Hi,
I am using a GM 350 Crate Engine in my Camaro as is most of my competition.  However, they seem to know something I don't because I'm easily 3 to 4 tenths a lap slower.  I'm hearing that there is a lot you can do with a sealed motor.  How can I get this heap up front?  Is there work I can do to the top of the motor without breaking any seals and will that help?
Thank you  

What you describe is common with most crate motor programs. These motors (in most) top cars start out with a gm rebuild of .30 over. The highest you can go with the block is .60 over. Also by doing a rebuild before it's run you are blueprinting a motor which is pretty much assembled on an assembly line. Some crates out of the box are better than others based just by sear chance.  Guys who usually run up front regardless of the rules aren't necessarily illegal they're just using the rebuild parameters based on GM's specs for a rebuild. We have seen the numbers of a pure out of the box motor (limited late model):603 motors @355hp 400tq with a rebuild of .30 over the numbers go to around 370-380 and 410 415tq. Of course also based on how good the carb is. If you have an authorized engine builder-rebuilder for your track ; perhaps it's time for a sit down and talk to some guys who do ASA motors some will be forthcoming while others may not...