Author Topic: Budget rail  (Read 12282 times)

Offline Kentucky Mark

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Budget rail
« on: January 13, 2019, 03:28:57 PM »
I've been out of drag racing for some time!Went to a show yesterday and I think I've got the bug again.My starting point would be a 450hp 327 Chevy and a Dana 60.I do body work and Fab work for a living .Would like to build a old school rail from scratch.Any advice from anyone here would be appreciated


Offline wideopen231

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Re: Budget rail
« Reply #1 on: January 13, 2019, 05:09:04 PM »
SFI spec on what ever spec you want to build to.  if don't have plans you can get them from Mark Williams.S&W or Neil and Parks I think have a set they sell.Neil and Parks would be my choice. Great guys.Have every piece you might need,brackets and specialty items. Frank and Scott are super helpful. Also Roo man on site is great for info. Main thing is motor and rearend alignment.

Building yourself is butt load of fun and personal satisfaction. I know.It can get to be drugout if money becomes issue,I know this too well. Get collection of fed videos on computer,great motivation.

Read thru Roo mans section here lots of helpful tips. Build and enjoy. Always willing to give advice for what it worth. My email is wydopn2312@yahoo.com and if need phone chat is heck of lot easier than typing.LOL
Relecting obama is like shooting right foot because it did not hurt enough when you shot left foot

Offline Kentucky Mark

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Re: Budget rail
« Reply #2 on: January 13, 2019, 06:15:17 PM »
Thank you sir!

Offline jeff/21

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Re: Budget rail
« Reply #3 on: January 13, 2019, 09:20:59 PM »
enjoy yourself!
if the dana is not narrowed to the width you need, I would sell as it's worth good money and buy something lighter as you don't need all that beef

Offline Kentucky Mark

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Re: Budget rail
« Reply #4 on: January 14, 2019, 02:18:50 AM »
Nine inch ? I've only raced a heavy door car bigger was better!lol I was leaning toward the Dana as it's a full floater?
Thanks

Offline rooman

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Re: Budget rail
« Reply #5 on: January 14, 2019, 04:42:00 AM »
One problem with the Dana is that it IS "bigger and better" and for that reason it is a little bulky to be draping your legs over. And if it is not already the correct width for a front motor car narrowing it is a bitch. I generally use the Strange H1110/2 housing as it is compact and makes for more room in the cockpit.

Roo
Yeah, I am from the south--any further south and I would have been a bloody penguin.

Offline jeff/21

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Re: Budget rail
« Reply #6 on: January 14, 2019, 11:38:35 AM »
 yes 9" is good lots of parts,easy to work on, aftermarket housings come in all shape and sizes check out the one Roo uses

dreracecar

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Re: Budget rail
« Reply #7 on: January 14, 2019, 11:42:31 AM »
With that combo, plenty of Mopar 8 3/4's out there, small-cheap- easy to work on, The car will weigh in at around 1500#, no need for a gynormas and heavy rear end. Although a 9" is popular, its still on the side of overkill and not cheap to build

Offline rooman

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Re: Budget rail
« Reply #8 on: January 14, 2019, 11:57:24 AM »
I've been out of drag racing for some time!Went to a show yesterday and I think I've got the bug again.My starting point would be a 450hp 327 Chevy and a Dana 60.I do body work and Fab work for a living .Would like to build a old school rail from scratch.Any advice from anyone here would be appreciated

Did Shaw's section at the Cavalcade of Customs suck you in?  :)
Yeah, I am from the south--any further south and I would have been a bloody penguin.

Offline Kentucky Mark

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Re: Budget rail
« Reply #9 on: January 14, 2019, 02:44:40 PM »
Yes it did

Offline Kentucky Mark

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Re: Budget rail
« Reply #10 on: January 14, 2019, 02:46:15 PM »
I'm kinda halfway there with a fresh engine

Offline retroboy

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Re: Budget rail
« Reply #11 on: January 14, 2019, 08:04:36 PM »
I'm an expert on budget builds and the best advise I can give you is don't get sucked in by all the stuff guys are going to tell you that you need.  What worked 20 years ago will still work today. Good luck and enjoy yourself.

Offline jeff/21

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Re: Budget rail
« Reply #12 on: January 14, 2019, 08:27:39 PM »
retroboy is right things haven't changed much except for electronics and EFI which you don't need, you don't need trick parks keep it simple and start with a plan get parts that work together don't over build make strong and light and safe

Offline Kentucky Mark

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Re: Budget rail
« Reply #13 on: January 15, 2019, 02:16:37 AM »
I agree completely I want something to run 8-10 times a year that won't break the bank and eat parts constantly

Offline Kentucky Mark

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Re: Budget rail
« Reply #14 on: January 15, 2019, 02:34:46 AM »
Can you build one with mild steel tubing?At work we build all our rock buggies with mild steel and it so much easier to work with than chromoly.Im going to get sfi book shortly and a new NHRA book the one I have is from the mid nineties lol