What is the ideal drag car????

[IceMans68RdRunner]

I run a B-body now and im looking for a different car to drag race because I dont want to hurt the condition of my car. Plus it only has 32,000 miles on the clock. So should I stay with a B-body or should I think of going with a light A-body car? This is a tough one for me. I like the B-bodies and the styleing but I dont think I can shed off the pounds to make it as light as a A-body or can I? What do you all think?

Please reply and thanks in advance I want to hear what everyone thinks.

Bryan

------------------
68 Road Runner, 32,000mi.
*440 .30 over
*.528 lift Mopar Purple Shaft cam
*Ductile Rockers
*TCI 3000 stall
*Richmond 4.30 gears
*Edelbrock Torker 440 intake
*830 Holley Double Pumper
*Cheetah Manual Shift Valve Body.
*Stock 906 Heads
*Firestone 30.10.15 slicks
*10:3:1 TRW Pistons

[Christopher]

IceMan, we crossed that same path 20 years ago.We ran a 70 Road Runner that now has 31,000 original miles on it and we never cut it in any way.It was stock.Anyway we wanted to go faster,but also didn't want to weld in a 6pt roll bar or a 10pt cage in to the 'Bird,so we looked for a Duster to put a big block in and ended up finding a 71 Demon body for $60.00.Of course for $60.00,there wasn't a driveline in the car and it had a 7 1/4" rear,but was a original 340 4-speed car.We built the car and did all the work including paint.So now the car has a 383 that runs 11.60's,but has run as quick as 11.30's with a very mild 440.A-body's are easy to find.Even a 67-69 2dr Valiant makes a good race car.I don't think you can get a B-body as light as an A-body without some surgery.Plus ther is a whole bunch more fiberglass parts for Dusters and Darts than any other Mopar.Go with the A-body and put the 'Bird in the garage like I did!!

[ARIZONA]

...Early 'B' body cars are lighter but some have a rear tire clearance problem, 'A' bodies get poor wt. distribution with big blocks and headers are big$$$. 'E' body is cool but the 'collecters' have run the prices up to the sky. How about 'F' body? lighter than 'B'or'E'. Cheaper. Low buck headers fit. Minimal tire clearance problems...

[Christopher]

Not knocking you Arizona,but both my B-body and A-body cars 60ft at between 1.51-1.55.In my opinion,the headers are going to cost the same when you put a 440 into a F body.By the time you do everything,you are still going to have a heavy car.There also isn't much in the way of fiberglass parts for a Aspen/Volare either.A "good" 440 in a lightened A-body can run high 9's-low 10's easily.

[IceMans68RdRunner]

What I heard is the B-bodies have better weight distrabution than an A-body is this true? That would make a big factor in drag racing wouldnt it?

Thanks again,

Bryan

------------------
68 Road Runner, 32,000mi.
*440 .30 over
*.528 lift Mopar Purple Shaft cam
*Ductile Rockers
*TCI 3000 stall
*Richmond 4.30 gears
*Edelbrock Torker 440 intake
*830 Holley Double Pumper
*Cheetah Manual Shift Valve Body.
*Stock 906 Heads
*Firestone 30.10.15 slicks
*10:3:1 TRW Pistons

[T748]

I would go with the A-body big motor light car route.Im partial to the 67-69 darts but the wheel clearance is alot beter in the duster/demons.Also the big bolt pattern on the later A-bodies is a big plus.Then agian if your bracket racing the bigger cars seem to be a little more consistant.But in the end style rules so go with the car,station wagon or truck that you like the best.

[SB Racer]

I have raced A-bodys for 8 years. Just love 'em. 1.5 60 ft times w. SB with stock suspension, not too bad weight transfer I think? Headers aren't that big $$$. Just buy some bents and tubes, and fabricate them yourselves. That way they'll be cheaper and definately will fit too. My vote for A-bodys!

TeRo http://www.angelfire.com/mo/racevaliant

------------------

[Stan Cameron]

I chose the 69 b body because I like the looks.
The car weight 2755# less driver.
426 CI Indy heads 727 auto 8-3/4 rear ran 9.78 @ 138 on 4/8/00. Trying for 9.50s.

You need to pick what you like, it's easier to put $$$$$ in something you like.

------------------
69 RR 426 4bbl 727 9.78 @ 138 best so far.
79 Lil Red Express.
96 2500 Ram 5.9
99 Durango 5.9

[IceMans68RdRunner]

To be honest I love B-bodies and after reading about the weight of your car I have hope. At least I know now that you can get a B-body close to 3,000 pounds if not lighter. Everyone where I race if they are racing Mopars they are all A-bodies. But they said it is a thrill seeing a Big B-body run well in the quarter. I have a 68 Road Runner now but im going to put it back to original that way I dont hurt it. Im looking into buying a 67 Coronet which I think looks really nice. What do you all think.

Thanks for the replies,

Bryan

------------------
68 Road Runner, 32,000mi.
*440 .30 over
*.528 lift Mopar Purple Shaft cam
*Ductile Rockers
*TCI 3000 stall
*Richmond 4.30 gears
*Edelbrock Torker 440 intake
*830 Holley Double Pumper
*Cheetah Manual Shift Valve Body.
*Stock 906 Heads
*Firestone 30.10.15 slicks
*10:3:1 TRW Pistons

[Belvedere]

When you say "Ideal drag car" I need to know what kind of drag racing you do. Bracket? Class? Street? Shoot outs? I raced an altered for the last 5 years in brackets. When we first put it together it had a stock small block and you could stop at 7-11 and put the cheap gas in it and run mid 10's all day. Not much broke, it was a breeze to drive, (125" wheel base),just point and shoot. An open car gives you a different perspective on the race. I know I had a tire on the car next to me in the lights. No guessing on my fender and his. I will probably have another one if my current B-body doesn't meet my expectations. When I sold my altered I was running mid to low nines with a very mild motor, at least 200 to 250 less horse power than my 452. This motor in an 1700 lbs. altered would be mid 8's. I'd need some more testosterone.

[IceMans68RdRunner]

I found a 64 Belvedre for sale. 2 door hard top. Do you think this would be a good drag car? Would I have tire clearence problems. How much do you think this car weighs stock? Probably a little lighter than my 68 Road Runner wouldnt you think?

Thanks in advance for the questions answered,

Bryan

------------------
68 Road Runner, 32,000mi.
*440 .30 over
*.528 lift Mopar Purple Shaft cam
*Ductile Rockers
*TCI 3000 stall
*Richmond 4.30 gears
*Edelbrock Torker 440 intake
*830 Holley Double Pumper
*Cheetah Manual Shift Valve Body.
*Stock 906 Heads
*Firestone 30.10.15 slicks
*10:3:1 TRW Pistons

[IceMans68RdRunner]

By the way to answer your question, im bracket racing.

Thanks,

Bryan

------------------
68 Road Runner, 32,000mi.
*440 .30 over
*.528 lift Mopar Purple Shaft cam
*Ductile Rockers
*TCI 3000 stall
*Richmond 4.30 gears
*Edelbrock Torker 440 intake
*830 Holley Double Pumper
*Cheetah Manual Shift Valve Body.
*Stock 906 Heads
*Firestone 30.10.15 slicks
*10:3:1 TRW Pistons

[Stan Cameron]

We also run a 66 belvedere 440 ci 727 dana 60 ladder bar with leaf springs glass windshield & rear window lexan side windows it weights 3000# less driver.

------------------
69 RR 426 4bbl 727 9.78 @ 138 best so far.
79 Lil Red Express.
96 2500 Ram 5.9
99 Durango 5.9

[IceMans68RdRunner]

So would the belevdre be a nice drag car? Does it have good weight distribution? Do you think it weights less than my Road Runner?

Thanks in advance,

Bryan

------------------
68 Road Runner, 32,000mi.
*440 .30 over
*.528 lift Mopar Purple Shaft cam
*Ductile Rockers
*TCI 3000 stall
*Richmond 4.30 gears
*Edelbrock Torker 440 intake
*830 Holley Double Pumper
*Cheetah Manual Shift Valve Body.
*Stock 906 Heads
*Firestone 30.10.15 slicks
*10:3:1 TRW Pistons

[Belvedere]

The old 64 would be all right. Mopar has a very efficient suspension stock. There are a lot of cars with super stock springs and pinion snubbers out there. It is a big car compared to a Dart or Demon, but hey it's bracket racing it doesn't matter how fast you go as long as you are consistant. How quick you go is a personal preferance. 66-67 Bels have very little room for tires I have been able to squeeze 31 x 10.5W tires in and still have room. I did use 40" wheel wells to get the clearance I needed, and I had to move the front of the wheel opening forward a few inches. All you can do is measure what you can put in there and decide how much you want to spend. The more traction you get the better your consistancy. If you like the body style you are wasting time, it should be in your garage already.

[IceMans68RdRunner]

Would the 64 Belvedre be lighter than my 68 Road Runner. I mean if they were both stock not lightened at all. Also I cant find any info on Belvedres what so ever. Like fiber glass parts or anything. Does anyone know of any places I can look up info on Belvedres? Or where I can get fiber glass parts for her at? Any info will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Bryan

------------------
68 Road Runner, 32,000mi.
*440 .30 over
*.528 lift Mopar Purple Shaft cam
*Ductile Rockers
*TCI 3000 stall
*Richmond 4.30 gears
*Edelbrock Torker 440 intake
*830 Holley Double Pumper
*Cheetah Manual Shift Valve Body.
*Stock 906 Heads
*Firestone 30.10.15 slicks
*10:3:1 TRW Pistons

[1965 Hemi Guy]

I use a 1981 Aries K body on a Alston
Tube Chassie cars are super light and
very easy to find for almost no money.
For what it cost to buy and set up a
older regular car you can put together
a chassie car and have a real race
car. Ours has a 540 Koffel B-1 and a 2
speed glide but mine is built for
S/Gas you don't have to go that nuts.

------------------

One owner 1965 HEMI Car
S/Pro Aries K Car

[IceMans68RdRunner]

I think im going to buy this 64 Belvedre. Hell for only $300 dollars you cant go wrong. Yeah there is no drive train but I have that. The cool car is there is not a bit of rust on the car. Perfect for me!!!!

Thanks for all the replies,

Bryan

------------------
68 Road Runner, 32,000mi.
*440 .30 over
*.528 lift Mopar Purple Shaft cam
*Ductile Rockers
*TCI 3000 stall
*Richmond 4.30 gears
*Edelbrock Torker 440 intake
*830 Holley Double Pumper
*Cheetah Manual Shift Valve Body.
*Stock 906 Heads
*Firestone 30.10.15 slicks
*10:3:1 TRW Pistons

[IceMans68RdRunner]

Well I went and looked at the car it ended up been a beautiful red no rust at all 64 Sport Fury. I ended up buying the car for $250 dollars instead of the $300 he was asking. He was really helpfull and informative for me. There is no rust on the car at all. Even the underneath of the car isnt rusty because it still has the factory undercoating on it. And where the undercoating flaked off it is bright Red. The car is all there all the way down to the trim pieces. Is there a big weight difference between the 64 Belvedre and the 64 Sport Fury?? If so tell me the difference if any at all.

Thanks,

Bryan

------------------
68 Road Runner, 32,000mi.
*440 .30 over
*.528 lift Mopar Purple Shaft cam
*Ductile Rockers
*TCI 3000 stall
*Richmond 4.30 gears
*Edelbrock Torker 440 intake
*830 Holley Double Pumper
*Cheetah Manual Shift Valve Body.
*Stock 906 Heads
*Firestone 30.10.15 slicks
*10:3:1 TRW Pistons

[IceMans68RdRunner]

What is the difference between the 64 Belvedre and the 64 Sport Fury??? And how much did each of these cars weight???

Thanks in advance,

Bryan

------------------
68 Road Runner, 32,000mi.
*440 .30 over
*.528 lift Mopar Purple Shaft cam
*Ductile Rockers
*TCI 3000 stall
*Richmond 4.30 gears
*Edelbrock Torker 440 intake
*830 Holley Double Pumper
*Cheetah Manual Shift Valve Body.
*Stock 906 Heads
*Firestone 30.10.15 slicks
*10:3:1 TRW Pistons

[MPRDUST340]

IceMan - I think the only difference was trim and some options something like the
RR & GTX wt.is 2dr Belvedere 3190lbs 2dr Sport Fury 3270lbs hope that helps
Bruce

[This message has been edited by MPRDUST340 (edited April 23, 2000).]

[IceMans68RdRunner]

Thank You that helps me alot!!!


Bryan

------------------
68 Road Runner, 32,000mi.
64 Plymouth Fury Sport
*440 .30 over
*.528 lift Mopar Purple Shaft cam
*Ductile Rockers
*TCI 3000 stall
*Richmond 4.30 gears
*Mopar M1 intake
*830 Holley Double Pumper
*Cheetah Manual Shift Valve Body.
*Indy 440 SR Heads
*Firestone 30.10.15 slicks
*11:5:1 TRW Pistons

[Cudadrag]

I have raced my 69 GTX 440 mag.. (B-body) And a 72 Demon 440 (A-Body) and now building a 70 Cuda (E-Body) And I can safely say the E-body is superior. Wider with better weight balance and much more wheel well flexibility then an A-body but a little heavier (but not all that much). Lighter and more streamed line then a B-body. The E-body is just far more versatile. I have fit 31x14 inch slicks (15" rim) on the original Dana 60 rear (not shortened) with just a little fender cut. You can still find a small block or 6 cyl Cuda for somewhat reasonable price. Arizona is right. The cost is escalating.. But that is true for all Muscle cars too.

[Tom-Sweden]

My -69 Coronet weights 2840P with me in it,race ready with 30P of gas in the fuel cell, I still have gutted steel doors and original rear bumper.

Here´s my web site [url]http://dodge-540cui.iscool.net/[/url

[Kevin Garceau]

Dragster of course.

Most consistent, best visibility, easy on parts and go fast cheap

[wildcargo]

My 64 330 post is 2840# the only fiberglass is the front bumper.
440 = .030
620-MP cam
arias 13.5:1 pistions
Eagle rods
E-heads
Victor intake
950-HP
2" A-body fenderwell headers
727
456 gear
11.5x29.5x15W slicks
footbrake leaf springs
average run 10.30 at 130 1.46 60'
If I only had a glass hood and fenders

[Billy Humphrey]

I agree with Kevin. Dragster's are the way to go.

[wildcargo]

I like the dragster we ran C/D back in the 60s but he said what-- CAR--

[Billy Humphrey]

A Dragster is a car . I know just trying to help I ruined a 67 Dodge R/T slowly doing more and more to it making a Drag car out of it. In the end I had cut it up to much to put it back on the street and it still was not the race car I needed it to be. If only some one would have told me now I would have a nice B body R/T for a street car. I am just trying to help some one else from making the same mistake.

A fast chevy is like a UFO you hear people talk about them but you never
see one.

[OriginalB1]

67 thru 69 darts and cudas have proven to be the fastest stock cars Mopar ever built. They are running high 8s now!

That said, "they're all good"

Mine is a Challenger right now, but I just got a 67 cuda project.