Criteria used for picking car

[Dan Virt]

What criteria do you guys use in picking a new car.

Example: 71 duster with a 318 @ 15lbs natural O/SA vs
74 Camaro with a 350 @ 15lbs natural O/SA

Only preference is make or is there a secret formula that makes one better than another?

[Dragsinger]

Dan,

in no special order, a list of some things to consider, all are small in consideration but add up when combined

*is one body more aerodynamic than the other
*does the combination have a wide range of available parts
*does one package have a proven winning record over the other
*does the chosen body allow several engine combinations, thus allowing options for other classes
*consider the suspension, "generally" a leaf spring rear, a-arm front is well worked out with the older cars
*is the chosen engine a package you are familiar with
*does it have a carb you can work on
*do you fit well in the car, will it be easy for you to drive
*and of valid consideration, can you find a good core body and the required class specific engine parts
*do you like the appearance

All just food for thought

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by Dan Virt

What criteria do you guys use in picking a new car.

Example: 71 duster with a 318 @ 15lbs natural O/SA vs
74 Camaro with a 350 @ 15lbs natural O/SA

Only preference is make or is there a secret formula that makes one better than another?

There is no formula that I know of. You have to analyze and compare all the data.
You might want to contact people here that have run similar combos.
Not sure if you realize this, but these are 2bbl combinations,
If you really want to run a 2bbl Camaro, you would want to look at all the different years.
(Take a look at 1970 first)

[Eric Merryfield]

Originally Posted by Dan Virt

What criteria do you guys use in picking a new car.

Example: 71 duster with a 318 @ 15lbs natural O/SA vs
74 Camaro with a 350 @ 15lbs natural O/SA

Only preference is make or is there a secret formula that makes one better than another?

Don't overlook the non-race car attributes of the car. You will have to look at it in the garage/trailer and it never hurts to buy a car with street value too.

For example, tons of 6 banger novas out there converted into v8's, but an original Nova SS, has more value and flexibility. And may not cost a dime more, so why not look for a collectible race car too?

If you end up with a car that is so ugly that it could wear the name "caught in the zipper" then you should probably pass, unless you are getting sponsored by wrangler.

And many books could be written over the cost delta of running a mopar versus a chevy, and buy complete versus ready to race.

Take your time, wise man once said: "nothing harder than selling a race car"

Eric

[Bob Mulry]

OR


You could just go out and subscribe to Nitro Joes Stats and see what the fast combos are..........

Look at national records.......

If you want to run a combo that nobody runs, you will have to kiss a lot of frogs to find a prince.....

[Billy Nees]

[QUOTE=Bob Mulry;If you want to run a combo that nobody runs, you will have to kiss a lot of frogs to find a prince.....[/QUOTE]

Man Bob, if that's the case, then my stuff must be covered with warts!

[Bob Bender]

Originally Posted by billy nees

man bob, if that's the case, then my stuff must be covered with warts!

x2

[Bob Don]

Originally Posted by Billy Nees

Man Bob, if that's the case, then my stuff must be covered with warts!

x3

[7423]

Don't build a class car. Build a bracket car that is legal for class racing. You will get far more bang for your buck. Don't spend all your money trying to build the fastest car in the class. There will always be someone else with an agenda and more money than you. Build a car that will hook in the mud and it's cheap to race.. Something that you can bracket race on $3.00 a gallon pump gas. Forget about the 69 Camaro with the rat. Pick something that is in the second half of the alphabet. Much cheaper, more durable. Something that you are not afraid to hot lap and race every weekend at your local track. Forget about the little trophy on Friday. Build something that will land the big trophy on Sunday. Your race car is a tool that you use to turn on a win light. Your mileage may vary. Best of luck to you with whatever you choose.

[GrapeApe7575]

Originally Posted by 7423

Don't build a class car. Build a bracket car that is legal for class racing. You will get far more bang for your buck. Don't spend all your money trying to build the fastest car in the class. There will always be someone else with an agenda and more money than you. Build a car that will hook in the mud and it's cheap to race.. Something that you can bracket race on $3.00 a gallon pump gas. Forget about the 69 Camaro with the rat. Pick something that is in the second half of the alphabet. Much cheaper, more durable. Something that you are not afraid to hot lap and race every weekend at your local track. Forget about the little trophy on Friday. Build something that will land the big trophy on Sunday. Your race car is a tool that you use to turn on a win light. Your mileage may vary. Best of luck to you with whatever you choose.

Now THAT.....makes sense!