YOU Can Make DRAG RACING Affordable! Here's How With Our CHEVY NOVA 

I had a guy and is son checking out my car at the track. They were pretty cool asking the usual questions being my car is a bit unique. The father thanked me, started walking away, he then turns and asks "If you don't mind me asking, what do you do for a living?" I answered " I'm an aircraft mechanic" The guy's face completely changes and says with a little attitude " See son, you have to be a doctor, lawyer or and aircraft mechanic to own one of these!" What got me most about that it, is that in one ridiculous statement that man completely minimized all the years of hard work and sacrifice it took for me to have the car and be able to race it. I built it from the ground up all by myself. Money is just the easy target for people to make comments about.

Hell yeah man 30k isnt bad at all. People cant say anything about 30k on a car when guys are spending 80k on a hellcat you would smoke at the track

We definately need more people to participate in the sport! We are losing many of our race tracks across the country because of lack of participation and interest. Maybe when you get the chance, you can post a video of your weekend at the races, to show how fun it can be when you're just having a good time with family and friends doing what you enjoy! Hopefully it would help inspire someone to get out there and "do it"!!

Having the knowledge, tools, and work space to save on the labor is huge. Without that you can easily double the initial outlay. 10 second cars are the sweet spot between a lot of money and the astronomical amount of money needed to be quicker.

My ole gal sets empty hul use be aluminum head 400 miss them days ! Your nova is very very clean , haters gone hate they can fly off 😂

I've built 2 pro street hot rods from the ground up and work part time at an engine builders on the weekends. As such, I know what it costs to build stuff and one of my peeves lately has been people being out to lunch on prices. People think you can build 1000 HP for $7k because they watched a "'budget" build video on here where they used "parts we had lying around" that all fit without issue, work well together and last forever. This car's built right and although it's a home build, it's not a hack job by any means. It's refreshing to see a video that honestly states what it costs to build a car to this level and yes, it is $30k to put a drive train in a roller.

Bracket racings 1 of the cheapest sports out there. I've been at it 35yrs. It's cheaper than full coverage insurance and plates. 12 weekends a year, I spend $80 a week. Fuel and entrys. Perior. I run in the 10:00s and have for years. Update in off season. Every 3 years teardown, inspect for freshen. Like every sport/ hobby, the initial cost is the most. You can build a 12 second car for nothing. Start there. Bracket racing the fairest sport in the world. You can/will win, in a 12 second bracket car too. We all did.

😊 Great honest video ~ $10,000 every day driver and a $30,000 drag car. 👍 We have to have a hobby !

Your always will have Hatters!! I have been in drag racing since I was born. My dad had 2 cars in HotRod Magazine and one made the cover back in the late 60’s. I’m 55 now and my so called friends still are jealous! They d😮realize I didn’t do this over night!! I have always had to buy or trade for what I needed!! Just because my dad held National Records in 2 cars he made me work for everything I had!! We don’t have to explain anything to anyone on what we like to do.

It really just depends on how content you can be with your car. I mean I took a monte that started with a 305 at 15.5sec roughly and over the course of a few years went to 11.9-12.10 on any given weekend. Bracket racing of course. I mean you can't just figure the car, because a person is going to need a tow vehicle, trailer, etc. You could do a street legal car and not have to have the tow rig. I have to drive about 1.5hrs to the closest track. They're all 1/8th mile now, which kinda sucks in my opinion. Insurance is killer for tracks. Not to mention the people around complaining or suing for whatever dumb reason. Mokan dragway, when I was racing there, had people buy a property close........knowing the track was there, and then proceeded to cause the track problems because they didn't like it. It's expensive to race these days.

The fastest car don’t win- the most consistent car with the best driver wins.💯👍🏽

I wanted to start racing competitively for 10 years or longer but never thought i could afford it. I bought a turn key old hard tail shorty dragster with a 355 SBC in it went 10.50 for 8k 3 years ago when covid was a thing. Had to do a lot of work to it since it had been sitting for 8 years but made it a nice car. Then fell into a deal on a really nice all redone updated dragster chassis that was all new wiring, paint, powder coat, ignition, everything new! But the chassis is still a 1995 but completely professionally redone! Bought that for 10k with a trans. Built a big block for 15k after all the accessories and dyno tuning, making 750hp 710 tq going low 8.20's in the quarter. Sold my old car for 15k so all and all in the new car very cheap. Finding the right deals makes a big difference! And u don't have to be the fastest in the class if your consistent and can hit the tree (bracket racing that is.) Bracket racing is at the highest it has ever been lately with SFG, gallstar, and Dustin wells putting out all these big money events! Anyone thinking about it needs to just do it! It has completely changed my life for the better! My depression has almost completely went away!

GOOD VIDEO BRO ‼️ DEFINITELY NEEDED THE MOTIVATION 💪🏼

I like seeing this, nice you are promoting the sport. I have enjoyed drag racing since 1972. Stands are pretty empty these days compared to back then but the drivers are just as passionate.

A budget race car can had if you aren't in a hurry and you buy things used or on sale. I built my whole LS 6 speed powered chevelle way under 20k.

Great breakdown bro. Love the Nova and the dads Maro. Keep pushing on and having fun that what its all about. Hopfully one day we can line up together.

HATERERS WILL BE JUST THAT YOUNG MAN, KEEP BEING YOU, GOD WILL HANDLE THE REST! I SUBSCRIBED I HAD 1 69 BBC NOVA 468 RAN 980S 136 MPH

Good looking car buds, always been one of my favourites. Just sub'd and keen to watch the progression as obviously your enjoying yourself at the moment. Soon she'll start to feel slow, it won't be but it'll just feel that way. Before you know it your on the hunt for a 9. Wish you all the best mate and look forward to seeing you get some seat time.

Beautiful car. Appreciate your honesty. I guess I’ll keep dreaming. I would love a ten second car. Wouldn’t we all! lol. You got one man, You built it! Great job 💪🏻 keep up the good work. You keep the rest of us trying. Thank you for sharing. Enjoy it and be safe. Very nice 👍🏻

Thanks for the video... It is very realistic and helped me realize how it is possible to start drag racing at a reasonable cost... for fun.... wish there were more detailed videos about the build process though.

I’m trying to the same thing with 1978 Chevy nova I want to turn it into a drag car

Awesome job bro and congrats on your grinding. Keep up the great work. Love the car!

Great channel.....subscribed😎 I would add that with building a race only deal would have to also account for buying at least an open trailer....... also having a vehicle capable of towing it........ both additional cost.

Awesome honest build and video!

Sweet Nova. I love the sbc. I think it's just more gratifying making it go fast.

Thanks for the infor

Hey dude, I would highly recommend you trying AV gas if you haven't already, forced induction loves it! It made more power in mine than the VP 110 octane. AV gas is a budget man's fuel! Ha. Happy dragin!!

Hats off to you bro. I been a c3 and give body guy for years Just got my first x body 74 Nova. Have only done the rear end thus far. Has a mild 350 in, and I'm just driving g as is to figure out where I want to go motor wise. Anyway I appreciate the content. And will stay tuned. 🍾

This is way cool Brandon that you’ve started a RU-vid channel. I’ll be sure to come talk to you in person at the track! I’ve seen you many times but never stopped and chatted for one reason or another! It’s awesome to have you display the fun and our awesome track on RU-vid! 👍👍

Great video man. Theres always gonna be haters its nothing more than jealousy. Do the best you can with what you have and be humble. Props and respect.

That’s not bad at all I’m price I have to say I’m at right around 34,000 on my build and I’m only 3/4 of the way done with my car. So I’m definitely won the tip of my head off to you and saying job well done buddy.

As always good vid. And as far as the Jealous Haters go they can kick rocks. I don't get jealous especially when good things happen to and for good people. I am happy for them. And no matter how you got the car it shows a lack of class for someone to be green with envy and talk trash. I hope everything for you just keeps getting better.

Damn, been playing with mine for 6 years now. I doubt ive spent 15k. Im not quite in the 10s yet. As you stated everybody's build will differ.

Nice explanation bud I’m in canada and I’m starting to building a 71 Acadian 355 vortec heads 2.02 1.6 280H 230/230 12bolt 3.73 200r4 2500stall 3” exhaust caltrac fibeeglass mono leafs and caltrac bars upper and lower tubular a arms been saving/buying parts for 3 years now finally starting it in the next month

Mechanical skils and welding.

Messed around with a stock Fox Body for a bit. Priced out what it would take to really go fast and then moved on. Just don't have that kind of coin for hobbies.

The little items can absolutely be shocking. Especially if ya just buy a little here and there. It adds up! When buying ya don't realize it.

Terrific video!!! I’m in SLC and they tore down bonniville raceway!!! So there will be no drag racing here except on the street!! So I’m building a 92 Camaro for the street. Check it out. I’m at least 15 grand and nobody has touched my car but me. I went with a 6 liter LS with Holley terminator x max DBW Anyway that’s it

Good video. Its hard to find a decent priced roller to get started these days. Prices are crazy. I took my family hauler to the drags last month and ran 12.5 consistently but my SUV cost 115K so your Nova is a much better deal lol

Too many people envoy others stuff. Awesome build and best luck!

Listen kid bless you and your car keep doing what you’re doing and enjoy time is short in this world people are always going to hate on you I am 59years old and this year I just bought my dream car 76 dodge dart I live in New York I don’t have a garage but I have the most nauseous neighbors in the world they call the cops on me every time I look at my car people are sad😢 it doesn’t matter where you spend your money it’s yours you do what you have to do enjoy that car looks beautiful and you did a great job on that 🚘 so keep up the great job look forward to seeing your videos and to learn I need lots of help on that it’s not easy I am not a mechanic so it’s hard but it’s fun and I’m enjoying my self good luck to you🎉

Love your car and you rock Chevy all the way

I own a 1973 nova that I purchased out of a back yard for $2500 back in October 2015. I'm in the middle of building my first motor, a 383 stroker. Do you have any tips about ways to stay motivated when money is tight or things aren't going exactly on time with a build?

hay bud i think you did a great job on your build, it doesnt matter what you do theres always some idiot thats gonna say some stupid shit dont let them get to ya, ive been building cars since the 70s theres no escape from stupid just be prowd of your good work

Folks, my oldest Son owns a construction company and knew where a trailer was that he could use, it took him 2 years to get the trailer. He had to buy the car on it to get it, less than 4 grand for a complete 72 nova with a 468 stroker motor and a truck load of parts. The guy just parked it, so my kid got a trailer and my grandson and I got something to spend his money on. Yeehaw There are bargains out there, see that car thats just been sitting in that garage with stuff piled on it? Stop and ask about it, maybe he needs a part, maybe he needs room in the garage.

Hello, I just stumbled onto your channel and really like the content. I too am working on a project C10 and have a long way to go. I went with a 396 sbc stroker. It is NA and set up for boost. I am considering the torqstorm or something from TBS. What size is your supercharger? Keep up the good work. Love the Nova!

LOL! I have a similar stack of Summit receipts :)

I’d love to build a drag car I’ll probably end up using an 80s Camaro or Monte Carlo and have found some decent rollers for around $1000 but being in college at the moment it’s gonna be tough to get the money and find the time so I might have to put on hold until I graduate but I’ve always wanted a muscle car and would like to get in the 12 second range at least for starters

Beautiful car Bub!

Giveaway! Thanks for the information man!

You can buy an old Mustang GT 5.0, 5 speed, strip the hell out of it, put GT40 heads on it (from the junk yard), single plane intake, 650DP carb, headers, 4:30 gears, slicks, and run 11 O's/10.90's all day long for less than $6000! Just to get into the sport, hell, you can run your daily driver to get started!! No reason to spend $30K+ to go racing!

8 g was a screaming deal

About 2 minutes in I already couldnt afford it 😂

The car looks good. Congrats. I subscribed, because I wanna see it make passes...

Did you calculate what a single turbo would have cost instead. Also what do you think an aftermarket Fuel Injection would have compared to the carb, please?

I grew up racing juniors and want to get back into it. You think it would be best to just find a track ready dragster rather than build one?

its like any hobby... its gonna cost all your "disposable" money

What dif and axle housing you running ?

Hey man I’m just getting into racing could I send you a few pics and you tell me which would be the best route?

Being i guess what some would call a "shade tree mechanic"... theres just too many haters... too many chiefs not enough Indians. The amount of trips back n fourth to the parts store and all the little forgotten odds and ends alone are enough to wear a guy down spiritually AND financially lol. Ive got too much money into a "simple" street build that i haven't even driven yet due to the stupid little things or the amount of work it really takes. Then i got all these people constantly hounding me like, whens that fkn camaro gonna be on the road??? Im like, when you gonna pitch in 100 bucks or a few hours help

Giveaway!

👍🏽

What do entry fees run at for the different types of events,?

Me fighting off the hate comments 🤺🤺🤺🤺

Yeah, let's talk about drag racing a back halved Nova as being affordable. You can't even buy a back halved roller Nova that body style for less than 10k and then the cage and shit is going to be out of date or not even built to nhra specs.

Giveaway

How much was it It did not show

Racing has priced out working folks since the 80s. That's a fact.

Does driving a car like this actually feel fast. Please be honest

30k isn’t exactly cheap but I get it

Good confessional my son. Go forth, i absolve you of your sins.

People that say stuff like that don’t deserve to have a race car. They are lazy and don’t want to work. I would think they are kids or liberals. As long as you are happy and your family is happy you have favor from God so be proud and show it off.

The main hate comment people complain about is you street racers breaking the law racing on public roadways and not on a race track where they belong. I hope enough people that hate this will come forward and go after the movie producers that made the fast and furious movies. They are to blame. Ever since these movies came out,there's a big increase of people using public streets to race on,and risking injury or death of other drivers on the roadway. None of you care about the safety for other drivers. All racing needs to be on a race track. NOT ON A PUBLIC STREET!

Hell, I know guys who own guitar gear for a total higher than what you paid for your build... and they're not pros... just crazy mofos... lol

$30,000 dollars? Are you kidding me? Thats for rich people! I have less than 10 grand to myself. I need help with the " real " poor man racing.

If you have to worry about not being able to afford it then you probably can't.

Drag racing has never been affordable and never will be

You don’t have to explain yourself

Hey Brutha ..How much does it cost to go Drag racing ? UMMMMM Daaa . well lets see how fast are you looking to go .? Are you going to be racing in the NHRA Stock eliminator Series Or are you looking to go Bracket racing ? have decided to go Super Stock racing Or are you and your dad wanting to go Nostalgia Super Stock racing ..Or are you looking to jump right in with Funny car racing Or are you an import kinda guy .. It's all 100% relative to how fast you wanna go .. the faster you wanna go the more Pesos you have to have ..

Not knocking your build, but you can go just as fast. Way cheaper… Go to Sloppy Mechanic YT channel for the know how…

Practice the art of Not giving a F**K what the losers think/say

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