[Smitty]

Originally Posted by Angelo DiTocco

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

Thanks alot Angelo, very informative post.