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Guys.. need some feedback..
Wanting to get back into racking and want to go back into stock eliminator at a reasonable cost (yes I know that term is relevant :)

Years ago raced a w/s Mustang 2 1978 model.. had a blast.

Have the opportunity to get cheap..1978 Pinto wagon 2.3L complete but doesn't run and has minor rust..

Thoughts? Can it be competitive, run under the index and be consistent?

I realize lower HP cars are more sensitive to atmospheric conditions.. but any thoughts are appreciated.

Was also thinking 3rd gen Camaro V6 or low HP V8.

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Different strokes for different folks, but given the choices you have listed I would certainly go with the V-8 Camero.

Good luck with what every you choose and welcome back to the sport!

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Well, you have experience with the 2.3. That's a plus! I don't know what the budget would look like. I guess they came with C-3s and C-4s. It will need a rear. Probably an 8.8 would be best. you'll need to watch out for the available gear sets. There have been a few out there that have gone fast.

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Darrick Ellam runs a Pinto wagon in W/SA out here in Washington State. I'm not sure of the year and engine, but it screams and is fun to watch.


5.97 sec lead over the A/Stocker

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You might want to look at the 60 deg. 2.8 V6 @120 HP.
Fair cam lift..Don't know about core availability.
Plus a 2150 carb. (1.09) ,which the same carb as the 302 V8!

I say it goes at least a half second under in V, stick or automatic.

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You can (somewhat) finesse a lower HP combo to get it to deal with air changes. But you had better get yourself a good wind gauge.
I have always said (from experience) that little cars are good on consistent tracks.

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ya know..........I'm not an expert on 2.3s by any stretch of the imagination but for some reason the 1980 is rated at 112 vs. the1978s 114. In a 24 lb. class, that's 48 lbs. That's probably a good, solid tenth!
Can a 78 be an 80?

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Ellam’s wagon is a 2.3 and after watching him run it all the way to R/U at the Vegas Divisional plus seeing his lights and the car’s relative consistency (not to mention a good run against Calvert’s Cobra Jet at Pomona) I would love to do one of those myself. For kicks go to D3TV’s YouTube channel and look at the Vegas race....guarantee you’ll love it.

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So a couple of questions:
Could I run this as a different year, if so would I need a different engine trans combo?

So for a trans? Stick with auto or switch to stick?
Auto C4? or later model trans?

8.8 or 9 inch?

Tire size?

Converter?

Any other ideas?

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If you claim it as an 80, you would have to make the changes to the body to make it LOOK like an 80. You would also need to make sure that the casting #s on the engine parts are correct for an 80.

Stick or auto is a personal choice.

You would probably run a C-4.

Probably an 8" or 8.8" depending on parts availability and convenience. 9" sucks down too much power.

Probably 8x20 or 8x22. I'm not sure just what's available anymore.

Talk to Yac.

Have fun!

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Well now I've been told this vehicle needs floor pans.... Suggestions?
I haven't been able to actually go look at it, but I might be able to pick up the whole car for 400 or 500 bucks...

thoughts?

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Thoughts?
What are YOU comfortable with? What are you capable/comfortable fixing?
When I did the 1K car, I decided to do it because it was/is so bad (floor rust/frame rust) that it wouldn't pass state inspection. But, it was cheap. I showed it to my DTD and he was OK with it so I built it. OBTW, I'm at a point in my Racing life where I won't cut up nice cars anymore.
You've said that you have experience with the 2.3 combo, if not that then what would you build? DON'T get in over your head with a combo. Get into something that you can finish. Even if you have to race it while it's "under construction".

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"What are YOU comfortable with? What are you capable/comfortable fixing?"

Billy's first sentence is a good starting point here. However, I would want more information before commenting further.

Where do you live?

Where do you want to race? (NHRA or just local associations?)

How far under do you want to go? (2 tenths and avoid heads up runs or be able to qualify at Indy?)

What's your time frame look like for completion? ( Ready to rock, or a part, part time, save your lunch money, 5 year project to keep you out of the house at night?)
This makes a difference..I used to recommend the 302, 2v, hands down, but that started 5 years ago. Meanwhile one friend of mine is out there having all the fun and actually racing one and getting hp added and having to switch body styles.
Another example is the 350 4V C10. Nothing that good lasts forever.

I'll wait to hear back before commenting further.

Oh, on the floor pans : I don't know if available, but if you were to fabricate some with OEM gauge sheet metal , welded in place, with some spray paint underneath, nobody's going to complain in this day and age..Trust me.

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We watched him run at Seattle. Cool car.

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Billy and Mark are spot on. I made the mistake of not thinking things through, or going for the 'easy' build, instead of just focusing on what I knew, and getting it done. 8 years later, I am starting, again. Don't make my mistake(s).

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Live in the Orlando Florida area, Im comfortable doing anything. Grew up a gearhead with my dad who is 75 and still around and still fabricates everything by hand because he enjoys it.

I realize Stock eliminator is a challenge and may have to get the engine machine work done by someone who knows stocker engines..

Time frame Probably 6 months to a year. Ive been travelling quite a bit for work.. that paying job gets in the way of fun things. Plus need a realistic budget number between competitive car, trailer and tow vehicle...

Id like to make it a father/son and my son project possible..

Like to race NHRA and local S/SS associations..

How far under do I need to go and be competitive if I have to race heads up?

Not sure if the pans are available either, but would save time if they were.

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Joe, I'll get back to you later..
Gotta run now..out to the Speedi-Dri Nationals

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Your Dad being around and being a fabricator is going to be a great experience and invaluable.

If you know how to assemble/dis-assemble/assemble/repeat until finished engines, any competent machine shop can get you in the game.

You can build this Pinto with a "reasonable" budget. An extra added bonus of the Pinto is you won't need a big truck and trailer to move it.

A Father/Son/Grandson project gets a double thumbs-up!

You've got a very good S/SS assn. in Florida.

You've got to go at least as fast as the guy in the other lane. Luckily, there aren't very many W cars in Florida.