Some "Dime Rockets" for the 4TH!

[ALMACK]

Originally Posted by iraceitall

Would a T-Bird be just as good? I found one locally, very clean, for $850.

That 1985 T-Bird will pass tech if you claim it as a 1986 and run the '86 SEFI 302 Mustang GT engine. (factored @ 200 hp)

Yes, the 86-88 T-Bird is legal with the 5.0 H.O. Mustang GT engine.

[Joe Toller]

Thanks for all the help and info guys. I think after looking things over I will pass on the T-Bird. I am predominantly a Ford guy (with some AMC to keep things weird) so I was headed that way. It appears that a 70's-early 80's 302 2bbl at 162hp is a good one, so I'm going to direct my focus that direction. I research the crap out of anything I do before I do it, so again, thank you all for my endless noob questions!

[Mark Yacavone]

I have been pondering this question a lot lately.

After several similar threads in the last years, I'm wondering what you guys consider to be a Dime Rocket anyway
I would assume it would have to be 10% of something.
10% of a new factory ringer might put you in a decent RWD car

Maybe 10 grand is too much to spend for a slower car. 20 K might get a ten second car that won't survive a heads up match up, if you shop around .

How about 10% of a big block 69 Camaro ?
Is 5 K too much for a 14 second, sub index RWD car? Apparently so.

So just what IS a Dime Rocket to YOU?

[Tony Janes]

Dime=10,000.00

[art leong]

Anyone interested in a "dime" superstocker?

[Rob Lloyd]

Originally Posted by Tony Janes

Dime=10,000.00

In that case I'd say I have a 'nickel rocket', but turbo's apparently don't count, so....

[Joe Toller]

Mark, I think you nailed it with a 14sec, 5K car. That's my target. If it were in Montana I would consider it more. Stupid me wants to do it on his own and with a Ford. I figured out it's not so much about looking at what you have available to build, but more about what combos to look at and go find. I have asked some noob questions, but I am learning though...anyways, 14 seconds or less for 5k or less is a dime rocket to me, that'd be about 10% of a "fast" car I would venture to guess...

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by iraceitall

Mark, I think you nailed it with a 14sec, 5K car. That's my target. If it were in Montana I would consider it more. Stupid me wants to do it on his own and with a Ford. I figured out it's not so much about looking at what you have available to build, but more about what combos to look at and go find. I have asked some noob questions, but I am learning though...anyways, 14 seconds or less for 5k or less is a dime rocket to me, that'd be about 10% of a "fast" car I would venture to guess...

1982 Mustang 302..Q/SA

[Robert Swartz]

Originally Posted by Mark Yacavone

So just what IS a Dime Rocket to YOU?

Dime Rocket = something you can "afford to race". Keyword being race. If one wants to win consistantly, the dimes will start to add up, quickly.

Truth is, there's no such thing as an "affordable" race car. There may be/are cars that cost less or may be/are inexpensive. It doesn't matter if you're running a lowly 4 cyl ;-) in the slow brackets or a T/F dragster, they all cost and the cost is relative to what we as individuals can afford!

I enjoy these threads. Opens up my eyes to some of the different combos out there. Funny you brought up that 82 302ci Mustang, Mark. I had an offer to trade a motorcycle I had for that very car about 4-5 years back. Would've been a great stocker, car only had about 60K. 2nd owner car, body was solid, paint fair, interior near perfect. At the time I just didn't need another car. Also, it was the wife's bike, she wanted cash, otherwise, I was tempted.

[VStock]

Originally Posted by Mark Yacavone

Is 5 K too much for a 14 second, sub index RWD car? Apparently so.

Mark, I would have bought that Monza already except for a couple of reasons. 1. It's in Arizona, I'm in Michigan 2. I already have a 67 El Camino, several 230s to build, headers, etc. 3. My goal is to see how fast I can get a 230 to run.
But you're right - it would make more sense to spend $5K on a car that already runs under the index than to spend time and money on a car that may(or may not) run under the index.