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SCCA-SS · 03-07-2009, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SGOS252382

I would not road race my Camaro SS. I would love to run it around a track for fun (not racing other cars). But I wouldn't want to risk a real road race around a track.

I feel the same way. The risk of someone else's lack of experience doesn't make me feel comfortable. Have you run your GTO at any road courses?

SVThis · 03-07-2009, 05:36 PM

I've autocrossed F Bodies for the past 30 years and currently run an 02 Z28. I have my doubts about the 5th Gen being competitive in the stock class or street prepared category for that matter. I think the big killer could be weight. Plus it will be some time before R compounds will be available in appropriate sizes. I hate to say it but the Mustang is probably the still the car to have, at least for stock class autocross. Then again hopefully I'm wrong.

garfin · 03-08-2009, 09:20 AM

In the 10+ years I've owned my 98 SS, I've done drag racing, autoX and road racing. I've stopped drag racing completely and haven't autoX'ed in a good few years since I jyust don't get the same thrill from these as I do road racing the car.
... and that's not a put-down of drag racing or autoX, since having done my share of these events over the years, I can truly appreciate the different skill sets necessary for those activities!
Until you get your car out on a road course, I don't believe you will ever appreciate the capabilities that are built into these cars. I know that my 4th Gen SS raises a lot of eyebrows and surprises a lot of people when I participate in a road course event and I would definitely look forward to experiencing the increased capabilities of the 5th Gen.

For those who might be fearful of taking your car out on a road course and smashing it up, there are definitely ways to do this that are safer than driving on a crowded interstate IMHO...

1)Take a novice track school! These are very controlled and geared towards the beginner who has never done it before. You will no doubt have an instructor riding with you at all times (at least at the beginning of the day!) until youare "signed off" to go solo.

2) After a track school or 2, you may decide to participate in a "lapping day". This is a non-competitive event and you are not gonna be trading paint with anybody! Everyone is out to have a good time while keeping it safe. Some events allow controlled passing, others do not. The idea is to stay within your own comfort level while learning the capabilities and limits of your driving skills and abilities as well as the limits of your car. The great thing about these days is that you never stop learning! There is always someone there who is a better driver than you are. Ask to ride along with that person or have him/her ride shotgun with you and provide some advanced instruction!

3) If you want to compete, you can do that safely as well. These events are called "Solo Sprint" events here in Canada and they work on the basis of the morning usually being reserved for open lapping to become familiar with the track. In the afternoon, the competitive "time trials" take place. You and one other driver are on the course at the same time with one driver having a 30 second head start... and hopefully nobody catches the other driver! It's you and the stop watch! One warm-up lap, then 3 hot laps followed by 1 cool-down lap. Your best lap time of the 3 hot laps counts in the competition. Sure, you don't get the thrill of driving in a pack of cars, but you might not feel comfortable doing that in a competition. Besides, you can experience that on a lapping day.

Here's a taste of a lapping day on Mosport International Raceway's Grand Prix track- I'm driving the silver Camaro right in front of the camera car. It's the most fun you can have with your clothes on!!

... and here's a little autoX action from the old days...

Best regardSS,

Elie

boxmonkeyracing · 03-09-2009, 06:53 PM

And that's why my 98 z is being built up.

stovt001 · 03-09-2009, 09:41 PM

Thanks Elie! I hope to get in on some open track days. Sad to hear this won't be any good at autocross. This weight and low visibility thing is really starting to annoy me.

garfin · 03-10-2009, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stovt001

Thanks Elie! I hope to get in on some open track days. Sad to hear this won't be any good at autocross. This weight and low visibility thing is really starting to annoy me.

So just be a bit picky about which events to participate in! Try staying away from the short, tighter layouts that favor the Miatas, S2000s etc.
We have a local Corvette club in Toronto that has managed to grab a huge suburban commuter parking lot for their events and they lay out some pretty good courses that are geared towards the larger, higher horsepower cars rather than the smaller 4 cyl. import types. Not as many tight turns that are close together and some decent straightaways. I would get into 3rd gear on these layouts! (with 4.10s, mind you)

Best regardSS,

Elie

2SSONLY · 03-10-2009, 02:52 PM

Sorry NASCAR fans, but I'm NHRA all the way. I'll take the HP of a nitro car (more HP in one cylinder than in the whole engine of a stock car). Plus, who wouldn't want to go 400 MPH?

My biggest disappointment with the 2SS is that is doesn't come with an auto trani just for that reason. Won't be able to drag with it 'cept with the stick shifters.

Couldn't lower myself (ha ha) to go with the 1SS just for draggn. Pretty bummed I even had to chose.

Typical of my shopping experiences, know exactly what I want but can't get it!

1320junkie · 03-10-2009, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2SSONLY

Sorry NASCAR fans, but I'm NHRA all the way. I'll take the HP of a nitro car (more HP in one cylinder than in the whole engine of a stock car). Plus, who wouldn't want to go 400 MPH?

My biggest disappointment with the 2SS is that is doesn't come with an auto trani just for that reason. Won't be able to drag with it 'cept with the stick shifters.

Couldn't lower myself (ha ha) to go with the 1SS just for draggn. Pretty bummed I even had to chose.

Typical of my shopping experiences, know exactly what I want but can't get it!

LOL Just pretend you are in a old pro-stock car and drag with it anyway..NHRA!!!!!!!!!!

boxmonkeyracing · 03-10-2009, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2SSONLY

Sorry NASCAR fans, but I'm NHRA all the way. I'll take the HP of a nitro car (more HP in one cylinder than in the whole engine of a stock car). Plus, who wouldn't want to go 400 MPH?

My biggest disappointment with the 2SS is that is doesn't come with an auto trani just for that reason. Won't be able to drag with it 'cept with the stick shifters.

Couldn't lower myself (ha ha) to go with the 1SS just for draggn. Pretty bummed I even had to chose.

Typical of my shopping experiences, know exactly what I want but can't get it!

Hmmm I never said nascar. I was talkin about nasa american iron, 24 hrs at le mans or something along those lines.

What's the good in all that power if you can't turn around? And what even more reasoning everyone of those engines has to be torn down and rebuilt after every pass. Fun to work ratio doesn't add up.

SCCA-SS · 03-10-2009, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2SSONLY

My biggest disappointment with the 2SS is that is doesn't come with an auto trani just for that reason. Won't be able to drag with it 'cept with the stick shifters.

Couldn't lower myself (ha ha) to go with the 1SS just for draggn. Pretty bummed I even had to chose.

Just configure the auto trans model the way you want. A cam, headers & tune will be a big help (& big punishment for the trans).

2SSONLY · 03-10-2009, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCCA-SS

Just configure the auto trans model the way you want. A cam, headers & tune will be a big help (& big punishment for the trans).

This one's for investment and fun (2SS). Once I get it paid off, I'll find a rail. There's plenty out there. Just was looking to have a ton of fun in street class against all the Dodges at the track. You know, settle that argument once and for all.

Mopar

2SSONLY · 03-10-2009, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boxmonkeyracing

What's the good in all that power if you can't turn around? And what even more reasoning everyone of those engines has to be torn down and rebuilt after every pass. Fun to work ratio doesn't add up.

Still, you can't argue with those Gs! Awesome! Can you say head restraint!

2SSONLY · 03-10-2009, 06:14 PM

b'sides, you can't beat those Gs. Awesome! What a launch. Can you say head restraint?

stovt001 · 03-10-2009, 10:22 PM

Um, the 2SS does offer an automatic...

03-07-2009, 05:36 PM	#16
SVThis Drives: 2013 1LE 1SS Victory Red 1 of 76 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 425 View My Garage	I've autocrossed F Bodies for the past 30 years and currently run an 02 Z28. I have my doubts about the 5th Gen being competitive in the stock class or street prepared category for that matter. I think the big killer could be weight. Plus it will be some time before R compounds will be available in appropriate sizes. I hate to say it but the Mustang is probably the still the car to have, at least for stock class autocross. Then again hopefully I'm wrong. __________________ 2013 1SS 1LE Victory Red. 187 CAM-C

03-08-2009, 09:20 AM	#17
garfin Resident Disciple Drives: 2010 CTS-V 6MN '98 Camaro SS (Sold) Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Roches Point, Ontario, Canada Posts: 607	In the 10+ years I've owned my 98 SS, I've done drag racing, autoX and road racing. I've stopped drag racing completely and haven't autoX'ed in a good few years since I jyust don't get the same thrill from these as I do road racing the car. ... and that's not a put-down of drag racing or autoX, since having done my share of these events over the years, I can truly appreciate the different skill sets necessary for those activities! Until you get your car out on a road course, I don't believe you will ever appreciate the capabilities that are built into these cars. I know that my 4th Gen SS raises a lot of eyebrows and surprises a lot of people when I participate in a road course event and I would definitely look forward to experiencing the increased capabilities of the 5th Gen. For those who might be fearful of taking your car out on a road course and smashing it up, there are definitely ways to do this that are safer than driving on a crowded interstate IMHO... 1)Take a novice track school! These are very controlled and geared towards the beginner who has never done it before. You will no doubt have an instructor riding with you at all times (at least at the beginning of the day!) until youare "signed off" to go solo. 2) After a track school or 2, you may decide to participate in a "lapping day". This is a non-competitive event and you are not gonna be trading paint with anybody! Everyone is out to have a good time while keeping it safe. Some events allow controlled passing, others do not. The idea is to stay within your own comfort level while learning the capabilities and limits of your driving skills and abilities as well as the limits of your car. The great thing about these days is that you never stop learning! There is always someone there who is a better driver than you are. Ask to ride along with that person or have him/her ride shotgun with you and provide some advanced instruction! 3) If you want to compete, you can do that safely as well. These events are called "Solo Sprint" events here in Canada and they work on the basis of the morning usually being reserved for open lapping to become familiar with the track. In the afternoon, the competitive "time trials" take place. You and one other driver are on the course at the same time with one driver having a 30 second head start... and hopefully nobody catches the other driver! It's you and the stop watch! One warm-up lap, then 3 hot laps followed by 1 cool-down lap. Your best lap time of the 3 hot laps counts in the competition. Sure, you don't get the thrill of driving in a pack of cars, but you might not feel comfortable doing that in a competition. Besides, you can experience that on a lapping day. Here's a taste of a lapping day on Mosport International Raceway's Grand Prix track- I'm driving the silver Camaro right in front of the camera car. It's the most fun you can have with your clothes on!! ... and here's a little autoX action from the old days... Best regardSS, Elie __________________ 2010 Cadillac CTS-V 6MN Thunder Gray 1998 Camaro SS # C079 SOLD

03-09-2009, 09:41 PM	#19
stovt001 Drives: 2006 Cobalt, 2004 Taurus wagon Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: California Posts: 3,812	Thanks Elie! I hope to get in on some open track days. Sad to hear this won't be any good at autocross. This weight and low visibility thing is really starting to annoy me. __________________ "It's kind of fun to do the impossible" - Walt Disney There's a great big beautiful tomorrow shining at the end of every day There's a great big beautiful tomorrow Just a dream away

03-10-2009, 10:22 PM	#28
stovt001 Drives: 2006 Cobalt, 2004 Taurus wagon Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: California Posts: 3,812	Um, the 2SS does offer an automatic... __________________ "It's kind of fun to do the impossible" - Walt Disney There's a great big beautiful tomorrow shining at the end of every day There's a great big beautiful tomorrow Just a dream away

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03-10-2009, 02:52 PM	#21
2SSONLY Drives: FAST! Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: The Last Frontier Posts: 480 View My Garage	Sorry NASCAR fans, but I'm NHRA all the way. I'll take the HP of a nitro car (more HP in one cylinder than in the whole engine of a stock car). Plus, who wouldn't want to go 400 MPH? My biggest disappointment with the 2SS is that is doesn't come with an auto trani just for that reason. Won't be able to drag with it 'cept with the stick shifters. Couldn't lower myself (ha ha) to go with the 1SS just for draggn. Pretty bummed I even had to chose. Typical of my shopping experiences, know exactly what I want but can't get it!

03-10-2009, 06:14 PM	#27
2SSONLY Drives: FAST! Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: The Last Frontier Posts: 480 View My Garage	b'sides, you can't beat those Gs. Awesome! What a launch. Can you say head restraint?