Newbie with newbie question

[garyc]

HA, i wanted to build a stocker from a rolling chassis (junk yard free), sold the boat, had a $7000 dollar budget, $30,000 later hit the track this summer, started April 2021

[FireSale]

Stock and SuperStock cars are getting thin and scattered around the country especially with the high number of classes, so I wouldn't worry about building to avoid heads up class runs against hot cars/drivers. Learn to read the Stock Car Guide at the NHRA Competition link at this site. Find a car that has a competitive fit and appeals to you and start with Stock. Read the rule book carefully and ask question after question here. I tried to build right into SS with my first race car and stumbled over rule interpretations. I love my bracket car but it will never carry the SS flag.

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by JA.CK

I'd just try to make sure you pick a combo with a V-8, weather swings affect lower hp engines more, which leads to inconsistency.

(edit)
I'd just try to make sure you pick a combo with EFI , weather swings affect lower hp engines more, which leads to inconsistency.

[Jack McCarthy]

pm me i have a QRT/SA car id sell its in vegas now.

captain

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by Jack McCarthy

pm me i have a QRT/SA car id sell its in vegas now.

captain

I was going to come back here and recommend building your own middle to low class car for the experience.
But this Elky would be perfect for you out here.
There are a few FFFFords out here but I think Q/SA is pretty safe.
New paint,
Trans built by a great guy,
Engine,..right on the money, and legal

Better jump on this one...

[Rick J]

Originally Posted by Mark Yacavone

(edit)
I'd just try to make sure you pick a combo with EFI , weather swings affect lower hp engines more, which leads to inconsistency.

If you're not competant at carb tuning to conditions then by all means go EFI (still run a V-8, and more stroke is desirable too).

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by JA.CK

If you're not competant at carb tuning to conditions then by all means go EFI (still run a V-8, and more stroke is desirable too).

Whatever you say, JA
I'm sure you speak from experience.
Me? I just make it up as I go...

[Billy Nees]

Originally Posted by Billy Nees

You haven't asked enough questions..............yet!

What kind of cars do you like? have?
What have you got to spend?
When you bracket race, do you prefer/are you better at chasing or being chased?
What are your mechanical skills like?
Are you going to build or buy a car?

It's a sorry thing to say but many Bracket Racers start out with good intentions to build a S/SS car and eventually run into issues that keep them from finishing the project.

Going back to my first response to your thread, what do YOU want to do?
Does the type of car not matter?
If you sell all of your other stuff does it give you enough money to go shopping for a car?
If you're looking a the less populated classes then you're going to wind up in a lower classed car or in a stick car.
If you like building your own stuff, there's an awful lot of personal satisfaction in building a car especially when it's a unique combo. The down side will be not being able to go racing right away. If that's what you want then you're going to have to buy and pay for it. Another Racer's knowledge and labor isn't cheap.