How strong is the 8"? Plans are to convert my 6 cyl Stocker to a 302 Crate Motor. The current set-up has stock axles, 5.43 gear and mini spool. To be competitive, the car will be running high 10, low 11's in the 1/4 at 2900 lb(approx). Bare minimum will be an upgrade to aftermarket axles. I'm looking for your experiences in pushing the 8 inch to the limit. It's interesting to speculate, but I really need to know if it's worth the risk, so, "real" feedback only. Thanks everyone.
have to agree with the kid on this one the 8 inch will not hold up to the track unless you are not pushing much horses to it ,,,
I broke mine with about 300 H.P. and wrinkle wall tires. In my opinion NO its not worth it. When it breaks the motor will go to the rev limit. (mine actually went past the first limiter and hit the second limiter) Second if it is moving it may lock both or one rear tire. At very minimum you will flat spot a tire, You know what Maximum is. If you going to run any sticky tire go with a 9 Inch.
I agree with the others. The 8" will be fine for a mild street car but for a 10-11 second car I don't believe it's going to hold up well.
The 8" will be "ok" behind an auto trans and street tires with a mellow converter.If you put slick on it and an aggressive converter, you will crack the carrier caps on the 8"... Go to a 9" and save some cash on the parts breakage.
The mini spool will break or you will twist an axle, to get in the 10s or low elevens you had better have good stuff in it. You want to play you got to pay. Thats a pretty tall order for a 302 crate motor
Please keep in mind that the term "crate motor" as it applies to IHRA sanction, is just a way to identify the hp rating as listed from the mfr. The rules allow mods that will make considerably more than the advertised amount. For instance, the 302/320hp version will put out over 400 at the flywheel. The record holder in L/CM is a Maverick with the 302/270hp crate motor @ 11.60. That car's minimum legal weight with driver is just over 3,000lb.
Gotcha, guess I should have looked and seen that you run V/SA class now. One of my good friends runs a 67 Mustang with a 390 in E/SA class so I have a little clue as to what you can and cant do to the engine and car. It has always amazed me what a stock engine can do with the limitations you have. My friends car is actually a 66 Mustang but changed it to a 67 just so he could use an aluminum intake. As others have said though go with 9 inch and not risk it when every point counts
Not only that but a mini spool is not supposed to be used for drag racing. I know, I've done it too. But I was running a 302 in a 64 fairlane and running 15 seconds. Any car that has a spool in it has to have aftermarket axles according to NHRA rules also.
Probably one of the most abused rules, I did it too with my 61 Falcon running 12.5s---- and broke it and twisted axles. Hence my response
Yes, the aftermarket axle upgrade was a given. I've never been bothered because of the class. (I think)
