Drag racing advice and possible engine swap

[KamenRider_1500]

hey everyone, have a 96 Chevy with the 5.0 Vortec. I’ve been seeing a lot of videos of guys racing these trucks on the drag strip and it just looks like fun. I decided that I would like to make it my hobby. I wanted to get some tips on how to prepare myself and the truck for the drag strip, what safety equipment I would need, any parts the truck would need. How to race the proper way. I also want some advice on a possible 383 engine build. I have no clue on how to do anything, I can barely do oil changes and brake pad replacements but I want to learn. Any help would be very appreciated!

 

[Orpedcrow]

The little experience I have with any racing tells me you need to have a spare vehicle. I know there’s plenty of guys that “run what they brung” but if you’re not an experienced mechanic it’ll be hard for you to limp something back to the house if you break it.

As far as safety, brakes, tires and steering need to be 100% before I would put anything on the track, also make sure you have 0 fluid leaks, conditions are a lot different than in the street.

Clean out your truck before you go, anything loose can become a projectile during a crash, even the removable face of an aftermarket radio.

Have fun and don’t get angry when something breaks.

Seems like half the racers you meet will be very friendly and open to discussion about things and willing to help and the other half think they have the secrets for the fastest, cheapest, most reliable ability to attain speed

Leave those guys alone, let them hide behind their black curtains and scared of the nasa spy’s by themselves.

 

[Orpedcrow]

I’d also look into autocross, you can have a tremendous amount of fun driving a slow car fast!

 

[618 Syndicate]

Do you daily drive the truck?
1/8 or 1/4 tracks?
There are way, waaay better vehicles to begin your drag racing career with.
Drag racing is not a cheap hobby, and I strongly suggest you go help someone else with their car before jumping in yourself, so you can see how it will nickel and dime you to death.
You're gonna break shìt, and that's even if you don't crash.
I raced bikes, crewed for a door slammer, and worked at our local strip for years as well. It's fun, addictive, and I love it.

 

[618 Syndicate]

I’d also look into autocross, you can have a tremendous amount of fun driving a slow car fast!

Bracket racing can be done in a slow car as well, it's about being consistent not fast.

 

[KamenRider_1500]

The little experience I have with any racing tells me you need to have a spare vehicle. I know there’s plenty of guys that “run what they brung” but if you’re not an experienced mechanic it’ll be hard for you to limp something back to the house if you break it.

As far as safety, brakes, tires and steering need to be 100% before I would put anything on the track, also make sure you have 0 fluid leaks, conditions are a lot different than in the street.

Clean out your truck before you go, anything loose can become a projectile during a crash, even the removable face of an aftermarket radio.

Have fun and don’t get angry when something breaks.

Seems like half the racers you meet will be very friendly and open to discussion about things and willing to help and the other half think they have the secrets for the fastest, cheapest, most reliable ability to attain speed

Leave those guys alone, let them hide behind their black curtains and scared of the nasa spy’s by themselves.

I do have a Tacoma, the Chevy I’ve done some maintenance since I got it, brake pads, oil change, coolant, a new transmission was installed, and the engine is rock solid. No ticking, squealing, or shaking.

 

[KamenRider_1500]

Do you daily drive the truck?
1/8 or 1/4 tracks?
There are way, waaay better vehicles to begin your drag racing career with.
Drag racing is not a cheap hobby, and I strongly suggest you go help someone else with their car before jumping in yourself, so you can see how it will nickel and dime you to death.
You're gonna break shìt, and that's even if you don't crash.
I raced bikes, crewed for a door slammer, and worked at our local strip for years as well. It's fun, addictive, and I love it.

I daily a Tacoma, the Chevy would be a money pit with how gas prices have been lately and LA traffic. I do understand that racing is going to be very expensive but I’m willing to put up with it. I’m definitely going to learn more on how to turn a wrench, stuff like that.

 

[KamenRider_1500]

I’d also look into autocross, you can have a tremendous amount of fun driving a slow car fast!

I haven’t thought of autocross, I didn’t think I could do it with a giant boat anchor like the Chevy. Big guy.

 

[618 Syndicate]

I daily a Tacoma, the Chevy would be a money pit with how gas prices have been lately and LA traffic. I do understand that racing is going to be very expensive but I’m willing to put up with it. I’m definitely going to learn more on how to turn a wrench, stuff like that.

I ask because you absolutely WILL break whatever you race, and without a backup you're screwed.
Irwindale is an 1/8 track, check out what their safety equipment rules are, and as mentioned make sure you ain't leaking anything.
Replace all lines and hoses which carry any type of fluid.

 

[KamenRider_1500]

I ask because you absolutely WILL break whatever you race, and without a backup you're screwed.
Irwindale is an 1/8 track, check out what their safety equipment rules are, and as mentioned make sure you ain't leaking anything.
Replace all lines and hoses which carry any type of fluid.

I should definitely do that, I recently had a leak in the power steering pressure line but thankfully I was able to replace it.