New Car Build

RedrumSnake · 11-01-2022, 06:31 PM

I recently picked up a 2000 Mustang on the cheap, and am starting a drag car build on it.
I have a general idea what I want to do with it, but am having trouble figuring out how to determine what class it will fit in with my build ideas in mind.
And I would like to know how to figure that part out so that I ensure I do the build in compliance with all rules, etc.

I'm debating on dropping either a 351W based 427 Stroker motor in it, that will make appx. 600 hp (naturally aspirated), and possibly throw a 200 shot nitrous setup on it, or a 440 (small block Ford) that makes 850 hp.
Automatic transmission that will properly handle those numbers.
And run 10.5 slicks.

I know there's a lot more to it, with suspension, gearing, etc.

My hope is to run low 10s to mid 9s.

Any help with understanding how to determine class, and any other tips or advise would be greatly appreciated.

Steve Stasko · 11-01-2022, 07:51 PM

ET Bracket, or Super Gas/Street (without nitrous) based on what you're describing. Not going to fit in Stock or Super/Stock with those engines except a Modified class...but probably will have to weigh a ton (lbs. per cubic inch classes). No nitrous in Stock/SS either.

You may want to look at NMCA/NMRA. That would be a better fit for what it sounds like you want to do.

Mike Gray · 11-01-2022, 07:56 PM

Rule book is a must BEFORE you start building anything.

RedrumSnake · 11-01-2022, 08:27 PM

I have downloaded the 2022 NHRA rulebook. Need to print it off sometime soon.

My local track is currently an NHRA track, but is contemplating changing that.
I know I won't be able to run NO2 in any NHRA classes, which is part of why I'm not fully committed to it yet.

I do like the NMCA. I think I could easily fit into the open comp class with the build I have in mind. I'm just not sure what my local track is gonna do yet, or if there's any other NMCA tracks near me.

I appreciate the input so far. More is definitely welcome.
Hopefully I can get this build done and go racing in the relatively near future.

MR DERBY CITY · 11-01-2022, 10:34 PM

NMCA has six races scheduled for next year. The closest race to you is Madison, Illinois, 370 miles away. I believe following the NHRA safety rules for a mid 9 second ride would be top priority.

curtis reed · 11-02-2022, 04:57 PM

Build it to run mid 5.80s to low 5.90s and you can come bracket race with us, 6.0 index race at the throwdowns and PIRO at Noble. There are brackets and index races at Mid-America. Look at Ozark to see what they run over there.

There are some small tire races occasionally at Ozark I believe but you might have to spray the guts out of it. NMCA is a loong way from our area.

RedrumSnake · 11-02-2022, 05:53 PM

@ Curtis Reed Would I be able to run it on nitrous for those events? The place I'm looking to get my motor from offers an option that would allow me to run spray and make the power necessary to hit those numbers.

curtis reed · 11-03-2022, 09:22 AM

Yep, you can run Nitrous in brackets and index races.

There used to be a guy who sprayed his El Camino running 6.0 at 120-121mph. Gave him an advantage being behind. I'm only 116 or so running 6.0s. I have to shift way early and run a restrictor plate to slow that much though.

Now running Nitrous bracket racing is really just throwing money down a big hole because it doesn't matter what ET you run. It's nice to have it when you need it on the big end though.

NoeKorn · 02-12-2024, 09:31 AM

For more precise guidance, I'd recommend checking with drag racing associations or forums specific to your area. As for tips, ensuring your automatic transmission and suspension can handle the power is crucial. Proper gearing and tire selection, like the 10.5 slicks you mentioned, will also play a significant role in achieving your desired performance. And if you ever need assistance with transporting your drag car or any other vehicle, A-1 Auto Transport offers reliable services to make the process smooth and hassle-free. Best of luck with your build, RedrumSnake! Can't wait to see that Mustang tearing up the track.

11-01-2022, 06:31 PM	#1
RedrumSnake Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2022 Location: Chouteau, Oklahoma Posts: 3 Likes: 3 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	New Car Build I recently picked up a 2000 Mustang on the cheap, and am starting a drag car build on it. I have a general idea what I want to do with it, but am having trouble figuring out how to determine what class it will fit in with my build ideas in mind. And I would like to know how to figure that part out so that I ensure I do the build in compliance with all rules, etc. I'm debating on dropping either a 351W based 427 Stroker motor in it, that will make appx. 600 hp (naturally aspirated), and possibly throw a 200 shot nitrous setup on it, or a 440 (small block Ford) that makes 850 hp. Automatic transmission that will properly handle those numbers. And run 10.5 slicks. I know there's a lot more to it, with suspension, gearing, etc. My hope is to run low 10s to mid 9s. Any help with understanding how to determine class, and any other tips or advise would be greatly appreciated.

11-01-2022, 07:51 PM	#2
Steve Stasko Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Western PA Posts: 418 Likes: 5 Liked 230 Times in 121 Posts	Re: New Car Build ET Bracket, or Super Gas/Street (without nitrous) based on what you're describing. Not going to fit in Stock or Super/Stock with those engines except a Modified class...but probably will have to weigh a ton (lbs. per cubic inch classes). No nitrous in Stock/SS either. You may want to look at NMCA/NMRA. That would be a better fit for what it sounds like you want to do.

11-01-2022, 07:56 PM	#3
Mike Gray Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 519 Likes: 222 Liked 498 Times in 134 Posts	Re: New Car Build Rule book is a must BEFORE you start building anything. __________________ Mike 7570 A/SA

11-01-2022, 08:27 PM	#4
RedrumSnake Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2022 Location: Chouteau, Oklahoma Posts: 3 Likes: 3 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: New Car Build I have downloaded the 2022 NHRA rulebook. Need to print it off sometime soon. My local track is currently an NHRA track, but is contemplating changing that. I know I won't be able to run NO2 in any NHRA classes, which is part of why I'm not fully committed to it yet. I do like the NMCA. I think I could easily fit into the open comp class with the build I have in mind. I'm just not sure what my local track is gonna do yet, or if there's any other NMCA tracks near me. I appreciate the input so far. More is definitely welcome. Hopefully I can get this build done and go racing in the relatively near future.

11-01-2022, 10:34 PM	#5
MR DERBY CITY VIP Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Derby City, USA Posts: 3,329 Likes: 859 Liked 6,623 Times in 1,291 Posts	Re: New Car Build NMCA has six races scheduled for next year. The closest race to you is Madison, Illinois, 370 miles away. I believe following the NHRA safety rules for a mid 9 second ride would be top priority.

11-02-2022, 04:57 PM	#6
curtis reed Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Kiefer, Ok. Posts: 139 Likes: 46 Liked 89 Times in 50 Posts	Re: New Car Build Build it to run mid 5.80s to low 5.90s and you can come bracket race with us, 6.0 index race at the throwdowns and PIRO at Noble. There are brackets and index races at Mid-America. Look at Ozark to see what they run over there. There are some small tire races occasionally at Ozark I believe but you might have to spray the guts out of it. NMCA is a loong way from our area.

11-02-2022, 05:53 PM	#7
RedrumSnake Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2022 Location: Chouteau, Oklahoma Posts: 3 Likes: 3 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: New Car Build @ Curtis Reed Would I be able to run it on nitrous for those events? The place I'm looking to get my motor from offers an option that would allow me to run spray and make the power necessary to hit those numbers.

11-03-2022, 09:22 AM	#8
curtis reed Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Kiefer, Ok. Posts: 139 Likes: 46 Liked 89 Times in 50 Posts	Re: New Car Build Yep, you can run Nitrous in brackets and index races. There used to be a guy who sprayed his El Camino running 6.0 at 120-121mph. Gave him an advantage being behind. I'm only 116 or so running 6.0s. I have to shift way early and run a restrictor plate to slow that much though. Now running Nitrous bracket racing is really just throwing money down a big hole because it doesn't matter what ET you run. It's nice to have it when you need it on the big end though.

02-12-2024, 09:31 AM	#9
NoeKorn Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2023 Posts: 1 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: New Car Build For more precise guidance, I'd recommend checking with drag racing associations or forums specific to your area. As for tips, ensuring your automatic transmission and suspension can handle the power is crucial. Proper gearing and tire selection, like the 10.5 slicks you mentioned, will also play a significant role in achieving your desired performance. And if you ever need assistance with transporting your drag car or any other vehicle, A-1 Auto Transport offers reliable services to make the process smooth and hassle-free. Best of luck with your build, RedrumSnake! Can't wait to see that Mustang tearing up the track. Last edited by NoeKorn; 02-13-2024 at 04:45 PM.