53 Studebaker IHRA Hot Rod w/LS power

[Dragsinger]

With the announcement of IHRA's new ownership and the promise of amping up sportsmen participation, and am encouraged to build a package that will run the 10.90 Hot Rod class. So, the build target is a package that will run in the 10.40 range. I hope that my performance goal will fit somewhere in the new IHRA program. IHRA has four valid tracks within my driving range so let's hope for the best.

The Studebaker will differ from cars I had done in the past.

*408 CI LS powered [details later]
*E85 fuel
*Three-speed trans
*It will be titled and registered as Antique
*It will be driven in parades and to car shows
*The front suspension will be OE Studebaker
*The rear suspension will be a long ladder bar with coil over's. The OE rear frame rails will remain un-cut. I will only remove the leaf springs and do some minor wheel tub mods. This will allow a 29x10.5 tire.

Presenting the "StuFin" or "WoodBaker" or ----------------?

[Dragsinger]

The StuFin core

[Keith 944]

Going to be a neat project, I hope you are correct about IHRA bringing back the sportsman classes. Can't wait to see your progress, loved the other projects...

[Steve Stasko]

Originally Posted by Keith 944

Going to be a neat project, I hope you are correct about IHRA bringing back the sportsman classes. Can't wait to see your progress, loved the other projects...

Larry made a comment on the BookFace in response to someone asking for TD/TS and the "rod" classes saying they were coming back...

[Dragsinger]

Steve that is the word I am getting. Come on, IHRA.

[Dragsinger]

For the last week or so, I have been sneaking up on the ladder bar cross-member and rear shock cross-member placement. The fitment for both is tedious because the frame sides are not parallel in either area. I considered adding some plates that would make the fit up parallel, but after pondering, I decided it would be best to have the cross-members fit snuggly to the frame. So, I am about there, and since I have no timeline, all is well. Once it is all fitted and welded, and painted, I will post photos.

The rear frame and suspension work will finish in a few weeks, and we will turn to other areas.

[Dragsinger]

Also, before removing the original rear axle assembly, I measured and noted the location for reference. And the original leaf springs are still in place, being used as an alignment fixture. Once all components are accurately located, the leaf springs will be removed.

[Dragsinger]

I honestly thought I had finished drag racing. I was wrong! It was a low swing in interest because of several factors and life events. With the WoodBaker project, I initially envisioned driving it around town and "touring" the back roads while driving too fast. As I began working on it, I realized that driving those back roads too fast would, sooner or later, get me in trouble with the law, neighbors, or both.

In addition, I began to visualize how it would look and perform on the track. First, I took measurements for rear tire fitment, pondered, measured, and then pondered more. Finally, this photo shows what will be required to fit the correct size rear tire.

Also, did you all realize that new Studebaker bulk rear frame sections can be bought at the local supply store? [see the last photo]

[Dragsinger]

8.8 rear and long ladder bars

[Dragsinger]

32 x 14