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

Several questions now that Knoxville has switched from the open 305 to a more cost effective entry level engine package.  So what's the difference between a Racesaver 305 and one of these CT525?  Are they similar in HP?  Torque?  Just wondering why they went with this engine instead of the Racesaver since so many tracks near them use the Racesaver.

We have run Racesaver 305 engines for seven or eight years and have seen other 305 engines come and go.  Seems like a plan.

The all aluminum Pace 525 are 376 cu in motors and it appears are all dynoed to be around 533H.P. and have proven they can stay together on the longer track at Knoxville and are $16K complete.The Racesaver is 305 cu  sealed and are around 470H.P. and a competitive sealed engine can be built for around $7K plus.They also live well  but  are better suited to the 3/8 or smaller  tracks Our first 360 Gaerte was$10K used but fresh and guy from Indiana brought it to DesMoines and helped install it.Been awhile but seems like dyno sheet was around 560H.P. and was competitive.We had a new 410 built and it was $10K but builder didnt charge for labor as it was his first 410  but did win a feature and made B main at Nationals first year.It seemed like it might have made 700+ H.P. Now there are some that make close to 1000H.P. and cost around $60+Tech is key to keeping it cheaper and fair.IMCA was first to have cheaper 350s but claims dont make them much cheaper.They had 6 cyl in Jackson and Hussets which raced well as a entry level class.The Knoxville Pro Sprints at 17+ seconds would have won the Nationals 40 years ago.All steps in right direction for entry level or budget racing but no type of racing is cheap.I would guess 75%+ of all the racers have a hard time breaking even.

So the 305 class runs engines that are actually 376 CI? Larger than a 360? 16K sounds pretty expensive to me for a beginner/hobby class that races for next to nothing. I think all sprint car motors are better suited for 3/8 or smaller(if you want them to last).

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Out of curiosity, what would be the approximate horsepower and cost range of the current 305 engines they are replacing?

I was told by an owner that the best built 305 that could win and be reliable was close to $25K+. Cubic inches or cubic dollars all help you go faster.I applaud Knoxville for their efforts.People go to Knoxville to see the best sprint cars in all 3 divisions. 305 Racesavers are  very popular and are probably the cheapest alternative.I always thought the Ford Focus midget program sounded like a good idea but never caught on in the Midwest.The only problem I see is the high dollar 305s are obsolete but they knew they would  probably be phased out two years ago.