Fuel Injected 93-03 GM F Body Classifications

[Smitty]

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.

[Angelo DiTocco]

Originally Posted by Smitty

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.

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

[Woodro Josey]

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!

[Smitty]

Originally Posted by Woodro Josey

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!

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.

[Wayne Totaro]

Originally Posted by Smitty

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.

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!

[Jesse Knapp]

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

[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.

[Rich Biebel]

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.....

[Clay Arnett]

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)

[BudRowe]

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.