George Klass
Well Known Member
I do get plenty of emails from racers regarding the NHRA Rules and Regulations in the stock classes. I have all the NHRA Rulebooks from 1958 through 1965, so to the extent possible, I can usually answer their questions as to what you can do and what you can't do. The 1962 NHRA Rulebook is the only one I have digitized. Of course, it's not the 1950's or 1960's anymore, and the Rule Books are only valid for the year they were produced. Since we have been discussing the 1962 Super Stock Rules and Regs on another thread, I decided to let everyone that did not have a 1962 NHRA Rule book (or had not been born yet) a look see. NHRA published their official Rule Books for each year, and had them available prior to the Winternationals, which were always held in February. What I'm going to post are the Rules and Regs for the 1962 season. These Rules and Regs were in effect for the 1962 Winternats. However, the NHRA rules were many times edited (as in changed) as the racing season went on, especially in the Stock Classes. So, the Rules that were in effect for the NHRA Winternationals in 1962 may have been (and were) altered during the year, and prior to the NHRA Nationals held in the summer. Anyway, here goes.
NHRA STOCK CAR SECTION (1962) RULES AND REGULATIONS
Twenty three (23) classes in this section for American factory production automobiles. Classification is based on shipping weight divided by advertised horsepower (per NHRA Classification Guide). All cars in stock class manufactured after June 1, 1961, must be factory assembly-line produced and generally show-room sales available.
STOCK CLASS DESIGNATIONS: SS/S, S/S, A/S. B/S, C/S, D/S, E/S, F/S, G/S, H/S, I/S, J/S, K/S, L/S and automatic transmission classes: SS/SA, S/SA, A/SA, B/SA, C/SA, D/SA, E/SA, F/SA, and G/SA, proceeded by car number.
Class SS – 0.00 to 9.89 lbs. per advertised horsepower.
Class S – 9.90 to 10.59 lbs. per advertised horsepower.
Class A – 10.60 to 11.29 lbs. per advertised horsepower.
Class B – 11.30 to 11.88 lbs. per advertised horsepower.
Class C – 11.89 to 12.49 lbs. per advertised horsepower.
Class D – 12.50 to 13.99 lbs. per advertised horsepower.
Class E – 14.00 to 14.99 lbs. per advertised horsepower.
Class F – 15.00 to 15.59 lbs. per advertised horsepower.
Class G – 15.60 to 16.99 lbs per advertised horsepower.
Class H – 17.00 to 18.99 lbs. per advertised horsepower.
Class I – 19.00 to 21.49 lbs. per advertised horsepower.
Class J – 21.50 to 24.99 lbs. per advertised horsepower.
Class K – 25.00 to 27.99 lbs. per advertised horsepower.
Class L – 28.00 or more lbs. per advertised horsepower.
Classification guide applies to both manual and automatic transmission stock cars.
AIR CLEANER: Air cleaners are optional and may be removed or altered at owners discretion. No ram tubes of “other than stock” equipped ducting may be connected to the air cleaner, injection or carburetor(s).
BODY: Moderately customized cars may compete in this division. Extent of customizing and its effect on car’s correct classification is at the discretion of the technical committee. Excessive chopping, channeling or sectioning is not permitted. Convertible tops may be chopped a maximum of four (4) inches. Convertible-top cars must run with top up. Sedan delivery and sedan pickups (1/2 ton panel trucks, Ranchero, El Camino, etc.) may compete in this division, only if they meet all class requirements. Pickup beds may not be altered in height, width, or length, and must have a fully serviceable pickup bed. Raising and/or lowering front or rear of cars in this division is permitted to a maximum of 2 ½ inches over/below stock specifications.
BUMPERS: Both front and rear bumpers are required.
CARBURETORS: Carburetors must be the correct year, make and model as specified for car’s engine. Any jet size is permitted. No other modifications allowed.
DISTRIBUTOR: Any battery-operated ignition system may be used.
ENGINE: The engine in each car must be of the specific type, year and make as the car being run. Engine equipment other than that regularly produced for assembly-line installation by the manufacturer is not permitted, except as noted in the class rules. Special equipment, export kits, superchargers, etc, for which the manufacturer does not list horsepower ratings, automatically advances an entry into the Gas Coupe/Sedan division. Engine balancing is permitted, however, excessive lightening of component parts will not be accepted. No porting or polishing allowed on stock engines.
CLUTCH: Any heavy duty or “explosion proof” pressure plate and/or flywheel will be accepted. Lightened flywheels are not permitted. Balanced clutch assemblies are permitted, but excessive lightening of component parts is not allowed.
EXHAUST SYSTEMS: Dual exhaust systems, with mufflers, are permitted. Headers are also accepted, but exhaust must be routed through mufflers and tail pipes. Open by-passes may be used, but must be installed in front of the muffler and in such a manner as to direct exhaust away from the strip, tires, and car body. The outlet for open exhaust can be no larger in diameter than the diameter of the original head-pipe. A maximum of two (2) outlets per car permitted.
FAN, GENERATOR & WATER PUMP: This equipment must be connected and in operation at all times. Belts must be tight enough to drive equipment in a satisfactory manner and without excessive or noticeable slippage. Thermostatically controlled accessory fans are accepted.
FLYWHEEL SHIELD: Required on all cars equipped with “stick shift” (manual) transmissions in classes SS/S, S/S, A/S, and all stick-shift 283 cubic-inch Chevrolet engines through C/S classes.
FUEL PUMP: The addition of automotive type electric fuel pumps is accepted, when pump is installed between the fuel tank and the stock mechanical fuel pump, with the car’s ignition switch acting as a power shut-off. Fuel must be routed through stock fuel pump. All fuel lines must remain stock size. Fuel blocks are not permitted.
HOOD: Cars must have a full stock hood. Hood openings and/or hood scoops that are not original equipment from the manufacture are not permitted.
INSTRUMENTS: Supplementary instruments such as tachometers, vacuum gauges, pressure gauges, etc., may be installed at the car owner’s option.
POWER STEERING: Power steering assist accessories and/or air conditioning pump drive belts may be disconnected during competition, provided they do not drive the fan and/or generator, or that removal of the power steering belt would adversely affect the car’s steering.
REAR AXLE: Any gear ratio may be used, provided the gears fit into the original third-member case or housing. Limited-slip or ratchet-type rear ends are accepted in stock cars as optional equipment. Locked rear-ends are not permitted.
SAFETY BELTS: All stock class cars are required to have safety belts after June 1, 1962.
SPARK PLUGS: Any type of spark plug or ignition wiring manufactured for automotive use accepted.
SUSPENSION: Suspension system must be stock as originally produced by the automobile manufacturer.
THROTTLE LINKAGE: Any progressive or other positive-action throttle linkage may be used.
TIRES: All cars in stock class competition are required to use “on the street” type tires with not less than 1/16-inch tread depth, using conventional tread pattern. Any conventional-type tread or recap compound may be used. Maximum tire tread width may not exceed seven (7) inches, and must have at least two (2) treads. Drag slicks not permitted.
TRACTION BARS: Traction bars or other devices used to transmit rear-axle torque to the frame, thus preventing rear-spring “wind-up” under acceleration, are considered safety equipment and are therefore highly recommended.
TRANSMISSION: Transmission case or housing must be of the same year, make and model as the car, however, any combination of gears may be used, provided they are installed in the stock housing. Manual shift transmissions must have a minimum of three forward and one reverse speeds. Column-shift transmission linkage may be re-enforced; floor shift conversion kits are permitted. Automatic transmissions may be “beefed”, but must be of the same year, make and model as the car. Modifications to shifting pattern are permitted, provided full shift pattern is retained.
UPHOLSTERY: Full factory upholstery is required, including front and rear seats when so equipped from the factory. No interior gutting is permitted.
WHEELS: One (1) inch larger or one (1) inch smaller (in diameter) wheels permitted. Mag wheels not permitted.
WINDSHIELD & WINDOWS: Must be in good condition. Windows in all stock cars must be fully operative. All windows must be closed during competition.
NHRA STOCK CAR SECTION (1962) RULES AND REGULATIONS
Twenty three (23) classes in this section for American factory production automobiles. Classification is based on shipping weight divided by advertised horsepower (per NHRA Classification Guide). All cars in stock class manufactured after June 1, 1961, must be factory assembly-line produced and generally show-room sales available.
STOCK CLASS DESIGNATIONS: SS/S, S/S, A/S. B/S, C/S, D/S, E/S, F/S, G/S, H/S, I/S, J/S, K/S, L/S and automatic transmission classes: SS/SA, S/SA, A/SA, B/SA, C/SA, D/SA, E/SA, F/SA, and G/SA, proceeded by car number.
Class SS – 0.00 to 9.89 lbs. per advertised horsepower.
Class S – 9.90 to 10.59 lbs. per advertised horsepower.
Class A – 10.60 to 11.29 lbs. per advertised horsepower.
Class B – 11.30 to 11.88 lbs. per advertised horsepower.
Class C – 11.89 to 12.49 lbs. per advertised horsepower.
Class D – 12.50 to 13.99 lbs. per advertised horsepower.
Class E – 14.00 to 14.99 lbs. per advertised horsepower.
Class F – 15.00 to 15.59 lbs. per advertised horsepower.
Class G – 15.60 to 16.99 lbs per advertised horsepower.
Class H – 17.00 to 18.99 lbs. per advertised horsepower.
Class I – 19.00 to 21.49 lbs. per advertised horsepower.
Class J – 21.50 to 24.99 lbs. per advertised horsepower.
Class K – 25.00 to 27.99 lbs. per advertised horsepower.
Class L – 28.00 or more lbs. per advertised horsepower.
Classification guide applies to both manual and automatic transmission stock cars.
AIR CLEANER: Air cleaners are optional and may be removed or altered at owners discretion. No ram tubes of “other than stock” equipped ducting may be connected to the air cleaner, injection or carburetor(s).
BODY: Moderately customized cars may compete in this division. Extent of customizing and its effect on car’s correct classification is at the discretion of the technical committee. Excessive chopping, channeling or sectioning is not permitted. Convertible tops may be chopped a maximum of four (4) inches. Convertible-top cars must run with top up. Sedan delivery and sedan pickups (1/2 ton panel trucks, Ranchero, El Camino, etc.) may compete in this division, only if they meet all class requirements. Pickup beds may not be altered in height, width, or length, and must have a fully serviceable pickup bed. Raising and/or lowering front or rear of cars in this division is permitted to a maximum of 2 ½ inches over/below stock specifications.
BUMPERS: Both front and rear bumpers are required.
CARBURETORS: Carburetors must be the correct year, make and model as specified for car’s engine. Any jet size is permitted. No other modifications allowed.
DISTRIBUTOR: Any battery-operated ignition system may be used.
ENGINE: The engine in each car must be of the specific type, year and make as the car being run. Engine equipment other than that regularly produced for assembly-line installation by the manufacturer is not permitted, except as noted in the class rules. Special equipment, export kits, superchargers, etc, for which the manufacturer does not list horsepower ratings, automatically advances an entry into the Gas Coupe/Sedan division. Engine balancing is permitted, however, excessive lightening of component parts will not be accepted. No porting or polishing allowed on stock engines.
CLUTCH: Any heavy duty or “explosion proof” pressure plate and/or flywheel will be accepted. Lightened flywheels are not permitted. Balanced clutch assemblies are permitted, but excessive lightening of component parts is not allowed.
EXHAUST SYSTEMS: Dual exhaust systems, with mufflers, are permitted. Headers are also accepted, but exhaust must be routed through mufflers and tail pipes. Open by-passes may be used, but must be installed in front of the muffler and in such a manner as to direct exhaust away from the strip, tires, and car body. The outlet for open exhaust can be no larger in diameter than the diameter of the original head-pipe. A maximum of two (2) outlets per car permitted.
FAN, GENERATOR & WATER PUMP: This equipment must be connected and in operation at all times. Belts must be tight enough to drive equipment in a satisfactory manner and without excessive or noticeable slippage. Thermostatically controlled accessory fans are accepted.
FLYWHEEL SHIELD: Required on all cars equipped with “stick shift” (manual) transmissions in classes SS/S, S/S, A/S, and all stick-shift 283 cubic-inch Chevrolet engines through C/S classes.
FUEL PUMP: The addition of automotive type electric fuel pumps is accepted, when pump is installed between the fuel tank and the stock mechanical fuel pump, with the car’s ignition switch acting as a power shut-off. Fuel must be routed through stock fuel pump. All fuel lines must remain stock size. Fuel blocks are not permitted.
HOOD: Cars must have a full stock hood. Hood openings and/or hood scoops that are not original equipment from the manufacture are not permitted.
INSTRUMENTS: Supplementary instruments such as tachometers, vacuum gauges, pressure gauges, etc., may be installed at the car owner’s option.
POWER STEERING: Power steering assist accessories and/or air conditioning pump drive belts may be disconnected during competition, provided they do not drive the fan and/or generator, or that removal of the power steering belt would adversely affect the car’s steering.
REAR AXLE: Any gear ratio may be used, provided the gears fit into the original third-member case or housing. Limited-slip or ratchet-type rear ends are accepted in stock cars as optional equipment. Locked rear-ends are not permitted.
SAFETY BELTS: All stock class cars are required to have safety belts after June 1, 1962.
SPARK PLUGS: Any type of spark plug or ignition wiring manufactured for automotive use accepted.
SUSPENSION: Suspension system must be stock as originally produced by the automobile manufacturer.
THROTTLE LINKAGE: Any progressive or other positive-action throttle linkage may be used.
TIRES: All cars in stock class competition are required to use “on the street” type tires with not less than 1/16-inch tread depth, using conventional tread pattern. Any conventional-type tread or recap compound may be used. Maximum tire tread width may not exceed seven (7) inches, and must have at least two (2) treads. Drag slicks not permitted.
TRACTION BARS: Traction bars or other devices used to transmit rear-axle torque to the frame, thus preventing rear-spring “wind-up” under acceleration, are considered safety equipment and are therefore highly recommended.
TRANSMISSION: Transmission case or housing must be of the same year, make and model as the car, however, any combination of gears may be used, provided they are installed in the stock housing. Manual shift transmissions must have a minimum of three forward and one reverse speeds. Column-shift transmission linkage may be re-enforced; floor shift conversion kits are permitted. Automatic transmissions may be “beefed”, but must be of the same year, make and model as the car. Modifications to shifting pattern are permitted, provided full shift pattern is retained.
UPHOLSTERY: Full factory upholstery is required, including front and rear seats when so equipped from the factory. No interior gutting is permitted.
WHEELS: One (1) inch larger or one (1) inch smaller (in diameter) wheels permitted. Mag wheels not permitted.
WINDSHIELD & WINDOWS: Must be in good condition. Windows in all stock cars must be fully operative. All windows must be closed during competition.