Going fast comes down to a simple mathematical equation. When translated into automotive lingo, one part of that formula usually means that a reduction in weight will have a comparable reduction in the force required to accelerate or decelerate. For acceleration you add in additional horsepower, however, the way to get that balance usually means that at some point you need to introduce some weight reduction and start hacking away on a car.
What happens when you have a car that you don’t want to cut up? In Jim Dissenger’s case, you buy one that is very similar. He explains, “In 1968, while serving in the Air Force, I bought a nice ’63 Chevy II SS with the hopes of installing a V-8 in the future. A couple of years after my discharge, I built a 327 and got a Muncie four-speed and installed them in the car. It was pretty fast
