Grossi and the Big Block

Bill Harris · 09-05-2008, 07:22 PM

Hey FJ,
Colin Wigle is running a 429 rated at 371, not the 460 rated at 300. He is the first guy to even attempt to run that engine in probably 20 years in S/S. 700+ lbs of Dearborn iron sitting in that unique Mustang. No aftermarket heads or anything like some of the combos have. I think he is doing very well for a brand new combination!

SPS · 09-05-2008, 07:58 PM

You miss the point.

Whether it be the first crack at a combo or not, the factor needs to be correct before the engine is run.

The source of the heads, aftermarket or OEM doesn't matter. The correct HP can be accurately calculated and then a factor assigned.

FJ

Lynn A McCarty · 09-06-2008, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPS

You miss the point.

Whether it be the first crack at a combo or not, the factor needs to be correct before the engine is run.

The source of the heads, aftermarket or OEM doesn't matter. The correct HP can be accurately calculated and then a factor assigned.

FJ

When has that ever happened FJ? I have never seen it. Then by virtue of its flawed statistics the AHFS exacerbates the problem by keeping all the fast combos all on top.

Congrats to Frank Grossi for finding the combo and having the courage to run it. Also congrats to all the guys at Eaton for making the power and Phil Mandella for the killer car and chassis set up.

SPS · 09-06-2008, 08:25 PM

My point is the system as it is, is antiquated.

It allows a combination to run at an unreasonable HP factor until (if) the factoring system catches up.

Yes, I'll credit someone to choose something new, but the factor needs to be reasonable and with today's technology, that is not difficult to achieve.

In the meantime, it makes the tried and true (and in many cases overfactored) combinations un-competitive.

FJ

Urraco · 09-06-2008, 10:21 PM

The real problem, as I see it, is that there are some combos that are classified wrong. They will run with an enormous amount of weight and still run 1.3 or more under. The tech people should be aware of somebody running real fast then being way over at the scales. It is sandbagging to save their bogus combo. If they get hit, they will just remove some weight and go for it again. The combo can be milked for years like this.

SPS · 09-07-2008, 02:03 PM

Running overweight is an additional problem of engines being under-factored.

It's always been difficult to understand why NHRA tech doesn't take this into consideration when re-factoring a combo. After all, they record weights every time the car goes over the scales, so why isn't this included in the re-factoring?

This is another reason why engine combinations, especially new ones should be properly appraised for the correct HP factor before being approved for use.

The current factors for a couple of these combos are out by approximately 30hp!

FJ

larry dowty · 09-07-2008, 02:28 PM

ALL i know is that is one fast car.

Smitty · 09-06-2008, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Harris

Hey FJ,
Colin Wigle is running a 429 rated at 371, not the 460 rated at 300. He is the first guy to even attempt to run that engine in probably 20 years in S/S. 700+ lbs of Dearborn iron sitting in that unique Mustang. No aftermarket heads or anything like some of the combos have. I think he is doing very well for a brand new combination!

I second that one Bill!!!

09-05-2008, 07:22 PM	#1
Bill Harris Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Ooltewah, TN Posts: 421 Likes: 13 Liked 26 Times in 13 Posts	Re: Grossi and the Big Block Hey FJ, Colin Wigle is running a 429 rated at 371, not the 460 rated at 300. He is the first guy to even attempt to run that engine in probably 20 years in S/S. 700+ lbs of Dearborn iron sitting in that unique Mustang. No aftermarket heads or anything like some of the combos have. I think he is doing very well for a brand new combination! __________________ Bill Harris ex 2172 STK ex 2272 S/S

09-05-2008, 07:58 PM	#2
SPS Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Cayuga, Canada Posts: 298 Likes: 37 Liked 3 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Grossi and the Big Block You miss the point. Whether it be the first crack at a combo or not, the factor needs to be correct before the engine is run. The source of the heads, aftermarket or OEM doesn't matter. The correct HP can be accurately calculated and then a factor assigned. FJ

09-06-2008, 08:25 PM	#4
SPS Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Cayuga, Canada Posts: 298 Likes: 37 Liked 3 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Grossi and the Big Block My point is the system as it is, is antiquated. It allows a combination to run at an unreasonable HP factor until (if) the factoring system catches up. Yes, I'll credit someone to choose something new, but the factor needs to be reasonable and with today's technology, that is not difficult to achieve. In the meantime, it makes the tried and true (and in many cases overfactored) combinations un-competitive. FJ

09-06-2008, 10:21 PM	#5
Urraco Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Phoenix Posts: 66 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Grossi and the Big Block The real problem, as I see it, is that there are some combos that are classified wrong. They will run with an enormous amount of weight and still run 1.3 or more under. The tech people should be aware of somebody running real fast then being way over at the scales. It is sandbagging to save their bogus combo. If they get hit, they will just remove some weight and go for it again. The combo can be milked for years like this.

09-07-2008, 02:03 PM	#6
SPS Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Cayuga, Canada Posts: 298 Likes: 37 Liked 3 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Grossi and the Big Block Running overweight is an additional problem of engines being under-factored. It's always been difficult to understand why NHRA tech doesn't take this into consideration when re-factoring a combo. After all, they record weights every time the car goes over the scales, so why isn't this included in the re-factoring? This is another reason why engine combinations, especially new ones should be properly appraised for the correct HP factor before being approved for use. The current factors for a couple of these combos are out by approximately 30hp! FJ

09-07-2008, 02:28 PM	#7
larry dowty Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: chewelah wa Posts: 283 Likes: 0 Liked 11 Times in 4 Posts	Re: Grossi and the Big Block ALL i know is that is one fast car.