Possible Build -
 

Guys.. need some feedback..
Wanting to get back into racking and want to go back into stock eliminator at a reasonable cost (yes I know that term is relevant :)

Years ago raced a w/s Mustang 2 1978 model.. had a blast.

Have the opportunity to get cheap..1978 Pinto wagon 2.3L complete but doesn't run and has minor rust..

Thoughts? Can it be competitive, run under the index and be consistent?

I realize lower HP cars are more sensitive to atmospheric conditions.. but any thoughts are appreciated.

Was also thinking 3rd gen Camaro V6 or low HP V8.

Re: Possible Build -
 

Different strokes for different folks, but given the choices you have listed I would certainly go with the V-8 Camero.

Good luck with what every you choose and welcome back to the sport!

Re: Possible Build -
 

Well, you have experience with the 2.3. That's a plus! I don't know what the budget would look like. I guess they came with C-3s and C-4s. It will need a rear. Probably an 8.8 would be best. you'll need to watch out for the available gear sets. There have been a few out there that have gone fast.

Re: Possible Build -
 

Darrick Ellam runs a Pinto wagon in W/SA out here in Washington State. I'm not sure of the year and engine, but it screams and is fun to watch.


5.97 sec lead over the A/Stocker

Re: Possible Build -
 

You might want to look at the 60 deg. 2.8 V6 @120 HP.
Fair cam lift..Don't know about core availability.
Plus a 2150 carb. (1.09) ,which the same carb as the 302 V8!

I say it goes at least a half second under in V, stick or automatic.

Re: Possible Build -
 

You can (somewhat) finesse a lower HP combo to get it to deal with air changes. But you had better get yourself a good wind gauge.
I have always said (from experience) that little cars are good on consistent tracks.

Re: Possible Build -
 

ya know..........I'm not an expert on 2.3s by any stretch of the imagination but for some reason the 1980 is rated at 112 vs. the1978s 114. In a 24 lb. class, that's 48 lbs. That's probably a good, solid tenth!
Can a 78 be an 80?

Re: Possible Build -
 

Ellam’s wagon is a 2.3 and after watching him run it all the way to R/U at the Vegas Divisional plus seeing his lights and the car’s relative consistency (not to mention a good run against Calvert’s Cobra Jet at Pomona) I would love to do one of those myself. For kicks go to D3TV’s YouTube channel and look at the Vegas race....guarantee you’ll love it.

Re: Possible Build -
 

So a couple of questions:
Could I run this as a different year, if so would I need a different engine trans combo?

So for a trans? Stick with auto or switch to stick?
Auto C4? or later model trans?

8.8 or 9 inch?

Tire size?

Converter?

Any other ideas?

Re: Possible Build -
 

If you claim it as an 80, you would have to make the changes to the body to make it LOOK like an 80. You would also need to make sure that the casting #s on the engine parts are correct for an 80.

Stick or auto is a personal choice.

You would probably run a C-4.

Probably an 8" or 8.8" depending on parts availability and convenience. 9" sucks down too much power.

Probably 8x20 or 8x22. I'm not sure just what's available anymore.

Talk to Yac.

Have fun!