Help with classification

[Bruce Murphy]

Can someone with a larger brain than mine help me classify these cars?

1997 BMW M3 bone stock other than a strut tower brace.

1975 Porsche 911s 2.7L, triple webers.

I want my wife to run the least competitive one ;-)

I'd also like to know what the helmet and tires rules are for 2001.

TIA,

An Old Guy

[Christian Sorensen]

As a CCC guy, I oughtta be able to help...

The 1997 M3 is easy, since we've explicitly classified that vehicle. It counts as "BMW M3 6cyl E36" and is considered a B1 car.

Unfortunately for you, the strut tower brace (and any other aftermarket bracing you may have added) is not allowed in Stock, but is an authorized mod for Super Stock.

If you keep the brace the car would be in B/SS1 and would be allowed 3 prep points. You could use those for springs/shocks/alignment, with no sway bars for 3 points; or use 1 point on a chip (Shark injector recommended) along with a cold air intake system (free in Super Stock) plus 1 or 2 points for sway bars.

You can't do much with 3 points but it has been set up that way on purpose...

As for the Porsche, since we have not officially classified that car we'd have to make one up. The closest classification we have is for the 84-89 models with a 3.2l engine.

To do that I'd need information on the range of years the 2.7l 911 was produced, and the specs (curb weight, peak hp and torque) for the 'best' example within that range. After that point we'd have to decide whether to keep the suspension rating for the car at 75%.

I'd guess the car would be in A2 just like the 84-89, but it is possible it might slip to A3.

If the 2.7l model range does not extend past 1981 your Porsche would be eligible for the Vintage prep point bonus if you plan to prepare it to at least a Super Stock level.

Keep in mind that with the model variant rule any non-engine components of a car in the same model range could be substituted in your car with no prep point cost at any non-Stock prep level.

As for a helmet, the rulebook states that Snell 1985 helmets will not be allowed in 2001 unless the 2000 spec helmets are not available. Having just confirmed on CSC-Racing's site that the SA 00 helmets are being offered for sale I'd have to say the SA 85 is out.

For tires, the same rules as last year will apply, which I'll paraphrase to say that you can use any DOT approved tire so long as it is available in at least 2 diameters.

OK?

[Bruce Murphy]

Thank you BMW Guy! I think I'll go cheapie and remove the strut to run in BS, but this depends on whether there's a viable class. How many B1's were there last year?

I'll try to get some info on the 911. I believe they were about 2500lbs and 160HP from 75-77 before they went to a 3.0L engine, but I'll pull the "official documentation" from Excellence magazine. BTW, Porshes are slow...they couldn't fall out of a tree :-)

Is there a seatbelt rule? It used to be 3" 4points attached to 5"X5" plates, but I think that's changed since the old days.

Glad to see our SA90 helmets are OK; the beer allottment has just skyrocketed.

Thanks,
Bruce

[Shaman]

That reminds me of the time I drove a friend's ultra-fast Porsche. No names. Man... I had my foot on the throttle all the time, and I don't remember braking once at Shannonville. I must have, at least once, though...

At the end of the Fabi straight, I touched the brakes and turned in, because I only got it to about 135KM/H which is where I brake to from 205km/h or so in my car.

I was "underwhelmed". :)

Now, the '97 911TT-S... that's another story.

I'm with you, I'd yank the strut and join the stock class.

[Lowerit]

Wait a sec here, I checked the shannonville site just to make sure.. You hit 135/km/h in a "ultra fast" porsche on the fabi straight. My ultra slow Fiero GT (2.8 155hp) hits 160km/h... Runs mid to low 15's in the 1/4 tops out at 140mph.

You sure you weren't in a 78 924 automatic, towing a trailer???

[Christian Sorensen]

I can't guarantee alot of competition in B1/S as there haven't been alot of M3s out ... so far ...

As for B/SS1, it is likely that Victor Del Col will be contesting that in his Talon. In view of the fact that he often propositioned the Street Prepared guys last year I'd have to say he's the man to beat!

Yours truly will also end up in B/SS1 once I get proper springs and shocks onto my 328.

Note that if the M3 stays in B1/Stock and 3 cars don't show up it will have to beat the B/SS1 cars to get full points anyways!

As for belts, the standard 3-point belts that come stock with the car are good enough.

Cheers

[Shaman]

Lowerit:

The "ultra-fast" comment isn't what I thought, but rather what I was told. ;)

[Bruce Murphy]

I'm very scared of Victor, especially since he designed the timing system ;-) Maybe my shopping cart 911 is a better choice. Who would I run against in it?

Cheers,
Bruce


Quote from today's Chicago Tribune:
"I don't pretend to understand the lure of NASCAR. I do know the stereotype of NASCAR fans: jack-o'-lantern teeth, a three-day growth of facial hair and caps advertising RedMan chewing tobacco. The stereotype says men are pretty big fans too."

[Chris P]

To view last years results converted to 2001 classification system go here.

http://www.geocities.com/racin_1234/2000reclassifcation.htm

[blur]

Hi Bruce

I think your 911 would end up in A/SS-2. If it's an A2 car you are only allowed 4 points in this class and I think the Webers take these.
So, you'd be up against similarly modified Honda S2000's, 300+hp Camaro's, Boxster S's, etc. If it's an A3 car you would be allowed 4 more points to maybe do some suspension work.
I've asked a couple ofl times to have the earlier 911's classified but perhaps they are one of the "rare/oddball" cars which are not worthy of classification.
The Bimmer probably has a better chance and wouldn't require major mods to be competitive.