Racing Insiders Podcast

QUESTIONS ASKED ON THE SHOW Purchased a set of your 602 valve springs and there was a bag of intakes and a bag of exhaust’s.

What is the difference? Matched at different rates?

What carb would you recommend running on a 604 going in a street truck?

How close are the chips in a MSDS to actual rpm on Tach?

After how many races either from brand new or rebuild do when u do think is right to change valve springs? Steve would a lower heat range plug help with a car that would maybe be running rich or over loading? I'm currently on a 5724-8?

How much can you get out of a 604 that can’t be sealed anymore as far as a legal nesmith motor you’ve done all the work on it, block is to max specs from last freshen?

What's max rpm on a 602?How can a race track run without a tech man?

What's a good jet size for 602 with 650 Willy's carb on 102 fuel?

How about the brisk in a 602?Is a 1/4" carb spacer better for torque on a 3/8 mile track vs 1/2 . track rules says open spacer no divider?

QUESTIONS ASKED ON THE SHOW

Steve what is the magic durometer number for Hoosier tires or any example of good tire reading of a racing tire? Steve’s recommended valve spring Change on a 602 in a imca hobbystock that runs a Rochester 2 barrel stock exhaust manifolds with a 6200 chip? Which produces more HP e85 or chp, and which produces more torque? When using a holly 4412 on a 602 or 604 what rpm do you see the power drop and the vacuum ramp up, say a Willie's carb example? What amount of valve spring preload do you recommend on a 602 engine?  I have the Gm metal 4 blade. what do you suggest, running race gas with a double pass?

QUESTIONS ASKED ON THE SHOW What plug do you recommend for the 604? We run a 602 imca sportmod sealed crate. having issues with distributor moving on us after we run a few laps. also fuel pump keeps coming loose? Thinking of installing the crate muffler on our asphalt prolate. would I install one per side before y pipe or one 4" after y pipe? How often should you change spark plugs? I race crate 602 in the northeast at a very dusty surface, I run Walker 4x14 with a outerwear pre filter. My concern is I wonder if I over oil my filter due to dust concerns, do I over think this? How do you clean an oilless filter? Is a 604 with bad heads worth anything? I have a brand new carburetor. Revs great an runs good in 1st an 2nd. Soon as I get to 3rd an go wide open the car is stumbling but if I back off to 3 quarter throttle it will go but as soon as I get back wide open it's back to stumbling. Also looks like the bowl is losing fuel an is below the sight glass an this is over a 2 day period. Any opinions? So the autolites are pre gaped at about 10 thousands is that ok? Not quite race related but is a podcast better or doing Facebook live as far as reaching people?

QUESTIONS ASKED ON THE SHOW Steve, I have a pic of a white late model number 29 from 1991 Santa Rosa Speedway. Is that you?

How long is the shelf life of e85 in a sealed drum? What’s the average price to rebuild a 602 these days? On the 604 engines there's two different part numbers for intake, is there a difference in them? Could you get tossed by tech for running a new part number piston in an “older” 604? What plugs and wires are good for 602? What’s your recommendation on rpm range on 604? What makes more power….. block mounted fuel pump or reverse mount?

QUESTIONS ASKED ON THE SHOW

Steve do y'all run a fuel pressure gage in the car? Or near the motor? What’s the best 4hole carb spacer for 604? What’s the best carb spacer for 602 running E85? Whats your opinion of 10-30 Driven oil Steve? Whatever happened to the Joe Gibbs oil? 

Good or bad to run 15w40 oil in a 602? Steve if you have any advice I think I might look into tire pyrometer, do you use one? Is there any validity to the Kevco crank case vent system on a 602? Whats your opinion of 10-30 Driven oil? What oil would you recommend for a 602? Ive been using VR1 20-50 for the longest time.

QUESTIONS ASKED ON THE SHOW

Is walker air filters really better then all the rest? What does it mean when driver says his tires sealed up? When using pump E85 and testing it to make sure it is 85, do you recommend the KLOTZ UpFlow Fuel Lube?

I changed my oil in my 602, Schafer 15/40 , had 3 races on the old oil and all winter storage. My concerns are the oil was brown and not what I remember from the past oil changes. Just wondering what you think? What is the optimal oil pressure on a 602. 10w30 oil? Does anyone sell a tool for scanning the engine seals during tech inspection? Need to replace oil pan on 602. Any suggestions? Who would win in a race the Bandit in the Trans Am or Duke Boys in General Lee? Have you done any testing with Lucas full synthetic on your dyno? For a long race say 50 plus laps should you run a oil cooler on a 602? ​How do you handle the possibility of pressurizing the floats when using the flat aircleaner bases?  Do you know if any of your top 5 oils distribute to Oz?

QUESTIONS ASKED ON THE SHOW

What are the recommended spark plugs for GM602, and GM604?

Recommended gap on spark plugs?

Recommended carb spacer for GM602?

Recommended carb spacer for GM604?

When you tune on the dyno, do you believe in the sniffer for tuning or would you rather still read plugs for timing and fuel?

QUESTIONS ASKED ON THE SHOW

What’s the cost to freshen a 604 now ? What hard parts get changed when freshen for 3300?

What is being learned now that engines are dynoed with an O2 sensor on each header tube?

I am curious what you guys consider to be most efficient alternator for 602 dirt application? Any guidance is very much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Any particular amperage? I currently have 50 amp mini alternator by power master in mind.

What's the ave hp gain with the Jones or the race fan on a 602? Right now I have a 5 blade steel.

QUESTIONS ASKED ON THE SHOW

Any dyno testing with conversions to 1.6 ratio rockers? 1/4ish mile paved ovals mostly is our tracks. And roller rockers are not allowed either. Any thoughts//advice? What fuel pressures do you recommend? Is there any hp gain going from 12volt to 16 volt on msd on a 604? I know you don't like the kevco evac deal, but I run an asphalt deal so the dirt isn't much of an issue. They say to run the tube behind the muffler. Does that include the anti reversion muffler? Do you guys recommend a 16an or 20an outlet fitting for your radiator hose? Double pass radiator, SBC Built motor street stock is the application. Also, how do the Schoenfield anti reversion mufflers compare?

QUESTIONS ASKED ON THE SHOW

Best spark plugs?

QUESTIONS ASKED ON THE SHOW

Spark Plug Indexing is it worth it?
Do you recommend low drag bearings on all 4 wheels or just the front?
On the gen 2 bert transmissions is the Crate guys getting them ballspline or slip yoke?
On a 602, is there an advantage to using a lightweight flexplate?
What are your thoughts on lightweight balancers on a 602. Is it a bolt on or part of the engine? And, is there an advantage to a lightweight balancer?
Were is the best location to install Coolant temp Sensor in a 602 engine?
I've got a damaged rocker arm stud in a 602that makes it hard to get the valves set right. Any recommendations for a workaround until I can pull the engine for a refresh?
I got a new set of schoenfeld headers for 604 crate late. Got extensions and mufflers. Do you recommend using the extensions?
Are brisk spark plugs best for a 602 on gas?

QUESTIONS ASKED ON THE SHOW
what is your opinion on using 87 octane non ethanol fuel in a 602 crate motor? Also what octane booster I could use it up to 91 or 93?
what are your thoughts on plug indexing? 602 crate
Steve not asking you to reveal your secrets but what is your method of preparing and cleaning your tires?
How many races should you get out of oil before changing?
What is the best oil to run in a 602?
Explain Germaine test?
Daytona1 15w40 tell me your opinion an why or whynot to use it?
3/4 preload with engine hot or cold?
What’s your opinion on the crate usa vs acas seal deal?
where is the best spot to put my reversion mufflers? How close to the collector?
On a CT525 where should the anti reversion muffler be placed behind the collector?
What’s your thoughts on running an hei street fire on a 602?
how long can a new engine set before you need to pre-lube it again before starting it?
​How much preload do you put in 602 valve springs? I’ve heard 3/4 turn, 1 turn, 1 1/2 turn?
Opinion on pump e85 through a 602?
How much fuel pressure do you suggest for a 602 on E-85?
Would you recommend going ump mod or ump pro or do crate late models?
​What’s the difference in the quick silver 602 vs a regular 602 I seen the rules at the big north Georgia race are allowing the quick silver

QUESTIONS ASKED ON THE SHOW
How important is shock rebound on the left front when running a chain limiter?
How much is reliability affected on a 604 by running 6800 RPM vs. say 6600 or 6700?
Do we get any extra dyno time if we bring a case of beer?

QUESTIONS ASKED ON THE SHOW
Do anti reversion muffler get rid of the need for an X pipe and how do you feel about running them in a class that uses exhaust manifolds?
Thermostat or restrictor?
I bought a set of 604 valve springs from you is one for the exhaust and another for the intake. Are they all the same? There is a mark at the top of eight of them and a mark at the bottom of eight of them?
Have you ever tested Brisk spark plugs?

Drop into the comments your 2023 life bingo ideas!  

QUESTIONS ASKED ON THE SHOW
Can a guy get away with running a 1.6 rocker arm or a crate engine without pulling out the rocker stud?
602 Rush engine vs. 602 Dirtcar sealed engine. Opinions good or bad?

QUESTIONS ASKED ON THE SHOW
Is the profab mufflers that come with the headers is it the same ones as what y'all sale?
Are the anti-reversion mufflers worth the investment?
Whats your thoughts on Super Bowl carbs?
would change jets if you're racing at different elevations?
I have a Asphalt 604 late model. What do you think of a step cross over header. 1 1/2-1 5/8-1 3/4 with 3 1/2 collector? Best of both world's? TQ and HP?
How can you get more gas mileage?

QUESTIONS ASKED ON THE SHOW
Do you have the newer 604 springs in stock Kate? Matched?
What’s the best fuel filter for 602 on E85?
Have you seen or ran the newer Holley 650's I believe they are a different center section?
How long to freshen 604?
What is the best water wetter to use, that really works?
Do you have any dyno experience with a stepped wall carb spacer on a 602?
How much Horsepower/torque loss do you see from not changing your valve spring every 5-10 nights and instead run them 15-20?
Wix 51060 still the best oil filter?
Why do i see some guys putting the 2brl carbs sideways? what's the advantage?
Are the brisk plugs worth the money?
What is the best air cleaner for asphalt racing, since we don't have a problem with dirt I wasn't sure if the Walkers is still your choice?
Have you seen timing issues using the stock GM Module? I have heard they can lose a few degrees in the upper rpm range.
Getting ready to change 602 Valve Springs and I would like to measure the force before putting them in. I have the Arbor press style hydraulic Pressure Checker. How much do we compress the spring to check?
What are you thoughts on fuel line sleeve, slip on and split/Velcro style?
Can a 604 engine be rebuilt to a sealed 602?
What Spark plugs are best for 602 running e85? and what gap do you prefer?
What is the best fuel pressure to set at idle and at full rpm on a 604 crate late model on e85?
Do you carry 5 Star Bodies products in house at Crate Insider?
We are getting ready to switch to e85, does the ignition advance stay at 34 degrees?

QUESTIONS ASKED ON THE SHOW
Do you need to re-shim your valve springs every time you change them?
You do recommend checking matched springs after every race right?
Any update on the new style 604 valve springs? Has there been enough testing to compare to the "Blue" springs as far as longevity?
I run a thermostat with my 602 it has helped me tremendously on fuel consumption to get the car up to temp but would you recommend keeping it and running a dual bypass neck for security measures with it or just try running different restrictors and doing away with the thermostat???
How many engine refreshes can you get on stock piston on a 602?
Steve what are you actually allowed to do when you do a crate motor at your shop ?
What is the benefit of a 3 circuit carb vs. 2 circuit?
Would too large of an exhaust collector on a 360CI 10:1 engine make it lazy when picking up the throttle?
Steve, what iRPM is lowest you want to see on the recall after a race on a 602?
​I was referring to how low would let the rpm's go on a 602 before changing to a llower gear
​How far do you run race fan from radiator?
525 on x85 do you recommend running the thermostat or no?
Explain the Arts thermostat system and the benefit?
How long do you think the Walker air filters last before they need replaced or is just case by case?
Would you recommend putting the anti reversion mufflers with the kevco kit?
Here in Ohio and Northern Kentucky we do not season techs or series checking crates. Is there direction we can steer track owners to educate them selves and techs?
How many RPM’s would be gained by changing from a Saginaw/Muncie type trans to a brinn or bert?
Alternator no alternator?
On a blueprinted motor do the seals and gaskets help with not sucking in dirt on a 602 or was that just a out the box speedway motor I remember you talking about it last week on the live?

QUESTIONS ASKED ON THE SHOW
what your price on a dynoed 604?
Do you recommend running a return on the fuel line?
Any difference between the wilds headers and the pro fab headers on a 604?
On a 602/604 is running a 1” carburetor spacer recommend / beneficial or no spacer at all?
Do you recommend a distributor on a 602 dirt late model? If so front or rear mounted?
What price on a chassis dyno 602 mod?
Could you explain the anti-reversion mufflers a little bit, and if you think they would be benefit over an open header on a 602 asphalt modified?
Rumor around our track is that 604 stainless profab headers and billet E85 stealth carb, gains horsepower and torque. Any truth to this, if so how much?
Explain how someone can set up traction control?

The CARS Racing Show is this Friday and Saturday January 6-7! Come out and see all the new innovations for 2023! 

QUESTIONS ASKED ON THE SHOW

Steve have you ever messed with the Ford equivalent crate engine of the 602? I wonder why organizations don't allow it to run?
Do plug wires make a difference on a 604? If so What’s the top three brands?

Honorable Mentions:

QUESTIONS ASKED ON THE SHOW

If you store your car in heated area, how often should you start 602 604, and for how long and what rpm in off-season?
What's your opinion on whether or not to run an alternator?
Best oxygenated fuel “gas” for the 602?
I have a really good spare fuel pump that makes 8.5 fuel psi. I want about 7. How can I tweet this pump or do I scrap it?
Anything new for dirt racing at PRI?

Honorable Mentions:

QUESTIONS ASKED ON THE SHOW

Have you heard of using 1.3 rockers for engine break in? Is that just parts catalog companies trying to sell stuff you don't need?
Do you feel that there is widespread use of Shannon Davis products or tec west?
What was the Cars date?
I understand the reason for higher rated caps, but would you still be comfortable with a 28-30 psi cap?

QUESTIONS ASKED ON THE SHOW

What brand of chassis does your son race?
What sanctioning rules do you and your son run under most of the time?
6 inch rods or 5.7 for IMCA open 360 motor?
What is your opinion of the vortec heads that speedway motors sells?
Will AvGas work in my furnace?
What’s your preference on rush fuels the e-85 or the oxygenated rush fuel And does the e-85 run cooler?
Kate i am looking for a mechanical fuel pumps. any recommendations?
Can I back cut the intake valves on 602?
How much are a set of the engine plates Kate?

Welcome to the Racing Insider’s Podcast!

QUESTIONS ASKED ON THE SHOW

We run Schaefer supreme 7000 synthetic plus 15/40 would you recommend this oil or an other viscosity?
Winterized and pulled my motor. Should i turn over by hand throughout winter. Spray anything in intake/header ports or spark plug holes at same time?
What plugs do you recommend in a 602 running CHP? And what Gap?
What size pulleys would you run on a spec motor for the water pump?
Stock type clutch and flywheel for an asphalt street stock? As light as the rules allow or on the heavy side?
602 crate northeast dirt sportsman, my local home track opened up rules on exhaust. Any header (no stainless) but stainless tail and mufflers is legal. Is a tri y or custom header better then a dirt legal style?
X85 vs Chp vs chp/pump mix what have you seen on the dyno with different fuels on the 525?
What's your opinion of Royal Purple oil?
On Vp rx 96 fuel at the moment looking to switch to x85 this year but a lot of 602 guys around my area NE Georgia having problems getting the e or x 85 to run or take off good, any recommendations?
​What's the "average" life expectancy of a 604? For example is 70 nights a lot?
​I'm preparing to purchase my first 602 for hobby stock, do you have any new products recommended since your last 602 sheet and video?
​What’s the difference in e85 and x85?
Can you run thru what I need to do to change from pump gas to e85 on a street stock with a 602, fuel pump, reg, do I need a return?
What fuel pressure should I run?

Welcome to the Racing Insider’s Podcast!

QUESTIONS ASKED ON THE SHOW

What is your opinion on a spring smasher, we have always done without...are they a good addition to your shock program, or can we do with out?
What is the earls thermostat for the 602 and is it worth it?
What’s the ballpark cost of a 525 rebuild and how does parts availability look like for them?
What is the maximum rpms for your 602?
How much hp will the quick change rob from the street stock 602?
What is a preferred header- profab or beayeu? And any advantage from mild steel or stainless?
Should I put caster wheels on all four corners for the figure 8 at Watsonville if they start it up again?
How much preload do you recommend on 602 lifters?

Welcome to the Racing Insider’s Podcast!

QUESTIONS ASKED ON THE SHOW

On a stock car, is it normal to have your rear end totally square with your front tires, or is there any cornering benefit to shortening the wheelbase on the driver's side just a touch?
Do you think race fuel prices will ever come back down or is the new norm $14/gallon for 110?
Anti reversion muffler worth it for the 602?
Best Carburetor?
Best Carb for a 525?

Welcome to the Racing Insider’s Podcast!

QUESTIONS ASKED ON THE SHOW

My new 602 crate with about 20 races has just failed the leak down. Cylinder 3 are at 55% and 4 is 42% leak down. We ran the motor up to temp. As a team we have decided to run it more. We have done a quality winter prep for now. Would you recommend something different?
Kate and Steve can you explain the 6 valve benefits of the pro cam fuel pump?
Whats the difference between a wix 51060r vs 51061r?
What's the difference between x85 and e85?
On a 602 rebuild, do you use GM parts or aftermarket parts?
What is the fastest/easiest method of changing gear oil in a 9 inch?
Do you guy do other than crate motors?
Any word on the crate programs coming to and end of an era?

Welcome to the Racing Insider’s Podcast!

QUESTIONS ASKED ON THE SHOW

What leak down number should I start to get concerned about. Switched this year and my percentages are climbing at a much higher rate than they did on gas. Normal?
Is there any power advantage with the 1.5 rockers for a 602?
Is it cost effective to refresh 602 or just buy a new engine. What’s the price difference?
Steve have you seen any new 602s with oil pressure?
How often should powervalves need to be done under normal circumstances? and what makes them go bad?
What is your recommendation for replacing headers to be super consistent?
What’s your take on GRT cars?
Will this winter be a shit show for getting a new 604 or has GM upped inventory?
How do we winterize our Willys equalizer carb?
I'm building a factory stock. We have 2 engine options. Option 1: bone stock 350 with mild cam, and a 2 barrel carb. Option 2: GM 602 with a 2 barrel carb. What would you recommend?

Welcome to the Racing Insider’s Podcast!

QUESTIONS ASKED ON THE SHOW

On a 604 crate in super stock class, Sunoco 102 race fuel one of the better options? Pump gas or race gas are the options. No methanol, oxygenated fuel, or E85 allowed.
What is c85?
I’ve heard you talk about the strange oval twist axles on your personal car before. What’s your opinion on them? Do they make a noticeable difference/ are they worth the money?
What Rpm range should I gear for on 1/4 and 3/8 tracks, are you still making any power turning 6800, or would you be better off not running that many rpm. We must run a 6800 chip.
What is your recommended process for winterizing a 602?
What is your recommendation for distributor on a 604 super stock on 12V system?
My 604 hasn’t been updated to beehives….you said it would be better to sell and get a newer one….Would it be feasible to convert it to a 602,since 602’s are the prominently the classes close to my house….opinion?
Have you tested much with wrapping headers? Is there power to be gained?
Steve said running an alt was better than a 16v battery. Why?
Do you recommend exhaust gaskets or the red high temp gasket maker on a 602 headers?

Welcome to the Racing Insider’s Podcast!

QUESTIONS ASKED ON THE SHOW

Will it be ok to choose the pro cam mechanical fuel pump to stop the cause of vapor lock issue because the new gas pumps now all have 10% ethanol in it to use on a carburetor engine?
Moving to a street/super stock class and going to be going with the 604 option. Rules just say must run a Holley 4 barrel carb, no aerosol carbs. Is the Ultra XP basically the way to go? 650 or 750 cfm better for the crate?
I’ve heard you mention the strange twist axles on your personal cars. Are they worth it? Pros and cons?
What’s the best header/muffler combo for a 604 street stock that will make the most torque without getting into a $1700 set of stainless steel headers? Or is the stainless really worth the money in that application?
I want to set the end play on my crate hei distributor shaft. What end play setting would you recommend?
Would you be content buying a the ultra XP new from Holley? Or is there more to be gained getting one from an actual carb guy?
I was always under the impression that “bigger is better” on carb spacers, but I’ve heard people saying being up against some big open motors with a 604, I’ve heard people say shorter usually equals more torque, and I feel like anywhere I can get more torque is critical. So in the case if true, is there “too short” of a spacer?
How much does your 604 carbs cost ? E85 .. Do you have 1 ready to ship or do you need me to ship mine to you to build?
Your thoughts on removing the power valve? Or is that not beneficial at all?
I've heard the newer 602's have valve springs that no longer have a damper. If this is true, are the spring retainers the same on the newer engines.
Does the phenolic plate replace the steel plate or used with the steel plate?
I've always heard open spring pressure is more important then closed seat pressure? Around what should open pressures be on crate 602?
Do I need change anything on a 604 on methanol to run the 6800 rpm over the 6400 rpm?
Any 602 winterizing tips? Back off valve springs /fogging engine?


Welcome to the Racing Insider’s Podcast!

QUESTIONS ASKED ON THE SHOW
Would the Walker filter still accept the red K&N oil?
Do u recomend those filters over paper filters?
Is there any value in a 750hp carb on a 602 running VP d98 on a big track 6200 chip?
We run a 604 crate in a sprint car with a Ron's fuel injection. What do you recommend for oil?
Thoughts on the spyder filters just like r2c?
You hearing anyone having trouble with this new sunoco e 85 over heating more then usual?

Welcome to the Racing Insider’s Podcast!

Welcome to the Racing Insider’s Podcast!

Welcome to the Racing Insider’s Podcast!

Welcome to the Racing Insider’s Podcast! 

Welcome to the Racing Insider’s Podcast! 

Welcome to the Racing Insider’s Podcast!

Welcome to the Racing Insider’s Podcast!

Welcome to the Racing Insider’s Podcast!