La Carerra Panamericana Race suggestions

[hegan1956]

Hello all, I am a new member. That said I have become fasinated by the La Carerra race. I am seriously thinking of building something to run the race. So I want suggestions. I have my ideas and I will advance them as this string gets moving. If you really believe a certain make would be best, convince me. Don't get upset if I try to blow holes in your argument. I want to think this out and make a decission before I go looking. I am an ASE Cert. mechanic and hobby machinist so working on the car shouldn't be a problem. I have a good bit of experience building Modified Dirt Track cars and Road Course sport cars so I shouldn't have a problem with setup either. So let the ideas begin. I'm looking forward to reading the post back.:D

A few limits though.
1: I want to race in the classic class "el mayor".
So I'm limited to an American sedan (Not sure if Coupes or HT allowed)between 1948 to 1954 model yrs. (See # 6)

2: I want a V8 so no Hudson fans jumping up and down for the Hornet.
Great car, but I just want a V8. (See # 6)

3: The car needs to be comfortable (Room inside w/Roll cage) to run the regular stages, but stiff enough to allow for the racing stages as well.
(See # 6)

4: If possible I would like a car that offered an OD trans original from the factory.
I plan on running a 4 spd, but I would like the added OD ratios for long straights. (See # 6)

5: An engine family that is easy to find parts for.
Please, this doesn't mean a Chevy or Ford only, as I can find most parts if needed or machine the ones I can't find. (See # 6)

Additions to the limits may be forthcoming as I interpret the rules and get feedback.

6: Lets have some fun and talk cars.

[Brandy]

Wrong forum!:D

xxx
Brandy

[plan9]

Wrong forum!:D

xxx
Brandy

this is a good forum for the panamericana... :cool:

just to get the ball rolling a bit....

iam not sure about specific model yrs and their drivetrains... however, the big luxery cars (mercury, lincoln, hudson, chrysler, DeSoto) came with V8's/OD transmissions.

also, check out publications from the era... HOP UP, HOT ROD, POPULAR MECHANICS, ROD&CUSTOM etc, i have magazines that covered the race...i know from the early 50's, jut not sure of exact dates.

[hegan1956]

just to get the ball rolling a bit....

iam not sure about specific model yrs and their drivetrains... however, the big luxery cars (mercury, lincoln, hudson, chrysler, DeSoto) came with V8's/OD transmissions.

also, check out publications from the era... HOP UP, HOT ROD, POPULAR MECHANICS, ROD&CUSTOM etc, i have magazines that covered the race...i know from the early 50's, jut not sure of exact dates.[/QUOTE]

I am following the La Carerra magazine articles from Hot Rod. That's what got me so interested in it. I've read a bunch of material on the race over the years and was always interested. Now I'm looking to set up a car for that race and if it runs well I might try it in one of the open races. I have a 55 Ford Custon with a 292 and I'm leaning in that direction as the Y-block is a fair engine to work on and run. Parts are available for it also. Problem is I really would love to put a 54 Dodge, Desoto or Chrysler together. I love the HEMI and know how to make one survive in harsh conditions. Also parts are easy to find as well. I don't want to build a I-6 or I would look at the Chevy. The rules are fairly loose on mods internally so machine work will be called for to pick up ponies and to amke any engine survive. One restriction on that is the bore & stroke rule. Stock stroke is mandated along with .040" overbore. That makes the HEMI a good canidate. That is one of the reasons I posted this, so I could get an idea about other makes.