NASCAR engines...what they look like?

The blocks are cast iron and the heads are aluminum. The pictures I have seen do not show the blocks painted. But each team has their own engine builders. The valve covers are aluminum much like polished edlebrock. They run 4 barrell carburators and use both chrome and black air cleaner canister I believe. They generate around 800 HP. Spark plug wires are blue. Hope this helps a bit.

Strip the chrome off.  On that car I "think" the valve covers may have been chrome, but that would have been the only thing.  There are a ton of good reference books out there for NASCAR engines and some really good behind the scenes books.  Check your local Barnes & Noble in the transportation section.  Also, look in the magazines.  There is usually a NASCAR magazine with a good engine photo.  By and large, Chevy engines have not changed that much in the years since the Lumina.  Those in the know here can correct that.  The real question is how much detail do you want to put in that little kit?  NASCAR guys are so lucky, compared to us poor F1 folk, as there is a ton of aftermarket details to add to that car.  I've done the odd NASCAR for just that reason, so much fun adding all the bits and parts.  Have fun! 

I know one thing's for certain. It would be a damn sight easier getting under-bonnet pics of a NASCAR, than it would under the engine cover of an F1, or IRL/ChampCar.

Don't they realise us modellers have a job to do too 

Hope this will give you an idea of what the real deal looks like.

Niclas

http://www.hendrickmotorsports.com/images/red_hms/downloads/2004/wallpaper_hms_engine_1600.jpg

That picture just about says it all. I've had some success by not stripping the chrome, but spraying it with Testor's Dullcote. It still comes out pretty convincing, and it saves some time. I've also seen red, blue, black, and natural metal blocks and transmissions in no particular order. Hope you have fun building it and I hope we can see some pics! 

 

Glenn

The drive shafts are always white. It's a NASCAR rule so they can be seen if they come off during a crash.

Let's see what I can recall.....

Alternators are dull aluminum, starters are black, radiators, oil coolers  are aluminum. Air cleaners vary between teams sometimes. 

Steel blocks, aluminum heads. These have been mentioned before.

Earnhardt painted the inside of his cars red. Most have a gull gray colour. On a car this size, a semi gloss red would be best. Gloss red is too shiny and flat red is not shiny enough.

The markings outside the car are stick on decals on the 1:1 car. 2 schools of thought on finishing the car. Some apply the decals and that's that except for a model wax application. This allows a slight reflecatnce difference between the numbers etc and the car body. Others apply the decals and then clear coat the entire car. The choice is up to you.

Been a while since I built a stock car but they are great because they make for a very colourful collection of models!

One small word of advice, for a very nice flat aluminum finish, go with Tamiya Flat aluminum (X-16) It doesn't look like chrome like most silver paints, and it still looks like a true somewhat dulled aluminum that has been polished.

Drive shafts are white.  Air clearners are usually white as well, but check your reference.  To lose the chrime, take one of those disposable tupperwares and fill it with bleach.  Drop the parts in and wait about a half hour or so.  No chrome.  Scuff the surface prior to paint and the paint will go on better.  Vary your aluminum in the engine.  Tamiya has a couple of new colors, titanium I think?  Testors metalizer on the headers looks awesome, I think I use Jet exhaust for some reason.  If the hood it going to be down, don't get to wild as most of it won't be seen. 

Earnhardt's cars were an orange/red.  More red than Chevy engine orange but definitely not an insignia red.  MCW makes a perfect match for his interior.  Earnhardt was the only one I know of that had this color on his interiors.  It is a real oddball color.  It is fairly shiny inside, but go more for a satin look than pure gloss.

Decals, go for what you like.  My preference is to decal after clear coat.  It avoids that moment of nervousness when the gloss hits the decal and you wonder if the decal will hold up.  I wax both before and after decal application.  I think this gives better surface (slicker) for the decal to adhear on. 
Can't wait for the photos when you are done!

Thanks for all the info.  I am hoping that I can get a digitial camera for Christmas so i can upload pictures.  This will be my first car attempt.  I believe with all these hints it will lok very nice.  Again, pictures will be coming soon, probably after the first of the year.