1976 RUPP Magnum Sno-Pro

[racingelvis]

I thought I would share one of my super rare race sleds on here as one of my restoration projects. What I have is a 1976 RUPP Magnum Sno-Pro. Most of you have never even heard of such a sled. There were only 5 of these sleds built, which was confirmed by Clarence Harms. Clarence was the race director for Rupp from 1973 - 1977. As you first look at this sled it doesn't look like much more than just a regular 1976 RUPP Magnum, but as we start to tear the sled apart you will see the last ditch effort by RUPP to make a factory Sno-Pro racer.

This is exactly the way I received the sled. It was raced from 1976 up to the early 1980's before it was parked. The sled was in a crash in 1977 and when they had to rebuild the sled and the new fiberglass came and it was different from the original. I was able to secure a deal that had the prototype hood on the sled. When we restore the sled it will be put back to its original condition, including the prototype hood.





B.S. 171

[racingelvis]

These pictures show the prototype engine and pipes. The pipes are the same configuration as the stock pipes but have a bigger head pipe and body. These pipes also have open stingers. The air box is very unique, it is basically just a box to trap air and force the air into the carburators. It was definitely made out of a factory mold just for this purpose.


These are the facts that I know about this sled:

440 Xenoah L/C Engine dyno-ed 112 h.p.
Prototype Engine Cooling System
Prototype Factory Mod Pipes
Aluminum Prototype Bulkhead
Aluminum Disc Brake
Aluminum Clutch Cover
Magnesium Slide Rails
Aluminum Rear Slide Rail Frame
Rear Magnesium Wheels
Magnesium Chaincase & Cover
Prototype Custom Airbox
Prototype Hood









b.s. 171

[racingelvis]

This is where it gets very interesting. As most of you know the factory production '76 Magnums had steel bulkheads. Look at this bulkhead and you will be able to see that it is aluminum. All the aluminum pieces that make up the bulkhead are stamped from the same presses that made the steel parts. The front cross tube that holds the spindles is stretched an inch and a half farther ahead than the steel cross tube. Even look at the belly pan, it has the same ribs as the steel belly pan.









b.s. 171

[racingelvis]

Here are the pictures of the motor. Complete and rebuilt. Take a look at the dual fuel pump setup mounted on the motorplate and the modified carbs.







b.s. 171

[racingelvis]

Here are pictures of the sled going back together. Take a look at the custom airbox going into place. Another unique item on this sled was the bracket that holds the pipes. Stock Magnums never had this. More pics to come.....













b.s. 171

[rupparooney]

Thanks for the Piece of Rupp Race history Bill............ Rooney....;D

[snikr]

I just love it when people can share part of the Rupp history! Keep up the good work Bill.

Tom

[mrrupp1]

Bill, could you tell what they did to the motor that got them the extra horsepower, and did it do well when the raced it?

Clint

[racingelvis]

i'll get becky to post some pics of the motor later but what i know is that there was alot of crank and crank case work done. the crank was drilled with holes and balenced. the rods beams where polished, aluminum thrust washers where used. all of this work will help the motor rev faster. the cylinders where ported, the exhaust port is huge intake is huge. the head was cut and a solid copper head gasket was used. the original 38mm carbs where bored to 39.5 with the air horns cut off. the 112 h.p. comes from the previous owner who says that is what they got out of when the dynoed it. so with the motor mods and pipe work done who knows exactly. should be a good motor to try out though. maybe i could get josh to dyno it. b.s. 171

[racingelvis]

Here are pictures of the springs and skis. Take a look at the leaf springs, they are a single monoleaf with a magnesium front slides and rear eyelets. These leafs weigh 1 lb!




Here are the leafs painted and the skis being put back together with the brand new chrome shocks.



b.s. 171

[racingelvis]

Here are pictures of the slide rail suspension. The slide rails themselfs are magnesium. The rear slide rail frame is aluminum. The rear wheels are not the same size as the stock production '76 Magnum, these are smaller and have no part number embossed in them as the original '76 Magnums do. The track is a 3 band titanium cleated track. All stock production '76 Magnums came with a steel cleated 4 band track.









b.s. 171

[racingelvis]

Here the sled is coming along very nicely. The lower bottom panels are painted and put on. The motor is in. The pipes are on. You can see the aluminum clutch guard now, it is not disguised in black paint like how it was when I received the sled. Also... there is a picture of the secondary clutch all restored.







b.s. 171

[racingelvis]

thanks guys for the compliments. more pics to come. b.s. 171

[snikr]

If you keep this up Bill my keyboard will die due to me drooling all over it!

Tom

[mrrupp1]

I wonder how this sled would do against a 76 twister I bet it would have its hands full.

[red19lite]

hey bill fantastic find ,now i wonder where that ifs nitro lc is at , thanks for sharing, looks like this rupp makes the mercury guys a little jealous im looking forward to see that hood and engine pics man where do you find the time, keep it up

[racingelvis]

lol, its called years of abuse with no sleep and now it is just part of life. no sleep just keep on working. i have been wanting to restore this sled for awhile. it is turning out excellent. i wanted to restore this sled to orginal condition. the way it was picked up from the factory. so there is no chrome like polishing on aluminum, no over-restoring, no shiny black where there was satin orginally. it is that kind of resto. thansk b.s. 171

[MrPeabody]

Sweet sled , thanx for sharing!!!!

[Ruppsforever]

Bill , when you get that thing done make sure you call me !!! I'll be making a road trip to your shop. I just have to see it in person. That is the coolest Rupp I've ever seen !!!

[rupprally]

wow,wow,wow nice