OK, all this talk about Stocker cams and lifters, brings up some more dummy questions. So ya'll have patience with me please.
(1) Have the index numbers got so low that it is now an absolute necessity to run these ridiculous cams, which require tool steel lifters and high spring pressures, in order to run the index or slightly under ?
(2) Exactly how much spring pressure is too much for regular non-tool steel lifters ?
(3) For a Pontiac 455 engine that shouldn't need to go over 6000rpm to run the number, would it be possible to reduce the cam duration enuff to use low enuff spring pressure to run non-tool steel lifters ?
Just a dummy observation: It appears to me as tho a Stocker cam / lifters / springs will cost as much if not more than a solid roller set-up. To me, there is something about it that just ain't right. Back in the day, we started out in Stock, then some worked up to SS, then Modified Production, etc. But today it takes big bucks to build a quick Stocker. But then, I don't have to tell you guys that.
But the rules are what they are. So I reckin you either play by the rules or choose another game. I suppose that's one reason most today run bracket instead of class. They can build a quicker car, cheaper, and not have to worry about an index or tear downs. The goal is just low RT's and consistent ET's.
This is just an opinion question for you guys who have been around Stocker racing for a long time. Why do you suppose NHRA didn't just leave the cam rule as "exact factory specs". The hp factors could compensate for engines that came with small cams. The cam grinders have the ability to grind 'em that way. So how did the Stocker cam rule get so out of hand ? What was the purpose of making the Stockers so quick ? There are higher classes, if you wanna go quicker. My thinking is that there would be a lot more Stockers if they were closer to actually being stock. And this would have kept a lot more tracks running a Stock / SS class.
