[Mike Keener]

There is nothing illegal about what ERL does to an otherwise stock GM block that bears the correct casting number. Here are the facts. The GM block as it comes from the factory is JUNK and is not usable beyond .005 over bore so there is no good reason for a serious racer trying to win in the Factory Shootout to leave the "maximum allowable" over bore rule on the table just because GM built a crappy block. If GM had built a "decent block" for these engines in the first place the work ERL does would not be necessary.

The only other legal option is to run a replacement LSX block that is easily over bored to the maximum allowable specification. However, there are not to many COPO's that can deal with the extra 100 or so pounds on the nose and still be able to race at the minimum weight for the Shootout.

Why do I know this stuff you might ask? The reason is because I did it and the LSX iron block over a sleeved block that is prepped correct!y is maybe 5 hp MAX which is not worth putting 100# on the nose of the car. However, the gain from an LSX block compared to a "stock" COPO block is worth at least 25 HP, but this is largely due to the gain from the extra cubic inches that can't be achieved with a stock GM aluminum block.

Bottom line is that it costs money to go fast, and going fast just isn't for everybody. Doesn't mean those of us that wish to compete at the very highest level shouldn't be able to do it with a clear conscience as long as there is nothing illegal in doing so.