New "Dime Rocket" combo added to guide!

[Dwight Southerland]

Originally Posted by JWagner

I am a little confused as to how this can be called a "dime rocket". Isn't the cost of pistons,rings,camshafts,valves,ignition,headers,ma chine work,transmission,torque converter,shifter, rear gears, spool,axles,wheels,slicks,fuel system,efi computer,paint,gauges,and all the miscellaneous stuff about the same as most other cars?
Jim

Jim, the assumption of a 'dime rocket' is that a lot of the expensive stuff that seems SOP when building a car that will have to compete against highly thrashed out combinations will not be necessary. If you have an engine combination that has a power factor that is favorable, then it is not necessary to have $800 pistons, aftermarket rods, $300 valves etc. etc. make enough power to be competitive. Same approach can be pushed all the way through the build process. These low hp automatic trans cars often do not need aftermarket axles or $500 driveshafts, or $700 converters. Also, it is assumed with a 'dime rocket' that you can do most of the build (don't have to pay for expensive work) and are willing to have a car without a $3000 paint job and all the latest and greatest tricks and parts. Think about being able to be competitive (.5 under or so) with common rebuilder engine parts and mostly stock or used parts in the ignition and drive train. Of course, it takes a sophisticated mind set to see that driving and consistency and a bit of luck is what wins races and not the ET or the flashy looking car or the WOW-ey qualifying performances.