Re: 7.5 lb class for GT
 

x2. I couldn't agree more.

Re: 7.5 lb class for GT
 

Fishlips
7.5 lbs x 322 hp = 2415 +170 for driver = 2585. Shipping weight on a Cavalier is 2617 and Sunfire is 2771. By my math they will fit in 7.5 lb class unless the 2500 lb minimum applies to car only without driver. I don't have a rulebook handy and I don't have the FWD Comp, oops I mean GT rules memorized.
Regardless, a quick phone call to Glendora by the right folks would probably allow those cars in anyway. It's not like they haven't ignored the rulebook in the past.

I'm wondering how much appeal this new class might have? I can count the number of big blocks in division 7 on one hand and the number of big block GT/AA cars on one finger. We are a dying breed my friend.

Also, in terms of new cars being built, there are at least several dozen new Cobalts running around and Chevrolet has only been making them for 2.5 years now. McClanahan's Camaro is at least 3 years old and the other car mentioned has never been run. I think this is Dick's point in that the new cars are GT cars, not old school muscle.

Re: 7.5 lb class for GT
 

Rulebook says minimum weight in GT with driver is 2670 pounds. The little teenie tiny small block cars won't measure up.

Doug

Re: 7.5 lb class for GT
 

Dan,

I guess I just hate to see the death of the big block GT car. You know there are fewer and fewer each year. Maybe the answer would be to make a big block only class in GT.

All of the really killer big block engine combinations won't factor into a GT car. GT has become the haven of the small block. Small blocks are great little engines, no doubt about it, but why can't we get some of the real factory high performance engines in GT. There is no good reason not to allow them. All of the cars these days are built to accomodate the increased speed, just look at the modified cars, so why not allow a lighter GT car with a big block?

Super Stock is all about the factory high performance cars and engines, Hemi's, LS-6's, L-88's Ford 427 side oiler, 440 Six Paks, SD455's, Tunnel ram dual quad AMC's and many others. Since GT is a modern extension of Super Stock why can't we run these engines????? Talk about Crowd pleasers!! Could you just see a new style Mustang with a 427 running a new Cuda with a 426 Hemi?

Somehow I just can't imagine a new style Cuda with a 318 in GT/HA.

Re: 7.5 lb class for GT
 

My software includes drag coefficient, frontal square area, ride height, it was all included. (cant get a number unless you enter all the numbers) You pick the vehicle from the data base for the frontal square area or you can do it yourself. Then you measure the height of the car off the ground. Yes we all know these are approximations,, and aerodynamics is a factor of many, but these big ET losses simply arent reality. (One guy told me 5 tenths)

On the other hand, how much is Ram Air, hood clearance, and wheel base worth? You gotta consider everything not cherry pick. If you want to try one I will run the software for you. I dont have all the body styles, but I have a pretty good list of the common ones.

Just think about it, you can scrub 5mph off at the end and it simply doesnt affect ET that much.

Lynn

Re: 7.5 lb class for GT
 

Lynn is this something you do commercially or just for your own edification? If you don't mind I am curious how an 85 Mustang would stack up against the Colbalts.

Re: 7.5 lb class for GT
 

I am wondering why GT starts at an 8 lb weight break in the first place. I wasn't around for the beginning of this class, so I wonder if anybody remembers the logic for this. SS starts at 6.0, so why wouldn't they just make it the same? There has to be a reason.
I agree WHOLE HEARTEDLY that a 2009 Camaro or Challenger should have a big block in it. I bet the marketing guys at GM and Chrysler would agree too.

Re: 7.5 lb class for GT
 

When asked about why the difference in wt breaks I was told it was the safety fears when the class started. As the chassis development has improved, use and speeds of Comp variety have progressed the safety has improved. Now a BBC is legal in a FWD if you chose. A new Mustang with the T-BOLT 2x4s and hemi challenger and Camaro with the L-88 heads up would be a recreation of the 60'S if supported. The factories are inquiring to get it to happen(not their motor ideas)
When asked about these lighter classes earlier the standard company answer has been "cant add classes". This area is one area progress can happen but will take time to populate with cars of any kind. If class numbers were decreased elsewhere then maybe the arguement would go away.

Re: 7.5 lb class for GT
 

Going through Indy qualifying and looked for any BB cars. Found 37,42,52,63,69 on ladder. Only 1 is a GT car. I'm sure there were others below what i guess the point is BB can't keep up. Sounds like a change would be helpful.
Jeff

Re: 7.5 lb class for GT
 

Good observation on the Indy qualifying. I know Boucher #104 has a big block in his gt/ba car and Perry #107 is also a big block. I would guess that Beechy has a big block in his gt/aa firebird (btw is he going to surprise some people that never saw him coming in gt/aa?), but cannot confirm. Regardless, 3 big block gt cars doesn't seem right.
However, would adding a 7.5lb class bring more big blocks in gt, or just isolate them from having to compete w/ the small blocks? I'm guessing the latter.