Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer

[Shadylane]

Originally Posted by Dwight Southerland

Technically, Rory is correct that the 302 4-speed was not offered in 1978 in a Fairmont-Zephyr. It was available in 1979 and the engine specs are identical. I'm not sure that NHRA would know that the 78 4-speed was not a production car (nor would they care). The 4-speed transmission was an SROD with OD in 4th gear. Same transmission as used in many late 70s-early 80s FoMoCo products.

Thanks for the input on the Fairmont. One of the decisions I needed to make was what year to run the car, 78 or 79.

I'm not an expert on anything but I have looked a lot of Fairmont stuff in the last couple of years. You guys probably forgot more than I'll ever know.

I'm not positive if they made a 4 speed 302 in 78 so in my opinion it may fall into a gray area.

My car is a 79 that was built with the 2.3 4cyl engine and an SROD. I did get confirmation from NHRA that I could run a Jerico, or other non-overdrive 4 speed in this car for stock eliminator.

I know you guys are trying to keep me from making a mistake with the build. I can always run as a 79, but I will take a HP hit. I may have to petition NHRA to bring the 79 hp down to the 78 level. Same engine specs anyway.

There are very minor differences in the cars. I have collected enough parts to run it as a 78 or 79 Fairmont or Zephyr.

This is a scan out of an original 1978 Fairmont brochure. I'll use this as my documentation with NHRA if questioned.

Thanks for your help...more build to follow.

Kelly