Fed build design ?

[Duster360!]

Hi guys, new to front engine dragsters but long time onlooker.  I’m looking to jump in and build a fed by myself and see what I can do.  There’s a couple things that will be required.  I am looking to build this in a standard 15 foot garage so wheelbase is determined by that, thinking 145-155 with removable bars.  Second either a sb or bb Chevy but must be roots blown either carb or mechanical injection alky with cooling system as I want to make this a really consistent bracket car.  Most likely will run a shortened power glide but I don’t have anything yet.  So looking for ideas and input on which engine and why, trans and converter gearing and tire size ?  Which would you pick and why for ultimate bracket car?  Also can anybody teach me a little about front end design and reasoning.  I’ve seen many done differently with steering right to the spindle or bell crank, different locations of radios rods, one or two rods and different torsion arm mounting location.  Thanks !

[225digger]

call SW race cars and order there fed blue prints, they are very detailed, think they cost 100.00  there prints are multple sheets not just 1 big print, alot of info

[wideopen231]

Neil and Parks have a set for sale also. Frank and Scott both can be get source for info,not to mention almost every part you may need or want.

[Duster360!]

Thanks, I’ll check in with those.  Any ideas on input on as far as which power plant and why it would be better for my goal?

[Paul New]

How fast do you want to go?

[Duster360!]

Really not to caught up on it, figuring any way I go as long as it’s blown I should be happy with it. Anything low 8s to low 7s but needs to be reliable and good for bracket racing

[Paul New]

A low 7 second 145-155” WB FED would be a wild little car!  I know nothing about what it would take to make a short FED but if I did I would use a wide front axle and a torsion bar just for the fact it would look cool!  You could build a 350” blown SBC with a 6-71 bug catcher and a Vertex mag and run however hard you want to run it.

[diesel tech]

Have one for sale on the east coast. All the good parts, for 1/3 cost of build. Inj sbc been 7.80. Race next week. 908-406-6601 Please lv message. thanks.

[wideopen231]

car can be longer than garage just go corner to corner.How do I know this?225" car in 20' garage. add in extra for 30 over nose and the cage out back. Warning it means about 5 million trips stepping over car.LOL As for power plant.Plenty SBC running in 7's with blower.Biggest thing with bracket deal will be questionable track prep and it happens more than not it seems.Keep power where it will go snow covered track  and you will e upsetting lts of RED guys.

[Duster360!]

If I make ramps for the nose raising it up will give a little more space too right?  I like the idea of a sbc but still water in block and heads for total control over temp even round robin.  Not sure if it’s totally required but would like to drive car up and back .  What gear and tire would you guys recommend for blown sbc? 

[THE FRENCHTOWN FLYER]

...Keep power where it will go snow covered track  and you will e upsetting lts of RED guys...

That is why I run 2.47 rear gears in my truckster. It will hook in a slime-covered mudslide.

[jeff/21]

we went with 160", stock length powerglide coupler no driveshaft wide front end and tall rear tires (33") goes straight handles well even on no prep street races(towns allow clubs to run drags once a year) don't have a blower na sbc 406" on alky water in heads drive back to pits
good luck, have fun!

[Curly1]

If you are limiting it to 150 inches or so then I would say drop the idea of a front engine dragster and go with an altered roadster. You can make a good altered really work but I think it would be difficult to make a 150 inch dragster work in the 7's. Not impossible but would be a pain. Buy or build a Spitzer type design and it would work.

[dreracecar]

Altereds are/can for fat drivers (250+)   if you are below , then a dragster will be fine just make sure inside the shoulder hoop is 19.5". Nothing wrong with 150" just that the front axle needs to be wider for steering control

[Duster360!]

I’m not to big, 5-5 170, what’s the reason for shoulder hoop width?