C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

What does "for racing use only" really mean?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 23, 2002 | 07:07 PM
  #1  
Matt Gruber's Avatar
Matt Gruber
Thread Starter
Race Director
Active Streak: 30 Days
Community Influencer
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 15,048
Likes: 79
From: central FL, near the beach.
Default What does "for racing use only" really mean?

we have all seen parts advertised FOR RACING ONLY what does this really mean?
Reply
Old Jun 23, 2002 | 07:16 PM
  #2  
bence13_33's Avatar
bence13_33
Safety Car
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,909
Likes: 26
From: Clymer PA
Default Re: What does "for racing use only" really mean? (drives61)

It usually means that it decreases the cleanliness of the vehicles emissions and therefore they only want you running it at the track where it will see limited running time (less polution in the air). Now would you like me to count how many parts are in my engine that have that warning on them? :D
Reply
Old Jun 23, 2002 | 09:06 PM
  #3  
PRNDL's Avatar
PRNDL
Team Owner
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
Likes: 46
From: Huntersville NC
Default Re: What does "for racing use only" really mean? (bence13_33)

you often see "for offroad use" only, or pre- (a certain date) Notice carbs say they are emissions legal (or not). It is all about emissions regs. MJ
Reply
Old Jun 23, 2002 | 10:04 PM
  #4  
Robert Holtman's Avatar
Robert Holtman
Drifting
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 1,673
Likes: 0
Default Re: What does "for racing use only" really mean? (MNJack)

That just means it's only recomended for use on my car. :D
Reply
Old Jun 23, 2002 | 10:42 PM
  #5  
SmokedTires's Avatar
SmokedTires
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 7,562
Likes: 9
From: B'Ville NY
Cruise-In III Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05
Default Re: What does "for racing use only" really mean? (Robert Holtman)

I thought it might be for liability purposes. If you break it, you bought it. Or this is their way of knowing this part may be used in an abusive situation, therefore if we put this label on it we won't have to warrantee it. Just a thought ;) .
Reply
Old Jun 24, 2002 | 02:13 AM
  #6  
Shark Racer's Avatar
Shark Racer
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
Default Re: What does "for racing use only" really mean? (drives61)

Believe it or not, but it's not only on engine parts...
My headlights are for offroad purposes only.
Oops.
They send too much light off to the side, so that I can actually see the road around me. :-p
Don't worry, guys, they're nowhere near as bright as the Xenon HIDs on my grandma's Acura.
-Steve(with his illegal corvette)
Reply
Old Jun 24, 2002 | 02:38 AM
  #7  
MoMo's Avatar
MoMo
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 3,078
Likes: 1
Default Re: What does "for racing use only" really mean? (Pacin'California)

I've seen dual exhaust that could easily be made legal by using a pair of aftermarket cats called "for off-road use only", merely because it alters the factory single exhaust and runs better and more efficiently. Just one example.

You've got to be careful though. You can buy racing only parts that will not do well on a street-driven vehicle. Such as an electric water pump instead of mechanical, or a high capacity coil which is not recommended for extended running at low rpm's.
Reply
Old Jun 24, 2002 | 09:12 AM
  #8  
Cookwithvette's Avatar
Cookwithvette
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,185
Likes: 0
From: New Wilmington PA
Default Re: What does "for racing use only" really mean? (MoMo)

One thing comes to mind.... Drag shocks. Everything I've heard says don't use 'em on the street.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jun 24, 2002 | 09:41 AM
  #9  
Matt Gruber's Avatar
Matt Gruber
Thread Starter
Race Director
Active Streak: 30 Days
Community Influencer
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 15,048
Likes: 79
From: central FL, near the beach.
Default Re: What does "for racing use only" really mean? (Cookwithvette)

valve springs- if they last 1/4 mile, you got your moneys worth :lol:
Reply
Old Jun 24, 2002 | 10:56 AM
  #10  
gkull's Avatar
gkull
Team Owner
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,445
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Default Re: What does "for racing use only" really mean? (drives61)

There are some parts that I won't buy. Just because they are, "racing use only"

Lots of racing parts are not practicle on the street because they are made for smooth tracks or high replacement intervals. Everything in the brakes and suspension has to be street orientated. No light weight rotors or spherical bearing rod ends. No drag light wheels that could fold up in a high G turn.

It's common sence and a safety issue :eek:
Reply
Old Jun 24, 2002 | 12:38 PM
  #11  
427V8's Avatar
427V8
C6 the C5 of tomorrow
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,665
Likes: 2
From: Twin Cities Minnesota
Default Re: What does "for racing use only" really mean? (gkull)

The manufacturer doesn't want to get their stuff DOT approved and wants to avoid the libility issues with the general public.

Racers know they need to maintain the cars.
The general public thinks Maintainance is adding oil when it gets low :rolleyes:

But you have to understand why the part you have chosen is 'For racing use only'
Like GKull said if you use drag wheels on the street and you bend them, well DUH.

But using spherical rod ends is fine if you use them properly and maintain them.
Reply
Old Jun 24, 2002 | 05:10 PM
  #12  
vettesite's Avatar
vettesite
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 774
Likes: 0
From: Palatine IL
Default Re: What does "for racing use only" really mean? (drives61)

Somehow, a few of those parts found there way onto my Vette! :yesnod:
Reply
Old Jun 24, 2002 | 05:52 PM
  #13  
Fevre's Avatar
Fevre
Race Director
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,322
Likes: 1
From: Living in the Hartland
Default Re: What does "for racing use only" really mean? (drives61)

we have all seen parts advertised FOR RACING ONLY what does this really mean?
More $!

Sorta like parts that say "Corvette". :)
Reply
Old Jun 24, 2002 | 05:56 PM
  #14  
IronJen's Avatar
IronJen
Abby Normal
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
Veteran: Marine Corps
Community Builder
Liked
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 53,456
Likes: 92
From: Press "2" for English
Default Re: What does "for racing use only" really mean? (drives61)

funny you mention this. my 5 point SFI approved racing harness is for off-road use only. he11, it's even illegal here in nevada to drive on the street with a non-DOT approved racing harness. go figure, if you own a car that didn't originally come with belts, then you don't have to have any safety restraints in the car :confused: but if it came with the cheesy 2" lap belt, your completely legal, even if the belt is rotted! go figure :rolleyes: you think that will stop me? screw them! i believe in what the big boys walk away from crashes with. i hope to have the 8-point cage in sometime soon, too. :cheers:
Reply
Old Jun 25, 2002 | 11:15 AM
  #15  
Fevre's Avatar
Fevre
Race Director
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,322
Likes: 1
From: Living in the Hartland
Default Re: What does "for racing use only" really mean? (clutchdust)

clutchdust

Amazing how, at first galance, your car looks like a c-4 with those c-4 rims. Especially the rear end.


[Modified by Fevre, 9:16 AM 6/25/2002]
Reply
Old Jun 25, 2002 | 11:38 AM
  #16  
gkull's Avatar
gkull
Team Owner
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,445
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Default Re: What does "for racing use only" really mean? (clutchdust)

Clutchdust - Is that why during the last time I got stopped by a Nevada highway patrolman he ask if my car was really street legal?

the Belts were illegal?:confused:

Reply
Old Jun 25, 2002 | 01:06 PM
  #17  
IronJen's Avatar
IronJen
Abby Normal
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
Veteran: Marine Corps
Community Builder
Liked
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 53,456
Likes: 92
From: Press "2" for English
Default Re: What does "for racing use only" really mean? (Fevre)

fevre, thanks, i think you mean that as a complement and that is how i'm taking it. :cheers: at first, i really wanted to put a set of '90 wheels on it because i think they were the best looking c-4 wheels (on the c-4!) ;) i just stumbled on these and they were a pretty good deal and it took me a while to make up my mind whether i wanted them or something else. i finally bit the bullet and haven't regretted it since. :yesnod: i think that when i lower the car an inch or so to take up some of that wheelwell opening, it will look really :cool: they do seem to kind of update the styling, don't they?
Reply
Old Jun 25, 2002 | 02:16 PM
  #18  
Fevre's Avatar
Fevre
Race Director
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,322
Likes: 1
From: Living in the Hartland
Default Re: What does "for racing use only" really mean? (clutchdust)

Are those the ones with the curved 'spokes' ala late 80's early 90's? I was going to get a c4 and wanted one with those wheels since they do look :cool: . Got any pic's of your not in motion? I have low profile tires in on my ralley rims and like to the look. How much to race it and what type of courses to you run? I want to get into road or auto cross but not in my vert. Might get another vette or camaro.

BTW Yes it was a compliment, I like all years.
Reply
Old Jun 25, 2002 | 06:10 PM
  #19  
427V8's Avatar
427V8
C6 the C5 of tomorrow
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,665
Likes: 2
From: Twin Cities Minnesota
Default Re: What does "for racing use only" really mean? (Fevre)

Has anyone ever gotten a ticket for using a 5 point harness on the street?

I do it, and I'm not stopping either. If they give me a ticket I'll haul the harness in allond with the origional equipment ( and extremely ratty, torn and worn ) lap belt and ask the judge if he would really rather me wear the old lap belt than a 3" wide 5 point!

If he still agrees I'll take him for a ride, lap belt on the passenger side, 5 pont on the drivers side..... :rolleyes:
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To What does "for racing use only" really mean?





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:07 AM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE