318 - Best Bracket Engine ..... IMO

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318willrun

318willrun

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I don't understand why in two very popular paying classes of bracket racing you don't find MORE of the engine that makes the most sense. Sportsman and No Box Classes. The 318.
Here is why:
  1. Money - Isn't it always about the money???? LOL. Cheapest engine. Literally, all the street mopar guys and folks chasing ET's want 340's/360's and bigger.
  2. Long life - Neutral balanced. Extremely reliable, even with stock long block.
  3. Common - probably the most common V8 mopar out there. 1967-2003 (not including the poly)
  4. Roller Cam - many years available with roller cam
  5. Support - Anything and everything is available.
  6. No Box Class. - at my track (IHRA) this races 1/8 mile and it's 4.50 to 7.99. Not hard to get a designated bracket car with a 318 to go 7.99. Light car, good converter, and gears doesn't need a lot of HP.
  7. Sportsman Class - this is 1/4 mile here. 12.00 or slower. No nothing for aids in racing, just your eye on the tree and foot on the brake.
Doesn't this just make sense??? Yet, you don't see much of it.
 
And I guess the question could be asked "why this doesn't make sense"..... ???
A good tree and consistency are all that's needed to go rounds.
 
MOPARMAGA said:
Well it's because most people want to go faster because they get bored I guess.
Click to expand...
I don't know of anyone that gets bored in winning IF they are bracket racing. I know some have a "thing" about not being chased. My brother was like that. Couldn't stand to be chased. His Nova ran 8.90's and he still got chased a bit... LOL
 
I don't know, but it's easier to win with a slow car.
There was guy that raced at Spokane back in the late 90's, he won more driving his old ladies caddy than he did with his 9 sec Camaro.
It was a kick watching him jamming out to rock with the AC on, round after round. lol
 
fishmens67 said:
I don't know, but it's easier to win with a slow car.
There was guy that raced at Spokane back in the late 90's, he won more driving his old ladies caddy than he did with his 9 sec Camaro.
It was a kick watching him jamming out to rock with the AC on, round after round. lol
Click to expand...
Some have their preferences. I personally believe the higher MPH car has more choices/better view at the big end.
 
318willrun said:
I don't know of anyone that gets bored in winning IF they are bracket racing. I know some have a "thing" about not being chased. My brother was like that. Couldn't stand to be chased.
Click to expand...
That's true.
I've never had a car that had to chase.
Always been chased with a few cars that were very consistent daily drivers.
 
fishmens67 said:
Usually ends up in a breakout. BTDT
I always thought I liked door racing and playing catchup, didn't work out to well most times.
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Shouldn't break out if you dial honest. I know in almost EVERY round in my '77 van I was going about 3 seconds handicap on a 1/8 track.. lol. BUT, I had to let a V8 mustang go first and chase him down (go figure, 318 2bbl in a van :D :D). Always easier when I am running someone down (but rarely am I chasing LOL)
 
318willrun said:
Shouldn't break out if you dial honest. I know in almost EVERY round in my '77 van I was going about 3 seconds handicap on a 1/8 track.. lol. BUT, I had to let a V8 mustang go first and chase him down (go figure, 318 2bbl in a van :D :D). Always easier when I am running someone down (but rarely am I chasing LOL)
Click to expand...
I remember dialing in as a teenager, run the number in test and tune runs. Put the dial in for 2 tenths slower and never change the dial in.
Now it seems complicated, people using computers and weather stations.
I might be going with the way I used to do it with the new car, keep it simple and see if it works still.
 
MOPARMAGA said:
I remember dialing in as a teenager, run the number in test and tune runs. Put the dial in for 2 tenths slower and never change the dial in.
Now it seems complicated, people using computers and weather stations.
I might be going with the way I used to do it with the new car, keep it simple and see if it works still.
Click to expand...
I have at times pulled a couple hundredths out, but not 2 tenths... lol That's some serious sandbagging
 

MOPARMAGA said:
Oh, sorry I meant hundredths lol
Click to expand...
Makes sense. I will dial dead honest if the car is repeating. A successful racer said "dial the number you know the car will run". Most bracket races are won or lost at the tree. Not all, but most.
 
318willrun said:
Makes sense. I will dial dead honest if the car is repeating. A successful racer said "dial the number you know the car will run". Most bracket races are won or lost at the tree. Not all, but most.
Click to expand...
And a 318 in a A-body is a tough bracket car if it runs lower 12's. Almost never will break parts, and will usually hook well on even a bad prepped track.
 
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