Dragster Parts Choices

Chris Williams · 12-03-2011, 03:42 PM

In either of the classes you're talking about (SC/TD) weight is not a crucial issue. They are far more about consistency. If you were running in Comp, then... maybe.

I have run both an aluminum and a fiberglass body on a dragster. I chose the fiberglass body on the new car because it looks so nice without all the seams. It looks great, fits well, I like it. However, it cannot be put on or removed by one person. Two is doable, three is best. This is fine at the track ("hey, buddy, got a minute?"), but at home, alone, trying to get something done, it can be a pain ("honey? I need your help with the body again").

For my builder (Joe Monden) aluminum vs. fiberglass were the same price, so I did it on style. Carbon fiber was an option, but a pricey one. Didn't see the need. You still need two (three) people to get it on/off, and as I said above, weight is not the issue in these classes.

I can't comment on the various options for builders you mention, but I can say that they key difference between aluminum and fiberglass is the question of how many people you need. That's something only you can decide.

12-03-2011, 03:42 PM	#2
Chris Williams Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Woodinville, WA Posts: 401 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Dragster Parts Choices In either of the classes you're talking about (SC/TD) weight is not a crucial issue. They are far more about consistency. If you were running in Comp, then... maybe. I have run both an aluminum and a fiberglass body on a dragster. I chose the fiberglass body on the new car because it looks so nice without all the seams. It looks great, fits well, I like it. However, it cannot be put on or removed by one person. Two is doable, three is best. This is fine at the track ("hey, buddy, got a minute?"), but at home, alone, trying to get something done, it can be a pain ("honey? I need your help with the body again"). For my builder (Joe Monden) aluminum vs. fiberglass were the same price, so I did it on style. Carbon fiber was an option, but a pricey one. Didn't see the need. You still need two (three) people to get it on/off, and as I said above, weight is not the issue in these classes. I can't comment on the various options for builders you mention, but I can say that they key difference between aluminum and fiberglass is the question of how many people you need. That's something only you can decide. __________________ Chris Williams 6304 SC, TD, ET