7.5 lb class for GT

[Fishlips]

Lynn,

Here is the equation for total drag.

Total Drag:

D=CDA p/2 V2

Where
CD= Coefficient of Drag

A= Frontal Area

p= density of ambient air

V2= vehicle speed squared

This is a big difference when you compare a Cobalt or somthing little to the Older Super Stockers with a big wide front and tall roof line.

I believe your calculations used cars with similar frontal areas.

[Lynn A McCarty]

Originally Posted by Fishlips

Lynn,

Here is the equation for total drag.

Total Drag:

D=CDA p/2 V2

Where
CD= Coefficient of Drag

A= Frontal Area

p= density of ambient air

V2= vehicle speed squared

This is a big difference when you compare a Cobalt or somthing little to the Older Super Stockers with a big wide front and tall roof line.

I believe your calculations used cars with similar frontal areas.

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

[JCQuinn]

Originally Posted by Lynn A McCarty

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

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.

[Racin Mason]

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.

[Dick Butler]

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.

[Haywood]

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

[Racin Mason]

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.

[Haywood]

I believe Mike Beachy is the 400 SBC. still. It was when he was in ca and da. But HP keeps getting added to it. I feel the point is valid about a change with BBC cars but not sure what it would be.
Jeff

[Lynn A McCarty]

Originally Posted by Racin Mason

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.

Beachy runs the 400. It is a new Cavalier. He put a For Sale sign on the window at Indy. Some of those 82 Firebirds with the alum hoods, I have seen very light in the 2900 lb range with driver.

Lynn