building my 65

[65popred289]

hello everyone. I've got a 65 with a rebuilt 289 with 30k on it, no mods. C-4 green dot and 3:1 open diff. I'm looking into building up the car. I'm doing suspension and brakes now, but am planning out performance. I want to run at least 13.5 in the 1/4. It is a daily driver. If I were to put in a new block I would go 351W (probably 393?) Which transmisson would you put with it? I'm looking for all the help I can get. Looking for a dependable car. How much what your your suggestions cost? And what would you do? Thanks a lot, all your feedback is highly appreciated.

 

[GaPonyFarm]

You'll need a performance tranny... I use the TCI Streetfighter tranny (equialent anyway) thats good to at least 450 hp... You can buy one for $750 (less bellhousing). You'll also need a new torque converter for it.. $150-$400 depending on what you want.

You'll definitely need a 9" posi rearend with 31 spline axles - $1800 if you buy new.

Don't forget the drag radials, traction bars, subframe connectors, etc...

 

[D Durden]

The Windsor is a great choice. The 409 I have is mega-reliable (147k so far and never been touched) and a hoss.

As far as trannies go, you can spend a bunch of money on a "built" one or take a chance with a toploader 4-speed. I've heard the Tremec is a sturdy box, and I'm THINKING about one . . . someday, but it's tough to beat a topper. They're bricks. You've got to WORK to break one, and, unless you're going to put some monster meats under your car, you'll probably spin the tires WAY before you load up your box.

There are some drag shops in Memphis that will sell you a cut niner with discs for less than a grand . . . last time I checked.

The big question is how often do you want to drag this puppy in relation to cruising. If you're going to hit the strip twice a weekend 35 weeks out of the year, then you'd better opt for all the pricey equipment.

If you're going to try it once or twice, feel good about the car, and then go hit Sonic for a few months, eh, a good toploader and a reasonable 9-inch should do you fine.

Mid 13's aren't THAT far out of sight with a stroked 351 . . . even a mild one.

Remember, though, if you want to go quick, you're probably going to tinker with the gears which can eat into your reliability (long term) and gas mileage. I run 3.00's, and I'm doing about 3k at 70mph. I do OKAY mileage, but it costs some cash to travel even with that high of a rear. I cringe at 4.11's or even 3.50's. Of course, with a 9 it's easy to change the rears out.

IF this is a daily driver, let me make a suggestion. Don't build a dedicated drag car. Build a ROAD car with enough engine to drag. Horsepower is nice, but a big motor WON'T save your life. Big brakes, QUALITY suspension, and some ultra-sticky Toyo tires WILL. Trust me on that one.

Oh, did I mention Toyo tires?

Good luck!

http://durden.stangnet.com

 

[rbohm]

D Duren is right, build a road car that has some power if this is a daily driver. also build it so it is dependable with a capital D, especially if your significant other may drive the car once in a while. for specific recomendations;
1: use a 351w or c engine. for 13's i wouldnt build a stroker as you dont need it.

2: use an AOD tranny with a wide ratio gear conversion, and 3.50 gears.

3: front disc brakes and large drums on the rear at a minimum.

4: build a solid chassis and suspension, you wont regret it.

 

[D Durden]

D Duren is right,

DON'T SAY THAT TOO LOUD!!!! My wife may be listening

Oh, about the "significant other" thing driving your car, it HELPS if they're a Stanger, too (see Lisa GT).

Some guys find a car on StangNet, some find advice . . . I found a wife!