Under the index for under a grand!

[Tom keedle]

Originally Posted by Billy Nees

Well I managed to get the fuel system and electrical stuff pretty much done yesterday. This morning I started installing the tach and some cheapie gauges.
Dime Rocket tip of the week!
I must have about a half a dozen "non-functioning" Autometer tachs in my shop as I'm sure some of you do too. I picked out a model #6809 that decided it didn't want to work over 5k RPM and contacted Autometer. They told me where to send it and if they couldn't fix it there would be no charge. Well I boxed it up, sent it out and got back a VERY nicely redone tach. Price? $25. Nice to deal with and done promptly, thank you Autometer!
$250 tach for $25!

don't suppose you'd share that address (or do i/we need to go thru autometer for that?)

[jcw31]

Billy, have you made any progress/decisions with the engine,trans,
suspension combos yet?

Joe

[Billy Nees]

I'm getting to a point with this project where I'm going to have to get serious about putting together the engine. But first, I'll talk about the trans.
As with almost everything else, it is from a previous project. When I bought my Lemans, it was a running NHRA Stocker (and a really nice body). The previous owner wanted to go in a different direction and wanted the car gone. Now here's the "Dime Rocket" tip, when you are buying a car, ask the owner what goes with the car AND just kinda look around his garage for any other connections. He was going with a different brand of car and complaining about all of the clutter in his "space". Well, after talking to him for a while he says to me "if it says GM on it, get it out of here". I went home with a beautiful, low mileage car AND a pick-up full of parts and the spare trans was one of the parts. Not to go too far off topic but when this GP came home, while talking about the car, the owner came out with a spare intake, carb and a couple of carb kits. All usable stuff.
The trans is a T-200 that is a fresh, stock rebuild with a Trans-Go kit in it. I've used it before, it shifts fine and I'm going to try and play with getting it to auto shift itself by tuning the governor.
I know that it's not a "racing" trans but it is a known piece and it will work. After all, I'm trying to get it under the index not under the record. Better pieces can come at a later date. I am on a strict budget!

[Joe Toller]

I have been eagerly awaiting the trans and engine info...thanks for this thread Billy.

[Billy Nees]

I'm getting the mid-winter doldrums out here in the "West End". Can't wait to head out to Fla. for the points meet next week.
I boxed the stock rear control arms yesterday. They came out pretty good, really stiffened them up. I'm going to start working on putting the engine together later.

[John Leichtamer Jr]

We will be waiting for you in Fl. ................

Hammer

[cicero819]

Billy, how is your project coming on? I wanted to ask what is in the brown four door Nees Nova? Claude

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by Billy Nees

The trans is a T-200 that is a fresh, stock rebuild with a Trans-Go kit in it. I've used it before, it shifts fine and I'm going to try and play with getting it to auto shift itself by tuning the governor.

I would say there is some ET left behind in that trans,..especially on a low HP combo. Most of it...free!
I might be working on the governor thing soon, myself.
I'll report it all here..
Problem right now is we don't have a track to test on at the moment.

[SAMATCOTOOLSMAN]

In summary:
If you drag race or want toon alimited and reasonable budget,than the b.n.r.c method as reflected in this on going post is the only practical and viable way to do so.
The b.n.r.c. Approach provides a challenging and educational experience for both the entry level and experienced racer alike.
Not withstanding the satisfaction and accomplishment that can accrue through this type of project.
The "dime rocket" can be unusual and different which is part of the appeal.moreover,this type of machine can be used as a stock eliminator class race car and/or as a bracket catagory race car without the burdens and concerns of wearing out an expensive,sophisticated techno motor and transmission.
This type of car can be maintained with out highly specialized parts and can be transported to the race track on a simple,open style trailer.
While some may say that there are disadvantages to racing a "slow" car,i believe that given all of the variables involved in drag racing the possibility of going rounds and winning races cannot be discounted using this type of car.
Further,given the overall investment of time and money the downsides are greatly reduced.
In closing there remains some major considerations.
And difficult questions to answer as they are basic and personal.-do you like and relate to this type of race car and is the performance range what you seek?.
Run the numbers and search your motivations,the drag racing answer will come.

[Billy Nees]

Originally Posted by SAMATCOTOOLSMAN

In summary:
If you drag race or want toon alimited and reasonable budget,than the b.n.r.c method as reflected in this on going post is the only practical and viable way to do so.
The b.n.r.c. Approach provides a challenging and educational experience for both the entry level and experienced racer alike.
Not withstanding the satisfaction and accomplishment that can accrue through this type of project.
The "dime rocket" can be unusual and different which is part of the appeal.moreover,this type of machine can be used as a stock eliminator class race car and/or as a bracket catagory race car without the burdens and concerns of wearing out an expensive,sophisticated techno motor and transmission.
This type of car can be maintained with out highly specialized parts and can be transported to the race track on a simple,open style trailer.
While some may say that there are disadvantages to racing a "slow" car,i believe that given all of the variables involved in drag racing the possibility of going rounds and winning races cannot be discounted using this type of car.
Further,given the overall investment of time and money the downsides are greatly reduced.
In closing there remains some major considerations.
And difficult questions to answer as they are basic and personal.-do you like and relate to this type of race car and is the performance range what you seek?.
Run the numbers and search your motivations,the drag racing answer will come.

Umm, yeah, OK. A little too highbrow for me, I'll see if I can get Prof. Dave to translate it. I think that it means that if you have the want and means to race a new Mustang then the "Dime Rocket" deal probably ain't for you.
On a lighter note, I've mounted up a few sets of front tires of different diameters(26,27.5,29) and if I can get to The Beav this weekend I'm going to be comparing them for the differences in RT and ET. It could be interesting!