Big Block? You Mean Big Price?
Big Block? You Mean Big Price?
By: Dominick Peck
The price of a decent Big Block Modified is close to a Mercedes. A topic that has been discussed among car owners is the soaring cost of a Big Block. They speculate high cost will be death of Big Block racing.
Pat Morrison, an engine builder from New York, breaks down the cost of a Modified engine.
“A completive Big Block engine today costs around $50-60,000 compared to $20,000 twenty years ago,” Morrison said. “Drivers increase horsepower by using a process called ‘angling,’ by rotating the angel of the intake valve in the cylinder heads to a lower degree. The 18° heads are called ‘Mike Heads.’”
Mike Perrotte, Northeast DIRTcar Director of Series and Sanctioning, gives further incite about angling.
“The biggest expense is drivers changing from 24° to 18° heads, the cost is $12-18,000,” Perrotte said. “Neal Williams won at Volusia with 24° heads. Is it really necessary?”
A South Jersey Modified driver, Neal Williams, earned his victory at Volusia by having the right car setup.
After numerous attempts of contacting different drivers throughout the Northeast and not getting a response or being told “We don’t disclose that information,” we’re left to ask, “What’s the secret?” A majority of drivers have 18° heads and a track’s tech inspector can tell you which drivers race with them.
Technology has evolved racing into the sport we know and love today, but a driver with 24° heads can win proving skill is a major component in having a successful racing career. Shelling out $20,000 for the extra torque isn’t feasible for every driver, and doesn’t guarantee a spot in victory or the front of the pack.
For questions, comments or concerns I can be emailed at info@racersguide.com
