We Call BS
Have you seen a story in a magazine, or a show on TV, or an item on the news that was total BS? Who hasn't? So "We Call BS" is Car Craft's new area to vent about things like $2,000 big-block buildups that use a $1,000 carburetor "that we bought for $220 at a swap meet." Sure. Or even Car Craft's April '05 story where we rebuilt a $25 carb for $580, even though you can buy the same carb new for like $430. We're not exempt. Neither is anyone else. So e-mail your gaff to CarCraft@primedia.com, or mail evidence to Car Craft, We Call BS, 6420 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048.
Street Race Rules: The Basics
There are different weight breaks from 2,900 to 3,600 pounds depending on displacement, power adder, and body style.
Displacement limits are 415 ci for small-blocks and 490 ci forbig-blocks.
Induction limitations include 850-cfm small-pattern carbs or 80mm throttle-bodies.
Rules require approved off-the-shelf cylinder heads, and include applications for Chevy, Ford, Mopar, Olds, Pontiac, and AMC.
Small-blocks are limited to a 0.093-inch nitrous jet; big-blocks are 0.063-inch. No dual-stage systems or progressive controllers.
Solid or hydraulic flat-tappet or hydraulic-roller cams only, with lift limits of 0.550-inch for small-blocks and 0.600 for big-blocks.
Bolt-on suspension only.
Tires are limited to street-legal 28x11.50-15 slicks (28x9 as measured) or up to 275/60 drag radials.
These are not the only rules. You've got to read them all at fasteststreetcar.com.
RaceLegal On Life Support
If you're a politician, there aren't many easier targets than street racers. After all, what they do is illegal, ludicrously dangerous, and unpopular with virtually everyone but them. More importantly, a lot of them don't vote. But as much as politicians like to whine about street racing when it gets them on TV, they rarely want to do anything that might actually reduce street racing.
Take San Diego, California's RaceLegal, an operation that organizes eighth-mile drags in the parking lot of the city's Qualcomm Stadium to give legal vent to the racing impulse. But RaceLegal is running out of funds and could be out of business by the time you read this.
Despite holding about 200 events over nearly eight years, plus loads of praise from law enforcement, RaceLegal is a shoestring operation. Now, with a state grant running out, RaceLegal may not be able to overcome a budget shortfall of about $200,000, according to Darrin Handy, the organization's administrative coordinator. The 300 or so cars that show up for each event would be forced to race elsewhere-probably back on the streets.
Are there any San Diego politicians taking up RaceLegal's cause? Not really, despite the fact that law enforcement officers have entered their own cars in the drags and distribute "I Beat the Heat" T-shirts to racers who beat them in heads-up competition.
Charging $20 for a night of racing isn't a bad deal, but RaceLegal director Lydia DeNecochea feels that's the most they can charge and still attract a crowd. "We know we're pushing the limit of what our competitors can afford," she told the San Diego Union-Tribune. "So we have to get help from a sponsor or somewhere."
As this is written, that sponsor hasn't been found. But they're looking. RaceLegal is at racelegal.com or 619/ 265-8159.-John Pearley Huffman
Blatant Pandering
November's SEMA show has grown into something more than just an aftermarket extravaganza. It's also a chance to ogle women in sexy clothes without having to pay for a lap dance. Our favorite women at the '04 SEMA show? The ladies Ford hired to walk around their silver painted cars while wearing silver jumpsuits and high heels. You're welcome.