Low power stockers-auto or stick
 

I see that Paul Wong has the points lead with his 273 2BBL Belvedere. There has to be some real consistency with that low power stocker and the stick. Anyone have a guess? Paul, what's scoop. Thanks

Re: Low power stockers-auto or stick
 

First of all, what Paul Wong won was the National Performer Award, which is the most rounds won by a Stocker or Super Stocker, stick and auto version of each, during CLASS run offs.
Class racing is run flat out to the finish line.
I don't want to sound like I'm diminishing Paul's accomplishment in any way...
However, you don't necessarily have to be consistent...just fast!
Also Paul used his 350 4 speed C10 to win some of those rounds, and maybe another vehicle or two, also.
As far as consistency, Paul and others will probably say that's quite possible with a stick car.
Better than an automatic? Let's just say there are a few stick drivers out there that I'd never bet against.

Re: Low power stockers-auto or stick
 

Where is this list? Does NHRA post this?

Re: Low power stockers-auto or stick
 

I had to ask too, last month

Go to NHRA Competition> Points and stats> National Performer

Re: Low power stockers-auto or stick
 

You have been picking around at this for years. You just need to start getting something put together. You have mentioned several viable combinations to me over the last few years.

As much as I am a fan of the "Dime Rocket" deal, a low powered V-8 stocker with a stick will only be a dime rocket if you want to make 3-5 passes before it puts parts on the ground. Stock style transmissions clutches and rear ends will show there weaknesses very quickly. 3500 plus pounds with a stick require the same parts as an A/S car if you want to have fun and have something live. The first 10 feet is just as violent.

Automatic parts can be found more readily and will be more available for a dime rocket build.

The national performer thing is neat but not simple to chase. You have to do a lot of travelling and be ready to take horsepower to win, especially in the combo classes.

Re: Low power stockers-auto or stick
 

Paul,

Can't agree more. My trans, clutch and drivetrain are the same parts that a V8 super stocker would have and just as likely to break, particularly leaving at 8400 rpm. Anyone that thinks that a low HP stick car can be built on a budget needs to take a reality check. Stick with an auto if money is an issue.

Jim Caughlin
SS 6019

Re: Low power stockers-auto or stick
 

I chose an F body with the 318 4BBL. Surprisingly no rust. I have the motor in and before I chose a trans and rear combo, I just wanted to do it once and devote the time to tuning and racing. Paul, your help was put to good use. Thanks

Re: Low power stockers-auto or stick
 

A budget racer is a nice concept, but by the time I got around to building a car I had watched too many of them being pushed off the track with broken rear axles and trans components. I put a bunch of cash into "power train" stuff that will last.

Just my 2 bits worth.

Dale

Re: Low power stockers-auto or stick
 

A wise man once said, Buy the good parts the first time ......

Re: Low power stockers-auto or stick
 

If you don't buy the best, you have to include a cost for the risk. If you can afford the risk, you can afford something better.

Re: Low power stockers-auto or stick
 

This combo uses probably the best automatic transmission ever used in a stocker, take advantage of it.

Re: Low power stockers-auto or stick
 

Put in a decent 904 and B body 8 3/4 (5:13) and you will seldom have a problem.
A good second under combo without anything exotic ( check out Pomona
Qual. sheet).

Re: Low power stockers-auto or stick
 

stick=dana

Re: Low power stockers-auto or stick
 

What about a 3rd or 4th Gen F body with an Iron Duke or a V-6? Would you have the same issues with a stick?

Rick Thomason
GTOMayhem

Re: Low power stockers-auto or stick
 

Pretty simple premise we had in the old days. When you could find stuff lying around "cheap". By time you had fixed your car 3-4 times breaking your "cheap" parts. You figure out you'd have been dollars ahead to have bought good parts in the first place.

Most of my old cars may have looked like POS but I tried to get the best parts I could find. My Mustang II will follow the same pattern.

Re: Low power stockers-auto or stick
 

Im looking at building a U/S 302 2V combination but instead of going dime rocket I am going fairly cheap engine along with a very good Strange rear end with Jerico or G-Force Tranny with a Mcleod Soft Loc. It will not be a dime rocket or cheap but instead maybe a 50 cent rocket that will live and I am figuring it should cost around 20 grand or so for the complete build.

Re: Low power stockers-auto or stick
 

I agree with the comments about no matter what HP a Jerico tranny with the right clutch is the only way to go. My experience withy my 68 Impala i ran with BBC (396/325) I had 100 passes on that Jerico and in my buddies SBC 68 Camaro 11.30 car has another 250-300 , tranny still good, never a problem. Also the rear needs not only Spool but Pro-Gears, my only breakage was from using "Street" (cheap) gear set.

I think the Jerico is one of the best aftermarket part made.Just my opinion.

Will Lamprecht I/SA 65 Impala in progress.

Re: Low power stockers-auto or stick
 

A good trans and clutch, is a wise investment. Used Jerico's and occasionally a G-Force come up for sale and that will get you in the game. A clutch is very versatile from a tuning standpoint. If the clutch is built with low base to begin with, it allows for a wider HP tuning range. A low HP engine will not be happy if the clutch is tugging the engine down too low because of too much base. Keep that in mind when looking at clutches, and a stick car can be very consistent as well.