2015 Top Alcohol Cylinder head rules

Discussion in 'Pit Buzz' started by Will Hanna, Sep 15, 2014.

  1. Will Hanna

    Will Hanna We put the 'inside' in Top Alcohol
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    This was sent out to a number of Top Alcohol drivers from NHRA:

    NHRA Alcohol Head Specification Update

    The NHRA Technical department has recently evaluated numerous alcohol heads during various events as well as gathered information from manufacturers in order to develop additional specifications for Chevy/Fontana and Chrysler/Hemi heads currently running in Top Alcohol Dragster and Funny Car categories of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. The new specifications are listed below which will become effective January 1, 2015. These new specifications will also be included in the 2015 NHRA Rulebook.

    Chevy / Fontana Heads
    Bore Centers 4.84” max
    Intake Valve Max Size 2.60” max
    Total Combined Intake and Exhaust Valve Size 4.60” max
    Intake Valve Angle 24˚ ± 1˚
    Exhaust Valve Angle 24˚ ± 1˚
    Lifter Bore Center to Center 2.00” max

    Chrysler / Hemi Heads
    Bore Centers 4.80” max
    Intake Valve Max Size 2.55” max
    Total Combined Intake and Exhaust Valve Size 4.55” max
    Intake Valve Angle 20˚ ± 1˚
    Exhaust Valve Angle 23˚ ± 1˚
    Lifter Bore Center to Center 2.00" Max

    My question is where does the Veney head fall under this?
     
    #1
    Will Hanna, Sep 15, 2014
  2. Hemi101

    Hemi101 Member

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    About time!!!

    I am glad to finally see this happen but do you ever see them trying to enforce this at the track?
     
    #2
    Hemi101, Sep 15, 2014
  3. tad1011

    tad1011 Member

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    Head specs

    Don't see the 481X/ olds heads listed. These are currently being run are they going to be illegal.
     
    #3
    tad1011, Sep 15, 2014
  4. John Evanchuk

    John Evanchuk TAFC

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    NHRA tech did actually measure my bore spacing, valve size and angle at the Northwest Nationals in Seattle.
     
    #4
    John Evanchuk, Sep 16, 2014
  5. Gary Mangiafico

    Gary Mangiafico Member

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    Rule Question.

    Just a question.

    What is the importance of verifying the Seat Angles? Why should NHRA care what people run for angles?

    Regards,

    Gary Mangiafico
     
    #5
    Gary Mangiafico, Sep 16, 2014
  6. Gary Mangiafico

    Gary Mangiafico Member

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    Rule Question.

    OOPS I meant Valve angles.
     
    #6
    Gary Mangiafico, Sep 16, 2014
  7. Will Hanna

    Will Hanna We put the 'inside' in Top Alcohol
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    rules

    Dan - the 481x falls under the "Chevy" category

    It is my understanding NHRA wants to have a test fixture to check this.
     
    #7
    Will Hanna, Sep 16, 2014
  8. rb0804

    rb0804 Active Member

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    I doubt that the valve angles posted above are close to the 481x. I understand it being considered a "Chevy" and all but I don't think those dimensions would match either. What ever happened about the lifter spacing on the blocks? Are we allowed to run whatever lifter spacing anywhere we want or is NHRA going to be checking those also?
     
    #8
    rb0804, Sep 16, 2014
  9. Bill Naves

    Bill Naves Member

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    research

    Robert, they don't need no stinkin' research!!
     
    #9
    Bill Naves, Sep 16, 2014
  10. Bill Naves

    Bill Naves Member

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    pete and repeat

    remember the magnetic steel fittings...research?
     
    #10
    Bill Naves, Sep 16, 2014
  11. tad1011

    tad1011 Member

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    head rules

    The vavle angles on the 481X are 11 and 10 degree not even close to the chevy heads. I quess I am done
     
    #11
    tad1011, Sep 16, 2014
  12. tad1011

    tad1011 Member

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    Head rules

    This motor has been legal since 1996. This should fall under the moratorium rule in the rule book
     
    #12
    tad1011, Sep 16, 2014
  13. john348

    john348 Top Alcohol

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    Just talked to Tim at NHRA about this this Veney head is legal and will be after Jan 1
     
    #13
    john348, Sep 17, 2014
  14. tad1011

    tad1011 Member

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    head specs

    According to the higher ups this info was sent out as a preliminary spec for additional input. As of yet nothing is written in stone, since there are so many variables

    of heads already in use. If the heads are legal this year they will probably be grandfathered in for use in 2015. They do not have any info on certain engine combos.

    I was told they are trying to control the escalating cost of racing but we all know where that goes.
     
    #14
    tad1011, Sep 17, 2014
  15. scott hall

    scott hall Member

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    "According to the higher ups this info was sent out as a preliminary spec for additional input. As of yet nothing is written in stone, since there are so many variables"

    Finally...someone posted what should have been obvious from the start. Do you all think NHRA is going to eliminate cylinder heads without actually naming brands or part numbers that are allowed???

    I know the three people at the NHRA Tech Department, and contrary to popular belief, they dont go into work each day looking to reduce the amount of racers they can.

    I love forums....rational thinking at its best........

    Back in they day when they "killed combinations" in alcohol dragster, it was based on distinct advantages on paper, and certain people who had pull to make things more equal to their advnatage. I lived it first hand....so I know what it looks like. This isnt that situation.........

    481X, Veney, Brand, and such are the heads that are not commonly used, but they are bringing in more entrys to the races and have no distinct power advantage.

    There is plenty of time to discuss this with NHRA, and they will listen.

    I seam to remember everyone up in arms about 'illegal cylinder heads" out there. Well, this the first step to fixing that problem.

    Scott Hall
     
    #15
    scott hall, Sep 18, 2014

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