Some "Dime Rockets" for the 4TH!

[Dwight Southerland]

Okay, since I have already let the cat out of the bag on the other thread, I will start with my favorite, the '76 or '77 Camaro, '78 Camaro LT or '78 Firebird Formula, or '79 Camaro Berlinetta with a 305 2-bbl for U/SA. The pluses for this combination and the potential makes it a must look at in my opinion.

The engine is basically the same as the one Billy Lynn and Dean Oliver race in their Malibus in K & L. The only difference is the carb and a smaller intake valve (which may be a plus with the smaller carb!). Those Malibus run 11.80s consistently at 3250 lbs, so we can get a guage on the potential of the U combination from that. If you allow that the switch to a 2-bbl will chop a full second off and the added weight for U (3770 lbs. minimum) will slow by another .6 or so, the U combination should run mid 13s in a class with a 15.15 index. I see lots of potential there to be a competitor.

Then, consider that the 200 Metric or 200R4 is available and the car will be equipped with a GM 8.5" ten bolt. The 200 is a transmission of choice in lots of classes and the 8.5 is plenty strong enough with stock parts for this combo. The body has leaf springs so traction is easy and the plethora of available bolt-ons makes used parts easy to find. There have been several racers over the years chase combinations using the Rochester 2-bbl, so even the carb is not exactly an unknown.

I see lots of affordable potential in these combinations. I think the big problem for most people would be resisting the temptation to go overboard with the cosmetics and tricks that are available and applicable for the engine and car.

[Billy Nees]

Dwight, I'd like to add that the combo in a 78 Malibu or MonteCarlo or even Grand Prix can run anywhere from P to T and although it would cost more to put in an 8.5 rear it would still make a nice combo. Also, these bodies could also be "updated" with the 4V rather easily at a later date.

[Mark Yacavone]

Thanks for this thread ,guys. This will be fun.

I didn't think of this one, but I like it. Dirt cheap 75-76 Nova 2 dr body, 262 V-8 for T and U/SA.
This is the same engine combo as the Don Quinn/ Briane Philbrick Monza that will run in the high 12s in Q. Add the weight difference for U, and whatta ya got ?
Leaf spring 8.5 rear bolt in. Just about any SBC headers will work .You could even buy two sets (1,1/2 and 1,5/8ths and splice them together yourself...Sorry Billy... Okay ,get BNRC to do it for you). This combo is actually a lot easier than the Monza.

Oh and guys, don't be afraid of the budget built Metric 200 for light duty applications . Get yourself a Turbo action valve body or talk to Leo at Remac. Do a few tricks just like you would to a T350 ( full feed the direct drum, one or two frictions in the low/reverse) and you've got yourself a low gear set trans that'll last forever.

[CycloneFE]

This is one of THE COOLEST threads I have seen in a long time. Very informative. Thanks to all the contributors.

[Tom keedle]

Originally Posted by CycloneFE

This is one of THE COOLEST threads I have seen in a long time. Very informative. Thanks to all the contributors.

i agree, i'm having a ball reading it

[Mark Yacavone]

We don't want to leave out the Blue Oval Bunch.

1986 T-bird, 302, EFI, 200 hp. This is the early head version with a lower rating.
You know the drill, Mustang 8.8 posi, C4 ,good converter..
For the P/SA shootout...
or with AOD for a darn good Pure Stocker I would think.
Last year when I got the idea, I searched Craigslist. First one up was an old lady car with 60K on it for under two grand.
Stock short block, new valve job and cc-ing,stocker cam etc, ought to run under the index like that.
Not the expert here though.

[Dwight Southerland]

Mark -

That is one of my other choices. You may look that there is a slight advantage to the '76 since it has a larger venturi spec IIRC. Also, these cars will all have the 8.5 rear end since this was before the introduction of the 7.5-7.625 rear in anything but the X-bodies. I also like this combination with a four speed in U.

Billy -

Actually, the 305 Chevy 2-bbl @ 180 is available in a wide choice of bodies from '75-'79, including BOP choices and is not a bad choice at any weight break, even the X-body (Monza-Sunbird-Starfire). The aftermarket 12-bolt for the '82-up F-bodies will bolt in to the X-body when shortened.

The tech items you mentioned concerning engine building procedures and choices are exactly applicable ALL THE TIME TO EVERY COMBINATION. (I prefer a moly top ring, however.)

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by Dwight Southerland

Mark -

That is one of my other choices. You may look that there is a slight advantage to the '76 since it has a larger venturi spec IIRC. Also, these cars will all have the 8.5 rear end since this was before the introduction of the 7.5-7.625 rear in anything but the X-bodies. I also like this combination with a four speed in U.

Billy -

Actually, the 305 Chevy 2-bbl @ 180 is available in a wide choice of bodies from '75-'79, including BOP choices and is not a bad choice at any weight break, even the X-body (Monza-Sunbird-Starfire). The aftermarket 12-bolt for the '82-up F-bodies will bolt in to the X-body when shortened.

The tech items you mentioned concerning engine building procedures and choices are exactly applicable ALL THE TIME TO EVERY COMBINATION. (I prefer a moly top ring, however.)

Dwight, My 76 Omega came with a 7.5 rear .I think the 73-74 N,O,V,A cars were all 8.5s but that's a narrower one like 1st gen Camaros . Not a problem, because there's plenty of wider 2nd Gen Camaro and F-bird 8.5 s out there.

How about using a std bore cast rebuilder second ring in a .030 over application? Goes along for the ride and makes you legal.. Guilty!

[Billy Nees]

Mark, 68 to 79 Novas (and others) have same width rear. Spring perches are a little different but will bolt up!

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by Billy Nees

Mark, 68 to 79 Novas (and others) have same width rear. Spring perches are a little different but will bolt up!

I guess that's right. Maybe I'm thinking of the front suspension which is very similar to the 75-81 Camaro and Firebird (metric)