Chevelle Stocker Question
 

Hello folks. I am new to the forum and have a couple of questions. I am a former Super Gas racer who has been out of the game a long time. I am finally in a position of semi retirement and am building a '69 Chevelle to run what looks like might be C/SA. I have been back and forth with a few emails to NHRA Tech and because of the nature of the car being an original SS 396 car and the fact that it is pristine, I don't want to change the SS configuration so I am stuck with the 396 engine. I originally thought that the 427 in B/SA might be a better option, but that is a no go for the NHRA because '69 SS cars were not available with a 427.

A couple of questions, ( and I will have many more ); What backspace wheel and tire combo would be optimal and/or fit without trimming the lip of the wheel well? And this is an original stick car and as much as it would be tons more fun with a stick shift, the auto in my experience would be a little easier on parts and more reliable. Been a very long time since I rowed gears.

Any other helpful hints you guys may have would be greatly appreciated.

Re: Chevelle Stocker Question
 

The nicest Chevelle stocker I ever saw was the late great Charlie Sousa's. Whatever he did, do. Maybe the Bouchers will chime in.

Re: Chevelle Stocker Question
 

Just looked at a video of that car on YouTube. Beautiful. And leaves hard. I think I can make the horsepower but the car needs to leave exactly like that. Will be looking for tips from the veterans as I am a bonafide rookie. Appreciate the response Frank.

Re: Chevelle Stocker Question
 

Kevin Borgstrom ran a 427 Chevelle with Yenko emblems and decal.

https://static.dragracecentral.com/s.../0410-0065.jpg

https://static.dragracecentral.com/s.../0509-1143.jpg

https://static.dragracecentral.com/s...0625-00854.jpg

Re: Chevelle Stocker Question
 

427 IS AVAILABLE according to tech sheets.

Re: Chevelle Stocker Question
 

According to Bob Lang with NHRA D1 and a west coast tech guy he brought into the conversation, I could run the 427 if I take the SS trim off and turn it into a plain Jane Malibu ( which I am not willing to do ). The 427 was only available as as COPO in basic Chevelle/Malibu trim. So in other words, if I build it as a 427 car, it can't look like a SS. All that said, if I understand the rules correctly, I should be able to squeeze about 413 inches out of a "396", given the plus minus fudge factor on bore and stroke.

Re: Chevelle Stocker Question
 

Might want to look into some Alf Weibe rear suspension mods …..

Re: Chevelle Stocker Question
 

Charlies Chevelle... now belongs to Bednaz Racing.
Sorry about the small pic.

Re: Chevelle Stocker Question
 

I wondered what happened to Charlie's car after he passed and very pleased to learn that it went a great racing family.

Re: Chevelle Stocker Question
 

396/375 aluminum head fits as natural B I believe, and Iron head as natural C. Neither are bad combos IMO. I started to go the 375 route a few years ago but opted to go oval port for lower rpm and maintenance. Weibes chassis parts worked very well but from what I understand he’s no longer making the stuff. The Dick Miller parts work very well too. There are a few guys running the ‘70 402/375 combo that I’m sure could help you out. As for wheels, I run 15x10 with 5.5” backspace. They Center in the wheelwells near perfectly