Drag Racing Discussions > Front Engine Dragsters

How did they build those early jnr fuel cars so light?

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retroboy:
I weighed my 155" car today. I have no excess bits and pieces, no battery, two wires, no suspension, the only concession is a little upholstery. 1190 lbs. I could save a little with a pair of lighter wheels some alloy heads analuminium diff centre. How did they build the early junior fuel cars under 1000 lbs?   

wideopen231:
I think one of the member just finshed his and it weighed in at 1090. When you think about the weight of iron sbc ,powerglide( under 100 is lite) torque converter and the rest of the car has to be pretty lite to be around 1100.

They did have less bars and safety equipment back then . Push starts did away with starter even being on board. IMO you did pretty good getting it that lite.

dreracecar:
.035 frame tubing, .095 front axles, magnezum was surplus and cheap, small olds rearends with mag centers. No burnouts so the tanks only had a couple gal, go-kart brakes, there was nothing on these cars that did not have a purpose

rooman:
Aluminium clutch cans, magnesium quick change rear ends with open live axle and only one brake caliper/rotor, direct drive and Schwinn bicycle rims were also used.

Roo

retroboy:
Just had a second look at my weights and I'm actually at 1160 LBS so I'm pretty happy really. Over the next few years I might look to some aluminium parts, motor cycle brake calipers etc.
Cheers
Tony

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