Stock Eliminator car choices
 

I am new to the Stock Eliminator game, and wanted to ask a question. Is it better to find a car closer to the lower end of the NHRA factor, or the larger end. Would a car closer to 11.00 be better to start with than a car closer to 11.99, just as an example. Or does it not even matter. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Re: Stock Eliminator car choices
 

You can adjust the weight to the bottom (11.00 in your example) so it doesn't matter. FYI, NHRA allows you to move up or down one class from the "natural" class the vehicle falls in. In each case of movement, you are still allowed to go to the lightest end of the class.

Re: Stock Eliminator car choices
 

It all depends upon the classes, and how fast you are in relation to other cars in the class. IE my affordable H/S/I truck will more likely than not get smoked heads up in the NHRA, and its all up to the luck of the draw, but in the IHRA, its pretty obscure so heads up isn't as much as a thought.

Any way you cut it, you will spend more to go faster, just make sure to buy something you can afford, understand, and like to look at in the garage, or trailer.

Your skill as a bracket racer and tuner, will have a lot more to do with your sucess than the speed of the car.

Enjoy

Re: Stock Eliminator car choices
 

Oh, sorry, I misread it! For example my 70 challenger 383 is 10.90 something natural of F round it up to 11 flat for G, or down to 10.50 for F, from there it depends upon you competition in class and what you prefer how much ballast to add or remove.

Jeff is right, it doesn't really matter.

Re: Stock Eliminator car choices
 

So if I wanted to run O stock, it doesn't give me any advantage to find a car close to the 15.00 factor versus a car that might be near the bottom with a 15.99 factor. It can all be manipulated with weight, to make up for the differences. Can I assume this is correct? Thanks for all the replies so far.

Re: Stock Eliminator car choices
 

Correct.

Re: Stock Eliminator car choices
 

That helps alot. Thanks.

Re: Stock Eliminator car choices
 

Just because a car fits a class doesn't mean it can run the numbers for that class. You have to be careful to pick a good combo or a class with few cars. Check out the records and class winners. Or you can find an untried combo thats way underfactored and kick butt. Good luck.

Re: Stock Eliminator car choices
 

I am looking at a 1994 Mustang GT with an auto. Any thoughts on that, or possible other suggestions?

Re: Stock Eliminator car choices
 

I don't think it fits your name of "Mopar Jeff"

Re: Stock Eliminator car choices
 

Agreed, but I might go over to the dark side.

Re: Stock Eliminator car choices
 

jeff i have you combo. only a 95 and there are a few around it will run under the index with a little work and parts are easy to find

Re: Stock Eliminator car choices
 

Do you have one for sale, or just a suggestion?

Re: Stock Eliminator car choices
 

no i just finished my car this year, and it took a little work and some help from some friends but it goes under, and i can bracket race with them, i will not win many heads up races or set the nat. record with this combo but schould be fun anyhow

Re: Stock Eliminator car choices
 

95's are classified in N, right? Do you run there, or move up or down? Any photos, tips/tricks, or advice you would care to share. Not being a Ford guy, I am not sure what's in store.

Re: Stock Eliminator car choices
 

You want a killer mustang go to the for sale section and look at the one Mark Yacavone has listed, its a killer. All you need to do is learn how to use it. You could not build this car for that money, it puts you in the ball game. I know Mark for years, he builds good combo's. This car has it all, you could even be a record holder from the get go. bp

Re: Stock Eliminator car choices
 

I agree that is a good deal, but I don't care for that body style, and not really a 4cyl. person. I don't even necessarily want a Ford, just thought it might be a decent looking car to run in a lower class. Can't afford to run with the big boys. Any other thoughts would be greatly appreciated, especially others for sale around California. Thanks.

Re: Stock Eliminator car choices
 

Mopar Jeff
I have a 1994 in O/SA, PM me and we can talk, I am in LA............

Re: Stock Eliminator car choices
 

PM sent. Thanks.

Re: Stock Eliminator car choices
 

U want a good O or P car look @ mine ... it's 4-sale turn key

Re: Stock Eliminator car choices
 

you want kool factor,, man kool factor something that people will say WHY WHY on earth wuold you do that, too that car.. and you look them in the eye, and say i'll have a nother bud please haha

that was my grandmoms car dude

Re: Stock Eliminator car choices
 

Details and photos?

Re: Stock Eliminator car choices
 

all cars fit two classes perfectly... some may fit more
choose a car that will go 12.00, faster is better
slow cars get **** on by NHRA with every rule change, and the one they will never change the redlight rule

or you could just tear up $25,000 and get someone to come by every 2-3 weeks and kick you in the nuts...same feeling less travel expenses.

jack mccarthy... 35 years of nut shots

Re: Stock Eliminator car choices
 

OUCH...and to think I was thinking about racing again before I get to old. Maybe getting kicked in the nuts would be cheaper.

Re: Stock Eliminator car choices
 

Yeah you are probably right, but something keeps pulling me toward this. I just want more than the local bracket stuff. When you say 12.00, are you talking about the factor rating, or in seconds? It does seem like the slow cars aren't winning many races. You would think in bracket eliminators, that it would be up to the driver, assuming he doesn't red light. Why do the faster cars seem to win more?

Re: Stock Eliminator car choices
 

Pick what you like to race with!

Why do the faster cars win more?? I like what someone said earlier in another post. It's mostly about judging the finish line. Slower cars, the driver is getting blurry snapshots of what's going on and the faster car drivers are getting the finish line view in a high definition movie format.

Have Fun and Be Safe!

Re: Stock Eliminator car choices
 

Correct, however there are also some deadly guys with those slow cars.

Re: Stock Eliminator car choices
 

I guess I would be hoping to be one of those guys. :D:D

Re: Stock Eliminator car choices
 

I ran an O-P/SA wagon for some time. I must say it is fun getting spotted out by an AA or A car, however the finish line can be quite tuff some times.

Re: Stock Eliminator car choices
 

Yes, Jody Lang has won a few races and drives the finish line very well... Both national + divisional races... There are a few more, Larry Hodge, Kyle Riley, Tibor, etc.,
but mostly the faster car has a first red light advantage .... Yes, they also spend more money, like Isaac says pick your poison and have Fun....
Good Luck with your project...

* PS, the Fulk car is a nice piece and goes fast ....You will spend years getting one built and running that fast....

Re: Stock Eliminator car choices
 

Part of the faster car being better is that if your slow car is off 5% and the fast car is iff 5% they will be off their dial less than you. Look at all the big dollar brackets. the winners keep getting faster all the time.

Re: Stock Eliminator car choices
 

I have been bracket racing locally for 5 years, so I have done my fair share of chasing, and being chased. That part should come natural, but what do you mean by "getting spotted out"?

Re: Stock Eliminator car choices
 

Now that definitely sheds some light on it. I think it's starting to make more sense.

Re: Stock Eliminator car choices
 

As in getting a head start off the tree.

Re: Stock Eliminator car choices
 

Ahh!! Like the hunter and the hunted.

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It's hard to compare winning with fast cars vs. slow, when there are many more fast cars out there.
Some people would rather run in the 10's ,whether they win anything or not. It's more fun ,but a lot more expensive.
The way I see it, monetarily speaking,...you're never going to come out on the plus side of the ledger, so why spend more than necessary. Unless, of course ,you've got it to piss away . If that's the case , just pick up a BB Camaro.

Re: Stock Eliminator car choices
 

Definitely none to piss away, and I have always liked being the underdog. Somewhat of a giant killer. So maybe the slower/cheaper car is for me.

Re: Stock Eliminator car choices
 

We run N/sa Dodge Aspen Wagon and N/sa Dodge Truck with 318 and 360 conbinations. Neither cost much.... 318 Short Block was $200. at swap meet. We believe it is as easy or easier to drive the finish with aconsistant slow car. If you disagree OK but please check Div. 7 Stock points you can win races with bottom class cars. As far as Heads UP check Nitro Joes Stats Wagon - -minus 1.22 truck 1.27 in vegas with head wind. PS we have spare wagon and truck For Sale your choice complete with stock (no Alum.) trans $ , 6,950.;)choice. (702) 563-9255

Re: Stock Eliminator car choices
 

If you have a sense of humor about you then build a slow,lower class stocker.I've only been in stock for 10 of the 32 years I've been racing and I thought I've lost every way possible,but every year I find new ways.
We're not in this to make money,most of us anyway,we're here to feed our ego's and make life long friends in our travels to different tracks.And of course eat well after the racing is over for the day.
I take it very serious when I'm in the car but at the end of the day you just have to let go what happened that day,good or bad and just move on.
I actually enjoy running a lower class car that's not supposed to be a performance car compared to the upper class cars,Camaros,Cudas,Mustangs.It's a challenge.Every now and then I collect a few round wins.
After I lose it's over before I leave the track to go home.
Just build what you like and can afford without breaking the bank.There are enough knowledgeable people on this website to steer you in the right direction.
Probably my main focus is there's race money and there's house money.Never forget that.

Re: Stock Eliminator car choices
 

Thought I would add my 2cents worth...Am involved with son's racing program we have 4 cars 2 super stockers ,2 stockers....ss/ma ssgt/ha j/sa u/sa... I enjoy leaving with front wheels off ground ,BUT I would rather drive u/sa only from point I can screw up first.....My theory has been with slow car no hooking issues, limited breakage,better slick budget. Disadvantage more critical of weather conditions,wind,elevation etc. Heavier vehicles to tow. Our last record holder u/sa weight 4430. just to break 14 second barrier. Most people do not realize it takes as much if not more effort to get slower cars to index. Unless you are Neil Smedley , Billy Nees just to name a couple. Hope this helps. DD