Making a race car - Nitrous small block / C4?

65nassau · 06-28-2007, 12:39 PM

Hello gents, I have a spare ZZ2 engine I am going to build up and use for race only, probably add nitrous to, this came out of my 65, I went with a new engine in it.

I'm looking for a car that I can have some race fun with on a budget. I need a chevy - a chevelle or camaro would be nice, But I'm also looking at C4's since they are so darn cheap.

I want something I can put some DR's on get some bite and run -10's with perhaps?..... on a budget.

Any comments on the C4 suspension as a LIMITED use race car or drawbacks I should be concened about I am sure the drivetrain will have to be beefed, but what about the IRS...I guess it is only good to the 10's? .....

Serious replies only, if you don't have something nice or useful to say don't say it.......

Glensgages · 06-28-2007, 01:30 PM

I'm not real-smart about C4s, but I believe they came with either a Dana-36 or a Dana-44 rear-end, and am told the D-44 is much-more reliable:
others more-knowledgeable will chime-in.

jpee · 06-28-2007, 03:58 PM

If you are looking to stay within a budget... I would stay away from a C4 especially if you are going to use NO2 even with a Dana 44 the "Hit" of NO2 will shorten its life.. (IMO) AND Dana 44's are getting to be in very short supply and very high in price..

Now if you do get a C4 and convert it to a straight axle like several of the others here, then I say GO FOR IT !!

Bottom line stay away from an independent rear and NO2 in the same car...

Bill Wilson · 06-28-2007, 06:10 PM

I am a C4 Bracket Drag Racer and I have a couple of suggestions for you and your desire to have a 10 second C4. I'm basing these suggestions on my own C4 and being very happy racing it in the mid 12's. First:
Immediately Call John Carter at (301) 801-8800 and make him an offer on either his 2001 Z06 that is currently running in the 10's or on his 2000 Vert that is currently running in the 9's - both are for sale at $60,000 and $50,000 which is a VERY GOOD price for proven and tested Corvette running at the numbers you are looking for in your C4. While John's Vettes are not C4's they are fast and a pretty good buy. Unless you are a very good wrench you will not be able to build a Vette as fast and as reliable as either of these Vettes.
If your heart is set on building a 10 second C4 then, Second:
Immediately call H. E. Plybon at (540)977-4789 - up until this year he raced a C4 in the NSCA Series in I believe the 11.0 Index Class of American Muscle. He has retired the Vette and is now running on in one of the 9.5 Pro classes of NSCA. He has more C4 hi-performance parts for building an 11.0 and 10.0 second C4 than about anyone. He is looking to part with most of his old race parts that where on his C4. He lives in Blue Ridge, VA so he is not too far from you and I think you would find a trip to his place just to see what he has a very wise thing to do.
Good luck with your pursuit of building a C4 to run in the 10's - there are several guys out there doing it but it sure can be an expensive way to go racing - fun but expensive!

REDC4CORVETTE · 07-01-2007, 04:36 AM

I would say forget the C4.I would go with a Camaro or Chevelle.
You said budget racer and I would go that way.
You will have 50k in a C4 if you try to put it into the 10's and keep it their.My 86 is anight mare to drive and I start out the season as the points leader and then the car breaks and it is down for two months.
Their goes the points.
I guess a $$$ figure would be in line for a C4,how about $2500.00 for an 86 coupe $3200.00 for a carcreations rear plus spool plus axles plus Denny's drive shafts plus gears and so on get the point $5500.00 and it is still not stable.
How about a trans $7000.00 and still going 700r4 went through 7 so far .How about a nitrous miss hap and $4500.00 for the front of the car

.
I can go on and on ,yes I thought I could make it work because I do all the work myself .Wrong the parts will kill you and the lies that the manufacture tells you is worse.Tires and other parts limit you and what you can do with the car.
Buy a roller and be done with it.

RacerX70CC · 07-01-2007, 12:59 PM

Your best bet is to cruise racingjunkdotcom and buy a roller.... you'll be money ahead.

The most expensive car in the world is a "free" or "cheap" car. The C4 is NOT the best choice for a drag car.

Glensgages · 07-01-2007, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RacerX70CC

Your best bet is to cruise racingjunkdotcom and buy a roller.... you'll be money ahead.

http://racingjunk.com/search?searchString=corvette

98Red · 07-03-2007, 01:54 PM

Hi, It depends on how fast you want to go. If you want to run nitrous and be in the 10's it's not cheap. It takes a lot of work and fabrication to make race parts fit a C4. On the other hand if your willing to spend the time and money it's a great ride. I have had a lot of fun building and racing my C4. I'd do it again. I hope this helps.

Doug.