Aaron James's Centura: Lighter Chassis, Quicker Quarter-Mile Times
Aaron James, a seasoned drag racer, embarked on a new project to push his quarter-mile times even lower: a 1977 Chrysler Centura. This build marked a strategic shift after a decade of focusing primarily on power increases for his VG Valiant, which had already achieved impressive mid-nine-second quarter-mile times. The Centura was chosen as the new, lighter platform for the potent 528ci big block Chrysler driveline previously housed in the Valiant.
Vehicle Acquisition & Exterior
James acquired the Centura after its former owner, Lee Baxter, offered it to him for a second time. The vehicle, which had previously run with a Dodge R5P7 NASCAR engine, was specifically chosen for its significantly lighter chassis compared to the heavier Valiant.
The Centura received a custom bronze paint job, expertly applied by Martin Boys Chop Shop. This unique color was blended from approximately ten leftover paint hues, a decision made after initial plans for a vehicle wrap were reconsidered. The car is fitted with MaxWheel 15x9 rims wrapped in 235 rubber at the rear, complemented by Weld AlumaStars with front-runners. Notably, these wheels fit perfectly within the Centura's wheelwells, requiring no tubbing.
Driveline & Engine Specifications
The heart of the Centura is the 528ci Chrysler big-block engine, a powerful unit meticulously built by James's father and transferred directly from the Valiant. This engine package boasts a Molnar stroker crank, 440 Source rods and pistons, and Indy SR heads. Air and fuel are managed by an Indy tunnel ram topped with dual APD 950cfm carburetors. Backing this robust engine is a fully manualized, reverse-pattern 727 Torqueflite transmission.
A key advantage of the Centura's engine bay design was the allowance for larger exhaust piping. The system features stainless headers, stepped from 2 inches to 2 1/8 inches to 2 1/4 inches, which then feed into a twin 4-inch exhaust system.
The Centura employs a dual fuel system, allowing it to run on pump fuel for street use and MS109 race fuel for drag racing, facilitated by separate fuel pumps and lines in the engine bay.
Chassis & Interior Upgrades
Having a history as a drag car, the Centura already came equipped with essential performance features, including a robust rollcage, a sophisticated four-link suspension setup, and a durable chrome-moly sheet-metal differential housing. Advanced Race Fabrication further refined the rollcage, making crucial adjustments to ensure it met stringent ANDRA specifications.
During the build, the engine was set back slightly within the bay, necessitating the fabrication of new engine mounts. The project also encompassed comprehensive updates to the fuel system, electrical wiring, and the interior. Inside, Auto Meter accessory gauges have been seamlessly integrated into the factory dash, while JAZ racing seats provide critical support. The original rear seat was retained, albeit modified to accommodate the existing barwork.
Dominating Drag Challenge
The ambitious Centura build was completed within an impressive six-month timeframe, with significant and invaluable contributions from James's father, Allan James. The finished car proved to be approximately 550 pounds lighter than the VG Valiant it replaced.
Without the luxury of pre-event testing, the Centura made its debut at Drag Challenge '25. On its initial full quarter-mile pass, the car achieved an outstanding time of 9.30 seconds at 146mph. This immediate success surpassed the Valiant's personal best of 9.52 seconds at 141mph. The Centura ultimately secured a commendable third-place finish in the highly competitive ITF Hire 235 Aspirated class.
During the event, a critical converter issue was identified by Alon Vella and Wayne Smith of Performance Carb Tuning. This problem was attributed to the Centura's lighter weight, which prevented the converter from flashing off the line as effectively as it did in the heavier Valiant, leading to a temporary bogging down effect.
With ongoing tuning and further testing, the Aaron James Centura is enthusiastically anticipated to achieve quarter-mile times deep into the elusive eight-second range.