You've come a long way baby!

[Dave Turner]

We've come a long way in Stock/Super Stock since the inception of these classes. In the context of "Top Ten" lists, what would be your line-up of the most significant aftermarket parts or technology upgrades that have contributed to our sport?

( Please limit list items to aftermarket stuff, not OE available advancements like FI, turbos, supercharging etc. )

I'll start it off:.....in no particular order.

1. Data acquisition
2. Coatings...all types
3. Radial slicks
4. Aftermarket brakes
5. "Trick" lifters
6. Converter tech
7. Aftermarket manual trans.
8. Cal Tracs suspension
9. 2-step devices
10. Fuel cells

[X-TECH MAN]

Originally Posted by Dave Turner

We've come a long way in Stock/Super Stock since the inception of these classes. In the context of "Top Ten" lists, what would be your line-up of the most significant aftermarket parts or technology upgrades that have contributed to our sport?

( Please limit list items to aftermarket stuff, not OE available advancements like FI, turbos, supercharging etc. )

I'll start it off:.....in no particular order.

1. Data acquisition
2. Coatings...all types
3. Radial slicks
4. Aftermarket brakes
5. "Trick" lifters
6. Converter tech
7. Aftermarket manual trans.
8. Cal Tracs suspension
9. 2-step devices
10. Fuel cells

1) Bogus cylinder heads and intake manifolds on stockers (Porting, acid etching, media blasting).
2) NHRA "Enhancements"
3) Chev. rod bearing jurnals on other brand stockers.
4) $100,000+ stockers
5) lack of tear downs at events
6) lack of rule enforcement during any tear downs performed.
7) The AHFS way of factoring much needed HP factors
8) $6000+ auto transmissions to pick up a tenth to stay competative
9) Under rated "NEW" FI and Blown FI cars in stock.
10) "Bracket" race mentality of todays racer during a race.

[Jeff Teuton]

X Tech Those two items are correct, but the "relaxed" rules on camshafts work with the other two. SS Inline carbs on the 426 for one, and I probably need a beer to keep concentrating. More later. Merry Christmas

[Julie Jordan]

The Christmas tree!

[Dick Butler]

Weather Stations

[Ken Miele]

Tom,

Excellent topic, even though Terry Bell (x-tech man) has hijack it. If you want his post removed just let me know. (Nothing personal Terry, we are friends, but sometimes you need to give it a rest.)

Everything you mention are excellent choices, but I think the number one significant aftermarket parts or technology is the access to the parts and technology. There are more racers today that are competitive then ever before. Both in driving skill and performance.

When I first starting running stock in 1987, no one would talk to you. You spent a whole lot of money and time, and in most cases you were still not as competitive. It was a very closed group of racers. I also think it has contributed to more people being involved in s/ss, in spite the few on Class Racer that tell us NHRA is doomed, car counts are higher then when I first started, the best advancement is access.

[X-TECH MAN]

Originally Posted by Jeff Teuton

X Tech Those two items are correct, but the "relaxed" rules on camshafts work with the other two. SS Inline carbs on the 426 for one, and I probably need a beer to keep concentrating. More later. Merry Christmas

Sorry Ken.....you can remove it if you care to. It was meant to bring things to light...thats all. Its progress.
Yes....the relaxed rules on camshafts was one thing that caused most of this. A HEMI just dosent look right with the in line carbs. I need more than one beer. You have a very Merry Christmas also.

[Ken Miele]

No need to apologize, if Toms wants it removed I will, otherwise its not a problem. I think everyone knows where s/ss is today, it just seems as if its been beat to death.

Now I'm going off topic too. Tom let me know what you want me to do.

[Chris "drooze" Wertman]

Hmmm....good list, and tough calls.

How about urethane suspension bushings (first generally used and accepted in racing...maybe aircraft first...any EAA guys out there ?)

Low cost lightweight cad produced and cnc machined alloys our of the far east (yeah China) specifically brackets and other weight saving chassis items.

Custom Shocks and spring winding capabilities of vendors, with computer modeling on spring return rate etc.

Acceptance and use of higher strength ligter weight rear housings

Alloy improvments in axles and use of gundrilling etc. lowering rotational mass, and widespread use of CNC machinery to allow custom parts that only 20 years ago were a dream....Ive got things on my car I woulda killed just to have the stock material of 20 years ago let alone built into a precision part for $40 !

Racing use of cutting edge alloys and metalurgy is a bigin , I see it applying but late to drag racing in some cases, in others its where it originates but its getting there, but strenght is a big one here unlike bikes where its all about weight.

Cheers....like the list....food for thought and my brain always needs something to chew on.......

Originally Posted by Dave Turner

We've come a long way in Stock/Super Stock since the inception of these classes. In the context of "Top Ten" lists, what would be your line-up of the most significant aftermarket parts or technology upgrades that have contributed to our sport?

( Please limit list items to aftermarket stuff, not OE available advancements like FI, turbos, supercharging etc. )

I'll start it off:.....in no particular order.

1. Data acquisition
2. Coatings...all types
3. Radial slicks
4. Aftermarket brakes
5. "Trick" lifters
6. Converter tech
7. Aftermarket manual trans.
8. Cal Tracs suspension
9. 2-step devices
10. Fuel cells

[Dale Shannon]

I think the radial tire is #1 and then the 2 step made the car leave better and helped a lot of drivers. KENNY!!! yes im yelling at you I always talked to you, I even weighted for you at Etown one time for class because you had a problem...LOL!!!!!!! Merry Christmas!!!!!!!
Dale