New Car Build

RedrumSnake · 11-01-2022, 06:31 PM

I recently picked up a 2000 Mustang on the cheap, and am starting a drag car build on it.
I have a general idea what I want to do with it, but am having trouble figuring out how to determine what class it will fit in with my build ideas in mind.
And I would like to know how to figure that part out so that I ensure I do the build in compliance with all rules, etc.

I'm debating on dropping either a 351W based 427 Stroker motor in it, that will make appx. 600 hp (naturally aspirated), and possibly throw a 200 shot nitrous setup on it, or a 440 (small block Ford) that makes 850 hp.
Automatic transmission that will properly handle those numbers.
And run 10.5 slicks.

I know there's a lot more to it, with suspension, gearing, etc.

My hope is to run low 10s to mid 9s.

Any help with understanding how to determine class, and any other tips or advise would be greatly appreciated.

Steve Stasko · 11-01-2022, 07:51 PM

ET Bracket, or Super Gas/Street (without nitrous) based on what you're describing. Not going to fit in Stock or Super/Stock with those engines except a Modified class...but probably will have to weigh a ton (lbs. per cubic inch classes). No nitrous in Stock/SS either.

You may want to look at NMCA/NMRA. That would be a better fit for what it sounds like you want to do.

Mike Gray · 11-01-2022, 07:56 PM

Rule book is a must BEFORE you start building anything.

RedrumSnake · 11-01-2022, 08:27 PM

I have downloaded the 2022 NHRA rulebook. Need to print it off sometime soon.

My local track is currently an NHRA track, but is contemplating changing that.
I know I won't be able to run NO2 in any NHRA classes, which is part of why I'm not fully committed to it yet.

I do like the NMCA. I think I could easily fit into the open comp class with the build I have in mind. I'm just not sure what my local track is gonna do yet, or if there's any other NMCA tracks near me.

I appreciate the input so far. More is definitely welcome.
Hopefully I can get this build done and go racing in the relatively near future.

MR DERBY CITY · 11-01-2022, 10:34 PM

NMCA has six races scheduled for next year. The closest race to you is Madison, Illinois, 370 miles away. I believe following the NHRA safety rules for a mid 9 second ride would be top priority.

curtis reed · 11-02-2022, 04:57 PM

Build it to run mid 5.80s to low 5.90s and you can come bracket race with us, 6.0 index race at the throwdowns and PIRO at Noble. There are brackets and index races at Mid-America. Look at Ozark to see what they run over there.

There are some small tire races occasionally at Ozark I believe but you might have to spray the guts out of it. NMCA is a loong way from our area.

11-01-2022, 06:31 PM	#1
RedrumSnake Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2022 Location: Chouteau, Oklahoma Posts: 3 Likes: 3 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	New Car Build I recently picked up a 2000 Mustang on the cheap, and am starting a drag car build on it. I have a general idea what I want to do with it, but am having trouble figuring out how to determine what class it will fit in with my build ideas in mind. And I would like to know how to figure that part out so that I ensure I do the build in compliance with all rules, etc. I'm debating on dropping either a 351W based 427 Stroker motor in it, that will make appx. 600 hp (naturally aspirated), and possibly throw a 200 shot nitrous setup on it, or a 440 (small block Ford) that makes 850 hp. Automatic transmission that will properly handle those numbers. And run 10.5 slicks. I know there's a lot more to it, with suspension, gearing, etc. My hope is to run low 10s to mid 9s. Any help with understanding how to determine class, and any other tips or advise would be greatly appreciated.

11-01-2022, 07:51 PM	#2
Steve Stasko Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Western PA Posts: 460 Likes: 13 Liked 292 Times in 147 Posts	Re: New Car Build ET Bracket, or Super Gas/Street (without nitrous) based on what you're describing. Not going to fit in Stock or Super/Stock with those engines except a Modified class...but probably will have to weigh a ton (lbs. per cubic inch classes). No nitrous in Stock/SS either. You may want to look at NMCA/NMRA. That would be a better fit for what it sounds like you want to do.

11-01-2022, 07:56 PM	#3
Mike Gray Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 628 Likes: 319 Liked 705 Times in 204 Posts	Re: New Car Build Rule book is a must BEFORE you start building anything. __________________ Mike 7570 A/SA

11-01-2022, 08:27 PM	#4
RedrumSnake Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2022 Location: Chouteau, Oklahoma Posts: 3 Likes: 3 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: New Car Build I have downloaded the 2022 NHRA rulebook. Need to print it off sometime soon. My local track is currently an NHRA track, but is contemplating changing that. I know I won't be able to run NO2 in any NHRA classes, which is part of why I'm not fully committed to it yet. I do like the NMCA. I think I could easily fit into the open comp class with the build I have in mind. I'm just not sure what my local track is gonna do yet, or if there's any other NMCA tracks near me. I appreciate the input so far. More is definitely welcome. Hopefully I can get this build done and go racing in the relatively near future.

11-01-2022, 10:34 PM	#5
MR DERBY CITY VIP Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Derby City, USA Posts: 3,664 Likes: 1,094 Liked 8,221 Times in 1,538 Posts	Re: New Car Build NMCA has six races scheduled for next year. The closest race to you is Madison, Illinois, 370 miles away. I believe following the NHRA safety rules for a mid 9 second ride would be top priority.

11-02-2022, 04:57 PM	#6
curtis reed Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Kiefer, Ok. Posts: 168 Likes: 67 Liked 126 Times in 60 Posts	Re: New Car Build Build it to run mid 5.80s to low 5.90s and you can come bracket race with us, 6.0 index race at the throwdowns and PIRO at Noble. There are brackets and index races at Mid-America. Look at Ozark to see what they run over there. There are some small tire races occasionally at Ozark I believe but you might have to spray the guts out of it. NMCA is a loong way from our area.