Stocker motor question

sox · 08-18-2021, 09:40 PM

I recently bought a 1983 Malibu Wagon, ex stocker. I’m thinking of turning it back to a stocker. I bought it with 2 different grills. I was told I could run a 350 if I claim 2 certain years or the 305. I’m new to this type of racing . My question is what particular motors can I run. I looked at the Nhra specs I’m a little confused. I believe it would fall in K/SA. Any info would be great. If you know someone selling a motor that would work in my combo please let me know.

Larry Hill · 08-19-2021, 07:41 AM

On the S/SS page at the top is “what class does it run” might be able to answer some questions for you.

oldskool · 08-19-2021, 12:36 PM

"...I was told..."

If you have not already done so, sign up to the Class Racer Info site.

http://www.classracerinfo.com/Selection.aspx

After sign-up click on "Technical Specs for NHRA Classes".

Then enter your engine make & year model. It will show all NHRA legal engines.

When you click on one of those engines it will show most of the legal specs & you can click to another page to see exactly which bodies that engine is legal for, as well as min weights.

I'm no expert here. But I have used that info site to look up lots of possible combinations, especially for Pontiac powered cars. I have found that it is not completely up to date. But, it's probably pretty accurate, for the popular combinations.

Hope this helps. If not, just ignore me.

Stan Weiss · 08-19-2021, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldskool

"...I was told..."

If you have not already done so, sign up to the Class Racer Info site.

http://www.classracerinfo.com/Selection.aspx

After sign-up click on "Technical Specs for NHRA Classes".

Then enter your engine make & year model. It will show all NHRA legal engines.

When you click on one of those engines it will show most of the legal specs & you can click to another page to see exactly which bodies that engine is legal for, as well as min weights.

I'm no expert here. But I have used that info site to look up lots of possible combinations, especially for Pontiac powered cars. I have found that it is not completely up to date. But, it's probably pretty accurate, for the popular combinations.

Hope this helps. If not, just ignore me.

If you have more up to date information about a given combination than is shown on classraceinfo. Have you contacted Dwight with that information? I have found Dwight very easy to work with.

Stan

Pete L · 08-19-2021, 08:37 PM

I believe the 350 is legal only in the 1978 Malibu wagon or ElCamino. The front nose, grille, and headlight trim would need to be changed on your 83 wagon to convert it to a '78 model. The 305 is legal all years but the engine specs differ depending on which year you run.

sox · 08-19-2021, 08:52 PM

A 305 would be fine. I have the 83 front end on it now. Not sure but from what I read per Nhra it’s rated at 170 hp. I believe shipping weight is around 3387. .

Mark Yacavone · 08-19-2021, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sox

A 305 would be fine. I have the 83 front end on it now. Not sure but from what I read per Nhra it’s rated at 170 hp. I believe shipping weight is around 3387. .

Ronnie,
None of them are NHRA rated @170...232 or 248, with automatic.
First you have to figure out what class it falls into.Then you can figure the minimum weight to get as light as possible in that class. ...or you can move up one or down one class. Add 170 driver weight to any of them. That is your scale weight.

oldskool · 08-19-2021, 11:29 PM

"...If you have more up to date information..."

No, I don't personally have any info.

But, I have noticed that from time to time I have found that some info for Pontiac engines is not complete. It's quite possible, & even very probable that many of the less popular combinations are just not updated as often, as the very popular Chevy, Ford, & Mopar combos are.

I'm sure you are familiar with Adam Strang & Norman Warling's combos, from the PY forum. If you'll remember, Adam got a CP forged piston approved for the '68 Pontiac 350HO. For many months AFTER it was approved & had an NHRA legal part number, it was not listed on CRI. I see that it is, now. They're also now listed for all the other 350 engines up thru '73, whereas, up until recently the only 350 pistons listed were TRW L2339. I haven't checked on 'em recently, so I don't know EXACTLY when they were listed on CRI.

http://www.classracerinfo.com/Engine...8&MAKE=Pontiac

As you know, Norman tried a 421SD engine in his '62 Cat. He was trying to find an original piston to copy, in order to have a legal forged piston made & approved.

I don't know what pistons he used. But, he posted that he did indeed install & run the 421SD engine. So he used some pistons of some sort.

Just looked up the '62 421SD engine on CRI. There are no piston specs listed at all, & no legal piston number shown. Also, the body application page won't work. Just shows "Error" notices.

http://www.classracerinfo.com/Engine...6&MAKE=Pontiac

I don't have the correct info. Don't know for sure who does. Don't know if the info can be found on some NHRA site, or not.

Bottom line is that I stand by my statement that not all info is always completely up date. Not complaining or blaming anyone. Just making a casual observation. I don't have a dog in the hunt.

Stan Weiss · 08-19-2021, 11:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldskool

"...If you have more up to date information..."

No, I don't personally have any info.

But, I have noticed that from time to time I have found that some info for Pontiac engines is not complete. It's quite possible, & even very probable that many of the less popular combinations are just not updated as often, as the very popular Chevy, Ford, & Mopar combos are.

I'm sure you are familiar with Adam Strang & Norman Warling's combos, from the PY forum. If you'll remember, Adam got a CP forged piston approved for the '68 Pontiac 350HO. For many months AFTER it was approved & had an NHRA legal part number, it was not listed on CRI. I see that it is, now. They're also now listed for all the other 350 engines up thru '73, whereas, up until recently the only 350 pistons listed were TRW L2339. I haven't checked on 'em recently, so I don't know EXACTLY when they were listed on CRI.

http://www.classracerinfo.com/Engine...8&MAKE=Pontiac

As you know, Norman tried a 421SD engine in his '62 Cat. He was trying to find an original piston to copy, in order to have a legal forged piston made & approved.

I don't know what pistons he used. But, he posted that he did indeed install & run the 421SD engine. So he used some pistons of some sort.

Just looked up the '62 421SD engine on CRI. There are no piston specs listed at all, & no legal piston number shown. Also, the body application page won't work. Just shows "Error" notices.

http://www.classracerinfo.com/Engine...6&MAKE=Pontiac

I don't have the correct info. Don't know for sure who does. Don't know if the info can be found on some NHRA site, or not.

Bottom line is that I stand by my statement that not all info is always completely up date. Not complaining or blaming anyone. Just making a casual observation. I don't have a dog in the hunt.

That is the kind of thing I was talking about. You should have contacted Dwight and given him the information about that piston.

Stan

Pat6868 · 08-20-2021, 07:19 AM

Stock eliminator champ runs a Malibu wagon, 305, Downings wagon ran very strong, 305 also.

08-18-2021, 09:40 PM	#1
sox Junior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 99 Likes: 19 Liked 13 Times in 8 Posts	Stocker motor question I recently bought a 1983 Malibu Wagon, ex stocker. I’m thinking of turning it back to a stocker. I bought it with 2 different grills. I was told I could run a 350 if I claim 2 certain years or the 305. I’m new to this type of racing . My question is what particular motors can I run. I looked at the Nhra specs I’m a little confused. I believe it would fall in K/SA. Any info would be great. If you know someone selling a motor that would work in my combo please let me know. Last edited by sox; 08-18-2021 at 09:56 PM.

08-19-2021, 07:41 AM	#2
Larry Hill Live Reporter Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Hickory, Ky Posts: 10,614 Likes: 1,898 Liked 10,653 Times in 2,210 Posts	Re: Stocker motor question On the S/SS page at the top is “what class does it run” might be able to answer some questions for you. __________________ IHM Used Parts https://ihmusedparts.com 888-821-1817

08-19-2021, 12:36 PM	#3
oldskool VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: The Land of Bayous, Boudin & Crawfish Posts: 1,668 Likes: 223 Liked 747 Times in 362 Posts	Re: Stocker motor question "...I was told..." If you have not already done so, sign up to the Class Racer Info site. http://www.classracerinfo.com/Selection.aspx After sign-up click on "Technical Specs for NHRA Classes". Then enter your engine make & year model. It will show all NHRA legal engines. When you click on one of those engines it will show most of the legal specs & you can click to another page to see exactly which bodies that engine is legal for, as well as min weights. I'm no expert here. But I have used that info site to look up lots of possible combinations, especially for Pontiac powered cars. I have found that it is not completely up to date. But, it's probably pretty accurate, for the popular combinations. Hope this helps. If not, just ignore me.

08-19-2021, 08:37 PM	#5
Pete L Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Surrey BC Canada Posts: 16 Likes: 407 Liked 5 Times in 4 Posts	Re: Stocker motor question I believe the 350 is legal only in the 1978 Malibu wagon or ElCamino. The front nose, grille, and headlight trim would need to be changed on your 83 wagon to convert it to a '78 model. The 305 is legal all years but the engine specs differ depending on which year you run.

08-19-2021, 08:52 PM	#6
sox Junior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 99 Likes: 19 Liked 13 Times in 8 Posts	Re: Stocker motor question A 305 would be fine. I have the 83 front end on it now. Not sure but from what I read per Nhra it’s rated at 170 hp. I believe shipping weight is around 3387. . Last edited by sox; 08-19-2021 at 08:55 PM.

08-19-2021, 11:29 PM	#8
oldskool VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: The Land of Bayous, Boudin & Crawfish Posts: 1,668 Likes: 223 Liked 747 Times in 362 Posts	Re: Stocker motor question "...If you have more up to date information..." No, I don't personally have any info. But, I have noticed that from time to time I have found that some info for Pontiac engines is not complete. It's quite possible, & even very probable that many of the less popular combinations are just not updated as often, as the very popular Chevy, Ford, & Mopar combos are. I'm sure you are familiar with Adam Strang & Norman Warling's combos, from the PY forum. If you'll remember, Adam got a CP forged piston approved for the '68 Pontiac 350HO. For many months AFTER it was approved & had an NHRA legal part number, it was not listed on CRI. I see that it is, now. They're also now listed for all the other 350 engines up thru '73, whereas, up until recently the only 350 pistons listed were TRW L2339. I haven't checked on 'em recently, so I don't know EXACTLY when they were listed on CRI. http://www.classracerinfo.com/Engine...8&MAKE=Pontiac As you know, Norman tried a 421SD engine in his '62 Cat. He was trying to find an original piston to copy, in order to have a legal forged piston made & approved. I don't know what pistons he used. But, he posted that he did indeed install & run the 421SD engine. So he used some pistons of some sort. Just looked up the '62 421SD engine on CRI. There are no piston specs listed at all, & no legal piston number shown. Also, the body application page won't work. Just shows "Error" notices. http://www.classracerinfo.com/Engine...6&MAKE=Pontiac I don't have the correct info. Don't know for sure who does. Don't know if the info can be found on some NHRA site, or not. Bottom line is that I stand by my statement that not all info is always completely up date. Not complaining or blaming anyone. Just making a casual observation. I don't have a dog in the hunt. Last edited by oldskool; 08-19-2021 at 11:45 PM.

08-20-2021, 07:19 AM	#10
Pat6868 Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 100 Likes: 5 Liked 81 Times in 26 Posts	Re: Stocker motor question Stock eliminator champ runs a Malibu wagon, 305, Downings wagon ran very strong, 305 also.