Some "Dime Rockets" for the 4TH!

[Dwight Southerland]

It's interesting to me how much alike Billy and I think and what we seem to be aware of. I am going to have to be quicker on the draw these days or he will empty my list for me!!

Here is one that is similar, Billy. In fact, you mention it and we can see this one race on the West Coast.
1977 or 79 Pacer station wagon 258/110/150 for V/SA or a 1977 Hornet SW or 1979 Concord SW for U/SA

Decent compression for a 6 cylinder, decent cylinder head (real ports!), better bore-stroke relationship than BIlly's MoPar, and a 2-bbl carb. Uses a 998 Torqueflite with a 2.74 first gear and has lots of Jeep history. Jim Mantle qualifies in the top of the field in Div 7 with this combination.

[Billy Nees]

Dwight, I know that combo all too well. I constantly have to deal with Eddie Fernandez's Gremlin.

Mark, the reason that I tend to like 2V combos (especially the Buick) is they're less likely to hurt themselves (and to stay out of expensive classes).

[Ed Fernandez]

Originally Posted by Billy Nees

Dwight, I know that combo all too well. I constantly have to deal with Eddie Fernandez's Gremlin.

Mark, the reason that I tend to like 2V combos (especially the Buick) is they're less likely to hurt themselves (and to stay out of expensive classes).

That combo is a stinker.It's taking me to the poor house.
Dwight,I'd say that you two were seperated at birth,but you're way too good looking to be twins.:>):>):>)

[Bob Pagano]

I want to thank Billy and Dwight for a weekend of eye opening facts and Mark too with follow up info. Great thread, I am sure some folks are taking notes and we will actually see a few of these combos in the coming months. Great job guys.

[Billy Nees]

Originally Posted by Bob Pagano

I am sure some folks are taking notes and we will actually see a few of these combos in the coming months.

I'm sure that I can speak for Dwight and Mark and say we hope so!

[Dwight Southerland]

Billy and I have picked what we consider to be low hanging fruit to show some inexpensive ways to go racing. Most of the engine combinations we picked are available in a variety of bodies that will run in classes other than the very heavy classes we recommended in our selections. As a general rule, a 2-bbl combination is at a disadvantage in a class where competitive 4-bbl combinations race in heads-up races. However, there are statistically few heads up races during a year's activities, so don't let that deter you from considering on of these engines in a lighter car. Ed F. certainly hasn't.

The object here is to be able to race without adding to the national debt. You may not be a record holder or a super star with the performance of any of these cars, but you will be racing and the fun factor is high. By the way, it's the challenge and the fun, not the going fast, that builds memories, relationships and experience.

There are lots of other combinations too. Maybe not as cheap as these, but lots cheaper than what most people spend.

[Billy Nees]

You silver-tongued devil you!

[Ronnie Hamlin]

OK, here's another mopar that will get into "U"
1979 Aspen SE station wagon with a 318/135/185 (natural break is 19.13,add weight to make U) The small 2bbl would be a limiting factor, but the coolness of a station wagon with woodgrain is undeniable!

[Dwight Southerland]

Actually, Ronnie, the 318 2-bbl at 185 is one of those "Why doesn't somebody do that?" combinations for me. I know everyboy complains that the carb is too small, but the '65 273 with the same specs is rated at 176. Surely 45 cubic inches is worth 9 hp!

[goinbroke2]

Here's another Ford for "U"

83 t-bird 232 v-6 @ 140hp

1.08 2bbl
1.795/1.47 valves (bigger than 302)
.415/.417 lift (bigger than 302)
Outer springs WITH damper
Huge cleveland style aluminum heads with 1.73 rocker arms

Fox body t-bird so all mustang stuff fits (C4/headers/gears/struts/etc)

Downside is hard to find parts/not supported.