National Records

[oldskool]

Originally Posted by Dan Fahey

What rule changes created the vast improvement?
Todays Stockers are running the old SS numbers.
D

I'll take a shot at that one. We ran a '68 Firebird in E/SA back in '75. We had to run factory cast pistons and rods. That limited the rpm. Now they can run forged H-beam rods and Ross pistons.

We had to run the stock type fan that came on that engine. Today I think they can run an electric driven water pump and elec fan.

We ran a much smaller Lunati "Stocker" cam and a 3000 stall Vitar converter. Today, the cam duration they can run is ridiculous. So, with a wild cam, high spring pressures, and a 4000 + 8" converter, they can get a great launch and wind it high.

Then there are the super head shops today who can work their magic, and get much more power from a set of iron heads than was possible in the '70's, and somehow do it where they will pass tech.

They can now run tight clearances and get by with running the super thin oil and low pressure, along with a crank scraper and modified pan. The ring technology is also better today.

We had to run a TH400 like came behind the 400 engine. Today they can run a trick TH350 with light insides and a 2.75 1st gear. OR even a super light TH200 with a lower 1st gear.

And someone said the 9" slicks of today are much better than those from the 70's. So the better tires, together with the Cal-Trac bars and springs, give 'em all the hook they need to leave hard and get lots of air.

So, all these things add up to a 2 sec quicker ET than was possible 40 years ago. And since there were several E/SA '68 Birds running quick last season, they got an 8 HP hit. I think that's the 1st one ever. I know it was 330hp back in '75.

This 1 sec + under, #2 qualifier may have influenced the hit. Who knows ? Hey, they may look at all the top qualifiers at the bigger races, especially if they are over a sec under.

http://www.dragracecentral.com/DRCSt...r2014#indextop

Hey, I just can't help it ya'll. I love them '68 Birds !