C5 vs 98 TransAM
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,887
Likes: 2
From: Macomb MI
St. Jude Contributor
C5 vs 98 TransAM
Ok fellow Vette owner, looking for some input. I'll start by saying this will only be done at our local track
Now my A4 has the following mods, LG longtube headers, blackwing air intake, TI exhaust 3.42 rear end and the vehicle is tuned but haven't been at the track lately. His vehicle 98 Trans AM with the following mods,
1998 A4 NBM Trans AM
Mods: MS3, ETP 4.8-5.3 Heads, Smith Bros chromoly pushrods, Comp lifters, FAST 90/90, Pacesetter Headers W/ORY, Lid, Borla, STB, SFC, SS4000, Trans-Go Shift Kit, B&M Transmission Cooler, M/T DRs, SLP Line lock
Question his vehicle should have 50 and maybe even 75 more HP, but is that enough to compensate for the weight difference. Oh and did I mention that our first race will be on street tire for him and run craps for me.
I will be installing a 3600 convert later this spring but would like to see what the car runs in this state.
Now my A4 has the following mods, LG longtube headers, blackwing air intake, TI exhaust 3.42 rear end and the vehicle is tuned but haven't been at the track lately. His vehicle 98 Trans AM with the following mods,
1998 A4 NBM Trans AM
Mods: MS3, ETP 4.8-5.3 Heads, Smith Bros chromoly pushrods, Comp lifters, FAST 90/90, Pacesetter Headers W/ORY, Lid, Borla, STB, SFC, SS4000, Trans-Go Shift Kit, B&M Transmission Cooler, M/T DRs, SLP Line lock
Question his vehicle should have 50 and maybe even 75 more HP, but is that enough to compensate for the weight difference. Oh and did I mention that our first race will be on street tire for him and run craps for me.
I will be installing a 3600 convert later this spring but would like to see what the car runs in this state.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,887
Likes: 2
From: Macomb MI
St. Jude Contributor
So a 3800lb Trans AM with 400hp runs 11's on street tires.
WTF are you smoking, I think it might be close and yes might even loose the race but not get smoked, but anyway wouldn't expect any different answer from a 25 yr old
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 7,981
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From: Piedmont, SC Currently Own: 99 Nassau blue FRC. Previously Owned: 84,95,98 Indy Pace,01 Z06
Sorry to say, but I believe the Trans am will get you. How much, I don't know, but I'm leaning towards the TA. Reason being is because the F-bodies are underrated on power. I think in '98 they were rated with around 305 at the flywheel, yet produced around the 290's at the rw. Now the W6 had around 320 at the flywheel, so the numbers should be in the 300's at the wheels. Whereas the c5 vette has 345 at the flywheel yet produces on the average around 285-295 at the wheels stock. I know the c5 has the weight advantage, but I don't know if it's enough. Either way it will be close, but I'm going with the TA on this one. Goodluck and let us know the outcome!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,226
Likes: 3
From: Lakemoor IL
My old 99 z28 tipped the scales at around 3300 lbs. A fully loaded TA might weigh 3400 lbs. Your vert weighs around 3200 lbs. Therefore you have MAYBE 200 lbs advantage over a car that has AT LEAST 75 rwhp more than you. The TA also has a nice converter, so he will pull you out of the hole hard.Also, what does my age have to do with me telling you the truth? A little upset that your "superior" corvette is going to get smoked by a TA? Deal with it grandpa, there is always someone faster.
Come back and tell us the results if your not too embarrased...
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 3,149
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From: Chicago/Lake Geneva/Phoenix IL/WI/AZ
St. Jude Donor '06
Back to the original question.
My H/C C5 with a 3.73 on a CCW drag pk ran a 12 flat. Stock converter.
My 00 Z28 with very similar mods to the T/A you describe ran 10.8 on the CCW drag pk.
Best of luck, its not always the faster car that wins!!
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 16,135
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From: Newberry FL
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
Because of your gears I think it will be closer than most think, but the TA is more equipped (performance wise) and I would give him the edge.
However, you get that TC installed I think it will be a driver's race and you may edge him, but those MS3 cams do create some great power.
However, you get that TC installed I think it will be a driver's race and you may edge him, but those MS3 cams do create some great power.
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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I'm going to give the edge to the TA, but it would be a race I would love to see. Should be pretty darn close regardless. Best of luck and let us know how it turns out.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 535
Likes: 21
From: Gilberts Ill
Ok don't hate me but the TA is going to walk away from you. Being a former Formula owner trust me I know. Before get my Vette last year I would look for Corvette to beat up on. And I might add I never lost to any Vette including a C6 that I raced the week before bring my Vette. But I am a true Vette guy now. Good Luck!!!!!!!!!
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Newberry FL
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
Ok don't hate me but the TA is going to walk away from you. Being a former Formula owner trust me I know. Before get my Vette last year I would look for Corvette to beat up on. And I might add I never lost to any Vette including a C6 that I raced the week before bring my Vette. But I am a true Vette guy now. Good Luck!!!!!!!!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,481
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From: So-Cal California
2023 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C5 of the Year Winner - Modified
My opinion is that the bird is going to get you. I have one of each of these cars and they are very similar in straight line performance. Giving up that much power to the TA is just too much for you to overcome. A fully loaded bird is just over 3400 pounds. With the mods you listed your slight weight advantage is not enough.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,226
Likes: 3
From: Lakemoor IL
Guys, this race will not be close.
The TA has a very nice H/C package, FAST 90/90, and a big stall. In reality that car could potentially be a high 10 sec car. Sponge's C5 vert is a 12.7-13.0 car with the mods he has.
The TA has a very nice H/C package, FAST 90/90, and a big stall. In reality that car could potentially be a high 10 sec car. Sponge's C5 vert is a 12.7-13.0 car with the mods he has.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 28
From: San Dimas Ca.
It's not the arrow it's the Indian. Up to about 150 HP difference it is still a drivers race. Their are a lot of guys with way less horsepower than I have running in the tens, I am happy to get into the elevens. Good luck and practice if you can. Don't forget to post the results. 
Rick
Rick
Last edited by Whiteonrice; Mar 2, 2007 at 11:06 PM.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 560
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From: Prattville AL
Edit...I just noticed that this guy has an auto with a 4K stall. Even without the stall you would be toast....with the stall, you would be lucky to make out what kind of car he has when he lets off.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Woodlake,The hill is without the king, California
St. Jude Donor '08