Hmmm....good list, and tough calls.
How about urethane suspension bushings (first generally used and accepted in racing...maybe aircraft first...any EAA guys out there ?)
Low cost lightweight cad produced and cnc machined alloys our of the far east (yeah China) specifically brackets and other weight saving chassis items.
Custom Shocks and spring winding capabilities of vendors, with computer modeling on spring return rate etc.
Acceptance and use of higher strength ligter weight rear housings
Alloy improvments in axles and use of gundrilling etc. lowering rotational mass, and widespread use of CNC machinery to allow custom parts that only 20 years ago were a dream....Ive got things on my car I woulda killed just to have the stock material of 20 years ago let alone built into a precision part for $40 !
Racing use of cutting edge alloys and metalurgy is a bigin , I see it applying but late to drag racing in some cases, in others its where it originates but its getting there, but strenght is a big one here unlike bikes where its all about weight.
Cheers....like the list....food for thought and my brain always needs something to chew on.......
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave Turner
We've come a long way in Stock/Super Stock since the inception of these classes. In the context of "Top Ten" lists, what would be your line-up of the most significant aftermarket parts or technology upgrades that have contributed to our sport?
( Please limit list items to aftermarket stuff, not OE available advancements like FI, turbos, supercharging etc. )
I'll start it off:.....in no particular order.
1. Data acquisition
2. Coatings...all types
3. Radial slicks
4. Aftermarket brakes
5. "Trick" lifters
6. Converter tech
7. Aftermarket manual trans.
8. Cal Tracs suspension
9. 2-step devices
10. Fuel cells
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