After much soul-searching and thought, I've decided to keep my Valiant and turn it into a "stock eliminator style" 273 machine. I've spent a lot of time thinking about this. I've done some research and decided that this is something I can realistically achieve without spending huge amounts of money.
Some may know that i was trying to sell the car and that it was the original "memike" object of desire. I'll admit though that other than two people, I got no bites on the sale of the car, so something must be telling me to keep it. Sometimes things reveal themselves like that, I guess it's a matter of fate if you believe in that type of stuff. But I digress...
Plans for the 273 include a set of "legal" 302 heads, (which raise the comp. ratio significantly over the original heads) a 273 4BBL manifold, Carter 625 CFM AFB and (possibly) tti headers on top of a stout short block. I have a forged steel crank already. Have yet to figure what my comp. ratio needs to be and my rpm level. If I can make around 375 HP at the wheels, (approx. 2 hp/c.i.!!) I think that might do the trick. Tall order, yes! Am I deluding myself? Not sure, but I'm looking forward to the challenge of getting the little engine to run. The car is pretty light, so that will help.
Plans for the chassis include a Cal Trac set up with 9" slicks and frame connectors. A roll bar may be necessary, but that's likely down the road. The car has disk brakes in front. I have an 8 3/4 housing too. Need to figure out my gearing, I have a 4.10 center section right now, may need to go up to 4.30's.
I'm hoping to get into the low 12's to start and hopefully into the 11's eventually. The car fits into J/SA which is a 12.75 index. The current record for the class is 11.12 which I may never get close to, but I'd like to get to around an 11.75 someday. Naturally this will take a lot of effort, know how and practice.
It will start out as a bracket car so it won't be entirely legal to run in class. I think if I'm able to get it where I want ET-wise, I could change some components to make it legal for NHRA stock and go from there.
The car will need to be taken apart, but not completely. The interior is very good, so that will mean less work. I will need to get it painted and have some body work done, but hopefully it won't break the bank. I've been down this road before and unfortunately never completely finished the project. This time however I'm armed with more confidence, knowledge and experience and a car that does not require as much work.
I have no time table for this project. I am starting to gather parts already, so I will probably continue to do that over the summer. Perhaps I might get motivated and tear it apart one weekend, but probably not for a month or two, and at least not 'till after Carlisle where hopefully I can fill some holes on my parts list.
It's gonna be cool and if anything this car will be fairly unique. Would like to hear what people think, good, bad or indifferent.
Greg
