Are COPO's, CJ's and Drag Packs good for our sport?

[Jeff Teuton]

Jay, I know most people think it is NHRA. In almost all cases the manufacturers won't send in the TI sheet on a model. The TI is the detailed spec sheet for whatever car is in question and it has all details on the car; wb, track, seating, etc, and more details on the motor. Also in many cases NHRA requests parts, usually heads, for their inventory. As far as Mopar, Jack McCormack when he was associated with Mopar always supplied these sheets. I can't speak for Chevy and Ford. I know in the distant past NHRA had to find out for themselves because the demand to race the cars (such as the 69 Camaro) forced them to derive these specs. Lately with the factories in the shape they were in the only models are the new speciality cars which obviously the factories have to supply the info as it is a built for the purpose car. As far as the new cars I took the TI sheet from the Drag Pak and basically just changed the motor specs because the standard brakes, independent rear suspension, and many mundane items are from street cars. In Stock the rear seat is removable, a cage is permitted, a rear straight axle is permitted (and the specs for the DP is what is acceptable), lightweight brakes are acceptable. I used dead stock Hemi motors. The old transmissions are acceptable, and on these cars the 8 3/4 or Dana is the rear unless someone wants to try the IRS. Also do away with the carbon fiber hood. So that is the short version of the Challengers off the showroom with VIN, Title (or maybe a reconstructed car). I don't know if Jessee Kershaw is doing the same for Ford, and I don't even know the Chevy people, but then again they probably don't like me anyway. Even the guys with the old cars who complain the most have cages, light brakes, no rear seat, maybe a different corporate rear end, and all the little trinkets we now have. At least that is my opinion. 2 cents and a cup of coffee will get you what I really think, and a beer will get it all.