1940 Ford Coupe engine setback, You Vote

[graham-34]

Setback the engine or not, you vote!  Here is a picture of my 1940 Ford coupe.  It is an old salt flat racer that I am restoring.  I know there is a lot of math that can be used to figure the optimal center of gravity and center of pressure.  For now, I was just looking for some seat of the pants reactions from some experienced racers.  The car currently has a 25% engine setback which is the maximum allowed in my class.  Should I leave the engine setback or move it back forward?  I am just out to have some fun and I not trying to set any records (for now).  I want to know which would make the car go down the track safer with less chances of a spin out (with or without the engine setback). For starters, I plan to run the 150 club and I assume it really does not matter for that.  I would like to eventually update the safety gear in the car and attempt to break 200 MPH, so this question is geared towards a 200+ MPH pass.  The car will be running a 392 hemi.  Thanks!

[Rex Schimmer]

My vote if for not moving it. You are running a "92" that is 750 lbs of cast iron and it is well forward of the center of pressure. Looks to me like the previous owner got the 25% engine set back by moving the front wheels forward, makes the car look good and you have more wheel base.

Rex

[graham-34]

Rex, thanks for the input!  Yep, the front axle was moved ahead a couple of inches, but the majority of the setback came from moving the engine back under the cowl.

Thanks again!

[kiwi belly tank]

That has some good lookin proportions! Don't re-engineer the wheel, just park the lead 92 in there & start making smiles.
  Sid.

[Stainless1]

I would probably leave it... build it, then throw it on the scales to calculate CG.  Weight on the rear tires is what we call traction at Bonneville...
The old Bonneville adage
If the wheels spin add weight
If the wheels don't spin add HP 

[Milwaukee Midget]

I'm assuming you are leaving the fenders off?

If it has been a while since the car has competed, keep in mind the weight of a legal cage, safety equipment, etc.  It will all dictate your center of gravity - possibly to your benefit - or maybe not.

I'll assume you have a rule book.  If not, get a rule book.

Regardless of how fast you hope to run, the final determination will be dictated by the class you're running in.  You need to build to that current record.

That is a very good looking chop.

[floydjer]

I just sent a `40 home w/ a 4" chop and it looked nowhere near that wicked..Bravo to whomever did that one.

[SPARKY]

woooooeeee that is one good looken BITCHen ride!!!!!!!!!!!

[typo41]

Is that the old racer from Art Branum?  Mr. 40's Fatstuff?

[graham-34]

Yep, that is the car!