[69f bird]

The '73 Ventura is going back together finally. I am using Comp Engineering drag shocks front and rear. What do you recommend for the initial shock settings?

The car will weigh between 2700-2900 lbs. I am using the original used front 6 cyl. springs and a custom set of rear leafs with an extended firm second leaf and CE traction bars (yes, I will try Caltraks if this doesn't work). There are welded subframe connectors, solid body mounts and an 8 pt. roll bar. It is a dedicated drag race car.

Thanks!

Shelly

[ventura7211]

90/10 front 50/50 rear

[SergeF]

What did you do to make it so light?

[ponjohn]

I cant say there is anyway to know for sure. My car needs 6 clicks on qa1's to stop wheelhop in the box. I run a big tire.

Set each shock in the middle of it's range and go from there.

[69f bird]

Serge,

So far, have done the following:
Gutted full interior, installed 1 Kirkey race seat
Lexan windows all around
Removed all window mechanisms
Removed front inner wheel wells
Removed windshield wiper/washer motor/mechanisms
Cut out all factory wiring, lights, etc
Aluminum radiator
Cut out metal dash (including radio, air controls, factory gauges, glove comp, etc), replaced with aluminum
Cut out inner door metal panels, replaced with cross braces and aluminum
Removed door crash braces
Replaced both bumpers with fiberglass
Replaced bumper brackets/supports with aluminum
Removed roof bracing
Removed hood bracing
Removed power steering, added small Vega manual box
Removed factory fan, fan clutch and water pump with Mazeire pump
Removed all heater/ventilation related components
Weld Draglights front and rear
removed front anti-sway bar
removed fuel tank, added 6 gal plastic fuel cell

Planned future mods:
Fiberglass hood and decklid
Wildwood drag-race front dics brakes
Wildwood master brake cylinder
Aluminum rear brake drums (still looking for a pair)

I may be a bit optimistic on the weight, but that is my target. My mechanic thinks we may be closer to 2500 lbs., but I don't think so. At 2800, it is 1300 lbs. lighter than my Firebird. The engine from the bird is going into the Ventura and should get me to 11.20 or less as it was (my best in the bird was 12.56 with limited traction). In addition, I have upped the cam from a .555 lift 255/255 solid roller to a .606 lift 280/280 roller plus replaced the RPM intake with a Victor. Also, the 12.56 was run with long branch manifolds with full 2 1/2" exhaust and I am now using Maddog headers with down-pipes. Shooting for low 10's...I hope it's not a pipe-dream!

I am hoping to have it done for PITP. It will only be in primer, but should be complete mechanically. It is back to a roller as of last night. Still have to complete the body work (quarters and floors are welded in, just need to be skim-coated and sanded), fenders & hood, install engine and trans, wiring, fuel system, install gauges in dash, harness and fire it up! I'll have pictures of progress to-date soon.

Thanks for everyone's help!

Shelly

[BILTIT]

Oh I wish I cold get mine that light!

[Rob B]

Your probably going to be in the 2800-3000 lb range. These cars are heavier than you think, especially running a pontiac engine. Expect to save about 60lbs with E heads if your running those.
I know of a nova with a small block gutted similar to yours with fiberglass hood,doors, decklid, and fenders it it weighs 2600lbs.
Mine has been lightened as much as possible without making it look cut up or obvious and still weighs 3250 without me. I could stand to lose about another 100-150 lbs but that's about it.

[69f bird]

I don't doubt that I may be too optimistic. We'll see. Adding back the last few things...driveshaft loop, aftermarket rear shackles, etc., adds a lot of weight back in.

The car is being media blasted today. By this weekend, the new quarters will have been skim coated and the car will be in primer. The engine, trans, front end, battery box, fuel cell will have been installed. Still need to decide on a torque converter and measure for a driveshaft. Then it's only fuel lines and wiring and we'll fire it up. Still have to install lexan and aluminum door panels and dash. I can't wait!

[Rob B]

Originally Posted by 69f bird

I don't doubt that I may be too optimistic. We'll see. Adding back the last few things...driveshaft loop, aftermarket rear shackles, etc., adds a lot of weight back in.

The car is being media blasted today. By this weekend, the new quarters will have been skim coated and the car will be in primer. The engine, trans, front end, battery box, fuel cell will have been installed. Still need to decide on a torque converter and measure for a driveshaft. Then it's only fuel lines and wiring and we'll fire it up. Still have to install lexan and aluminum door panels and dash. I can't wait!

Your guess is more conceivable than your mechanics guess of 2500lbs.
Did you use NOS quarters or the full skins from Goodmark? How did they fit if you used those?

[69f bird]

Of course, once I add my 300 lb. fat a$$, it doesn't matter as much! I believe the original curb weight of the car was listed at 3250.

We used the Goodmark Nova skins. My bodyman was very pleased with them. We also used a pair of GM outer wheel wells. Found a pair of NOS fenders too!

[Rob B]

Originally Posted by 69f bird

Of course, once I add my 300 lb. fat a$$, it doesn't matter as much! I believe the original curb weight of the car was listed at 3250.

We used the Goodmark Nova skins. My bodyman was very pleased with them. We also used a pair of GM outer wheel wells. Found a pair of NOS fenders too!

Original curb weight is more like 3600lbs!!

[BILTIT]

My '74 weighs 3535 without me in it and no seats other than the drivers. I have added subframe connectors and driveshaft loop but removed the inner bumper structure in the front.

[69f bird]

The '73 specs list the '73 Ventura weight at 3240 lbs.

[Rob B]

Originally Posted by 69f bird

The '73 specs list the '73 Ventura weight at 3240 lbs.

with or without tires..

[BILTIT]

Yup, from most things i have read they spec. it alittle on the light side.

[superblue72]

I think these cars weigh just under 3200, 3161lbs to be exact. Well, at least for the 71-72 models. I have the 72 . Pretty light compared to a full-size car of that era.

http://www.carfolio.com/specificatio...car/?car=65362

[Rob B]

Originally Posted by superblue72

I think these cars weigh just under 3200, 3161lbs to be exact. Well, at least for the 71-72 models. I have the 72 . Pretty light compared to a full-size car of that era.

http://www.carfolio.com/specificatio...car/?car=65362

I 'd like to find the scale your referring to, that scale would make my car weight under 3000lbs.

[superblue72]

well it is a fact that the 72s and 71s are lighter than the 74s :P

[Rob B]

Originally Posted by superblue72

well it is a fact that the 72s and 71s are lighter than the 74s :P

Only by a couple hundred pounds because they came with SBC's

[Kyflier]

Hey 69f bird, do you have pics of your dash? With Rob in his car, it weights much more than with Carol in it lmao.....Think I'm pulling the tranny tonight.....will call ya