Hatch or notch for dragracing

[ss509]

Hey guys,Newbie here. Raced chevys back in the 70s and now that the kids are gone looking to get back into it. Looking to run the 6.50 class here in Florida and going to try it with a mustang. Is there any reason to go with the notch over the hatch or is it personal preferance. I am leaning towards the notchback. Also is there a specific year between 79-93 that would work better. The class requires stock suspension. Tons more to ask but i will start with this first. Thanks FRANK

[goodyear1984]

well if u watch some really fast hatch backs u can see the hatch pop open when they launch hard,the notch has a back dash with a metal frame so im sure the body wont flex as much.but eaither way if u get a roll cage and frame connectors ul be fine.

[ss509]

Originally Posted by goodyear1984

well if u watch some really fast hatch backs u can see the hatch pop open when they launch hard,the notch has a back dash with a metal frame so im sure the body wont flex as much.but eaither way if u get a roll cage and frame connectors ul be fine.

Have not noticed that before but i could see that being an issue. As i stated earlier i want to run in the 6.50 class. Not knowing that much about ford engines and want to run a carbed engine what would you recommend to run. I believe 6.50 = 10.20. or so. I would prefer to have some reserve in the motor.

[goodyear1984]

well i would build a small block.starting with a dart block eaither a big bore 302 based block and get 377in plus or a tall deck 351 based and do 408in plus.if it was me i would do the tall deck and get alot of cubes.plus that way u can keep the compression down and run on pump gas or jam some compression and run e85.

[goodyear1984]

ps you dont need to get a dart block its a good insurance,plus u can like i said get the bigger bore block and get more cubes for the same price,the pistons might be like 2 hundred more but for the extra cubes and the insurance that u can run 1200hp befor the block cracks makes me feel good..the older 351 blocks like pre 1973 are heavier so you could use one of them

[USMC302]

Not to mention the notchbacks are lighter, which is great when you don't have to worry about class weight restrictions. Another positive for a notch, is that if you decide to put a fuel cell in the trunk area, you won't need the mandatory safety wall seperation that the hatch will require. I think the coupes just look a little meaner too, lol. Good luck.

[goodyear1984]

@ usmc302 how much lighter are the notches

[USMC302]

This is an estimated chart...

Model ~ Trans ~ Total ~ Front ~ Rear
LX Sedan ~ Man ~ 3037 ~ 1798 ~ 1239
LX Hatch ~ Man ~ 3102 ~ 1796 ~ 1306
LX 'vert ~ Man ~ 3238 ~ 1870 ~ 1368
LX Sedan ~ Auto ~ 3097 ~ 1837 ~ 1260
LX Hatch ~ Auto ~ 3162 ~ 1835 ~ 1327
LX 'vert ~ Auto ~ 3298 ~ 1909 ~ 1389
GT Hatch ~ Man ~ 3191 ~ 1849 ~ 1342
GT 'vert ~ Man ~ 3327 ~ 1923 ~ 1404
GT Hatch ~ Auto ~ 3251 ~ 1888 ~ 1363
GT 'vert ~ Auto ~ 3442 ~ 1960 ~ 1482
'93 Cobra ~ Man ~ 3255 ~ 1874 ~ 1381
'93 Cobra R ~ Man ~ 3143 ~ 1823 ~ 1320

[goodyear1984]

yea i think its time for me to take some weight out of my car lol