couple of questions concerning stock eliminator rules
 

Can you install rack and pinion steering in a car that did not originally come that way? One would think that since it is a weight per hp category that it would not make any difference.....but that is why I'm asking.

Also what is the percentage of Stk Elim racers that are using modified intake manifolds and cylinder head ports?

Thanks in advance.
Dissident

Happy Independence Day!!!!

Re: couple of questions concerning stock eliminator rules
 

Just a heads-up.......

If this is type of information that you are looking for, maybe you should just buy an NHRA rule book.....

All the info for building a race car, of any class, is in that book......

After you have the basics down your questions will yield better answers.....

Bob

Re: couple of questions concerning stock eliminator rules
 

Thanks,
Got a rule book. Item is not covered. Only refers to replacing power steering with manual steering - does not specify any details.

RE: Cyl heads and manifolds question - Saw some "legal - passed tech" cyl heads and they were reworked albeit works covered by "cheating bastard" blaster.

I am thinking that anyone getting started in Stk Elim is in for a drastic and disappointing surprise if they go at it with really stock parts.

Maybe naive, but perhaps not.

Dissident.

Re: couple of questions concerning stock eliminator rules
 

Actually, yes, conversion from one type of steering (ie, from a steering box to rack and pinion) is covered (you cannot, in Stock Eliminator).

Further, what you need, besides the rule book, is an interpretation, in writing, from NHRA in Glendora, and you should keep it with the car if it is even remotely questionable. You should also go ahead and share it with the tech director in your division.

Re: couple of questions concerning stock eliminator rules
 

Out of the two responses, one was somewhat condescending and the other was somewhat helpful.

My experience thus far has been that the NHRA folks are not always very forthcoming with info and the advice to get answers in writing is good to know. Seems that is good advice.

It was also painfully obvious that my question concerning the legality of modified cylinder heads and manifolds was not addressed. Must also be some of the "insider" info that is withheld from those of us neophytes.

Thanks.
Dissident

Re: couple of questions concerning stock eliminator rules
 

On the head deal you are best to find someone that specializes in stock eliminator heads for your particular combo. They will be able to provide you with a competitive set of heads and a matching intake manifold that will pass tech and run fast. There are some modifications that are legal and accepted.

Re: couple of questions concerning stock eliminator rules
 

Dear Dissident;
I must agree with the previous responders and say: GOT A BOOK? READ IT! That being said, do not expect NHRA to assist you in massaging that book to fit your needs....they will not, but they will provide the fruit of any meaningful conversation in writing; a great idea if you are planning to run this category (stk).

In the matter of "insider" info that is withheld from folks of your ilk.... that is not the problem. The info you seek is more "tribal knowledge" than than something that is chiseled on stone tablets and carefully guarded by the "stocker monks". The people that responded to your thread represent many years of experience in this class and have paid many dues along the way. Add a little respect to the "tone" of your requests and you will be shocked at the results. BTW, Mike is dead on about going with a respected pro for heads and intakes.

Re: couple of questions concerning stock eliminator rules
 

Here are a couple of ideas to help you on the way to Stock Eliminator.

1. Get/ read a current NHRA/IHRA rule book.

2. Talk to any of the Stock guys/gals at your local track and ask them honest questions about their cars. Find the people who have the make and model of car that you want to run.

3. Go to the website set up by Dwight Southerland - Class Racer Info. There is a link on this website, i believe. Get a password and log on. You will find a wealth of info about any car that you might want to run.

4. Pay attention to detail and listen to the racers, they will help you as much as you let them.

Re: couple of questions concerning stock eliminator rules
 

folks on here like to see who you are, name and location, type of car will go a long way in finding help.

Re: couple of questions concerning stock eliminator rules
 

Dissident, your interest in Stock is appreciated by everyone here, so when you ask questions, be open to the answers. Use of your real name, and not a screen name, will go a long way, with the many many very knowledgeable racers and crew here. There is a wealth of info here, and damn near everyone will be glad to help you. I think you'll want to personally thank the folks that gave you good advice, in person.

Re: couple of questions concerning stock eliminator rules
 

Concerning the heads and intake, a few calculations here. You got a 3200 lbs, or more, car running the big numbers, it takes X amount of HP (cfm) to put that number on the board. That should answer your question about the heads. I imagine the NHRA tech guys have a very hard time keeping ahead of the curve because of the crafty racers out there working all the angles to beat you heads up.

Re: couple of questions concerning stock eliminator rules
 

An overall philosophical perspective that will help you grasp the rulebook for Stock eliminator is to understand that the rulebook is describing what modifications are allowed to an assembly line produced vehicle as it is manufactured and sold to the general public. The rulebook used to have a statement that basically said that it was written in a positive direction, that is it tells you what you can do, rather than a negative direction, telling you what you cannot do. So going back to one of your original questions about rack and pinion steering, if the rulebook does not say you can replace the stock steering with rack and pinion, then you cannot. Think of your car as it would have been driving around on the streets, then apply the rules about what you can do to it to compete in Stock classes. That is basic to understanding what Stock class racing is about.


Your questioning about the cylinder heads is legitimate. It is still an area of criticism, confusion and sometimes downright shame when it comes to "doing what is right". The current set of rules provides a very liberal set of modifications in comparison to what the original three angle valve job was defined. It is difficult to technically prove that some of the highly sophisticated techniques you will hear discussed have been applied, even when someone with lots of experience with cylinder heads "knows" that work has been done. People with big egos and little integrity have taken advantage of the nature of judgment calls versus legal proof and so there is a window for such people to apply their greed and deceit and thus make it seem like there are no rules as long as you can get away it. Such a shame. We all have suffered. The advice to have your heads done by someone who is familiar and successful in building stock eliminator heads is not bad advice.

Re: couple of questions concerning stock eliminator rules
 

Mr Coleydog - I am quite familiar with airflow analysis, thus my comments about cylinder heads and after having seen some head stuff generated my comments. Thanks.

Mr. Southerland - Your comments are genuinely appreciated. A truly honest response. I am a member of your tech site and that is a very handy service you provide, thanks so much.

Regards to all that have tried to be of assistance,
Dissident

Re: couple of questions concerning stock eliminator rules
 

there are certain "factory" stock cylinder heads that are light years ahead of others...with just the "right" simple valve job they will move more air than some others that have 100's of aftermarket heads created for them... aftermarket heads that I mentioned are not legal but, never the less... it does tend to hurt some feelings when brand A outperforms brand B. so...to even the score some will resort to the Cheating bastard cabinet that you speak of because there ego can't stand getting beat by the other brand:eek:

Re: couple of questions concerning stock eliminator rules
 

My compliments on such a straightforward and informative answer.

Re: couple of questions concerning stock eliminator rules
 

Very good answer!