Stock Eliminator Cylinder Heads

[Alan Nyhus]

Originally Posted by Andy Friar

WOWSER!!! STK Racers are truly a rare breed then. I can go low 11's for maybe that much on a whole SBC Chevy bracket engine in my Dad's 69 Chevelle, or I can spend that much on just the heads and intake to go maybe a little faster, but NHRA STK legal. I know it's not about the ET ROI in STK, but doing it within a tight window of specs that is the fun. I would like to run the Chevelle in I/S someday, bucket list...

The level of competition being what it is today, and guys that want to win Class at Indy, for example; Does having to pay other people to do a lot of the rollcage, suspension build and tuning, trans build and tuning, engine build, tweaking, massaging etc, does it still feel the same when you go fast? I am NOT trying to start a fight either or offend. I just can't relate as I don't have that kind of checkbook and I am a weirdo in my own right. I would personally rather be near the bottom of a qual list, after a few or more DNQ's, but made the field doing as much as physically possible on my own, then win class buying speed parts/services or a known fast car. (if I somehow magically won the lottery or something, and I do try regularly!!)

Andy, here's the thing....just because you can spend a lot of money, that doesn't mean you have to. Or that you should. Each racer should race the way they want to race, period.

And if that means you're not the killer azz kicker in your class, so be it. You can be a player by watching the qualifying sheets and being careful. And if you get a heads-up at some point...hey, the fast guy still has to run the race and turn on the win light first. Lots of things can, and do, happen.

Don't let not wanting to spend a fortune deter you from getting into Stock or Super Stock. It's a lot of fun, believe me! -Al

[Andy Friar]

Originally Posted by Alan Nyhus

Andy, here's the thing....just because you can spend a lot of money, that doesn't mean you have to. Or that you should. Each racer should race the way they want to race, period.

And if that means you're not the killer azz kicker in your class, so be it. You can be a player by watching the qualifying sheets and being careful. And if you get a heads-up at some point...hey, the fast guy still has to run the race and turn on the win light first. Lots of things can, and do, happen.

Don't let not wanting to spend a fortune deter you from getting into Stock or Super Stock. It's a lot of fun, believe me! -Al

Completely agree Alan, I don't think someone has to be the fastest or 'coolest' or have the best paint or bazillion $$ tow rig to have a blast racing. There is a lot more to it than that for me.

I am determined to build a 14-15 Camaro to run SS/FA or SS/GA. I would like to run pts meets, GLSSSA or similar races, No-Box stuff and 1/4 mile racket races too. I plan to do as much of the work myself as possible. I can TIG weld, fabricate, CAD design, do FEA and CNC machine too. I will learn CFD as well so I can design, machine and flow my own heads and intakes. I want to build my own motor and trans as well. I will paint the car, if I have to. Never done it, but I am willing to learn and try. I want to be able to say this is MY race car, I paid for it, I designed it, I built it, I drive it and I am very proud of it. (good or bad)
We'll see if put my nickels were my mouth is....

I can't wait to get back to the track, I hope everyone is staying safe, and sane through all of this.

[Jim Hanig]

Originally Posted by Andy Friar

What STK combo(s) are the heads and manifold $5500? I am assuming at that cost they are built up and installed, correct?

Not likely.

[Larry Hill]

After winning Atlanta in the truck, a dime rocket then, I took most of my winnings and purchased a 600 bench, Flo Com,and B'ski fixtures. It still provides hours of fun.

[a pontiac]

A veteran racer told me long time ago, you can build your own stuff, but when you want to go fast you take it to reputable shop. By the time you go all over the place getting parts and machine work you will spend as much or more. A good builder with fast customers knows what you need or where to find it. Plus their advice and experience will avoid mistakes so you can be fast.

[SSDiv6]

Originally Posted by Jim Hanig

my experience has been that if you don't do what the fast guys are doing your not going to be nearly as fast. The rules are pretty gray as to what you can do to the heads and intake. No grind marks and rite cc in the runners your good to go.Unless you run into Westly or Wayne then you mite have a problem, of course the cost of the heads ,manifold is now in the 5500 dollar range. Then there are some combo that are still soft,You just need to pick the rite one and get your check book out. Or be prepared for a uphill battle, ask anyone who has been doing it for many years.

Jim's statement is right on the money!
Classes such early Chevy small and big block, Mopar small and big block and a few others, in order to be competitive, you have to pay for the technology.

These engine packages have been in competition for decades and almost every single ounce of power has been extracted throughout the years. What makes the difference is the shop that either builds the cylinder heads and intake package and/or the engine and the camshaft design.

[Dissident]

Gentle Folks of the Class Racer Forum,
When I originally posted the outline of assumptions of preparations, it was specifically intended to address Stock Eliminator heads only. The SS stuff is another stack of candle wax entirely.

This was intended as a separate issue of discussion from whatever the details are in any sort of lawsuit stuff as I know nothing whatsoever about that deal. Most of those kinds of things are settled on courthouse steps anyway.

My comments were and are that I do not do work on cylinder heads, only having seen and flow tested some. I am an old guy and have seen the allowable "modifications" become rampant and are typically passed or failed on "visual" approval or disapproval. Regardless of what the rule book states. I abhor the politics and would prefer to stick to the technical side of the equation. Unfortunately that involves people and that is the most difficult item to balance in the equation.

In the meantime of lots of us can perhaps have a sensible discussion on the Stock Eliminator issue as presented. Thank you for your participation.

$5500???? Wow that came as an eye opener

Regards,
HB2
Dissident

[R. Thorne]

#5 and #8 are done numerous times and yield the most significant gains. They are also labor intensive and contribute a great deal to the cost. In my case, it was my labor. The flow bench that I built and my curiosity about air flow was an experience I wish I had done long ago.

[kansas stocker]

Cheatin' is cheatin'. Don't matter if everyone is doing it, it is still cheatin'. I really don't know how you hold your head up after you beat someone in a "heads up" or for "class" when you are illegal. If it makes you feel proud then go circle track racing where it is a badge of honor.
Just $.02 from a cranky old man.

[Nmbr1GMfan]

Originally Posted by kansas stocker

Cheatin' is cheatin'. Don't matter if everyone is doing it, it is still cheatin'. I really don't know how you hold your head up after you beat someone in a "heads up" or for "class" when you are illegal. If it makes you feel proud then go circle track racing where it is a badge of honor.
Just $.02 from a cranky old man.

If they're going to allow the heads to be taken to a certain level, I think the rulebook should reflect that, if not, the rules should be enforced.