the most mis-informitive info in this thread is guys comparing NMRA Factory Stock cars to actually factory stock...
So, here is is again...
To make competitive power in NMRA factory stock, set aside 3 plus grand for prep'd "stock" heads... also, set aside 5 plus grand for a "stock" short block. When it's all said and done, expect to dump an additional 23,000 plus into the rest of the race car.
Not taking credit from these guys, they are amazing, but, stock is far from what the competitive guys are.
Now, having said that, I've never lost to a stock LSx motor'd vehicle at the track... I've even beaten a few z06's... Thier heavy weight, and poor tranny gearing put them so far back by 330' that they cannot catch up, even trapping 113mph...
I've got elec. fan., u/d pullies, MAM full exhaust, 4.10's and run dot tires... no weight removal, 2600 d/a.