Stock & Super Stock life expectancies

[castle5]

stocker motors should last 500 to 600 passes. ive had alot more problems with drivetrain parts but hey im a stick guy..when everything is new it lasts longer than you think. but after 800 passes or so trouble starts and you find your self slowly replacing everything that rotates..

[FED 387]

Thanx guys for taking the time to reply---I was just trying to get a feel on how long stuff lasts---In a Comp car we are constantly checking machining/honing and or replacing items to keep them competitive---- Kinda answers my suspicions----Comp 387

[Jeff Lee]

Depends....stock rods or aftermarket rods? Stock rods are more likely to loose bearing crush quicker than when quality aftermarket rods are used. Thick 5/64ths rings or thin rings with spacers? Gapped or gapless rings? Livin' on the edge or built for the long haul? Run it 'till it won't even start anymore or keeping it finely tuned? That's just the shortblock.
I know guys that have to change bearings within 50 runs when using stock rods on stockers. My own was only good for 75-100 runs. I know guys with thin rings that loose the seal after around 125 runs or so. Some engines are proned to wear rings just by design of the piston (think domed BBC).
So it's all relative to engine design, parts used, quality of machine work and probably abuse given.

[Paul Precht]

I'm with you 100 percent Jeff

[FED 387]

Jeff & Paul that is the kind of info I was looking for---Not looking to build a passanger type car good for 100,000 miles but a -1.15/-1.20 under car---I realize that there are lots of variables but just exploring how much/often you take these apart and freshen them up---Used to Modified/Comp stuff which is fairly hi-LOL- maintanence stuff which you are aware...Can live with that type of maintanence schedule just kinda getting tired of 30+ hours a week in the shop---Thanx for your answers Hope to see you at the races ---Dick Comp387

[Dave Ribeiro]

FED 387,

I agree with Jeff and the others... You also need to look at how fast you want to go and what engine you will be using..( Chevy,Olds, Buick,Ford, Mopar, etc.) They all have different likes and dislikes, strengths and weakness... So this will effect how many runs it will take before freshening, up-keep and over-all maintance... Yes, I know guys who freshen every 100 runs and I know racers who wait till 3-400 runs... So you have plenty of choices... Also depends on how many times a year you plan on running ?? Good Luck with your project and remember to watch the number of cars in your class.... Dave...1033/stock(350ci)

[Jeff Lee]

Personally, I would look at a small engine combo that would work well with a stick. That way when they combine stick's & auto's I would be one-up on those little engines. I'd jump right into a 290 AMX Stock or SS if I needed something different than what I have.