I think there is a general opinion in the "racing" circles that our cars are overweight slugs and that we are too big of wienies to run them hard and even try.

The last time i was at the track they told me i should bring my suburban next time because it would probably do better.

 

I think that the VB&P and Van Steel products are so often used is that these cars are old just about all of the stock springs, shocks, bushings, etc are worn out. Most stock parts are priced about the same as the aftermarket parts, so it's an easy decision to upgrade.

I refuse to go to an SCCA event, just based on their rules. I have never been, so maybe I'm not giving them a fair shake. I have heard that the people are great and all, but I just can't get over the rules. In fact, I can't run my car because it has a .060" overbore which is deemed "unsafe". The other one that really gets me is that you can't stay in the stock class if you have replaced your engine or bored it more than .020". Show me a stock C3 that is willing to autox that has a stock engine with no overbore. In order for a C3 to "compete" you have to pretty much make it a dedicated auto-x car.

I do compete in our car clubs auto-x (khana) races. I believe them to be a little tighter and slower than the SCCA ones, but I don't have to deal with all of the rules. It is a blast and I usually go to about 6 per year. If my club did not put on the races, I would probably try to hit some SCCA events to get my fix, but I'm glad I don't have to.

 

Racing with cones in a praking lot doesn't really appeal to be but a road course looks like fun, kind a like the backroads outside of Ann Arbor where I like to do some 'road racing'. :jester

 

jim, i'm about ready to drag the old vette up there and dare some of your guys to tell me i can't run a c-3 with them :mad

beatershark, i certainly agree with you to an extent about the rules structure. not necessarily about the mods putting you in a different class but where the stock cars are to begin with. the SCCA must really think highly of our corvettes that they feel the need to take a car with a 40+ year old suspension design and stick it in such a high class.

reidry, now i recognize who i'm speaking with. what you plan on doing is what it takes to be competitive with the c-3. i would suggest though that you get a copy of a rule book and check out some of your intended mods. i'm not saying that you should build your car around the rules, just weigh what your planning against what the book says. you could inadvertantly make one mod that sticks you in a whole different class with tube chassis full-tilt race cars, and i know you want to be able to drive this car on the street.

 

Just so you all know, a '72, LT-1, has won BSP at the SCCA Solo II Nationals, three times in the last 9 years. A '72 Datsun 240 won in 2001.

Yes, it is very tough to be competitive with a stock C3 because of the dated suspension. But, the rules won't change unless people speak up and ask for the change. If a whole bunch of people started competing in stock C3's, then the rulemakers would pay attention and if they're outcalssed in the current structure, SCCA will move them to another class. It's tough with the older cars because the new cars keep getting better and better and better right from the factory. This make the older cars appear to be moving backwards. The good spin is that you're not getting any slower, the new stuff is all just getting faster.

The Street Prepared rules are certainly limited in areas that may not make sense, but the goal is to allow a large group of different cars to all be competitive with one another.

Mike P
68 BSP

 

Well on the east coast of Florida there are few back roads. Besides - who wants to do it illegally. I want to learn race driving legally - my understanding is that AutoX can 1. Tell you how well you drive now. 2. Provide education (Evolution Schools) to improve. 3. Provide a legal place to perform and practice relatively high speed manuvering.

Ryan

 

Auto X seems pretty fun to me. How can I get started in the S.W. Florida area? I think it would be fun to try it a few times. A legal way to really push the car.

 

you could start by going over to the autocross and roadracing forum and post a thread about auto-x in your area. there are really only two main groups i know of that sanction (sponsor and insure) auto-x. 1)NCCC and similar corvette associations and 2) SCCA.
the SCCA is by far the most active group with most regions hosting anywhere from 12 to 25 events a year. it's also the most diverse with multiple levels of drivers and vehicles competing on the same circuit. it also has some disadvantages. just as with some 'clicks' the SCCA people are generally a good group of gearheads. i have seen some clubs or clubs within the club that ostrasize certain people and certain types of cars. the older corvettes can sometimes be in that group as we tend to be more of an anomoly than a constant. it's uncommon to see a c-1, 2 or 3 at auto-x events REGULARLY. and even those of us who do/did, we're generally the only one or a select handful.
the corvette groups can be just as bad in some repects. i've gotten more disrespect (prior to the first hot session) from c-4 and c-5 drivers than i ever got from kids with civics or mustangs. because the corvette events tend to be smaller in scope and attendance (not always, but often), the level of driver is also different. it has been my experience that often times these events are truely only contested by two or three really fast drivers who have substantially modified cars and then the rest of the pack who contest over the best 'runner-up' time. the former can be some of the snottiest individuals you will ever meet and the latter some of the nicest. this isn't always the case, but i've seen it more often than not.
take jim (turtlevette) for example (hope you don't mind, jim). he gets totally disrespected going to speed events in his shark. nevermind he's a paying *customer*, people acting as instructors are telling him (paraphrasing here) his car is a slow turd and he should get something else.
the fact is we're driving relics, examples of an era many auto-xers are too young to recall. it's still a great deal of fun and great learning experience. just go into it aware of the 'social' side of it and have fun. if your aware of it, it won't take you by surprise and it will be much more fun and easier to blow off the *ickheads.

 

You know I've seen that attitude about certain types of car owners. I'm acquainted with a few Grand National guys - these guys are real accepting even if you want to talk carbs. Some guys ... in my personal experience a couple of mustang guys can be really negative toward anyone not driving their type of car, doing things their way, etc.

You'd think enthusiasts would accept the fact that everyone taste is a little different.

Can anyone tell me if BSP allows a non standard engine for year .... an LS1 is definitely non standard. I can't tell from the rules if changing from a manual to a hydraulic clutch is allowed or not. Those rules are complex!

Ryan

 

I drove autocross when I first bought the vette. I discovered a couple of things that I'll pass on.

One is that the BFG Radial T/A's will NOT be competitive! Unless you want to slide and screech all over the track then you will want 4 skins with some good rubber like Dunlop Sport 8000's.

The other item I discovered is the driver's inside door handle strap bruised my left hand from hitting it so much. I suggest removing it for autocross.

And, one of the regulars told me that it's best to just drive the track and take the shortest path rather than try to go for speed and wide turns.

Also, be careful. You can do a lot of damage to yourself and others if you get out of control. The adrenaline gets pumping and the action is fast. My goal was to finish the course without hitting any cones...the speed will find itself after several times at the track.

 

Ryan,
See if there's a vintage road racing group around your area (Sebring). Lot better crowd than SCCA and the objective is maximum fun for minimum dollars. The motto of our group is "where the cars are the stars", no trophies, money etc, just great folks and great fun.