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-   -   Cheapest car to start S/E Racing (https://classracer.com/classforum/showthread.php?t=28178)

JSLRacing 09-04-2010 01:53 PM

Re: Cheapest car to start S/E Racing
 
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JSLRacing 09-04-2010 03:07 PM

Cheapest car to start S/E Racing
 
I have seen some great combinations in Stock Eliminator.

If you were starting out on a strict budget again.. What would you build to just get on the track and run in a class?

art leong 09-04-2010 03:18 PM

Re: Cheapest car to start S/E Racing
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by JSLRacing (Post 208010)
I have seen some great combinations in Stock Eliminator.

If you were starting out on a strict budget again.. What would you build to just get on the track and run in a class?

The cheapest way is to buy a lower class car that is already built. Or go through the guides and pick a soft combo. But buying a used already built car is probably going to be a lot cheaper.

JSLRacing 09-04-2010 03:24 PM

Re: Cheapest car to start S/E Racing
 
Don't you run the risk of buying a car that has an illegal engine?

Isn't it better to build your own engine to make sure it is legal?

Dennis P Chapman 09-04-2010 03:28 PM

Re: Cheapest car to start S/E Racing
 
If the car is cheap to buy you can still go though motor and still be ahead.

FINESPLINE 09-04-2010 07:33 PM

Re: Cheapest car to start S/E Racing
 
Wait til after Indy for the fire sale. Not a lot of happy people in Stock right now.

JSLRacing 09-04-2010 09:47 PM

Re: Cheapest car to start S/E Racing
 
What is meant by a " Soft Combo"?

Ed Fernandez 09-04-2010 11:43 PM

Re: Cheapest car to start S/E Racing
 
See Stock qualifying at Indy and look at the top qualifiers.The #1 sticks out like a sore thumb.And the others really aren't too far behind.
You can spend time looking thru the guide and see what NHRA factors different engine combos in different body styles.Low HP factor in a car that doesn't require a tugboat to pull around and away you go.

Philip Saran 09-05-2010 02:07 AM

Re: Cheapest car to start S/E Racing
 
I think what the guys are trying to tell you is look at what ever
car manufacture you prefer and pick a light small block car
as your starting point.

Jon Irving won class at Indy with his Plymouth Volare S/W
with a 318/904 combo. The car has the best possible parts
with in reason and is consistant, but also has a very good
driver.

So again what floats your boat, a chevy nova with a 327 or 350?
A later model 80's-90's Ford Mustang with a small block?

And as stated buying a turn key car is cheaper to get yourself
started out racing in Stock Eliminator.

As my signature shows I own a 74 Duster with a 383 BB, I thought
I was buying a good starting point, but my car has sat for many
years and was missing all safty equipment, so I had to add all that
plus update brakes, fuel system and electrical to start, have I gotten
to race yet? No, but that is my own fault for letting life get in the way
of my racing....oh ya and wanting to stay married to my wife too..:)

And mine is a bracket car, it could fit into SSGT/FA with a high dollar
383 or add a 360 and fit into stock eliminator if I want to go that route.

treessavoy 09-08-2010 02:17 PM

Re: Cheapest car to start S/E Racing
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by JSLRacing (Post 208015)
Don't you run the risk of buying a car that has an illegal engine?

Isn't it better to build your own engine to make sure it is legal?


Go to the races and look for cars that are for sale, chances are that if they're competing they are legal. Sign a contract with the owner as to the legality of the car.

If you want to actually race then don't look for your favorite car but look for one that qualifies well and is a reasonable price. Look at lower class cars as they are easier to maintain and are cheaper.

JimR

JSLRacing 09-08-2010 02:22 PM

Re: Cheapest car to start S/E Racing
 
That is exactly what I'm thinking of doing.. It would have to be a Mopar as it will also be used at local Mopar days with all of my Mopar friends.

Michael Beard 09-08-2010 02:48 PM

Re: Cheapest car to start S/E Racing
 
Are you looking for any Mopar in particular? I've got a DF/S '85 Turismo 2.2L for sale. In IHRA, FF/SA, it's run -1.04 under. It's run 15.26 @ 88 mph, about 150# heavy for DF/S, -.34 under. I might take it to the Dutch Classic this fall just to get it out there in front of some people. Won a bracket race with it and had a semi at a S/SS Combo this year, so it's been shown to be competitive.

JSLRacing 09-08-2010 03:27 PM

Re: Cheapest car to start S/E Racing
 
That is exactly what I would love to run.. I can't imagine how much it would cost me though :(

Ed Fernandez 09-08-2010 04:17 PM

Re: Cheapest car to start S/E Racing
 
Go to the races and look for cars that are for sale, chances are that if they're competing they are legal. Sign a contract with the owner as to the legality of the car.

Jim,you're kidding right?

Michael Beard 09-08-2010 04:36 PM

Re: Cheapest car to start S/E Racing
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by JSLRacing (Post 209019)
That is exactly what I would love to run.. I can't imagine how much it would cost me though :(

PM sent.

treessavoy 09-08-2010 06:28 PM

Re: Cheapest car to start S/E Racing
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed Fernandez (Post 209034)
Go to the races and look for cars that are for sale, chances are that if they're competing they are legal. Sign a contract with the owner as to the legality of the car.

Jim,you're kidding right?


Ed,

That was a" perfect world" comment, we all know that the cars are legal or the NHRA wouldn't let them run.....right.......that's right, isn't it? Surely they wouldn't let them run if they weren't legal?

Don't ask me about the various non-stock seats in stockers I saw while wandering the pits at Indy.

JimR

Ed Fernandez 09-08-2010 11:36 PM

Re: Cheapest car to start S/E Racing
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by treessavoy (Post 209077)
Ed,

That was a" perfect world" comment, we all know that the cars are legal or the NHRA wouldn't let them run.....right.......that's right, isn't it? Surely they wouldn't let them run if they weren't legal?

Don't ask me about the various non-stock seats in stockers I saw while wandering the pits at Indy.

JimR

The old Jewish saying comes to mind :"Oy, what a fashlugana mess this is"

ALMACK 09-09-2010 09:55 PM

Re: Cheapest car to start S/E Racing
 
This thread is of great interest to me.
I also want to get into the game and am looking for a Ford combo (with an automatic trans) so I can focus on bracket racing it. I am not interested in setting class records.
I have a 95 Mustang GT 5 speed right now, but I wonder if a 89 LX Mustang 5.0 might be a better choice.

I just want a consistent automatic car so I can run the combo races around here. :)

Rob Lloyd 09-09-2010 10:03 PM

Re: Cheapest car to start S/E Racing
 
I'm sure I could duplicate my BF/S Daytona for less than $6k...

SSDiv6 09-10-2010 12:26 AM

Re: Cheapest car to start S/E Racing
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by ALMACK (Post 209396)
This thread is of great interest to me.
I also want to get into the game and am looking for a Ford combo (with an automatic trans) so I can focus on bracket racing it. I am not interested in setting class records.
I have a 95 Mustang GT 5 speed right now, but I wonder if a 89 LX Mustang 5.0 might be a better choice.

I just want a consistent automatic car so I can run the combo races around here. :)

Both combinations are good and the 1995 had a HP reduction.

JSLRacing 09-11-2010 11:37 AM

Re: Cheapest car to start S/E Racing
 
I found a Reliant wagon... that should make an interesting FWD stock Eliminator car..

I'm trying to make the deal.. he also has a 4 door K-car..

I hope it has wood grain panels.. LOL Can you picture that on the line at Indy against a DP or CJ cars.. LOL:D

MattConte 09-11-2010 06:56 PM

Re: Cheapest car to start S/E Racing
 
This is a very interesting tread to me too. As I would like to get into class racing on a low budget. I have seen little, lower class cars that look like they are as stock as can be. I would race anything. GM, Ford, MOPAR. I just would like to get involved. This car caught my eye back in 04 at the Phoenix race. What would it take to get into something like this?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...n/races029.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...n/races028.jpg
I never got to talk to anyone connected with this car. I had some questions. At the time I drove this vintage LaBaron. I just wonder. What is done to a car like this to get it into Stock Class racing? I would just love to get into it in a few years from now. My kid will be out of High School and my business that I started a year ago, I hope it will be well off of the ground by then. I would love to do some Div 7 racing.
Thanks for any input.
Matt

JSLRacing 09-11-2010 07:02 PM

Re: Cheapest car to start S/E Racing
 
That is one of wife's favourite car. We had one and she hit a deer with it.

If I could find a 2.2 or 2.5 liter LeBaron I would run one...

In regards to the picture you posted, I'm thinking that might be a Turbo Car to be in BF/S.

I could be wrong though..

ALMACK 09-11-2010 11:23 PM

Re: Cheapest car to start S/E Racing
 
I found a car today for S/E so I am going to give it a try.

I will need to find a stock hood and front seats for it, as well as interior trim pieces, but the paint is good and it has a 10 point cage. A bit overkill but I hope tech officials won't have a problem with it.

It would be able to run N/SA I think, or the IHRA S/GTC class with my 1974 460 4bbl.because I bracket race alot and I like carbs !:)

Not sure which way to go but I am more inclined to go S/GTC and run the combo meets at Ohio Valley.

At any rate, I am going to give it a shot.


http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s...ouperfshot.jpg
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s...ouperrshot.jpg

JSLRacing 09-12-2010 08:52 AM

Re: Cheapest car to start S/E Racing
 
It should be simple to find a stock hood and seats for that car.

cicero819 09-12-2010 09:26 AM

Re: Cheapest car to start S/E Racing
 
Nice project, nice car. Good luck

Michael Beard 09-12-2010 09:53 AM

Re: Cheapest car to start S/E Racing
 
The Lebaron looks like the one that Terry Dye ran the last couple years around here. Michael Moller, from Youngsville, NC, bought it this year and raced it at the Dunn-Benson Pro-Am.

art leong 09-12-2010 10:32 AM

Re: Cheapest car to start S/E Racing
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by JSLRacing (Post 209688)
I found a Reliant wagon... that should make an interesting FWD stock Eliminator car..

I'm trying to make the deal.. he also has a 4 door K-car..

I hope it has wood grain panels.. LOL Can you picture that on the line at Indy against a DP or CJ cars.. LOL:D

Word to the wise if you want to run a turbo combination. Start with a turbo car. It will be a lot cheaper and easier in the long run. To change from N/A to turbo you really would need a parts car or a ton of money (and a lot of knowledge). About the only thing they have in common is the sheet metal and the seats.

JSLRacing 09-12-2010 10:33 AM

Re: Cheapest car to start S/E Racing
 
I didn't say anything about a turbo car.....

art leong 09-12-2010 10:37 AM

Re: Cheapest car to start S/E Racing
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by JSLRacing (Post 209885)
I didn't say anything about a turbo car.....

Okay conversion the other way is simple. There have been a few N/A 2.2 cars that have run good. I think pre 85 is the better combo. A few small cars and a couple of wagons have run well

stage1scott 09-12-2010 01:36 PM

Re: Cheapest car to start S/E Racing
 
Hey Mark-coming from you, that's really funny!

"My opinion is that cars like this are too powerful to be consistent in S/E...and too fast !"

Did I see a photo of your mustang at indy with a division 5 number on it, as in someone finally saw the light and bought it from you?

and of course, the "must ask" question next for me is, what completley undiscovered and fantastic combo are you working on now? I always enjoy your cars and your accomplishments!

and-why is my post showing up before Marks post now???????

Mark Yacavone 09-12-2010 03:07 PM

Re: Cheapest car to start S/E Racing
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by MattConte (Post 209768)
This is a very interesting tread to me too. As I would like to get into class racing on a low budget. I have seen little, lower class cars that look like they are as stock as can be. I would race anything. GM, Ford, MOPAR. I just would like to get involved. This car caught my eye back in 04 at the Phoenix race. What would it take to get into something like this?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...n/races029.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...n/races028.jpg
I never got to talk to anyone connected with this car. I had some questions. At the time I drove this vintage LaBaron. I just wonder. What is done to a car like this to get it into Stock Class racing? I would just love to get into it in a few years from now. My kid will be out of High School and my business that I started a year ago, I hope it will be well off of the ground by then. I would love to do some Div 7 racing.
Thanks for any input.
Matt

Matt, In 2004 ,that car was owned by Ed O'Brien and driven by Neil Smedley.
I don't believe Ed posts here anymore. Neil pops in from time to time.
Mike Cotton also knows a bit about that car. He is here also.
My opinion is that cars like this are too powerful to be consistent in S/E...and too fast !

Mark Yacavone 09-12-2010 03:15 PM

Re: Cheapest car to start S/E Racing
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by JSLRacing (Post 208010)
I have seen some great combinations in Stock Eliminator.

If you were starting out on a strict budget again.. What would you build to just get on the track and run in a class?

Jason, The original question is way too broad to answer specifically .

Generally, four cylinder engines are cheaper to build than V6's or V8's.

Slow FWD cars are cheaper to build initially ,but harder to win with so it might be a case of false economy.


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