Projects Slingshot/Rail Dragster/FED

OK Im am slow to post but I have a thought of making a small low powered slingshot dragster. The biggest motor I would put in her at first is a Ford 289. I would like to get a old 4 cyl or slant 6 to power it. This is a project I would like to take to the track and still be safe going under 100 mph in the 1/4 mile. I want to know from people who have made and raced them if I am barking up the wrong tree. Plus is it possible to have it pass NHRA rules so I could take it fast as possible down the track. I really don't know much about drag racing but have found the thrill of going down the track and it is addicting. I know it would not be traditional but I was thinking of front wheels being motorcycle wheels with disc brakes and simple drum for the rear (The front could be standerd car brakes if the other would be not worth it). Then a mostly stock 289 with a ford C4 or 6 automatic tranny and of course a 9" curry rear. I do plan on having my wife race it also. My life is one thing but hers is another. Any tech help would be appreciated.

PS This is just a feeler thread to see if it is worth the effort to get the rule book and start the project. I need it to be cheap and small for room and money reasons.

 

This I believe is a legal one but I want to do it myself you know the satisfaction of yes I built it.
and what makes it legal?

 

I believe they refer to this being "legal" because the rollcage would pass NHRA tech. inspection. I too am thinking about doing a small carb motored rail, you may want to take a look at the HAMBsters also known as HA/GR as a way to get your feet wet for a low cost! The HAMBster guys a really cool and more than willing to answer questions.

 

if you've never built one, you might just wanna look for a nice roller and drop your gear in it.

 

This is another way to go and easier but I really like the slingshot look.

 

You could own this? $3800

 

Get a rule book and let it be your guide. Blending the old look with the modern rules will be your biggest challenge, but it can be done IF you're willing to make a few small concessions.

BTW - mine is "legal" (NHRA certified to 7.50) Not exactly the era you're after, but an example just the same.

FWIW the NHRA rule book is only the starting place - the SFI rules will also need to be consulted.

Good Luck and keep us posted

 

1. For what you have outlined, yes you can do it yourself. I assume you are a decent metal fabricator. Make it out of mild steel. Make it similar to the NHRA rulebook specs. Slower than 10 seconds, it don't matter much.

If you have access to somebody's rail that you can measure and copy, you will be 100 times ahead of the game. That is what I am doing.

"Legal" usually means legal for ET's under 10 seconds flat. Things get complicated in a hurry in this area. Stick to your plan for now.

Looks like you already have the tow vehicle ready.

 

Kinda period looking is what I am shooting for but not the law for me.

My dad built his own race cars I will draw a lot from him. I am just scared if I start the project and take it to the track that they will laugh and say NO!. Alot of hard work down the drain and where to go from there. From what you all are telling me is that for the speed I want to go sticking by the NHRA and SFI rules it can be done. But I do want to make sure it can be as safe to drive as I make it. I do plan on visiting the local track plus I live close to Don Garlets museum and possibly do some tech frrom them. This will be a 2-3 year project this is just the dream stage.

How do they hold up to the typical accident on the track at slower speeds unlike the super fast HEMI type ones?

 

I'd try and make friends with your local NHRA tech guy too, they can be a huge source of information if you have them look at your car at different stages during the build. A good one will let you know what is ok and what you need to fix before you build yourself into a corner. A bad one can make your life hell at the track lol...but just remember even if a tech. gives you a hard time ITS FOR YOUR OWN PROTECTION, so try not to give them a hard time.

 

Absolutely I am not a professional nor claim to be just a hobbiest who wants to be beat by some fast cars and if I win, you know you are slow. A small car like this one, the speed I want to go I can build the engine to power it down the track to stay around 15 second ET's so weight is no problem. Safety is the main concern!

 

You bet, keep it safe and keep it fun! You're gonna get used to the speed and want to go faster and faster (the racers curse haha!) so it would be nice to over build the car and have that option. Sounds like you have a good plan lined out be sure to keep us updated!

 

Where are you at in Florida??
I believe that you were at the Billetproof drags at Lakeland?
I had the HAMB gas rail that was there. It runs in the 14's in the 1/4, but it is not NHRA legal according to them.
I'm running a single hoop roll bar which should be legal to 11.00, but they class the car as a dragster/altered because the rear end is solid mounted.
If you are anywhere close to the Brandon/Valrico area, let me know and we can get together and discuss.
Robert

 

Absolutely

I live near orlando and yes it is because of you and others I am considering this hair brain idea. Why did you need to have so much fun during the drags. My truck is great but what if it breaks, thats why the car is interesting to me. And yea you car looks crazy fun.

 

DEFINITELY go talk to your local track inspector and then the Chassis Cert guy - these guys will steer you in the direction that will save you grief later.

My project took ALOT longer than I really thought it would, but I also never pushed myself in terms of "just getting it done" - instead I enjoyed every step of the journey and made things exactly how I wanted them - no excuses. If you're like me - you may also find that $$$ (or lack of it) may also determine how fast (or in my case how slow) your progress will be at times. In my case I estimate it took about a year to get the tail piece on my car - it's not that it took a year to fab the tail, but I also built some metal shaping machines to assist in that process - that took the time too.

As for the ET - definitely PLAN on building it to go FASTER than you want! Things change and you don't want to lock yourself into a corner. Also it will go ALOT faster than you think!!! Mine go's 9.50's on a near stock motor.

BTW EVERY good project starts as a pipe dream!!!!!!

Plan your work - work your plan!!! Enjoy


The digger you want ot build looks very similar to what Kerry is building - you ought to give him a holler - I bet he could shed some light on things for you.

 

Twin Pontiac 194's in an old Rail

 

I going to watch this thread closely. You're starting the dream I've had for a while. I want to build a dragster for my son when he gets old enough. I just don't want him out there street racing like I did. Sure, we all want a nitro snortin' blown Hemi, but a small block rail on a budget would be a blast! Please keep us posted.

 

If you want to build something similiar to what I have, let me know and I will help you all I can. I do happen to have a chassis that I bought to get the rear end housing and steering off of.
It would be perfect for a HAMB dragster. It needs the cage re-worked but the main chassis is good. If you are interested, PM me and we will get together on it. We are talking letting it go for $75.00. This is for the chassis only.
Robert

 

I like the slant 6 slant.....Clifford Research is a good source....They are pretty torquey for a 6 cylinder....add three weber dcoe's and they look pretty waspy.

 

HA/GR
Simple, fun, cool.

 

There's a number of people on here who drive and/or have built what you want to do. Check out a group called the 'Southern Slingshots' they are an active bunch of guys that race FED often, at least one of them is on the hamb (Jim with the MightyMouse). They'll give you a bunch of money & time saving advice.
That King chassis is a beautiful thing, do you have an original catalog? How is it that you came by that?

 

http://www.kingchassis.net/

 

Thanks I will talk to Kerry when I get closer to thinking about starting it. Got to pass it by the finance dept (The wife)

I honestly never heard of a Pontiac 194 4cyl slant awsome all I want is just one for free I will take good care of it.

Clifford 6=8 ahhhh yes

Thanks for the info I will look into them http://74.52.154.242/~etracing/ssg.html and Little Wing answered your last question

Thanks!

 

Little Wing you are evil
I hate you
I now want a Pontiac Half HEMI

 

I say you are crazy to drive one of those cars. Lippy

 

Bring on the insanity! Here's what I'm tinkering with.

 

evil was my middle name

 

I built this one a couple of years ago. Here it is in its current state. I made everything , even the front end, shifter, steering wheel and of course chassis. I built it with both the IHRA and NHRA rule book right there. I had a SFI guy check it over this year and he said it could run anywhere. Nothing wrong. I worked as for the NHRA guy at the Old Mohawk Dragstrip in the late 60s doing inspections so i had a idea anyway. The engine is a slant six. First was a street engine but now I am getting more serious. It is fun to drive and goes as straight as an arrow but for a old guy is a blast. Some may have seen it a couple of times on the garage segment of GearZ TV. I dont know how much I have in it but it isnt a lot. The roll bar may seem big to some of you. Please excuse that. I am 5,11 at 306 pounds and have a serverly damaged and unrepairable rib cage so i have to have a good opening to get in and out.
As late as this week two others were in my garage wondering about building a similar dragster. Both wanted 6 cylinders but one is an AMC guy!
I would encourage you to go ahead. I built mine short enough so it could be carrried in the bed of my pick up. It is 96 inches wheelbase but you could stretch it out a bit if you want 120" seems to have the "right look". Take your time and be particular on your tubing. Dont let the metal supplier sell you none legal stuff. I built it Mild Steel because I have what I need to work with that. I insist on DOM and above minimum thickness per the rules. I had another shop do my bends at $10 per bend. I made a cardboard pattern for them to follow. It was a lot of fun to build and is fun to drive. All the best on your idea.
Don

 

As said in a ST song, you wouldn't know what crazy is if charles manson was eating Fruit Loops on your front pourch

That is mastering not tinkering like using a bulldozer to plant panzys

That is just about what I want to build a short dragster with a small engine and I love the radiator. Im sure it gets some strange looks but in theory you could possibly run back to back races. I hope to do the same with mine. Is the front axle welded to the frame? How does it run at 96 inches and what are the ET's if you have run it?

 

Guys and Gals, if you want to build a dragster, you absolutely can! If regular everyday people from all walks of life can build a homebuilt AIRPLANE......you can build a dragster! They are a blast to drive, I don't care if it's got a 4cyl flathead engine. I am thinking about building another car myself. Short wb injected chev on pop. Something I can load on an open trailer and pull behind my 55 chevy. Find a buddy...or not....and get to gathering parts!!!! Lippy (dragster advocate and all around dragster guy) in Ks.