Low power stockers-auto or stick

[House of Darts]

I see that Paul Wong has the points lead with his 273 2BBL Belvedere. There has to be some real consistency with that low power stocker and the stick. Anyone have a guess? Paul, what's scoop. Thanks

[Mark Yacavone]

First of all, what Paul Wong won was the National Performer Award, which is the most rounds won by a Stocker or Super Stocker, stick and auto version of each, during CLASS run offs.
Class racing is run flat out to the finish line.
I don't want to sound like I'm diminishing Paul's accomplishment in any way...
However, you don't necessarily have to be consistent...just fast!
Also Paul used his 350 4 speed C10 to win some of those rounds, and maybe another vehicle or two, also.
As far as consistency, Paul and others will probably say that's quite possible with a stick car.
Better than an automatic? Let's just say there are a few stick drivers out there that I'd never bet against.

[Daran Summerton]

Where is this list? Does NHRA post this?

[Mark Yacavone]

I had to ask too, last month

Go to NHRA Competition> Points and stats> National Performer

[Paul Wong]

Originally Posted by House of Darts

I see that Paul Wong has the points lead with his 273 2BBL Belvedere. There has to be some real consistency with that low power stocker and the stick. Anyone have a guess? Paul, what's scoop. Thanks

You have been picking around at this for years. You just need to start getting something put together. You have mentioned several viable combinations to me over the last few years.

As much as I am a fan of the "Dime Rocket" deal, a low powered V-8 stocker with a stick will only be a dime rocket if you want to make 3-5 passes before it puts parts on the ground. Stock style transmissions clutches and rear ends will show there weaknesses very quickly. 3500 plus pounds with a stick require the same parts as an A/S car if you want to have fun and have something live. The first 10 feet is just as violent.

Automatic parts can be found more readily and will be more available for a dime rocket build.

The national performer thing is neat but not simple to chase. You have to do a lot of travelling and be ready to take horsepower to win, especially in the combo classes.

[Jim Caughlin]

Paul,

Can't agree more. My trans, clutch and drivetrain are the same parts that a V8 super stocker would have and just as likely to break, particularly leaving at 8400 rpm. Anyone that thinks that a low HP stick car can be built on a budget needs to take a reality check. Stick with an auto if money is an issue.

Jim Caughlin
SS 6019

[House of Darts]

I chose an F body with the 318 4BBL. Surprisingly no rust. I have the motor in and before I chose a trans and rear combo, I just wanted to do it once and devote the time to tuning and racing. Paul, your help was put to good use. Thanks

[FireSale]

A budget racer is a nice concept, but by the time I got around to building a car I had watched too many of them being pushed off the track with broken rear axles and trans components. I put a bunch of cash into "power train" stuff that will last.

Just my 2 bits worth.

Dale

[MR DERBY CITY]

A wise man once said, Buy the good parts the first time ......

[MikeMoller]

If you don't buy the best, you have to include a cost for the risk. If you can afford the risk, you can afford something better.