Low Buck, Low Tech And Loads Of Fun

We showed the weigh-in of our plan Z Dart last week, and were met tons of comments and questions concerning the details of this car, including many suggestions for further weight loss.
Here we go through it front to back and give our reasoning for doing things the way we have.
*MERCHANDISE:
Get Your UTG T-Shirts Here: uncletonysgara...
Get Your UTG Stickers Here: uncletonysgara...
OUR STORE: uncletonysgara...
*SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook: / uncletonysgarage1
Instagram: / uncle_tonys_garage
*WEBSITE: uncletonysgara...
#utg #dodgedart #slantsix #planz

[@jasont.1530]

You can tell UTs passion, he is like a kid in a candy store talking about his creation! Great work Uncle Tony!!!

[@randisellingham2551]

This man is passionate about what he does.i want him to tune my corvette.

[@f-ducket4586]

"Performance is power versus weight." In the next episode of UTG, Tony sands 7 pounds of primer and body steel off Project Z, then waxes bare metal for corrosion resistance and improved coefficient of drag.

[@ogonbio8145]

The golf ball divot effect would be slightly better for drag than a flat waxed surface. Intentional hail damage is gunna be the next trend among drag racers

[@shop_night]

Like the guys who shaved paint off a brand new porsche to save 10lbs.

[@redlight3932]

@@shop_night insanity

[@RabbiGoldstein]

like NASA using white paint on rockets because it was the lightest.

[@nickpollay1681]

It’s waaaaaaay more fun to go out in a pile of crap and see how much faster you can go on the cheap. Case in point.. I have a 72 Ford galaxie 500 2dr with the 400m two barrel and c6 trans. It did a 16.2 stock. I’m running 13.3 quarter mile from zero dollars in North Carolina

[@brianhdueck3372]

I would be curious what sort of upgrades you did. I’m a cheapskate myself lol

[@mufflerman8455]

Its more fun to drive a slow car fast rather than drive a fast car slow

[@robertwest3093]

Dude you GOTTA tell us your combination so far! Those old Ford 400M engines were so underrated.

[@franklindguccibelt6209]

I have a 72 Galaxie myself

[@jimt3409]

I love the old school approach, this is how I grew up. Doesn't cost a lot of money but helps make you fast. And you do not break much equipment good fun .😎👍

[@SmokeyRam]

I wish more cars at the drag strip were like this, truly awesome seeing this work of art, great work Tony!

[@epoxeclipse]

under powered and light, let me introduce you to every honda at my drag strip

[@richardbrickner1688]

My first good laugh of the day .. “At the end of the day.. It’s still a weed whacker!” 😳.... 🤣🤣🤣

[@EmeraldEnchantments]

I strip weight from my daily ( racers) all the time. Hp makes you go fast. Weight reduction makes you go fast, stop fast and turn better. And it costs less.

[@modelnutty6503]

yup, decades ago peeled 400 lbs of "dumb weight" off my Datsun 620 longbed and pumped the little L20-B to 165 whp, lower close ratio transmission from a 1600 station wagon. wouldn't do over 90 but it'd sure do most of that in an 1/8. "what the heck is under your hood?"... always fun.

[@taunuslunatic404]

The car would be better on fuel to boot.

[@EmeraldEnchantments]

I don't ever allow that to happen.

[@johnbecay6887]

Aaron B not only all that but it doesn't break as much

[@Kevin-kb6uq]

Uncle Tony has more common sense than 90% of people today.

[@imbadwrench]

Anyone anymore with common sense should be allowed to wear a cape.

[@hillbillysportsman5818]

Uncle Tony for President!

[@deadslickcam]

99%

[@allglorytogod12]

I need that quote on a UTG shirt : "Nothing is lighter than a hole."

[@ngranko5907]

Medium for me and large for GF

[@michaellehmann2803]

I’d buy that shirt!

[@brianlevan339]

Yes I agree!!! He needs to trade mark it or something,,,,,lol!!!!

[@allglorytogod12]

@@michaellehmann2803 Of course, it should have more than the 4 standard holes that come with most shirts.

[@michaellehmann2803]

@@allglorytogod12 Well that goes without saying! LOL!

[@tony7856]

Have you looked into an aluminum/plastic radiator? Could probably find something at the junkyard out of a compact import that would do the job and be significantly lighter. Also may have the added benefit of having less tank capacity.

[@oldtimerf7602]

Good idea!

[@NightWrencher]

Unless he finds it out of a mopar, hes not going to use it

[@modelnutty6503]

@@mikejohns3104 Honda maybe TOO small for waiting in line to get to the starting line, but "newer Mopar" (aka Mitsubishi) from a little 2.5 V6 might be good.

[@gregorytimmons4777]

Even a Taurus had a plastic radiator.

[@CoastalAutoReactionCAR]

Gotta be so nice to be able to film segments like this finally! Good to see in the new shop! Congratulations again to the team at UTG!

[@pauldulworth2768]

This is essential hot rodding in its purest form. He’s preaching gospel, people. He’s a prophet.

[@allenlarabie8854]

Exactly 💯%

[@tatialo37]

Amen!!!

[@mareklibelt3182]

That is hot rodding in it's purest form, well done Uncle Tony!!!

[@MikeyMack303]

Thanks for the tour and explanation. Can't wait to see it go!

[@craighansen7594]

I'm inspired to do a similar project. Just a little twist, street driven. There is a Ford Pinto sitting in a back yard nearby, perfect candidate. Has to be a v8, I have several sitting around.

[@modelnutty6503]

little Pinto wagon with the V6 was a strong runner too but.. it was pretty easy to make +200 ponies from the 2300 I4.

[@beckbuilt3209]

It’s nice seeing someone do exactly what he wants to do, doesn’t give a shit about what people think

[@npp3559]

Honestly that’s such a cool idea I would spend the extra money and go with a light aluminum radiator the plexiglass windows and the aluminum drive shaft just to make it even lighter

[@jeremyhanna3852]

Build a top fuel style starter for by using a cheap sbc starter weld a socket on the out put shaft and just hold it on the crank nut just like top fuel ditch the factory starter battery and wiring use a 18volt tool battery to run the distributor with a switch im guessing that could save 50lbs or better

[@vinnieboombatzmd3508]

I was just thinking while watching this of the contrast between old school drag racers like Tony and young guys like Cleetus McFarland for example. I subscribe to and watch Cleetus as well, and the polar opposites in build style is interesting. Cleetus is all about the high tech / high horsepower, but he has the same base love of racing as Tony does in my opinion. Just two completely different approaches to the same goal of racing and having fun.

[@jeremypike9153]

Those factory steering columns are actually pretty hefty. You really can't tell until you remove the whole column and pick it up in its entirety.

[@jeremypike9153]

Definitely close off the bottom of the trunk. It will act like a parachute from the air passing under the car. There is a reason all the newer cars have a belly pan from the front bumper to the rear now. Helps aerodynamically to increase mpg

[@jeremypike9153]

You can also run the old flex fan too the faster they spin the less air they pull.

[@bigbear5510]

@@jeremypike9153 The belt is loose so that it slips, that way it doesn't rob any power from the engine when you hit the go pedal.

[@texasmopar5557]

You make a great point on the 7 1/4 per the application vs the "its got to have a 8 3/4 everything else is junk".

[@Tumbleweed_Tx]

yeah, it's not like that axle will have 400 HP running it, and it's easier to spin than an 8 3/4

[@modelnutty6503]

between weight, power, and an automatic, I'd be shocked if it popped.

[@wheels-n-tires1846]

@@Tumbleweed_Tx yup... I had one that lived for years behind a mild 440... Doing the math it was making 440-450 hp and it never broke...

[@wpiken]

I ran a circle track stocker, Cutting weight and stock Mopar suspension tricks made the car competitive, not just $$$. I coulda learned a thing or two from you Tony!👍🏼

[@michaelstrangefranke7002]

When are people going to learn to quit questioning Uncle Tony just watch and learn boys and girls there is a method to his madness

[@howardwilliams8993]

Drill smaller holes between holes on fenders. Drill holes in radiator side brackets

[@rhostatton8944]

swiss cheese the k-member??

[@jstample]

Drill holes in the radiator too

[@markweber7275]

Tony we’re singing from the same hymnal. Frugality is a great way to go, loads more fun, big plus biggest bang for the buck.

[@MrTheHillfolk]

Haha even after having a few bucks and experience behind me , I still do the low buck thing too. The thing is right now I do have a decent chunk of cash I could put in the project car, but it doesn't need alot of things that you can buy in a store. Whatever I do have to buy will be top shelf ,I'm done with trash.

[@glennmanchester9151]

Always fast for cheap lol its why i always ran junkyard pontiac and olds motors when everyone else was throwing money into sbc motors so many times giys went wtf i said yeah my 200 dollar pontiac motor w a krylon rebuild just made your sbc look anemic lol torque monsters loved them the rocket 350 too and the infamous quadrajets people heard me coming for miles away lmao moan baby

[@newcitycarpet3675]

If you were a chef, a painter or sculptor, you'd be the best. I'm enjoying the attention to detail and I'm always learning. Thanks Tony ---- Gary

[@cruiser1398]

Great content. Nothing like a built 904! Exactly what I am running in my 360 powered 66 A100 lightweight panel van! 🇺🇸

[@tl5108]

That’s a cool ride

[@m.w.boersen]

Nice explanation tony, love to see your "toys" in action. Keep up the good job!

[@morgenhoop]

I just watch these videos cause there's no 30 second intro, no "yo, this ya boy..." - just jump right in and down to brass tax.

[@grndzro777]

I hate to be the one but it's "tacks"

[@morgenhoop]

@@grndzro777 Thabks, I’m no road scholar or KZbin grammar nut. I am human and by definition, I am not perfect. I’m Just a dumb gear head. Good day, sir.

[@modelnutty6503]

@@grndzro777 lose vs loose is one I sure see too often. come on people! :)

[@grndzro777]

@@morgenhoop I'm just a scholar of old sayings. A lot of the history behind them is fascinating.

[@mwilliamshs]

Rhodes* scholar it's a school not a road

[@mikepoint4983]

I just love those old Darts , and would love to get one . They are VERY hard to find in Vancouver Canada . Great vid Uncle .

[@dougburton1999]

That 7-1/4” rear end is fine. My 73 duster with 340 came with the same. I kicked the shit out of that rear until I put 8-3/4 in it...

[@micahmccormick6050]

I see now! Cleared up my perspective. You've got it right Tony no doubt! All you gotta do is clean the tires on the track and get us a time.. Im excited keep us posted for sure!!!!

[@bicylindrico]

This is the car on your channel that I like. Can't wait to see her give it all she's got

[@modelnutty6503]

imagine it with a thin "paint job" then wrapped.

[@ericabercrombie6780]

15.6@86 mph if he's lucky

[@bansheemania1692]

@@ericabercrombie6780 13.5@ 105

[@Zerinsakech]

You did a great job, I would be satisfied with how light it is

[@bigbear5510]

Yes he did. If there was a manual trans in there it would be close to 40 lbs lighter.

[@jakedelaymustdie6665]

This car is so cool! All the holes all the awesome little tricks just awesome.

[@spacepeanut8993]

Been rocking doubles as a forklift cowboy lately. Love your videos, man! Keep it up!

[@Madigan101st]

That floor is the shiniest thing I've ever seen you work on!!!

[@voodoochild661]

Hey what if you run a mini radiator out of a Honda or something like a 76 civic might save you the 7 lbs

[@dougspicer7443]

Tony your going to go down in history as the GOAT as a real life practical common sense,logical real world mechanic for the common man. Awesome!!!

[@marklee2412]

Would a smaller rear rim and/or tire help decrease weight and get you closer to your desired gearing? I really dig the old school vibe of what you do!

[@hdfxr]

Lighter wheel in the rear. less rotation mass increase acceleration

[@bigbear5510]

Aluminum Center Lines are about as light as you can get.

[@jamesmarze9850]

Great job tony love watching and hearing your ideas the experience is 2nd to none!!! Thank you

[@jamessouthworth1699]

I love everything about this car. The small steel wheels being light makes sense... so much sense that when you get the slots you may want to compare the weight to these steel wheels. I'm not sure but going by memory I thought the aluminum slots were thick.... unless you're talking about those old-school steel slots. Thick aluminum can weigh as much or more thinner steel.

[@Shamilt3]

@Uncle Tony's Garage. Many years ago, when we first started dragging Snowmobiles on asphalt, we used a closed circuit cooling system. We plumbed up a big cooler, with quick disconnects and an electric/battery pump to circulate the water. You MAY be able to eliminate the radiator entirely with a similar setup. Realizing that, idling would quickly become the enemy, it would save approx 20 lbs or so of nose weight.

[@fartking8124]

Get that aluminum master cylinder on. How about brake drag, did your do an episode on adjusting drum brakes, so you stop but don’t die?

[@gavindowell8239]

Looking forward to seeing it run and the times

[@Sludge73]

Wtf, Tony? No See you tomorrow? 😃 I love this car, your ingenuity and creativity of where to ditch the pounds. Keep em coming.

[@FredsRandomFinds]

For the front could you not use a couple of narrower "Spacesaver" tyres/rims usually used as spares to reduce weight and rolling resistance?

[@OverlandOne]

Those Darts are tough cars. I enjoy being able to watch all of these cars take shape and come alive. I like that slant 6 and it is going to pull that car a lot better than most people think. (Even though I am a 440 guy from waaay back) Thanks Uncle Tony.

[@tylersparks6732]

You could probably save your weight by playing around with battery sizes and brands. See if the miata battery will start it, they are super tiny.

[@bigbear5510]

He talked about that the other day, either on the previous video with John Wilburn or the live stream Sunday night.

[@MPRiley-dw2nd]

Naturally aspirated without EFI so the battery's only real job is to start. I have seen very small jump start packs.

[@bigbear5510]

@@MPRiley-dw2nd It has points and a coil, so the battery does more than just start the car.😎

[@smokenchoken1736]

Maybe a couple motorcycle batteries linked together would drop enough weight but have enough ooomph

[@tylersparks6732]

@@smokenchoken1736 the miata battery is the size of a lawn mower battery just a little heavier.

[@Mynextproject_74]

I love this car! It's the exact opposite of my fat Duster with every heavy item you could possibly imagine!

[@chrishensley6745]

You have been there and done that when it comes to cars man!!! People need to think first when commenting some Lame Opionion on your stuff!......You have a Masters Degree blue collar Hot Rodding!!

[@bigbear5510]

Thinking for most is not an option! Opinion

[@lawrenceburchett7411]

Light is Right Uncle Tony , had a 1962 Chevy 2 with a 327 l79 m21 12 bolt with 373 gears , an honest lightened to 2100 lbs . only mtr work done was new bearings ( comps good ) a bit more aggressive cam hi-rise manifold holly 750 . We used to humiliate people with much more expensive cars yes mopars too .nice vid

[@paulhare662]

Had a similar ride except it had a 3.08 ten bolt. Got 22 MPG and ran 13.90 crossing the finish line in 3rd gear at 4800 RPM. I miss that car. It rusted out.

[@lawrenceburchett7411]

@@paulhare662 Yeah , we had a blast with mine around 13 street tires closed exhaust , with out any effort , all of those types of cars as Uncle Tony says are just great

[@ccpgmike620]

Colin Chapman the English engineer of Lotus fame would always say "Add lightness" You're in V. good company Zio Antonino

[@russellanderson746]

Tony, it was a lucky day when I found your channel. Best source of REAL information on cars I have found...period...and the best part is that most of it is totally universal. I also love the way you tweak the "voices of caution"...This is a hobby for people with guts...This country needs more people like you. I'm curious, at what power to weight point do you think the fun starts(for a performance street car)?....I say it's ten pounds.

[@jonathanhicks7725]

Really like watching your tricks on weight reduction. I'm always in awe with the creativity haha.

[@dannyhyland4520]

Damn Uncle Tony you can lighten a car up pretty good! 3k pounds? Your at least 1500 pounds under my factory original gbody😂👌(not including music) ...

[@tulatoiletandsepticllc81]

Uncle Kathy or uncle Krystal will save a bunch of weight over uncle Tony. Find me a drag car that is not a work in progress. Been waiting on times on plan z forever. Looking forward to it.

[@jamiebone6886]

The late Colin Chapman (Lotus Cars) was all about lightness. He would be mighty impressed.

[@hempseed57]

I have said it before "We are in the presence of genius.".

[@georgebonney90]

It'll be cool to see this car on the track, no matter what it runs👍

[@modelnutty6503]

yup, it'll spank the piss out of a stock slant 6.

[@richardfittswell6192]

I love it she’s a wonderful little hotrod can’t wait to see her move

[@HIGHOUTPUTable]

Great Video , That's what Hot Rodding is really all about , throwing out some plan Z & Aluiminum slots* thumbs up ......

[@alanwerner4336]

Love the plan z dart!!! Can't wait to see that buzzin' half dozen go down the track!!

[@lautburns4829]

Boy is that thing going to be fun to race, can’t wait.

[@tomcarlson3913]

Part of me expected to hear that the driveshaft has speed holes too.

[@evanc6110]

I wonder why it doesnt?

[@jeremyhanna3852]

@@evanc6110 it would weaken it

[@Shamilt3]

@@jeremyhanna3852 Plus vibrate the shit out of the driveline

[@jeremyhanna3852]

@@Shamilt3 true that

[@wheels-n-tires1846]

🤔🤔🤣😂

[@artjohnson3]

I love this build, on so many levels!!!

[@Riverdeepnwide]

Isn’t there some advantage to larger diameter front tires in staging and leaving? Read something about that years ago, maybe one of Tony’s articles 😄

[@UnfinishedProjectDartSport]

Plan Z!!

[@bigbear5510]

Yes it is.😎

[@chasmontecarlo7271]

Hi uncle tony I like all the things that you do with all of the cars 🚘 it gives me a lot of ideas for my montecarlo

[@stuntmanmike7777]

You had me at slot mags...

[@modelnutty6503]

yup, full (mismatched) set would be really sweet wide rears + narrow fronts.

[@a-tecumseh9relic392]

very cool! 1st car i hotroded was a 6 cylinder camaro, i had a blast on a very limited bugget

[@telicogarage]

We learned that in high school auto shop Power to weight ratio is key.

[@RubenGonzalez-bs5rh]

Wahts the bolt pattern on then front wheels, O might have pair for ya!

[@0for30]

Thanks for your videos. I’ve learned a lot from you even though I’m a Honda guy. Love the car. It’s always interesting listening to someone explain different aspects of their cars and why they did it the way that they did.

[@AryDontSurf]

I feel like my life is nothing but frugality and creative work-arounds. LOL!

[@jonathangehman4005]

Also, there's room for holes in that there shifter. You only need to lose 97 oz

[@seanthorton3054]

Drilling a hole in between a couple of holes seems to be a hold up, the camera pans to see Uncle Tony leaning on like hundred holes,lol:)

[@TargaWheels]

15x3.5 center lines to match the rear wheels? They're pretty light. 👍

[@modelnutty6503]

yup, might as well, would look sweet too.

[@phillipstott8881]

Hey Tony, love your channel brother. Whatever happened to lamb chop? I think of him whenever bottle rocket appears in your vids. I care about him so please give me an update.

[@austind6546]

His channel on youtube is Lamchop's world.

[@shawnclyne1904]

The Mad Scientist of drag racing just he's not mad! Great walk thru sir!

[@445videogates4]

Good job on everything.I built my 73 Dart swinger just like this.Mine had 360 cubic inch,8 3/4 4.88,727 trans,man valve body.Ran 11.60 s 1/4,7.30 s 1/8.Plexiglass windows.Wish i hadnt done the windshield tho.Ran this car 15 years,Started with 318 4 speed,went to 340,then a 360

[@hughbarton5743]

Tremendous! Weirdly, long ago in my wrench twisting days, I fooled around with very large motors ( early 70's Fury police cars ), and teeny euro and japanese iron, usually with weak little engines....had fun with both! Remember, Colin Chapman of Lotus fame said "simplificate, and add lightness " Had pretty good success : multiple F1 championships, and the Indy 500....

[@kurtpoblenz2741]

I can’t wait to see how fast that car is!!!

[@mayiofferyousomealternativ7205]

Me looking at this knowing I want to put, carpet/hushmatt, speakers and other weight in my slant dart and still want it to be fast-ish: 😬😬😬

[@UnfinishedProjectDartSport]

You should have never taken that stream down, it was gold! Guaranteed viral content.

[@UncleTonysGarage]

He didn't mean to go LIVE, he was supposed to be just recording...he's recording it now.-Kathy

[@TL-angzarr]

You're probably going to want to tin the trunk floor as is it's going to fill the cab with fumes when you're on the starting line. It probably won't go fast enough but it will cat air under there and lift the rear at the top end of the track.

[@kennethbrown5784]

I can't wait to see it perform on the track

[@brucew13]

This project is totally awesome, why because many people write off 6 cylinders as non performance, inline 6 rock!! One head, one head gasket, one intake gasket. When Tony broke the cam in it was crisp as and apple and running sweet as a nut! Love it!! I am fizzing at the bung to get a go pro and Gtech ride.👍👍

[@jackcarter233]

Plan Z is my favorite. Just brilliant

[@DamianAriel717]

Amazing job Tony,we want to see it on the track soon!!!!

[@paulcabezola3559]

Maybe add aluminum lug nuts? Static weight and rotating mass in one shot.

[@NoralBlundell]

Yep another practical demonstration of how to lighten a vehicle. Great for the novice/ beginners. Excellent.👍

[@radioguy1620]

I got my almost 100 % stock appearing 66 stang down to 2650 with 10 gallons of gas in it . took a complete bare shell car and every part or bracket that went back on was trimmed or drilled to make it lighter, a hundred cheap or free mods. kept the car from 77 to 2002 ,,, it ran a solid 14.4 without posi on street tires , so guessing a 13 second car with posi., Never forget when I decided to drive it onto the scale at Moroso's track in Fla some 5.0 guys were behind me and ran the scale, they were a bit surprised at how light it was. I did some crazy things like drill the brake and clutch arms, replace the glovebox door with a thin wooden one with fabric and padding, drilled the window scizzor assembly and every bolt was cut to exact length , biggest thing i didnt do was put side plexi windows in it ,,the window assembly on a mustang with cranks etc weighs more than 35 lbs, empty the door weighed 40lbs , with vent etc 75lbs , 1 % of the cars weight gone, per door . lot of fun and mostly free stuff.

[@rondrew2857]

Love this stuff. I guess my 2700 lb Mustang needs more work....

[@chrisvandecar4676]

Need put some speed tape over any of those lightening holes that face forward; front fenders core support and probably the door handles. A flat plate facing the wind is highest drag except a flat plate with holes in it. Go to bathroom before you run the 1/4 mile, it will cover the weight add of the speed tape😀

[@ericschumacher5189]

The aluminum radiator with electric fan from the Miata or any Honda will still weigh less that the OE mopar radiator due to the material and holding less water.....and since you don’t have an alternator an electric fan won’t take any power to run, given your charging between runs.

[@DarkLinkAD]

Driveshaft?? Who needs that, just bring the engine and trans all the way back into the interior :)

[@baby-sharkgto4902]

That is one cool car right there. It is a shame though, that you don't start it for us in every video 😃

[@jeffreyoliver5991]

I think you're car is awesome! My first car was a1966 Dart and I loved that little 225 ,Wish I still had it. Back in 1977 you could fill it up for $ 5.00 and drive all month.Those were the days.

[@chrismannifield3222]

Drill the ends secondary leafs, and then adjust the torsion bars for the new wieght transfer. Clean all the casting flash in the diff case, and outside the diff. Have a driveshaft made in a thinner wall tube, as well as a smaller diameter.