Quote:
Originally Posted by patrickt
I bet you would agree that, if a solid flat tappet was providing 600 horsepower, and a roller would provide 650, there would be no performance reason to switch to the roller and, further, the roller would almost certainly require changing out in 8,000 miles or less -- thus making it less desirable.  |
I
would agree but the reality is that a solid flat can rarely touch 600HP (even in 482 form) in an FE unless over 12.5, on C 14 and with heads that flow 340 to 380. Which is why many builders like Keith who build pump gas 482's routinely over 600 use only rollers. His heads are well ported at 340 or so and it's just an easy, less expensive way to give a customer the big number. There are many guys who just want the 'big number' and won't or can't use more than 5/10's of the car's envelope.
Your point is that the cars can seldom
apply more than 500 in a
usable manner so the solid flat is sufficient for that and who needs the maintenance and parts expense. I agree to a point as I run 11's with only 465 WHP and I wanted to keep my car in the configuration that the originals made their legend- a road race-capable, all around sports car. Not a single purpose drag car.
The reality is that more than a few guys have found (and love) that you can 'have it all'- power approaching 700, drag tires and in some cases, live axles. Guys want to run 9's and 10's and don't care about sports car capabilities. They chose a Cobra rep because it's the lightest package to put on the road or track.
Surely you've seen the German vids on here of the 900 and 1100 BBC-powered freaks that they run on old airfields and drag strips. There is also an Aussie guy who runs 9's with wing and chute. They spend on the equipment to hook the cars for a thrill ride.
It's really horses for courses and trying to sell one configuration as the 'right way' doesn't apply anymore. The replica universe is huge and diverse.
See Brent's comments just above -he's talking to
us.