Don Terrill’s Speed-Talk

I personally don't believe there is a technical fix to NASCAR. And blaming NASCAR is like blaming the victim. Like others are saying here, NASCAR is just one of countless forms of entertainment that people have available to them. That was not the case in the 1950's up to say 1990. No amount of tweak...

Talked to Greg last week. He has gotten out of the spring business. His supplier's prices were getting too high.

Mopar super stock springs are hard to beat until you get into the tens. I have a lot of nostalgia super stock buddies that swear by the caltracs, if you use the split mono-leaf spring with them. The last few sets of super stock springs I had were made in mexico and were not as good of quality as th...

Aero side force is a real thing and is commonly measured in a wind tunnel test. Most left turning race cars are not symmetrically built and can have significant aero force on the right side of the car. And if the engineer knows his stuff, he can get sideforce and a lot of rear downforce. When I was ...

Unless you're trying to squeeze out every last tenth I would skip the Caltracs and use what Mother Mopar gave you. The original Caltrac setup was built by John Calvert for a 68 Mustang stock eliminator car. Like most non Chrysler leaf spring cars the Fords have the rear end mounted in the center of...

I am building a Plymouth Duster for street and drag racing and need advice on the rear suspension. The MOPAR Super Stock springs have been around forever and obviously work very well. I am leaning toward using them but am also considering the Caltracs. Has anyone here used both and can tell me what ...

Ron E wrote: ↑Wed Aug 08, 2018 1:38 pm I answered in your other thread. A 5.7 would be a great engine to use. Just make sure it's a 2009 or newer version. The 6.4's are great but are selling very high.

What about the 6.1 Hemi?

I had another post earlier about turbocharging a 340 Mopar to put in a drag car. I have friends that are recommending a Gen 3 Hemi instead and are suggesting I would get more bang for my buck going this route. My only experience with a modern Hemi is the 5.7 in my truck. I have neither motor now and...

I have friends who are strongly suggesting I put a Gen 3 Hemi in the car. 5.7's are readily available (and cheap) now and might be more cost effective in the long run vs. an LA smallblock. What do you guys think?

I hadn't thought about using a 318. I guess because it was always in the shadow of the 340. But it does make sense with a turbo, especially as pointed out by Jeff, the walls are thicker which is good with boost. I know people that prefer 4.8L LS engines for the same reason. If I go 318, what heads s...

I have just bought an old Plymouth Duster and want to build a turbocharged 340 engine to go in it for drag racing. I haven't played with Mopars in years and quickly found out that 340 parts are tough to find now. I want to use the 340 for its shorter stroke and higher revving capability, vs. the lat...

I guess a few questions on the build, is it purely a strip car or street? Are you planning on efi or blow thru? Are you fabricating all or any of the hotside? What is the primary performance goal? Car will be maybe 40/60 street/strip. Planning on EFI. All intake and exhaust will be fabricated. Best...

Great comments here. Let me throw out a more focused scenario. I am building a G-body that weighs 3500 lbs and I want to drag race it. Building a decent 350 SB that would be about 300 hp NA with bottom end built for boost (8.5/1 CR). Automatic trans and convertor still to be bought. I have space to ...

What are the advantages of twin turbos over a larger single turbo? If I have no space limitations and no rulebook to follow, at what engine horsepower should I move from a large single to a twin turbo setup on a typical V8?

The only people I know that use aluminum rods regularly are blower cars and this is mainly for absorption of shock loads. They act like a shock absorber between the piston and crankshaft. Of course aluminum has a much reduced life span and these rods have to be replaced on a usage schedule.