Other Special Events - Thunder Shootout: 3,500lb minimum too much?

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1 Bad Z

10-03-2002, 12:56 AM

Just wondering, do some of you think that the minimum weight in the modified stock classes is too high? There are alot of competitive F-bodies out there but they are way below that weight to be competitive. I wonder how these cars will run at that weight minimum. Are we going to have a show of 11.50 to 12.50 E.T's?

Why don't they have a stock ci class for the H/C LS1 cars? I believe this is the most competetive class, or is this the Modified Stock N/A class.

For example, are you telling me that Raughammer would have to put 400lbs. of ballast in his car to meet the minimum weight. How the hell would he do that?

Worm Boy

10-03-2002, 01:04 AM

I like the rules the way they are. Like the modified stock power adder class. 3500 LBS is like a true street car should be. Anything under that makes the car look more like a race car because it will be gutted. I cant wait for this race!

Terry Burger

10-03-2002, 01:24 AM

In addition to the weight break you need a HP break. It's not fair for guys to run around with 400-450rwhp in a 346. Someone bring a dyno and max hp allowed should be 375.

Stefan D.

10-03-2002, 01:27 AM

3500 I think is a little heavy also but its ok. I am running MS/PA and have been 9.70 at 3440 so I think adding a little weight and now the car is tuned <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" /> , I hope its runs good. I cant wait until November 2nd. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />

Tim98TA

10-03-2002, 07:17 AM

<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by 1 Bad Z:
For example, are you telling me that Raughammer would have to put 400lbs. of ballast in his car to meet the minimum weight. How the hell would he do that?<hr /></blockquote>Well lets see. The weight was once IN the car. Why can't it NOT be put back in? SE cars run weight ballast.
Besides, Raughammer will NEVER show up anyway. He runs at one track, so he can post his timeslips. He isn't into racing other people at the track.

Tim

Guido

10-03-2002, 09:08 AM

EDIT: Dont need to fuel the fire <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" />

[ October 03, 2002, 09:09 AM: Message edited by: Guido ]

Nine Ball

10-03-2002, 09:10 AM

Don't worry Tim, I rag on John for not going to events with me also <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />

While you car gutters gripe about 3500 lbs being too heavy, I'll just gripe about the 3200 lbs "racecar" weight limit in my big motor class. LOL!

3624 lbs here. 3500 lbs is easy!

-Tony

Skelton

10-03-2002, 10:19 AM

3500lbs is good for Chevelles and E-body Chryslers but my 01 Formula only weighed 3480 raceweight brand new. If I take off the 80lbs for Bogarts and slicks/skinnies. I would have to add 100 lbs just being stock with drag wheels. I always thought the point of "modified" included some sort of weight reduction allowed. 3300 is much more reasonable for a "modified" car but hey its just my .02. I may make the trip down myself with 300lbs of iron

mgreen

10-03-2002, 01:36 PM

<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Y2K Blackbird:
3500lbs is good for Chevelles and E-body Chryslers but my 01 Formula only weighed 3480 raceweight brand new. If I take off the 80lbs for Bogarts and slicks/skinnies. I would have to add 100 lbs just being stock with drag wheels. I always thought the point of "modified" included some sort of weight reduction allowed. 3300 is much more reasonable for a "modified" car but hey its just my .02. I may make the trip down myself with 300lbs of iron<hr /></blockquote>It's 3500lb RACEWEIGHT. . . so unless you're bloated w/ Helium, 3500lb's with even a SKINNY ASS driver is no problem for a stock car with Bogarts & what not.

Bob Cosby

10-03-2002, 01:58 PM

Adding weight is very, very easy. It is, of course, best to add weight to the rear of the car. Here are some thoughts and ideas on that...

1) Leave the spare and jack in (or put it back in - secured, of course). About 30 lbs in the right place.

2) Gas weighs 6.2 lbs per gallon, and the tank is in the rear. Fill it up! Hey, 93 Octane is cheap...be glad you don't have to run $5 per gallon spec fuel.

3) There are variety of ways to gain weight that aren't necessarily NHRA legal. None of you M6 guys going 11.99 or faster will be NHRA safety-legal anyways, so if I were in your shoes, and still needed weight after doing the above, barbell weights work fine. Just make sure you put them somewhere semi-secure.

4) If you REALLY need to add some non-intrusive, hard to notice weight....get an extra spare tire. Take the valve stem out. Fill the tire with lead shot (sporting goods store) and plug the hole. I did this last year....150 lb spare in the very back of the car does just fine. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />

5) If you're close on weight, and you need to hide an extra 10-20 lbs, put it in the center console. Been there, done that.

Finally..and very important...I highly recommend weighing your car at the track you will be running on BEFORE first round of qualifying, and again the next day before eliminations. It sucks when you run really, really good - or win the first round - only to be DQ'd because you were 5 lbs underweight. It happens. To that end, I'd also ensure I was 15-20 lbs overweight, just for safety.

Good luck, and have fun. Lots of weight breaks parts...take that from experience. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />

GeorgeC

10-03-2002, 02:11 PM

<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Bob Cosby:
4) If you REALLY need to add some non-intrusive, hard to notice weight....get an extra spare tire. Take the valve stem out. Fill the tire with lead shot (sporting goods store) and plug the hole. I did this last year....150 lb spare in the very back of the car does just fine. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
<hr /></blockquote>Now that is an awesome idea!

Jon Green

10-03-2002, 02:22 PM

Ok George spare tire im ok with but lead shot <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Banging Head]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_banghead.gif" />

Guido

10-03-2002, 02:34 PM

<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Jon Green:
Ok George spare tire im ok with but lead shot <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Banging Head]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_banghead.gif" /> <hr /></blockquote>if you have got to have the weight, what difference does it make? Besides, its easy to get what you want by adding or subtracting more shot. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" />

Trevor @ Texas Speed & Perf.

10-03-2002, 02:45 PM

I think 3,500# is great. No matter what, I WILL BE THERE REGARDLESS! Again, let's not discourage the turnout right before the event. So let's say that we go in and set the raceweight 400# lower. Then you'll have guys complaining that they'll have to strip their cars to sardine-can status to be competitive. You can't win for losing, so you just have to come up with the rules and stand behind them. My SS weighs in at 3,515# with no backseat, no spare or jack, with Convo Pros, and no rear muffler. I personally don't see the big deal to have a 3,500# raceweight. Again, people are going to bitch no matter what it's set at, so they just picked what will be easier for the majority of the racers to reach.

Just be sure to SUPPORT Thunder Racing for this event, and I'm sure they will listen to your wishes/wants for the next event. Just remember that we have to support them from the beginning in order for there to BE another event.

my $.02

Trevor

CamaroCain

10-03-2002, 02:45 PM

<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by mgreen:
 <blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Y2K Blackbird:
3500lbs is good for Chevelles and E-body Chryslers but my 01 Formula only weighed 3480 raceweight brand new. If I take off the 80lbs for Bogarts and slicks/skinnies. I would have to add 100 lbs just being stock with drag wheels. I always thought the point of "modified" included some sort of weight reduction allowed. 3300 is much more reasonable for a "modified" car but hey its just my .02. I may make the trip down myself with 300lbs of iron<hr /></blockquote>It's 3500lb RACEWEIGHT. . . so unless you're bloated w/ Helium, 3500lb's with even a SKINNY ASS driver is no problem for a stock car with Bogarts & what not.<hr /></blockquote>Yeah maybe for a loaded out trans am that would work. Our car bone stock had a RACEweight of 3500lbs. now that we have headers, smaller torque converter, no cats, etc. RACEweight is 3300lbs with only spare and jack/washer fluid bottle, and front sway bar removed and with convo pros. So i think 3500 is a little high for the weight, but i guess it doesnt matter, we will just be going to watch this time around. Not enough power to be competitive yet.

[ October 03, 2002, 02:46 PM: Message edited by: CamaroCain ]

Guido

10-03-2002, 03:19 PM

<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by CamaroCain:
 So i think 3500 is a little high for the weight, but i guess it doesnt matter, we will just be going to watch this time around. Not enough power to be competitive yet.<hr /></blockquote>WTF? Come and race anyway. Like I think I can hold a candle to madman but Im racing anyway. Never know what will happen to the other guy's car ya know? <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_cheers.gif" />

Pro Stock John

10-03-2002, 03:30 PM

Let's get out there and kick some azzz!

Best time to change rules is after the event so don't worry about changes a few weeks before the event, I am looking forward to seeing all my friends who I saw in BG last year.

GTS SS

10-03-2002, 06:10 PM

<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Bob Cosby:
 3)None of you M6 guys going 11.99 or faster will be NHRA safety-legal anyways<hr /></blockquote>Bob,
Are you refering to the Bellhousing Scattershield issue?
I thought since one is not available for the M6 LS1's at this time that this would be a non issue for the Thunder Shootout.

Gordon

Bob Cosby

10-03-2002, 08:44 PM

<blockquote>quote:<hr />Bob,
Are you refering to the Bellhousing Scattershield issue?
I thought since one is not available for the M6 LS1's at this time that this would be a non issue for the Thunder Shootout.

Gordon<hr /></blockquote>Well, that is up to whomever is doing the race. It is an NHRA rule. If the track or event folks decide not to enforce it, then they won't enforce it.

CamaroCain

10-04-2002, 12:22 AM

<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Guido:
[QUOTE]WTF? Come and race anyway. Like I think I can hold a candle to madman but Im racing anyway. Never know what will happen to the other guy's car ya know? <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_cheers.gif" /> <hr /></blockquote>If I were to come run I would have to run in the S/S Automatic class, which requires 3500 lbs race weight, and drag radials, and I dont have either of those. I dont have money just laying around to spend the money to buy some drag radials just for one event. And the only other class besides that I could run in would be the bracket class, and i wouldn't know what the hell i was doing. The only tree I know is "instant green" sunday nights at HRP. I have never bracket raced before. I plan to get some practice in within this coming year to be able to compete in events like this one and Super Chevy. But for now me and and hubby are just going to watch, my favorite sponsor may be running their car out there, so looking forward to watching them and everyone else we know from the Houston area.

Lynda

Worm Boy

10-05-2002, 02:44 AM

Stefan D, holy crap your car is moving! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" /> What size motor do you have and what kind of power adder? Was that 9.7 pass on the trans-brake? Cant wait to see your car run at the event!

Stefan D.

10-07-2002, 01:46 AM

The car has a TY TECH 396. That pass was on the brake but I shut the car off early almost every pass I ran at NMCA this year because it would sputter in high gear <img border="0" alt="[Banging Head]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_banghead.gif" /> . My best pass so far was 9.70 at 120 but the car went 6.09 at 113 in the 1/8 w/ a 1.40 sixty. The car has bested a 1.34 60 so hopefully I can get it all together. Looking to go 9.50s w/ the NOS tune up on it now. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />

[ October 07, 2002, 02:05 AM: Message edited by: Stefan D. ]

Worm Boy

10-09-2002, 02:07 PM

Gee wiz,do you have all your gas on ONE stage? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" /> That is freakin sweet. I guess you got the m/s power adder class in the bag! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />

Raughammer

10-10-2002, 12:13 AM

<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Tim98TA:
[QUOTE][qb]Besides, Raughammer will NEVER show up anyway. He runs at one track, so he can post his timeslips. He isn't into racing other people at the track.
Tim<hr /></blockquote>Lets see the last time Tim ran his mouth like this, I went that week end to San Antonio and ran 10's at 125 mph.
Tim, I'm not into racing other people at the track? What? I race competitively at HRP in the brackets on wednesday night? Do you EVER know what the heck your talking about?

BTW, I only need to add 300 pounds to the pepper to reach 3500 race weight. Gasoline and Olympic weights should do it. I REALLY liked the idea of the weighted tire.

John Campbell

10-10-2002, 02:39 PM

John I dont think Tim was totally outta line.
I havent seen ONE POST about youe ET/MPH since u went 10.66 in -1550DA's...

I know your a drag racer and I respect u a whole lot but lets face it u dont run or talk about your car unless its good news.

3500lbs is the right way to do this EVENT because then u can see what these so called rockets really run at a true weight...

If I dont come to this event,I'm a wimp and u guys can break my balls to no end.

JS

Raughammer

10-10-2002, 03:03 PM

JS then either your as forgetful as TIM or...

Posts about the car after the 10.66 run ...
1. Street Racing post: "The Pepper goes hunting in Pearland"
6/14/02
2. E.T. and MPH post: "Knocking on the door but I cant get in"
2/18/02
3. E.T. and MPH post: "Racing in the Sun!"
02/9/02
4. E.T. and MPH post: "The Pepper tries out RCR"
2/6/02

Is that enough for you?
I didnt think I needed to post everytime I go street racing or to HRP. Dang man, I would be posting all the time.
Why should I post something that is of no concern to most folks... much less my self? Who cares if i place third in the brackets or get knocked out in the first round at Super Chevy? Who would give a rats ass?
When I have something entertaining to post... I will post it. I dont think folks care to read about the "Days of our lives" according to John.

Come colder weather, I will be posting more about the car...

John Campbell

10-10-2002, 03:26 PM

John,If said anything that was uncalled for I am sorry
I didnt mean it as a shot at u personally.

JS

[ October 10, 2002, 05:47 PM: Message edited by: JS ]

95 Formula

10-10-2002, 10:10 PM

so are you coming to the thunder shootout or not?

BADZ

10-11-2002, 12:48 AM

This is a great post and 3500 is a good weight!!!

John, why does it seem that you are a target?????

Answer: You run good times with your 346ci....

Ding, Ding, Ding.....

<img border="0" alt="[hail]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_hail.gif" /> 346ci's rule!!!!

[ October 11, 2002, 12:51 AM: Message edited by: BADZ ]

Joe Kizzire

10-11-2002, 05:36 AM

<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by 95 Formula:
so are you coming to the thunder shootout or not?<hr /></blockquote>Yeh... what he said....