Older Superstock GT cars with scoops

[Angelo DiTocco]

I can see where there could be some confusion. When the NHRA opened up the GT rule a year or two ago, they allow any year body to be run as a GT class car if a different year or different from "factory equipped" engine combo was used. Prior to that change, the rule stated that the body of a GT car had to be 1980 or newer. Now it is any year, although I have only noticed a few instances where this was applied and an older body was used in GT. I could be wrong, but I doubt anyone will see something like a 68 Hemi-Cuda body with a different engine, run as a GT car. If someone did though, they would have to close up the hood scoop if the motor they used did not originally come with a fresh air system.

Happy Holidays to All !

[X-TECH MAN]

It seems the combo's are unlimited. How about a 1963 Z-11 (Old Reliable) alum. front end Chebbie (real or cloned) with a 396/375 or a 454. Maybe a 283/220 for GT S/S since NHRA lists the Z-11 in the guide for S/S and a heavy duty rear would be legal. Lots of luck finding the Alum. parts. Just to show how the combos could become wild. No more nuts than a 68 Hemi Dart or 'Cuda with a 273 or a T-Bolt with a 289. How about a 60 Chevy wagon like Jack's stocker with an L-88 or ZL-1 engine combo? Then he could use a 3 speed auto without any grief from the tech dept. Then theres always a 64-65 GTO with the 421 SD engine or a 455 SD. A '66 Mustang with a Boss 429 Hemi (if it would fit). And some of you guys think IHRA's GT stock class is screwed up. Gezzzzzzzzzzz. LOL It sounds like "HEAVY" eliminator with engine spec. rules to me.

[SStockDart]

I haven't talked with Jim Hale in a while, however, he told me some time back that he was building a 383 Super Stock engine for his lightweight Barracuda. I am reasonably certain that the hood scoop on the Barracuda is functional. If it is required that "fresh air" be required on the replacement engine, one could simply claim a 69 - 70 Roadrunner. Both had "Air Grabbers". I do not believe that NHRA would make you close a hood scoop... As an example, I have a 69 Roadrunner with an Air Grabber. The HP rating is the same for a plain hood or the fresh air hood. However, their can be a different HP rating for the engine whether it is in Super Stock or GT. So, my suspicion is that the hood scoop will be allowed to be open, then HP adjustments will apply for GT classes.

[Jeff Teuton]

We will debut out GT/CthruFA (383 or 440 combo) which I have gotten OKed. It is a 68 Hemi cuda clone with the scoop and the glass. It is a recognized model in the books. Same as Jim Hale. Should not be an issue as we run a faster index or more hp that the same car in SS ie a 70 cuda with the 383 is .05 slower indes than my car with the 383. We have converted this Top Stock car to SS, and are doing the same with our 70 Duster.