Crate Motor Class

[Chad Rhodes]

stocker 2 makes a very good point. Now since Stock has gotten more expensive, as has SS, maybe we should have a Crate Motor eliminator. Do it like the round track guys, SEAL THE MOTORS, they have to go back to be freshened, etc.

I would be all for that, and would probably build a car for it, as i could footbrake it locally as well (not practical with the AA/SA car)

[Michael Beard]

I don't know why we're allowed 10.5" tires. I've always run 9" M/T's myself.

Originally Posted by Stocker 2

One of the reasons NHRA stock racers do not like Crate Motor class is the engines used are not Crate Motors. If Crate Motors were actually used the factorys would be pressuring NHRA to have the classes in Stock. Chrysler was ready to back the deal until it came to light that racers were not using Crate Motors bought from the dealer. Racers were buying a pair of heads and making the Crate Motors themselves.

That's a rather confusing statement... who's buying a new small block '69 Camaro from the dealer? They're not. You're using pieces with the proper part numbers available on your NHRA engine spec sheet that the factories have already produced and sold. Crate Motors still match the original spec sheets (except for the addition of the R/T heads, which NHRA has also allowed in SS)... unlike the magical "superseded" parts some "traditional" stockers have... I'm sorry, but my crate motor car is a lot more "stock" than some "real" Stockers out there!

I don't know about the "crate motors are cheap" argument. Parts are easier to find, but otherwise, they're built to spec just like traditional Stockers. And the statement about "take a crate motor and put it in a bracket car and go racing" makes about as much sense as "take a Stocker motor and put it in a bracket car and go racing." Obviously, some people are 1) unfamiliar with today's bracket cars or 2) don't understand the incredibly simple concept of Crate Motor Stock.

That being said, NO, I don't think NHRA needs to add Crate Motors. (or Stock GT for that matter) It's kind of a silly argument, from either side, actually. If your Stocker doesn't have any superseded parts, a questionable origin, wheelie bars, a fuel cell, $5,000 cylinder heads, aluminum trans, a tiny battery, an "empty" battery, an alternator that doesn't work, and/or an electric water pump, then feel free to look down on Crate Motor cars.

Personally, I appreciate all cars.

[Bobby Lundholm]

Well said Michael. There is no such thing as "stock" eliminator anymore.

[Brandon Peterson]

Word up mike.......

[Randy Schonscheck]

Well said, Michael. With all of the recent comments about pouring runners and trying to decide if the numbers from 30 plus years ago were accurate,well here's a chance to pour the heads on these crate motors. Then from that point on there is some numbers that are recent and there shouldn't be such a big cloud of doubt. These engnes don't have all the superseded parts either. Hell, you can buy a complete engine for the cost of a pair of big block cylinder heads. I love the "regular" stock classes as much as anyone, but there is a place for everyone without rippin' on anyone with a different opinion. The way things are we should support anyone who wants to drag race at all. I remember when the S/S GT style conversions came out everyone was upset. But if it was up to just having traditional S/S cars, the S/S class would be long gone. Thanks, Randy

[THE LEGEND]

1) Nothing Cheap about a Crate Motor Stocker. I owned 3 of them I know.

2) You can say what you want but a SS/GT car ain't a real Super Stocker either so whats the difference.

3) As long as Shoe Polish is involved it's all a bracket race and the casual fan could care less whether there is a 302 carb crate motor or a 302 efi traditional stocker.

4) Brandon it has nothing to do with why they (NHRA racers) hate crate motors they just hate IHRA in general. NHRA racers have that " My crap don't stink" attitude and we IHRA racers will always be the "REDHEADED STEPCHILDREN" to them.

Chip Johnson

[John Warehime]

I don't have any problems with Crate Engines, as long as, the NHRA has the specs. for Tech. to enforce. The advantage is being able to buy new castings instead of going to swap meets, and junk yards. Most Stock Eliminator stuff is more than 25 years old. It would give racers more options, without changing bodies.

[Robert Swartz]

Originally Posted by Michael Beard

I don't know why we're allowed 10.5" tires. I've always run 9" M/T's myself.



That's a rather confusing statement... who's buying a new small block '69 Camaro from the dealer? They're not. You're using pieces with the proper part numbers available on your NHRA engine spec sheet that the factories have already produced and sold. Crate Motors still match the original spec sheets (except for the addition of the R/T heads, which NHRA has also allowed in SS)... unlike the magical "superseded" parts some "traditional" stockers have... I'm sorry, but my crate motor car is a lot more "stock" than some "real" Stockers out there!

I don't know about the "crate motors are cheap" argument. Parts are easier to find, but otherwise, they're built to spec just like traditional Stockers. And the statement about "take a crate motor and put it in a bracket car and go racing" makes about as much sense as "take a Stocker motor and put it in a bracket car and go racing." Obviously, some people are 1) unfamiliar with today's bracket cars or 2) don't understand the incredibly simple concept of Crate Motor Stock.

That being said, NO, I don't think NHRA needs to add Crate Motors. (or Stock GT for that matter) It's kind of a silly argument, from either side, actually. If your Stocker doesn't have any superseded parts, a questionable origin, wheelie bars, a fuel cell, $5,000 cylinder heads, aluminum trans, a tiny battery, an "empty" battery, an alternator that doesn't work, and/or an electric water pump, then feel free to look down on Crate Motor cars.

Personally, I appreciate all cars.

Have to agree with the above. Sorry but people chastise crate motors and then, I hear it costs $10,000 to build a competitive NHRA motor? Obviously you are dragging a cast off block and crank out from under your buddys bench, a set of heads from the junk yard, a set of pistions and rings from the local Carquest and throwing them together, right! Didn't think so.

What is the difference in running these cars? They have specifications. They can be teched, same as any class car. If I get torn down, I'm illegal, I get bounced, huh, same as anyone else.

As for the bracket race thing, let's see, you have a car that runs under the index and you put shoe polish on the window. And that is different from a bracket car in what way? I just don't see the strong argument here. Your $30,000 69 Camaro stocker is no better than the $500 Ford Festiva two lanes over, you're both dialing your car.

IF, this is all a bunch of "hooey" and NHRA doesn't adopt the class, that's fine. Personally, I'd love to have the chance to race at the Division 3 points meets. Tod Lane and I are building our second car to run IHRA crate motor, if it's strictly S/SS combos and IHRA races, I can live with that.

[Brandon Peterson]

i still don't see the big deael with NHRA and crate motor stock.......i am very satisfied with running IHRA for many many years to come

[Chipper Chapman]

So if crate motors aren't pure enough, how is sleeving a 454 block to 396 size pure? Or buyin edelbrock (or should i say 401 gm) heads pure? and so on and so forth. I run a bracket car currently but in the process of building a CM car, by doing this all we are doing is alleviating the hard to find rare and expensive old parts, or the new and expensive replacments. Just went to the local salvage and got a 350 vortec for $350 from a 1/2 ton truck, sure it didn't come over the counter, but most of the 396's and 427's out there have! Engine still has to be built to spec and costs $$$ but at least the price isn't double. Crate motor is just a way of bringin new racers into stock, if you don't like that idea, well i give you my regards.

Chris Chapman