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OK, going to give this a try and see what happens, I am interested in building a stock eliminator car and would like some advice on what to build. I currently race brackets with a 71 Pontiac Ventura that is modified beyond the point of stock class.
I do not want to purchase a turn key car, and I do not want to spend 50k to build one. I just want to ease into it and see if I like it.
I do have several cars that may be used if they are capable. Unmolested 1968 Camaro, Unmolested 1968 Z 28 Camaro, (no motor but everything else). 1966 mustang and a 68 mustang. I do not have the original engine parts to the cars and would have to chase them down.
My question is: do I build one of these cars which will take some time or do I find something altogether and go from there?
Not looking to break records just run the race and have some fun.
I know that there is a million answers but want some feedback from people that have been doing for some time.

Thanks
Phillip B.

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Phillip, FOR GOD SAKE DON'T molest the 68 z-28.

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Don't worry it's not going to get cut up. Everybody ask why i run the ventura with a shop full of camaros, they are too hard to come by.
Phillip

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build you a crate motor car..cheaper,easier and just as fun...no hastle or chasing part numbers...

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Buy dont build, you will spend twice as much building as buying a complete car. I do not know how fast you need to go but there are half a dozen Stockers listed on racingjunk.com that run from $15000 to $25000 two are hatchback Nova's, the ex Rowe car that is sharp. The other thing is are you going to run IHRA or NHRA, if its IHRA, crate motor is an option.

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Currently run IHRA, tracks a few miles from the house, but have the option to go NHRA, baytown 2 hours from the house. Been looking on RJ and yes there are several cars in that range, just really don'nt want to spend that much up front, yes I know it is cheaper to buy than build but building is half the fun for me anyhow. Call me cheap but can't see spending 25k up front.
Their seems to be a wall of rules and its hard to figure out which way to go.
Got to be an entry level to get into the game with out going head first. Really want 70's or early iron to do it in.

Thanks for the imput, thats what i'm looking for.
Phillip

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Try IHRA Pure Stock.
Easier and cheaper than Stock, and you do not have to molest the car.
A great place to learn, then step up when your ready.
Good Luck,
Joe

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Stay with the IHRA and put a low HP crate motor in the '68 , don't cut it up , run 9" stocker tires, caltrac's, 12 bolt rear, headers, and your choice of auto....then go have fun!

Remember....the faster you go, the more it costs!

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burner,

check your pm's

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Burner

I'm having a 87 Camaro built for Stock Elim.
Yes, it's expensive to start from scratch, trust me on that one, But I personally
think, You know what you have & everything is NEW.....
I didn't have 15-25 thousand up front either, so little at a time you build & you know
what you have.

I do agree with the other guys to do a crate motor if your going to run IHRA
or Pure Stock is something to consider.

The main thing is to" Keep It Fun "................

Pistol Pete

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[quote=Joe Marcinowski;111879]Try IHRA Pure Stock.
Easier and cheaper than Stock, and you do not have to molest the car.
A great place to learn, then step up when your ready.
Good Luck,
Joe[/

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I agree on the prue stock deal if you live close to an IHRA track. That's the way I got dad started the we built him a "real" stocker. As far as pure stock goes the 87-93 5.0 mustangs are EASY! ;)

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Looks like it's heading that way, although the crate motor class may be easier.
Still working on it. Really don't want to run a late model mustang but i can see were it would be easy.
Really need to sit down and understand the rules, we have a pro am coming to Pinevalley in June I think. My set up the Bracket car for Super street and see what its all about?
Thanks for the info
Phillip

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Just saw this, not a bad start.
http://www.aatwracing.com/olds.htm

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Nice car.....Could handle GM big block crate engines also If you wanted to go faster. Inexpensive way to get into racing.

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Thanks for all the input, Sorry no reply been busy traveling,
Found a 73 duster, 1 owner very clean has been sitting up for a while, still has the build sheet behind the seat.
It has a slant 6 and a factory 4 speed, been looking at the car for a while and final caught someone home. he is willing to part with it though.
Not really a mopar fan, have always built chevy's and a few fords, but wonder if this car will fit a class that is less demanding?
like the body style, don't know if the 6 would be worth the trouble?
Like to olds that's not a bad price, i sent out some e-mails out about the late model nova, no replys yet, seems like it ran 1.5 over the number,
Anyway still working on it, sounds like the pure-stock may be the way to go. May go with the 68 camaro anyway, at least its sitting in the shop..
Thanks again.
Phillip

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The Duster would be a good choice for pure stock run as a 74 with the 360/904. The engine rules are as NHRA stock eliminator was in the early 80's before it got out of hand. You can take an additional 10 hp off as you would be using the factory 904 trans. Also, the cam duration specs are quite generous, and the combo will easily run way under the index.

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OK, purchase the duster, pull the 6, replace with a 360, got that much, is the 904 the stock 4 speed or an auto(Sorry I know my chevy parts but not a dang thing about mopar).
As stated before The rules are a little hard to understand, what is needed to change year models, just state it to be a 74 or is there badges etc.. to be changed?
Thanks
Phillip

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Go hang out at some races. The more the better. Ask questions. See what it's really about before jumping in. Have you read some of the threads on here?

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Making the races, was in houston couple weeks ago. spent most of my time in the sportsman pits, yes have read some of the quotes still learning though. seems like there is a lot of info to swallow. getting some great info though.

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I like the Duster idea too, but since you're a chevy guy, have you ever considered the '78-82 Malibu's? Just check out the 'Vegas nationals to see that the Malibu was No. 1 in both Stock & Super Stock, due to the greatness of one "Jody Lang"!!! The 2dr Coupe body ruled the roost in Super Stock, and the 4dr Wagon did likewise in Stock! If you haven't already bought the Duster that is another option for you.....

Moreover, have you considered a Ford Maverick for Stock? Didn't the Sporty version of that car come with a 302V8 in it??? Or how about the late 70's Ford Fairmont/Mercury Zephyr sport coupe? If I were a Ford racer, those bodies are my favorites to go after for a sleeper stocker...

Another mopar idea would be the Dodge Aspen/Plymouth Volare cars, with either the 360V8, or the 318? As for the tranny, the 904 is an automatic and I'd steer you towards Turbo Action for them, because they seemed to be the best at mopar auto trannies (at least during the 80's & 90's). I may not race a Mopar, but I have a lot of friends who do...

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The 904 is a 3-speed automatic and a good one. The '74 car and the '73 are cosmetically VERY similar.... easy year-to-year changeover. Most folks can't tell 'em apart; I'm not sure I could.

The '73 340 is a fairly soft-factored engine; lots of guys run them, if you don't want the 360. I think it's virtually identical to the 1972 340 that powers David Buckner's '72 Duster which won class at Indy last year, was runner-up in Stock Eliminaror at that race, and just 2 weeks ago was the #1 qualifier at the Dallas (Ennis) Div. IV points race.

You could do a lot worse....

Bill