Brainstorming a new project, what's your opinion?

[Brewtal66]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

Pick ups and "Elkys" do NOT make good track cars.... Check out any of the times on USCA -- or Good-Guys and you'll see the trucks just aren't competitive, despite having some pretty good drivers. They just don't hook up.

I used to have a 69 El Camino SS with a 396... was the worst driving car ever. All it ever did was light up the tires.

If you want to build a track car - at least start out with something that isn't burdened right out of the box. This stuff is hard enough and costs enough as it is without trying to turn something that doesn't work into something that is now just expensive and doesn't work.

Even if I move the engine and trans back and get this to an almost 50/50 weight distribution?

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Originally Posted by Brewtal66

Even if I move the engine and trans back and get this to an almost 50/50 weight distribution?

yep, super light is not always a good thing but it all can be tuned. Beauty of starting with a light car and link suspension. You can add and move weight around and tune AS for traction.

Your gonna want some rear weight biased. 45 front/ 55 rear.

Most of those cars Greg speaks of are still tri 4 bar rears with not a lot of tire. With a clean sheet suspension a lot of improments can be made. Long arm 3 link, cantillever coil overs and watts comes to mind.

Let the rear end go if he wants it. Your probably better off starting fresh. Theres a bunch to change on the current rear end housing.

[Brewtal66]

Originally Posted by Vince@MSperfab

yep, super light is not always a good thing but it all can be tuned. Beauty of starting with a light car and link suspension. You can add and move weight around and tune AS for traction.

Your gonna want some rear weight biased. 45 front/ 55 rear.

Most of those cars Greg speaks of are still tri 4 bar rears with not a lot of tire. With a clean sheet suspension a lot of improments can be made. Long arm 3 link, cantillever coil overs and watts comes to mind.

Let the rear end go if he wants it. Your probably better off starting fresh. Theres a bunch to change on the current rear end housing.

I know some weight will get added back into the car. For starters, I'd put in a glass front windshield. I'd also put the guts back in the door to have working windows. A bigger fuel cell would add a little weight.

What's your thought on a rear mounted radiator?

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Not necessary. The cooling system will be lighter where it belongs. If you are worried about upfront weight your better off with and aluminum rad support and composite bumpers.

[Brewtal66]

I'm pretty sure he already has a glass front bumper for it. I'd also add some carpeting and a basic stereo, and some heat/AC.

Sounds like it will be a fun car. Next step is to get it registered in my name. Hasn't been registered since the 80s.