Junkyard engine parts

[Jeff Kempton]

Hi John;

Many combinations still require you to locate original castings as a base for building a Stock or Super Stock engine. Others (of all brands, even AMC) have an NHRA approved replacement head available. In most cases the replacement heads are only allowed in Super Stock but there are exceptions. If you aren't already familiar with the NHRA Guide I'd suggest that you spend some free time browsing through it until you know how to quickly find whatever information you need. I don't think you need to be a lawyer to understand it, but it does take some time to become at ease with it. Here are the two main links:

This one tells you the shipping weights and natural classes of various car and truck models:

www.nhraracer.com/content/general.asp?articleid=46635&zoneid=132

This one tells you the casting numbers, models and sizes of the various engine parts:

www.nhraracer.com/content/general.asp?articleid=46634&zoneid=132

There is no question that building a Stocker now costs much more than it did years ago. Stockers are also much faster, and as we all know speed costs money! However, there are still many options available to those looking to race Stock on a budget. The thread on this site with class car listings includes several front drive Stockers and lower class V8 cars that are selling for anywhere from $5000 to $20000 US. A cheap Stocker that would be relatively easy to get under the Index would be a 5.0 litre Fox body Mustang.....I'm surprised that no one has built one yet around here.

If you wish to build your own, try to choose a less popular combo that hasn't already been raced hard and refactored accordingly. In general the higher the horsepower factor the more it will cost you to be fast in your class. Many of the small block Chevys have been hit pretty hard with horsepower, making them tough to race on a budget. Having said that; it still can be done with these cars too. Jeremy Keans' Camaro is a good example of a fast local car that was put together mostly by he and his father Gary with some help from the Armstrong's. The heads are 30 year old factory castings, although they chose the best ones from several sets they found.

In summary, don't let the challenge discourage you. Do your research, ask questions on here or around the pits at ACSSA or NHRA races, and watch the classifieds. Make your choice of a combo and go for it!

[John Scott]

Thanks for the reply Jeff. Yes, I am very familiar with the guide. Seems like I have spent 1000's of hours looking at it. It's the first place I visit when I see a car/engine/parts listed for sale on Kijiji or Craigslist. I have a combo in mind that I think might be a good one but it's top secret, haha. It would fit Q/R/T and has the Billy Nees and Mark Yacavone seal of approval.

I am aware of the replacement heads available, the Chevrolet Performance catalog is not full of them as had been suggested. I don't want to get into an argument about that though.

The intent of the question was to determine if heads/intake that are in the condition of the ones in the photos can be brought back to life.

Just so everyone knows, I recently changed my user name on here (formerly 71nova) and on Classracer (formerly Macbane) to my real name so you may be familiar with some of my other queries many in regards to oddball combos.

[Jeff Kempton]

I've followed your past posts here and on CR so I know that you've been doing your homework! Best of Luck and if there's anything I can do to help don't hesitate to ask.

In answer to your original question, if the heads/intake aren't heavily rusted and the price is very cheap or free then they are likely worth picking up. However, as Chris said if seats need replacing they may be of limited use for a Stocker. From the mid'70's through the '80's the majority of GM heads were also lightweight castings that are prone to cracking. The Max Wedge or Pontiac/Buick/AMC guys would likely be eager to grab any heads they find regardless of condition, but for common heads like the 305 ones you can afford to be more picky.

[Kelly MacKay]

A good set of "lucky heads" that flow good are 3000 to 4000 complete with stainless steel valves, Good springs and roller rockers