New "Dime Rocket" combo added to guide!

[Dwight Southerland]

Originally Posted by JWagner

I am a little confused as to how this can be called a "dime rocket". Isn't the cost of pistons,rings,camshafts,valves,ignition,headers,ma chine work,transmission,torque converter,shifter, rear gears, spool,axles,wheels,slicks,fuel system,efi computer,paint,gauges,and all the miscellaneous stuff about the same as most other cars?
Jim

Jim, the assumption of a 'dime rocket' is that a lot of the expensive stuff that seems SOP when building a car that will have to compete against highly thrashed out combinations will not be necessary. If you have an engine combination that has a power factor that is favorable, then it is not necessary to have $800 pistons, aftermarket rods, $300 valves etc. etc. make enough power to be competitive. Same approach can be pushed all the way through the build process. These low hp automatic trans cars often do not need aftermarket axles or $500 driveshafts, or $700 converters. Also, it is assumed with a 'dime rocket' that you can do most of the build (don't have to pay for expensive work) and are willing to have a car without a $3000 paint job and all the latest and greatest tricks and parts. Think about being able to be competitive (.5 under or so) with common rebuilder engine parts and mostly stock or used parts in the ignition and drive train. Of course, it takes a sophisticated mind set to see that driving and consistency and a bit of luck is what wins races and not the ET or the flashy looking car or the WOW-ey qualifying performances.

[Billy Nees]

Dwight, you just brought tears to my eyes, you silver-tongued devil!

[farmco r/sa]

Originally Posted by Dick Butler

Isn't this "anti racing"? Find something for nothing and rated at nothing to race nobody? Just to prove people have made mistakes on factoring. Sorry guys I am from the old school camp of beating someone with hard work, and driving skill instead of a rule book "slip"

"anti racing" ?? .... seems to me anyone added to a qualifying sheet should
be welcomed and viewed as a plus. When there are no racers there will be no racing. As far as "mistakes on factoring"
when GM produced V-6 monte carlos and el camino's they probably
were not too worried about advertised h.p factor for sales or the nhra guide. When nhra
has no on track data on a combo they pretty much have no choice
but to start out as "advertised" and go from there. When the big 3
release a performance car h.p. may be exagerated if anything trying
to bolster sales. Ever see h.p. stickers on cars where nhra has
actually factored nhra h.p. below advertised ? say like 380/370
something like that ? I have noticed these at times. I am sure takes
several racers running same combo and petitioning for that to happen.
I imagine Nhra does not just arbitrarily guess something may be over factored.
One thing for sure they are not always going to please everyone.
I am sure it is a lot of work to add a combo to the guide.
Someone requested this and hopefully we see one soon.!!

[Dwight Southerland]

Which brings up a question inquiring minds would like to know: How does one go about getting a combination added to the class guide?

[Alex Denysenko]

Originally Posted by Billy Nees

and my '70 230 1bbl Nova!

No more of a joke than the Caddy which is the most bogus S/SS combo of all time 350 cubes big valves EFI @170 HP

[ALMACK]

Originally Posted by Billy Nees

The "younger generation" can't relate to old cars! That MonteCarlo is 28 years old! I hate to say it but we need V6 and 4 cylinder new Mustangs, Camaros and Challengers in the guide and rated as to be competitive. And in dragracing, the FWD stuff ain't gonna cut it.

The late model 6 cyl. Mustangs have been in the classification guide for 2 seasons now. ( 2011-2014 models )

Not exactly dime rockets IMO, even if you do find a flood damage or collision repair car and put the roll bar in it and other mandated stuff.
It's possible you could get one race ready for less than $ 10K I suppose.

[Karl Owens]

what are the differences between this engine combo and the V-6 truck? head, intake #s, cc's etc

[Paul Wong]

Originally Posted by Karl Owens

what are the differences between this engine combo and the V-6 truck? head, intake #s, cc's etc

A lot. Its not near the engine.

I can guarantee the one you will see soon will be fast!

[The Hawk]

Originally Posted by Paul Wong

A lot. Its not near the engine.

Not even close. More compression,a little less cam but a hydraulic roller,fuel injected and over 300 pounds lighter from where Mr. Hill`s truck started out at Indy last year.

[Tom Moock]

Truck uses a 4 barrel q-jet, 87 uses a 2 barrel fuel injection. Big different on cam shaft 357-390 vers truck 430,Tom