Drag Racing Discussions > Front Engine Dragsters

Short WB FED's

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slingshot383:
The car has to be balanced for the wheelbase, how far the engine is out from rear axle centerline, what kind of weight is up front.  The shorter the dragster, the wider the front end needs to be for stability.

masracingtd1167:
I prefer a longer car but I also don't see why you could not do it ! Look at how fast a funny car is with a short wheel base ! Your biggest problems will be in the first 300 ft but as some of the other guys have said proper balance and not too big of a tire will help you . Have fun !

Slowride:
Thanks for the advice guys.  That's why I asked the guys that know.

I'm just a poor enlisted guy that loves FEDs and wants to go racing for fun.  I just plan on running an injected SBF on methanol for starters.  My garage won't hold a 200" WB car and I'll probably just use an open trailer first.

I intended to run an altered, but I've had a hard time finding one that will fit a guy who is 6'4".

dusterdave173:
I started out like you
Wound up with a 200 inch Cenpen--would have liked it to be a 180 for many reasons like trailer etc but...
It drives like a dream and Trust me SBC on injected alky is all you will ever need--they are Fast!!!
I am 3 years ahead of you and would say get as long as you can fit in your space etc--easier to go fast later with long I think--the guys in my dragster club all say longer is better for rookies anyway.
Yes, a car with engine set way out works but none/ few  are that way--the old school look is cool but makes for sensitive car that can be hairy to launch etc
shop around--take your time now and it will pay off later--The Cen Pens or Worm cars are all approx 21 1/2 at the sholder and fit big boys well with a poured foam seat bottom
Go to any Nostalgia meet and watch--the short cars all look cool but usually never make full hard passes--they are cool / fun but--- the long cars all stage up and rip it
Good Luck!

JrFuel Hayden:
Of course we don't know your garage story, but maybe you could what Glen, the host of this site did, cut a hole in the garage wall and stick the front end in the patio on the otherside. Or crossways in a two car garage, or share a bigger shop with one or two buddies.
Or you can do what what my partner did that owns the chassis, he built a doghouse deal to extend the shop/garage when we front halfed the car and went from 200'' to 225". The fold-down one piece door just closes over the dog house. It's about 3 feet long. I'll take photos if you are interested.  Just be creative about your shop.
I know of a 180" Cen Pen car not finished for sale for under $4k, just needs body, fuel tank, and plumbing and wiring, and an engine trans of course.

Jon Hansen 

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