[ponyakr]

Thru the years, I suppose I've seen more Pontiac Stockers using this combo than any other. Up until recently, the NHRA hp factor was 330. Then NHRA upped it to 338hp. Not a deal breaker, just required the car to carry more weight for whatever class it runs.

One reason it was a popular combo for many years was that it fit E/SA perfectly. 330hp, 3300lbs = 10 lbs/hp = E/SA

http://www.classracerinfo.com/Engine...9&MAKE=Pontiac

But, since it is now rated at 338hp, and the same engine is rated only 325hp in the '68-'69 GTO, I would say that either GTO is now more competitive than a '68 Bird. But, I don't know of anybody running a '68 or '69 GTO Stocker right now. If anybody knows of any, please post that info.

Adam Strang, who posts here, has his old '68 Stocker for sale, in case anybody is interested. Adam now runs a '68 Bird 4-speed. The 4-speed Birds have a 325hp factor. No, it don't make sense that the same engine would have a higher hp factor if used with an auto. But NHRA adjusts factors based on ET's run at some of the national & divisional races. I think any run which is 1.2 sec or more under the class index, at some races, will get an automatic hp factor increase. That's why many of the quick Stockers sand bag in both qualifying & eliminations.

http://classracer.com/classforum/showthread.php?t=69513

Other drivers of some of the quick '68 Bird Stockers now racing are: Julie Biermann, Chris Stephenson, Bob Aceves, Leo Glasbrenner, Ronald Prince. Todd Hoven also has a '68. He has been driving another brand lately. But Duane Hoven drove the Bird for at least one race. And I think Brent Flynn is gonna try to run his '68 this year. Most '68 Birds run either C/SA, D/SA, or E/SA. They can also run the RA2 round port engine, if they can afford the RA2 heads. Should run a bit quicker, with the heads and bigger cam. And only a 340hp factor.

http://www.classracerinfo.com/Engine...3&MAKE=Pontiac

If these numbers are correct, the same engine has a 365hp factor, in a GTO. This shows why you need to check out all the NHRA specs before choosing an engine/body combo.

http://www.classracerinfo.com/Engine...8&MAKE=Pontiac

If ya'll know of other '68 Bird Stockers, please post that info.

[ponyakr]

Another engine that has had a lot of Stocker success, thru the years, is the 455HO. Brad Burton has run one for years. Went a little too quick at one race, not too long ago and got a horsepower hit from NHRA. The '72 455HO with RA now has a factor 352hp, in a Bird.

http://www.classracerinfo.com/Engine...0&MAKE=Pontiac

But, the non ram air version appears to have a 330hp factor as of 1/1/18. So, I would assume Brad is now running the non-RA set-up. Maybe Norman Warling will see this & let us know. Anybody else know ?

http://www.classracerinfo.com/Engine...9&MAKE=Pontiac

Scott Underhill held the E/SA national record for a while, with his 455HO T-37.

http://www.classracerinfo.com/Engine...0&MAKE=Pontiac

One of the first 455HO Stockers I can remember reading about was the Tons-a-Fun '72 Wagon. It was built by Gary Wood. His wife Charlene drove it some. They actually had 2 of 'em. One had a reg '72 Lemans front. The other had the GTO type front. There is some info about these cars at the bottom of the page, in this article.

http://www.hotrod.com/articles/0212hpp-pontiac-history/

Not real sure who else is still running a 455HO in Stock. Larry Maxwell was running a '72 Lemans. But this year he has been running a '68 Bird GT car. A '72 recently showed up at a big race. It was listed with a female driver from Canada. Don't know if that's Larry's old car or not. Can anybody name some other 455HO Stockers currently running.

[ponyakr]

Just happened to think, Don Turk sold his GA Stocker & built a T-37. I suppose it has a 455HO.

And, Allen Holingsworth's Formy may also have a 455HO.

[ponyakr]

I'm sure there have been lots of 455HO Stockers. I have some pics of a few, which I think may be running a 455HO. I could be wrong.

Here are 3 of 'em.

[Skip Fix]

Monk King's Black Gold ran at the '72 IHRA events in Dallas(track was closer to Denton). I ran my 64 409 Impala in the same classes. I think the car was sold maybe 8-10 years ago and no longer in Texas. Gave the Texas guy my '72 class trophies since the car has historic value winning those classes.

They also had a 64 GTO or Tempest they campaigned. it was for sale at one of the Pontiac Southern Nationals and looked like a big project.

Do not forget to add John Schloe's '69 Firebird campaigned with a RAIV now a D port motor. RAIV was in the 10s way back when.

[adam woodmancy]

Originally Posted by ponyakr

Just happened to think, Don Turk sold his GA Stocker & built a T-37. I suppose it has a 455HO.

And, Allen Holingsworth's Formy may also have a 455HO.

The T-37 Don Turk has now is Larry Maxwells old car. Original 455 HO T-37 I'm told.
I saw where Don said on facebook that they have a new aftermarket block for the car and are getting ready to re-do the engine to make it more competitive.

[ponyakr]

Adam, thanks for that info !

I had no idea that was the same car.

[adam woodmancy]

Originally Posted by ponyakr

Adam, thanks for that info !

I had no idea that was the same car.

I had heard through the grapevine that that car was one of Rock’s old cars, but I have no way to substantiate that.. seems unlikely, but would be very cool if it was.

[ponyakr]

Originally Posted by adam woodmancy

I had heard through the grapevine that that car was one of Rock’s old cars, but I have no way to substantiate that.. seems unlikely, but would be very cool if it was.

Rock ?

Rock Running is the only Rock I can remember who was a Pontiac Stock racer. This article says that he raced several Pontiacs, including a '71 Lemans with a 455HO. That's the only one of his cars I remember.

http://www.mmshof.org/inductees/rock-running/

I haven't found a pic of it, but I did find this one.

http://www.tarheeltigers.org/1971-t-...class-car.html

And this one, which was run in SS. This article says that Dan Jensen is "Mr.T-37". So, he can probably name & produce pics of lots of former T-37 drag cars. Anybody know how to contact him ?

http://www.classicalpontiac.com/features/feature16.html