Originally Posted by Joe Toller (Post 579304)

It's a Caprice. If I can get this beast home ($!) I'll make it a 77. Thanks!
Option B is a 77 Pontiac Catalina 4dr. Man it's ugly.
Either way, 305 2bbl is what I'm aiming for.

Originally Posted by Joe Toller (Post 581065)

What do you think?

Originally Posted by Joe Toller (Post 581067)

Understandable, but for two things:
1. Its a dirt track town, and this part of the state, a gutted Camaro or Nova shell still brings $500. I gave $300 for this, plus a complete 305 and a Metric 200.
2. I don't like Camaros.

Originally Posted by Mark Yacavone (Post 581066)

I think you ought to keep looking for a Camaro.

Originally Posted by Billy Nees (Post 581076)

Mark, I think at this point in time it would be nice to see Joe just get a car running and to a racetrack. Joe can always make it a Camaro (or Firebird) at a later date.
Just an FYI, I don't know this to be the Gospel truth but have been told by a couple of knowledgeable Racers over the years that the body is worth about a tenth.

Originally Posted by Mark Yacavone (Post 581095)

This Impala doesn't even make U/SA ..

Originally Posted by Billy Nees (Post 581100)

He knows that he has to make it a 77. A 77 does.
You're right about the weight and HP but in the 21ST Century NHRA, that's just a matter of going slow, writing letters and puckering up.

Originally Posted by Coleydog (Post 581138)

A used car place in town has a 74? (has the extended bumpers) Maverick for sale, anyone interested I can give you his number. I Also have some pics. Since I don't know much about the Fords I'm guessing this could be a dime rocket with the 6 or 302?
Mike

Originally Posted by Mark Yacavone (Post 581158)

Go here and you'll find out:

http://www.classracerinfo.com

Originally Posted by Alex Denysenko (Post 266811)

85 Lincoln Mark VII LSC for U/SA.
302 TBI
Comes with a 8.8 and a posi.
Almost all Mustang parts will fit.
If I had the extra $4-5 grand and time we would build one in a second.
We probably have enough spare parts to get one under the index without touching the motor.

Originally Posted by Billy Nees (Post 581170)

It's a snowy day in the hills of Pennsylvania so I thought that I would refresh some memories and bring this favorite of Alex's back to the top. It still really needs to be built!

Originally Posted by Joe Toller (Post 581109)

I do have the correct 77 grille for this car. It was complete, titled, and solid, and a great home for a 305. I'd pay 500 for a stripped Nova or Camaro around here, so I'd also have to find interior and trim most likely, now that lighter roller costs me even more. I just want to get down the track, and eventually under the index. To do it in something nobody else runs is extra incentive for me.

It's odd to me that the 78 is 300lbs lighter in shipping weight than the 77 or 79, maybe an error?

Originally Posted by Billy Nees (Post 581765)

http://www.nhraracer.com/content/gen...362&zoneid=132

WOW! Could it be that someone in the "Ivory Tower" is reading Classracer?!?
Noooo...... it can't be. A real Racer must have brought it to someones attention.
Especially a super popular combo like that!
Or maybe it was just on the "to do" list for 40 years.

Originally Posted by Dwight Southerland (Post 581803)

Yeah, but in typical fashion, it was only half corrected. They fixed the Caprice and missed the Impala 2dr and 4dr.

Originally Posted by Billy Nees (Post 610283)

OK? Whatcha got in mind?

Originally Posted by Billy Nees (Post 610283)

OK? Whatcha got in mind?

Originally Posted by Dwight Southerland (Post 266850)

Okay, since I have already let the cat out of the bag on the other thread, I will start with my favorite, the '76 or '77 Camaro, '78 Camaro LT or '78 Firebird Formula, or '79 Camaro Berlinetta with a 305 2-bbl for U/SA. The pluses for this combination and the potential makes it a must look at in my opinion.

The engine is basically the same as the one Billy Lynn and Dean Oliver race in their Malibus in K & L. The only difference is the carb and a smaller intake valve (which may be a plus with the smaller carb!). Those Malibus run 11.80s consistently at 3250 lbs, so we can get a guage on the potential of the U combination from that. If you allow that the switch to a 2-bbl will chop a full second off and the added weight for U (3770 lbs. minimum) will slow by another .6 or so, the U combination should run mid 13s in a class with a 15.15 index. I see lots of potential there to be a competitor.

Then, consider that the 200 Metric or 200R4 is available and the car will be equipped with a GM 8.5" ten bolt. The 200 is a transmission of choice in lots of classes and the 8.5 is plenty strong enough with stock parts for this combo. The body has leaf springs so traction is easy and the plethora of available bolt-ons makes used parts easy to find. There have been several racers over the years chase combinations using the Rochester 2-bbl, so even the carb is not exactly an unknown.

I see lots of affordable potential in these combinations. I think the big problem for most people would be resisting the temptation to go overboard with the cosmetics and tricks that are available and applicable for the engine and car.

Originally Posted by Rick Unterseh (Post 610363)

What about the GM2.5L....................
Came in F-bodys, H-bodys... could be an interesting combo

Originally Posted by Billy Nees (Post 610381)

Ya know, my 72 Nova 307 is at 165 HP. I know that it will never be a "killer" combo and it probably could never qualify at Indy but if someone were to have a 70-72 body just lying around, it doesn't get any easier (or cheaper) than this. I've gone 13.60s in T with a 'Glide and worn-out junk. 72 Camaro makes U at 168 HP. AND sticks for Dwight!

Originally Posted by Billy Nees (Post 610392)

Glenn, I'm just a leaf spring, Powerglide kinda guy.

Originally Posted by Billy Nees (Post 610381)

Ya know, my 72 Nova 307 is at 165 HP. I know that it will never be a "killer" combo and it probably could never qualify at Indy but if someone were to have a 70-72 body just lying around, it doesn't get any easier (or cheaper) than this. I've gone 13.60s in T with a 'Glide and worn-out junk. 72 Camaro makes U at 168 HP. AND sticks for Dwight!