New cars, old cars and horsepower ratings.

[Casey Miles]

When a new car and engine combination gets introduced into Stock or S/S, it should be over factored (2 HP per Cubic inch) so that it has to race to get weight off. It's totally stupid to allow the racers to determine if the car will get factored if they stay into it rather then lift at the 1000'. Either that or NHRA should take into the consideration of the 1/8 mile times with the MPH and look to factor them that way. If they did that, then the new rides would have to lift at the 330'. I would like to see the field get evened out so that EVERY new car doesn't qualifies at INDY see what it is like to watch other racers make into the field without really working on the car.

Casey Miles
248H "F" NHRA Stock!

[MikeFicacci]

I like the crate engine idea....believe it or not. But 383 Fastburn? It is 1985? And I doubt Chevrolet Performance would go for that. Now the LS376, LSX427, LSX454, LS3? That would be very cool.

[Chris1529]

Originally Posted by MikeFicacci

I like the crate engine idea....believe it or not. But 383 Fastburn? It is 1985? And I doubt Chevrolet Performance would go for that. Now the LS376, LSX427, LSX454, LS3? That would be very cool.

I think he is reffering to the 385 HP fast burn that alot of IHRA guys use.

[BadBanana]

Having not run a SS/GT car since 1990, I have a question about the GT cars. It was originally developed so those with older S/S cars could use the newer engines as long as that "style" motor was originally available in that "style" body. Is it now OK to use a newer body in GT?

[james schaechter]

I don't like the idea, just because. However, we are at a point where the new cars are lining out most of the old ones. I think Greg's idea has some merit.

I was talking to a few last year in the industry. I think it would have to come from the manufacturers and the aftermarket industry to get NHRA to consider it.

I think there is some value. If you have a 66 Nova in E stick like ours and then someone anyone puts a stick in a Drag Pak 5.7 we are hosed.

Now even if we could afford or wanted to step up to the new car, it is a six figure pill to swallow. If we could put newer engine combos in the old cars, we would be able to:
1) science out the new combo in the old car
2)The old car would have more value since a person could be more competititive with a newer engine in it.
3) it would allow a racer to run the old car while they built a newer car over time. ( more realistic $$ wise)

This also allows the manufacturers and aftermarket to support us more since there is more marketing and sales opportunities for them. Ford SVT, GM Performance, Mopar, etc.

I was thinking more of using existing combos in the guide in a GT type format. Not just any crate motor.

I know it isn't ideal, but I don't worry about the new cars as much as I worry about the points meets and nationals becoming Top Dragster and Top Sportsman only races.
There are a lot of older cars in garages because they have no chance against the new stuff. We would do well to get these cars in the lanes and help keep this sport going.

( Stock Class Racing)

[Alex Denysenko]

this train of thought goes right along with the 3 speeds for 2 speed cars program

[Alan Roehrich]

I'll just say that adding more combinations to the mix, when NHRA cannot control what we have now, does not seem to be very prudent and leave it at that.

[Bruce Noland]

Originally Posted by Casey Miles

When a new car and engine combination gets introduced into Stock or S/S, it should be over factored (2 HP per Cubic inch) so that it has to race to get weight off. It's totally stupid to allow the racers to determine if the car will get factored if they stay into it rather then lift at the 1000'. Either that or NHRA should take into the consideration of the 1/8 mile times with the MPH and look to factor them that way. If they did that, then the new rides would have to lift at the 330'. I would like to see the field get evened out so that EVERY new car doesn't qualifies at INDY see what it is like to watch other racers make into the field without really working on the car.

Casey Miles
248H "F" NHRA Stock!

nhra knew from the very begining that these combinations were not factored correctly. I have a letter from their attorney that claims the ahfs would take care of it but she did not say when. At least one combination has picked up in excess 100 HP since hitting the track several years ago and it still can get to the top of the sheet. nhra will not alter the current format unless the new car guys demand new classes and it appears they are having too much fun right where they are.

[Myron Piatek]

Originally Posted by Casey Miles

When a new car and engine combination gets introduced into Stock or S/S, it should be over factored (2 HP per Cubic inch) so that it has to race to get weight off.
Casey Miles
248H "F" NHRA Stock!

Unfortunately, that wouldn't even be considered for marketing reasons. Few, if any, people would want to make a big investment to start with a basically less than competitive car. Getting the cars out as they do creates a performance incentive to buy one and gives the factories a lot of exposure when their cars get out there and qualify well. It's good that the factories are involved. But it's totally in NHRA's hands as to how they are introduced into the ranks.

[Bruce Noland]

Originally Posted by Myron Piatek

Unfortunately, that wouldn't even be considered for marketing reasons. Few, if any, people would want to make a big investment to start with a basically less than competitive car. Getting the cars out as they do creates a performance incentive to buy one and gives the factories a lot of exposure when their cars get out there and qualify well. It's good that the factories are involved. But it's totally in NHRA's hands as to how they are introduced into the ranks.

I agree with most of your post but I do believe the Big 3 can influence class selection if they were inclined to do the right thing for the sport.