Stocker engine choice

[Greg Hill]

The 71 350-270 is an excellent combination. i ran one several years ago and it has a lot of potential. Stay away from the 454. very difficult to make it run fast.

[Dave Borror]

I'm now getting more PROS email for the 350-270 combo. than the 454. Everything in the emails are things I have been aware of,but just wanted to be on the right track.The 454 was something I just was not sure of. But as I was remined of No way will it run 1.2 plus under the G index.So I'll go back to the 350 combo. Again THANKS guys for keeping me straight. Dave Borror

[MikeFicacci]

Mark,
I would be curious to hear what your objections are to the 454 and how that is the WORST choice be could. Doesn't sound all that bad to me in a heavy car.

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by MikeFicacci

Mark,
I would be curious to hear what your objections are to the 454 and how that is the WORST choice be could. Doesn't sound all that bad to me in a heavy car.

Mike, What I told Dave is this: He's living in the middle of Div 3, with F,G, and H cars all around him. He'll be getting his *** handed to him in heads up runs regularly, if he goes any rounds. I never really analyzed the engine combo ,per se .
My concern was with the classes it would run, the overall size of the car (wind resistance, bigger transmission needed ,etc) and the fact that I don't believe you'd ever see 1.44 60 footers , like you do with some of the good 305 Camaro H cars.
The 454 is probably a good motor, just not in that particular type of car, IMHO

[MikeFicacci]

To each his own I guess. Personally, I would rather run H and I than N and O every day of the week. I don't 60-foot anywhere near the LT1 and 396 cars but the difference disappears by the 330. Lets not forget how many cars out there run the 1969 to 1980's 350. How about doing something a little different than the norm. How many '71/'72 low compression 454's are there in the country? 4? I don't think 560+ pounds of torque would have much problem pushing that car through the air. But again, thats just one opinion. I say try something different.

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by MikeFicacci

To each his own I guess. Personally, I would rather run H and I than N and O every day of the week. I don't 60-foot anywhere near the LT1 and 396 cars but the difference disappears by the 330. Lets not forget how many cars out there run the 1969 to 1980's 350. How about doing something a little different than the norm. How many '71/'72 low compression 454's are there in the country? 4? I don't think 560+ pounds of torque would have much problem pushing that car through the air. But again, thats just one opinion. I say try something different.

Mike, I'm all for "different" . I'm really not the type to recommend SBC's to anyone, normally.
I'm just trying to help Dave play the hand he's got.
I've seen too many people get discouraged early on with the heads up thing.

[Tom Moock]

Mike Ficacci, A malibu wagon that runs in L/SA,M/SA,or N/SA leads the national points in stock, few heads up runs in the lower classes.Tom

[Dave Borror]

Thanks fo your input. These are the same thought I have had..That is one of the reasons I have bounced back and forth on which combo to run..I can see the sb being easier on parts. But would the 454 be more consistant with the big weight since it would need a smaller gear and smaller convert.? What about heat issues.I kinda see this as NOT being a apple to apple comparison.I would think it would take the 454 hp to keep 4000+ lbs moving on the big end and the tq to 60 foot. I ran a IHRA combo years ago. A 79 Olds Cutlass 3420# 260/110 2 bbl. That @ that time was aY/SA car . I could run -.5 in the 1/8 but could not run the 1/4 index. It would die at the 1000'.So I was ok at point races but could not run like at Norwalk .I see the 454 being the natural fit,and is different.I dont expect to kill the index just be able to go.5 or so under and have some fun,also do so weekend bracket stuff. This is what i love about stock racing. Thanks again guys for any ,or more input. Dave

[MikeFicacci]

Tom, If the idea is to run away from everyone and everything then yes, go hang out in a lower class and keep stickers in your trailer. Although at the last division 3 race there were 3 N cars and 3 O cars. An O car was qualified 5th. Lang is leading points because he a phenomenal racer and has won 5 races this year. With the 454 he would be running low 11's at 117. With the 350-270 he'll be running mid 12's at 104....105? Again, its all personal preference but both combos can run on a budget.

[Billy Nees]

Dave, just one more thing for you to think about, because of the weight of your car you are going to get into issues with either combo that you choose. What I mean is you could take the 454 right out of Mikes 3000# Corvette or the 350 out of Johnny Grays Nova and stick it in your 4000# plus Caprice and it isn't exactly going to work. It would be nice if Bob Bender would check in on this issue. You have to find a way to accelerate all of that mass and a lot of the tricks that make a light car go fast won't work on your car.