New guy looking to build a Stock eliminator
 

Hello all, been wanting to build a stock eliminator for a while. Retired auto mechanic, got inspired by Mr Bob Fazio to get back into racing. Just moved to Georgia, so I am going to ask for some help to find Mopar guys out this way. '70 Challenger and have a lot of 440 stuff but a small block would be ok too. Thank you

Re: New guy looking to build a Stock eliminator
 

I have always done better financially buying a finished
race car. Even if it is slow or has problems you can usually
buy it much cheaper than the parts originally cost.


My .02

Re: New guy looking to build a Stock eliminator
 

Welcome to the club and thank you for watching my interviews. I’m sure you will find lots of help here. 440 racers? We have Nick Reiter, Parker Theobald, Doug Duell, Dwayne Scheitlin, Jack Zimmerman and a few more I’m probably forgetting. Good luck hope to see you out there.

Re: New guy looking to build a Stock eliminator
 

Well, I have been looking at some used race cars online, but I had this Challenger for about 20 years. Plus I need to find a dependable machine shop

Re: New guy looking to build a Stock eliminator
 

Places where I've had good work performed: Jeff Taylor's, BES racing engines, 31 W racing, Tommy's Springfield, Tn, and Kirt's in Nashville Tn.

Hope this helps!

I agree with GTX John it's way easier and cheaper to buy one than build your first one.

Re: New guy looking to build a Stock eliminator
 

440 4bbl 1970 Challenger is a real good combination. The cost goes with a bigblock mopar. It requires a Dana first thing. A pro-trans from small block to big block add on a couple more thousand. After that not much difference building any engine combo. Plenty of fast 440s out west come through Steve Wann and Don Little. Finding a big block Mopar on the cheap.. Good Luck! Matters what yo really want. 1970 Challenger can run every engine Chrysler offered in 1970.

Paul Haszlauer

Re: New guy looking to build a Stock eliminator
 

What is the condition of your 1970 Challenger

Re: New guy looking to build a Stock eliminator
 

I've lost track how many stockers I have built from nothing. Many many Mopars.. No one has ever said to me. "Was this whoever's old ride."

Paul

Re: New guy looking to build a Stock eliminator
 

It may be because I've been hanging around Billy for too long, but if you aren't set on going fast, the 2bbl 318 doesn't look all that bad at 185hp. Would probably be quite a bit cheaper to get going, and less chance of a heads up run. I'm not really sure if it would be cheaper to buy a ready to run 70 challenger stocker being that the car is already owned. Ultimately depends how fast you want to go and how much $$ you can or want to spend. Good Luck!

Re: New guy looking to build a Stock eliminator
 

Turbomike
I sent you a P. M

Re: New guy looking to build a Stock eliminator
 

Mike,

Always great to hear of new blood ready to make the leap, especially a new MOPAR to carry forth our standard. Best of luck, and looking forward to shaking your hand somewhere down the road!

Pete

Re: New guy looking to build a Stock eliminator
 

I am fond of the 318 Thermoquad @ 230 HP.
I have run it pretty fast in both stock and SS on a budget.

Re: New guy looking to build a Stock eliminator
 

What happen to the 1970 Challenger. 318 2bbl is over rated at 185. Hopefully its a nice car to start with. John knows there isn't a 318 with a 360 top in 1970. Sounds like you'll be looking for a Aspen/Volare soon to race cheaply.

Paul

Re: New guy looking to build a Stock eliminator
 

This is me just thinking like me BUT, if this Challenger is a nice or even decent car then I wouldn't cut it up. There's plenty of cut-up/beat-up Mopars out there for sale.

P.S., look up '86 Diplomat/ Grand Fury (old cop cars). 318/2V or 4V are decent, inexpensive combo. You should be able to find one and you won't hurt anybody's feelings by cutting one up.

Re: New guy looking to build a Stock eliminator
 

No cutting will happen on the Challenger. Thank you to all who commented. I have lots of work to get done, and now I have a better idea of how to reach my goal.

Re: New guy looking to build a Stock eliminator
 

You've stated your interest in a 440 combo.

What would you call.sub-frame connectors thru the floor pan?
Roll bar plates welded to the floor pan?
Rear braces thru the rear bulkhead?
Front braces thru the firewall?
Front of rear wheel openings moved forward for tire clearance?
Holes in the trunk floor for fuel lines?

Just sayin'

Re: New guy looking to build a Stock eliminator
 

Hey Turbo, you say you are retired . Congrats, I tried it but it didn’t work for me . Before you spend a large chunk of your 401k , check out the upcoming points meets in D2 . There are a lot of friendly racers down there and it would be a good time to pick their brain…. Mopars are expensive AND 440 Mopars are expensive…Just sayin ….:):)

Re: New guy looking to build a Stock eliminator
 

Good luck on your project. One thing you might consider is to go to the Class Racer Builds section and read the ones that interest you. I don't think any 440 builds are there, but reading what others have gone through could be very helpful.

Again, good luck and welcome to class racing. Talk to all the racers you can, it will NOT hurt. Lots of great people and tons of information is available, both in person and on this site.

Re: New guy looking to build a Stock eliminator
 

I do want to attend some races and see what class and combinations I could fit the car into. Division 2, and probably the closest track is Silverdollar Raceway. Thank you for the info.

Re: New guy looking to build a Stock eliminator
 

In my opinion if you build an engine with much horsepower you will need to go to a cage and subfloor connectors or you will bend the car. Don't ask me how I know but being able to close the doors easily is nice.

However if you do the modifications with future removal in mind I don't think you will be doing terrible damage to the car or its value.

Welcome to the class racing, good luck and keep us posted on your plans and progress.

Bill

Re: New guy looking to build a Stock eliminator
 

I will be doing a cage and frame connectors, so I guess some mods will be done in the interest of safety, and suspension. I will be posting progress as the build goes on. Thanks again to everyone that responded.
Mike
.

Re: New guy looking to build a Stock eliminator
 

Hi Mike,

As a Stock and Superstock racer that also does 90 percent of my own builds, I would say to take the time to look at other cars that work well. Reach out to guys running the combo you want to and see what help you can get. Sometimrs it is what not to do or waste money on things that don't matter. The 440 combo is a good combo that can be extremely fast!! There is nothing more satisfying as building it yourself!!

Darcy Clarke
6254
A/SA SS/EA

Re: New guy looking to build a Stock eliminator
 

Yes, I will probably be going to Gainesville, and Silver dollar to do some recon, and talk to fellow Mopar guys...and Chevy and Ford too. Have built cars before but not on this level. Thanks for the advise

Re: New guy looking to build a Stock eliminator
 

As a D2 racer you MUST speak with Jack Zimmerman.

Re: New guy looking to build a Stock eliminator
 

Oh yeah, good luck, it's much harder than anything you have ever done before and it's addictive. Money will flow like lava.

Re: New guy looking to build a Stock eliminator
 

I made up a cage for a 70 Cuda last year. Happens to be a 440 4bbl running D/SA. Chromoly saves weight. Has to be tig welded.

Paul

Re: New guy looking to build a Stock eliminator
 

Turbo… Have a look in the Race Car Classifieds. A new listing that has been on Facebook has finally made it to ClassRacer. It's your "Dream Come True". MB

Re: New guy looking to build a Stock eliminator
 

The 383 combos may be worth looking at as well, 330hp with AVS @ 295, 335hp with Holley @ 300

Re: New guy looking to build a Stock eliminator
 

I was going to recommend that car. Pricey, but looks very well done.

Re: New guy looking to build a Stock eliminator
 

Before you spend money I would suggest you read and understand the AHFS before you spend. Please do the math and see how many years it took to remove the 43 hp off of the 440/375 now at 332. If you need hard parts like heads I have a few and other stuff. Good Luck.

Re: New guy looking to build a Stock eliminator
 

Mike,
I admire your courage. Be careful of what you wish for.
Frank

Re: New guy looking to build a Stock eliminator
 

Good luck with it. I recently built a car/combo that hasnt been run since the 70s. Im sure people think im crazy, but just do you. Some of us dont like taking the easy way. Oh well.

Re: New guy looking to build a Stock eliminator
 

My stubbornness will get me through, I have been wanting to do this for a long time. Now I have the benefit of experience that everyone here has brought to the table. Thank you all who have commented...I am a sponge now

Re: New guy looking to build a Stock eliminator
 

Mike this is code for don't eff my combo up! Lol Just kidding with you but people like Larry and Jack Zimmerman would be very good people to get in touch with and keep on speed dial. Good luck with your build and welcome to the chaos of class racing.

Re: New guy looking to build a Stock eliminator
 

Mike,

Great that you're taking the plunge into MOPAR class racing. Nothing is more satisfying. Over the last 45 years, I've built 2 from scratch and bought 2 that I redid to make them competitive. My experience says either route is going to end up costing about the same.

Aside from the engine, most of the parts you're going to need are available "off the shelf", but it's a matter of knowing what to buy. Talking to at least 2 or 3 racers with experience in your desired combination is critical; everyone will have a different opinion.

Concerning the engine, you need to get hooked up with a builder who can provide you a complete package - carb to oil pan, and one with a proven record of building a competitive MOPAR unit. You're also going to need support from them once the engine is installed and running; there's always questions and tune-up tips that help you extract the best performance and reliability from your combo. I've used Randy Loge in California with great success, but there are others.

All the best in your endeavours.

Re: New guy looking to build a Stock eliminator
 

Matt Rover (in Florida) has also ran a 440 Challenger for a long time, there’s three great resources for you and all fairly close.

Re: New guy looking to build a Stock eliminator
 

I get and respect the code. I am not going to be breaking any world records, right now just want to get my feet wet and meet new people. More research before I spend$$$$

Re: New guy looking to build a Stock eliminator
 

Go for it! I got my car from a junk yard along with parts from 5 other cars. Built my own and never looked back.

Re: New guy looking to build a Stock eliminator
 

Learn to hate money.
It's an uphill battle. The E body is a great platform. 440 4 barrel is the best bang for your buck if you want speed and a lighter index. After that its the six pack or a Hemi, get out the Benjamins and make it rain for those combos.
Welcome aboard!