Anyone know of any 1/4 mile built XJ's?

[YELLAHEEP]

Bob Loose and I were shootin the shit earlier and got to talking about how interesting it would be to take a 2wd XJ and strip it down, tub the rear, and put a small block in it to run at the drags. Seems like a guy could build it purdy darn cheap too.

Anyone know of one out there? I can't believe we don't have a member here who hasn't done something like this. Maybe I'm gonna hafta be the first?

Was thinking along the lines of "Project Cheap Thrils" like Hot Rod Magazine has done in the past. I'd pick up a cheap XJ, and then find another car to donate the V8 and trans - something wrecked, but running. Maybe a early 90's Camaro or -gasp- a Mustang.

Drop the entire suspension and swap in coil-overs up front, change the rear from SOA to SUA. Tubbing the rear would be super easy. Change the glass to Plexiglass. Nuthin' but a pair of bucket seats inside.

What's a typical XJ weigh? I'd imagine stripped down like I've mentioned above...... maybe end up being about 2800 lbs?

Could be awfully fun..... my wife's gonna hate me......

 

[Dr. Dyno]

My XJ's a daily driver so I wouldn't think about stripping it down to the bare bones to make it into an offroad/drag queen, but a '91-'95 2-door 2WD 5-speed 4.0 XJ would be a good place to start (if you can find such a specimen).
To get the best 1/4 mile ET you essentially need good traction, lots of HP, and less weight.
The first is easy. Just dress up the wheels with a set of drag slicks and do a good burnout before you launch. If the tires are sticky enough you won't need 4WD to get a fast launch.
The second is less easy but you have two options; swap in a larger capacity V8 or build a stroker. A stroker is simpler and cheaper but a V8 swap gives you potentially more HP but at much greater cost.
Stripping off weight doesn't cost anything (unless you're substituting lightweight components) and is like gaining free HP. Things you can remove are: spare wheel, skidplates, tow hooks, trailer hitch, roof rack bars, rear seats, interior panels, carpets, sound proofing, center console, glovebox lid, ashtray, A/C compressor, A/C condenser and piping, charcoal canister, clutch fan, wipers and wiper motor, electric window motors. You can replace all the windows (except the windshield) with plexiglass, replace the hood with a fiberglass unit, and replace steel wheels with lightweight alloys.
______________________
Dino's "Mean Green Machine"
1992 XJ Laredo 4-dr - 4.6L I6 HO Stroker - 181k miles - AX15, NP231, D35c, D30

263hp@4900/321lbft@3300-3800, 1/4 mile = [email protected], 0-60 = 5.7secs
Websites - Jeep 4.0 Performance, 4.6L Stroker Build-Up, Dino's Jeep Tricks

 

[WB9YZU]

Around 6 or so years ago, there was a fellow running a 2wd MJ in NHRA "stock" class at Union Grove, Wi. The engine was a 4.OL the tranny was a built TH350 with transbrake and I believe 4.56 gears with 29 or so inch slicks. Very consistant 12.5 to 13 second 1/4 mile times. The original owner started off with a MOPAR race computer, and the owner after him upgraded to Accel ignition and injection system which shaved off another .5 sec. Launches were typical small cube style: Hold the trans brake, punch the gas hit the rev limiter and wait for the tree. Wheels up every time!