i dunno sh1t about racing, but i know nobodys' winning super street/thunder races anywhere in Ontario with a $600 crate
Ok, you say you don't know shit, so how do you know that?
Also, why couldn't a $600 crate win?
We ran a 602 for 5 full seasons in ss, and it was just as strong the last race as it was the first race. All we changed was valve springs. So, if you can find one for that kind of money, and it has decent oil pressure, there's no reason it couldn't win.
How much you spend on an engine, or car doesn't determine how well you run. Time spent working on the cars will always get you a better return on your investment than spending cash!
As for the bone stocks/mini stocks, leave it alone. Opening up the rules will lead to people spending way too much money on their rides in an attempt to make it to the front of the pack. Always has and always will. It's the nature of the beast. If you want to work on setups and adjustments, and drive yourself insane with what to move and where to move it to, what amount of cross to run, what size tire to put where, and all the other stuff...get a truck and race it, that's what the class is for. If you want "cheap" racing and have fun, get a bone stock and race it, that's what that class is for.
Opening up the rules for a 4cyl class, can and will get just as expensive as the trucks are. It may take 2 or 3 seasons, but I promise the costs will be the same.