Who got their order in before the deadline on Drag-Pak Challenger?

[Hemiparts]

I spoke to someone fairly high up, and was told all the parts are on the ground and the cars a still on go even with all the shake ups @ Mopar Performance ( dismissal of Jon Clark, David Hakim, and Donato) I didn't think they would let the Drag Pak cars fall by the wayside. I do think some of the other Mopar Performance sponsored programs may suffer ( ie Hemi Challenge for SS/AH). I was also told that once the intial orders were filled they would start filling secondary orders and that they would build as many cars as they need.

[Mike Delahanty]

Just back from checking out the build on #3 Challenger that will be submitted to NHRA for approval. The car will be at the PRI show next week for NHRA as well for public inspection. This car will be in the exact state and level of build that it will be delivered to customers. Challenger #3 is planned to be sold to the Large Father - Don Gartlits after the NHRA approval.

This car is being built w/ the 6.1L SRT8 motor and a 904 automatic. Note that all of the transmissions supplied in the car are empty cases only. The rear suspension is the stock Challenger cradle w/ the differential and halfshafts deleted. This is basically for build and shipping purposes as this will be replaced w/ a solid axle and 4 link trailing arm per NHRA specs for Stock Eliminator. Front suspension has the aftermarket discs already mounted - along w/ a manual brake master cylinder. Interior has all non essential components (and weight) removed. There are 2 racing bucket seats from the European Viper program - including the "Viper" logo stiched on them. No headers - all wiring is shipped loose. The car is in the perfect level of assembly to let each racer finish it his way - own cage - plumbing - etc. It does include a nice Moroso rear sump aluminum oil pan.

Included are some photos - note that the windshiled is tacked in place for easy removal when the cage goes in. This original windshield "warning" shipping sticker will be one of the key pieces to determine a "real" car.

And there are a number of bodies on hand that will start production once the approval is secured.

Stay tuned ...............

[Jared Jordan]

Mike,

It is great to see that Mopar is still pursuing the Drag-Pak program. Thanks for keeping us informed and for the pictures.

[Jeff Lee]

THAT'S the intake manifold they will use?

[Mike Delahanty]

Jeff - sharp observation - yes that's the SMALL intake and throttle body for the 250 HP combination - keep an eye out for the 265 HP combo w/ the dual 900 CFM throttle bodies on a cross ram.

[thomas sheehan]

Mike

In answering the intake question, you mentioned the 250 and 265 HP engines.
Are these the stock, NHRA stock, or NHRA super stock horsepower ratings. (have they been approved yet?).
If they were approved, can you tell us the engine size and official hp ratings?

thanks for keeping us in the loop...

Tom Sheehan
GT/IA 1046

[Mike Delahanty]

Thom - and others,

As I was hitting the enter key to post this, I had the thought that some might miss the ;-) ("wink") symbol in the headline. As the legendary cartoon character Foghorn Leghorn used to say - "that's a joke, son". I just couldn't pass up on the intake manifold comment from the always lighthearted Jeff Lee to throw one back out there.

OK - switching out of joke/wink mode to answer your question - no ratings have bee released for the 3 planned engine combinations - 1 will be 5.9L Magnum based - and the other 2 based on the new generation HEMI. All will use a similar throttle body on a single plane MOPAR manifold.