When it dawned on me that there are now two open road races within striking distance of my home, an evil thought formed in my head: Why not evolve my ’64 Valiant 4-door into a sports sedan, and run it in the Street Rod or even Touring class?
The goal is to average close to a certain pre-selected speed (85, 90, 95, 100MPH, etc) over the two-part 100+ mile course, without exceeding the Technical Speed (A speed limit – say, 124MPH in the Touring class).
Big Bend Open Road Race: http://www.bborr.com/
John Foster West Texas Open Road Race: http://www.westtexasorr.com/
I think a narrow-body Valiant like mine would need attention in several areas to survive the run, and to do it with some dignity: Safety, tires, suspension, brakes, engine and trans cooling and lubrication, gearing, aerodynamics ... Some additional ponies wouldn't hurt, either.
A lot of the information on drag racing and general street performance gleaned from this forum would apply, but some would not. What are the real differences in approach?
Ideas? Comments?
(I’m hoping Lou will sound off on this)
Remember, I’d like to keep the car as a daily driver with sporting capabilities, not a racer on the ragged edge of legality or practicality.
This is a thought exercise at this point, but it might be doable down the road, as time, money, and the wife permit.

I say, DO IT! If one of those were close to me, I'd be there with my Dart in a heartbeat. That's a great car to start with, and wouldn't need too many mods assuming everything is in good working order. Sounds like you have the right idea on systems, just have at it.

You will want a stiffer suspension and low profile tires, unlike drag racing. Weight will not be a big issue, but HP still will. Good disc brakes and a well rebuilt suspension with a few mods will be necessary additions. I would get an aluminum radiator from www.afcoracing.com or similar.

I think I would be comfortable running my Dart at an average speed of up to 115-120 at this point. I've done 130 with it and it was stable and still pullin'.

Let me know if you have more specific questions.

Lou

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Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

I'd say go for it.

Check the results of the west texas orr.... 2nd in the unlimiteds... 62 Polara 500... 183+ MPH. Sounds like one hell of a ride.

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Brett

1963 Valiant Vert(225 /6)
1964 Dart GT Vert(225 /6)
1965 Dart GT (273)
1966 Barracuda (273)
1966 Dart (225 /6)
1970 Charger R/T (440)
1972 Satellite 4 door (318)
1974 Valiant 4 door (318)
1981 Ramcharger (318)
1987 RamVan (225 /6)

We live 5 hours from the nearest motor sport event of any kind that might relate to our Valiant. With that in mind the car is being constructed to get there in 3 hours. The most important items here are tires , brakes, and cornering mods. Our rough roads dictate a durable suspension. The race I would love to compete in is Targa Newfoundland. Fast ,rough and a class structure that favours pre-70 cars. The start line is 4000 miles from my home. Getting there in 4 days would make a race in itself.
Last fall my GF and I went from Delaware to Spokane Wash in 48 hours. Six hours of the 48 were spent sleeping in a motel which lowered our average to 65 MPH. Can you say North Dakota before you are through it? 135KPH cruising speed @ 22 MPG with blasts to 165KPH. (this in a Buick Roadmaster SW) The biggest thing is to have a gas tank/fuel cell bigger than your bladder.

Do It Everyday! You always win and the entry fee is cheap!