How to start hotrodding with little knowledge or money
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==Step one: knowledge== | ==Step one: knowledge== | ||
| − | The first and cheapest way to start hotrodding is gaining knowledge, and there are several great resources for this. Books are an excellent place to start. They're available on just about every topic and are generally inexpensive. Although you might first focus on the mechanics of a car ( | + | The first and cheapest way to start hotrodding is gaining knowledge, and there are several great resources for this. Books are an excellent place to start. They're available on just about every topic and are generally inexpensive. Although you might first focus on the mechanics of a car (drive line, suspension, etc.) it's wise to get yourself started on other topics of hotrodding too. These include interior design, body work and paint. If you get yourself a good general base of knowledge you can follow conversations with other hotrodders! |
People are the best resource of hotrodding. You'll find them on any hotrodding website, at [[races]], [[car shows]], [[cruises]] etc. Most hotrodders are extremely open about discussing their projects. If you see something you like at a show, ask the owner about it and you'll likely receive a complete story. | People are the best resource of hotrodding. You'll find them on any hotrodding website, at [[races]], [[car shows]], [[cruises]] etc. Most hotrodders are extremely open about discussing their projects. If you see something you like at a show, ask the owner about it and you'll likely receive a complete story. | ||
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==Your first project car== | ==Your first project car== | ||
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Objectively, a lot of beginning hotrodders choose a first project that is too ambitious. What probably works best is to take steps in learning hotrodding. Your first project can be simple and inexpensive. Then make your next project teach you something your first project did not. There are several reasons for this. If you choose a complex project for your first, the learning curve it's going to take to finish the project may take you 10 years, not to mention the invested budget may take more than 10 years to accumulate. This assumes that you maintain interest in the project for this entire time, you're able to have a place to work on it for that long and you don't care about having a finished product for several years to come. | Objectively, a lot of beginning hotrodders choose a first project that is too ambitious. What probably works best is to take steps in learning hotrodding. Your first project can be simple and inexpensive. Then make your next project teach you something your first project did not. There are several reasons for this. If you choose a complex project for your first, the learning curve it's going to take to finish the project may take you 10 years, not to mention the invested budget may take more than 10 years to accumulate. This assumes that you maintain interest in the project for this entire time, you're able to have a place to work on it for that long and you don't care about having a finished product for several years to come. | ||
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A lower rear-end gear ratio (numerically higher) is one of the best dollar-for-dollar upgrades for performance you can feel. Furthermore, it complements other upgrades you may make later to the transmission/torque converter and engine. Many cars were built with high-ratio (numerically lower) "open" (non posi-traction) rear ends. And let's face it, none of us are really that impressed with the "one wheel peel!" | A lower rear-end gear ratio (numerically higher) is one of the best dollar-for-dollar upgrades for performance you can feel. Furthermore, it complements other upgrades you may make later to the transmission/torque converter and engine. Many cars were built with high-ratio (numerically lower) "open" (non posi-traction) rear ends. And let's face it, none of us are really that impressed with the "one wheel peel!" | ||
| − | There are two ways to go about changing your rear end: replacing the gears in your existing rear end, or finding a rear end with the gears and posi unit you want and putting the whole rear end in the car. Either are acceptable options, but building a rear end takes some precision tools and fair bit of skill. | + | There are two ways to go about changing your rear end gear ratio: replacing the gears in your existing rear end, or finding a rear end with the gears and posi unit you want and putting the whole rear end in the car. Either are acceptable options, but building a rear end takes some precision tools and fair bit of skill. |
Generally a ratio around 3.70 is considered best for performance on the street with a non-overdrive transmission (TH350, 727 and the like). Any higher and you may start feeling uncomfortable with the highway RPMs. | Generally a ratio around 3.70 is considered best for performance on the street with a non-overdrive transmission (TH350, 727 and the like). Any higher and you may start feeling uncomfortable with the highway RPMs. | ||
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