Weight Distribution

[68chargerboy]

i was wondering what needs to be done to more evenly distrubte my weight.  also if i were to bring it to a good chassis shop (does anyone know one near chicago) how much do you think it would cost.  i am trying to improve the distribution by a minimum of % 48.5.    Thanks alot

                        Zach

[Troy]

Not quite sure what you're asking but you're good to have to add weight if you want a Charger balanced. The first step is usually moving the battery to the rear of the car. Aluminum heads, water pump, radiator, intake, pulleys and anything else on the engine to shave pounds will also help. A big block weighs nearly 700 pounds depending on which one and what options you have. Get rid of any A/C equipment, power steering, and power brakes. You can also swap to a modern style master cylinder to save the weight of the old iron one. If you are really, really serious about the wieght issues then you can get fiberglass bumpers, hood, and fenders but the quality is barely acceptable for a race car (meaning a "show quality" paint job will never be in your future). You can also add tubular upper control arms to the suspension and aftermarket disc brakes.

Troy

[Brock Samson]

There's also a small block option which puts less weight at the front of the car evening it out a couple hundred lbs. Vs. a Big Block...
my 340 B-body is alot better balanced then my 440 250 lbs less weight too you can really feel it in the seat of your pants, taking a turn or on the getting on the brakes.
Small blocks can be made to put out gobs of power too and because the reciprocating mass is less they wind up quicker for better throttle response..
360 s are usually recommended for Small Blocks to mod... because of their availibility and optional power packages...
But as suggested above definitly a trunk mounted Battery and getting the mass in the car lower helps too... race cars are lowered for good reason...

[chrisII]

you dont really say if your looking to get this car to launch or turn? there are ways to make nose heavy cars turn well. obviously they will not turn as well as a car with 48% rear like your looking for. btw around 53 to 54% front with really heavy torshon bars is about ideal for cornering in these cars. also if handeling is your goal be carefull not to get the weight all the way back. ideally you do not want any weight ahead of the front wheels or behind the back for cornering, however drag cars would do well to have the weight all the way back (I assume, my experence is in circle track racing)

[Chryco Psycho]

I agree placing the weight in the center of the car is a better approach than just moving to the rear of the car , Alum blocks heads & other engine parts can make a huge difference , also moving the engine rearward under the cowl makes a Huge difference

[chrisII]

moving the engine more than an inch (small block) is a huge task and not for the beginer or even moderately skilled craftsman.  I have seen drag cars with big blocks moved back like that, and on a couple of my circle trackers i set #1 even with the ball joint.in doing this you are not really able to keep any of the stock dash ect. it is a huge help, but extremely time consumeing to do it right.  plann on a custom oil pan or a rear sump truck pan.