OHC 6 sandrail!

[RamAirZ]

Well, can't seem to find ANYONE that will even take the 250ci OHC off my hands now that I have the 455, so, figured why not find something useful for it. I decided tonight that I am going to start building a sand rail frame using 2x3 square tubing and a 12point Camaro roll cage, with the back consisting of a jegster ladder bar frame kit (may go 4 link). Then slap on all the aluminum panels from the aluminum interior kit from jegs and go to town!. Still debating if I want to do a front engine mount or put it in the back. I'll be using the 2-spd (thought about putting in my muncie but that would be too much of a pita and cost more money :) lol). It's a hand-me-down parts special. I'll be using the whole drivetrain from my 69' (rearend, OHC6/ST300 and driveshaft), the gas tank from it, the front control arms, wheels/tires, steering column and wheel, etc. What do you think I should do, front or rear mount engine? I'll probably be using the stock springs and shocks from my car as well lol.

[Jack Gifford]

Front/rear engine??

Empirical approach: Observe the engine position of good-performing examples that are close your weight/power/wheelbase.

Theoretical approach: As far forward as possible without unacceptably limiting traction while accelerating.

I haven't studied sand drags, and my mini-pulling was a different situation, but there are some similarities. Stable handling is important to both- pullers are disqualified for out-of-bounds, and drag racers could kill themselves! Both can suffer rapid variations in traction between drive tires, which tries to steer the machine off the track (incidentially, both machines are usually on only the rear tires during a run). To minimize this steering input, a large polar moment of inertia about the rear axle is desirable. The ideal for this purpose would be to have the center of gravity at the very front of the vehicle, but even if that were possible, starting line traction would be nonexistent.

Sounds like a fun way to use the OHC-6!

[RamAirZ]

Ya that's what I was thinking. I was going to turbo it in my 69' but couldn't have a muscle car without the V8 rumble so I got a 455 block to build. I think it will be fun, :)

[speedshopmike]

raz, i'm selling a sandrail chassis and stuff to go with, all new, really stinking cheap.
new brembo front disc brakes, etc.
no drivetrain, no wheels/tires, just chassis, front end (bug style) torsion bars, control arms, spindles, steering parts and box, also a rack/pinion unit if not wanting to use a steering box setup, rear brake steering whatchmacallit lever, misc other stuff.
interested? - pm me if so
happy holidays
mike
ps - ohc sixes are cool.

[bastard]

You might consider a mid-engine configuration with the engine forward of the rear end and mounted to a Toronado type transmission.
Rear engine would be good only for popping wheelies.
Front engine would be too heavy in the front, and would adversely affect handling.