Forum: HoseHeads Sprint Car General Forum (go)
Moderators: dirtonly  /  dmantx  /  hosehead

https://speedsport.com/sprints-midgets/other-sprint-cars/ford-officially-reveals-410-sprint-car-engine/

Ask Frank

So in the modern era of custom built engines... what makes a Ford or a Chevy?   Just the position of the magneto?

And the price of 410s will go up again.  Jus like 360s did when RY got in there.  

I think I understand the point you're trying to make, unless you are just a pessimist all the time.   As a long time car owner who has purchased top of the line 360 and 410 engines including a Ford 360, the Yates 360 was right at, and even slightly cheaper price point than the same quality 100% new Shaver, Wesmar, Ott, etc. Chevy when introduced. 

The parts for a Ford ASCS are no more expensive than Chevy.  Less used available, but a Bryant Crank, Crower rods, T&D rockers, Del West Ti valves, dry sump pump, etc. is the same regardless.   This price esclation argument was said of the Mopar 410 at the time, of which we had two 10 years ago,  There was no difference other than selling them at rotation was a little slower, ours went to Australia.  There is zero reason why this Ford would increase the price for anyone.  It's just another option.

What happened to the Mopar motors?

Great 410 engines, however there was no significant development in the W-9, W-9 RP heads since they rolled out and current "Chevy" heads such as All Pro make more HP and have many runner options to suit personal preference.  

Mopars are still great non wing engines.  Look at BC's history in the 63 car.  We had W-9 Stanton Mopars and they made just under 850 hp reliably.   Would have chosen the W-9 RP version for wing, but use Chevy ALL Pro for that purpose.  One reason we finally sold them is that Mopar, who made the blocks and heads, quit supporting the sprint engine.  So if you hurt a block or head you were left looking for NOS or good used parts.  In summary, parts were drying up and HP wasn't keeping up. 

WIth the new Ford, and pending Toyota sprint engine, I am most interested in knowing if WoO sprint rules may be changing to allow an increase to 4.500 bore spacing as the Late models have.   I assume the new TSR Ford is made with stock Ford 4.380 Bore Spacing or use Chevrolets spec of 4.400 BS, The current Nascar/USAC iron TRD V8 block is 4.500 bore spacing, whereas current sprint car stuff rule is 4.400 max.  I don't think TRD has a 4.400 block or cylinder head, but that may be history with their intent to get into sprints.  Nascar builders like 4.185 cylinder bores with very short stroke, whereas 410 Sprints typically start with 4.125 bore and 3.800 stroke due in part to the 4.400 bore spacing.  Never ran midgets, so don't know the midget bore spacing on TRD or the Sr11.  Will make a call next week.  

I like it...variety is the spice of life

Interesting that Schatz is introducing it at IMSA races but not WoO.....

???