Factory experimental

[Evan Smith]

Bruce, who are these four people privy to Ford's dyno sessions? You know you can't believe everything you hear. As I've stated before, there a lot of people posting so-called facts when they have no idea what the facts are. I'm not saying the CJ isn't going to fly and/or that is is under-rated, but under-rating engine has been done since the '60. Was the CJ tested on a chassis dyno or engine dyno? Knowing what I know, I doubt this engine could make 800 on either.

I did not witness any engine dyno testing. Nevertheless, we all know a good Stocker engine makes 200-or more hp more than the advertised hp. Some more, some less depending on how many times the engine has been hit or given a break by NHRA. Could you imagine if the LS-1 had been babysat and still carried a 275 hp rating? They could go two seconds under. The CJ will fall into place in due time just like every other underrated or overrated combo to make it into Stock. This is how the game is (and has) been played since the '60s.

The fact is the cars will be running at Pomona so we'll all get to see what they can do. And just like the LS-1s and any other fast combo, I doubt every owner/racer will be able to keep it in their pants as someone will want to be the baddest. Only then we will all see what the cars can do. And NHRA will act accordingly.

Evan

[Bruce Noland]

Evan,
I can't mention names. I can tell you that a Ford Engineer at SEMA said the the new CJs made 800+ Horsepower and that has been echoed by several people since. I couldn't tell from your response if you had heard the same thing; not witnessed. Again, have you heard of any 140+ mph passes made by these cars? Some folks say these cars are also having a few tech problems. Can give us any insight as to what they may be?

I appreciate the fact that you feel the Mustangs could be a little soft. Many of us don't share your faith in nhra to properly factor these cars. I can feel your pain about the LS1 cars but they pale in comparison to these CJs.

You're doing a great job.

[Dave Ficacci]

Originally Posted by Bruce Noland

Some folks say these cars are also having a few tech problems. Can give us any insight as to what they may be?

Maybe I am wrong, but from the pictures I have seen, I have yet to see a full cage and window net in any of these cars. It was made pretty clear that any car running in the 9s is required to have the certified cage and net.

[Jack Matyas]

Bruce and Evan --
You guys are beating a dead horse ( no pun intended ) -- let them(the new Mustangs) race first and then lets see what we have .Its been hard to stay quiet but in many of both your posts you mention LS1's -- first of all I don't seem to remember the LS1 HP being 275 -- ever . Secondly, its been a very long time since any of them has had any real strength . As both of you well know new cars are always coming out and the powers that be always fix it when they are "too good" . Personally I'd love to have one of these new rides but the General has deemed them almost unraceable at their weight . We should stay with facts and not hearsay from third parties as far as the new cars are concerned .Pomona is only fifteen days away..........

PS--For those of you who are wondering -- yes ,I took my meds this morning ! ! !

[Bruce Noland]

Jack,
No one would ever think that you were off yours meds.

I'm glad Ford wants to come back into Class racing but many of us think the New Supercharged Cobra Jets have been misclassified. We have little or no faith in nhra to correct this situation when they are the ones who admitted the car into Stock in the first place. This car is a game changer, there is no way that it can be compared to any other car that has been allowed to run in Stock. It will take years for the ahfs to catch up to this one and in that time it will have a viral effect on the upper classes; approximately 300 cars. nhra is increasing quotas to help with their bottom line. If what I'm told is true, this new CJ will cause many class racers to move out of drag racing.

This is not one of those deals where we have to wait'n see. These new CJs belong in a Factory Experimental class where they can be vetted for several seasons and then moved down if they are duds; which, by the way, they are not. These cars can run mid 9.50s at over 143 mph. What are we going to do with them? And why does Ford have such a great desire to beat up on a bunch of old cars with their Rocket? Ford should pick on somebody their own size, like GM and Chrsyler in Factory Experimental.

Some of these cars have some tech problems already and it will be interesting to see whether Ford and nhra make them go away.

[Jack Matyas]

Bruce -- There's not a racer out there who should feel more anti-NHRA than me but yet I still have faith -- let them do their jobs !
By NHRA increasing quotas it not only lines the pockets but it gives other racers a chance to compete who normally wouldn't .I certainly don't see the new CJ as a game changer -- they still have to hook 'em and dial --same as you.
You must be privvy to some "top secret info" - have you seen any time slips showing one or more of these cars going 9.50@143 ?
As for tech problems I'm not aware of anything specific -- are you ? Care to share ....
We are now more than 240 posts into this and no one has seen a CJ go down the track -- shouldn't we at least wait until then before we string 'em up (or should I say lasso 'em ) .
Seems you would like to see these boys race anywhere you're not -- looks like an old fashioned gunfight to me -- bring your best stuff . 2009 could turn out to be Stock racing's best year ever............

[bsa633]

Originally Posted by Bruce Noland

Jack,
If what I'm told is true, this new CJ will cause many class racers to move out of drag racing.

Some of these cars have some tech problems already and it will be interesting to see whether Ford and nhra make them go away.

Yes they have yet to go down the track in NHRA-style,but the drivers know the game this time..they wont go out and make faster runs than needed is my guess..tests at other tracks may show someting.....FORD has probably "invested" in this ..and NHRA has made sure they will have a good chance to come out on top in thier first outing..I have to think a little like Bruce that many upper class racers that not really are Bracket racers but more "Classracers" will have enough if these cars are faster right off the bat...with pontential to dominate for years to come by by "racing smart" and adding the knowledge you get when racing them..I know i would...your hard work over decades could be wiped out in 9.5 seconds at Pomona..The LT1 is 66 hp more than when it came along..and still keep getting horsepower...this one seem to have even more in the bag!
It may show at Pomona..or not..but given the engine specs..well the few ones there are..these will fly if thats what they decide to do!!

[Jack Matyas]

bsa633 -- Your post is full of maybe's -- look at some of the words that you've used.......have yet to ...but ...my guess............may show......probably.....if these cars.......with potential.........seem to ....may show......or not........if thats what they decide ---------please -- like they said years ago on TV---"Just the Facts" .
By the way -- do you have any knowledge of NHRA making sure they (Ford) succeed with this project?

PS-- Good thing its a slow day here at work .

[Bruce Noland]

Jack,

I have to say that you are one of the most pro nhra racers I have met. Sure you got beat up a little at Pomona and I'm sorry that happened but I personally don't believe it has changed your point of view.

Yes, I have spoken to racers who know a lot about these cars and who have seen them go down the track. I'm not afraid to come out here and post for them if I think they are right. And what if you are wrong? What happens when they take the wraps off these cars and show their real performance to you? What will you say then? Oh well, shucky darn, those cars are rael fast. By then it will be too darn late and it will take nhra years to catch up to them. And what is so darn bad about them running in a Factory Experimental class? Do you have a particular reason for not liking Factory Experimental or are you being nhra stuborn?

[Bruce Noland]

Jack,
Nobody needs you dissect the way they post. The man has an open mind and can see the potential for a train wreck while you have your eyes closed.