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