Terry Deere will be there: Terry was selected to handle all of the logistics of purchasing and administration. Together with Terry Stinson, they were THE project, interfacing Mercury with Lotus and General Motors, for nearly a year. All of this was happening before Mercury even had a formal letter of agreement with GM/CPC.

[A26B]

OK guys, I am still adding Mercury Employees to the list. Are we going to let their attendance be more than ours?

It's a party & you are all invited!!:occasion1

[White Bullet]

I count me in :cheers:! I have worked out the details. Sweet.

[A26B]

We now have 22 members of the LT5 Gang who will be in attendance. Please see the updated list at the top of the thread on page 1.

There are ZR-1 owners Driving from CA to FL and MN to TX. Still room for more. If you plan on coming, please email me, jerry@jerrysgaskets.com with your name, who is coming with you, bring a ZR-1 & where you are coming from.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z224/A26B/BannerB168518.jpg

[A1990]

We now have 22 members of the LT5 Gand who will be in attendance. Please see the updated list at the top of the thread on page 1.

There are ZR-1 owners Driving from CA to FL and MN to TX. Still room for more. If you plan on coming, please email me, jerry@jerrysgaskets.com with your name, who is coming with you, bring a ZR-1 & where you are coming from.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z224/A26B/BannerB168518.jpg

Jerry I love the above graphic!! I see a T-Shirt and a poster!!

[White Bullet]

We now have 22 members of the LT5 Gang who will be in attendance. Please see the updated list at the top of the thread on page 1.

There are ZR-1 owners Driving from CA to FL and MN to TX. Still room for more. If you plan on coming, please email me, jerry@jerrysgaskets.com with your name, who is coming with you, bring a ZR-1 & where you are coming from.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z224/A26B/BannerB168518.jpg

I vote for a poster.

[Ccmano]

Really wish I could make it but work makes it impossible.:mad:

Take lot's of pictures and enjoy...

H
:cheers:

[A26B]

Sorry you couldn't make it Hans. Would have been good to see you again!

[Ccmano]

Thanks Jerry, I really wanted to come but it wasn't meant to be.
A buddy of mine John Waltman is on his way with his 90' already... take good care of him! He's an orignal 90' owner and was at the 95' Stillwater bash. (or was it 94')
H
:cheers:

[A1990]

Counting the days...leaving Friday morning. I will be taking plenty of pictures to document the event.

[ZZZZZR1]

I'm trying to work out the logistics of coming myself....

Thanks for doing this Jerry!!! Your da man!

:cheers:

David

[A1990]

I'm trying to work out the logistics of coming myself....

Thanks for doing this Jerry!!! Your da man!

:cheers:

David

That would kick a$$ David...would love to celebrate with you!

[A26B]

This is probably the last update from me to this thread. I have just added several more Mercury LT5 project employees to the list of attendees. What a group we have for the Reunion. There will be more of them than us!

Last chance......:fahne:

[Meanmyz]

This is probably the last update from me to this thread. I have just added several more Mercury LT5 project employees to the list of attendees. What a group we have for the Reunion. There will be more of them than us!

Last chance......:fahne:

Yee Haa! I can't wait! I'll be hitting the road sometime this afternoon from up here in Minneeesota!

[Jagdpanzer]

Have a great time Jerry and take plenty of photos for the newsletter.

[ZZZZZR1]

Yee Haa! I can't wait! I'll be hitting the road sometime this afternoon from up here in Minneeesota!

Jeff,

I'll see you there! I'm flying in tomorrow afternoon.

can't wait!

:cheers:


David

[A1990]

Outstanding :cheers: First round's on me David!

[ZZZZZR1]

Outstanding :cheers: First round's on me David!

Class... I hope to get a ride in the Atomic Orange beast you have!

[Hammer]

Well guys, today is the start of this great event. Certainly wish I could have gone down there but it just wasn't in the cards with the SCS in Spokane last weekend. I hope all those attending have/had a safe trip. Please post any pics you can of your time there for those of us that couldn't make it. Thanks to Jerry for putting this together you all have a great time and a great drive home with some very rare memories.

[A1990]

Amazing people here. Met so many involved in the "project" good thing this event is cool cuz it was 115 when we got here.

[C4Fanatic]

Heading that way at 7am, can't wait to see everyone!

[A26B]

We had a great time last night. What a wonderful group of LT5 fanatics!

Graham & Chris getting wound up for the Willie's Cup "Final Match" Saturday night!
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z224/A26B/2011-08-05LT5ReunionStillwater.jpg

[C4Fanatic]

Great time today folks!!!

Sorry we had to bail early, would have loved to stayed for dinner, but had other commitments. Hope ya post lots of pics, as soon as I upload mine, they'll be in this thread.

Jerry, good to meet you, and a big thanks for organizing the get together.

David

[A1990]

Home from the Stillwater event. Thanks to Jerry for his effort in organizing this event. The people I met this weekend are some of the nicest, generous and most down to earth people one could ever hope to associate with.

We get together because of the cars, but it really is about the people.

Friendships were made that I know will last a lifetime.

[A1990]

Kind of like this picture:
http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv244/Atomic-Z/80vettepics165.jpg

[A26B]

One of my favorites too Dennis! Thank you & Robin for bring the Atomic Zee to Stillwater. Always good to see you but having you at Stillwater made it special, we finally got our ZR-1's together.

[A1990]

Robin and I were talking on the way home yesterday, it would be nice if there was an annual event in the Oklahoma City area. Not that bad of a trip for the Texas guys or us from the Central US.

[gbrtng]

Robin and I were talking on the way home yesterday, it would be nice if there was an annual event in the Oklahoma City area. Not that bad of a trip for the Texas guys or us from the Central US.

Agreed, but maybe a little later in the fall when it's cooler than 113 degrees.
90 or less is better.

:thumbsup:

[A1990]

Agreed, but maybe a little later in the fall when it's cooler than 113 degrees.
90 or less is better.

:thumbsup:

I concur. Cooler would be better. If we could pick a weekend when we know Oklahoma State or Oklahoma (Norman) is on the road, hotels and traffic won't be a problem.

[A26B]

Yes........ it has been a little toasty!

[Meanmyz]

Well, I got back to "the northland" and home at about 10:30 P.M. Sunday night.

I had a blast, and getting to meet and visit with Roy Midgely, the LT5 Gang, Rick Kirk, Chris Allen, et al, and all the "Z" enthusiasts was an absolute blast and dream come true.

It was truly worth it (and then some) to meet the LT5 folks at MerCruiser, and a very fitting way for us enthusiasts to show our appreciation to them as Mercury closes the plant in Stillwater.

A big THANK YOU to Jerry Downey and all of his efforts and to David and the ZR1 Registry for making this happen!

Thanks guys!

[ZR1North]

Well Jerry, it looks like you pulled off quite an event. I was thinking of you guys over the weekend while tied up in Chicago at a memorial service. I really regret missing this gathering in particular; it was a one in a lifetime experience I am sure. In keeping with Dennis' thought, it would be nice to find another occassion to get the gang together again, but it's hard to imagine how it could be as special as this past August event.

Well done to all!

[Meanmyz]

Here's a few pics:

http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv141/meanmyz/LT5%20Gang%20Reunion/DSC05079Large.jpg

http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv141/meanmyz/LT5%20Gang%20Reunion/DSC05179Large.jpg

http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv141/meanmyz/LT5%20Gang%20Reunion/DSC05174Large.jpg

http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv141/meanmyz/LT5%20Gang%20Reunion/DSC05169Large.jpg

http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv141/meanmyz/LT5%20Gang%20Reunion/DSC05171Large.jpg

Some of the "LT5 Gang" :

http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv141/meanmyz/LT5%20Gang%20Reunion/DSC05168Large.jpg

[Meanmyz]

http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv141/meanmyz/LT5%20Gang%20Reunion/DSC05112Large.jpg

http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv141/meanmyz/LT5%20Gang%20Reunion/DSC05113Large.jpg

http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv141/meanmyz/LT5%20Gang%20Reunion/DSC05114Large.jpg

http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv141/meanmyz/LT5%20Gang%20Reunion/DSC05154Large.jpg

http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv141/meanmyz/LT5%20Gang%20Reunion/DSC05155Large.jpg

http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv141/meanmyz/LT5%20Gang%20Reunion/DSC05080Large.jpg

[Meanmyz]

http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv141/meanmyz/LT5%20Gang%20Reunion/DSC05082Large.jpg

http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv141/meanmyz/LT5%20Gang%20Reunion/DSC05084Large.jpg

http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv141/meanmyz/LT5%20Gang%20Reunion/DSC05086Large.jpg

http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv141/meanmyz/LT5%20Gang%20Reunion/DSC05092Large.jpg

http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv141/meanmyz/LT5%20Gang%20Reunion/DSC05094Large.jpg

[RUSSELL]

Jerry had a blast driving up to Stillwater. Getting to meet some of the people that
put the LT5 together and developing the motor. Thank you for the chance to meet and enjoy the people of Mercury Marine and hang out with the great people of the Z brotherhood.

Thank you again Russell Farrow

[A26B]

I'm really glad you came Russell. The neat thing about this Reunion is that the Reunion employees were special for all of us ZR-1 folks and us being there was special for them too, knowing we came from all over to celebrate their accomplishment. Win-win deal.

I'm still gonna make it down for one of those steaks!

[ZR-1Mike]

Jerry, We had a great time in Stillwater (tough for an OU alum to admit)! Thanks for all the effort and time you put into the event and congrats on the outcome. It was a great opportunity to meet those that built our powerplants, rediscover the passion of ZR owners and Rick was a priceless walking encylopedia of knowledge.

[ZZZZZR1]

Jerry, We had a great time in Stillwater (tough for an OU alum to admit)! Thanks for all the effort and time you put into the event and congrats on the outcome. It was a great opportunity to meet those that built our powerplants, rediscover the passion of ZR owners and Rick was a priceless walking encylopedia of knowledge.

Rick is a piece of work... LOVE him and his knowledge!

Wish he would drop the "ford this and ford that" though. :-D

:cheers:

David

[gbrtng]

Folks, the event shirts and posters are really first class - you'd better hope Jerry made some extras ...

[C4Fanatic]

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa173/c4fanatic/IMG-20111029-00240.jpg

Poster has found new home in my office. This thing is SWEEEEET! Thanks Jerry for all you did for this event. :cheers:

[C4Fanatic]

Finally got my computer bugs worked out so I can post some of the pics I took

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa173/c4fanatic/LT5%20Gang%20Get%20Together%20in%20Stillwater/MiscCarShowPics013.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa173/c4fanatic/LT5%20Gang%20Get%20Together%20in%20Stillwater/MiscCarShowPics011.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa173/c4fanatic/LT5%20Gang%20Get%20Together%20in%20Stillwater/MiscCarShowPics019.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa173/c4fanatic/LT5%20Gang%20Get%20Together%20in%20Stillwater/MiscCarShowPics029.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa173/c4fanatic/LT5%20Gang%20Get%20Together%20in%20Stillwater/MiscCarShowPics030.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa173/c4fanatic/LT5%20Gang%20Get%20Together%20in%20Stillwater/MiscCarShowPics037.jpg

[C4Fanatic]

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa173/c4fanatic/LT5%20Gang%20Get%20Together%20in%20Stillwater/MiscCarShowPics025.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa173/c4fanatic/LT5%20Gang%20Get%20Together%20in%20Stillwater/MiscCarShowPics015.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa173/c4fanatic/LT5%20Gang%20Get%20Together%20in%20Stillwater/MiscCarShowPics044.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa173/c4fanatic/LT5%20Gang%20Get%20Together%20in%20Stillwater/MiscCarShowPics039.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa173/c4fanatic/LT5%20Gang%20Get%20Together%20in%20Stillwater/MiscCarShowPics017.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa173/c4fanatic/LT5%20Gang%20Get%20Together%20in%20Stillwater/MiscCarShowPics041.jpg

[FU]

Nice pic's ! Thanks for posting them :cheers:

[A1990]

Thanks for those pics. :cheers:

[C4Fanatic]

Loved that car Dennis, great color!

[Kevin]

woah! who's red lpe car is that? i remember seeing it at bg one year...was it a TT or a 415...i'm thinking it was a 415

[GOLDCYLON]

Looks like a fun time had by all!! Great pics. Thanks for the post up. GC :-D

[C4Fanatic]

woah! who's red lpe car is that? i remember seeing it at bg one year...was it a TT or a 415...i'm thinking it was a 415

Don't remember who's it was, but he did a long, smokey burn out in front of the plant! :thumbsup:

[gbrtng]

Just Graham showing off for the girls ... 415.

[A26B]

woah! who's red lpe car is that? i remember seeing it at bg one year...was it a TT or a 415...i'm thinking it was a 415


It belongs to Lingenfelter now. it is the first LPE aerobody ZR-1. The 1993 ZR-1 was delivered straight to Lingenfelter and is a Lingenfelter certified 200mph car. it was used as the prototype for the Aerobody. The "Lingenfelter" embossed on the rear is very shallow compared to mine.

Lingenfelter can only recall two LPE Aerobody ZR-1's being built there, the first was the red 1993 415 one and the second was a black 368 from Texas which has not been seen since.

[LGAFF]

That car is in one of the Corvette mags this month, it is in an article with a Lingenfelter shootout......said best 1/4 was 11.59@128. Surprises me that its not faster than that...guessing that on street tires