New Member with New Dream

[Thunder55]

Hey guys..

X-circle track racer here wanting to get into the strait line scene. I've been on a circle track as far as I can remember and as I get older I'm tired of spending money and not much to show for it. Not to mention I read about you guys fighting for a tenth of a second and that is exciting to me.

SO here's my new dream. I have a group of boys I kinda mentor and they want me in the strait line racing cause they say its (cooler) :P

We have connections at all sorts of salvage yards so getting a truck isn't a problem but what is I'm ignorant to strip racing. I have some ideas I need to run by you guys.

First objective is just to get the thing running. Here's my plan:

Carb'd 400 sbc (dont know jack about Fuelies)
2 speed power glide
8.8 rear end (3.73) gears?

So here lies another problem. I have NO personal friends that are into drag racing so I have NO idea if this combination is a good starting point.

My boys and I thank you all for any and ALL help.

Bob

[blbs350]

welcome to the site . you've come to the right place for help. how fast do you want to go? will it be for the strip only? look through past threads and ask ?'s. you will find plenty of help here, i have.

[blbs350]

btw, be sure to upgrade your membership to post as often as you want.

[harleyboy]

well now your not going to be going in circle welcome to the site now going in a straight line we can give you some help so ask all the questions you want as long a you up grade you membership.

[Thunder55]

Thanks guys and now I'm a true member... WHERE's THE BEER???!!!!

You may regret telling me to ask all the questions I want cause it's oozing out of me now!!!

Harley: AWESOME truck buddy!

Ok, here goes some questions.

#1 with my set up above, how hard would it be to get into the 12 second range?

#2 In dirt track we use mini spools to lock the rear end. Now take in consideration that my pockets are NOT deep, will a mini spool still work for strip? I know I'll have a tire making noise when I turn corners also but it's tolerable.

#3 I will not be making many frame mods out of the gate so what rear end can I put under it to narrow it up a bit? For instance, what year of mustang etc.

#4 Are you guys running stock front end parts? Spindles etc.

I'll stop for now but making a list of things to start collecting. We still haven't found THE truck but we will soon.

Thanks again
Bob

[HardinValleyMagic]

Welcome to the site!
As for front suspension goes mine is stock. It was origianally a 2.8. It does have 2" drop spindles though.
As for a 8.8 rear, look for a Explorer. There is a great write up about the swap on here.

[Thunder55]

I'll have to look for that. I know where a couple of those are sitting :P

[4more]

Hello and welcome to the site, and its great your mentoring.I teach a high school auto class and we are creating a mentor type class. that said 12s is easily doable.
Circle track and drag racing isnt that much different in the drivetrain i would say build it for torque and gear it right. getting traction is more important and the 8.8 from the explorer would be a good start and a good set off traction bars such as the caltracks.
keep us posted

[HardinValleyMagic]

This is very informative. Hope it helps. http://www.s10v8.com/showthread.php?t=9312

[Thunder55]

Thanks 4more, yeah I have a few boys that hang out with me. One is a mustang freak, another is into roteries (sp?), another is into rock crawling and the other is into what ever he can tear up lol
They think it's pretty cool the old man is getting into strait line stuff. I care for those boys.. not easy to keep them in line but this project will help.

Hardin - thanks for the tip, found the article and book marked it. I'll be making some phone calls tomorrow :P

Thought of another question, you guys removing stock gas tank and using fuel cells?

[Ryoung68]

Welcome to the site and its good to hear that more of us old guys are passing on what we know! :headbang: Some use the stock fuel tank in different configurations (stock in-tank pump regulated down, in-tank pump removed w/after market fuel pump and filter, in-tank pump removed and mechanical pump on engine) or a fuel cell can be installed. If the purpose is race only, most go with a fuel cell in the bed next to the battery box. True dual exhaust systems are easier when the fuel cell is used, which is a mute point if the truck is race only. Keep the questions coming. :wtf:

[harleyboy]

I keeped my stock tank and ran my exhaust on the outside of the frame, later I'm gonna get a different set up for that put for now it will do.
http://www.s10v8.com/picture.php?albumid=97&pictureid=1102
http://www.s10v8.com/picture.php?albumid=97&pictureid=1103

[Thunder55]

Thanks for the pics Harley!!!!

Ok, I think for now I'll just keep the gas tank in her until later then.

LAying in bed last night I got to wondering, with a 400/powerglide combo... isn't going to be tough to grab any traction? I maybe under estamating the trucks, I dont know.. just thinking maybe wise to buy a stall right out of the gate.. what do you think?

ALso read about the 8.8 swap. Has anyone tried mono leaf with rear sliders?

Again, I apologize if any of my questions are stupid... just trying to learn the strip thing. Also hoping I dont kick her sideways to the left at the traps lol

Bob

[Scotty_S-15]

I keeped my stock tank and ran my exhaust on the outside of the frame, later I'm gonna get a different set up for that put for now it will do.
http://www.s10v8.com/picture.php?albumid=97&pictureid=1103

Harleyboy..... how the heck did you get your truck onto your roof?:icon_biggrin:

But getting serious for a bit.... Thunder55, a few thoughts:
* This is track only, right?
* Many (most?) guys cross the left side exhaust over behind the trans, and run both down the passenger side. Click on my pics, I think I have a few that show that.
* I use my stock tank with a homemade sump.
* Powerglide? A serious converter (4K or higher) is a must. With only 2 gears, the converter has to do the work to keep your engine in your power range. So it's best to plan your engine before you choose a converter. If you just plan on running 12s, with no further asperations, a TH350 might be a better bet. Faster that that, and track only, then yeah, a well built PG would be the ticket.
* Regarding traction, lots of guys here do crazy 60 ft. times with basic setups, stock suspensions with Cal-trac bars, Slide-a-links, or just full length slapper bars. So, I'd suggest you just follow their lead, and do what they do. You can get innovative AFTER you're haulling ass! Mono leafs are good, but if budget is a concern, the cash for those might be better spent elsewhere.
* Of course, good tires are a must.
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[Thunder55]

Scotty - Thanks a ton for the info!!!

For now it will probably be street/strip but someday yes all strip.

12's is our first goal then 11's then maybe 10's. Of course this is ALL in due time but 12 is the first goal.

So i'll just put the PG aside for now. I'll get it redone when I get crazy with the engine.
So we are at 400/350 set up with 3500 stall?

And ok, I trust you on chassis set up as well. 8.8 with main leaf removed and Cal-trac bars???

It appears from the pictures and stuff on here 12's isn't going to be REAL easy all on engine alone.

[Scotty_S-15]

No problem, we love to help out. Plus, Mike pays us plenty for this.:icon_confused::icon_lol:

But I'd hold off on ordering a converter until you knew exactly what you were doing with the engine. That is, heads, cam, etc. Because if you build a torque monster, the 3500 converter may be TOO high.

3500 would probably the highest you'd want to go for street use also. Mine's about 4K, and is a little sloppy feeling on the street.

I don't think anyone said 12's would be "easy".... like you mentioned, getting it to hook up is the key. Getting the HP to run 12's WOULD be the easiest part. Putting all the right pieces together can be tricky.
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[Thunder55]

Well for now I was thinking stock bottom end, maybe punched out 30 but thats about it for starters. Uncertain about the cam at all.. I have NO CLUE about drag cams. As far as heads and carb (which I know is related to cam) that is remain to be seen. Kinda depends upon what is out there and price range when I'm ready.

Looked at a couple of S10's today... WAY to far gone for what I want to mess with. Got a couple more to look at next week.
Sent you an email also Scotty :)

[spacecadet]

Welcome to the site.
You already have a vast amount of knowledge being an x-roundy rounder. There are 2 major differeances between the 2. 1 is to go left turn right. The other is that the drive line has to be able to take the standing start. There is very little shock load with a rolling start compared to the standing start.
These guys have alot of clues to whats going on. They'll getting you going straight


My 2 cents
Space
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[Thunder55]

Space - I have to admit, it will be different feeling not getting dirt in my teeth, hair, beer etc.
Looking forward to it :)

As far as this board, I read a TON before actually signing up.. I think this is a group of great guys and I hope I get to know all of them. They've already been a TON of help.

Bob

[harleyboy]

Harleyboy..... how the heck did you get your truck onto your roof?
thats my drive way scotty the shingles were cheaper than concrete.HAHAHAHA.

[Scotty_S-15]

Harleyboy..... how the heck did you get your truck onto your roof?
thats my drive way scotty the shingles were cheaper than concrete.HAHAHAHA.
That's for sure! .... I was just bustin' chops.... In the pic, looks like courses are laid out just like on a roof. I guess that beats the cardboard I lay on....
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[Thunder55]

I was like, "WHewwww what a twister!!!... wait... wheres my truck????"

lol

[HardinValleyMagic]

Thanks for the tears guys! I was laughing so hard. I didn't notice the shingles till the other question was asked!

[harleyboy]

yea thats it man it keeps the dirt off my back as well.

[Scotty_S-15]

If I'm not mistaken...... haven't I seen driveways PAVED with diced up shingles??? You know, just spread out like gravel, but just shingle bits?

If so, probably not a good idea for a household with white carperts....:icon_wink:
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[harleyboy]

well this summer when it gets hot as hell they will be ably to stick together and be as hard as concrete.

[HardinValleyMagic]

Yea they will be hot and so will your back side! LOL! Been on many a roof in summer, not a place to lay down for any time though.