Quote Originally Posted by BigTruckDriver
You can get each to reach the same maximum HP.If they were all made to make 1000 horses, will one be better than the other on a 1/8 mile dragstrip,1/4 mile dragsrip?
Although bigger is better, size is irrevelant. If you have a 283 making 500hp and a 383 making 500hp, you convert and gear them to run at 500hp. If the 283 makes it's power at 6500-8500, you stall and gear it to keep it in that rpm range. Same with the 383.

Figure your race weight, then the E.T. you want, then the power it will take to get there and build accordingly.

EX.1. Small Cube

Race weight (driver, fuel, etc) 3000lbs
Want to run 10.50
Need 500hp to push 3000 lbs. to 10.50 @ 129mph
6500 stall, 30" tire, 5.45 gear, 8500 rpm redline

EX.2. Big Cube

Race weight (driver, fuel, etc) 3000lbs
Want to run 10.50
Need 500hp to push 3000 lbs. to 10.50 @ 129mph
4500 stall, 30" tire, 4.16 gear, 6500 rpm redline


In a street/strip car, bigger would be preferred due to compromises that have to be made. 600hp with less stall and gear would still net 10.50's while maintaining a certain "drivable" aspect.

In a drag only car, bigger would allow low speed torque to do the work without the need to spin 8500 rpm = more reliability.

The smaller engine may help overcome starting line obstacles (traction) with a "lower than optimal" stall. (just trying to find something positive about a small build )