I'm Dave, I'm in northern Utah, and I'm trying for 255 MPH for my first benchmark. My ultimate goal is 301. I'm not currently interested in records or classes, just running a number, however much safety equipment it takes.
I'm not too smart for starting with an '86 Camaro, but it was available, affordable, straight, and a platform I'm familiar with. The aftermarket support can't be argued, the SE Racecraft Trans Am doing 298 back in '89 gives me some hope. Swapping the nose and spoiler would be easy if necessary.
For power, I was indeed influenced by Hot Rod magazine getting 1203 HP from a salvaged pickup-truck 4.8L engine, as was every car guy I've talked to. But I've actually bought one, same year, disassembled it, tossed the cam, gotten the same-casting-number heads ported, and my cylinders are honed. Next up is re-gapping the rings.
Thing is, this is going to be legally driven to the salt. Yep, an emissions-friendly build. I won't be running in 2014, but 2015 will be more than enough time. I'll just spectate this year, if possible.
I'll start a build thread soon. Just now ordered a nice used 2.75:1 gear set for a 9" Ford axle I don't yet have, in fact. Transmission will be a 4L80E.
I'm frustrated that there are no top-speed tires for 18" wheels so I can fit 14" brakes front and rear, with 6-piston calipers all around. Anyone started petitioning Goodyear to remedy this?