feedback about short vs longer wheelbase

January 24, 2024, 12:25 PM

Larry Woodfin

Racers,

When I built the original Super 10 it was a standard cab, short bed, 108" wheelbase. It worked will and I enjoyed the truck. I am considering building another, the thing is the 108" short trucks are becoming had to find in a clean, straight core. [note, the Super 10 was, at times, a bumper dragger]

The extended cabs are easier to find in good condition, they are 122" wheelbase.

So, my question, how would the 122" wheelbase work? Would it be a consistent runner, a capable winner? [of course, would be less prone to wheel stand, but it that a good thing?]

And I am planning this to be my personal bracket racer with either a small block or LS engine, maybe an aluminum block LS3 package. The power will be 650 - 700 range.

Let me hear y'all feedback about short vs long wheelbase.

January 24, 2024, 01:11 PM

TOP38

quote:
Originally posted by Larry Woodfin:
Racers,

When I built the original Super 10 it was a standard cab, short bed, 108" wheelbase. It worked will and I enjoyed the truck. I am considering building another, the thing is the 108" short trucks are becoming had to find in a clean, straight core. [note, the Super 10 was, at times, a bumper dragger]

The extended cabs are easier to find in good condition, they are 122" wheelbase.

So, my question, how would the 122" wheelbase work? Would it be a consistent runner, a capable winner? [of course, would be less prone to wheel stand, but it that a good thing?]

And I am planning this to be my personal bracket racer with either a small block or LS engine, maybe an aluminum block LS3 package. The power will be 650 - 700 range.

Let me hear y'all feedback about short vs long wheelbase.

I see no reason why that would not work, especially with an all AL LS motor! If you change the front end to struts, you need travel! In a tube chassis S-10 w/a BBC, it definitely benefits from an AL block even with the motor moved back.

January 24, 2024, 02:05 PM

markemark

Gary Williams races an extended cab s-10 but it has a BBC running 5.6x+, and it ain’t light!

Look at Big Steves prostock extended cab s-10…..BBC

If going extended cab I’d chose BBC

January 24, 2024, 04:12 PM

Big Steve

quote:
Originally posted by markemark:

Look at Big Steves prostock extended cab s-10…..BBC

If going extended cab I’d chose BBC

My steel cab and steel bed PST S10 is 125 inch WB, actually 127 with 2 inch stagger. Before I bought it we weighed it with a 582 12* motor with 2 kits, dry sump and 2 12V batteries in back and it weighed 2280 lbs.
My 565 going in is conventional head, no nitrous, no dry sump and will have 1 16v battery in back. I am thinking it should be around 2200lbs

January 24, 2024, 05:58 PM

Curly1

quote:
Originally posted by Big Steve:
quote:
Originally posted by markemark:

Look at Big Steves prostock extended cab s-10…..BBC

If going extended cab I’d chose BBC

My steel cab and steel bed PST S10 is 125 inch WB, actually 127 with 2 inch stagger. Before I bought it we weighed it with a 582 12* motor with 2 kits, dry sump and 2 12V batteries in back and it weighed 2280 lbs.
My 565 going in is conventional head, no nitrous, no dry sump and will have 1 16v battery in back. I am thinking it should be around 2200lbs

What is the weight distribution front to rear?

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January 24, 2024, 06:29 PM

Big Steve

quote:
Originally posted by Curly1:
quote:
Originally posted by Big Steve:
quote:
Originally posted by markemark:

Look at Big Steves prostock extended cab s-10…..BBC

If going extended cab I’d chose BBC

My steel cab and steel bed PST S10 is 125 inch WB, actually 127 with 2 inch stagger. Before I bought it we weighed it with a 582 12* motor with 2 kits, dry sump and 2 12V batteries in back and it weighed 2280 lbs.
My 565 going in is conventional head, no nitrous, no dry sump and will have 1 16v battery in back. I am thinking it should be around 2200lbs

What is the weight distribution front to rear?

Dont know yet, before its on the track I will scale it and plot and set the 4 link. Right now the engine isnt in it.

January 24, 2024, 07:59 PM

Larry Woodfin

Steve, tell me about the driveshaft. Length and material.

January 24, 2024, 09:58 PM

Curly1

quote:
Originally posted by Big Steve:
quote:
Originally posted by Curly1:
quote:
Originally posted by Big Steve:
quote:
Originally posted by markemark:

Look at Big Steves prostock extended cab s-10…..BBC

If going extended cab I’d chose BBC

My steel cab and steel bed PST S10 is 125 inch WB, actually 127 with 2 inch stagger. Before I bought it we weighed it with a 582 12* motor with 2 kits, dry sump and 2 12V batteries in back and it weighed 2280 lbs.
My 565 going in is conventional head, no nitrous, no dry sump and will have 1 16v battery in back. I am thinking it should be around 2200lbs

What is the weight distribution front to rear?

Dont know yet, before its on the track I will scale it and plot and set the 4 link. Right now the engine isnt in it.

I have a set of scales if you need to borrow them.

January 25, 2024, 06:47 AM

CURTIS REED

Larry, you have a funny way of retiring from racing.

I hope you have fun with the new projects though. How is the Vette coming?

January 25, 2024, 08:32 AM

Larry Woodfin

Curtis, the people who know me well also think I am funny, in fact, I am a good standup comic. But they all love me including my faults.
When I said I was retiring, I meant it at the time, but the truth always come to the surface.
After a period of reflection, there is nothing in my life since teenage years that gives me any more pleasure than building and driving drag race cars.
More about this soon.
And about the Vette, I have a self-imposed date to have it on track in late May.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Larry Woodfin,

January 25, 2024, 09:15 AM

Larry Woodfin

Steve, I still am curious about the driveshaft. Length, diameter, material.

January 25, 2024, 10:01 AM

Big Steve

quote:
Originally posted by Larry Woodfin:
Steve, I still am curious about the driveshaft. Length, diameter, material.

Larry the driveshaft that came with the truck is steel. I am on the road today so I cant measure it but its long, i will measure it and let you know

January 25, 2024, 10:12 AM

wideopen231

WSith mild HP range OP stated I doubt getting out of shape mid track big issue. A longer wheelbase is more stable. A few inches back on motor has a big change. Simple scales and mount 200 bl then move back 4" see what scales say and multiply that percentage by whatever the number is for 200 and engine and transmission. With battery(s) and fuel cell in rear you already have a good amount moved. Move driver back some and probably huge change. Sry Larry could not resist. LOL

If doing S10 I would go extended cab and maz wheelbase out.JMO

January 25, 2024, 11:27 AM

Mike Allred

I put the radiator in the bed of mine, with the motor in the stock location. Worth a 1.4% CG shift to the rear. Dead hooks everywhere. My vote is for short wheelbase though. Still plenty out there.

January 25, 2024, 12:01 PM

TOP38

quote:
Originally posted by Larry Woodfin:
Steve, I still am curious about the driveshaft. Length, diameter, material.

I drove a friends tube chassis TS S10 extended cab. It had a MW aluminum shaft in it. It was built in 99 and still had the original DS in it