I posted this when 90% was a rumor. Still holds true. I doubt you'll see much in the way of big gains in performance, but the parts bills will be lower.
The teams are having to run more blower and compression at 85% which is killing crankshafts and everything else. 90% will mean cutting back on both and saving a ton of money.
I think they have figured out how to run as much nitro through the motors as they did in 90% days except the 15% of alky they are required to run is in the way.
With 85% crankshafts are lasting no more than 3-4 runs for most teams. If I order one from Sonny Bryant right now I would be lucky to see it in September and they are about $3,500 each. I just got the word that Gates Belts are 6 weeks out for 8MM and no one has any (RCD, Littlefield, etc.). Because of overdrive and higher cylinder pressure the belts are taking a beating. Taking a look at the slo-mo's on ESPN2 it looks like the TF cars throw a belt off almost every run. Sooner or later someone is going to run out. It's not uncommon to see 8 rods and pistons in the trash after one TF run, either. The suppliers are having a hard time keeping up with parts orders and these parts are extremely expensive. Throw in a 6 week string of events along with the IHRA schedule and the suppliers are overwhelmed.
I know it's hard to believe, but 85% is killing a lot of teams. Their dream come true would be a return to 90%.
Someone please correct me if I am wrong.
It's just like when TA/FC was changed from 125% overdrive to 92% overdrive. It was supposed to save us money because it dropped the boost, but in the long (and short) run it's cost a ton of money. Now a perfect blower is very critical. High RPM's are a must. Valve train is taking a tremendous beating. Diverters in the injector, coated rotors, etc., etc. Our dream come true would be a return to 125% overdrive.
RG
