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Pete · 07-18-2020, 05:05 PM

Ronnieroadster has a good budget build suggested.
One place you do not want to skimp on though is the cam and valve train.
A 425 with lightened stock lifters is probably the best flat lifter cam you can use. Most of the top doggies in the past used it. A radius lifter cam will go faster but is extremely expensive. Roller cams will not perform as well in a flathead Ford drag race engine as flat or radius lifters.
Aluminum rods are good but have a shorter fatigue life than forged steel H beam rods.
Before you buy pistons, you need to decide what fuel you are going to run and stick to it, especially with a blower. The compression ratio will be different with a blower or naturally aspirated. Alcohol is cheapest at about 2 bucks a gallon. Race gas 10 bucks or more. AV gas about 6. Street gas about 4 right now. On a budget, don't even think about nitro.
A front mounted ignition or mag will be more trouble free than an 8ba type.(no extra gear set to go through)
Use 45 degree sweptback "zoomie" type headers like the top fuel cars. They give some downforce and forward push.

07-18-2020, 05:05 PM	#9
Pete Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wa. Posts: 5,407	Re: Let's build a drag race 8BA engine Ronnieroadster has a good budget build suggested. One place you do not want to skimp on though is the cam and valve train. A 425 with lightened stock lifters is probably the best flat lifter cam you can use. Most of the top doggies in the past used it. A radius lifter cam will go faster but is extremely expensive. Roller cams will not perform as well in a flathead Ford drag race engine as flat or radius lifters. Aluminum rods are good but have a shorter fatigue life than forged steel H beam rods. Before you buy pistons, you need to decide what fuel you are going to run and stick to it, especially with a blower. The compression ratio will be different with a blower or naturally aspirated. Alcohol is cheapest at about 2 bucks a gallon. Race gas 10 bucks or more. AV gas about 6. Street gas about 4 right now. On a budget, don't even think about nitro. A front mounted ignition or mag will be more trouble free than an 8ba type.(no extra gear set to go through) Use 45 degree sweptback "zoomie" type headers like the top fuel cars. They give some downforce and forward push.