Quote:
Originally Posted by Bobby Zlatkin
Lee,
Any thought of a crate motor class being a budget class is a misconception. How can it cost any less to build a first class crate motor car than a first class regular stocker?
That may have been the original thought but it has progressed far beyond that now.
|
One of the advantages of a crate motor is that you do have more options than with a regular Stocker. Holley carbs are plentiful and it seems that more people know how to work on them without having to go to a "specialist". Any unmodified, commonly available aftermarket aluminum intake can be used. IHRA also allows aftermarket roller rockers. Some combos need durability help while others don't. But bottom line is that you don't have to search junkyards hoping to find specific part numbers hoping they are still usable or paying a premium for parts that are.
While it may not add up to a big savings when compared to a fully prepped Stocker engine, it makes it easier and more economical to get it under the index when people are trying to get into class racing to begin with. There will always be a pretty big range of what people can put into it, in IHRA as well as NHRA. But that "range" is needed to get people involved and keeping the class alive. At least it is in IHRA where it saved the class from extinction. The really fast racers can still strut their stuff in qualifying, class run-offs or heads-up runs. But at least the little guy can play too, unlike NHRA where you have to jump through hoops and still not be sure if you can even qualify at a national event because of grading points, limited fields or despite a decent run under the index.