Is my drag car budget way too low?

Question

I have a budget of $3000. I found a deal for a 1979 z28 w/ a LT1 (good running condition) and a rebuilt turbo 350 for $600. For the basics (suspension, slicks, carb, exhaust, etc) is my budget alright? What if I had it stroked to a 383? Would that blow my budget? Oh, also, I have some aluminum 194 heads I would use. Thanx:)

Answer 1

No, its not to low.  If you stroke it, you will be out of your budget.  Don't stroke it until you can put good heads (2.05 or bigger and a big cam, otherwise its not worth it.  

As long as you stick to bracket racing and don't plan on doing the heads up stuff, then your budget is fine.  YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE FAST TO BRACKET RACE!!!  

The best way to start out is to run what you got and upgrade it a little at a time during the off season.  I started out with junk and no budget what so ever (I could barely afford an entry to race).  After years of building up a car and some wheeling and dealing, I was able to get a good car and good parts!!  But I won a lot more races with the old slow junker!!!

Answer 2

When you're building a drag car it doesn't make sense to have a strict budget. It's better to decide how much you have available now, and do the best you can. Then next month, or 2-3 months from now, you'll have more to invest, and you can move to the next phase.

I would recommend doing the suspension and rear end work first, and doing the engine upgrades later. You have to have a quality rolling chassis no matter what engine you're running!