SOME PURE STOCK QUESTIONS

[fourspeed409]

I have a couple questions regarding some rule interpretations. What is considered an OEM brake upgrade? My car came with 4 wheel drum brakes. Disc brakes where never offered on the 1962 full size Chevrolet. Am I stuck with the drums?
The rules also state that the engine must be same year and make for car used. Do the superseded parts apply? I want to use a large journal block with bearing spacers for the small journal 327 crank as allowed in stock.
My last question is the use of the stock mechanical fan. Is that safe on a race car?
The combo would be a 1962 Chevrolet Biscayne 2 door sedan 4 speed. I have most of the parts to put together a 250 or 300 hp 327.
I wanted to clear up a few questions before I went in the direction of building a pure stock car.
Thanks.
Shane

[Jeff Kempton]

Hi Shane,

The first thing I have to point out is that if you ever think you'll travel away and run at a large IHRA santioned event, you should contact them for the answers and not rely on what I'm about to say to be their exact interpretation. However, if you're just looking to run with the ACSSA the following answers will serve your purpose.

The OEM brake upgrade requirement applies most correctly to cars that had disc brakes as options. For example a '69 Camaro can upgrade from factory drums to factory discs without issue. The OEM reference is so people don't put lightweight drag only disc brake setups on their Pure Stocker. I know that some of the mid-60's full size Chevs can bolt in the '69 full size front spindles for a disc brake upgrade, but I don't know offhand if they'll fit as far back as your '62. If so those would be allowed under the rules. However, many older/slower Stockers have used drum brakes all around with no problems as long as they are properly set up, and front drums are lighter than OEM disc systems, so disc brakes may not be the only option.

The large journel 327 block with spacers and the small journal crank is allowed.

At the RPM levels expected from a Pure Stocker the factory fan should be fine, but I would suggest you have it magnafluxed (like you would a crank or heads) to make sure it hasn't developed any hairline cracks over the last 4+ decades.

In addition, I'd pay close attention to that long 2 piece driveshaft and steady bearing, and you'll also need a scattershield and driveshaft loop for safety.

If you have any more questions don't hesitate to ask. I hope that you go ahead with your build; it would make for a neat Pure Stocker! (it'd be even cooler with a 409!)