Drag Racing Discussions > Front Engine Dragsters

build or buy?

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probird:
Hey fedders!
Just getting the itch to go racing again. always wanted one. went over to grapro's house and looked at his rail. just about has it finished.
Just thinking(and looking) at racing junk and classifieds here. Haven't decided which way to proceed.
Buy a kit and piece it together or buy a used one?
So if a person found a good deal on a used one,it probably would only needed to be freshened up where to build one I would need everything.
Thoughts?
Thanks in advance
Barry.

wideopen231:
Depends on quit a few points. You want true older design or one with few modern touchs. Want motor back or like a lot of newer one with it lot farther out? Want it now or in year or two of build or more if broke like me.Going on 3 years and still not finished but getting close.

 Cost wise probably buy used.Satisfaction of running a car you built is hard to beat.If you shop around you can find some very good buys in roller or turn key.End of season might be good time too.My dogs keep me going to vet like last two months and heck I might be giving mine away.

On my car I have built everything I can made likes of stuff I could buy,some cheaper in long run.Its taking forever,mostly money.Then again I doubt I would have gotten  what I have if buying everything .Also doubt I would have saved up the money to have for buying turn key cat either. Plus I love fabrication and building as much as I can.IMO it will be ten time sweeter when I win the first race,figure might take 2 or 3 to get first win.After first one they seem easier.Plus win loose or draw its all on me.

  Smart folks buy or have them built,determined folks build(not stuborn).IMHO do which ever gives you the most enjoyment thats what this is about right?

dreracecar:
Buying a completed car (and knowing what you are looking at) will get you racing sooner and at about .45 on the dollar. Building takes time and money- but you will have it done your way.

probird:
I guess it depends on the used car and how much. some of the kits look to be about 5g's.
tubing, rear housing and front end would be a good starting point. I have a 400 sbc to go into it. then I would need all the little nickel and dime items to finish it. hmmm.
Now if I could find a nice roller for about the same, less work to do................
I like the late 60's/70's style. low sleek looking.
I'll just keep looking for one not all beat up or if a kit goes on sale comes up I cant refuse lol

dusterdave173:
Took me over 2 1/2 years to complete mine and make first pass--was a milestone in my life--No words for the satisfaction of  finishing a project like this and driving it for the first time--So..if you need a mental health boost build it--just want to go race and try one--way cheaper to buy a car--way cheaper--even with upgrades.
You start out saying going to build it cheap and on time--you end up doing everything first class and top shelf and spend more than its worth on the market.
Folks that have watched me build this car and then run the crap out of it are in awe--I did not do it for anyone but myself but have to say the pride in acomplishing this dream is hard to put into words--one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Now balance that with the fact that most project cars are never finished by the original owner or even the second or third for that matter
You have got to have some guts!

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