Iron Dukes??

bill dedman · 05-01-2012, 03:18 AM

The NHRA bent over backwards to ensure the success of the Iron Dukes in Modified Eliminator racing in several different ways: They made the Modified Compact a class like Pro Stock... 2,350 pounds and..... 151 cubic inches. No pounds-per-cubic inch. That "formula" just HAPPENED to fit the Iron Duke to a "T." The Ford engine (2,300 c.c.) was only 140 cubic inches and would need to be stroked ($$$$$$$$$$$$) to get the 151 cubic inches, discouraging a lot of potential Ford racers. When you've only got 151 cubic inches to work with, you can't afford to give any of 'em away...

The current rule book page, at the time, that described the requirements for a legal engine in a Modified Compact-classed race car, stipulated that the car had to have the original engine. The Pontiac T-1000 was a re-badged Chevy Chevette, a car that had its own engine. The T-1000 that Larry Nelson used to dominate the class never came with an Iron Duke, or anything like it. It came with a Chevette engine.

NHRA gave Pontiac the T-1000/Iron Duke combination under the "corporate engine" umbrella. Nobody else had a chance.

Another factory "GIMMEE."

No disrespect to Larry Nelson; he just took advantage of what was legal. Smart!!!

05-01-2012, 03:18 AM	#21
bill dedman VIP Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Conway, AR Posts: 1,739 Likes: 0 Liked 6 Times in 4 Posts	Re: Iron Dukes?? The NHRA bent over backwards to ensure the success of the Iron Dukes in Modified Eliminator racing in several different ways: They made the Modified Compact a class like Pro Stock... 2,350 pounds and..... 151 cubic inches. No pounds-per-cubic inch. That "formula" just HAPPENED to fit the Iron Duke to a "T." The Ford engine (2,300 c.c.) was only 140 cubic inches and would need to be stroked ($$$$$$$$$$$$) to get the 151 cubic inches, discouraging a lot of potential Ford racers. When you've only got 151 cubic inches to work with, you can't afford to give any of 'em away... The current rule book page, at the time, that described the requirements for a legal engine in a Modified Compact-classed race car, stipulated that the car had to have the original engine. The Pontiac T-1000 was a re-badged Chevy Chevette, a car that had its own engine. The T-1000 that Larry Nelson used to dominate the class never came with an Iron Duke, or anything like it. It came with a Chevette engine. NHRA gave Pontiac the T-1000/Iron Duke combination under the "corporate engine" umbrella. Nobody else had a chance. Another factory "GIMMEE." No disrespect to Larry Nelson; he just took advantage of what was legal. Smart!!! __________________ Bill Last edited by bill dedman; 05-01-2012 at 03:40 AM.