Jim, you sound like my old man, LOL!
My dad talks about most all of the individuals you've mentioned from back in the day... another thing, btw, he did my heads and just happend to mirror polish the chambers... you made me think of him when you mentioned your doing so.
Thanks for sharing some of your 'speed secrets' with us...
In fact, keep 'em coming...
BTW, you familiar with the names Racer Brown or Jim Naramore?