10.50 quarter mile
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Philly PA
10.50 quarter mile
Hi everyone! I finally got my feet wet with an 80 L82. I worked out a few figures for the cars performance but I'd like to know what pitfalls may arise. I'm building a 427 big block and already built a th400 for the car. I'd like to make it in the 10.5 index. I noticed small things like a couple cracks in the glass and I'm hearing the diff doesn't hold up.
I appreciate all advice and direction in advance.
I appreciate all advice and direction in advance.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,723
Likes: 557
From: Seattle Washington
Hi everyone! I finally got my feet wet with an 80 L82. I worked out a few figures for the cars performance but I'd like to know what pitfalls may arise. I'm building a 427 big block and already built a th400 for the car. I'd like to make it in the 10.5 index. I noticed small things like a couple cracks in the glass and I'm hearing the diff doesn't hold up.
I appreciate all advice and direction in advance.
I appreciate all advice and direction in advance.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,096
Likes: 990
From: Sierra Foothills CA
Your TH400 with the right torque converter will absorb some of the shock as you come off the line vs. a hard launch with a clutch. Definitely get the Spicer solid U-joints. I'm really not sure how the strength of your rear end compares to my '69 but you will want to beef it up and that can get expensive. Parts or a new unit from Tom's differentials would be a good solution if you can spring for them. I'd love to hear more about that 427 if/when you have your build details. Sounds like a whole lot of fun. Taking weight off of the car would ease the strain too as well as make you quicker, as I'm sure you know. Details please! 
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Philly PA
The th400 I put in has a 1350 yolk on it. I had to use a conversion joint to get it up and running. But I plan on using three shafts from Jegs with the 1350s on them and they have to be cut to fit. I believe they are 3 inch shafts. I also was thinking of switching the four yolks to the manual trans ones. And the diff bolts to ARP.
I would like to run the Nitto 555 tire.
I would like to run the Nitto 555 tire.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Philly PA
The engine will be a 427T. Approx 11.8 to 12.25 pistons. 6.80 rods. Solid roller. Big valves. And I'm making an intake for it to use four 90 mm throttles. Goin fuel injected!
Goal to make 675hp around 6500. Should make for a fun machine...
Goal to make 675hp around 6500. Should make for a fun machine...
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,096
Likes: 990
From: Sierra Foothills CA
I used to run that Nitto and they were a bit too easy to blow away, even with some heat in them. My '69 is a good bit below the power level you'll need to run mid 10s, so you'd zing those Nittos pretty easily. I've run the MT ET Streets for a couple years now and they are much better.
It sounds like you've figured out much of what you'll need already. I got my half shafts and safety loops from Dragvette. The half shafts are 3" like yours and came with the Spicer solids if memory serves. Those loops may be worth a look for you.
It sounds like you've figured out much of what you'll need already.
I got my half shafts and safety loops from Dragvette. The half shafts are 3" like yours and came with the Spicer solids if memory serves. Those loops may be worth a look for you.
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Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,096
Likes: 990
From: Sierra Foothills CA
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Philly PA
One thing for sure is the steering system is going to the metal bin! Wow is it ridiculous....I see a company is making a rack conversion for the C3 but costs bank.
I found a realistic solution. The power rack from a 05 Malibu is a viable suiter. It looks like a manual rack the power assistance is by elec motor. But I'm going to use it as a manual. And make some brackes.
Sorry Steer***s the secret is out...lol.
I found a realistic solution. The power rack from a 05 Malibu is a viable suiter. It looks like a manual rack the power assistance is by elec motor. But I'm going to use it as a manual. And make some brackes.
Sorry Steer***s the secret is out...lol.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,096
Likes: 990
From: Sierra Foothills CA
It'll be interesting to see what you figure out with the steering system. Heck, the whole project will be interesting. My '69 is just a street car that I play with. I'd love to have a project like yours. You should post some updates as you progress- and videos of it in action when the time comes. 
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Philly PA
My car will be a daily driver as well my friend. Can't have fun if ya can't drive it when ya want to!
Will put up some progress reports as soon as I figure that out. First time forum member. Lol.
Will put up some progress reports as soon as I figure that out. First time forum member. Lol.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,096
Likes: 990
From: Sierra Foothills CA
Great, looking forward to it. The folks here love photos. The new Photobucket makes it easy to post here on the forum. If you need help there's a tutorial here in the "Help Forum" at the bottom of the main page- or you can hit me up.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 680
Likes: 5
From: Denham Springs LA
Differential is definitely your weak link. I have BBC in my 76, making around 585 hp. Th350 tranny and MT street drag radials. I race it a lot. Stock rebuilt differential lasted about 150 (or maybe 300, I cant remember) passes if I remeber correctly before loosing teeth on ring gear.
Tracdogg rebuilt it for me as a super 10. Couple hundred passes later and it's still going strong.
Tracdogg is on this forum and really knows these rear ends. You can search for his threads, he has good input.
Keep us updated.
Roger
Tracdogg rebuilt it for me as a super 10. Couple hundred passes later and it's still going strong.
Tracdogg is on this forum and really knows these rear ends. You can search for his threads, he has good input.
Keep us updated.
Roger
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,086
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From: Lebanon Township New Jersey
I agree with roger3, your diff is a concern, particularly since I believe yours is aluminum. The earlier cars had an iron center section.
Where do you plan to race the car?
Where do you plan to race the car?
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,445
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
I have a 434 ci in my vette with somewhat less hp than what you want. My advice is to build it with more CI and it will attain 10.5 easier like a 472 or a 496 ci