[Larry Hill]

The new 572 COPO is just going to be a Index killer.
The crate motor is advertised at 720 Hp. with a smaller cam and a carburetor.
The 376 COPO is rated at 425 HP per NHRA Engine Specifications. Classification guide HP 415
The 427 COPO is rated at 470 HP per NHRA Engine Specifications.
The 572 COPO is rated at 500 HP per NHRA Engine Specifications.

Since I have my shoes of I will be able to do some simple math.

427-376 = 51 cu. in.
470-425 = 45 HP 470-415= 55 HP

45 HP/51 cu. in. = .882 HP per cu. in. . 55 HP/51 cu. in. = 1.078 HP per cu.in.

572-427 = 145 cu. in.
500-470 = 30 HP

30 HP /145 cu. in. = .207 HP per cu. in.

To me that is one heck of a deal, but is that fair to the rest of us?

GM thinks the 572 makes 1.25 HP per cu.in. How could NHRA assign such a low number to such a powerful engine?
I'm glad that the new COPO is here, but so disappointed at the HP rating.

I'm always surprised how much information I learn when I do a little home work, ie the 572 COPO is only 35 lbs heaver than a 302, 376, or 427 COPO's and it is 70 lbs lighter than the 350 blower COPO. And we wonder how the shipping weights get askew.

So if anyone has hopes of being number qualifier at this years US Nationals, get a 572 COPO or cross your fingers and hope the parachute deploys every qualifying run, because at .874 HP per cu.in. it an't going to happen!

From a rulebook "......providing the opportunity for fair competition; and
ever-present concern for safety"