engine setback

[wheels2]

I have a 74 Duster (108 inch wheel base) with a 440 and am front end heavy. I've been thinking about setting the engine back about 4 to 6 inches, has someone done this?? How, where, what to do with the trans mount? the fire wall? a mid plate maybe?? the K-frame?? Is 4 to 6 inches enought to stick it with out a wheel stand.

Thanks wheels2

[cudabob496]

Another option is to lighten the front end and engine components.

[dwc43]

I have not done this to an A body, but we do it to all of our race cars for oval track use for better handling. No wheel stands there. Most rules require that the number one plug be aligned with the center of the upper ball joint. An engine plate is the easiest way to mount the engine. A mid plate on a 440 A body is a good idea if you can fit it in cause it will help to stiffen the chassis just as the engine plate. You'll have to fab a tranny mount. Someone that builds roll cages could make you one out of small round tubing that can be welded into the chassis and the tranny bolted to it. Aluminum engine pieces would also be a big help. Make sure you have the frames tied or you'll never get the doors to close after a few hard runs. lol.

[Tarrbabe]

But if you don't have to match any racing bodys' rules------------ WOW. Do you remember the altered wheel base drag cars in the early 60's? They move the rear axle forward and the front axle forward. These were the early Funny Cars. Great for traction, bad for rules you must follow.

I remember seeing a cuda with the firewall move way back and it it looked stock till you noticed the rear seat was about 6 inchs thick /front to rear/.

[cudabob496]

Food for thought: A fiberglass hood sheds 50 pounds. Alum heads, 40 to 50 pounds, wilwood front discs - 40 pounds, lose the power steering, alum radiator, aluminum intake, lightweight wheels, alum water pump, fiberglass bumper, lightweight glass, small front tires, etc, pretty soon your 200-300 pounds lighter in the front. So you will get the same weight shift at launch, but also be 200-300 pounds lighter. If just move the engine, then don't lose any weight, but you may already have shed all the weight, in which case just ignore these suggestions. Good luck.

[dwc43]

There's also an advanvtage to setting the engine back though. WIth it set back you gain instant traction using the weight that you cannot get rid of and upon acceleration you gain more traction from weight transfer of the suspension. This is one reason you need a set of scales made for race cars. About 55% rear weight will be the max that you will need. Get too much more than that and it's wheel stand time.