S/SS @ Sonoma

[Chevy454]

Congrats to one of our own here at the SCR! Barry Polley (stk758 (http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/showprofile.php?Cat=&User=1480&what=search&Forum=A ll_Forums&Words=barry&Searchpage=0&Limit=25&where= bodysub&Name=&daterange=0&newerval=&newertype=&old erval=&oldertype=&bodyprev=)) had a good showing at the NHRA/Autolite Nats. last weekend in Sonoma, CA. He qualified 16th out of 50+ cars (4th quickest qualifying time of the event), and was just shy of being 1 second under the index! It's a new combo, and he's still sorting it out, so it can only get better from here!!

Here's a good shot of his A/SA Camaro reaching for the clouds (check out the sYc decal on the quarter panel!): Wheels up, baby! (http://www.dragracecentral.com/DRCPhoto.asp?ID={87E77A40-5E36-478E-8E4E-9C9DAB138FF2})

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Salvatore]

Amen to the drag racers! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gifI bet he is running a STOCK spec cam. No NOS for him..... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif

[Chevy454]

Those class racers really know their stuff...I could read their tech info all day long!

As for his cam, well, at least the lift is the stock spec! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

[Salvatore]

Those guys do know their stuff! The cam, yes stock lift..... 15 minute duration time. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif May be coming out to St.Louis with Benny Pfeiffer. Need to see the big match race, or races. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[Chevy454]

Cool...maybe we can rehash the whole cam thing over a cold one! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[JoeG]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif RUN and great shot,--I can see the SYC logo on the rear------
You can see the Fram "Air Hog" ad--- http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif commercials
-----------http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif1/4 pass--------- http://www.yenko.net/attachments/92565-air.jpg

[Salvatore]

Why not! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[stk758]

Thank you for the support! We are proud to run the SYC decal and it stirred up lots of interests. Sonoma was hard on headers, core support,oil pan and front end alignment. Oh yea, and the wallet! BUT WHAT A BLAST TO DRIVE!!! We are working on the landings now. As for the cam, no big deal, less than .520 as per the rules and a 109 centerline. It likes RPM= 7500 in the traps and 64-6800 shifts. Watson Racing wants me to keep the rest of the #s for a bit. I am looking for good set of stock rec port 291 or 840 heads, trying to build a spare. Again , thank you for your support and I am sure we will have more air time soon with softer landings I hope.
Barry P. 758 A/SA

[stk758]

Forgot to mention that I would be happy to share some of the stocker knoledge that we have learned and gatherd from some of the racers that help us. That is why we are here.
Barry. [email protected]

[Salvatore]

Stock, Super Stock, and Comp are really the only thing left in my opinion! You got my support here in DIV.1. Keep up the good work. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[Chevy454]

[ QUOTE ]
Stock, Super Stock, and Comp are really the only thing left in my opinion!

[/ QUOTE ]

Sam, I wish NHRA shared your opinion! I'm not near smart enough to even know where to start a class car, but class racers are my IDOLS...but from what I've seen over the past couple of seasons NHRA simply sees them as almost a "hinderance". I mean, cutting out events? That's just plain wrong. They built the NHRA, yet they're mesmerized by the mega bucks operations of the pro ranks.

NHRA better dance with the one(s) that brought them, or they're gonna become a wallflower... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif

[Salvatore]

We may agree on something here. NHRA is not interested in anything but money and I would say safety. If you run a class car, you have to tech it. NHRA doesn't want to do that anymore. I believe they want to just see that it is safe and that is it. Teching takes too much time and money. Just run bracket and pay me! The other stuff is not going to come back. Not enough room in the pits for Pro Stock Trucks so they eliminated them after most teams spent millions for the new season. S/G,S/C, and S/S is here for ever. Remember all the manufactures spend millions on new products for bracket racing. This is now the bread and butter. It is very hard to explain to new drag racing spectators why these 3 classes leave the line, then stop and then go! I feel Stock Eliminator is the closest thing we have to the original muscle car as we can get. I try to go to all the Stock/Superstock and DIV.1 races I can make. Usually spend time with Jerry MacNeish and his E/Stocker. Long live the stockers!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Chevy454]

We DEFINITELY agree on this, Sam. I chuckled when I read that about the launch-stop-go thing...I usually try to avoid such a *bog*! Along the same lines, explaining to the casual spectator why you see brake lights in the traps in some classes is good for a laugh as well!

A lot of people don't realize just how "stock" the s/ss cars used to be back in the day...we're talking full exhaust and limited mods. Todays s/ss cars are a lot like the pioneer pro stock cars of old...all because (I think) NHRA has loosened it's reigns, for the very reasons you explained.

And todays pro stock cars are a far cry from their origins as well. You'd think that a 500 cube limit and a carb would be pretty simple, but today's pro-stock cars are all but that. I was fortunate enough to attend a pure stock & stock appearing event at Norwalk, where a few of the pro stock teams were there testing before qualifying in Columbus that night. I watched them check the data log with their laptop, and got to check out their transports...a far cry from the way it used to be, but still pretty neat to this Hillbilly!

[Mr70]

Not since President Ford agreed to put double ply Toilet paper in ALL the Whitehouse Press Bathrooms,has there been such a Mutual Understanding. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif
http://profiles.nlm.nih.gov/FF/B/B/C/S/_/ffbbcs.jpg

[stk758]

I love comp!! My car partner is Jeff Gillette 757 B/ED record holder. His car heeps us busy, 354 cu in 918 hp @ 9800. Not a splayed motor, still a wedge Chevy. This car will humble you in a heartbeat. I wrench his car and he does mine. We are looking for a nice rig to put both cars in and tour together instead of running back and fourth between pits! Div 1 has got to be the toughest http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif. Lots of racing back East. California land has gone sky high and we are losing prime raceways to developers. Mufflers on Wed nights keeps me from testing like we used to. Next year we are planning to run East and see how we do.
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gifBack to work on the car.. Barry

[Salvatore]

Stock eliminator today is like the original Pro Stock. 4 speeds and slapper bars. I realize we have to progress but come on now the Pro Stock cars are carbon fiber. In the old days Jenkins and the Vega guys had to retain the original uni-body and build around it. Then you could use fiberglass components, but maintain an original steel hood windshield posts and modify the back the quarter panels and rear hatch area. Today, come on all carbon fiber http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif Just ain't the same. I remember when jenkins and Sox were going 9.80's almost like the A/stick cars are doing today. Like The Couger says: Thats when sport was sport and groovin was groovin! Thank God for progress though, because my one son had a heart transplant 6 years ago and is doing great. So I guess progress in some things is not all bad.

[Salvatore]

Got some fast A and B stockers out here. Tom Baird in A/S and Ed Bednaz in B/S. Also some good running Mopars in A-C Stock. Dan Fletcher in B/SA is tough to beat also. Joe Sorensen (A/SA) is out your way correct? Vinny Barone went 8 flat in A/SR last weekend in the heat and on a track that is just about 20ft. from being factored. (Numidia Raceway Div.1) You do have some good cars back here just like out West. Harry Holton is NO slouch and neither is Ray Bartons group. I heard of Jeff Gillette you guys set that record in Sonoma I think. Good air helps. Sam

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Bednaz http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[stk758]

We did set the record there on a conservative run. Good air here is 500-1000 ft, averages 15-2000 ft. You have a hard time trying to hook and not shake everything off the car with killer air in a B/ED. Wind at Sonoma is also a big factor, big headwinds. Hey Rob, did you get the e- mail?
Barry

[stk758]

Ok Camaro guys, Did the 69 SS 427 holley come with the baffel aluminum plate and gasket? Looking through the books and do not see one so I figured you would know.
Barry

[Chevy454]

Barry: just saw the part about the email! Where did you send it? My computer has been down, and we've been catching the yenko.net emails here, but didn't see anything?

DOH! It just dawned on me, I hollered at you last time via my Hotmail account! I'll run over there and check...

[Salvatore]

Do you mean the heat shield under the carb? Sam

[stk758]

Yea, the chevy dealer here calls it a baffel but it is a heat shield. I see it was on the 70's and the Q jet but haven't found any other info. BP

[Mr70]

I believe the Holley carbed, Manual trans.,Solid lifter engine cars that were sold NEW in Calif. & Neveda ONLY got that Heat shield in 1969.For 1970,all solid lifter engines with both Auto.& Man, Trans got those.It was part of RPO NA9 EEC system.

[stk758]

That is good news! None of the Dealer books we have show it. I have seen it on a 69- 396 alum headed car but not on the 427 holley cars. NHRA will toss you on the slightest infraction so I need to be sure with papers in hand. Thanks for the input Mr 70. Barry

[Salvatore]

I don't think I remember ever seeing a factory installed heat baffle from the factory on a 69 model year car. I will ask around at the points meet this weekend. Do you want to install one on your A/stocker? Sam

[stk758]

I would like to put one on and I know it will help, just don't want to get tossed for it if they deem it illegal. At Sonoma they spent 1 hour teching the car, 5 guys! After my second Q run they pulled us out of line and asked to see every switch and wire location. I offered the schematic I drew but they were not interested. They were under the dash, hood, and carpet calling out wire colors and connections and quizing me on the 7AL3 wiring and RPM activated switches. I am sure they were looking for some electronics, photo cells, delays etc. None on my stuff. I have no complaints and I am glad to see them looking.
Barry

[Salvatore]

That is good! It always pays to be legal. I wonder if another car was asking NHRA to inspect you? Sam

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Barry, how much searching can they do before it equals a 'teardown'? Is a 'teardown' involve the engine only?

[Salvatore]

Marlin, I sent you a PM. Sam

[stk758]

Sam and Marlin, Tech at the Autolite's was as it should be every time. They dinged a ton of cars. The car in question was at that race, I think to make it look good they pulled 8 of us out for inspection after our second hit. They can request a cyl head or both at any time and at the last divisional race they had us remove the top half checking for porting,stock rockers, welding, ie- dye test and carb mods. They mic every opening on the carb, manifold and cyl heads. I have not heard of a pan pulled in ages. My stuff is too stock! I cannot afford the trick stuff.. They look at everything especially if rummors are flying like Sonoma. Hey, I am new and I know they want to get my attention. I welcome it. Barry

[Salvatore]

That is what Warren Johnson always said. I welcome a tear down. Unless you were going 9:80 in A/SA other than checking fuel I don't see the point. I guess it keeps the tech guys in shape. Sam http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

[Chevy454]

Hey, stupid question here: who spins the wrenches for the tear down?

[Salvatore]

The way I understand, The owner does and NHRA does the inspecting. The video: 4 DAYS IN MAY shows Bobby DeArmond tearing down at the record setting race at Mission Raceway in B.C. Shows you everything they do to determine if the record is a legal one set. Very good video. I recommend it. www.horsepowerheaven.com (http://www.horsepowerheaven.com)

[Mr70]

I just ordered that Videotape. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[Salvatore]

You will love it. Put the sound up when Alyn Lee runs his 4 speed SS/A car.

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Wow! That's some serious tech'n.

[jg95z28]

That looks so cool. Dumb question for a drag newbie here. I've love watching the sport but have often dreamed of actually participating. I'm mostly interested in the Stock class as well. (Hense why I'm posting here.) What are the basic limits? Let's say I want to run a '68 Camaro that originally came with a 327 and powerglide. Can I run a 396 BB as it was available on '68 Camaros that model year, or do I have to stick with the same displacement the car came with originally? What about a 427 BB as it was available on some "Special" cars? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

I'm just interested in basics to feel out whether this would be something I'd be interested in.

Thanks in advance.

[Salvatore]

You can stick a 427 in a 6 cyclinder car if a 427 came in that model that year. You can get a 1969 camaro 307 car and put a 302 in it and run E or F stock. 302's would have to have a 4 speed though. Get an NHRA rule book. They are available and good to read. Sam

[stk758]

Jeff, go onto the NHRA site and click on stock clasification guidelines. It will show you eng size,cam spec,cyl heads,piston #s and Mfg's and class weights. I like the 396 alum head combo and that is what is next. Basically .060 bore, have the crank stroked to NHRA allowance, + or - .012+ obviously. I use CP's pistons and a GOOD CRANK!!!! I had Don Little do my heads, Yea a Mopar guy but his stuff flies. Tons of other things if you get serious. My sponsor does a great job on the stocker stuff.
watsonracingengineering.com Barry

[jg95z28]

Thanks guys. I actually did look at the rules on the NHRA website about a year ago and I have to admit I was a bit confused. However I'll take another look at it now and do some thinking. I've got several ideas in my head for projects and building a race car is just one of them. I need to finish a few of my current ones and sell them off before I buy another car though. My wife is threating to install parking meters on our driveway. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

[stk758]

Jeff, I live in Benicia, the shop is in Concord and you are welcome to come by anytime. We went out Wed night with my sons Camaro at Infineon and he was runner up in High School class. The last 5 times out = 3wins,1 runner up and a 3nd round loss. Check the Infineon Raceway web site. What a blast watching him race! I think he is gettig close for an e ticket in the Stocker.. LOL [email protected]
Barry

[Salvatore]

Ya those kids to have the reflexes. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif I was out there about 3 years ago.(Sears Point) Beautiful country. We were on vacation with the family. I stayed in Petaluma, loved it there!! Sam

[stk758]

Thats neat, did you get to see any racing? I was in your State last year- 2002 and 03, 6 times total. I did the specifications on 3 new American LaFrance 110 ft Aerials and saw them through the build process. Ephrata, I think I spelled it right. Also visited Blue balls, Bird in Hand, Intercourse and Gettysburg. I have Fire shirts from all of them. It seems everybody in Penn races, is this true?. Every other house had an enclosed trailer in the driveway, I WAS IN HEAVEN!!! LOL.
Barry

[Salvatore]

All the areas you mentioned were within 15 miles of Maple Grove Raceway. The heart of DIV.1 racing!! Did YOU see any racing???? I didn't see any racing, but went to Half Moon Bay and looked up the old air strip they raced on. That was neat. Also went to Pomona and took some pictures of the drag strip. That is like in a populated area. Went to the NHRA museum too. Went to Englishtown Friday. The stock guys do use a carb spacer, but I don't see the aluminum heat shields though. Carb spacer is wood or bakealite maybe. I guess there are limits to the height. Maybe an inch? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif Blue Ball not balls http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

[Keith Tedford]

There were three COPO Chevelles and one COPO Camaro sold in our area in '69. None had the heat shield.

[Mr70]

Is this what you are referring to?

HEAT SHIELD (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7914095883)

[stk758]

Yea, thats the one. I guess not on the 69 Camaro 427 so far. Like the Hemi Nascar for NHRA Stock they just..... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif found paper work on. I am not giving up yet. I guess they had it for the rochester too. Someone had mentioned it might be a Cal, Az, Nev option?? I just had the Tech people look at my new Holley extra thick gasket with plastic inserts at the bolt holes to approve it. We went through Holley's inventory to find it. Almost a 1/2" thick. Barry

[larry_csa]

You can not run the alum heat sheild. NHRA rules this as an over the counter piece. What most people do is buy two (2) heat sheids and put the bottom gaskets together. there is a 1/4" ruel on carb gasket thickness. these push the limit. but will pass. Larry

[stk758]

Larry, The gasket we had them look at is .330 out of the box. I will measure it after testing on the 6th to see what it compresses to after a couple of fuel and heat cycles.
Barry