OK, lookin at it from a low budget standpoint, I need to make use of the parts I have, as much as possible. So, what I have the most of is 6x heads. They came on 350's 400's and according to NHRA even on some '76 455's.
So, using the 6x 455 that I already have built, I could run it in any of a long list of Pontiac bodies, from a TA in H/SA to a 5000 lb + wagon in Q/SA.
http://www.classracerinfo.com/Engine...px?ENGINE=2107
http://www.classracerinfo.com/Engine...px?ENGINE=2107
http://www.classracerinfo.com/NHRA_Classes.aspx
Now here's where the hp factors come in. The '75 455 had 5c heads, according to NHRA. Well, they are almost identical to the 6x heads. But the '75 455 is factored 10hp lower than the '76. I gather that you would have to carry aprox 100 lbs more weight, which would = about a tenth difference in ET. Is this correct ?
http://www.classracerinfo.com/Engine...px?ENGINE=2098
And in '75, according to classracerinfo.com the 455 was not available in the TA. And cars were real heavy back then. The lightest body I could use, weighed over 4000lbs.
http://www.classracerinfo.com/Engine...px?ENGINE=2098
The only advantages I can see to using a '76 TA body, besides the fact that they use 6x heads, is that they look a lot better and may be a little more aerodynamic than the '75 A-bodies, big cars and wagons. But is that worth the 10hp penalty ?
One advantage I can see for using one of the big cars is the purchase price of a good body. Most have been crushed long ago. But, if you can find one, they should be a lot cheaper than a good, '76 TA body.
So, for some of you guys who have played these hp factor and weight games, what do you see as the best option of all these '75 & '76 455 combos ?
