Sparky, Skip, Mike, Gary- Thanks for the ideas! We'll look at changing the front end, and getting legal for BVGC next winter. Our goal next year will be to run in only that class, and see what we can do.
Stan, Rick- The car did not have the independent type front suspension, with knee action shocks. Rather, it had a solid axle, and lever type shocks- I still have this setup.
Rick, I sure don't think I'm special! After reading a ton of build threads, I realize that I'm simply experiencing some of the build pains that many have, before me. When we first mocked this up, we had room!
Ok, we didn't! I thought I understood the setback, but didn't. On top of that, we decided to add a crank snout girdle, and now I need more room in front of the engine block.
We currently have a 5" drop axle.The engine is in place, and setback 13%. Next year, I may do away with the front suspension, solid mount the axle, and move the engine to a legal 2% setback.
I started this build with 12 months to finish it, and no experience on the salt. In addition, I did not know anyone with salt experience, so I 'winged' it. The further I get into the build, the more advice I get from experienced individuals. Therefore, the more I realize that I need to look at some aspects of the build again.
Rick, believe me- I'm trying to get 'in as deep' as I can with Gary, and anyone else with experience that will tolerate my naive questions!
In the mean time, the engine is setback, and the sheet metal is going back on, so we can trim the blower openings.