How much does it cost to build a dragster like the Dragstar Project 4-Link?

That is a tough question because there are a lot of variables involved. Did you already have some of the parts you needed? Will you do some of the assembly yourself? But I can detail it pretty close for those that are interested.

Chassis: We ordered a 4-Link "finished roller." It was wired, all tires, wheels, brakes, brake lines installed, body panels on it, radiator installed, driveshaft and even the seat cover. Basically, all that was needed was to install the engine, fuel lines, and transmission. Cost can vary from $17,500 to $22,500 depending on some options like as chrome plating or powder coating.

Engine: The latest trend seems to be to order a professionally built engine. I had always built my own but, when I considered using another 30-year-old junk yard block and crank, I decided this car deserved some new parts. My choice was the Indy Cylinder Head 540" Bracket Master. Based on the brand new Mopar Performance Mega-Block, new Callies crank and Eagle steel rods, it offers a die-hard Mopar guy like me reliability and great horsepower. For the Chevrolet racers there are a lot of sources for mail-order engines such as Reher-Morrison, Shafiroff, Eagle, Huntsville Engines and many more. With proven combinations, use of the best parts and dyno-tuning these engines offer a good value for racers. The part that I liked was the engine was dyno tested, and 100 ready to install in the car. Cost of the most popular 520" to 555" complete engines ranges from $14,500 to $18,000. (I sold my older engine parts, carburetors, distributors, etc and raised over half the money for my 540" BracketMaster)

Transmission and converter: There are literally dozens of suppliers of powerglides and converters. Who you choose is a decision you must make. I have had no problems with my Mike's Transmission and Hughes Performance converter. Spend some time talking to different suppliers and send them your dyno sheets when ordering a converter. Race-ready powerglides with all the best parts will run anywhere from $1,295 to $3,495 if you want one of the aftermarket transmission cases. Converters run from $795 to about $995 depending on brand or design.

The "Little Things": A good friend of mine, Mark Kluck, bought a used dragster a couple years ago and told me I would be amazed at how much the "Little Things" cost me...He was RIGHT! From braided line and fittings, delay box, gauges, throttle brackets, fuel pump, coolant recovery bottle, Accusump, vacuum pump, safety equipment like jacket, pants, boots, gloves, new helmet, trans cooler, water pump, fuel filter, hood scoop and tray, air cleaner, throttle stop, etc. The "Little Things" can easily add up to $4,500-$6,000. This is where some used parts and swap meet shopping can really help keep costs down.

Marketing Partners and Sponsors: I was lucky enough to have a lot of assistance from great companies to help get "Project 4-Link" on the track. From Jeff Burk at www.dragracingonline.com, Demon Carburetors, Hughes Performance, RCI, CSI, F.A.S.T. helmets and fresh air systems, Hoosier, Bogart Racing Wheels, Dynotech Headers and mufflers, MSD, Indy Cylinder Heads, Strange Engineering, Number One Stop Products, Mike's Transmission, Auto Meter gauges, Shogun Systems and, of course, my wife Barb and the many friends who have helped me finish this project.

Some "tricks" I have discovered: This is pretty easy. The more I run it ,the better I get at racing it. A few little things that I have learned about getting it loaded in the trailer and preparing it for a long tow take some planning.

1. Support the chassis under the driver area to keep it from "bouncing and flexing" going down the pathetically maintained Interstate highway system we travel on. We use the inflatable "Chassis Stabilizer" to keep "Project 4-Link" in it's place while being towed.