Can you guys give me a rough estimate of what my car is making. There is no local dyno and the car needs some wheels and tires before i take it to the track but here are hte specs:

1972 Chevelle SS
350 targetmaster crate engine
Edelbrock Performer RPM: cam, intake, carb ( 650cfm )
Hooker Competition Headers
Dual flowmaster 40 series exhaust

The engine compartment is as clean as can be, its not even close to 100% assembled so there some weight saved, but im just looking for some rough estimates.

The track is the ultimate dyno.

Fearless 1/4 mile prediction: 14.6x's e.t. @ ~ 92 mph.
Fearless 1/8 mile prediction: 9.3x's e.t. @ ~ 73 mph

Good luck, and remember to have some fun while at the track!

Thomas

disapointing :(

I'd guess low 14's to high 13's. This is what I ran with the RPM cam, stock heads, 3.36 gears, locker/posi, and low 8.5:1 CR. If your CR is where it should be for the cam, mid 13's could be in reach. 4.56 gears gave me low to mid 13's. Sportsman II heads put me in the 12's. With gears, a good CR (the rpm cam wants 10.5 to over 11:1), and a 3000 rpm convertor you'll probably get 12's. Suspension work will be needed.

Pat, you have the midas touch of speed. Big plus is that you also have the driving and tuning experience to get the most out of your car.

Chirp, no need for dissapointment - you haven't even run yet. Here's some thought: when SS396's were new a whole lotta guys were closer to 15 second quarter miles than not - and I'm certain that you will be doing as well and better with a 350 Target engine. You will soon learn that a lot of guys talk big - but few can carry the stick. At car shows you will hear a lot of bragging, but when you go to the track most of the cruise night bench racers will be nowhere to be found.

The potential of your combo IS quicker than my fearless predictions. But consider: new driver to drag racing with a combo that has not been completely scienced out. All the little details DO make a difference in drag performance. You'll get there, but it is not likely to happen right out of the box without some trial and error in tuning and drag racing technique.

Thomas

yeah, makes sense. It sucks telling kids at school it runs 14's when they think its the fastest car in the lot, which now i know its not even close :/ Oh well, after college (4 years or so) hopefully a frame up and a 502 will be in there, but until than ill have to make due.

If you really want to perk that engine up, get rid of the RPM cam. I ran one for a couple years and was surprised at the performance increase with a smaller cam (14º smaller advertised duration but 11º larger at .050"). It sounds good but is a very old design. Way too much advertised duration (310/318), too wide of a LSA (114), and very gentle ramps as shown by the hydraulic intensity of 66 (Adv dur - .050 dur). There are much better cams out there. The RPM cam will work in the right combo, 11+:1 Cr, high stall converter (3000+, 3500 preferred), and low gears (4.11+).

BTW, a 14 second street car is a very quick car. We sometimes get jaded hanging around with all the very fast cars and forget that any street car running 14's is a very quick car. Not many of the muscle cars of the 60's ran quicker.