any downsides?
- Weight
- Top care (no automatic washes, top cleaning & protectant application)
- Requries more maintenence to keep squeak and rattle free (tighten things & lube weatherstripping) but can be controlled.
- <13.49 @ the track = you need a roll bar
- Factory exhaust is very, very quiet.
- No easy way to add bass, high risk for aftermarket stereo theft.
The tops themselves are a high quality Heartz (sp?) cloth, same as used on Audi's & Saabs. It is a top-grade material and will hold up quite well if you take proper care of it (correct cleaning procedures, protectant, etc.).
- Top care (no automatic washes, top cleaning & protectant application)
- Requries more maintenence to keep squeak and rattle free (tighten things & lube weatherstripping) but can be controlled.
- <13.49 @ the track = you need a roll bar
- Factory exhaust is very, very quiet.
- No easy way to add bass, high risk for aftermarket stereo theft.
The tops themselves are a high quality Heartz (sp?) cloth, same as used on Audi's & Saabs. It is a top-grade material and will hold up quite well if you take proper care of it (correct cleaning procedures, protectant, etc.).
12 Second Club
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I traded my 96 Z28 vert in on the 02 this past May. Car had 50K on it plus it had SLP vert SFC's on it. No rattles or squeaks. Only problem was slight leakage when it rained if I was going over 50 MPH (leaked at the joint between the 2 pieces at the back of the side window). Car was always hand washed but I'm sure it probably would have leaked a little bit under a pressure washer (a hose was no problem).
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From: MA
Originally Posted by todddchi
-
- <13.49 @ the track = you need a roll bar
- <13.49 @ the track = you need a roll bar
TECH Fanatic
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From: MA
Originally Posted by 99SS'Vert
Thats only if the car can run 11.49 from the factory (i.e. unmodified). It's still 13.49 for the rest of us.
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From: MA
Originally Posted by 99SS'Vert
Thats only if the car can run 11.49 from the factory (i.e. unmodified). It's still 13.49 for the rest of us.
Originally Posted by NHRA RULEBOOK
As an example, under existing Summit E.T. rules, a convertible running 13.99 and quicker must have a driveshaft loop and roll bar. Under the new rules, a pure-stock street-legal car will not require this equipment unless it runs 11.49 or quicker.
Vehicles must meet all state-highway safety requirements for the state in which the vehicle is registered, must be street driven, display valid license plates (or temporary permits), and have proof of vehicle registration and valid insurance.
Vehicles must meet all state-highway safety requirements for the state in which the vehicle is registered, must be street driven, display valid license plates (or temporary permits), and have proof of vehicle registration and valid insurance.
http://www.nhra.com/APCM/templates/n...=2896&zoneid=8
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Launching!
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Plano TX
I was quoting IHRA rules and didn't realize that.
10.00 to 11.49
Rollcage: Add at the end of the section, A rollcage is mandatory on all convertibles running 10.99 or quicker ¼ or 6.99 or quicker 1/8 mile. T-top vehicles follow convertible guidelines.
11.50 to 13.49 section
Rollbar / Rollcage: A minimum of a 6 point roll bar is mandatory all convertibles running 11.00 to 13.49 ¼ mile and 8.25 or quicker 1/8 mile. A roll cage is mandatory on any entry that exceeds 135 mph.
10.00 to 11.49
Rollcage: Add at the end of the section, A rollcage is mandatory on all convertibles running 10.99 or quicker ¼ or 6.99 or quicker 1/8 mile. T-top vehicles follow convertible guidelines.
11.50 to 13.49 section
Rollbar / Rollcage: A minimum of a 6 point roll bar is mandatory all convertibles running 11.00 to 13.49 ¼ mile and 8.25 or quicker 1/8 mile. A roll cage is mandatory on any entry that exceeds 135 mph.
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From: MA
ok, now I'm confused...well anyway, they let me race at lvd and I'm going there again next month. Fun stuff, hopefully I don't ever really need a roll bar, though I'd like to make myself a real nice custom one someday, in case I do ever flip it.
Well, the RULE is <13.49 + vert = roll cage.
But not all tracks follow this, and some are more lenient, especially if it is possible in stock trim on a test and tune type of night.
My guess is that some tracks will shut you down. Other's won't pay too much attention until you start getting into the 12's (obviously modded).
But not all tracks follow this, and some are more lenient, especially if it is possible in stock trim on a test and tune type of night.
My guess is that some tracks will shut you down. Other's won't pay too much attention until you start getting into the 12's (obviously modded).
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From: MA
Originally Posted by todddchi
Well, the RULE is <13.49 + vert = roll cage.
But not all tracks follow this, and some are more lenient, especially if it is possible in stock trim on a test and tune type of night.
My guess is that some tracks will shut you down. Other's won't pay too much attention until you start getting into the 12's (obviously modded).
But not all tracks follow this, and some are more lenient, especially if it is possible in stock trim on a test and tune type of night.
My guess is that some tracks will shut you down. Other's won't pay too much attention until you start getting into the 12's (obviously modded).
Launching!
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 223
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From: Plano TX
I found a rule revision for 2005 on NHRA's website.
http://www.nhra.com/2004/news/november/110102.html
Adjustment to E.T. requirements
In a move designed to encourage more street vehicles to compete on the quarter-mile, NHRA has revised its requirements for roll bars, SFI Spec clutches, driveshaft loops, driver restraints, and certain protective clothing.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2005, a roll bar and an SFI 16.1 driver-restraint system will be mandatory on any vehicle running 11.49 or quicker and for convertibles running 13.49 or quicker. An SFI 3.2A/1 jacket will be mandatory for all drivers in vehicles running between 10.00 to 11.49 seconds. On any car running 11.49 or quicker, a flywheel and clutch meeting SFI Spec 1.1 or 1.2 and a flywheel shield meeting SFI Spec 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, or 9.1 will be mandatory. A driveshaft loop will be required on all cars running 13.99 or quicker and utilizing slicks, except vehicles equipped with street tires running 11.49 or slower.
http://www.nhra.com/2004/news/november/110102.html
Adjustment to E.T. requirements
In a move designed to encourage more street vehicles to compete on the quarter-mile, NHRA has revised its requirements for roll bars, SFI Spec clutches, driveshaft loops, driver restraints, and certain protective clothing.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2005, a roll bar and an SFI 16.1 driver-restraint system will be mandatory on any vehicle running 11.49 or quicker and for convertibles running 13.49 or quicker. An SFI 3.2A/1 jacket will be mandatory for all drivers in vehicles running between 10.00 to 11.49 seconds. On any car running 11.49 or quicker, a flywheel and clutch meeting SFI Spec 1.1 or 1.2 and a flywheel shield meeting SFI Spec 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, or 9.1 will be mandatory. A driveshaft loop will be required on all cars running 13.99 or quicker and utilizing slicks, except vehicles equipped with street tires running 11.49 or slower.
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From: MA
you're listing ET class rules, I'm listing pure stock class rules, both nhra and on their website at the links we each provided, I read them both. The question is, when are you racing pure stock class and when et class? It says at test and tunes and street legal events it's pure stock rules is the way I read it.
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From: MA
The topic is drawbacks to owning an f-body convertible. If you can't drag race it without a roll-bar because it's too fast, it is a drawback. On the other hand, if it's off topic I guess that would mean it's not a drawback, so you must be saying I'm right about the rules so it's no drawback. 
Teching In
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There are no major drawbacks in owning a vert vs a coupe, just minor ones. The stock stereo is a POS; they're a few pounds pudgier; they're noisier (whether that's a drawback is debatable); there's minor cowl shake and the odd rattle. Basically, they're convertibles! Nothing out of the ordinary.
I've never had a leak but if I open the window during rain then close it again, it'll drip for a while.
There are plenty of positives. Verts are cool, get lots of looks and attention and have better resale. They are rarer. Whether cruising around town or out on the highway, it's hard to beat top-down driving. As others mentioned, there's no blind spots with the top down!
And with it up - like the Italians say, what's behind you is not important anyway.
I've never had a leak but if I open the window during rain then close it again, it'll drip for a while.
There are plenty of positives. Verts are cool, get lots of looks and attention and have better resale. They are rarer. Whether cruising around town or out on the highway, it's hard to beat top-down driving. As others mentioned, there's no blind spots with the top down!
And with it up - like the Italians say, what's behind you is not important anyway.