Expert: Stooge - 10/3/2006

Question
I thought that I read somewhere that all Nascar engine blocks were made by Ford and then machined by the various teams.  Is this true?  If this is true, how far does Ford actually machine the block?  Does it already come machined with the cylinder bore, and then the teams finish it from there by adding their own valve train, top end, etc...?  Thanks for the info!

Answer
Not true, each manufacturer uses their own engine blocks with original manufacturer specs and then teams custom build and bore their own engines to meet NASCAR specs.

This block data from the Hendricks site: General Motor’s No. 10051184 cast iron engine blocks and General Motor’s No. 12480011 cylinder heads are used.(see: http://www.hendrickmotorsports.com/tech_engine_faq.asp?dept=engine for lots of tech stuff)

This from the article listed below: Dodge provides the engine block and cylinder head for the engines used by Bill Davis Racing. They are based on a 340-cubic-inch (5.57-liter) V-8 engine design that was produced in the 1960s.  

And I'm sure you know that the famous Ford 351 is the block of choice for the Ford teams.

For more info on the custom building of a NASCAR engine:
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/nascar4.htm