Quote:
Originally Posted by Todd Hoven
The 71 and 72 Combo is different. 71 combo can be run in an F Body and A Body and is rated at 325. The 72 is A Body only and rated at 315. It uses a 7M5 head that has a bigger intake runner.
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Yeah, that's why the PY guys badmouthed those #66 heads.
And, because of the better heads & lower hp factor, that '72 A-body combo would obviously be more competitive.
But, as Ryan Schloe proved, the '71, with #66 heads can run well below the index. Wouldn't be as good, for heads-up runs. But, should be just as good for the dial-your-own rounds.
If built correctly, there are lots of Pontiac combinations that will run under their index. But, most guys wanna run as far under as possible. So, if you begin with a combo that has a favorable hp factor, that means that you don't have to get as serious with the build, just to run the index.
BUT, for those who wanna build a Pontiac that will run a sec under, they have to be more selective in their engine choice. Have to weigh the engine potential against the NHRA hp factor, for that engine, in the body you wanna use.
As mentioned, some body styles have already been hit real hard. The '77 Birds, using the 180hp 400 engine is a good example. The '74 GTO is another.
So, for anyone planning a Pontiac Stocker build, all these things must be considered. For just building something that will run under, there are LOTS of Pontiac combos that will work. But, for running a sec under, there are a few combos that offer more potential.
Stocker guys have been playing with this system for a long time now. That's why you see so many vehicles on the track that were not considered High Performance, at all, in factory form. BUT, because of NHRA hp factoring, an ugly, plain Jane car, that no Musclecar guys ever liked, may be a killer combo, on the track, especially if they can keep from getting a big hp hit.
Pickup trucks immediately come to mind. Then there are all the wagons, & other real heavy cars. And, there are the 4 cyl compacts. We remember a guy named Dave Botkin. He had a little pinto named "Tumbleweed" that ran strong. He won a div 4 title with it.