Book Racing Enterprises Builds 1,142-horsepower SBC

Bob Book and the team at Book Racing Enterprises have long been known for their carburetor-modification skills, and the company recently decided to dive head-first into the engine building arena. They’ve earned a number of customers who compete in the hard-fought NHRA Comp Eliminator ranks, and recently built this killer small-block Chevrolet engine for a customer who wishes to remain nameless, but will be competing in the Altered class.

The engine pumped out a whopping 1,142 horsepower at 9,800 rpm and 664 lb-ft peak torque at 8,300 rpm – incredible numbers when you factor in that the engine is only 396 cubic inches and relies on a standard bore-space 4.400 Dart Iron Eagle SBC engine block. (Watch the video here.)

“In Comp, it’s like building Pro Stock engines, and right now we’re ahead of the field in the small-block game and I want to keep that advantage if I can,” Book tells EngineLabs. “The only rule that matters in this case for the class is the 6.5 pounds-per-cube rule, and then the customer gets a 250 pound weight break for running an automatic instead of a clutch, so the car will have to weigh 2,315 pounds when all is said and done. It depends on track and atmospheric conditions, but we think this engine is capable of running 7.15 to 7.20 at 190 MPH based on the power numbers.”

Book Racing Enterprises works with a number of Aussie Pro Stock customers, and that’s where the motivation for developing this engine originated.

“We chose this size because it’s pretty close to the Aussie Pro Stock engines, which are 400 cubic inch engines,” adds Book. “The fuel is different, and the engine is a little bit smaller. It’s a culmination of a lot of hard work, and we like it a great deal. It’s our first time with this cylinder head. ” 

Book Racing Enterprises' BRX Jr. carburetor

Book Racing Enterprises’ BRX Jr. carburetor – note the dual oval-shaped throttle blades instead of the typical four-hole configuration.

This engine runs on C25 fuel, flowing through a pair of BRE’s BRX Jr. carburetors, which is the company’s latest design.

“They are a take on a 4150 Holley carburetor that’s opened up in the middle – there are only two throttle plates per carburetor. The advantage to these is that they are very small and light but will wet-flow up to 1,300 CFM,” he explains. “They are very drivable and aren’t subject to problems getting up on the converter or lagging in low gear.

Internal components include a Winberg crank and MGP aluminum connecting rods, along with a custom piston and compression ratio that Book isn’t comfortable disclosing, citing customer confidentiality. The intake manifold is from Hughes Racing Enterprises in Pennsylvania, who crafts manifolds for many of the NHRA’s Pro Stock field. 

The oil tank and pan come from Stef’s, while the dry-sump pump is sourced from Dailey Engineering. Other components are not discussed due to the customer confidentiality aspect of BRE’s business, as Comp Eliminator is the home to much of the innovation in drag racing. Check out BRE Facebook page and website today!

About the author

Jason Reiss

Jason draws on over 15 years of experience in the automotive publishing industry, and collaborates with many of the industry's movers and shakers to create compelling technical articles and high-quality race coverage.
Read My Articles

Hardcore Chevys in your Inbox.

Build your own custom newsletter with the content you love from Chevy Hardcore, directly to your inbox, absolutely FREE!

Free WordPress Themes
Chevy Hardcore NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Chevy Hardcore - The #1 Performance Bowtie Online Magazine

chevyhardcore

We'll send you the most interesting Chevy Hardcore articles, news, car features, and videos every week.

Chevy Hardcore - The #1 Performance Bowtie Online Magazine

Chevy Hardcore NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Chevy Hardcore - The #1 Performance Bowtie Online Magazine

chevyhardcore

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...


streetmusclemag
Hot Rods & Muscle Cars
dragzine
Drag Racing
enginelabs
Engine Tech

Chevy Hardcore - The #1 Performance Bowtie Online Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...

  • streetmusclemag Hot Rods & Muscle Cars
  • dragzine Drag Racing
  • enginelabs Engine Tech

Chevy Hardcore - The #1 Performance Bowtie Online Magazine

chevyhardcore

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Chevy Hardcore - The #1 Performance Bowtie Online Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Loading