L72 `69 Camaro NHRA stockers

[Chevy454]

Any of you guys ever run into Mike Keenan (sp?) or any of the other Team Checkmate cars? I've talked with them a few times on the phone about some parts and stuff...I *believe* Keenan runs B/S, but I can't remember if it's a Camaro or Nova.

BTW, BigDog needs some 074 heads!!!!

[Salvatore]

Paul Mercurie and Mike Keenan run camaros. They were the guys to beat in the 70's with there modified production camaros. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/[/img]

[larry_csa]

OK left out some things
396/375 A Stick alum Heads
396/375 B Stick steel heads
396/375 Will NOT make C stick
396/375 B auto W/Alum heads 3485
396/375 B auto Steel heads 3485
396/375 C Auto Steel heads ONLY 3680
427/425 A Auto Camaro 3570
A 427/425 in a Chevelle will make B at 3785 (OUCH)
Sorry for all the screw ups. My thought process is not working right lately [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif[/img]
P.S. everything after Joe Sorenen's name is about 396/375
Rob Mike runs a 1969 camaro with a 427/425 or a 396/375 alum . paul runs a 1968 camaro with a 396/375 steel heads. Paul went a 9.98 at a 133 and change. at Montogmery
in November.

[Salvatore]

Bob Broadbent set the national record at Maple Grove with there 1969 camaro in C/Stick. I think they run a 375 horse 396. Tom Baird went a 10.10 at the Grove this year with the Silver Car in A/Stick (Dutch Classics). Seems that most A/Stick cars are running 396's they seem faster than the 427. A/SA seem to be the 427 cars. I believe Helms is a 396 with aluminum heads, that is why he went to A/S (head change)if I am not mistaken. Gary Hettler likes the 396 motor better with the 4 speed, I was told.

[Kim_Howie]

Same cam same carb same heads lot of differance in weight [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif[/img] Broadbent record holder for years [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif[/img]

[Salvatore]

Bob used to be in E/S with a 302. Dave LeBrun built the big motor as with Ed Bednaz and gang. LeBrun runs C/SA with a 69 camaro 375 hp.

[Chevy454]

I asked Keenan about the stick/auto thing, and he said the 396 cars just can't pull the auto like the 427 cars can, but that the higher revving 396 cars LOVE the stick. That's what I find absolutely fascinating about the "stock" classes...so many different ways to go fast!

I would LOVE to try and field a car, but I'm no where NEAR smart enough to even get close to the index, much less be semi-competitive. Those guys have got it down to a fine art.

[larry_csa]

OK were back.With out checking with me, NHRA went and changed the rules. As of 2003 as long as the car has the correct motor and weights right the shipping weight does not matter anymore. ( 30 years worth of learning down the tube) In years gone by a Stick car was 15lbs too light to make C . In shipping weight a stick is 15lbs lighter than a auto. SC69SAM wins the door prize of the day. Broadbent use to be in E with a 302 him and that other guy McNishe [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]
Guess with the new rule everybody wants a big block [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif[/img]
I still find it hard to give up 31CID in an A car.
A with 396= 390X8= 3120 + 170 (driver) = 3290
A with 427= 425X8= 3400 + 170 (driver) = 3570
280 diff in weight. O Well
Wish I could afford a Hettler motor, But I do everything my self, motors and rearends. TCI does the trans. In the past it was racer aganist racer. Now it's money vers Money
Rob Sent you some Pic to day E-mail me when you get them
Thanks Larry [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/[/img]

[Salvatore]

I think you are wrong about being competitive. You can be competitive because you are a drag racer and can definetly run on the index with a little practice and time. Most of these cars run on their own dial-in and only have to run close to their record when they are in class eliminations. You basically dial your own ET. NHRA is not even running class eliminations at every event anymore. As good as you are on the dial-in is really what it takes. If you run 10.50's in A/S or A/SA you could have alot of fun and be competitive. I think a small block is around $8,500 to $9,500 and a big block is around $12,500 to $13,000. Probably at this time of the year you can find some of these cars for sale and get a pretty good deal. $20,000 would probably buy a competitive stocker. I would not build one I would probably buy one ready to go. Has to be cheaper and the bugs worked out already. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/[/img]