Drag Racing Discussions > Front Engine Dragsters
Short WB FED's
Slowride:
Looking to build a short wheelbase FED in the 130-140 range. What are the disadvantages or advantages of the shorter rails?
Thanks!
dwrfab:
Wheel stands and bending front ends.
JrFuel Hayden:
And some bent front wheels too. And extra weight too for the front end ballast to try and keep the wheels on the track. if you can't steer you'll keep hit the cones or the wall. You can't win any races by clicking it early. Back-in-the-day when short cars were being raced it was before VHT and they just smoked the tires to keep the RPM up to where the engine made good power. if you make the wheel base longer you'll have more fun, if you are going to race on any bumpy tracks, the longer more flexable chassis will work better.
Now if your goal is to build a short WB car because you only have a short shop and/or short trailer I know a JrFuel Racer that had a chassis built in two pieces. He just had a clever dolly to load his dragster in his short trailer.
Now if your goal is to build a let 50's early 60's looking like FED, then make sure to put period correct engine, wheels, tires, roll cage so it could be a fine cackle/show car.
fuel749:
Interesting replies so far, but it would be handy to know the rest of your planned combination as well. Planning on building a short wheelbase flathead powered car? Probably be just fine. Same car with a stout injected big block? Could be a handful. Plenty of guys out there running mild small blocks in short-ish cars with no problems. Your ultimate goal will determine what you want and need to do. Want to have fun with a mild combination that won't need much maintenance but will leave you smiling until the next race? You can do that with a mild power short car. Want to be competitive in Jr.Fuel? You might want to rethink your plan.
dreracecar:
Makes no difference at all long or short, how the car works (any car) is up to the owner to figure out what to do. If you are unwilling to do that then start with a longer car. I have 100" wheelbase altereds on fuel running over 200mph without any issues.
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