I read something on the web that Walt Austin had redesigned a Boss 429> but the NHRA wouldn't approve it's use. Anyone have any details? Was> it for alcohol or fuel? I thought I read something about Austin Coil> working on a Boss 429 as well????

I have heard of neither but that actually doesn't mean much... ;)>

I'm not sure that I see anyone developing an alternative to the types> used now.>

Back when there was no alternative to using something with at least> block and heads which came from a Detroit foundry, there were some> alternatives to the Chrysler Hemi. The SOHC Ford worked for some> (Connie Kalitta for one) as well as the 'original' Boss 429. I believe> Mickey Thompson used a Boss 429 in his early Mustang funny cars. Many> early Funny Cars used Rat Motors. Going even furthur back into the> 60s, I think every brand of American V-8 was used at one time or> another. (Sometimes two of 'em.)>

Now, today, with what is available with CNC controlled machining,> anyone with enough money could create whatever they wanted.>

I don't know that power is the thing holding back more performance. > I'm not sure what advantage a team could get by having a different> powerplant design. Controlling the power seems to be the biggest> problem.>

If anyone wants to comment, please chime in.>

raoul>