New "Dime Rocket" combo added to guide!

[MikeMoller]

Originally Posted by Bob Don

Dime rockets require hard work too...

X2 - But I am glad to see something added that can be built on a budget. Only real way to get more people out there racing - younger generation.

[Billy Nees]

Originally Posted by MikeMoller

X2 - But I am glad to see something added that can be built on a budget. Only real way to get more people out there racing - younger generation.

The "younger generation" can't relate to old cars! That MonteCarlo is 28 years old! I hate to say it but we need V6 and 4 cylinder new Mustangs, Camaros and Challengers in the guide and rated as to be competitive. And in dragracing, the FWD stuff ain't gonna cut it.

[Dwight Southerland]

Mostly agreed, Billy. Why aren't the new cars in the guide like had been done in the past. NHRA doesn't want a new V6 or 4-cyl car racing? Or is it the manufacturers?

[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

[Dick Butler]

Spec motor from Jegs $4848.00 Sealed and ready to go.....

[Chris Barnes]

I started racing when mid high tens was pretty fast for a B-C/SA (or pro brackets) car but no more, now I am usually racing as a slow car and it has given me new respect for the art behind being the first to leave. At least I have two carbs and some compression so it isn't that difficult to dial "hard". Those tiny undercarburated combos are so sensitive, they certainly have their work cut out for them!

[Billy Nees]

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, you are right. If you put the best of everything that you've mentioned into this combo it wouldn't be a "Dime Rocket" but it would be one very fast car. This combo is so good that it could be built (very easily) without using the best of everything and would still run well under the index.
I'll bet that this combo shows up at Indy and qualifies easily in the top 10.

[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.

[Billy Nees]

Dwight, you just brought tears to my eyes, you silver-tongued devil!

[ALMACK]

Originally Posted by Billy Nees

The "younger generation" can't relate to old cars! That MonteCarlo is 28 years old! I hate to say it but we need V6 and 4 cylinder new Mustangs, Camaros and Challengers in the guide and rated as to be competitive. And in dragracing, the FWD stuff ain't gonna cut it.

The late model 6 cyl. Mustangs have been in the classification guide for 2 seasons now. ( 2011-2014 models )

Not exactly dime rockets IMO, even if you do find a flood damage or collision repair car and put the roll bar in it and other mandated stuff.
It's possible you could get one race ready for less than $ 10K I suppose.