Newbie looking to start in stock
 

I'm wanting to get into stock eliminator. Exluding just buying one outright, what is a suggested car platform to start with. I have experience bracket racing but my car cannot be turned back into a stock elim car. So that being said what is good car to use. Mustang, Camaro, Cutlass, Pontiac, Buick, or a Mopar and what years. I'm not partial to anything brand. I don't mind the dime rockets. I like being the slow sometimes.

Thank you, Dustin.

Re: Newbie looking to start in stock
 

Welcome ! You will find buying one is cheaper than building. Make contact with Billy Nee's , he can dial you in on a dime rocket and so can Mark Yacavone, two of the best.
Good hunting

Re: Newbie looking to start in stock
 

I would suggest buying a car already in competition otherwise go out in your back yard, dig a hole and put your entire paycheck in it for 4 years...same as building one.

JimR

Re: Newbie looking to start in stock
 

Drooze and I were new to class racing and bought a car with "some assembly required" After the cost of the car($45,000), I put more than another $100K into it. This includes several engines.

And in all honesty, only about $10K was totally "wasted" on bad decisions.

Then , it took nearly 8 months to get things sorted out.

If I could do it all again, I would buy something already built. So I certainly agree with Mr. Rountree.

Find yourself someone who knows class racing. Pick their brains. They will help you make good decisions, and tell you where the "edge" is located. In other words, what do you need to do, and what isnt worth the effort.

David
The New Hemi Guy

Re: Newbie looking to start in stock
 

If I had it to do again, I'd also look for an already built race car, but I'd also consider a station wagon with a V8 in it (if only you knew Jody Lang)? However, I'm certain that there's plenty of draggin' wagons out there where you are, and since they have the rear overhang, there's money savings on traction improving accessories right there...whatever you pick, I hope you find a combo that hasn't had it's weight break and horsepower factors butchered by other racers combos, and I think you'll have more success in finding a combo like that in the slower 1/2 of Stock Eliminator. I'd also take a look at those Mustangs (like the one Matt Hawk just won San Antonio's Summit Sportsman Spectacular with)...the ones from the 80's- 90's should be cheaper to buy, build, and compete with than todays muscle cars??? My .02

Good Luck in your decision, and welcome to Stock Eliminator!!!! :)

Re: Newbie looking to start in stock
 

Class Racing is a blast!

Some tips.

Determine how much you can afford to spend.
Research cars in that price range
Research how competitve they can be
Pick your favorite combo out of that bucket
Making an informed decision is the best.

If you can partner up with a class racer you know or at least go to the races to get a handle on the cost of entry and especially the cost of maintaining a car, that will help. Consider it a Class Racing mini internship.

Usually, the difference between the bracket cars and the stockers is that most stockers require more serious maintenance. Even if you get a good deal on a purchase. ( there are several on racing junk and CR right now) they might cost more per run so make sure you are ready.

Now there are many that have learned how to do this with a lot lower maintenance schedule, but that is not the norm. ( compared to a typical E/T car)

I tell people that don't know about class racing to start with a simple test:

Go to the Bank.
Withdraw $2,000. in $100 dollar bills
Flush them down the toilet one at a time
If you can't count to at least 15 before you get sick, you are probably not a good Class Racer Candidate!
Ok, I am partly kidding. partly.......

I love Class racing and it is fun, just make sure that you get something that fits your budget, ability and lifestyle. Good Luck!

Re: Newbie looking to start in stock
 

Here are my views:

The other suggestions are all 100% spot on.......If this is for you, figure out how you will get to those 300-600 mile away tracks also......How old you are, family situation, job will dictate what you can do yourself or not......best bet to compete is buy one, educate yourself on EVERYTHING concerned with the car and its class......pour over the paperwork that the car has(dynos, etc) and most importantly the time slips....get Nitro Joes stats so you can compare and contrast and also get a feel for where things are in your desired class.....download the NHRA stock guide and go pouring through it so you too can see the "dime" rocket potential.....if you buy as suggested, you can always build another at your own pace....a pre-raced car will also come with its prior owner's way to run with it list....ie leave at 120, not 150 degrees, etc, air pressure....just race it, don't screw with it till you get seat time, then you can slow it down to your hearts content!

Also, you need to figure out stick versus auto, FWD versus RWD, and lastly stock versus SS. Go slowly and you will see in a few years if its for you.....Might also want to grab a classracer that earns their living in the field to check over the car, chasis too you might have to spend $$$$$$ just to make it safe, or decent.

Good luck....Eric.....70/71 challenger(bought it), 96 dakota(bought it) 09 dragpak(had it built but only after I got my feet real, real wet with the prior two) 77 Gremlin(of course I bought it....I can't think where to find one!)

Re: Newbie looking to start in stock
 

Dustin,
You don't say where your from which if you did, might help ya get into class racing but, Jim's got a great idea and him and his brother make it work. Way, way cheaper to buy one than build though you might not get the car of your dreams.

Re: Newbie looking to start in stock
 

Dustin, I would recommend one of those "new cars" like say an 1985 or newer model. That way you can have a roller lifter engine and not be sweating bullets every run that a small part failure just wiped out your whole season!

Just a consideration,

Tracy

Re: Newbie looking to start in stock
 

I am from Millersport, Ohio. I race at national trail raceway in Hebron, Ohio. It's less than 10 miles from the house and garage. I've raced in Texas but that was when I was stationed there. I have a great work setup. But my focus will be on the local racing before makng runs far away of course. When I compete I do okay. I want to get into stock eliminator. The cars in STK and SS are great to watch. If anyone knows a person to meet with close that would be great. I have a photo graphic memory, just lose the film sometimes. I've learned a ton by just asking the question. Send more knowledge.

Re: Newbie looking to start in stock
 

The divisional race at National Trail is coming up the weekend of 22-24. Go to it. Talk to the guys in stock, ask any and every question you can think of. Don't worry they will all happily talk to you. As they say there are no stupid questions.
MY brother and me did the same thing 4 years ago, it helped a lot.

Re: Newbie looking to start in stock
 

Check out the Buckeye Stock / Super Stock group on this site. Bunch of good guys to talk to and I believe they have a race next weekend at National Trail.

I'm the exception here. I built my car and would do it again. Certainly wasn't the cheapest way and I couldn't run the index when I started but I learned a lot doing it that way. If your going to build your own, I highly advise you to look through the Dime Rocket thread for something that might interest you.

Most Stock and Super Stock racer's are the nicest people you'll ever meet and the fast guys will talk to you. Seek them out and it will shorten the learning curve. They will not give you all the black magic but if you seem willing to learn (work) they will help you.

Good luck and welcome!

Re: Newbie looking to start in stock
 

I would say that Joe gave you the best advice about getting involved with your local racers
that way you will understand exactly what you will be getting into before even choosing a particular car.
I have raced both small and big block chevy in Stock. I am currently building a 70 Camaro
with both small block and big block combinations in mind. I have 2 complete drivetrains,
4 and 5 series ring and pinions, extra traction systems, shocks, headers, carbs, intakes, heads for high compression or low compression, etc.
If you found a 78-81 Camaro body to work with, I would let you try or borrow the small block
parts you need to get you going. I even have a new .030 over TRW dish piston 305 short block all assembled with .373-.410 cheater cam for the Billy Nees "Dime Rocket" classes.

If interested call my cell phone 231-740-5534 Fred Lee

Re: Newbie looking to start in stock
 

I have a 78 camaro that i was going to race in stock but right now i am bracket racing it. The car just needs the right motor and trans, everything else is done. Joe Russell put in the chromemoly 8pt bar. solid rust free car. running 11teens and 20s @ 119mph with mild big block and 1.76 powerglide. the car works well. i will sell it rolling and i have parts for the 185-350 combo too. call me if interested 330-717-4630 Dave

Re: Newbie looking to start in stock
 

Dustin, I can echo what everyone else has said. Welcome aboard. I raced off and on for the bigger part of 40 years, and I can say that you aare right in the heart of stock and super stock country. I can think of several guys that are a wealth of knowledge, and would be more than glad to give you ideas. You have several stocker guys right close to you.Paul Boster in Pataskala, Raandy and Joey Wilkes in Zanesville, Doug Baker(ford guy) in Newark, Jim Nichols(Sp) Mopar guy in Centerburg, and another very good source in right in your back yard...Pat and Andy Kronenbitter(PK Racecars), and a little farther north Mike Waler SS guy but a very smart stocker guy in Paris,Ohio. Go the the Night Under Fire this coming Sat night as there is a stock/superstock meet also(Make a point to meet Zac Ross), and the folloeing weekend Fri,Sat and Sunday is the Div Points meeet. If this doesn't give you any ideas, get back with me and I can give you a very more, including my partner who is a very good chevy builder and stick driver. Just a few indeas for u. Later. Myron Stutes Columbus,Ohio

Re: Newbie looking to start in stock
 

I, too, am looking at getting into drag racing again. I may be going about it the wrong way though. I already have the car I want to build, a 67 El Camino. As my screen name says, I am planning on building for V Stock using a 230 cu in six cylinder. I have several 230s, and am going to put the best one in to get on the track. I will build up another as I get the money. I am going to try both the 3 speed and a powerglide. I know I'm not going to win many races - I just want to see how low an et I can get with this combination.
My questions are: Is it worth using an electric fuel pump? What about an electric water pump?

Re: Newbie looking to start in stock
 

not sure on the electric fuel pump, but if can rig a moroso electric water pump drive it will help. Good luck on your venture

Re: Newbie looking to start in stock
 

I am also going stock racing. I am looking to buy a turnkey car. Prefer a F G H I J car. Any make is fine. Trying to put this together this week. Its been a long road but i'm finally ready. Thanks, Bob Fowkes stk.3600

Re: Newbie looking to start in stock
 

For Bob: Have you talked to or do you know Larry Eagle in your area? He I am pretty ssure can lead you in the right direction. Long time stock and super stock racer that own the oil company I belive in Martins Ferry. Think he might live there in your general area. Believe that he currently has or did have a 73 or 74 Nova 3350 stick car in about H? stick?

Re: Newbie looking to start in stock
 

Yup,there will be a S/SS race this weekend at National Trail as part of the 25th Night of Thunder.Stop and talk to any of the racers.Great guys.Also, if your just gettin into the S/SS deal and are starting out running the local series races look at running an IHRA Pure Stocker. There you can get a car to run the index without breaking the bank and this will let you get introduced into the world of Stocker racing.
Jeff Ross
Buckeye Stock/SuperStock Drag Racing Series

Re: Newbie looking to start in stock
 

I would look for Billy Nees, as he's a great authority on inline 6cyl chevy racing in stock.

Re: Newbie looking to start in stock
 

Mechanical fuel pump will be fine, Electric water pump for sure.

Re: Newbie looking to start in stock
 

You guys lookin to get into a stocker. I am selling the 66 4 door from waters. will be at the wfc this weekend in Bristol. I got my eye on another bracket car so somethin got to go quick.

Re: Newbie looking to start in stock
 

Make sure your car has a 3rd pedal. That boosts "fun" by a good 25% :D

Re: Newbie looking to start in stock
 

by the time you buy car (20,000 for e/f/g that went .50 under) new motor (12000 that goes .85 under in good air) good a truck to pull with (30,000)and a nice trailer (30,000 for a 5th wheel with living quarters)spare motor (12,000) and trans (2000) converter (1000)headers(2800 and well worth it) and beer (150 per week end) you will be ready to go racing.that what it cost me.gas too (12hr to the nearest nhra track) still cheaper than doing it my self.but I won 1500 so far this year.

someone please kick me in the nuts for doing this.

Re: Newbie looking to start in stock
 

Hope you're following your friends from the East to Napierville, I'll get my daughter to kick you... she's a third degree Black Belt and is my own personal bodyguard.lol great post but honestly you can do for much cheaper. I can remember Chuck Rayburn the year he won his Championship had an older Ford Diesel pickup truck and regular dovetail trailer towing from California all the way to Maple Grove raceway for the Keystone National. You really don't need the big trailer and the big truck, just good mechanical sense.lol. Thanks to all the very nice Gentlemen that have all help, by letting me on some of your well kept secrets. Thank you. Claude Ruel

Re: Newbie looking to start in stock
 

Kelly,
I think you can ask Mike Beard and Larry Stewart Sr. about running on a budget without all the expensive stuff. Stewart racing won the 2004 NHRA Superstock world championship with a car with many, many years of developement, an older C class motorhome and a small (28' I think) enclosed trailer they bought the year before to replace their old open trailer. Mike Beard still uses an open trailer and pretty tight budget and runs a bunch of races each season. I'm sure there are others.
I'm on a budget too and although I probably won't run a points meet or national event race until next year, I will have less in my whole operation than many do in just their hauler. My car is current .2 tenths below the current H/SA NHRA index for the 1/8 mile (haven't run it in the 1/4 yet).

Here's a basic run down of exenses:
$6500 Base car(used H/I/SA 1980 Camaro with spares) run very limted from 2008- 2010 and ran best of 2 tenths under IHRA index at the time.
$750 Used MSD Digital 7 plus 7530T ignition system
$1600 Built TH350 with 2.75 low gear, etc.
$200 New Hoosier 30x9 Radials(close out deal at local shop)
$230 MSD 85551 Pro Billet Dist.
$1000 Used open trailer(swap and cash)
$7500 Used 1996 Damon Intruder 35" Class A Motorhome in real nice shape.
$250 New trailer axle
$600 New trailer tires

That's $18630. Not too bad I think. Also includes spare TH350 trans, spare 305 basic motor that needs freshening up, etc. I have bracket raced and test and tuned trying to back into drag racing but due to new business I haven't had much time this year to work on it. There are lots of improvements I think I can do reasonably and hope to this fall and winter and at least have a competitive car for I/SA next year. JMT.

Re: Newbie looking to start in stock
 

For anyone here still interested in going Stock racing, I'd suggest going to the Race Car Classified section here right away!

Re: Newbie looking to start in stock
 

^^ X2


I have my eye on a car in that section right now :D

Re: Newbie looking to start in stock
 

Just a note on building a car from the bottom up for stock racing.

In an interview in Drag Racing Magazine a certain D/SA racer revealed that he had invested $ 100,000.00 in his car!

Still want to build one from the ground up?

JimR

Re: Newbie looking to start in stock
 

Wondered what happened to that car ! Great buy ! Yac dose it right, it will do just what he says.

Re: Newbie looking to start in stock
 

WELL could build a Pure Stocker.
One with a large enough trunk to haul everything and drive it to the track.

Gears, Converter, DOT's, aftermarket IHRA PS Legal Cam.
Best if you get one with a trans with overdrive for highway cruising.
Change tires at track or use drag radials.

Purchased my Impala SS in 95 and kept modifying into a useable Stocker.
AND has run .85 under on a good day.

B-Body platforms (Caprices, Roadmasters, Fleetwoods, wagons) would fit.
Older Mustangs and Camaro/FB's are very popular and competitive.
Late Model Caddy/GTO/G8 fit well too and can run the index with a Tune and DOT's.

The unique feature about IHRA.
Get agood platform. Do a little at a time to get to where you want.
Battle of time and money.

The real costs are legacy.
Hotel, Pit Fees, Food, Ice, Gas.
Later will want a Tow Car and Trailer which adds more legacy costs.

The TIME and of course assesorizing the Wife to help maintain sanity !!


Dan

Re: Newbie looking to start in stock
 

:eek: I would have stopped counting waaayyy before then.

Re: Newbie looking to start in stock
 

Guess it all depends on how deep your pockets are. I'm sure anyone could spend a ton of money on any car if they so chose. Buying a car, even if it's not real competitive is the way to go unless you can find a slower class car like Yac, Bob and few others have done. All depends on what you prefer.

Re: Newbie looking to start in stock
 

It is much cheaper to buy a car already done than building one. I got back into this with 1500 Silverado ext cab for tow vehicle (6K), open trailer(1200) and car (5K-hard to drive but runs .7-1.1 under -FOR SALE).Another 1k for support equipment(fuel jugs, jack,tool boxes,tie down,etc) and some new(uses) slicks.

As others have said, the legacy/fixed costs are the money eater-gas/hotels/entryfees for the points meets and natioanl events. But I like it!

Good luck!

Re: Newbie looking to start in stock
 

Mark, you're tempting me to sell my El Caminos and get racing right away!

Re: Newbie looking to start in stock
 

Believe me , buying a RWD car already under the index, for that kind of money, is the way to go.
You don't have to take MY word for it though.
There are plenty other people here that will tell you the same thing.
If you want to go racing anytime soon, you ought to beg ,borrow, cash advance, whatever, 6K.
Then sell all the projects and parts you have laying, and pay it off..

Right, guys?

Re: Newbie looking to start in stock
 

Mark -

I hate to do this, since the car is such a bargain . . . . but I don't find a 1980 Monza with a 196-115hp V6 in the class guide. ??

How about a '79?

Re: Newbie looking to start in stock
 

I guess it is a 79 , as far as the part no's go. It may be an 80 body and VIN, which I'm sure is the same. I know it's a dual jet carb. and that the Buick V 6 came in it.
There is an old title with the car. I'll double check..Thanks

Re: Newbie looking to start in stock
 

PICTURES ARE>>> worth a thousand words ...