Housing girdle for 8.75"; yes, or no?
 

Our bracket car will weigh 2.500 pounds,(probably 50/50 weight distribution) and will have a 550 HP engine (approximately) that will propel this '64 A-body (Valiant,) HOPEFULLY, to some high 10 second e.t'.s.

We;re using a 1965 B-Body (Dodge Cornet) rear housing with Cal-Tracs and adjustable rear (50/50?) shocks. Stock '64 Valiant 5-leaf rear springs.


We will be using 9", M-T bias-ply slicks (28"-tall) and a spool, footbrake launches (no transbrake) and hope for some high 1.40 60--foot times, at best.

Given those parameters, we are wondering if the $80.00 we are thinking about spending on a rear end housing girdle would be money well-spent, or, just totally unnecessary on a car with these specifications.

Any advice and information will be appreciated...

Re: Housing girdle for 8.75"; yes, or no?
 

Bill,,,,I'm thinking as long as you're just footbraking this car, you should be fine without the girdle. Sounds like a neat little Valiant,,have fun with it.
Danny Durham

Re: Housing girdle for 8.75"; yes, or no?
 

I have run over 1000 run on 71 Dart in Stocker in last 18 years and Housing still checks straight. Runs in high 10,s at 3400lb. B housing is a bit wide... will take a deep back spacing in not narrowed. I would beef up rear springs particularly in front segment. Hope this helps!.

Re: Housing girdle for 8.75"; yes, or no?
 

I ran a stock 8 3/4 with 11 inch slicks and a Max Wedge for years in the NMCA and never had any problems but I think you'll need to get Mopar SS springs or Calvert springs.

JimR

Re: Housing girdle for 8.75"; yes, or no?
 

If you run Chrysler S/S springs you will need to redo the spring hangers
to get the pinion angle correct. Spacer wedges only do so much.

I now have another 8-3/4 housing with the back brace and the spring pads
redone to correct that problem.

Re: Housing girdle for 8.75"; yes, or no?
 

Thanks, Danny; we'll have fun, fun. fun, 'til Daddy takes the head gaskets away.... lol!

Re: Housing girdle for 8.75"; yes, or no?
 

John,

Good advice! We are in the process of doing just that...

We're getting wheels with a back-spacing that will put the wheel where it needs to be. Stockton Wheel is good at that sort of thing;( my '72 Valiant has small bolt pattern, 7"-wide, 15" steel wheels, and those are not an everyday item.)

Re: Housing girdle for 8.75"; yes, or no?
 

Jim, we're hoping that with a 2,400-pound (sans driver) car, the stock springs may be okay with the Cal Tracs.

I wonder if we can use this stock, 170c.i.d. /6 converter with our 30-pound boost turbocharged 225?

Any ideas???

Re: Housing girdle for 8.75"; yes, or no?
 

Phil,
We are putting replacement spring pads on the housing, (I know, that's not hangers) and will try to get the pinion angle correct at that time. I said TRY... lol!

Thanks for the advice!!!

Re: Housing girdle for 8.75"; yes, or no?
 

Bill,

I've heard of people doing just that but have no experience myself. At thirty lbs I would be cautious with the converter especially on burnouts, rather than leaning on the converter I would flash it on launches. Should be adequate for the street.

Good luck,

JimR