McClanahan DQ in Dallas

[Adger Smith]

Sounds like Wesley must have worked the event...
They allowed me to correct the wheelbase at a Memphis division race. Problem was I had a front suspension falling apart.
Lucky for me they checked the wheelbase. Rolled the car forward and it got short... Rolled the car back and it got long...

[Keith 944]

Curious, what would the advantage be in a longer/ shorter than stock wheelbase be? Or is it possible offset? Rollout?

[Adger Smith]

Keith,
Extended roll out if one side is offset.
How is it offset?
One side at wheelbase specs minus allowance and the other side offset farther would be great for rollout.
You could go the other way too. one side a lot shorter.
Cover the beam as long as possible.
Start the clocks with the wheel the farthest back and stop the clocks at the finish line with the wheel most forward.
Make your side of the track shorter than the other guys... Simple, Aye

[Larry Hill]

If the rear end is not straight with the frame rails the front tires would have to be staggered for the wheel base to check correct. "Maximum variation from left to right: 1 inch."

They are stock suspension, they move big time. I saw this not more than a month ago on a new 4 wheel alignment. What I measured was not what it showed us! ! I was off an inch!
These cars are getting hammered round after round with wheelies. It will not stay!
I assumed it was the stocker, i missed!

[SSDiv6]

Originally Posted by Keith 944

Curious, what would the advantage be in a longer/ shorter than stock wheelbase be? Or is it possible offset? Rollout?

By shortening the wheelbase, you increase the weight transfer.
It has the same effect as increasing the Center of Gravity (CG) height.

A longer wheelbase makes the car more stable down the track, especially with high horsepower engines.

That is the reason why the NHRA rule book has limits on how high you can raise the engine and the height of the front and rear of the car.

Compare a 1970-71 Barracuda with a 108" wheelbase versus a 1970-1971 Challenger with a 110" wheelbase. A 2" difference in wheelbase.
Although there are Challengers that can drag the rear bumper, I have always considered that the Cuda's launch is more violent due to the shorter wheelbase.

[Frank Castros]

Originally Posted by SSDiv6

By shortening the wheelbase, you increase the weight transfer.
It has the same effect as increasing the Center of Gravity (CG) height.

A longer wheelbase makes the car more stable down the track, especially with high horsepower engines.

That is the reason why the NHRA rule book has limits on how high you can raise the engine and the height of the front and rear of the car.

Compare a 1970-71 Barracuda with a 108" wheelbase versus a 1970-1971 Challenger with a 110" wheelbase. A 2" difference in wheelbase.
Although there are Challengers that can drag the rear bumper, I have always considered that the Cuda's launch is more violent due to the shorter wheelbase.

Larry? I'm sure you and Jerry compared notes. Please share, thank you.

[Frank Castros]

How about Don Little also share his opinion?

[Larry Hill]

I would guess Don would have the best insight, he has raced a Cuda and a Challenger E body’s. I know Don won a championship in an E body but I can’t remember which car. Another great E body champ is Chuck Rayburn.

[Larry Hill]

I would guess Don would have the best insight, he has raced a Cuda and a Challenger E body’s. I know Don won a championship in an E body but I can’t remember which car. Another great E body champ is Chuck Rayburn. Almost forgot to pay attention but Albert Lee was a champion in a Hemi Challenger.