Possible Build -

[JoeCool108]

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.

[340Cuda]

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!

[Billy Nees]

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.

[FireSale]

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

[Mark Yacavone]

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.

[jmcarter]

Originally Posted by FireSale

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.r

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.

[JoeCool108]

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?

[6130]

Originally Posted by FireSale

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

We watched him run at Seattle. Cool car.

[Joe Toller]

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).

[Billy Nees]

Originally Posted by JoeCool108

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

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.