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Re: SCCA is adding a Solo class just for Pro-Touring cars! [Re: EV2DEMON] #1553166
12/26/13 08:22 PM
12/26/13 08:22 PM
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amxautox Offline
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Quote:

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About the weight rule, isn't it good that you can now decide where the needed weight is placed in your sub-3000 lbs car?




Unless you have a 2700 lb car that you now need to throw 300lbs at.

Min weights make sense in stock & production classes. It doesn't in a class where virtually everything else is unrestricted. I'm not necessarily against a minimum weight, just wondering why they made it so heavy?


Because it's easier to add weight than take it away.

Because MOST muscle cars are over 3,000lbs anyway.


Tom

"Everyone should believe in something; I believe I'll go fishing."

-Henry David Thoreau

Men and fish are alike. They both get into trouble when they open their mouths

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Re: SCCA is adding a Solo class just for Pro-Touring cars! [Re: mopardamo] #1553167
12/26/13 08:49 PM
12/26/13 08:49 PM
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Problem is that the 200TW is not a standard in of itself.




All the 200tw rule will drive is turning 100tw tires into 200s to meet the rule.

I mentioned it in the 295 tire thread, but tread wear ratings are not absolutes. Instead they are a relative ratings within that specific manufacturers line of tires.

Mickey Thompson makes a lot of very specialized, high grip racing tires. If a race slick is rated 0, then a tire that lasts twice as long is 100 and one that last four times as long is 200. However, at the four times longer tread life, they are only claiming 15,000 mile capability on a street car, I'd say that tire is fairly soft.

By contrast, Multi-Mile makes tires regularly rated at 400tw ratings that go 50-60,000 miles. To cut that mileage in half and get a 200tw rating, they change the formula and give up 30,000 miles, but you have a tire that is still twice as hard as the MT example above.

Even the recent Hot Rod tire test showed that not all 200 rated tires are equal in grip. If the 200tw rating was an absolute, then it would have produced results a whole lot narrower.

Maybe the key is to call out a durometer rating instead. This prevents anyone from soaking their 200tw tires in compounds to turn them into 40s.

Re: SCCA is adding a Solo class just for Pro-Touring cars! [Re: TC@HP2] #1553168
12/26/13 08:54 PM
12/26/13 08:54 PM
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amxautox Offline
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At what tire temp is the durometer to be used? Before a run, immediately after a run or a couple runs? After every run and average the readings? Before the first run and after the first run for a comparison?


Tom

"Everyone should believe in something; I believe I'll go fishing."

-Henry David Thoreau

Men and fish are alike. They both get into trouble when they open their mouths

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Re: SCCA is adding a Solo class just for Pro-Touring cars! [Re: mopardamo] #1553169
12/26/13 09:01 PM
12/26/13 09:01 PM
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IndyDave Offline OP
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Quote:

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On 200TW tires: That's the standard minimum TW in most pro-touring series. Also note that even SCCA is moving their street tire classes toward 200TW tires. Unless things change, in 2015 all street tire SCCA Solo classes are going to require 200TW tires. 200TW is becoming the standard. What difference does it make as long as everyone is on the same TW?




Problem is that the 200TW is not a standard in of itself. Meaning that a 200TW tire by one company is not the same rating as one by another. Tire companies get to set up what 200TW means to them. Some companies even use a different scale for different models of tires. This number is only useful for relative readings within one manufacturers line and sometimes tire model specific. The scale one company uses is not the same scale as another. Its a basic problem. Not until an adopted scientific standard that is used by all companies will 200TW mean anything. At this point it is fairly arbitrary other than it means a performance/competition type of tire.

Damon




It's the same whether the TW rating is 140, 200, or 500. 200 is just what everyone has seemed to settle on. I know SCCA's decision to move toward a 200TW rating is due to tire manufactuers indicating that they are moving away from making 140TW UHP tires. 200TW has been the standard with the Pro-Touring series from almost the beginning. It is what it is.

Again, the minimum weight came from input from competitors. 3000# was chosen because it was the weight most frequently mentioned and as AMX said, it's easier to add weight and the vast majority of these cars weigh more than 3000#. The upside to the weight rule as written is that you can put the weight where it will hurt you the least. I'd much rather have to deal with coming up to a minimum weight then try to figure out how to lose weight. Adding weight is easy, losing weight is hard.


Dave Dusterberg
1979 Aspen R/T (soon to be #19 CAM/T)
2002 Ram 1500 SLT
2005 Magnum R/T
2005 Mustang GT SCCA CAM/C #19
Re: SCCA is adding a Solo class just for Pro-Touring cars! [Re: IndyDave] #1553170
12/26/13 11:11 PM
12/26/13 11:11 PM
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Dave,
Keep plugging away at getting more, hopefully less expensive yet user friendly, classes going. I get pissed about the tire thing because my RA1's are 140tw but probably have twice the tread depth of a Rival. Tires are a huge expense and any that are stamped 200AA on the side are only getting more expensive. Hopefully with all the TW mandates they will become cheap and dime a dozen.


Mopar to the bone!!!
Re: SCCA is adding a Solo class just for Pro-Touring cars! [Re: 72Swinger] #1553171
12/27/13 12:58 AM
12/27/13 12:58 AM
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IndyDave Offline OP
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Been playing with race cars of one kind or another my entire adult life and tires and tire rules have always been a hotly argued topic. No tire rule or the lack of any tire rule, someone is going to be unhappy.

In my experience, treadwear limits seem to be the best compromise. 140, 200, 500, whatever, it really doesn't matter. 200TW is the number most bodies settled on so 200 it is. That's how the TW rating for CAM was decided. Most other series that promote pro-touring autocrosses require 200TW so it would be the same in SCCA's rules. From what I understand 140TW tires are on their way to becoming extinct so 200TW will be the softest UHP tires in regular production by most manufactuers in the near future.


Dave Dusterberg
1979 Aspen R/T (soon to be #19 CAM/T)
2002 Ram 1500 SLT
2005 Magnum R/T
2005 Mustang GT SCCA CAM/C #19
Re: SCCA is adding a Solo class just for Pro-Touring cars! [Re: EV2DEMON] #1553172
12/27/13 01:14 AM
12/27/13 01:14 AM
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Lethbridge, AB, Canada
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Quote:

Quote:

sounds like fun but the bigger dollar builds might blow away any competition because of the low # of restrictions, I like to see maybe class A stock pickup points(bolt in stock suspension) no cage, but can weld braces on the body,
class B unlimited
or
pre-64 class A
64-74 as class B
75+ class C




If the car has stock suspension pick up points etc.., it probably fits into an already existing class. This was created for cars that are modified beyond what the typical class rules would allow, but are still street cars as opposed to all out race cars.

I agree that the 3000 lbs is strange. They're forcing a bunch of cars to ballast right off the bat.




I mentioned stock pick up points but allowing extra bracing, scca classes are very strict on what you can and cannot weld. For example they don't allow stitch welding the chassis, or you can weld on one side of the subframe connectors but not to the floor plans.. I'd like to see a how much a car can look stock and pushed to the limits, just like the F.A.S.T series but taken to a new level

Re: SCCA is adding a Solo class just for Pro-Touring cars! [Re: IndyDave] #1553173
12/27/13 02:08 AM
12/27/13 02:08 AM
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The 3,000 min weight. Would that be with or without the driver?


Tom

"Everyone should believe in something; I believe I'll go fishing."

-Henry David Thoreau

Men and fish are alike. They both get into trouble when they open their mouths

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Re: SCCA is adding a Solo class just for Pro-Touring cars! [Re: amxautox] #1553174
12/28/13 09:17 PM
12/28/13 09:17 PM
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IndyDave Offline OP
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The 3,000 min weight. Would that be with or without the driver?




In SCCA, unless noted otherwise in the rules, minimum weight includes the driver. So if your car is 2700#, you're 200#, then you only have to add 100#. A full 15 gallon gas tank will take care of that.


Dave Dusterberg
1979 Aspen R/T (soon to be #19 CAM/T)
2002 Ram 1500 SLT
2005 Magnum R/T
2005 Mustang GT SCCA CAM/C #19
Re: SCCA is adding a Solo class just for Pro-Touring cars! [Re: IndyDave] #1553175
12/31/13 05:01 PM
12/31/13 05:01 PM
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Why the 3000lb weight limit ?

Re: SCCA is adding a Solo class just for Pro-Touring cars! [Re: prrc] #1553176
01/05/14 05:31 PM
01/05/14 05:31 PM
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Quote:

Why the 3000lb weight limit ?




because its keeps costs down. your basically allowing unlimited mods and $$$$ to eventually complete against cars that have to abide by a much larger set of rules and cannot change as much. Its already going to ruffle feathers and sour the veterans.

What a breath of fresh air!! essentially >3000lbs, stock body panels. 2 seats, 200UTQG tires, 'street legal' and safe. My only wish is that the class STAYS so simple. Loose and simple rules is a MUST if you want to draw in 30-40yr old cars that people like to tinker with. The idea is clearly to encourage participation and to set the hook early. But i predict that SCCA will ruin it with rules before its a bonafide class.

In the mean time I'm excited. Ive been meaning to bring my a-body barracuda out to our Rantoul, IL events for a couple years now. Guess its time to get it sorted out. Hell Ive had a 5.7 on the stand now for 3 years ready to go in, but have been focusing on learning to drive the neon, now SRT, and didn't want to take it off the road.

Last edited by Trojmn; 01/05/14 05:33 PM.
Re: SCCA is adding a Solo class just for Pro-Touring cars! [Re: prrc] #1553177
01/05/14 06:01 PM
01/05/14 06:01 PM
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Quote:

Why the 3000lb weight limit ?




Why not 3200lb?

Seems like a lighter weight scares off more cars then a heavier car spec or adding ballast, which can be a track advantage as already mentioned vs those that don't need to to.


I'm with Helmuth Hübener, and no soup is being served today.
Re: SCCA is adding a Solo class just for Pro-Touring cars! [Re: jcc] #1553178
01/05/14 08:14 PM
01/05/14 08:14 PM
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IndyDave Offline OP
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Quote:

Quote:

Why the 3000lb weight limit ?




Why not 3200lb?

Seems like a lighter weight scares off more cars then a heavier car spec or adding ballast, which can be a track advantage as already mentioned vs those that don't need to to.




That was the number that was mentioned most frequently. Personally, I'm with you JCC I would have liked to see an even heavier minimum weight but 3000# is at least a reasonable number. No matter what the number would be or if there would have been no minimum weight someone wouldn't like it.

Back in the day when I was building street stock short track cars it was pretty easy to get a Mopar A-Body down to 2700-2800# with driver but it was pretty much a shell of it's former self (pun intended). My last personal street stocker was a 79 Magnum and it weighed 3450# with my 250# fat ass in the seat. So it's conceivable that an early Camaro or Mustang could be a sub 3000# car without much work and still have all it's street equipment. The minimum weight was more a way to keep the class from being over run with kit cars.


Dave Dusterberg
1979 Aspen R/T (soon to be #19 CAM/T)
2002 Ram 1500 SLT
2005 Magnum R/T
2005 Mustang GT SCCA CAM/C #19
Re: SCCA is adding a Solo class just for Pro-Touring cars! [Re: IndyDave] #1553179
01/05/14 10:15 PM
01/05/14 10:15 PM
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Im actually pretty cool with the 3000 lb thing. I will be hard pressed to get my Dart down there with driver especially if I ever put in a cage. The 68-69 Camaroes weigh in the 3500 range with cages with no driver but with all aluminum LS engine. If once my car gets back to making smoke one of these events is fairly close, im game. Even if I have to get some Dunlops for the front and Rivals or Michelins for the rear.


Mopar to the bone!!!
Re: SCCA is adding a Solo class just for Pro-Touring cars! [Re: jcc] #1553180
01/07/14 03:18 AM
01/07/14 03:18 AM
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Quote:

Quote:

Why the 3000lb weight limit ?




Why not 3200lb?

Seems like a lighter weight scares off more cars then a heavier car spec or adding ballast, which can be a track advantage as already mentioned vs those that don't need to to.




I'd prefer 3200 or even heavier so some of the bigger cars can be competitive, - I like to see a guy out with a monaco or fury tearing it up with the rest of the pack

Re: SCCA is adding a Solo class just for Pro-Touring cars! [Re: dangina] #1553181
01/07/14 11:13 AM
01/07/14 11:13 AM
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Our 65 R&D Mustang coupe has full functioning interior, two layers of sound deadening, heater, tunes, and an iron block/head engine. Weighs 3090lbs.
I have been talking with our regional rules board and members about a tire size/weight limitations, as I know this can turn into check book warfare pretty quickly. I'd rather have stricter rules that get loosened, vice the other way around. Best way to scare off competitors is to constantly strangle out purpose built cars that disenfranchised your intended participant crowd in the first place.

Re: SCCA is adding a Solo class just for Pro-Touring cars! [Re: Dan@Hotchkis] #1553182
01/07/14 11:28 AM
01/07/14 11:28 AM
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jcc Offline
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Quote:

I'd rather have stricter rules that get loosened, vice the other way around. Best way to scare off competitors is to constantly strangle out purpose built cars that disenfranchised your intended participant crowd in the first place.




You lost me.

Could you clarify?


I'm with Helmuth Hübener, and no soup is being served today.
Re: SCCA is adding a Solo class just for Pro-Touring cars! [Re: jcc] #1553183
01/07/14 12:12 PM
01/07/14 12:12 PM
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Quote:

Quote:

I'd rather have stricter rules that get loosened, vice the other way around. Best way to scare off competitors is to constantly strangle out purpose built cars that disenfranchised your intended participant crowd in the first place.




You lost me.

Could you clarify?




Sure thing. The ruleset that I drafted and proposed was very similar to SM, however it catered to cars with a more resto-mod build in mind to compete rather than an all out pro-touring build. The intent was that a guy could spend 4-5k on a car to "prep" it, and be competitive. Suspension was limited to bolt on kits using factory suspension pick-up points. Engine blocks were restricted to the same alloy as manufactured, no fire wall modifications, etc. For the folks with coil over conversions, aftermarket subframes, and LS swaps, SCCA has classes for those(EP,XP,CP). And as I like to put it bluntly, if you can afford 15k in suspension, you can afford 1500 in tires and run with the big boys.
This method was widely agreed on in our region because out of the 6-8 regulars and 12 or so that come occasionally, it only really banned a couple of the higher end cars, and many of the guys who have been becoming tired of the rule sets at Good Guys wanted a place to be competitive....everyone wants a chance at a trophy, lol.
Good Guys finally had a rude awakening this year with the final shootout. An XP Lotus showed up, passed tech and was allowed to run Qual day. The following day of the shootout, he was "re-tech'd" and found illegal. At the pace he was running, he would have definitely been a top 3. What I'm getting at is Good Guys is becoming atomic warfare for cars. Big money cars are starting to show up in force and it is ruining a bit of the spirit of the event for competitors.
My fear with this current SCCA ruleset is that with the liberal rules now, people will invest a lot of money and man hours to build a car that is competitive in that liberal class. The big money builds will come out and the little guys (80% of the class' intended participants)will sulk away. Once the rules start to tighten year after year, it will be harder for the "purpose" built guys to forcast the class and they will go back to run what ya brung type events. The class will wither and die. Here in San Diego Region(SDR) we just voted this year that there will be only CAM1, and it will be 1978 and older. This will eliminate Fox bodies and the newer American Muscle guys in SM and ESP who were frothing at the mouth because they are not as competitive in their classes and feel they could clean up for easy trophies and a jacket in CAM.
All in all, I spent a lot of time making a ruleset for a class I was not going to compete in(I'll be in SM so I have no actual skin in the game), and I wanted it accessible(and winnable) to the nut and bolt/garage guys. They said my baby was ugly and now we'll just have to see how this ruleset pans out. I'll be doing my best to keep cranking out customer cars and herding them in that direction, at a couple events this year we had 4 customer cars out battling each other, and it was great to watch!

Re: SCCA is adding a Solo class just for Pro-Touring cars! [Re: Dan@Hotchkis] #1553184
01/07/14 03:32 PM
01/07/14 03:32 PM
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jcc Offline
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If I understand what your goal is then , since the main contention so far seems to be weight, then a 3600?b or higher weight would include a much wider group and at lower cost, then a 3000lb weight with driver, so then why 3,000lb? Getting to 3,000lbs will leave out a lot of cars that owners don't want to chop up, and hundreds of pounds is a big disadvantage. And I sympathizes with any rulemakers, as everyone is trying to find and edge.


I'm with Helmuth Hübener, and no soup is being served today.
Re: SCCA is adding a Solo class just for Pro-Touring cars! [Re: jcc] #1553185
01/07/14 04:06 PM
01/07/14 04:06 PM
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amxautox Offline
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So...why should I have to add 500-600 pounds to my car to play? THAT'S not fair either.


Tom

"Everyone should believe in something; I believe I'll go fishing."

-Henry David Thoreau

Men and fish are alike. They both get into trouble when they open their mouths

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