Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark Yacavone
I was going to suggest a 74 GTO SS combo @250 hp..Build it like a Stocker, but with a flat tappet cam and an Edelbrock intake.
It ought to run under the SS/MA, 11.85 index
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This got me to thinkin more about a Pontiac SS combo. The best one that comes to mind for my situation seems to be to use the '68 Bird, in a GT class.
What I like about the GT class is that it makes any Pontiac engine legal, from the 301 to the 455.
A '77 350 4-barrel has a 250hp factor in GT/auto
A '78 W72 220hp 400 has a factor of 289 in GT/auto.
A '75 455 has a factor of 300hp in GT/auto
I haven't checked out all the engine possibilities. But one I did check out one that looked real good. It's a '68 428.
The '68 iron head 428 has a 320hp GT/auto factor.
And NHRA has approved an Edlebrock alum head # 60587 for the '68 428.
The alum head 428 has a 330hp GT/auto factor.
You are allowed to shave these heads down to 65cc. That will provide a CR in the 13's. So, at 320-330hp, with 13:1 CR and a 4" stroke, I consider this one of the best lookin GT/auto engines. And, of course, you can now use an aftermarket block and build a shortblock that will support some serious power. I suspect some of the quickest Pontiac GT guys are running this engine.
Hey, it's out'a my range. For you guys with a few bucks to burn on a SS car, this looks like a real good GT engine.
I love the 455. I won't include the round port HO and SD engines, cause the heads are too rare and expensive. But the 455 I see as possibly the best choice for GT is the '70 with #64 heads. It'll have a high CR and a 335hp GT/auto factor.
That would put you in GT/EA at 3350 lbs, with a 10.65 index. Now at this point in life, I really don't wanna go that fast. But for you guys that do, this looks like an easy way to go SS racing without selling your soul. This engine should go 10.50's with a good hyd flat tappet cam, without going passed 6000rpm. If not, a mild roller will will get you there E-Z.
Another advantage of running this combo is that if you are trying to do it on a real tight budget, and don't quite get it under the index, you can run the 10.90 heads-up class, til you can get your ET down where you want it. Also, for you guys who live in a area like I do, that has very few class races, this will make a real good, low maintenance bracket car.
Now I realize that there are lots of guys on this site who don't like either the .90 classes or bracket racing. But, to me, any kind of racing is better than settin at home and not racing at all. I speak from experience.
Notice: I have absolutely no problem with anybody who likes only class racing. If I was younger and had unlimited funds, I'd probably go to just the big races, with my new motor home, enclosed trailer and a couple of Pontiacs that would run a sec under.
