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JRyan · 12-12-2013, 07:31 PM

I just recently in the last two seasons finished up a small block Nova. We started with a car that was in fairly decent shape initially. I spent several years putting it together. It has pretty decent parts all the way around however it is not complete top of the line by any stretch of the imagination. So far we have run between .5-.6 under with it. There is a little more in it with playing around with different things as we only have three weekends on the car. So I figure we should be able to run about .7 under when it's all said and done. I'm into the car for approx. $27k. We did virtually everything ourselves except the rear end and cage. We did all the body work and engine work. However, we could have done things a little cheaper but it has all new chrome on the car along with pretty much all new interior, weather stripping, and some other pieces just to make it nice.

Now to get to getting younger people involved in our class. Personally, I don't think it's going to happen unless the parent gets involved as well. I'm one of this younger generation (31). Not many younger generation have an extra $30-40k to build a car or even $15-20 to buy a decent car. Plus you have to still have a vehicle and trailer to get the car to the track. Another added expense.

Secondly, if my generation is interested and have some money to play with why would they spend that kind of money to run high 10's to high 11's. When they can build something as fast or faster for less and use it almost as a daily driver.
I'm looking at putting together a late 70's early 80's Malibu for the street. It's going to be a virtually stock bottom end 6.0l LS series engine with a single front mount turbo. I should have less then $15k in the whole car when I'm done and it should be able to run in the 9s and I can drive it almost everyday on pump gas. Now I love stock and super stock. I love the rules and work that goes into the class. However, it's pretty hard explaining to my friends why my car has $30k into it and runs low mid 11's when there going faster for half the money. They aren't stupid. But they sure think we are. Unfortunately, our classes have out grown the average persons available income for the most part. I know if we couldn't do all of it ourselves I sure wouldn't be running a stock or super stock car.

Just my .02 for what it's worth.
Rick Ryan

12-12-2013, 07:31 PM	#10
JRyan Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Aberdeen SD Posts: 645 Likes: 30 Liked 112 Times in 31 Posts	Re: Today's cost to build a stocker ? I just recently in the last two seasons finished up a small block Nova. We started with a car that was in fairly decent shape initially. I spent several years putting it together. It has pretty decent parts all the way around however it is not complete top of the line by any stretch of the imagination. So far we have run between .5-.6 under with it. There is a little more in it with playing around with different things as we only have three weekends on the car. So I figure we should be able to run about .7 under when it's all said and done. I'm into the car for approx. $27k. We did virtually everything ourselves except the rear end and cage. We did all the body work and engine work. However, we could have done things a little cheaper but it has all new chrome on the car along with pretty much all new interior, weather stripping, and some other pieces just to make it nice. Now to get to getting younger people involved in our class. Personally, I don't think it's going to happen unless the parent gets involved as well. I'm one of this younger generation (31). Not many younger generation have an extra $30-40k to build a car or even $15-20 to buy a decent car. Plus you have to still have a vehicle and trailer to get the car to the track. Another added expense. Secondly, if my generation is interested and have some money to play with why would they spend that kind of money to run high 10's to high 11's. When they can build something as fast or faster for less and use it almost as a daily driver. I'm looking at putting together a late 70's early 80's Malibu for the street. It's going to be a virtually stock bottom end 6.0l LS series engine with a single front mount turbo. I should have less then $15k in the whole car when I'm done and it should be able to run in the 9s and I can drive it almost everyday on pump gas. Now I love stock and super stock. I love the rules and work that goes into the class. However, it's pretty hard explaining to my friends why my car has $30k into it and runs low mid 11's when there going faster for half the money. They aren't stupid. But they sure think we are. Unfortunately, our classes have out grown the average persons available income for the most part. I know if we couldn't do all of it ourselves I sure wouldn't be running a stock or super stock car. Just my .02 for what it's worth. Rick Ryan