Question about Aspens and Volares

David Lee · 09-19-2017, 10:53 PM

Through some trading of stuff, I have ended up with a 78 Aspen and 79 Volare. Both are in very good condition. After going through the runs made this year, I noticed a lack of Aspens and Volares being run. Has these combos been so heavily hit so they are no longer a viable combo.

Michael Beard · 09-20-2017, 10:18 AM

I used to run FGT/H (GT/HA in IHRA) with a 1980 Volare powered by a 2009 5.9L DragPak. It's a GREAT combination. I quit running NHRA because of it being 4 days for 1 race, the massive drop in contingency postings, the attitudes of some high-ranking officials, and unequal application of the rules. When I broke the crank last summer, I changed the shortblock to a 408 stroker (kept the SS legal heads, fuel injection, etc.) and just bracket race it.

Super Sport · 09-20-2017, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Beard

I used to run FGT/H (GT/HA in IHRA) with a 1980 Volare powered by a 2009 5.9L DragPak. It's a GREAT combination. I quit running NHRA because of it being 4 days for 1 race, the massive drop in contingency postings, the attitudes of some high-ranking officials, and unequal application of the rules. When I broke the crank last summer, I changed the shortblock to a 408 stroker (kept the SS legal heads, fuel injection, etc.) and just bracket race it.

You may have hit on the answer for some racers. You're still getting plenty of seat time, probably having more fun and even have a shot at winning more money.

Randall Klein · 09-20-2017, 10:56 AM

Don't know how different a 78 Aspen is to an 80, but there is an '80 Aspen wagon with a 318 that kills it in SS/NA, way more than 1 under

Research Nitro Joe's stats

Dyno · 09-20-2017, 11:11 AM

The 318 - 4 barrel is a good combination for stock.

tstickff · 09-20-2017, 11:17 AM

I had a 79 Aspen I was running in F/SA, It was a great car and pretty Low maintenance, The only downside to that car is the HP factor is 289 and the novas are all 280 HP that all fit the same classes, and there is tons of them in each division. Fun and easy cars though!

Mark Yacavone · 09-20-2017, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tstickff

I had a 79 Aspen I was running in F/SA, It was a great car and pretty Low maintenance, The only downside to that car is the HP factor is 289 and the novas are all 280 HP that all fit the same classes, and there is tons of them in each division. Fun and easy cars though!

Why is the stick shift HP the same as automatics? Did anyone ever run one? Sounds like it should be a good car.

kyhemi-dart · 09-20-2017, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randall Klein

Don't know how different a 78 Aspen is to an 80, but there is an '80 Aspen wagon with a 318 that kills it in SS/NA, way more than 1 under

Research Nitro Joe's stats

That would be my buddy Dale Meers wagon. 318 in a heavy wagon running in the high 10s...it's very impressive

jmcarter · 09-20-2017, 03:54 PM

My Volare was a solid 70-80 under car in G and won a few heads up runs but a 289 rating is fairly stiff and just couldn't fall in love with it like I've always felt about my A-bodies. But agree with Dyno about the 318 combo, just look at what George Widuch and his son ran at Indy this year and one of Steiger's old cars (with Bo Fowler at the wheel) ran good as well. I've admired Wofford's Super Stock Volare many times but ultimately it just isn't as popular a body style for many. Don't know what the CD is on them but suspect a brick has a similar number. If you have a nice one though and can build a decent 318 it can serve the purpose.

David Lee · 09-20-2017, 04:37 PM

I am not sure what I am going to do with them. I traded an old water tower that I was going to scrap next year. So I basically have nothing in the money wise. One is a the aspen is a 360 car, engine long gone. nd the Volare still has its 225 engine /(non running)

09-19-2017, 10:53 PM	#1
David Lee VIP Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,096 Likes: 402 Liked 250 Times in 101 Posts	Question about Aspens and Volares Through some trading of stuff, I have ended up with a 78 Aspen and 79 Volare. Both are in very good condition. After going through the runs made this year, I noticed a lack of Aspens and Volares being run. Has these combos been so heavily hit so they are no longer a viable combo.

09-20-2017, 10:18 AM	#2
Michael Beard VIP Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 4,060 Likes: 0 Liked 12 Times in 8 Posts	Re: Question about Aspens and Volares I used to run FGT/H (GT/HA in IHRA) with a 1980 Volare powered by a 2009 5.9L DragPak. It's a GREAT combination. I quit running NHRA because of it being 4 days for 1 race, the massive drop in contingency postings, the attitudes of some high-ranking officials, and unequal application of the rules. When I broke the crank last summer, I changed the shortblock to a 408 stroker (kept the SS legal heads, fuel injection, etc.) and just bracket race it. __________________ Michael Beard - NHRA/IHRA 3216 S/SS

09-20-2017, 10:56 AM	#4
Randall Klein Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Lincoln, Nebraska Posts: 784 Likes: 45 Liked 317 Times in 66 Posts	Re: Question about Aspens and Volares Don't know how different a 78 Aspen is to an 80, but there is an '80 Aspen wagon with a 318 that kills it in SS/NA, way more than 1 under Research Nitro Joe's stats

09-20-2017, 11:11 AM	#5
Dyno Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 870 Likes: 918 Liked 605 Times in 177 Posts	Re: Question about Aspens and Volares The 318 - 4 barrel is a good combination for stock.

09-20-2017, 11:17 AM	#6
tstickff Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 401 Likes: 271 Liked 458 Times in 108 Posts	Re: Question about Aspens and Volares I had a 79 Aspen I was running in F/SA, It was a great car and pretty Low maintenance, The only downside to that car is the HP factor is 289 and the novas are all 280 HP that all fit the same classes, and there is tons of them in each division. Fun and easy cars though!

09-20-2017, 03:54 PM	#9
jmcarter VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Richmond Hill GA (and Port Ludlow WA) Posts: 4,122 Likes: 1,978 Liked 2,705 Times in 853 Posts	Re: Question about Aspens and Volares My Volare was a solid 70-80 under car in G and won a few heads up runs but a 289 rating is fairly stiff and just couldn't fall in love with it like I've always felt about my A-bodies. But agree with Dyno about the 318 combo, just look at what George Widuch and his son ran at Indy this year and one of Steiger's old cars (with Bo Fowler at the wheel) ran good as well. I've admired Wofford's Super Stock Volare many times but ultimately it just isn't as popular a body style for many. Don't know what the CD is on them but suspect a brick has a similar number. If you have a nice one though and can build a decent 318 it can serve the purpose. __________________ Jim Carter 2340 Super Stock 2340 SST/2340 Stock

09-20-2017, 04:37 PM	#10
David Lee VIP Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,096 Likes: 402 Liked 250 Times in 101 Posts	Re: Question about Aspens and Volares I am not sure what I am going to do with them. I traded an old water tower that I was going to scrap next year. So I basically have nothing in the money wise. One is a the aspen is a 360 car, engine long gone. nd the Volare still has its 225 engine /(non running)