When it comes to spending money to increase performance what do you prefer?

[Pete68]

When it comes to spending money to increase performance what do you prefer?

[MonzaRacer]

Honestly you another choice: "A mix of all of these" because thats me, and one reason I am still sourcing parts, got my ideas, and plans,,,just want a few more things around before I try to assemble my car(s).

[Rod]

When it comes to spending money to increase performance what do you prefer?


depends on what you start with

[rustomatic]

It's always suspension. The only way more power would help my car would be if I first applied race slicks before entering another autocross. Before this, applying some kind of decent axle twist deflector (like a third link above the axle) would also help. I only have a carbureted Fox-body Mustang 5.0/T5 in my Falcon, but every application of gas pedal in 2nd gear, all the way through the gear, (in yesterday's autocross) resulted in nothing but tire spin... I have new tires (yes, cheap Falken 50-series things, but they never make noise when pushed on a twisty road)...

Reasoning is reasonable, no? Maintaining speed in a turn is just always more fun than a drag race...

[shizzy]

I always look at dollar per "horsepower" when I'm upgrading anything. Back In High School I found Polyurethane bushings, better tires, Better exhaust and proper tuning to be the best bang for my buck. big brakes and fuel injection setups though cool, were beyond my means for what small improvement they would have given me.

[LeighP]

First comes brakes and suspension and steering. Make it stop, handle and steer and it'll feel fast.
After that, play with the driveline.

[Jim Nilsen]

I prefer to spend someone elses money when it comes to car parts of any kind. It rarely happens but sometimes you get parts for free!!!!!!! Imagine sponsor here.

[MonzaRacer]

Guys when I started building cars, at least in the past I had to get them running,,,then start on other issues. Similar now as I need to build my 283 for the Monza AND install the 454 in the Caprice.
AND still have to get ready to move furniture I bought from grandmothers estate to my trailer,,,,might be time to use vacation time to get some stuff done. Lucky me.
454 needs oil pan changed, probably should change freeze plugs and had thought about rebuilding my 290 head from my 402 to push the compression up a little more,,,,over the miniscule compression it would have if I installed the cam my buddy gave me. He took it out of his crate engine un ran, or I could use my Chet Herbert roller,, if I can source some good lifters.
Just wish business was better so I could be little better off in spare cash.
and now I have the information I can actually widen my front track width which helps fitting newer style wheels,, but Ill need new upper control arms, ah now MORE money to spend if I cant MAKE what I need.Or modify something to fit.
Two steps forward, for steps back.

[CarlC]

Perhaps one more option. Improve the driver.

[rentedmule]

With the same driver tires will always make the biggest difference at an auto-X.

[brownz]

The first thing I look at is if it doesnt steer stop and handle good whats the point of more power...

[PT Sportwagon]

Like Rod said, depends on what you start with. I do what I can. I was told years ago, that build the drive train to handle the power you plan on building.

Tim

[MidnightSpecial]

You apparently havent seen me when im running late for work in the morning.

[cornfedbill]

Perhaps one more option. Improve the driver.

I like to stick with what is realistic...

[aray327]

Pete you left this discussion wide open! Maybe a bit more detail would help steer the conversation. Let's be fair to the readers. What's the intent with the car?

I may know better than some, but I'm not even sure any longer. I think you still want a nice reliable fun driver, right?

[qnitro]

Lots of it

[Ron.in.SoCal]

Lots of it

You can close the thread now.

[72BBSwinger]

Im all for dropping weight. Then any horsepower increases will compound.

[Pete68]

Thanks for all the feedback guys, its not really for my planning purpose I was just kinda curious what everyone is here for and kinda wanted to know the mindset for pro-touring, I asked the same question over at camaros.net and wanted to compare the results.