Modified Stock and MX

[Jim Caughlin]

Am I a little sensitive on this subject, oh yeah. A few years ago my expensive SS/AC car almost became an equally expensive bracket car when NHRA decided to eliminate Mod Compact so I have some experience with downsizing. Fortunately, in fairness to NHRA, we were able to resolve the issue. It seems like on a somewhat regular basis, someone gets on Class Racer (usually not even a current racer) stating that there are too many classes and proposing their ideas on eliminating classes that they don't like. Any time I see a thread starting with a request for car count in particular classes, it's usually the precursor to proposing another downsizing. If that wasn't the case here, I apologize but understand my sensitivity on the subject, I've been beat up before and not going to be happy about it happening again.

Regarding rotary motors in Mod Compact, good question, not sure about their legality in Mod Stock. At one point they had their own class and were then absorbed (sound familiar) into the piston engine classes with some sort of multiplier to determine an adjusted cubic inch size.

Jim Caughlin
SS 6019

[John Scott]

Originally Posted by Jim Caughlin

Any time I see a thread starting with a request for car count in particular classes, it's usually the precursor to proposing another downsizing. If that wasn't the case here, I apologize. Jim Caughlin
SS 6019

I get it that you are sensitive but you don't have to loose it every time someone asks about the class you run in.

Instead, I'd like to hear how awesome it is. Can you tell us about your new car, or is it too top secret?

[Dick Butler]

Originally Posted by Jim Caughlin

Am I a little sensitive on this subject, oh yeah. A few years ago my expensive SS/AC car almost became an equally expensive bracket car when NHRA decided to eliminate Mod Compact so I have some experience with downsizing. Fortunately, in fairness to NHRA, we were able to resolve the issue.

Jim Caughlin
SS 6019

Jim, Since you referred to a "Dick Butler" I guess I am allowed to comment. I think you missed the NHRA result. You are still allowed to be a "bracket car" at NHRA events. You are still expensive and are just pleased to attend and race the bracket program where you are called a "class Car" because there are letters on your window.
NHRA wants your money for entry at their meets instead of Saturday night at a local event so they give you some letters you can use to gain entry to the events. All the cars in the country which run brackets do not live up to your level of quality but if NHRA needed the money and had the time I assure you a "class" letter would be arranged to get them in the gates at Points meets. Just remember when the shoe polish goes on your window you ARE in a bracket race, regardless who sanctions it.
When you race 6 or 8 cars heads up of similar lettering you are in CLASS race.

Yes if a class is tried by NHRA for a year or two and does not populate that might be important indication of lack of need for the class. That is for organization to decide. Remember Pro Stock Truck... Mod was eliminated for some reason. I do not know but I imagine to thin the number of eliminators.

For accuracy, I have been proposing a class or rule variation in a current class that would INCREASE the number of racers but allow the costs to be cut by cutting the Extreme technology demanded to stay current and competitive. Allow you to cut expenses and still be competitive in a class setting.

[Jim Caughlin]

John, the new car is a 2011 Focus which will run a 2.3 OHC Ford and a GForce 5 speed similar to what I am running now. The SS/CX index got murdered by a V6 car a couple of years ago, the index got lowered a full .5 seconds in one shot so isn't nearly as desirable as it once was, just want to go faster. Obviously an inline 4 cylinder doesn't stand much of a chance heads up with some of the killer comp elim V6 parts that are available but so be it.

Before I get too far into the Focus project, I need to complete a tube chassis for a SS/DX Honda Civic with an S2000 motor for a friend. It should be ready to race for this coming season, pretty slick little car.

Dick, be honest, on numerous occasions on Class Racer, you have proposed eliminating classes. You would prefer a world with 6 classes total if you had your choice. Sorry that I race one of those classes that you would cut, don't expect me to quietly go along with your proposals though.

[Bobby DiDomenico]

[QUOTE=Jim Caughlin;487819]
Before I get too far into the Focus project, I need to complete a tube chassis for a SS/DX Honda Civic with an S2000 motor for a friend. It should be ready to race for this coming season, pretty slick little car.]

Is that the same motor as in Bales screamer?

[Jim Caughlin]

Same type of motor, killer design and pretty much a race motor even in stock form. A stock naturally aspirated motor makes 2 hp / cubic inch at a woping 9000 rpm so you can imagine it's potential. Josh Lee runs this motor in Comp (naturally aspirated) and you might note that he is #1 qualifier at Pomona.

Regarding 4 cylinder engines, I was intending to use the Mercury 4 cylinder (half of a 460 Ford) motor for the SS/CX car but got vetoed by NHRA. It is legal for Comp Altered only, not legal for Comp Econo classes and/or SS. I'm sticking with my 2.3 OHC motors, good motor but I think the Merc might have been better.

Jim Caughlin

[rawhide]

would the Tempo/Topaz 2.3L pushrod engine be legal with a cut down Australian head from the 250 AU six?
thanks, Roland

[Jim Caughlin]

Probably would be legal but kind of a stretch. The block & head have to have an OEM part number and the engine type had to be available in a production automobile but you can cut and hack to your hearts content from there. There have been other instances of parts from outside of North America being used as long as it is OEM. I would sure be checking on this with NHRA before I went too far though.

[FireSale]

OP just wants to know how popular four cylinders are in our sport.

There is a guy in Oregon with an Escort and someone else around here with a W or V/SA something or other that ran against a GT/AA Cavalier after dark with no track lights. 6 second delay on the tree... And someone with a VW dragster keeps showing up for the National event around here. G/D, I think.

I have a V8...

Dale

[Dick Butler]

Jim, You are correct. I honestly believe the opportunity to have a class for so many variations has become a fault when it was planned as a favor and opening for individuals with a favorite project car. Result true class heads up racing has become less and less valued and highlighted.
The problems with factoring in new combinations, new technology are the only time many pay attention as they cannot compete with last years HP on their motor with new more favorable numbers.