You've come a long way baby!

[Chris "drooze" Wertman]

Hmmm....good list, and tough calls.

How about urethane suspension bushings (first generally used and accepted in racing...maybe aircraft first...any EAA guys out there ?)

Low cost lightweight cad produced and cnc machined alloys our of the far east (yeah China) specifically brackets and other weight saving chassis items.

Custom Shocks and spring winding capabilities of vendors, with computer modeling on spring return rate etc.

Acceptance and use of higher strength ligter weight rear housings

Alloy improvments in axles and use of gundrilling etc. lowering rotational mass, and widespread use of CNC machinery to allow custom parts that only 20 years ago were a dream....Ive got things on my car I woulda killed just to have the stock material of 20 years ago let alone built into a precision part for $40 !

Racing use of cutting edge alloys and metalurgy is a bigin , I see it applying but late to drag racing in some cases, in others its where it originates but its getting there, but strenght is a big one here unlike bikes where its all about weight.

Cheers....like the list....food for thought and my brain always needs something to chew on.......

Originally Posted by Dave Turner

We've come a long way in Stock/Super Stock since the inception of these classes. In the context of "Top Ten" lists, what would be your line-up of the most significant aftermarket parts or technology upgrades that have contributed to our sport?

( Please limit list items to aftermarket stuff, not OE available advancements like FI, turbos, supercharging etc. )

I'll start it off:.....in no particular order.

1. Data acquisition
2. Coatings...all types
3. Radial slicks
4. Aftermarket brakes
5. "Trick" lifters
6. Converter tech
7. Aftermarket manual trans.
8. Cal Tracs suspension
9. 2-step devices
10. Fuel cells

[Dale Shannon]

I think the radial tire is #1 and then the 2 step made the car leave better and helped a lot of drivers. KENNY!!! yes im yelling at you I always talked to you, I even weighted for you at Etown one time for class because you had a problem...LOL!!!!!!! Merry Christmas!!!!!!!
Dale

[Randall Klein]

Off the top, for me would be radials, biggest bang for the buck and a slam duck .08 to a tenth...you need tires anyway; second aluminum drive shaft (for SS....right stockers?) and advancements in oil tech....you need all three anyway and they are stand alone ET enhancers

For class racers, I'm still wondering if the LED bulbs were a help or hinderance (non car item)

Lack of consistent "hook" is the biggest negative (I'm assuming the Pros want wheel speed rather than a dead hook, and Class racers suffer IMHO)

[Rich Aceves]

I agree with radials, and please let's not forget VALVE SPRINGS.

merry Xmas

[Don Himes]

I agree with Rich, on the valve springs. That would be the first rule I'd change, if I where "King of the World". We'd go back to stock spec valve springs. Pontiac guys must think alike!