What I am suggesting is that running any "Vintage" racing isn't this great romantic endeavor it would appear to be on the surface to outsiders.
Very simply put, it is hardass.
These cars are running harder than they ever did when they were new "nickle" racers way back.
No one races in them on a whim and just goes out on the track just cruisin' around. If you do, you are going to get freakin' killed.
The problem with running a Cleveland NOW is that there really is no adequate CLEVELAND block to run UNDER THESE CONDITIONS.
Maybe Buttmore's block will do, if he ever really makes enough of them available, AND THEY ARE ACCEPTABLE AS A SUBSTITUTE within the rules? Even so, NO ONE has tested one under the duress of flat out, all out racing. At least to my knowledge.
Everything else in the engine can pretty much be adaptable to the conditions.
It would be nice if there was an allowable modern substitution for the original iron heads. That you should check the rules on.
500 hp isn't enough to run with these guys.
You are going to need a real 650hp engine with AT LEAST 8,200 rpm capabilities.
I get criticized all the time for repeating what I've been shown, told, taught or observed. I AM NOT going to get involved in a battle of expert witnesses here.
This is supposed to be a friendly casual discussion among friends and others of like minds?
That is my thinking in how I participate here. I don't tell people what they should and should not do or can or can not do.
The Ford 289/302 engine series is more ancient by far than the Cleveland is.
The modern version of that engine currently running in "Vintage racing" is quite capable of running, from what I have observed often to about 8,600 or 8,700 rpm.
That's where the Cleveland is going to need to run, not necessarily to win, but to be reasonably in the hunt.
Many of the current drivers are very, very talented. Certainly well past what personally I can or are willing to do.
These are the considerations one, anyone must make to make it not a total waste of time, effort, money and hope to even make the effort worthwhile.
Just my opinion...offered in a friendly casual discussion over morning coffee. Pass the sugar please?
Best...everyone. Happy Thanksgiving.
