NASCAR also began to put out word that it will ask the car factories to begin thinking about a new engine platform for introduction in the next two or three years. It was not stated whether this move indicates a move toward a more “common” engine, much as NASCAR has done with the car bodies since 2002. Even with Ford’s having received cylinder heads with equivalent port heights for 2003, there remain significant differences between the engines of the three makes. Dodge, for example, has a shorter crank-to-cam dimension, allowing for shorter stroke and higher rpm. Dodge (and Toyota, in Trucks) has had the only “blueprint” engine introduced to NASCAR. The Ford and Chevrolet engines are loosely based on ancient small-block V8 designs — Chevy’s 350 and Ford’s 351 — having hence evolved over 35 years into what amount to pedigree racing engines. Unleaded fuel appears to be the prime mover, although most say that issue could be resolved on the present platform. NASCAR garage chief John Darby said all issues are on the table, although it appears unlikely NASCAR would move directly to a modern, factory-type injected engine. “We will look at any areas,” he said. “Is the compression ratio right? Is the cubic inch right? Do we need eight cylinders or do we need 20?”(Speed Channel)(1-13-2005)
