The best "Dime Rocket" combos!

[Billy Nees]

So my New Year's resolution is to stop being a crusty old poop and quit complaining about NHRA rules and regs (and combos) that I can't fix anyway. Vic just started a thread about "The Best 60's Stockers" and Travis brought up building a 60's Stocker for $400 bucks. i think that counts as a "Dime Rocket" even though $400 bucks was worth a bunch more back then.
It's the middle of winter and there's no a lot of other stuff to do so let's hear what you've got! Vic? Travis? Bender? Yac? Dwight?

[Chipper Chapman]

1980 Cutlass, 3.8 buick NA, factored at 140, for V/SA. Just sold one of these today, likely for the best because 2 stockers are enough already!

[Woodfin]

I like the concept of lower cost cars. And we all understand "lower cost" is a relative term because we have to buy and work with 2017 dollars.

Since my age is 69 I know and lived the days when most racers built low-cost cars from common parts. In the "beginning" we built with all most exclusively factory parts, the aftermarket as we know it today did not exist. Gradually, during the 1970's and 1980 more and better parts became available.

The first dedicated, trailered drag race car I built was in 1965. It was a 1955 Chevy with 365 horse 327 Corvette warranty engine. [I worked for local Chevy dealer]

With the help of friends, we took it to the track with a total outlay of about $1200.00 We race NHRA D/G [ten pounds per inch] After a few outings we ran 11.90's which was fast at that time.

It was great fun and valuable experience for a bunch of school boys with part-time jobs.

This background snippet helps to explain that while I benefited and learned necessary lessons in those early years I have moved on, times have changed.

I still like the old cars and if money was not an issue I would have a nice Tri-five of some type.

So, in ref to drag racing, [and this is personal] many of the dime rocket, lower cost combos simply do not interest me, too slow, too old, too rusty, too much work to put the body and interior in shape.

For me, at this time, the later model bodies are sooo much easier, no rust, interior in good shape, plenty of cheap body parts, and building a competitive engine is about the same regardless of age or size or class.

As posted about, it's off season so my thoughts from another angle.

[stage1scott]

I am not sure this qualifies as a dime rocket, you guys (mark) will have to fill that in-but-I was in LOVE with the (79/80?) turbo Mustang Mark Yac built a few years ago. I would have bought that car if I wasn't opening a new business and raising a teenager at the time.
(business is going great, teen is still a teen....)

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by stage1scott

I am not sure this qualifies as a dime rocket, you guys (mark) will have to fill that in-but-I was in LOVE with the (79/80?) turbo Mustang Mark Yac built a few years ago. I would have bought that car if I wasn't opening a new business and raising a teenager at the time.
(business is going great, teen is still a teen....)

Scott, That was a lucky find (about 3 miles from my house)
Already a 4 speed, correct hood, all the right part numbers, etc.
I believe that's the key, rather than chasing old parts down all over the country.

I had about 10 grand in the thing to start out, after having to upgrade to the Moser spool and axles. Of course, that was after doing about 90 % of the work myself.

Four or five number ones, three national records, Top Gun ,2007.

Not a bad bang for the buck, or the dime, I should say, if you can live with a high 13 second car.

[Daran Summerton]

Why is the term "Dime Rocket" automatically assumed they are all 13 second slugs. I'm currently looking for a Regal that fits E/SA that I believe will index for under 5K

[Dragsinger]

Daren I like your word "slug"

And everyone please understand, I am in no way putting down anyone's performance, it is simply that 13 is not my desire.

[Ron Ortiz]

Dragsinger, no offense taken, but if you want a thrill ride, take that 13 second slug through Wal-Mart parking lot. I'll bet your desires take a different meaning.

As a side note, if a car cost more than 10 grand, say about $13,000, it is not a dime rocket, it is a $0.13 rocket.

Ron Ortiz
U/SA true meanings

[Carguy49]

Where do the 302 Mavericks and Comets fit in to this? There are a lot of them out there, just wondering about cost to build one. I think they qualify as a Dime Rocket.

I know NHRA has factored them very well, but put that aside for this discussion.

[Mike Gray]

http://www.dollartimes.com/inflation...1200&year=1965
I think the cost of our hobby has gone up faster than inflation. Woodfin's 55 would only cost $9,100 in todays dollars. I don't think it could be done today anywhere near that amount.

"As a side note, if a car cost more than 10 grand, say about $13,000, it is not a dime rocket, it is a $0.13 rocket".

Base price or completed? I purchased my fastback for 12K but to complete a '67 Shelby stocker I'm looking at 45K. I guess that's a $0.45 rocket, not really sure I'm only about half way.