Originally Posted by lca1971 (Post 601639)

Which car would you build? I'm looking at the C5 Vette, Gen 5 Camaro, the new style Dodge Challenger or what? Knowing that the rear suspensions in these cars listed have to be changed over to straight axle. Any and all input is welcome, pos or neg!

Thanks in advanced... Chris

Originally Posted by lca1971 (Post 601639)

Which car would you build? I'm looking at the C5 Vette, Gen 5 Camaro, the new style Dodge Challenger or what? Knowing that the rear suspensions in these cars listed have to be changed over to straight axle. Any and all input is welcome, pos or neg!

Thanks in advanced... Chris

Originally Posted by Don Kennedy (Post 601647)

If it were me I would not build a car but buy one already done .A racecar that will run under the index instantly>There are some good race cars for sale .

Originally Posted by doglover44 (Post 601674)

Is it easier to build a lower class car ?

Originally Posted by doglover44 (Post 601674)

Is it easier to build a lower class car ?

Originally Posted by Glenn Briglio (Post 601672)

I've done both. Build a car from nothing and bought a complete running competitive car. Buying a car complete and competitive is way easier but not as fulfilling as building it yourself. As long as you have the time and money.But sure is nice being able to race immediately. Confused yet........lol

Originally Posted by lca1971 (Post 601639)

Which car would you build? I'm looking at the C5 Vette, Gen 5 Camaro, the new style Dodge Challenger or what? Knowing that the rear suspensions in these cars listed have to be changed over to straight axle. Any and all input is welcome, pos or neg!

Thanks in advanced... Chris

Originally Posted by Andy Friar (Post 601691)

Chris, my first question is what do you want to do with the car? What is your build budget? Also then what is your skill level and mechanical aptitude? Do you want to win class at the US Nationals or even just the ~-.80 or more in the summer heat it takes to make the field? Just divisionals or nationals too, local S/SS series and local bracket racing or what mix?



It may be sacrilege on here to say you can have lots of fun, race a lot and make money sometimes too if you focus on making a consistent bracket raceable car first, then later maybe make it 'fast' for heads up stuff. I would be surprised if more than 10% of all NHRA elimination rounds a year are heads up. Buying an existing car is cheaper, but the cheaper the car, the more effort and money you will probably have to exert to make it 'right' for your tastes.

Originally Posted by lca1971 (Post 601639)

Which car would you build? I'm looking at the C5 Vette, Gen 5 Camaro, the new style Dodge Challenger or what? Knowing that the rear suspensions in these cars listed have to be changed over to straight axle. Any and all input is welcome, pos or neg!

Thanks in advanced... Chris

Originally Posted by lca1971 (Post 601639)

Which car would you build? I'm looking at the C5 Vette, Gen 5 Camaro, the new style Dodge Challenger or what? Knowing that the rear suspensions in these cars listed have to be changed over to straight axle. Any and all input is welcome, pos or neg!

Thanks in advanced... Chris

Originally Posted by SDT1DYI (Post 601716)

My 2 cents, have a clear and honest understanding of your goals in racing. Is driving and winning races the most important part? If so, buy a complete car that's Legal and fast. If fiqureing can out how and what makes a car run 1 under the index is No 1 on your priority list, buy a good roller. Then buy a used starter motor from a top engine builder that will get you .5 under and wear it out getting your feet on the ground with Stock Racing. Then build the motor you want, as you will have a much better idea of what really works and equally important, what does NOT work.
Stocker racers are a great bunch, always helpfully if you ask correctly.

Steve Teeter Stk SS 6380/ 6283
Good Luck......

Originally Posted by Andy Friar (Post 601691)

Chris, my first question is what do you want to do with the car? What is your build budget? Also then what is your skill level and mechanical aptitude? Do you want to win class at the US Nationals or even just the ~-.80 or more in the summer heat it takes to make the field? Just divisionals or nationals too, local S/SS series and local bracket racing or what mix?

Originally Posted by Billy Nees (Post 601750)

It seems to me after reading your "resume" that you'll fit in just fine. Have fun!

Originally Posted by lca1971 (Post 601757)

Thank you. Hope to meet a lot of you guys and gals soon.

Originally Posted by doglover44 (Post 601687)

Id like a Super Stocker but thats out of my range

Originally Posted by ALMACK (Post 601828)

There was a Cadillac turn key Super Stocker ( GT car ) with trailer for sale at the August 2019 Bowling Green , KY division race. I think it was $ 25K with spare parts for everything.
Early 1990's Caddy I believe with a 425 Caddy engine

Originally Posted by Jeff Stout (Post 601676)

Built my Olds wagon and I had fun doing it. Runs under index and is way, way legal. Its also For Sale.

Originally Posted by DexnBlair (Post 601728)

I am building mine. However, my reason for it is that I have been out of racing for years. My daughter is 13 now and has shown an interest in cars so this is going to be our project. I want her to understand and appreciate what goes into a car as well as a solid understanding so she is not ever taken advantage of. We are doing everything from the motor to the chassis to the body work, paint, etc.

Originally Posted by lca1971 (Post 601747)

With one kid that just graduated college and one that just started, its easier for me to build the car than buy one. Forking over 60-70k in one lump sum is not in the cards at the moment and that's not a COPO, CJ or a Drag Pack. you can add another 50+ from what I've seen. I set a goal to have it on the track in around a year, year and a half. Maybe sooner if things fall into place.

I'm a Aircraft Tech/Engineering Tech by trade. I've worked on and raced a small tire nitrous mustang for many years. Not fastest in the land but middle of the pack car. Wasn't willing to send every dime on the cars! I've learned that no matter how good you are. In heads up racing the guy with the deepest pockets will always have a better air pump, and you can only fight them off for soon long with hard work and brains! I'm sure its the same way in S/SS but it seems this is kept in check for the most part by the index's! Please correct me I'm wrong. I've been reading over all the rules and I've got a lot to learn! LOL

I want to run many different events, local. divisional, national and I would love to win class at Indy!!! As I'm sure a lot of guys and gals would!!! ;) One day... I'm kind of leaning towards a stick car. Have a friend that runs UMTR and he loves it! Less consistent, more work, but it looks like more fun!

As far as the car goes. It seems the Camaro has the better engine out of the box, over the Mopar. Are there any guys the run the new style Challenger in the slower classes? Has anyone taking a street car and made it in to a stocker or has everyone just bought a Drag Pack car? Really like the Challenger but it looks like the most work out of the bunch and I can't find any info on converting it to a straight axle rear suspension! (IF ANYONE HAS KNOWNLAGE ON THIS PLAESE PM ME!!!!) The corvette seems to like it will be the hardest to work on based on the size of the car. So, at this moment in time I'm leaning towards the Camaro. Will probably change 50 times before I pull the trigger.

Thanks for all the responses. Keep them coming. Chris