What Does Your Pro "Street" Car Run? [Archive]

PROZ11

Aug 18th, 08, 08:09 AM

I am one of those guys that drives to the track to show the car.I have to much time invested in every nut and bolt I've done every thing on the car with the exception of wireing it and I did most of that as well.So if you think that every Pro-Street car has to show a time slip. I'm not going to chance going into a wall again except for the next time it would be alot faster and some of the guys here know where I'm coming from.So I'm going to be one of those guys that yall talk about......

I agree with David. I didn't build my car with the track and time slips in mind. I'm more towards the "street" in ProStreet. If I was going to build a car more towards the track I would not have started with a 69 Camaro convertible. Not to say I would be opposed to maybe taking it down the track once or twice but I'm not pushing for that to happen. I'm not sure they'd even lt me run my car at the track. And like David, I also have a lot of time and money invested in the car and don't need to break anything or hurt (or worse) the car in anyway. For one thing, I don't think my T56 would like too many launches with the blown big block in front of it and 18.5" soft compound Mickeys behind it.

Now with that said, I'm pretty sure the car wouldn't embarrass itself at the track. This thing pulls extremely hard and it's on a pretty conservitave tune right now until I get some more miles on it and work out a few bugs. If you talk to anyone who has gone for a ride in it they'll tell you I don't baby this car around on the street. It just hasn't seen a track. Maybe someday.

ProdigyCustoms

Aug 18th, 08, 09:16 AM

I have a friend with a quarter million dollar, Carbon fiber bodied, 2200HP blown / alcohol injected Pro Street car that does not race it either. he rides it up and down the strip, into Steak and Shake, some car shows, That is his thing. To each his own.

It is a badd ass ride and absolutly beutiful.

Being the buddy I am I had to jab him a bit. I told him he has Plamate of the Month on his arm. He can strut her around and show her off, but he cannot sleep with her, LOL!

I have another buddy, same thing. 756HP All Aluminum 572CI we put in his Chevelle. He was mortified to find out that we raced Project EmptyNest off the trailer with less then one mile on it! Could not believe we drove it, let alone raced it! i pulled into the resturant the other day in it, he was standing shaking his head like I was doing something wrong driving it!

Again, that is his thing and I have made some money building what he likes. Trophy winning show cars.

Me, I am badd. The more beutiful and built for speed she is, the more I have to pound on it hard as I can.

That's my thing.

1969ProStreetCamaro

Aug 18th, 08, 02:02 PM

No way. It is a lot faster then that. I have stacks of time slips, lots in that range. A 6.10 is a 9.50 all day. What is your MPH? 114MPH? You will gain 25MPH in the second half of the track.

Frank,
Best MPH of 112. My MPH will vary from 110 to 112. Btw, great video of that race!!!!!!

camaroman7d

Aug 18th, 08, 02:40 PM

camaroman7d

Aug 18th, 08, 02:47 PM

Gret post Royce!
I'm a diehard racer, I can't imagine ever owning anything I wouldn't be willing to take to the track :thumbsup:
So based on your qoute above, I guess that leaves out our "Pro street" race car huh? ;) It has doors......isn't that enough :D

That is one bad car, not exactly a street car but, faster than anything that needs to be on the street. I'm in for Vegas this year. Are you guys still planning to make the trip?

I agree I don't understand why a guy would want to put lots of money into a car buy all the good parts, make big power have 4 foot wide tires, parachute, wheelie bars, etc... and not at least make a couple passes to see if his money and effort was well spent. The older Pro Street cars that almost ruined the image were usually WAY underpowered and over fluffed (all the bells and whistles and slow as can be). I have no problem with that but, lose the parachute, wheelie bars, funny car cage, etc... That way when you run 14 or 15 second ET's it doesn't look as bad.

camaroman7d

Aug 18th, 08, 02:49 PM

I race it on motor on pump gas, 93 octane. runs 10.70s-80s on motor, best of 10.62 in mine shaft air.

On that particular run we drove it 30 miles to the cruise, 22 miles on the cruise, raced it and drove 35 miles home. All on pump gas.

That run is on pump gas with a seperate small cell of 114 for the nitrous injection. Pump gas through the carb with 114 added for the nitrous. Bringing the octane up during the run.

I have run pump gas only with the nitrous, but hate to risk it. I use a pint of race gas on a full 300HP nitrous pass, so it is super cheap insurance

Very impressive performance. Thanks for being open about the fuel, some guys get upset when I ask them if the numbers are on pump gas, like it's an insult or something. I only ask so I have a reference point.

Your car runs very hard on and off the bottle, good job!

Skeeter55

Aug 18th, 08, 02:53 PM

I wouldn't get upset about telling you guys my numbers on pump gas. I just haven't be down the track yet. But let me guess 91 octane running street tires at high 12's

Would that be safe to say...

prostreet69camaro

Aug 18th, 08, 03:24 PM

camaroman7d

Aug 18th, 08, 03:50 PM

Royce,

I totally agree with what you said. If someone doesnt want to run there car then so be it. I have the same problem. I dont want to tear it up but I will go take it to the track. If I hurt something I will fix it. I have had my car 27 years and built my car. I mean everything on my car.

You say you dont have a trailer. Are you going to drive it to Vegas? I take my car up north ( Ohio / Kentucky ) and trailer it. But once its there I will drive it a couple hours away to shows. You have a nice car. Good luck with it.

When I was talking about Las Vegas there is a NMCA race there and Sean usually attends, I haven't met him in person yet but, I plan to be at this event as a spectator, I am not in the league with those guys. they run some very SERIOUS numbers. My car isn't done yet, I am working on the bodywork now, hope to have paint on it by the end of next month.

No problem with trailering the car long distances. I will/drive, have/driven my cars several hundred miles in a single trip but, I wouldn't want to drive it accross country for obvious reasons. If I were to attend an event or visit an area for a few days I would consider putting it on a trailer. I was more talking about the guys that trailer their "street" cars an hour or less to the track or trailer cars to shows.

There are a few cruises I have on my to do list Woodward Dream Cruise, Cruisin th Coast, for those event's I would rent or borrow a trailer for sure, to get to the general area from there I would be driving my car. for any event in CA I will drive there. Vegas would be a stretch only because of the desert and long miles of nothingness, breaking down on the road would be expensive. The sand also beats up your car pretty good driving through the desert.

camaroman7d

Aug 18th, 08, 03:53 PM

I wouldn't get upset about telling you guys my numbers on pump gas. I just haven't be down the track yet. But let me guess 91 octane running street tires at high 12's

Would that be safe to say...

Anything 12's or faster on pump gas in a street car is very respectable to me. Most people don't realize how fast a 12 second car really is. Good luck when you do get to the track.

Skeeter55

Aug 18th, 08, 03:55 PM

Thank you Royce :beers:

david calligan

Aug 18th, 08, 04:07 PM

Let me clear up a few things. I am not knocking anyone that doesn't want to race their car. This forum was absolutely dead and I thought this would be a good topic. I will say I don't understand why you would build a "drag" car and not at least see what it will do. I'm not saying you should be at the track every weekend beating it to death. My deal is this, I set a goal and shoot for it. With this car it is a 9 second pass, in street trim (I don't care if it's 9.99). Once I reach that goal I will probably only see the track once or twice a year just for fun.

I have plenty of money into my car and as much or more time into my car as anyone. I doubt anyone has done more work to their car personally than I have so, I understand what's at risk, tust me. I don't plan on taking it to the track and stacking it up but, not knowing what it can do would drive me crazy. That to me is like having a nice car and only trailering it around. To me there is no enjoyment in that. I also enjoy driving my cars so, they see LOTS of street miles, I also don't own a trailer so unless it's broken (hasn't happened yet, thank goodness) it won't be getting towed.

When you build a car like these people are going to ask. "What's it run?" How do you answer that?

If the car is built right, it should go staright and be "safe" at any speed it is capable of reaching.

You don't have to defend yourself for not wanting to race your car, after all it's YOUR car.

I only asked those that do run their cars what they run and those that haven't run their cars if they plan to.

On the other hand guys with race cars trying to pass them off as street cars get mad if you ask them if they run pump gas. Seems like everyone is so sensitive. The reason I ask about pump gas is to see what type of numbers people are running that I can compare to and see what's possible.

This is our hobby and a good healthy discussion shouldn't get anyone on the defensive.
Can you honestly say you did every thing on the car top to bottom.This would include,paint,bodywork,welding and fabricating the chassis,do all the interior work build and stitch and so forth.How much work was done on your car buy others whether or not you pay for it or done buy favors or trade offs.I don't think you can say this and lets see some picks of the work you've done to see how easy it would be for you to tear it up.
So post up your pics and lets see your ride..

As for Frank this guy I think has the $$$$$$$ and the know how to make this happen. My funds are all in one basket and if its tore up at the track its my loss and probably a divorce expence that will follow and yes she had a big hand in the build of my car.
I dont think the way my life gos at times I want to chance it.This is my excuse and I'm sticken to it.....

camaroman7d

Aug 18th, 08, 04:33 PM

Can you honestly say you did every thing on the car top to bottom.This would include,paint,bodywork,welding and fabricating the chassis,do all the interior work build and stitch and so forth.How much work was done on your car buy others whether or not you pay for it or done buy favors or trade offs.I don't think you can say this and lets see some picks of the work you've done to see how easy it would be for you to tear it up.
So post up your pics and lets see your ride..

As for Frank this guy I think has the $$$$$$$ and the know how to make this happen. My funds are all in one basket and if its tore up at the track its my loss and probably a divorce expence that will follow and yes she had a big hand in the build of my car.
I dont think the way my life gos at times I want to chance it.This is my excuse and I'm sticken to it.....

Dave,
I'm not sure how long you have been around this board but, I assure you I do 99.9% of the work on eveything even the Harley's I've built. It is a passion of mine. I have tons of pictures just click the link in my signature that says pictures. I do my own welding, fabricating, bodywork, paint, engine building, transmission building, head porting, etc... Not all the work is as good as what a "pro" would do but, I am not ashamed of any work I have ever done. I learn from every mistake I make and try not to make the same mistake twice. On my Buick the only part I haven't done myself so far is build the headers, I am very happy with the Lemons Headers. After seeing how it's done, I can honestly say I wouldn't be afraid to try it for myself next time.

It's not a spending or talent contest. I don't care if someone shuttles their car from shop to shop to get it built. It's just not the way I do it and couldn't afford to do it that way anyway. I started doing my own work as a kid because I was poor and when I did save up money to have work done it was usually not done right and over priced. I developed an attitude that I can screw it up myself a couple times for a lot cheaper and learn something in the process. I started buying tools and reading a lot. Each car I build gets more involved to challenge my skills and imagination. I can say that the Buick was/is a true test and I don't know that I would go that far again. It is fun but VERY time consuming. On the Buick other than the headers nobodies hands have touched that car but mine. By the time it's done the interior will probably have some professional work (minor) but, I don't sew very well. Depending if I can rent a paint booth or not, I may have someone else spray the car because here in CA there is a very big fine if you get caught doing it at home. I have painted quite a few cars so it's not something I will shy away from. Even if I have someone else put the color on it, I won't be ashamed of that. I would rather do it myself though.

After you look through the photos, come back to this thread an tell me I haven't done all the work on any my cars, if you still feel that way.

Oh yeah, I am currently doing the bodywork so even if someone else sprays it, it will be over my work and prep.

There are people on this board that know me personally and have seen my work in person.

I am not bragging so, please don't take it that way but, when someone says I don't do my own work I take that kind of personal. That is something I take a lot of pride in.

david calligan

Aug 18th, 08, 08:00 PM

1969ProStreetCamaro

Aug 18th, 08, 08:33 PM

I am one of those guys that drives to the track to show the car.I have to much time invested in every nut and bolt I've done every thing on the car with the exception of wiring it and I did most of that as well.So if you think that every Pro-Street car has to show a time slip. I'm not going to chance going into a wall again except for the next time it would be alot faster and some of the guys here know where I'm coming from.So I'm going to be one of those guys that yall talk about......

I agree with David. I didn't build my car with the track and time slips in mind. I'm more towards the "street" in ProStreet. If I was going to build a car more towards the track I would not have started with a 69 Camaro convertible. Not to say I would be opposed to maybe taking it down the track once or twice but I'm not pushing for that to happen. I'm not sure they'd even lt me run my car at the track. And like David, I also have a lot of time and money invested in the car and don't need to break anything or hurt (or worse) the car in anyway. For one thing, I don't think my T56 would like too many launches with the blown big block in front of it and 18.5" soft compound Mickeys behind it.

Now with that said, I'm pretty sure the car wouldn't embarrass itself at the track. This thing pulls extremely hard and it's on a pretty conservitave tune right now until I get some more miles on it and work out a few bugs. If you talk to anyone who has gone for a ride in it they'll tell you I don't baby this car around on the street. It just hasn't seen a track. Maybe someday.

Let me clear up a few things. I am not knocking anyone that doesn't want to race their car. This forum was absolutely dead and I thought this would be a good topic. I will say I don't understand why you would build a "drag" car and not at least see what it will do. I'm not saying you should be at the track every weekend beating it to death. My deal is this, I set a goal and shoot for it. With this car it is a 9 second pass, in street trim (I don't care if it's 9.99). Once I reach that goal I will probably only see the track once or twice a year just for fun.

I have plenty of money into my car and as much or more time into my car as anyone. I doubt anyone has done more work to their car personally than I have so, I understand what's at risk, tust me. I don't plan on taking it to the track and stacking it up but, not knowing what it can do would drive me crazy. That to me is like having a nice car and only trailering it around. To me there is no enjoyment in that. I also enjoy driving my cars so, they see LOTS of street miles, I also don't own a trailer so unless it's broken (hasn't happened yet, thank goodness) it won't be getting towed.

When you build a car like these people are going to ask. "What's it run?" How do you answer that?

If the car is built right, it should go staright and be "safe" at any speed it is capable of reaching.

You don't have to defend yourself for not wanting to race your car, after all it's YOUR car.

I only asked those that do run their cars what they run and those that haven't run their cars if they plan to.

On the other hand guys with race cars trying to pass them off as street cars get mad if you ask them if they run pump gas. Seems like everyone is so sensitive. The reason I ask about pump gas is to see what type of numbers people are running that I can compare to and see what's possible.

This is our hobby and a good healthy discussion shouldn't get anyone on the defensive.

Royce,

I totally agree with what you said. If someone doesnt want to run there car then so be it. I have the same problem. I dont want to tear it up but I will go take it to the track. If I hurt something I will fix it. I have had my car 27 years and built my car. I mean everything on my car.

You say you dont have a trailer. Are you going to drive it to Vegas? I take my car up north ( Ohio / Kentucky ) and trailer it. But once its there I will drive it a couple hours away to shows. You have a nice car. Good luck with it.

Gentlemen,
After reading this thread,please let me say I can most definetly agree with everyone's points in the thread. We all have valid points that I think everyone here agrees with. For instance, as Royce explained,everybody and their brother ask's me "What's it run?" I tell them the ET. I do not drive my car to the track,it's transported in a nice 24ft. enclosed trailer,does that make it any less of a car?, in my opinion, no, but to others possibly,yes. I,like Mike also use the enclosed trailer to transport my Camaro to a couple of shows out of state and I take it to Ohio on Memorial Day weekend so a good friend and myself can cruise the weekend,he in his 555 BB 71' Chevelle,me in the Camaro. Another point that I would like to address is I have not built my Camaro entirely by myself as Dave has, which I think is a major accomplishment. I am just not as skilled in certain aspects of building cars, one area of major weakness is paint and body work, I would love to have even 1/10th of the skill and expertise that you guy's have when it come to doing things like stretching quarterpanels or reskinning doors or the roof. If I can't do that but I can afford to pay someone to lay some killer flames on my Camaro,does that make my car less of a Pro Street than someone else that can take a rusted hulk and make it into the awesome machines that everyone of us own and take pride in and enjoy that feeling that we get when we get that big 'ol :D and 2 :thumbsup:. Some people would say that I'm not a true hotrodder because I didn't personally turn every nut and bolt on my Camaro.That's fine with me. I can say that personally spent a good portion of time after work in my shop underneath my car with a scraper,wire brushes and other assorted tools cleaning and repairing someone else's work. I also spent what felt like an eternity under the Camaro trying to install the driveshaft only to discover several needle bearings from one of the U joint caps, I gained valuable experience and learned what it's like to install that driveshaft twice!. I do have a knack for installing the wiring harnesses for some reason. I can look at the wiring diagram and then I'm plugging connectors in as fast as I can. My final point is I don't race my car very often, as a matter of fact, I never actually entered it into competition, just test and tune so there again, I understand points of view such as David's,Mark's and Mike. I understand and applaud your decision not to put it on the track for whatever reason you choose. It's your Camaro and please don't think that just because you "don't have and ET or MPH" that you Camaro is inferior to mine or anyone else's. Everyone here has bitchin' rides.

camaroman7d

Aug 19th, 08, 08:18 AM

Royce, I checked out some of your projects nice work is the 61 yours and did you do the chassis if so I'm impressed... I didn't check your posts that are over 6000 and just thought you were someone trying to ruffle us PS guys feathers.I put alot of time being a plumer and to much money to show a time slip.I appoligize if I douted you but there are a ton of guys out there that put tires on on car and tell people they did a frame off resto.....

David,
I understand your point and there are a lot of knuckleheads on the internet. Yes, the 61 Buick Skylark is mine, that is my current project. That is the car that I was speaking of in my post about doing 99% of the work. Yes, I built the chassis as well. What makes this car so challenging is there is absolutely no aftermarket stuff made specifically for the car so I have to adapt and modify stuff that is designed for other cars. The frame rails are for a Nova and the rear over the axle pieces I had to make myself. Anyway enough about that.

No offense is taken. I don't do any of that for a living it is just a hobby. I work as an industrial electrician to feed the family.

Honestly I wasn't trying to ruffle any feathers or call out the Pro Street guys, it was just a question. I understand why you don't wish to run your car and that is 100% your right.

No hard feelings.

camaroman7d

Aug 19th, 08, 08:22 AM

Gentlemen,
After reading this thread,please let me say I can most definetly agree with everyone's points in the thread. We all have valid points that I think everyone here agrees with. For instance, as Royce explained,everybody and their brother ask's me "What's it run?" I tell them the ET. I do not drive my car to the track,it's transported in a nice 24ft. enclosed trailer,does that make it any less of a car?, in my opinion, no, but to others possibly,yes. I,like Mike also use the enclosed trailer to transport my Camaro to a couple of shows out of state and I take it to Ohio on Memorial Day weekend so a good friend and myself can cruise the weekend,he in his 555 BB 71' Chevelle,me in the Camaro. Another point that I would like to address is I have not built my Camaro entirely by myself as Dave has, which I think is a major accomplishment. I am just not as skilled in certain aspects of building cars, one area of major weakness is paint and body work, I would love to have even 1/10th of the skill and expertise that you guy's have when it come to doing things like stretching quarterpanels or reskinning doors or the roof. If I can't do that but I can afford to pay someone to lay some killer flames on my Camaro,does that make my car less of a Pro Street than someone else that can take a rusted hulk and make it into the awesome machines that everyone of us own and take pride in and enjoy that feeling that we get when we get that big 'ol :D and 2 :thumbsup:. Some people would say that I'm not a true hotrodder because I didn't personally turn every nut and bolt on my Camaro.That's fine with me. I can say that personally spent a good portion of time after work in my shop underneath my car with a scraper,wire brushes and other assorted tools cleaning and repairing someone else's work. I also spent what felt like an eternity under the Camaro trying to install the driveshaft only to discover several needle bearings from one of the U joint caps, I gained valuable experience and learned what it's like to install that driveshaft twice!. I do have a knack for installing the wiring harnesses for some reason. I can look at the wiring diagram and then I'm plugging connectors in as fast as I can. My final point is I don't race my car very often, as a matter of fact, I never actually entered it into competition, just test and tune so there again, I understand points of view such as David's,Mark's and Mike. I understand and applaud your decision not to put it on the track for whatever reason you choose. It's your Camaro and please don't think that just because you "don't have and ET or MPH" that you Camaro is inferior to mine or anyone else's. Everyone here has bitchin' rides.

I agree. As long as the individual is happy with their car it doesn't matter who built it or what it looks like. It's all about enjoying the car in any way that makes you happy.

68rs406

Aug 19th, 08, 09:58 AM

That is one bad car, not exactly a street car but, faster than anything that needs to be on the street. I'm in for Vegas this year. Are you guys still planning to make the trip?

I agree I don't understand why a guy would want to put lots of money into a car buy all the good parts, make big power have 4 foot wide tires, parachute, wheelie bars, etc... and not at least make a couple passes to see if his money and effort was well spent. The older Pro Street cars that almost ruined the image were usually WAY underpowered and over fluffed (all the bells and whistles and slow as can be). I have no problem with that but, lose the parachute, wheelie bars, funny car cage, etc... That way when you run 14 or 15 second ET's it doesn't look as bad.

I think you and I are 100% in line on this issue Royce, and as you say to each thier own, but I would have to know too. Also drag racing is only as hard on your car as you make it.
My street car gets driven way more than raced, but I would take it to the track and beat it senseless in a heartbeat, not like it's an original survivor, I surely don't want to wad it up but if I blow up a motor or break something it's not original anyway, it can be fixed. I own the car to have fun and racing is my idea of fun, but so is driving it :thumbsup:
For the record and anyone wondering, while I have never met Royce I've seen and been involved in MANY of his posts and never seen him intentionally ruffle anyones feathers.
As for Vegas Royce, we are still 100% planning to go but we are getting NO breaks from the tracks or weather in dialing it in. We raced 2 different weekends in Canada and got rained on and a total of 4 hits, only 2 of which gave us any data to work with. Two weeks ago we were invited to run exhibition passes during the all bike drags (nitro Harleys......hell yeah... :thumbsup:), we have done it in the past and usually get 8 or more passes and were really excited for some tuning time, but it rained on us off and on all weekend, we never got a decent pass.
So we are not at all ready yet. But the motor and all the nitrous electronics and everything else related is working awesome, the car makes ridicules power in fact it went 186 on one small nitrous tune up on a sloppy run, we figure on 1 system it should go low 7's maybe even a 6.99, we have one more system ready all we have to do is turn it on and a third as back up. (we'll need every bit of it to make the bump in Vegas probably). Our problem now is seat and track time, we have all the chassis maps and log books from the previous owner, but it does little good for us since it was a NA smallblock with a lenco and now it's a nitrous big block with a glide so we are tuning the chassis from scratch. We'll get it but we are running out of time for Vegas.
Sooo, we still plan on going but if we can't get the car right by then we may not go, it's a fortune to tow to and race there and that class is a seriously competetive one, we don't want to spend a fortune going and not get it down the track (however I can't imagine not hooking in vegas, that track is prepped like no other).
So we shall see, I'll keep you posted and in the next couple of weeks hopefully I'll post up a new best, maybe even our first 6 second pass :hurray:

PROZ11

Aug 19th, 08, 11:25 AM

camaroman7d

Aug 19th, 08, 03:07 PM

I think you and I are 100% in line on this issue Royce, and as you say to each thier own, but I would have to know too. Also drag racing is only as hard on your car as you make it.
My street car gets driven way more than raced, but I would take it to the track and beat it senseless in a heartbeat, not like it's an original survivor, I surely don't want to wad it up but if I blow up a motor or break something it's not original anyway, it can be fixed. I own the car to have fun and racing is my idea of fun, but so is driving it :thumbsup:
For the record and anyone wondering, while I have never met Royce I've seen and been involved in MANY of his posts and never seen him intentionally ruffle anyones feathers.
As for Vegas Royce, we are still 100% planning to go but we are getting NO breaks from the tracks or weather in dialing it in. We raced 2 different weekends in Canada and got rained on and a total of 4 hits, only 2 of which gave us any data to work with. Two weeks ago we were invited to run exhibition passes during the all bike drags (nitro Harleys......hell yeah... :thumbsup:), we have done it in the past and usually get 8 or more passes and were really excited for some tuning time, but it rained on us off and on all weekend, we never got a decent pass.
So we are not at all ready yet. But the motor and all the nitrous electronics and everything else related is working awesome, the car makes ridicules power in fact it went 186 on one small nitrous tune up on a sloppy run, we figure on 1 system it should go low 7's maybe even a 6.99, we have one more system ready all we have to do is turn it on and a third as back up. (we'll need every bit of it to make the bump in Vegas probably). Our problem now is seat and track time, we have all the chassis maps and log books from the previous owner, but it does little good for us since it was a NA smallblock with a lenco and now it's a nitrous big block with a glide so we are tuning the chassis from scratch. We'll get it but we are running out of time for Vegas.
Sooo, we still plan on going but if we can't get the car right by then we may not go, it's a fortune to tow to and race there and that class is a seriously competetive one, we don't want to spend a fortune going and not get it down the track (however I can't imagine not hooking in vegas, that track is prepped like no other).
So we shall see, I'll keep you posted and in the next couple of weeks hopefully I'll post up a new best, maybe even our first 6 second pass :hurray:

I totally understand needing to get the car sorted out, those boys are not playing games in Vegas. With the cost of fuel and other expenses to make a trip like that I wouldn't want to go unless I knew my car was ready. The weather is not being very nice to you guys at all. Hopefully that will change and you will get it dialed in. Keep me posted. Oh and thanks for vouching for me.

Those Nitro Harleys are insane but, fun to watch.

camaroman7d

Aug 19th, 08, 03:29 PM

Okay, we all have that cleared up now... build 'em how you want 'em and drive them how and where you want...LOL

Seriously guys, of course I'd love to take my car to the track and "see what it will do," and I'm not saying it will never happen. It probably will at some point. It's just that if it doesn't happen I won't feel like I built any less of a ProStreet car. It took me 8 years to build this car and way more money than I originally planned. People see my car and think I'm made of money. Nothing could be further from the truth. Do I have a lot of money in the car?... Yes. But it took 8 years of money, not 8 years of time to build it. I'd build a little, save a little, build a little, save a little. I'd just hate to rush it to the track and possibly hurt something and have the car off the road while I save some more money to fix it so I could drive it again. Believe it or not none of the money used to build this car is taken from money I get from how I make my living. All of the money came from side work, gifts (certificates) and eBay stuff I did while working on the car. I also didn't do all of the work myself. I paid someone to back-half it and someone else to do the body and paint. I have no experience in either of those departments and didn't want to "try my hand" at either on this car.

When all is said and done I didn't build the perfect street car, the perfect race car or a perfect show car. But, it does a pretty good job in all three departments in IMO. I'm happy with how it turned out.

BTW: I don't own a trailer so this car will have to be driven anywhere it goes. Runs on pump gas.

.

Mark,
Your car is VERY nice let's get that right out front. The fact that you built it with all side money is even more impressive. When it comes right down to it, the end result is about the same, it costs a lot and takes your time one way or another. For me I don't have time to do side work because I use my spare time to work on the car. I use my OT money and spare money for the car. It's a trade off either way, a guy has to do what's best for him.

I never meant to say that if you didn't do all the work yourself your car was any less of a car. Actually I don't think I ever said anything like that but, somehow that became an issue. To be flat out honest my cars can't compete with a pro built car but, that is not my thing. I want to do the best that I can at a given time. If I started over on the Buick it would be nicer because I have learned a lot doing it. I will apply what I learned to the next project. I look at cars a little different than many people, when I see something neat I don't think "I wonder where he bought that" I tend to think "how is that made or how does that work" I am a gear head and have been since I was a little kid. That's just who I am. It doesn't make me any better than anyone else. It's about the journey to me not the destination, if that makes sense. Once I finish a project I often get bored after driving/riding it for a while and I sell it. I don't fall in love with my toys. It drives my friends crazy because they don't understand how I can work so long and hard on a project and then sell it without looking back.

Anyway the bottom line is this, if you are happy with your car then who cares what anyone else thinks. I was not starting this thread to judge people or their cars, it was actually started because this forum was dead, no new posts and very little activity. From that point of view I think it was a success.

68rs406

Aug 19th, 08, 03:37 PM

I totally understand needing to get the car sorted out, those boys are not playing games in Vegas. With the cost of fuel and other expenses to make a trip like that I wouldn't want to go unless I knew my car was ready. The weather is not being very nice to you guys at all. Hopefully that will change and you will get it dialed in. Keep me posted. Oh and thanks for vouching for me.

Those Nitro Harleys are insane but, fun to watch.

I'll definitely keep you posted Royce, if we don't make it we are all going to be REALLY disappointed, but like you say, it costs a ton to get there and in that class it's serious business (all the classes for that matter) and while we know we won't be top 5 or even 10 probably, top 15 isn't unlikely especially if we get it nailed down, hell we would be honored to be the 15th fastest "street car" in the U.S., which is basically what it would be with the level that race has achieved. And plus once you qualify anything can happen. Last year our buddies won outlaw 10.5 qualifying with a 7.40 or so, there were 3 or 4 cars in the 6's but they didn't go rounds. Thats why I like headsup racing at this level, all you need to be is in the field and run consistent because often the fastest cars are not the most consistent.....but not always.
Hopefully we get it nailed, it's still definitely doable, we just need a couple good solid weekends of testing.
As for the Harleys, they are amazing and a blast to watch. 6.50 at well over 200, hanging the "hoop" 2/3rds the way down the track.....it's a site to see. I told one of them one year I was curious how they fit on the seat with balls the size they have...:D

camaroman7d

Aug 19th, 08, 04:46 PM

As for the Harleys, they are amazing and a blast to watch. 6.50 at well over 200, hanging the "hoop" 2/3rds the way down the track.....it's a site to see. I told one of them one year I was curious how they fit on the seat with balls the size they have...

That's funny and I agree. There aren't many things I can think of that has wheels on it that I would hesitate to give a shot but, I would have to really think long and hard about mounting one of those beasts.

About Vegas if you guys are in the top 15 that is really saying something. Like you said the fastest cars aren't always consistent and in many cases they break stuff. Qualify decent and your chances are as good as anyones. I'll try to send you guys some of this dry, hot, and dusty weather we have been having.

68rs406

Aug 20th, 08, 08:26 AM

That's funny and I agree. There aren't many things I can think of that has wheels on it that I would hesitate to give a shot but, I would have to really think long and hard about mounting one of those beasts.

About Vegas if you guys are in the top 15 that is really saying something. Like you said the fastest cars aren't always consistent and in many cases they break stuff. Qualify decent and your chances are as good as anyones. I'll try to send you guys some of this dry, hot, and dusty weather we have been having.

I agree we talked about that in fact, all of us are drag racers and rode bikes and dirt bikes etc. we were watching them and we all agreed we would not get on one of those things, I don't think you could even make a light pass with one, they are so radical and violent it seems like it's all or nothing. Some of the import bikes were insane too, there were some that were running turbos (don't know what class) but they would come up on boost at about 600' and carry the tire through the beams, that was insane to see too.
Please, please send us some of your weather.... the weekend before last and two weeks earlier it poured on us in Canada then last week we had several days of 90* weather, now it's pouring and windy here today :confused: . We still are keeping our hopes up we can get a couple weekends of testing in, we are pretty sure the car will go 6.50's on a safe tune up once we nail it down, it's the nailing it down now thats the tough part... The crazy part is who knows how fast the field will be this year the cars are getting insane in all classes, the drag radial cars are deep in the 7's for crying out loud.

camaroman7d

Aug 20th, 08, 03:19 PM

I agree we talked about that in fact, all of us are drag racers and rode bikes and dirt bikes etc. we were watching them and we all agreed we would not get on one of those things, I don't think you could even make a light pass with one, they are so radical and violent it seems like it's all or nothing.

LOL, that's exacty why I really doubt I would want to attempt to ride one. It's like being strapped to a bomb/rocket, point it in the right direction and hope it takes you there. The sound alone is enough to scare many grown men.

Are you guys already signed up for Vegas? What would be the cut off date if you aren't able to get the track time in that you need? I mean if you don't have it dialed by the middle of Oct. that would be cutting things way close. That wouldn't give you any time to repair anything if need (hopefully hat won't be needed) or make any major changes if you feel it's needed. Right now you have a couple months but, of course you need time to dial it in and the weather is probably going to start getting worse soon. Just curious how the time line looks for you guys.

rat3j396

Aug 20th, 08, 07:49 PM

This is a great post, and it did stir things up. I'm one of those guys who plan on taking my car out to the track when it's finished, but will not race on a regular basis. It certainly will not be a 9 second car, but should 'walk the walk.'

This has been an issue as long as Prostreet has been around. From the first time I saw Scott Sullivan's Nova in Car Craft way back when, I painted a mental picture of what I wanted in a Prostreet car. My car is 'old school' Prostreet, because that's the way i planned it. My car was probably faster with the 502 and 150 shot Nitrous I changed out than it will be with this blower motor, but, again, I learned a long time ago that this hobby is much more rewarding if I build my car for myself than to please others.

The same question could be asked of the Pro touring cars. How many of those see a race track or even an autocross?

What I found to be very interesting are the stories of the historys of the cars. That's why I like prostreet. Each car is unique in it's own way, and the philosophy of each owner is as different as well.

As with many in here, I'm not rich, and not a fabricator. Economics did play a role in the building of my car. I found out early that it is cheaper to buy a backhalfed car than it was to have one built. Fortunately, I had previously owned a Camaro backhalfed by Don Davis Race Cars, the best Super Gas chassis builder, so I knew what to look for when I shopped. I found this Camaro and used it for a platform for what I wanted to build. Other than the chassis, I've made the changes to make it the car I want and still stayed under my budget, and it is nearly ready.

I get a kick out of all the magazines that keep saying Prostreet is dead, but will feature one or two in the same issue. It has just evolved into a form of motorsports that offers diversity, which was shown in this forum.

Great post Royce!

camaroman7d

Aug 20th, 08, 10:54 PM

68ps383

Aug 21st, 08, 07:33 AM

My 68 has gone as quick as 11.17 @ 120mph in the fall in good air. At the time it was all steel (now have a glass hood). It's powered by a 383 w/track 1 heads,10.5-1, a 400 turbo & a 12bolt w/4.56 gears and 31" hoosiers. I drive it to cars shows, but trailer it to the track as I have an open trailer and wouldn't want to take the chance of breaking at the track and being stranded.

Lou

camaroman7d

Aug 21st, 08, 10:14 AM

Lou,
That MPH says you have a little more ET left in her. Nice numbers for a street car with a N/A small block. I understand about not wanting to get stranded at the track.

68ps383

Aug 21st, 08, 10:55 AM

Lou,
That MPH says you have a little more ET left in her. Nice numbers for a street car with a N/A small block. I understand about not wanting to get stranded at the track.

I think there may be just a little more in it but I'm leaving on the foot brake at 3000 and can still only get a best of 1.55 60 ft. Next time out I may try to leave at about 1800 and see it it flashes the converter enough to help my 60 ft time.

camaroman7d

Aug 21st, 08, 11:45 AM

1.55 60ft is nice, real good for a foot brake launch. Flashing the converter might help. Either way it runs strong. Any pictures of your car posted on this site?

68ps383

Aug 21st, 08, 11:55 AM

68rs406

Aug 21st, 08, 01:16 PM

Jerry, I like your take on it and I'm glad you chimed in on the thread. Pro Street will never be "dead" it evolves just like any other style of build. Look back at the (then called) cafe racers, basically the same thing as "Pro Touring". Pro touring just doesn't have the silly looking flared fenders and big spoilers that were "cool" back then. Same idea just calling it something different. As long as there is drag racing there will be Pro Street. I look forward to seeing your car, sounds nice. Oh and that blown 427 should give that nitrous assisted 502 a run for it's money if, you really want it to.

:thumbsup: X2
Royce your right, I forgot about the cafe racers, totally "pro tour" with goofy looking flares and a body kit.

68rs406

Aug 21st, 08, 01:33 PM

LOL, that's exacty why I really doubt I would want to attempt to ride one. It's like being strapped to a bomb/rocket, point it in the right direction and hope it takes you there. The sound alone is enough to scare many grown men.

Are you guys already signed up for Vegas? What would be the cut off date if you aren't able to get the track time in that you need? I mean if you don't have it dialed by the middle of Oct. that would be cutting things way close. That wouldn't give you any time to repair anything if need (hopefully hat won't be needed) or make any major changes if you feel it's needed. Right now you have a couple months but, of course you need time to dial it in and the weather is probably going to start getting worse soon. Just curious how the time line looks for you guys.

We have reserved rooms and such so should we get it ready we are good to go. We want to have the car dialed in by the end of next month, which really shouldn't be an issue unless we find some kind of unforeseen problem. Pretty much our cutoff would be the end of October because they shut down the track out here then, but as you said thats cutting it way too close. Two years ago when we took the Elky there after getting it set up we got it nailed down at the last race in October and still went so it wouldn't be impossible.
The chassis just needs to be tuned right now and all else seems real good, we do want to do some work on the driver seat area to make him more comfortable and that might be the biggest thing, some fab work will have to be done but nothing major.
The weather could be tough on us for sure, but Washington usually has a nice september then October you take what you get. I've got my fingers crossed, I missed last year and I'm dying to go back, it's an amazing venue and an amazing race.

prostreet69camaro

Aug 21st, 08, 02:11 PM

6D9

Aug 21st, 08, 02:12 PM

OK.... Sense you guys asked my Pro Street runs 91 octane.

You have a prostreet car as well as your orange 69???

prostreet69camaro

Aug 21st, 08, 02:24 PM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v219/68prostreet/100_0908.jpghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v219/68prostreet/100_1823.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v219/68prostreet/100_1824.jpg

here is a pic from another post

68ps383,

You have a nice looking car. It has a great stance. My 69 ran the same numbers with my 406 w/ track 1 heads. My car weighed 3550 with me in it back then.

camaroman7d

Aug 21st, 08, 02:34 PM

68ps383,
Very nice looking car!! I like the color.

camaroman7d

Aug 21st, 08, 02:48 PM

Royce,

Who makes the sprint car tires. I want to see what they have for sizes compared to the 33 x 21.5 x 15 MT Sportsmans or 33 x 22 x 15 MT SR Radials or the 33 x 19.5 x 15 ET Streets. Those are the 3 sizes I have had on my car. I do not care for the SR Radials I have on it now if you saw my previous post on how they are acting.

McCreary is one maker I think they are now called American Racer http://www.americanraceronline.com/McCreary-Tires/ and here is a link directly to the sprint car tires http://www.americanraceronline.com/Dirt-track/dirt-sprints.html . If I remember right tread patterd D was the ones I saw running on the street, not that it matters take your pick.

Here is where I used to buy my McCreary street tires (Road Stars). Even though they did say "dirt" (tiny letters) on the side they were DOT approved. They do ship as well but, I'm sure you have a dealer closer to you. http://www.racetireswest.com/

Hoosier is another dirt track tire manufacturer.

Those SR radials are not made to handle cars with big HP. They are basically a street rod tire and are good for street cruising. They are just like the other "Pro Street" tires that are hard. What makes them attractive is the sizes and that the market they are shooting for. I do like the front tires though because they make sizes for skinny front rims.

68ps383

Aug 21st, 08, 02:53 PM

camaroman7d

Aug 21st, 08, 02:59 PM

Thank for the compliments guys. Actually I don't care for the color much, but thats the paint that was on it 13 years ago when I bought the car. It looks better in photos. Paint and body work I can't do, so I'm afraid its going to really cost me a bunch. It's at least presentable, so it will stay a little longer.

Well blue is my favorite color and that blue is not one you see all the time, that's why I like it. If the body is straight on your car which it seems to be, you shouldn't have to do any body work, just prep it for paint. These days you are still looking at $3500 to 5500 for a color change (the sky is the limit on price though). You're looking at about $900 to 1200 in materials. You can also save some money by stripping the trim, bumpers, glass etc... yourself. Not that you plan on having it painted anytime soon just thought I would throw this out there.

68ps383

Aug 21st, 08, 03:30 PM

Thanks, we will see what money is left after my garage update project is complete.

6D9

Aug 21st, 08, 03:48 PM

68ps383,
Very nice looking car!! I like the color.

X2......looks killer!!!!

1969ProStreetCamaro

Aug 21st, 08, 05:57 PM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v219/68prostreet/100_0908.jpghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v219/68prostreet/100_1823.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v219/68prostreet/100_1824.jpg

here is a pic from another post

Very nice Pro Street Camaro!:yes::thumbsup:.
Thanks 68ps383 for contributing to the forum.We need more "Pro Street" members to participate in the forums.

68ps383

Aug 21st, 08, 06:43 PM

I have to say I was very happy when they made this Pro Street forum, but I don't type very well and thats why I don't get involved more often. I will try to contribute more in the future.
Lou

rat3j396

Aug 21st, 08, 08:59 PM

Very nice Camaro Lou!

68ps383

Aug 21st, 08, 09:29 PM

Very nice Camaro Lou!

Thanks Jerry

RamAirDave

Aug 21st, 08, 09:32 PM

Being mostly a resto guy, don't have much to add. This is one we've been tinkering around with using up parts we've had laying around. 454/TH400, narrowed 12 bolt, fuel cell, mini-tubs, and E/Ts. Guess that somewhere in the ballpark, maybe? :o More Hot Rod than PS. Not completely done, but closer than you would think. Very bare-bones build. If it doesn't need it, it doesn't have it :D :

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b217/RamAirDave/Hot%20Rod%2068/DSCF0761.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b217/RamAirDave/Hot%20Rod%2068/DSCF0766.jpg

rat3j396

Aug 22nd, 08, 05:24 AM

looks good Dave! I wish i had enough "spare" parts lying around to do that!

Tokyo Torquer

Sep 12th, 08, 04:42 PM

M&H Racemaster is another plcae to look for those tires. I forgot all about McCreary and it seems they have changed their name to "American Race Tires".

Royce.. I have been waiting for you to take your 388 bown SBC down the track for how many years now? I was hoping you did it in your old camaro, but still looking forward to you doing it in the new ride. I figure some day this hot rod building is going to be a full time job for you and some day I will turn on the tv and you will have your own show like Chip Foose or Boyd Coddington.. or probably more like Jesse James :)

I have my own take on the subject of this thread. To each his own, but I can say I lose total respect when I see a car with wheelie bars, parachute, full tub, full race interior, blower restraints, open (obnoxious) headers, and then I look at the motor and see stock iron heads, small tube headers, a severley underdriven blower and other signs of a motor that was never built to go. I can only think POSER. Loose the wheelie bars and parachute and then I am OK with the same motor as it comes across as a "fun ride" rather than a poser.

I can totally understand also wanting to baby a top level restoration and not want to twist a nice classic body up. My plan was to build a motor that had just enough power to acheive potential high tens, while still being a docile cruiser, then add enough desired compromises to bring her down to my actual target.. as fast as the track will allow me to go withouht a roll bar and achieving that with an easy launch, full exhaust and very stiff street suspension that I drove to the track with. No drag shocks or split mono-leaf springs.. no removing the front sway bar, and no ride comfort compromising traction devices like Cal-tracs of SSM bars. I am not looking for wheelies and I don't want to twist up the body on my car. I am still trying to prove that I have achieved this, but have been having major traction problems. I hope to be back to the track within the next few weeks to try again after many mods to improve traction. Finding traction has been much harder than I thought.

If I wanted a race car, I would have built something very different, however it would kill me to have done all that work and spent all that money on a killer motor in a street car to not take a few trips down the track to get an idea of what it can do, even if they are easy launches. I dont mean racing it every other weekend, but at least once or twice give it a run at the track. I like the analogy of having the most beautiful girlfirend in the world.. super sexy, but never ever try to sleep with her. Just show off with her on your arm. Just wouldn't be normal to me.

fatblock

Sep 12th, 08, 08:10 PM

George,
I'm not 100% positive but I think the 1/4 mile time would be 10.0 to high 9.9s. We are not fortunate to have a 1/4 mile track very close. Closest one that I am aware of is Hotlanta.Yeah I got to get some better tires on it, I almost put it into a pole the day after my friend and I got it back on the road. I wasn't acquainted with the added horsepower. I kept it under control(barely) and didn't damage anything(except my boxer shorts!!!) I learned a very valuable lesson.

David..my handy dandy little calculator has your Camaro ripping off 9.577 et.s.1/8th mile et x 1.57.:cool::hurray:

camaroman7d

Sep 12th, 08, 08:18 PM

Royce.. I have been waiting for you to take your 388 bown SBC down the track for how many years now? I was hoping you did it in your old camaro, but still looking forward to you doing it in the new ride. I figure some day this hot rod building is going to be a full time job for you and some day I will turn on the tv and you will have your own show like Chip Foose or Boyd Coddington.. or probably more like Jesse James

I have been working on this car on and off for several years (almost 4). I got side tracked building a Harley but, I am 100% commited again to my Buick and it is coming along very well. I didn't even bother taking the Camaro to the track after building the blown engine. As you can see traction can be an issue, I knew it wouldn't hook anymore with the added power so, no need in going to the track. No TV shows for me, this is strictly a hobby for me. I wish I had the talent those guys have. I'm just a hack trying to figure this stuff out. I promise this car will make a pass before the end of next year. If things keep moving along I should be ready to make a few passes by spring.

1969ProStreetCamaro

Sep 12th, 08, 08:24 PM

david..my Handy Dandy Little Calculator Has Your Camaro Ripping Off 9.577 Et.s.1/8th Mile Et X 1.57.:cool::hurray:

.......makes me want to find a 1/4 mile track now!!!!!

68rs406

Sep 22nd, 08, 09:44 PM

Are you guys already signed up for Vegas? What would be the cut off date if you aren't able to get the track time in that you need? I mean if you don't have it dialed by the middle of Oct. that would be cutting things way close. That wouldn't give you any time to repair anything if need (hopefully hat won't be needed) or make any major changes if you feel it's needed. Right now you have a couple months but, of course you need time to dial it in and the weather is probably going to start getting worse soon. Just curious how the time line looks for you guys.

Hey Royce, wanted to give you a little update, I just got back from vacation and I've been swamped at work (just wrapping up my recent job/project) so I have been off the board awhile.
We tested the weekend before last with the Vette and finally got some good data to get it dialed in on, even on a VERY marginal track (it's a small town track, old airstrip with no guardrails :eek:.....) we went a couple of 7.60's in the low 180's on one system blacktracking the 1/4, tried the 2nd system to see if we could stick.....we couldn't.
Got some good video finally too that told us a few things about the launch, we are in the 1.10 to low 1. teens in the 60', about a .1 off what it should be and we have a pretty good idea why now, wheelie bar height.
Even though we are not anywhere near where we should be we felt real good, we are definitely closing in on it now. In fact I just got off the phone with my buddy and we got to talking about where we are, we have exactly 11 passes on the car since the complete re do, I guess that might have something to do with not having it nailed down yet. We are catching it though.
I feel like on a track like Vegas right now we would stick 2 systems, it will go LOW 7's on one we think, so it's right there in the class on two and we have a third for backup. We are pretty pumped all in all, and are going to try to hit Canada 1 more time this weekend, it gets well prepped (sometimes) so we should see where we are at.
Oh, by the way, the testing was done on 10.5W's........ Yep we switched horses mid stream. The old tires where dead and needed to be replaced and after talking about it we decided though the car has a shot at being (eventually) competetive in pro street we just had no where near enough time tuning it yet and the season is ending, the leaves are falling here in the Pacific Northwest. So we are going to run Outlaw 10.5 again. If we get the car going close to right even at weight we should be competitive, at least we hope, and it does seem to work so far with the 10.5's, they are a pretty amazing tire.
So in short (yeah right :D ), it looks pretty good for us going to Vegas even though we are cutting it close, I'll keep you posted!