Big Block and Auto cross

[Walter F.]

Were the big block cars really used in auto cross by professional racing teams or was the small block cars what most used. I always heard big block cars were nose heavy and not good on the performance track.

[Steven B.]

Re: Big Block and Auto cross

Walter, when I was most active in midwest SCCA and NCCC auto x'ng in the '60's - 80's the small blocks were in the majority, including track days. Small blocks seemed quicker on the tight auto x courses in the stock and modified classes. Balance, weight, and fast revving were all factors. Steve

[Joe L.]

Re: Big Block and Auto cross

Walter, when I was most active in midwest SCCA and NCCC auto x'ng in the '60's - 80's the small blocks were in the majority, including track days. Small blocks seemed quicker on the tight auto x courses in the stock and modified classes. Balance, weight, and fast revving were all factors. Steve

Steve and Walter------


Of course, one could go with a "ZL-1". Then one has big block power and torque and weight slightly less than an all cast iron small block.

[Steven B.]

Re: Big Block and Auto cross

Joe, only road course ZL-1 I saw were the Can Am's, but a ZL-1 Corvette auto-x'r---now that would be fun. I did see a couple of OTC L-88's---one was good on auto-x, the other great at track days. (This doesn't include A/P L-88's which were great to watch and even more of a thrill to drive.) I did go to a couple of long course auto-x's where speeds hit 100+, NOT CONDONED by the sanctioning bodies. Although Corvettes on tight courses are fun, and a workout, the small cars, Super 7's, FV, etc are a lot of fun and very quick.

[Jim L.]

Re: Big Block and Auto cross

Of course, one could go with a "ZL-1". Then one has big block power and torque and weight slightly less than an all cast iron small block.

The logical progression of this thought process is to go with an aluminum small block. For example, one of my Donovan blocks weighs only 85 lbs bare.