[Dave Steltz]

"how fast does the car NEED to run to make a good S/G car?"
9.90 @ 147-152 is acceptable

"can I build it to run close to .90, and not use a stop?"
Way too tough, especially with weather changes over the course of a weekend at a divisional

"is there a big advantage going .90 @ 170 mph?"
Yes, faster is better to get the race in front of you, but the cost diff between 150 and 170 is HUGE

"do I need a delay box?"
If you are gonna run a throttle stop, most boxes today come as a combined delay box/ts controller..

"if a stop is needed who's is easiest to use?"
1 Stop or Dedenbear, my choice is an under the carb air powered (either brand)

"would a big block be better than a small block?"
Too much money to run a big power SB unless you have access to some really good parts cheap...You can build a really inexpensive Chevy 468 that will run 150 in a light chassis..

Like others, just my humble opinion...