Sportmod engine question

[ryoung99]

I would love to hear opinions regarding sportmod engines. A local track is running the class and we plan to race it next season.

We are trying to decide if we should go with the 602 Crate or the JRM Northern SportMod engine. All the engines at the track have to have a 4412.

Non of the locals are running the 602, so no one really knows how it will stack up (at least locally). Given that all the engines are 9 to 1, I would suspect the 602 should be on an equal foot.

If you run the 602 you cannot be claimed (good news) or claim another engine. All other engines are eligable to be claimed. Given the JRM engine is $1k more expensive than the 602 and can be claimed there is a ton more risk to running the JRM engine. But if the difference in performance is large, then we would want to take the risk.

Your thoughts would be appreciated. The local guys seem to have between $3-4k into their 9-1 claimer engines.

[CsR41]

What specifically are your motor rules? Rpm rule? Do crates get a weight break?

[ryoung99]

No weight break; 2500; 2550 if you run an aftermarket trans (Brinn, BERT, Falcon, etc).

No RPM rule.

Thanks

[jtrent64]

I agree, I love my crate. From what I understand the real cost savings comes from the longevity.

[MM90]

Crate the way to go even on a 4412?

[ryoung99]

Thanks for all your responses. I was concerned the 4412 would be a killer, but if those of you that run them believe otherwise then I would be much happier with a $3100 engine that cannot be claimed vs a $4000 engine that can.

[racinjj]

I have the 602 crate and love it, inexpensive, low maintenance, and good torque. I have not been beat by a claim engine this year, around here (WI) crates rule at the majority of tracks.

[rubbinsracin]

i would go with the crate and one of the aftermarket trannys. As a matter of fact i have a spare Falcon we just rebuilt and havent used because we went with the newer roller style style falcon. PM me if you are interested in in.

[ryoung99]

I was wrong on the RPM question, the 602 has a 6200 RPM chip; the claim engine has to run a 6800 RPM chip.

Does that change any reccomendations?

[C10]

by what your saying this is not an IMCA sport mod? because if it is you CAN NOT run an aftermarket transmission. Secondly, with the crate option you are allowed a 4 barrel carb ......GM CRATE ENGINE:
may use any Holley
4-barrel carburetor, all components (float bowls and main body) must be Holley manufactured. Metering blocks and base plate may be billet aluminum non-
Holley. No aerosol-style carburetors allowed. May use Speedway Motors part #545-64940 or Moroso part #64940 carburetor spacer on crate. All carburetors,
may be exchanged, style for style only, following same procedure as engine claim. Driver claiming carburetor may not claim engine or shocks on same nigh

[ryoung99]

That is correct. The only difference to the IMCA rules are the trans and all cars have to run a 4412.

[50j]

Sounds to me like the crate would need a 4bbl to be close to a good 2bbl claim engine. That's why IMCA has those rules.

[C10]

Thats what I was getting at 50j, in IMCA they are given the 4 barrel because with the 500,, the crate doesnt keep up with that chip rule. The chip rule does in fact save money though as the 602 doesnt like or need to be turned anymore then that. BUT I also see the claim has a 6800 rule as well so maybe......

[ryoung99]

If I understand correctly, the 602 works best with a 650 CFM carb. I am pretty sure you can get a "legal" 4412 to flow close to that amount. Which would tell me the 602 should work almost as well with the 4412 as with a 650. Maybe I am delusional.

Anyways, I picked up the roller today and will probably order a 602 this week then start looking for the right 4412 to put on top of it.