I know this is going to ruffle some feathers but I want to put it on the table. My intention is to have some intelligent and realistic discussion on the subject - not start a pissing contest.
I don't see the point of some of the heads up classes still requiring the use of the stock "109" block.
I've been around since the beginning and since a few of you don't know let me give you some history on the subject.........
Back in the day, there were only two heads up turbo classes - Turbo Street Stock and Turbo Street Eliminator. Now obviously the TSS class was based on mostly stock appearing cars so the stock block is understandable. TSE was the fast class with ets in the 10s and allowed the Stage 2 blocks but not the heads if memory serves me correctly. Then came the infamous Turbo Street Modified (TSM) class which centered around the stock 109 block in an effort to keep the playing field relatively level by keeping the big boys with Stage motors out and limiting turbo size to 70mm. It was even pitched as an "affordable" class since TSE was getting somewhat blury at that time. Here we are now years later. TSM is a mid to low 9 sec class and we've had a few guys run 8s with the stock 109 block. These are awesome performance numbers and I'm not taking anything away from these guys as they've certainly paid their dues.
Here's my point. It makes perfect sense to require the stock block in a stock appearing classes like TSA. Most of the faster classes like TSM and THS have a lot of guys running what's essentially the same rotating assembly as you'd find in a Stage 2 motor but it's all stuffed into a wimpy stock 109 block with girdles, caps, panties, duct tape, bailing wire, etc holding it all in there in hopes of keeping that expensive rotating assembly from kissing the crossmember. There is absolutely ZERO performance advantage to a block. The real power is in the heads and turbos so I can certainly agree with restricting the heads and/or turbo sizes to control the classes. It makes no sense whatsoever anymore for people to risk considerable investment by requiring the use of the stock block when there is no good reason. Sure it's cool to be able to say you ran this or that with a stock block but other than that what's the point? Why not allow people to protect their investments as well as their safety and run a beefier block if they want. If a man's on a budget or just wants to run a 109 block that's OK too but don't make it mandatory. I personally think this is just another little issue that could possibly hinder participation and/or growth in some of the classes. We have enough nit picky rules in these classes as it is but I don't understand the ones such as block and rear end restrictions which are ZERO performance advantage.
I don't see the point of some of the heads up classes still requiring the use of the stock "109" block.
I've been around since the beginning and since a few of you don't know let me give you some history on the subject.........
Back in the day, there were only two heads up turbo classes - Turbo Street Stock and Turbo Street Eliminator. Now obviously the TSS class was based on mostly stock appearing cars so the stock block is understandable. TSE was the fast class with ets in the 10s and allowed the Stage 2 blocks but not the heads if memory serves me correctly. Then came the infamous Turbo Street Modified (TSM) class which centered around the stock 109 block in an effort to keep the playing field relatively level by keeping the big boys with Stage motors out and limiting turbo size to 70mm. It was even pitched as an "affordable" class since TSE was getting somewhat blury at that time. Here we are now years later. TSM is a mid to low 9 sec class and we've had a few guys run 8s with the stock 109 block. These are awesome performance numbers and I'm not taking anything away from these guys as they've certainly paid their dues.
Here's my point. It makes perfect sense to require the stock block in a stock appearing classes like TSA. Most of the faster classes like TSM and THS have a lot of guys running what's essentially the same rotating assembly as you'd find in a Stage 2 motor but it's all stuffed into a wimpy stock 109 block with girdles, caps, panties, duct tape, bailing wire, etc holding it all in there in hopes of keeping that expensive rotating assembly from kissing the crossmember. There is absolutely ZERO performance advantage to a block. The real power is in the heads and turbos so I can certainly agree with restricting the heads and/or turbo sizes to control the classes. It makes no sense whatsoever anymore for people to risk considerable investment by requiring the use of the stock block when there is no good reason. Sure it's cool to be able to say you ran this or that with a stock block but other than that what's the point? Why not allow people to protect their investments as well as their safety and run a beefier block if they want. If a man's on a budget or just wants to run a 109 block that's OK too but don't make it mandatory. I personally think this is just another little issue that could possibly hinder participation and/or growth in some of the classes. We have enough nit picky rules in these classes as it is but I don't understand the ones such as block and rear end restrictions which are ZERO performance advantage.