The best "Dime Rocket" combos!

[ALMACK]

Originally Posted by Mike Gray

http://www.dollartimes.com/inflation...1200&year=1965
I think the cost of our hobby has gone up faster than inflation. Woodfin's 55 would only cost $9,100 in todays dollars. I don't think it could be done today anywhere near that amount.

"As a side note, if a car cost more than 10 grand, say about $13,000, it is not a dime rocket, it is a $0.13 rocket".

Base price or completed? I purchased my fastback for 12K but to complete a '67 Shelby stocker I'm looking at 45K. I guess that's a $0.45 rocket, not really sure I'm only about half way.

I would say that number is as completed.

If that's the case, then one of my Stockers is a $ 0.110 rocket and hopefully the other (when completed) will be a less than $ 0.125 rocket...

[ALMACK]

It's hard to find any 60' or 70's cars in junk yards anymore. ( at least not for "junk" yard prices ) This isn't the 80's anymore when the yards were packed with 60's and 70's stuff.

So, I often wonder about how the later model cars would work as "dime rockets".

There are a bunch in the junkyards and on craigslist for cheap. Nobody wants a 20 plus year old EFI car because new cars get better every year. So these older cars are super cheap and some are still in good running condition.

The one combo that stands out to me ( because I am a Ford guy) is the 96-98 Mustang GT.
I would say a stick combo would be the easiest to get to run under index even with the stock trans.

Just my .02c

[Woodfin]

I know we are just carrying on, however, if you are interested in winning, the package must be consistent and reliable. "Running under" is one thing, winning a race is another.

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by Woodfin

I know we are just carrying on, however, if you are interested in winning, the package must be consistent and reliable. "Running under" is one thing, winning a race is another.

Larry, A lot of that has to do with the driver and/or the builder.
Some people have won races with some very unlikely combinations, right Billy, Ed F?

[Charlie A]

About 10 years ago I bought a 82/83 ( don't remember ) Camaro TBI 4 cylinder at a garage sale for $300.00. Truth . Gave it a cheap tune up and it really ran well for what it was. Always wondered if it could be competitive as a cheap/ slow stocker?

[Pinballer]

Charlie,
I looked into an 85 Camaro 4 cyl TBI car, just on paper mind you, and it looks pretty darned good. Now whether that can translate into an index killer, who knows until somebody tries it. And even then, that doesn't mean it will have enough consistency to it to actually win races.

If I had not had a half-acre of existing AMC parts ready and available to me for next to nothing to produce what I'm currently involved with, I'd probably be writing up a thread over on Racer Builds called "How Slow Can a Stocker Camaro Go?"

[Daran Summerton]

Originally Posted by Woodfin

I know we are just carrying on, however, if you are interested in winning, the package must be consistent and reliable. "Running under" is one thing, winning a race is another.

Usually after the first rd bye they are loaded up but like me I'm just happy to be there having fun. My junk can go -.80 and I have exactly $1470 in my sbc 350 built in Tony Janes garage with him shaking his head at me the entire time

[Dwight Southerland]

A key component to a successful dime rocket is to pick a combination that has the potential to run far enough under the index to be competitive without having to spend $Gazillion on trick technology and special parts to do that. Winning with it is an entirely different category. But, think of the thousands of racers over the years who have spent the $Gazillion to have the latest greatest and best stuff and cars, yet still won nothing. The fact that your dime rocket may only run .6 under when the hot dogs in the class can run 1.0 under is no deterrent. The fact that your dime rocket runs a low class is no deterrent. Dealing with those issues are a challenge, but so is trying to run 1.0+ under. Approach it with rational thinking and let that be your guide rather than temptation and ego.

[Dragsinger]

Dwight said, "Approach it with rational thinking and let that be your guide rather than temptation and ego."

Dwight, I always like your thoughts/comments and consider you to me a wise man.

And I agree with the concept, to me, it comes down to "what are your personal goals and desires."

If your desire is to home build a car that runs under the index that is a fine goal and I applaud your efforts.

If your goal is building a package capable of winning a Lucas race or National, again, I consider that a fine goal and I admire your efforts.

In addition to having a machine capable of winning, a racer may set a personal goal for training him or her self to drive at a competitive level.

Each racer will have different personal goals, it is one of the beauties of our sport.

[Hacksaw]

Hey Dragsinger: Ever think about throwing your hat into politics?