Fuel Injected 93-03 GM F Body Classifications
 

Ok, I don't know if anyone noticed but a 95 Camaro was bounced from the field after the 3rd round of qualifying. I have info from a reliable source that the car moved four classes. Here is my question, NHRA allowed 98 model F body's to run the LT-1 which was never offered from the facotry. I am not sure what year they finally susperseded that but I think this has lot to do with the confusion of these classes. Several of these cars depending upon what Body parts you have could conceiveably move 4 classes I think because of HP factors. Here is a scenario I would like some of the leading LT-1 experts to explain: say I own a 95 Camaro with the LT-1, naturally a Z28, now I change the hood replacing the Z28 hood with the ram air SS Hood,this changes my weight factor essentially placing me in a different class with a simple hood change because the engines are the same, correct?

Someone please explain where the break is where the LS-1 is used and the LT-1 is not used in the newer 98 and up F body.

I guess someone was really scared of racing that Camaro, funny thing is it wasn't the fastest car in B/SA. If alot of these guys quit playing qualifying games it would be an issue.

Re: Fuel Injected 93-03 GM F Body Classifications
 

Regarding the 98 Firebird/LT-1 situation........I believe the NHRA bases their classifications on the info given to them by the automobile companies.... So the decision to allow a 98 model to use the LT-1 its more likely based on the fact that Pontiac wanted to make sure that existing cars would be able to update to the new body style, without having to develop a totally new engine combo. If you think about it, It makes sense from a marketing perspective to the car company.

The quick answer to your question is "yes" if you make that change, running the car in Stock Elim (not SS/GT), (essentially changing the model from a Z-28 to a Camaro SS) you are supposed to claim it as such on the tech card and use the appropriate shipping weight.
The NHRA however, eased the restrictions on changing class last year, allowing class cars to move up or down a class from the natural class that the vehicle fits.That means that just about every car can legally fit 3 classes. Stockers used to be allowed to move only one other class (1 heavier if I remember correctly) from the natural class.

The firebirds have several different models, base car, firehawk, formula, etc.... each w/ a different shipping weight, so it is possible to have a car that can fit 4 or more classes w/ a change in the model claimed.

LT-1 up to and including 1998 -
LS-1 is used 1999 and up

Re: Fuel Injected 93-03 GM F Body Classifications
 

The 95 LT1 Z28 is a natural D car and can move to C or up to E, there was no Ram Air hood in 95. I am not sure what the deal is with Raymond!

Re: Fuel Injected 93-03 GM F Body Classifications
 

Thanks guys, that clears it up for me. I just did a google search and it looks as if the SS model wasn't introduced until 97.

Re: Fuel Injected 93-03 GM F Body Classifications
 

Thanks alot Angelo, very informative post.

Re: Fuel Injected 93-03 GM F Body Classifications
 

I purposely bought a '97 Firebird a few years ago because of the lighter shipping weight that was listed for a Formula with the Ram Air. It allowed that body style to move up or down more than a Camaro and I could run A/FIA and hide from all the fast B/FIA cars while I worked to get my car faster. As Woodro said...the Camaro is listed as a natural D car with todays rules and it looks like Ray must have made mistake thinking he could run B. You could not meet a nicer guy than Ray so it is unfortunate that he was DQ'ed. I solved the problem...sold it, bought a dragster. I was DQ'ed at a Nat'l event after winning first round one year in Stock for making a little mistake. It's not a pleasant experience.....

Re: Fuel Injected 93-03 GM F Body Classifications
 

Angelo has everything correct except fo the LT1 being around in 98. Now I know that NHRA let's the 98 cars run LT1's but go out and open any actual production 98 Firebird/Camaro. You will see an LS1 sitting in there. Here is the list by year of engins available in the fourth gen f-body cars.

Fourth generation
1993: L32 3.4L, LT1 5.7L (350 in³ iron block, aluminum heads)
1994: L32 3.4L, LT1 5.7L (350 in³ iron block, aluminum heads)
1995: L32 3.4L, L36 3.8L, LT1 5.7L (350 in³ iron block, aluminum heads)
1996: L36 3.8L, LT1 5.7L (350 in³ iron block, aluminum heads)
1997: L36 3.8L, LT1 5.7L (350 in³ iron block, aluminum heads) / LT4 5.7L (350 in³ iron block, aluminum heads) in Firehawk by SLP
1998: L36 3.8L, LS1 5.7L (346 in³ aluminum block and heads)
1999: L36 3.8L, LS1 5.7L (346 in³ aluminum block and heads)
2000: L36 3.8L, LS1 5.7L (346 in³ aluminum block and heads)
2001: L36 3.8L, LS1 5.7L (346 in³ aluminum block and heads)
2002: L36 3.8L, LS1 5.7L (346 in³ aluminum block and heads)

Re: Fuel Injected 93-03 GM F Body Classifications
 

I think if Raymond had claimed a 94 Camaro, it would have been a natural C since the shipping weight is lighter, and shouldn't have had a problem.

Re: Fuel Injected 93-03 GM F Body Classifications
 

While we're on the subject of things never made -- the title of this thread indicates that an '03 F-body was built--never ever even one rolled across the assembly line at St. Therese that was an '03 . BTW , the "REAL" reason LT1's were allowed in '98 Firebirds and Camaros is because there was an engine shortage in the GM camp and they couldn't provide engines to the GM teams so the NHRA let them use LT1's after proper paperwork was filed (kinda like the letters Mr. Shelby wrote years ago) .

On another note the author of this thread indicated that on a Camaro you could change classes by changing the hood alone .To properly make it into an SS one must also add the "correct" three piece rear spoiler among other small items . Super Sport Camaro's were available in 1996 on.........

Re: Fuel Injected 93-03 GM F Body Classifications
 

Good catch Jack, I realized that after the post went up. I couldn't find anything that stated the SS was availiable in 96, forgot about the spoiler so I guess it was a few more cosmetics than I actually mentioned.
It appears to me that the best option for running a F body would be the Pontiac based on the numerous ndy choices.

Re: Fuel Injected 93-03 GM F Body Classifications
 

I bought an SS Aniversary 97 camaro new. I still own it. SLP changes were the ram air hood and a better exhaust system (two cats) than Z-28. The Z was rated at 285hp and the SS rated 310hp. SS also came with 17" wheels and 323 rear gear as opposed to 16" wheels and 273 gear for Z. I am trying to run IHRA Pure Stock with it next week. Does anyone know the shipping weight of these cars? Guessing it to be around 3500lbs. or so, I should be in D/PS. My index is 13.10 First time out for this car, next weekend. Also, I thought 97 was the last yr. for the LT1 as well. Jesse

Re: Fuel Injected 93-03 GM F Body Classifications
 

97 SS coupe 3370 pounds-per NHRA

Re: Fuel Injected 93-03 GM F Body Classifications
 

Smitty,

The SS was brought back in 1996. I owned a 96 SS Camaro Convertible with the LT-1. Still have the original brochure.

The 96 SS also came with a functional hood scoop, forced air induction and high flow exhaust manifolds!

Re: Fuel Injected 93-03 GM F Body Classifications
 

Does anyone know the weight of a 97 ss auto. camaro? I know the NHRA number but looking for the weight from the factory without any mods or anything removed. Is it close to the number NHRA has listed? IHRA Pure Stock's factor for the engine is 315 hp. Jesse

Re: Fuel Injected 93-03 GM F Body Classifications
 

I hate to sound stupid but what is the HP and weight on my 97 lt1 camaro also c,d or e class

Re: Fuel Injected 93-03 GM F Body Classifications
 

Dennis,
Lt-1 = 341 HP factored
C - 3235
D - 3410
E - 3580

Re: Fuel Injected 93-03 GM F Body Classifications
 

Thanks Jimmy see you at St Louis

Re: Fuel Injected 93-03 GM F Body Classifications
 

I always thought a '98-'99 1LE Formula would make a great starting platform...

Re: Fuel Injected 93-03 GM F Body Classifications
 

The 1LE option related to suspension items. Claiming the 1LE package results in a heavier shipping weight and limits choices in terms of class selection. Any Formula can claim the 1LE option on the tech card and run the heavier weight if the owner chooses. Most if not all of the 1LE components such as shocks, springs, swaybars, would be removed or replaced during drag racing prep anyway so there is no particular advantage to beginning with the heavier and more expensive package.

You are correct in your belief that a '98 Formula is one of the most versatile platforms in the class guide, almost as versatile, in fact, as a '69 Camaro. A '98 Formula has a number of options with the LT1 in terms of ram air versus non-ram air, 1LE versus standard suspension, stick versus automatic, etc. Then, it can be called a '99 and that opens the door to a full range of possibilities with an LS1 drivetrain (ram-air versus non-ram-air; 1LE suspension versus standard, stick versus automatic). Someone did a lot of homework on behalf of Pontiac back in 1997-98.

Re: Fuel Injected 93-03 GM F Body Classifications
 

Chuck, you are so right in your observation:)

Re: Fuel Injected 93-03 GM F Body Classifications
 

Hey Woodro, did you have anything to do with that?

It's clear that it took someone with a vivid imagination and a life-long acquaintance with the Classification Guide to put all those elements together. It was almost as creative as coming up with a shipping weight of 3011# for a car that has a normal curb weight of over 3400#. Have you ever listened to the conversations between spectators when they're looking at the weight sticker on an A/FIA LT1 Firebird? Priceless!

Have you put any laps on the Corvette yet?

c

Re: Fuel Injected 93-03 GM F Body Classifications
 

Chuck, lets just say i was close by at the time! As for the Corvette, it is at the Dyno being fitted with a Big Stuff System. I hope to have it out in a couple of weeks, if i am able to get in and out of it, i am still having some back and neck issues after my head on collision with a clay bank in Gainesville!

Re: Fuel Injected 93-03 GM F Body Classifications
 

Woodro, you said the BS word???..Sweet.