CLASS RACER FORUM - View Single Post

Bill Harris · 10-11-2007, 07:42 PM

Mr. Dedman wrote:
"I guess it died many years ago when they started allowing 3-speed Turbo 350s to replace the 4-speed 700R-4's and 200-4R's in G.M. late model cars. The rulebook states that you can't use a lockup converter, but these transmissions CAME with lockup converters... another can of "legal" worms."

My copy of the 2007 rulebook says: "Lockup converter permitted if OEM-equipped with lockup converter and OEM transmission is used. Otherwise, lockup converters prohibited."

If a lockup converter weren't allowed in any stocker, then a bone stock late model car that was in the classification guide wouldn't be legal to run stock in pure stock form. How screwed up would THAT be???

Wouldn't it have been nice if the NHRA used that same wording where they say "Electronic shifting of automatic transmission permitted in computer controlled electronic-fuel-injected vehicles." Wouldn't it have made more sense to write that rule like the lockup converter statement, something like: "Electronic shifting of automatic transmission permitted if OEM-equipped with electronically shifted transmission and OEM transmission is used. Otherwise electronic shifting prohibited." The poor wording of the rule lead to this crap about using solenoid shifters on TH200's/TH350/TH400 in EFI cars even though none of them are electronically operated transmissions. Now, rather than recind a rule that was not written clearly, the word on the street is that electronic shifting will be allowed on all stockers. Let's hope the NHRA doesn't make that mistake.

10-11-2007, 07:42 PM	#22
Bill Harris Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Ooltewah, TN Posts: 421 Likes: 13 Liked 26 Times in 13 Posts	Re: Powerglides get 3 speeds. Mr. Dedman wrote: "I guess it died many years ago when they started allowing 3-speed Turbo 350s to replace the 4-speed 700R-4's and 200-4R's in G.M. late model cars. The rulebook states that you can't use a lockup converter, but these transmissions CAME with lockup converters... another can of "legal" worms." My copy of the 2007 rulebook says: "Lockup converter permitted if OEM-equipped with lockup converter and OEM transmission is used. Otherwise, lockup converters prohibited." If a lockup converter weren't allowed in any stocker, then a bone stock late model car that was in the classification guide wouldn't be legal to run stock in pure stock form. How screwed up would THAT be??? Wouldn't it have been nice if the NHRA used that same wording where they say "Electronic shifting of automatic transmission permitted in computer controlled electronic-fuel-injected vehicles." Wouldn't it have made more sense to write that rule like the lockup converter statement, something like: "Electronic shifting of automatic transmission permitted if OEM-equipped with electronically shifted transmission and OEM transmission is used. Otherwise electronic shifting prohibited." The poor wording of the rule lead to this crap about using solenoid shifters on TH200's/TH350/TH400 in EFI cars even though none of them are electronically operated transmissions. Now, rather than recind a rule that was not written clearly, the word on the street is that electronic shifting will be allowed on all stockers. Let's hope the NHRA doesn't make that mistake.