Election time is here! Later in this issue, you will find a brief biography of all the candidates who have been nominated (and who have accepted the nomination) for an Elected Officer of TE/AE. In the November Rootes Review, you received the biographies of those nominated and running for the Board of Directors. The ballot to vote for both the Board Members and the Officers is included with this issue. There are ten candidates for the Board. You will be voting for seven people and the seven candidates getting the most votes will be elected to the Board. In addition, there are four Elected Officer positions to be voted on. Balloting may be by U.S. mail, fax or email. See the ballot for instructions on each of these methods. We will announce the successful candidates in the next issue of the Rootes Review following the tallying of the votes. I encourage you to vote. This election of Officers and Directors is important to the Club and to you.

Just another reminder that we now accept credit cards and bankcards for the payment of dues through our website. Both new memberships and renewals can be handled.

You can find this area of the website at: http://www.teae.org/club_info/members.html#Join

Please give it a try. I am sure you will find it a fast and easy way to keep your membership up-to-date.

This month's update on the 347-stroker motor and 5-speed project is that I have painted the engine and almost finished the process of gathering parts. I have decided to rebuild all the brake and clutch hydraulics while the car is down for the winter.

I am a firm believer in silicon fluid, mainly because it won't take your paint off if you accidentally drip it onto your fender! The downside is that it slowly softens and swells the seals, requiring replacing them every 5 -10 years, as they eventually turn to gum. It has been 7 years since I rebuilt mine, so better to be safe than sorry and go ahead and replace them now before any performance is lost.

As is always the case when putting in a 302-like engine, the pulley that goes on the four bolt harmonic balancer and the water pump flange position must be addressed. I am researching the best path for me in these areas. I plan to keep the two four-barrel manifold and carbs, the distributor, starter, etc. from the current engine. I will keep you posted.

Have a Happy Holiday and stay warm.