Shutting off engine crossing finish line
 

Ive noticed a few people doing this.
What's the reason?

Re: Shutting off engine crossing finish line
 

Save parts, easier on valve springs.

Re: Shutting off engine crossing finish line
 

On those runs that you may be using a minimal amount of oil in the pan it's a good idea so if the oil runs away from the pickup when you're in the shutdown area.

Re: Shutting off engine crossing finish line
 

Vastly easier and safer if you have a clean neutral of course

Re: Shutting off engine crossing finish line
 

Noticed this practice a lot while standing just passed the finish line during SS @ the US Natls, this weekend.

Re: Shutting off engine crossing finish line
 

Not as hard on parts, in general, but it does depend on the car.

The '65 SS/BA Belvedere I drove once upon a time would tear up rod bearings if I didn't go into neutral past the finish line. Never tied itself up because Grandpa was meticulous about maintenance; particularly the preventative type. After we went to "clean neutral" in the valve body and I could kill it at the stripe, that was never an issue again.

On the other hand, my '64 Dodge H/SA car has great oil pressure through the entirety of the shutdown area and does not have a "clean neutral." Racepak shows a line that descends in correlation to engine RPM, but no dips whatsoever.

Re: Shutting off engine crossing finish line
 

Stick car super easy done it for years

Re: Shutting off engine crossing finish line
 

So if I don't have a clean neutral, there's no reason to do it?

Re: Shutting off engine crossing finish line
 

All the reasons above are why you do it, but it can be unsafe without
a clean neutral valve body. J.R.

Re: Shutting off engine crossing finish line
 

Mr. E,....if you have not experienced engine problems before, why would you want to shut your engine off now ? Many , many 3 speed trans builders Do NOT recommend this ....