other cars, a really good 632-cube, 1200hp
crate engine could lose 100-200 horses simply
because the pipe diameter, length and collector
are compromised to fit inside the stock inner
guards and frame rails. Another consideration
is the extra weight of a big-block. A lighter small-
block will sit further back and is better for weight
distribution, and will be easier to hook up.
Speaking of hook-up, big, wide, fat rear
tyres look cool on any car from hot rods to
late-models, but without some rear-end mods,
a 275 tyre is about all that fits under a stock
tri-five’s rear guards, as the leaf springs are
mounted on the outside of the frame rails.
That’s unless you ‘retro’-radius the guards, like
the ’55 in Two- L ane Black top or Dennis Taylor’s
wheelstanding ’55 (SM, Dec ’17, p71) for that
nostalgia gasser look.
If 11.0 is the limit, a 275 drag radial on a
prepped track will be more than enough rubber
to hook up. There are really good adjustable
shocks available these days for both the front
and back, and I reckon I’d ring up the Gazzard
Brothers and ask for a set of their shocks. I’d
fit Moroso coil springs in the front and slapper
bars in the rear. I know CalTracs work really
well, but I think with adjustable shockies the
slapper bars will launch consistently with the
drag radials.
So what if you wanted to go quicker than 11.0,
and were prepared to do whatever it took to
meet all the ANDRA safety rules in a street-
driven shoebox? The stock tri-five’s rear leaf
springs would have to be relocated or replaced
with coil-overs, and there are an overwhelming
number of options available in the chassis
world, from leaf-spring pocket kits and mini-
tubs to a full chassis swap. To me, Sonny’s
’57 is one of the best street/strip cars I’ve ever
been in, and it’s fitted with an Alston four-link
rear end. For Australian rego, I think a properly
set up, mini-tubbed, four-link rear end would be
easier to get engineered and approved than a
full chassis swap.
Old cars get more valuable with time, and
the ’55-’57 shoebox Chev is a very desirable
collector’s car, so be careful how you modify
them if you want to maintain their value. If you
keep them relatively stock, they will still be
valuable in 10 or 20 years’ time. sSTREET MACHINE 201
REBUILDING
YOUR CAR?
INSTALL
RESOMAT
We are the Australian
automotive distributer for
noise and heat proofi ng
products for one of the worlds
leading manufacturers.
VISIT OUR NEW MODERN
SHOWROOM AT 1/6 AIRLIE AVE,
DANDENONG VICTORIA 3175CALL TOLL FREE 1800 335 896
OR VISIT http://www.tru-fi tcarpets.com.auRESOMAT
®10% DISCOUNT
& FREE DELIVERY
MOST PLACES
AUSTRALIA WIDE
Just mention this ad!
Offer closes 30/11/14Bulk pack
$
175
for 3.5 SqmRESOMAT the choice
of new vehicle manufacturers to
reduce noise & vibration.
RESOMAT is approved for use in new automotive
vehicles, hospitals, apartment buildings, etc.
RESOMAT is currently installed in Kenworth and
Mack trucks, Australian Defence Force vehicles,
cars, buses, train carriages and more... What more
endorsement could you need?
RESOMAT is not bitumen or butyl based, unlike
similar looking sound deadeners which can have an
offensive odour and lose performance quickly as they
heat up. Also, over time they can harden resulting in
further performance loss.
RESOMAT can be easily removed where required
unlike butyl based products. This may be necessary
when a vehicle needs repairs or modifi cations. Ask
almost anyone who has had to remove a butyl based
product and you'll usually hear a loud groan. If you've
ever tried to remove windscreen sealant (butyl based)
you'll know what we mean!
RESOMAT is now lighter than our competitor - with
no performance loss!
RESOMAT is extremely price competitive.
RESOMAT can be purchased
in a BULK PACK of 3.5 sqm.
Single sheets can also
be purchased in:
1300mm x 1000mm,
1300mm x 500mm and
500mm x 430mm sizes.
You can buy exactly
what you need for your
job and if you run short
you're not forced to buy
another bulk pack - only
buy the extra you need.JUST MENTION
THIS AD!Above:
Mustang floor