Stock GT Truck question

[Don @ Maritime Drag Racing]

OK - in my never ending quest to put together a Stocker I've been looking at pickup trucks. My problem is the Chevy trucks listed in the NHRA Stock Car Classification Guide seem to be limited to 4 cylinder S-10s, 1986 1500 series or the 454 SS none of which I am interested in. Since an NHRA legal truck is not going to happen for me I'm looking at the IHRA classes which leads me to another in a long line of my stupid questions about Stock Class. Sorry........

Page 46 of the 2014 IHRA rulebook - Stock GT - Autos and Trucks.
Weight breaks are there, vehicles 1980 and newer, engines from 1955-1979 but no specifics on what actual body style of truck is allowed. If it's restricted to the trucks listed in the NHRA "guide" it's going to be an awfully short list and I've just run into another brick wall.

Under the above rules does a 1988-1998 Chev/GMC pickup(Fullsize or S-10) with ANY small block from 283-350 qualify for these classes? Horsepower ratings are easily found as well as shipping weight so there should not be a problem determining a class. My question is simple and I'm just looking for a YES OR NO answer. Not interested in debating the point......

[Jeff Kempton]

Hi Don; there are other trucks in the Guide too; such as numerous Dodge products, but the GM ones are mostly what you've noted. However; if a truck that you like isn't in the NHRA Guide it may still have a home under the IHRA rules by running it in either the Stock GT or Crate Motor classes. For either of those the shipping weight of the truck is used as well as the NHRA HP rating (GT combos) or IHRA HP rating (Crate Motor) to determine the class and Index. I would say that nearly any GM, Ford, or Chrysler truck produced since 1980 (for Stock GT) or 1955 (for Crate Motor) can be used, but because engines have to be the same make as the truck I don't know of any imports that are feasible. I know you know where to find the IHRA Rulebook, but for the benefit of anyone else reading this here is the link:

www.bluetoad.com/publication/?i=186944&p=1


The general definition and sub-classes for both Stock GT and Crate Motor Stock are listed below. For more details consult the rulebook.



Stock GT - Autos And Trucks

Seven classes restricted to 1980 and newer body styles incorporating accepted engines from models years 1955 to 1979.

CLASS WEIGHT BREAKS FOR STICK AND AUTOMATIC:

S/GTA...................8.00 to 8.99
S/GTB ..................9.00 to 9.99
S/GTC ..................10.00 to 10.99
S/GTD ..................11.00 to 11.99
S/GTE...................12.00 to 12.99
S/GTF...................13.00 to 13.99
S/GTG ..................14.00 or more



Crate Motor Stock

Thirteen classes reserved for 1955 and newer factory production automobiles, trucks and some sports cars using IHRA APPROVED factory type crate engines. This includes 1/2 ton trucks, Rangers, Dakota’s, etc. Class weight breaks and indexes are the same for both stick and automatic.

DESIGNATIONS:

A/CM ...................6.00 to 6.49
B/CM ...................6.50 to 6.99
C/CM ...................7.00 to 7.49
D/CM ...................7.50 to 7.99
E/CM....................8.00 to 8.49
F/CM....................8.50 to 8.99
G/CM ...................9.00 to 9.49
H/CM ...................9.50 to 9.99
I/CM.....................10.00 to 10.49
J/CM....................10.50 to 10.99
K/CM ...................11.00 to 11.49
L/CM....................11.50 to 11.99
M/CM...................12.00 to 12.49

[Jeff Kempton]

PS - Sorry I didn't just give you the "Yes" or "No" that you requested but I figured that the answer deserved an explanation; if not for you then for anyone else who might find it useful!

[Don @ Maritime Drag Racing]

Hmmmmmm.........the wheels have started turning. If anything from a 283 in an S-10 to an L88 in a 80-90s shortbox GMC might be legal you've definitely got my attention. Think of the variety of combos that could open up - 390/320hp Ford FE in a Ranger? A Dakota with a 440? Jeep Comanche with a 390 AMC? Now I need more information......

[Jeff Kempton]

That late '70s AMX that you once had would have made a perfect Crate Motor Stocker with an aluminum headed Mopar 360. That combo is legal because AMC was absorbed by Chrysler some years ago.

[ChipperChapman1090]

I had emailed mike baker about this a few years back. Any truck listed in the guide (because they only list 80 and newer) can be run with any pre 79 corporate relationship engine or crate engine in either stock gt or crate motor. Technically you could shoehorn an ls6 or zz502 in an s10 and it would be stock legal! Also if you look in the guide under 1992 chevrolet, they do list all the c series half tons, with 262, 305, 350, and 454 but it lists no engine specs. I know the tbi 262 was same as used in s series so it should be easy to get accepted but the other i dont know. If you want a crate motor i'll give you a smokin deal on a fresh one!