Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer

[BLIND MULE]

Cool build got a Box top Fairmont myself with a 6 lunger. A 29.5 tire is gonna take alot of trimming to fit those fenders are not real big! Good luck keep us posted!

[Shadylane]

Originally Posted by BLIND MULE

Cool build got a Box top Fairmont myself with a 6 lunger. A 29.5 tire is gonna take alot of trimming to fit those fenders are not real big! Good luck keep us posted!

When I was looking for Fairmonts, I thought I wanted a box top car. The more I looked into these cars the more I started liking the looks of the Futura's. Both cars can be made light, I like the idea of the fast back and the Futura is actually an inch shorter in height, plus the windshield is laid back a little more than a box top. Probably not important for a 95mph car.

I have my body man looking at the wheelwell situation. I have a pair of 29.5 M/T's that I can fit under the car with a 1/2 clearance which I know is not enough. I think in the end I can make them work with the proper wheel offset, maybe.

[Tony Corley]

Cool build. Reading this, I have a question. Why would you want to run such a large tire on a low hp application? I am just comparing to the cars I have ran, (not stock eliminator). I have had consistent 1.29 - 1.30 60 ft times in the past on a 10.5 x 26 tire, with 600 hp and a 5 speed. I realize the 10" tire is not legal for stock, but just seems something under 9" and around 26" diameter would be more than sufficient, and free up some ET by not having to carry the extra tire down the track. I'm sure there is a reason most of the Stock Eliminator guys like the big tire, so that's why I'm asking.

[Shadylane]

Originally Posted by Tony Corley

Cool build. Reading this, I have a question. Why would you want to run such a large tire on a low hp application? I am just comparing to the cars I have ran, (not stock eliminator). I have had consistent 1.29 - 1.30 60 ft times in the past on a 10.5 x 26 tire, with 600 hp and a 5 speed. I realize the 10" tire is not legal for stock, but just seems something under 9" and around 26" diameter would be more than sufficient, and free up some ET by not having to carry the extra tire down the track. I'm sure there is a reason most of the Stock Eliminator guys like the big tire, so that's why I'm asking.

To be honest not everyone in lower stock classes runs such a big tire. I talked with a guy that races in U/SA that uses a 26X8.5 and does just fine.

Another racer in the same class (same kind of car) uses a 30X9 and is really fast.

Here is my reasoning, right or wrong. The low gear in the transmission is 3:19. Even with soft lock clutches I may need the tire. There is a bigger selection of 9 inch tires especially in 29.5.

I could be all wrong on this and may end up using a smaller tire. Your right, common sense would tell you a smaller tire has less un-sprung weight and rotating weight.

[Tony Corley]

Originally Posted by Shadylane

To be honest not everyone in lower stock classes runs such a big tire. I talked with a guy that races in U/SA that uses a 26X8.5 and does just fine.

Another racer in the same class (same kind of car) uses a 30X9 and is really fast.

Here is my reasoning, right or wrong. The low gear in the transmission is 3:19. Even with soft lock clutches I may need the tire. There is a bigger selection of 9 inch tires especially in 29.5.

I could be all wrong on this and may end up using a smaller tire. Your right, common sense would tell you a smaller tire has less un-sprung weight and rotating weight.

I guess the only way to know for certain is to try them all and see what works best, lol

[Paul Wong]

Originally Posted by Shadylane

To be honest not everyone in lower stock classes runs such a big tire. I talked with a guy that races in U/SA that uses a 26X8.5 and does just fine.

Another racer in the same class (same kind of car) uses a 30X9 and is really fast.

Here is my reasoning, right or wrong. The low gear in the transmission is 3:19. Even with soft lock clutches I may need the tire. There is a bigger selection of 9 inch tires especially in 29.5.

I could be all wrong on this and may end up using a smaller tire. Your right, common sense would tell you a smaller tire has less un-sprung weight and rotating weight.

Let me just guarantee you're doing the right thing. If you can avoid it you don't want to hit a 26 tire at 6000 plus. If you need help just get in touch.
I have to get working on my new U/S combo as I have a feeling it's time for my belvedere to move to G/S.

[Tony Corley]

Originally Posted by Paul Wong

Let me just guarantee you're doing the right thing. If you can avoid it you don't want to hit a 26 tire at 6000 plus. If you need help just get in touch.
I have to get working on my new U/S combo as I have a feeling it's time for my belvedere to move to G/S.

Why not? Only asking because I've done it repeatedly in the past, with a 9 second, 3100 lb car and a non adjustable clutch, with no issues. So when I read statements like the one you made, I am curious as to why. Not trying to be a smartass, just seriously curious. I could possibly see the need for the larger tire on a leaf spring car with less suspension adjustability, but he's running a Fox body, which probably has the most suspension choices available for any car made in the last 50 years.Not to mention a decade of heads up, small tire, manal transmission testing in several NMRA classes to draw experience from. I think I personally would run the smaller tire, pick up the extra et, and use suspension, shock, and clutch settings to make it work.

[Paul Wong]

I'm not trying to be some stocker mentality type but with less than half the horsepower you need all the help you can to make it consistent. It can work with the short tire and in this scenario with no rear gear selection that may be the case. These engines are not forgiving and using every forgiving part you can make them much more consistent. If it's just laying down big numbers is all you're after, index wise that is, then the short tire may be better. It is a lot of fun to go rounds and beat 8-10 second stockers with these eccentric rides.

[dmir55]

Buy the Dick Miller book "Hook and Launch". Read the part about Ford four link rear suspensions. Than compare his parts to yours. Eds bars are the best we have tried. And we have tried them all. Work on the boosters too. You can run any booster in your carb. And the right ones will make a huge difference.

[Mark Yacavone]

What's going on here?
I heard the engine made good power ;-)