2008 Cobra Jets belong in Stock

[Chad Rhodes]

Originally Posted by Evan Smith

Jeff,

Respectfully, Ford wanted to run Stock because it wanted a car in the top class. NHRA has reserved the top class of Super Stock for Chrysler products only, so why should Ford build a car to be second fiddle? I disagree with the SS/AH-only class, because it is unfair to other manufacturers and racers who would like a shot at the lime-light. In addition, Ford wanted to build a turn-key racer, much like it does in road racing. We all know this would be out of the realm of a OEM to build a turn-key Super Stock car.

So. where does the CJ really belong? Perhaps Super Stock is a better place, that is certainly a good argument.

If Chevy or Chrysler builds a car that fits the current guidelines I am all for it no matter where it falls. I would be pissed if I raced a "A" or "AA" car, I'll admit that, but any racer gripes should with NHRA, not Ford or the guys racing them. If the cars fly like all of you are predicting, then I'm sure NHRA will take action. I can't speak for NHRA, but I'm sure it doesn't want egg on its face over this.



Evan

Evan, you bring up a good point. However why not use the 4.6 4v motor with the blower and arrive at an HONEST hp factor. Since there is no "street" version of this engine, and the closest relative to it is rated at 500hp, its really hard to believe that its a 425 hp motor. We also know that it will take YEARS for the AHFS to catch up with these cars. If you look at the LS1 cars, it took several years to get the HP factor right, and that was after it was common knowledge that the street motor was under rated by gm (more likely for insurnace reasons, than to sneak up on unsuspecting stockers). I think that these cars running in the 10.0's and teens at pomona with mph in the mid 1teens tells the story. NO ONE stands a chance against these cars heads up. There are several factors that contribute to this, 1) supercharged engine with no genrealy available specs on the blower/boost (sorry Tim, i was told by somoene at NHRA tech that the field doesn't have that info as you claimed), 2) the engine is still using some sort of factory style ECU, mass air and all (its genreally accepted that a well tuned Big Stuff or XFI is worth some hp). 3) fly by wire (tons of LS guys use max throttle position to bracket race their cars very successfully, who knows how much throttle percentage they are running?)

Whats the solution? I would start with a well preppped engine on the dyno and use the 1.5 times factored hp formula. If its close FINE, if its way off then NHRA should adjust the factor on these motors immediately.

BTW Evan, ford should have really made sure that Red and Shaun LeBlanc ended up with one of these cars. After all they have done more for the Cobra Jet banner in recent memory than anyone else