New NHRA Nitro 'Spec' Engine for Top Fuel and Funny Cars

[Harry Mannback]

As Alan said, it's only a test. Rather than get all worked up over this thing why not wait and see what develops? I would think it will be quite a while before we see any big mandates come down from above. Until they have put together a combination that works really well. These things take time and input from a lot of people.

Dan

P.S.
Joe you should come out for the Street Cars Super Nationals. I think thats non nitro racing that you might enjoy, they put on quite a show. But then again, I like it all.

 

[vegasnitro]

and I'm listening to 'Days of Futures Past' as I'm typing this....

Too bad it's not Tuesday ... "Thursday Afternoon" works too I guess. Couldn't believe that song wound up in a Visa commercial ...

And you are right Karl ... more than 1 way to skin a cat ... but the cat isn't going to like any of them.

I think quarter mile and 300MPH are the magic numbers. If we can get a safe and economically sound way to get back to quarter mile racing at 300MPH ... I am all for it. At least the NHRA is willing to spend a few bucks to see if it works, rather than unilateral and untested rule changes.

 

[JL]

that way you would have Beard, West, Green and the Ace looking it over, identifying potential loopholes and problem areas. 4 brains are better than 1.

...though I would really like to know what Coil, Fedderly and Medlen would think ...

My guess is that Tim was chosen because he is liked and respected by most, if not all in the pits. Additionally, he wouldn't have an agenda whereas others may.

I wouldn't be surprised if every big player or at least most of the heavy hitter crew chiefs are there.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[Ugly one]

Alan,
With a whole week off the "armchair crewchiefs" need something to get their panties in a wad about.

Repeat after me;
TEST.....TEST.....TEST.....TEST.....TEST.....TEST.....TEST.....TEST.....TEST

 

[Nitrosnoopy]

You guys kill me. This is a TEST! Nothing has been mandated, they are TESTING a combination. If I was a betting man I would wager that after this there will be, are you ready......MORE TESTS!

Does it not make sense that if the engine is smaller, it will make less power and need more gear? NHRA is buying the parts, and paying the expenses and gathering data while getting input from those in the know. and you guys are whining about it. Please somebody tell me what is wrong with this TEST!

Alan

P.S. Joe, I will ask you the same thing I have ask others, do you think calling Graham names adds to your credibility? Or that it makes you look smarter?

Geez Reinhart,
Bout the first time I have ever agreed with you.

I dont see what the fuss is all about. This new spec engine should have been done A minimum of 5 years ago. Here is the bottom line. There are a ton of junk NHRA does/does not do that I do not agree with . I like this spec ,it makes since ,the time is right. How is it a losing situation if we get the full 1320 back,more nitro and we slow the cars down some and everyone is starting on a level playing field with no notes.We all know Goodyear is leary of the speeds that the current spec engine is capable of running. Look a lot of these these facilities cant change or alter their run offs . Would you rather only go to facilities that have larger shutdown areas and shorten our seasons to 18 or 19 races a year? For peaks sake lets see what comes of it. Life is about change and the ability to roll with it. If this new spec becomes reality then if the team owners dont like it they can start their own league somewhere else or run the new nostalgia circuit

 

[Shaggy]

I wish people would realize this isnt just an NHRA decision...This is being forced upon everyone by the insurance companies... If NHRA doesnt want to lose their insurance they MUST slow these cars down...

As for running the Nostalgia series... Better go west unless you like winning a measly $3000 and a jacket...

 

[Raconteur]

As for running the Nostalgia series... Better go west unless you like winning a measly $3000 and a jacket...

Yep, load up your funny car on that vintage ramp truck, quit your job and go after the big nostalgia money.

 

[Doug in the woods]

I personally like the way things are now except the clown down format
maybe Alanabi is in test mode. I mean you could win the championship by missing the first 5 races or so.
presently we see lots and lots of really close racing. less explosions.
leave the engine alone IMHO

 

[Toejam]

You guys kill me. This is a TEST! Nothing has been mandated, they are TESTING a combination. If I was a betting man I would wager that after this there will be, are you ready......MORE TESTS!

Does it not make sense that if the engine is smaller, it will make less power and need more gear? NHRA is buying the parts, and paying the expenses and gathering data while getting input from those in the know. and you guys are whining about it. Please somebody tell me what is wrong with this TEST!

Alan

P.S. Joe, I will ask you the same thing I have ask others, do you think calling Graham names adds to your credibility? Or that it makes you look smarter?

Alan your right, my comments about Graham were over the top, sorry. Does this pass as a "Sky is falling" post?.

 

[Mooseman]

I hate this idea more then anyone , but I can't help but think it will make them go quicker . If they are overpowering the track now what happens when you give them a less powerfull engine that might hook up better without spinning the tires . Though for me the racing is more important then the show .

 

[Draw 3D]

If it does go into effect, the market is going to be flooded with parts and that will be good for guys like me, poor!

 

[T.Smith]

They said on the TV broadcast that Wilkerson will be testing the new combination. I find that curious ... don't get me wrong, Wilk is a smart guy, but it would seem to me that it would make more sense if you could get DSR to do it ... that way you would have Beard, West, Green and the Ace looking it over, identifying potential loopholes and problem areas. 4 brains are better than 1.

As has already been said, Team Force would be out of the question after spending all of that money painting hemis blue ... though I would really like to know what Coil, Fedderly and Medlen would think ...

Maybe because with Wilkerson you'll get less politics and self serving b.s.

Who died and left DSR and Team Force in charge of the nitro world?....it seems to me they might be part of the problem here, not the solution.

As far as the 3.50 gear is concerned. With reduced power, something has to help get these cars get up on the tire. Just look at the amount of tireshake runs right now.

 

["Chuck"]

I hate this idea more then anyone , but I can't help but think it will make them go quicker . If they are overpowering the track now what happens when you give them a less powerfull engine that might hook up better without spinning the tires . Though for me the racing is more important then the show .

William they wont be able to go faster with this combination im afraid. Theyre further limiting cubic inches with the stroke of the crank (obviously) and a smaller fuel pump so they wont be able to turn the blowers as fast as they are now because they dont have the cooling capacity to cool the rotors down, but the biggest thing is the gear ratio. Thats a big step down in gear ratios for these guys.

 

["Chuck"]

Not that I know a darned thing about blowers its just what ive been told.

 

[vegasnitro]

Maybe because with Wilkerson you'll get less politics and self serving b.s.

Who died and left DSR and Team Force in charge of the nitro world?....it seems to me they might be part of the problem here, not the solution.

T, I certainly wasn't implying that JFR or DSR are in charge of the nitro world ... but there is no doubting that those teams have the resources and the brain power to give the test a look from several angles, and they likely would be the teams that would be up to speed the quickest should any rule changes take place.

Like I said, I like Wilk and he is a sharp guy and he is certainly competent and capable.

I am curious to know how these proposed changes would affect your program?

 

[Bill]

Maybe the time has come for the 800 cubic-inch, twin turbo, alcohol fired 1,800-pound dragster.

WHY????????????????????????????

Why, indeed....

It doesn't blow up like a Nitro car with potentially driver-killing explosions

It doesn't burn expensive fuel that is fraught with supply problems and politics

It doesn't "launch" superchargers and injection hats into the stratosphere

It doesn't blow up expensive, carbon-fiber bodies like Fuel motors do

It doesn't hurt drivetrain parts to the extent that Fuel motors do

It will slow the cars down without the kind of de-tuning that the NHRA wants

It will be an 1800-pound car; (easier to stop)

It will eliminate cookie-cutter cars for awhile, at least

It will add a new dimension (ingenuity in action) that we haven't seen forever

It will eliminate thrown blower belts

It will cut expenses in myriad ways

It will probably eliminate the every-round teardown that requires $$ personell

It will eliminate a lot of "up-in-smoke" runs (less "excessive" HP)

It will eliminate the necessity of running 1,000 feet

What do you think, Joe; are there enough reasons listed to override your lust for "WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH"!!!for 5 seconds???

Granted, "whoosh" isn't as exciting as "WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH."
but drag racing isn't just about sound. Or, is it?? I love the sound of a Fuel motor, probably as much as Joe; I cup my hands around my ears to capture the sound when they run.... People with ear-plugs, I don't understand. Do I have hearing loss from this? Yes.... what's your point?

But, sometimes, when push comes to shove, priorities need re-examining and this may be one of those times. Yes, it would cost a LARGE FORTUNE to change these cars over to turbos and alcohol, but once changed, the operating expenses should plummet. And, that would be a permanent, positive, change. Maybe independent, non-sponsored teams might be able to race effectively, again


In the interest of keeping an open mind, and in the face of this new "Spec-Motor B/S.," thinking outside the box may not be all bad...


Just my .02...

Bill

 

[yoda]

If it does go into effect, the market is going to be flooded with parts and that will be good for guys like me, poor!

What kind of parts will the market be flooded with that you can use Paul?

 

[my friends call me Zappy]

While I doubt they (nhra) will settle on this first test engine, I do agree that ALL owners and crewchiefs should be on a committee for this. Nothing against Wilk, but NO one team should be privy to the data.

That way what ever spec motor nhra comes up with, everyone starts out equal.

 

[T.Smith]

While I doubt they (nhra) will settle on this first test engine, I do agree that ALL owners and crewchiefs should be on a committee for this. Nothing against Wilk, but NO one team should be privy to the data.

That way what ever spec motor nhra comes up with, everyone starts out equal.

Have you ever heard of PRO?

 

[MM]

What kind of parts will the market be flooded with that you can use Paul?

tiny little blower pulleys?