Housing girdle for 8.75"; yes, or no?

[bill dedman]

Our bracket car will weigh 2.500 pounds,(probably 50/50 weight distribution) and will have a 550 HP engine (approximately) that will propel this '64 A-body (Valiant,) HOPEFULLY, to some high 10 second e.t'.s.

We;re using a 1965 B-Body (Dodge Cornet) rear housing with Cal-Tracs and adjustable rear (50/50?) shocks. Stock '64 Valiant 5-leaf rear springs.


We will be using 9", M-T bias-ply slicks (28"-tall) and a spool, footbrake launches (no transbrake) and hope for some high 1.40 60--foot times, at best.

Given those parameters, we are wondering if the $80.00 we are thinking about spending on a rear end housing girdle would be money well-spent, or, just totally unnecessary on a car with these specifications.

Any advice and information will be appreciated...

[Geerhead55]

Bill,,,,I'm thinking as long as you're just footbraking this car, you should be fine without the girdle. Sounds like a neat little Valiant,,have fun with it.
Danny Durham

[GTX JOHN]

I have run over 1000 run on 71 Dart in Stocker in last 18 years and Housing still checks straight. Runs in high 10,s at 3400lb. B housing is a bit wide... will take a deep back spacing in not narrowed. I would beef up rear springs particularly in front segment. Hope this helps!.

[treessavoy]

I ran a stock 8 3/4 with 11 inch slicks and a Max Wedge for years in the NMCA and never had any problems but I think you'll need to get Mopar SS springs or Calvert springs.

JimR

[Philip Saran]

If you run Chrysler S/S springs you will need to redo the spring hangers
to get the pinion angle correct. Spacer wedges only do so much.

I now have another 8-3/4 housing with the back brace and the spring pads
redone to correct that problem.

[bill dedman]

Originally Posted by Geerhead55

Bill,,,,I'm thinking as long as you're just footbraking this car, you should be fine without the girdle. Sounds like a neat little Valiant,,have fun with it.
Danny Durham

Thanks, Danny; we'll have fun, fun. fun, 'til Daddy takes the head gaskets away.... lol!

[bill dedman]

Originally Posted by GTX JOHN

I have run over 1000 run on 71 Dart in Stocker in last 18 years and Housing still checks straight. Runs in high 10,s at 3400lb. B housing is a bit wide... will take a deep back spacing in not narrowed. I would beef up rear springs particularly in front segment. Hope this helps!.

John,

Good advice! We are in the process of doing just that...

We're getting wheels with a back-spacing that will put the wheel where it needs to be. Stockton Wheel is good at that sort of thing;( my '72 Valiant has small bolt pattern, 7"-wide, 15" steel wheels, and those are not an everyday item.)

[bill dedman]

Originally Posted by treessavoy

I ran a stock 8 3/4 with 11 inch slicks and a Max Wedge for years in the NMCA and never had any problems but I think you'll need to get Mopar SS springs or Calvert springs.

JimR

Jim, we're hoping that with a 2,400-pound (sans driver) car, the stock springs may be okay with the Cal Tracs.

I wonder if we can use this stock, 170c.i.d. /6 converter with our 30-pound boost turbocharged 225?

Any ideas???

[bill dedman]

Originally Posted by Philip Saran

If you run Chrysler S/S springs you will need to redo the spring hangers
to get the pinion angle correct. Spacer wedges only do so much.

I now have another 8-3/4 housing with the back brace and the spring pads
redone to correct that problem.

Phil,
We are putting replacement spring pads on the housing, (I know, that's not hangers) and will try to get the pinion angle correct at that time. I said TRY... lol!

Thanks for the advice!!!

[treessavoy]

Originally Posted by bill dedman

Jim, we're hoping that with a 2,400-pound (sans driver) car, the stock springs may be okay with the Cal Tracs.

I wonder if we can use this stock, 170c.i.d. /6 converter with our 30-pound boost turbocharged 225?

Any ideas???

Bill,

I've heard of people doing just that but have no experience myself. At thirty lbs I would be cautious with the converter especially on burnouts, rather than leaning on the converter I would flash it on launches. Should be adequate for the street.

Good luck,

JimR