Track my C3? Or not?
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,518
Likes: 37
Thanks for the links, I'll be sure to check them out!
The track I want to go to is in Wampum PA, called Pittsburgh National Race Complex. I never been there before so any reviews from anyone here would be nice. Ot's the only one I know of that is closest to me. I live near Pittsburgh. The track is about 55 miles away from me. So it's a little far, but would be nice to go once or twice a year.
The track I want to go to is in Wampum PA, called Pittsburgh National Race Complex. I never been there before so any reviews from anyone here would be nice. Ot's the only one I know of that is closest to me. I live near Pittsburgh. The track is about 55 miles away from me. So it's a little far, but would be nice to go once or twice a year.
55 miles is not that far, close enough to sleep at home and still get to an 8 am drivers meeting, not need a hotel close by or camp the night before.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,192
Likes: 343
From: Allenton Wisconsin
That will be a fun starting point. My advice is to not take little baby steps on improvements. It costs more in the long run.
If you are going drag racing just buy two cheap 10X15 rims and a set of slicks. It is very easy to install a line lock to the brake master cylinder. I removed my passenger seat and I would throw my slicks and a floor jack in and I would drive to the drag strip. I bought a practice tree and really worked on getting near perfect lights.
Don't go to events and try and learn. Get on line and find out when they have test and tunes or like here they have open track Fridays. I get there right when it opens because all the street racers show up later. Last year I did 10 runs basically right in a row. I went down the track and drove back around and right back up to the line.
I had the TCI roll control line lock. roll through so the rear tires were just past the water dip. You stomp on the brake and push the line lock. Then you let off the foot brake so your front tires are locked. I would put the shifter in second and bring the speedometer up to 90 mph and count to 3. About 3 seconds and let off the line lock so with the rear tires smoking the car would roll forward. I would let off the gas and go up and pre-stage.
Once you have done it 100 times it gets easy and it is just another sunday drive. The big thing is being able to change and adjust your dial in time with changing conditions to be within a few 1/100th of second from the car can really do. so you are always running hard to the end and only jumping on the brakes if you are out front. So you win with reaction time and being right on your dial in time without breaking out.
If you are going drag racing just buy two cheap 10X15 rims and a set of slicks. It is very easy to install a line lock to the brake master cylinder. I removed my passenger seat and I would throw my slicks and a floor jack in and I would drive to the drag strip. I bought a practice tree and really worked on getting near perfect lights.
Don't go to events and try and learn. Get on line and find out when they have test and tunes or like here they have open track Fridays. I get there right when it opens because all the street racers show up later. Last year I did 10 runs basically right in a row. I went down the track and drove back around and right back up to the line.
I had the TCI roll control line lock. roll through so the rear tires were just past the water dip. You stomp on the brake and push the line lock. Then you let off the foot brake so your front tires are locked. I would put the shifter in second and bring the speedometer up to 90 mph and count to 3. About 3 seconds and let off the line lock so with the rear tires smoking the car would roll forward. I would let off the gas and go up and pre-stage.
Once you have done it 100 times it gets easy and it is just another sunday drive. The big thing is being able to change and adjust your dial in time with changing conditions to be within a few 1/100th of second from the car can really do. so you are always running hard to the end and only jumping on the brakes if you are out front. So you win with reaction time and being right on your dial in time without breaking out.
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,956
Likes: 409
From: California
Hey.... You can do it... I run up with 4,5&6's all the time... And it usually comes down to who is the better driver.... I've taken them in the canyons, the track, and the straights... If you build it right, it will be competitive... My C3 will kick my c4 c5 and c5 427 guldstrands butt... And it's way cooler looking:-)!!!! But the ride is no where as nice as the 4 or 5.;
Last edited by pauldana; Feb 1, 2014 at 11:23 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,445
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
You said you have an auto th350 You said you have 460 crank HP
Smart people and those that have pass NHRA tech inspections have to have an SFI flex plate and bolt on armor and or blast flack jacket. drive shaft safety loop.......................
but with your low HP 383 and you are not on the NHRA comp program
they won't care
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,192
Likes: 343
From: Allenton Wisconsin
Yeah that would be fun ... just don't run into me 
. However, since that is my home track I joined the "Club" so I mainly run out at Putnam when they are not doing HPDE's (i.e. private sessions). It has it bonuses like almost unlimited track time and not hardly any traffic to deal with. However, I do miss running in groups ever once and a while with a bit more traffic, which can be fun also.
You intending on going to the NCM's track in the future? This year is a bit tight on cash because we are trying to find a new house with a bigger garage, but I might sign up for some HPDE's next year at NCM, Road America, or Gingerman. Haven't decided yet. Gingerman has been bad luck for me (break down ever time I go there
) so I'll need to find a trailer if I go there ... I'm getting superstitious.
How did you do at Putnam? There are so few C3's that run out there it is hard for me to make a decent comparison. I'm running 1:27's currently. The grey GrandSport in the first video, which was taking it quite easy that lap, usually runs about 1:22's I believe.
Prior to racing seat and roll bar ........................................ ....... Post seat and roll bar mod (dropped 2-3 seconds)
. However, since that is my home track I joined the "Club" so I mainly run out at Putnam when they are not doing HPDE's (i.e. private sessions). It has it bonuses like almost unlimited track time and not hardly any traffic to deal with. However, I do miss running in groups ever once and a while with a bit more traffic, which can be fun also.You intending on going to the NCM's track in the future? This year is a bit tight on cash because we are trying to find a new house with a bigger garage, but I might sign up for some HPDE's next year at NCM, Road America, or Gingerman. Haven't decided yet. Gingerman has been bad luck for me (break down ever time I go there
) so I'll need to find a trailer if I go there ... I'm getting superstitious.How did you do at Putnam? There are so few C3's that run out there it is hard for me to make a decent comparison. I'm running 1:27's currently. The grey GrandSport in the first video, which was taking it quite easy that lap, usually runs about 1:22's I believe.
Prior to racing seat and roll bar ........................................ ....... Post seat and roll bar mod (dropped 2-3 seconds)
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
You said you have an auto th350 You said you have 460 crank HP
Smart people and those that have pass NHRA tech inspections have to have an SFI flex plate and bolt on armor and or blast flack jacket. drive shaft safety loop.......................
but with your low HP 383 and you are not on the NHRA comp program
they won't care
Smart people and those that have pass NHRA tech inspections have to have an SFI flex plate and bolt on armor and or blast flack jacket. drive shaft safety loop.......................
but with your low HP 383 and you are not on the NHRA comp program
they won't care
. Although ironically I was thinking of putting safety loops on so my half shaft doesn't destroy my whole car if it ever snaps. Well that was my concern anyway.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,116
Likes: 156
From: Mid West
Cruise-In III Veteran
Want to try Road America at least one more time.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,445
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Slicks don't put you in a magic class. They also last a long time if you are not trying to win the burn out contest
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,445
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
I've only been to Road America once back several years ago, but didn't do great. I was taking it easy, being first time to track, I never went into 5th gear. It would be fun to see what my cars top speed is. Hit 120ish in 4th alot, but haven't ever tried to top out 5th.
Want to try Road America at least one more time.
Want to try Road America at least one more time.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
Speaking of slicks, how much rubber can we fit under the car? I'm looking into flaring my car - just posted a thread if you'd like to chime in.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,684
Likes: 3,137
From: Shamong, NJ
Minitech's right, 55 miles is not far to have to travel, to get to a road course. I don't drive I just crew, and I've often left home at 5 on a Tuesday morning, to drive 3-4 hours to Summit Point or Lime Rock, just for a test day. Of course, at the end of the day I have to drive the 3-4 hours back home again, and I'm not getting paid for this either, it's just a "hobby" for me.
Pitt Race holds a number of HPDE days, as well as 2 or 3 autocrosses each month, and regular SCCA races. An autocross, especially one run on a true road course, can be a lot of fun.
The Vintage Racers Group (VRG) has been hosting a vintage race at Pitt Race, since it first opened 10 years ago as Beaverun. The VRG's Pitt Race weekend, is the kick off event for the annual week long Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, every year. The VRG allows Corvettes up to 1979, to run in their Group H, as long as they are prepped (more or less) to the 1972 SCCA rule book. There are a number of guys racing cars with the VRG, that also use their cars for SCCA Regional and vintage races, autocrosses and HPDE days.
Here's a link to the VRG website. http://www.vrgonline.org/events/index.html#2014
This 72 Corvette belongs to a high school teacher, here in NJ. As you can see from the photo, it's a pretty basic car, with a mild small block, stock 80's Firebird wheels, and stock fenders without flares. Joe (the owner), races it with the VRG, as well as in regular SCCA Regional races and the SCCA NE Division's vintage group; the Historic Racing Group (HRG at http://historicracinggroup.com/). The car isn't the fastest thing out there, and it isn't competitive when running with GT-1 tube frame cars, in a Regional race. It's not even competitive with the faster Corvettes in the vintage group, like the 65 that I crew on, because he doesn't have the money to build it that way. Still, he has fun racing it, and is fast enough to safety run with the group, and has fun doing it! Besides, the fans love seeing any old Corvette, out on a race track.
Pitt Race holds a number of HPDE days, as well as 2 or 3 autocrosses each month, and regular SCCA races. An autocross, especially one run on a true road course, can be a lot of fun.
The Vintage Racers Group (VRG) has been hosting a vintage race at Pitt Race, since it first opened 10 years ago as Beaverun. The VRG's Pitt Race weekend, is the kick off event for the annual week long Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, every year. The VRG allows Corvettes up to 1979, to run in their Group H, as long as they are prepped (more or less) to the 1972 SCCA rule book. There are a number of guys racing cars with the VRG, that also use their cars for SCCA Regional and vintage races, autocrosses and HPDE days.
Here's a link to the VRG website. http://www.vrgonline.org/events/index.html#2014
This 72 Corvette belongs to a high school teacher, here in NJ. As you can see from the photo, it's a pretty basic car, with a mild small block, stock 80's Firebird wheels, and stock fenders without flares. Joe (the owner), races it with the VRG, as well as in regular SCCA Regional races and the SCCA NE Division's vintage group; the Historic Racing Group (HRG at http://historicracinggroup.com/). The car isn't the fastest thing out there, and it isn't competitive when running with GT-1 tube frame cars, in a Regional race. It's not even competitive with the faster Corvettes in the vintage group, like the 65 that I crew on, because he doesn't have the money to build it that way. Still, he has fun racing it, and is fast enough to safety run with the group, and has fun doing it! Besides, the fans love seeing any old Corvette, out on a race track.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
Minitech's right, 55 miles is not far to have to travel, to get to a road course. I don't drive I just crew, and I've often left home at 5 on a Tuesday morning, to drive 3-4 hours to Summit Point or Lime Rock, just for a test day. Of course, at the end of the day I have to drive the 3-4 hours back home again, and I'm not getting paid for this either, it's just a "hobby" for me.
Pitt Race holds a number of HPDE days, as well as 2 or 3 autocrosses each month, and regular SCCA races. An autocross, especially one run on a true road course, can be a lot of fun.
The Vintage Racers Group (VRG) has been hosting a vintage race at Pitt Race, since it first opened 10 years ago as Beaverun. The VRG's Pitt Race weekend, is the kick off event for the annual week long Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, every year. The VRG allows Corvettes up to 1979, to run in their Group H, as long as they are prepped (more or less) to the 1972 SCCA rule book. There are a number of guys racing cars with the VRG, that also use their cars for SCCA Regional and vintage races, autocrosses and HPDE days.
Here's a link to the VRG website. http://www.vrgonline.org/events/index.html#2014
This 72 Corvette belongs to a high school teacher, here in NJ. As you can see from the photo, it's a pretty basic car, with a mild small block, stock 80's Firebird wheels, and stock fenders without flares. Joe (the owner), races it with the VRG, as well as in regular SCCA Regional races and the SCCA NE Division's vintage group; the Historic Racing Group (HRG at http://historicracinggroup.com/). The car isn't the fastest thing out there, and it isn't competitive when running with GT-1 tube frame cars, in a Regional race. It's not even competitive with the faster Corvettes in the vintage group, like the 65 that I crew on, because he doesn't have the money to build it that way. Still, he has fun racing it, and is fast enough to safety run with the group, and has fun doing it! Besides, the fans love seeing any old Corvette, out on a race track.
Pitt Race holds a number of HPDE days, as well as 2 or 3 autocrosses each month, and regular SCCA races. An autocross, especially one run on a true road course, can be a lot of fun.
The Vintage Racers Group (VRG) has been hosting a vintage race at Pitt Race, since it first opened 10 years ago as Beaverun. The VRG's Pitt Race weekend, is the kick off event for the annual week long Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, every year. The VRG allows Corvettes up to 1979, to run in their Group H, as long as they are prepped (more or less) to the 1972 SCCA rule book. There are a number of guys racing cars with the VRG, that also use their cars for SCCA Regional and vintage races, autocrosses and HPDE days.
Here's a link to the VRG website. http://www.vrgonline.org/events/index.html#2014
This 72 Corvette belongs to a high school teacher, here in NJ. As you can see from the photo, it's a pretty basic car, with a mild small block, stock 80's Firebird wheels, and stock fenders without flares. Joe (the owner), races it with the VRG, as well as in regular SCCA Regional races and the SCCA NE Division's vintage group; the Historic Racing Group (HRG at http://historicracinggroup.com/). The car isn't the fastest thing out there, and it isn't competitive when running with GT-1 tube frame cars, in a Regional race. It's not even competitive with the faster Corvettes in the vintage group, like the 65 that I crew on, because he doesn't have the money to build it that way. Still, he has fun racing it, and is fast enough to safety run with the group, and has fun doing it! Besides, the fans love seeing any old Corvette, out on a race track.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,116
Likes: 156
From: Mid West
Cruise-In III Veteran
Even being careful I did make two mistakes that day, but luckily I made it home. I didn't know it at the time but after going over the REALLY aggressive curbs at Road America I almost ripped one a-arm in two
just inboard of the ball joint - got home and was able to fix it though. One of my rear bearings started to fail, heard it ticking the entire way home - made for a nervous trip back.Have to say the car is better sorted out now, but I still have the occasional issue.
Started off doing a course at Derek Daly Academy and then had some really good instruction from a Corvette engineer and Danny Pop at a few HPDE's. I still consider myself a complete novice and don't ever intend to do any wheel to wheel racing. To rich for my blood.
I just like going out to the track to have fun and relax. Get my mind off work and things.
My car won't ever be a race car, and I'm even in the process of installing AC ..... more weight
.
Last edited by Jason Staley; Feb 1, 2014 at 05:30 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,684
Likes: 3,137
From: Shamong, NJ
Wow, very informational! Really do appreciate it. I guess you're right it's not that far. I did review their site awhile back and got interested. Thought it be a cool experience. VRG would be pretty interesting. Do they have a like a performance school training program? I didn't see one. Although I did see training days, if that's the same thing. Lol
It's been a while since I was active in the SCCA, but if I remember right, if you want an SCCA competition license, you usually need to attend two driving schools. At least one of them, has to be put on by an SCCA region, while the second can be a professional school, like Skip Barber or Bertil Roos. Most SCCA regions associated with a track, host some sort of driving school.
Most HPDE events offer driver training too. Usually when you enter one, your put into a group based on your experience, and assigned an instructor. As your experience goes up, the level of instruction goes up.
Pitt Race offers training too, but I think it's more along the line of car control classes, for regular drivers. They may offer compition driving instruction too, I'm just not familiar enough with Pitt Race, to say for sure.
The VRG also offers driver training. The VRG classes are quite comprehensive, and available in 3 levels of instruction. The first level is for new or beginner drivers, and is heavily weighted to class room instruction. The next level is for drivers with some race experience, and is mainly on track instruction. The final level is done using data acquisition equipment, to help finely tune a drivers skills.
Most SCCA events at Pitt Race, are sanctioned by the Steel Cities Region of the SCCA (http://stcscca.com/), and I'm sure they host a driving school or two.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 816
Likes: 107
To the OP.....
I am in the middle of setting my car up for what you are planning on. Mine is a '69 she used to be tracked back in the early 80's by previous owner. The car is light no heat AC or anything fancy not even windshield wipers. It has a 4point cage but that's about it for frame work.
This is a car I play with on the street to car shows and cruise ins but I plan on doing some real playing this year.
I plan to have a dual purpose.... Drag race an road coarse..... Neither competitively just for fun
It's got a 12:1 aluminum headed solid flat tappet small block with a Muncie 4 speed. All new poly bushings new brake lines and Braided SS calipers lines. I just installed an aluminum flywheel to ease the hit on the rear end during launching. I also just installed a line lock to also help with that. I have broke several rear spindles and drive flanges in the past from dragging.
I am currently installing some race buckets which required cutting out the floor to fit them in. Next is going to be a set of bigger 3" half shafts with solid spicer units. I have replace both rear spindles with units from Duntov and they have been working so far. I am also going to install a dragvette system because of safety for one thing an it really helps the geometry for dragging and road coarse. I have broke a half shaft joint and its not fun when the tire folds in and locks down against the frame.
I am also going to put in a 3" drive shaft with a loop. A few minor weld ups and gussets here and there.
As far as brakes I am gonna run my stock calipers and rotors for now and just run some good pads. I am going to install some cooling ducts for the fronts.
That's about it...... I will upgrade as I need it or on how much faster I wanna go. For now it's just a fun factor with plenty of things for safety.
I am in the middle of setting my car up for what you are planning on. Mine is a '69 she used to be tracked back in the early 80's by previous owner. The car is light no heat AC or anything fancy not even windshield wipers. It has a 4point cage but that's about it for frame work.
This is a car I play with on the street to car shows and cruise ins but I plan on doing some real playing this year.
I plan to have a dual purpose.... Drag race an road coarse..... Neither competitively just for fun
It's got a 12:1 aluminum headed solid flat tappet small block with a Muncie 4 speed. All new poly bushings new brake lines and Braided SS calipers lines. I just installed an aluminum flywheel to ease the hit on the rear end during launching. I also just installed a line lock to also help with that. I have broke several rear spindles and drive flanges in the past from dragging.
I am currently installing some race buckets which required cutting out the floor to fit them in. Next is going to be a set of bigger 3" half shafts with solid spicer units. I have replace both rear spindles with units from Duntov and they have been working so far. I am also going to install a dragvette system because of safety for one thing an it really helps the geometry for dragging and road coarse. I have broke a half shaft joint and its not fun when the tire folds in and locks down against the frame.
I am also going to put in a 3" drive shaft with a loop. A few minor weld ups and gussets here and there.
As far as brakes I am gonna run my stock calipers and rotors for now and just run some good pads. I am going to install some cooling ducts for the fronts.
That's about it...... I will upgrade as I need it or on how much faster I wanna go. For now it's just a fun factor with plenty of things for safety.
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,956
Likes: 409
From: California
The C5 is behind me because i passed him:-)... Same goes for the mustang gt500
Look at the lean in my car... pretty flat, front and rear sway bars set up nicely:-) take a look at the lean in the C5, its more than the C3
Look at the lean in my car... pretty flat, front and rear sway bars set up nicely:-) take a look at the lean in the C5, its more than the C3
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 20,914
Likes: 962
From: I tend to be leery of any guy who doesn't own a chainsaw or a handgun.
Whatcha running for tires?
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,956
Likes: 409
From: California
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,445
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Paul next you need real tires
I'll trailer my vette down I have 4 sets of rear slicks mounted and two fronts and we could go to willow spring. spring mountain or Las Vegas speedway. 295 fronts and 335 rears
I'll trailer my vette down I have 4 sets of rear slicks mounted and two fronts and we could go to willow spring. spring mountain or Las Vegas speedway. 295 fronts and 335 rears