|
|
Post by z3elda on Sept 10, 2011 14:55:33 GMT -5
Spent part of my morning looking at the Solo class rules and playing "What-If".
Looks the 01 BMW Z3 3.0 Coupe progresses like this:
CS ->STR ->BSP ->SSM (I stopped looking there)
Just hoping someone more familiar with classing could verify that for me. -Thanks!
|
|
|
|
Post by cr89x on Sept 11, 2011 9:57:55 GMT -5
Is the coupe eligible for STR? That is interesting.
|
|
|
|
Post by z3elda on Sept 11, 2011 12:23:06 GMT -5
Is the coupe eligible for STR? That is interesting. Solo rules page 176.. The non-M coupe is not specifically called out.. But 98-00 M Coupe and M Roadster, BMW Z3 (non-m), and Z4 (non-turbo , non-M) are listed.. Performance wise - the earlier M-coupes are close in HP to the later non-m's, so that kind of follows (IMHO) Interestingly, the non-M coupe isn't specifically called out in CStock either, but: Z3 (6-cyl, NOC) (1997-2002) IS listed, so there ya go. That's why I am asking.. |
|
|
|
Post by lancer360 on Sept 12, 2011 7:36:41 GMT -5
If the rulebook says Z3 and doesn't differentiate between the coupe and the convertible, then you are looking in the right location.
|
|
|
|
Post by MattP on Sept 12, 2011 11:50:15 GMT -5
You'd need to get the 2.8 Z3 Coupe explicitly listed in STR, as it doesn't use catchalls. Write a letter using www.sebscca.com and it'll get classed. |
|
|
|
Post by z3elda on Sept 12, 2011 12:43:30 GMT -5
You'd need to get the 2.8 Z3 Coupe explicitly listed in STR, as it doesn't use catchalls. Write a letter using www.sebscca.com and it'll get classed. Just submitted - will let you know when I hear back. |
|
|
|
Post by MattP on Sept 12, 2011 13:19:58 GMT -5
It'll take a few months, as it needs to go through the STAC and SEB, and they've got a lot on their plate. I'd think it'd make it into the 2012 rules, though.
|
|
|
|
Post by lancer360 on Sept 12, 2011 20:57:59 GMT -5
Hmmm, making it legal in STR would put a C-stock base class car (Z3) competing against A-stock base class cars (S2000). That would be bringing a knife to a gun fight. Take a look at Mike Licursi's raw time of 35.939 secs from the 24 hr autocross to give you an idea of what a good STR car is capable of. I would stick to stock class and if you want to run street tires come play in tire class. Plenty of competition and you would have a fighting chance of being competitive.
|
|
|
|
Post by z3elda on Sept 13, 2011 7:20:29 GMT -5
Based on Matt's comment about not using catch-alls... I'm not even POSITIVE it's really C-Stock either, since the non-M coupe isn't specifically mentioned.
I already know that my Coupe is a bit heavy, and add the fat middle-age white-guy driver, and I"ll always be at a disadvantage, and I know STR is a tough class, but that's what it looks like.. I'm really not hung up on doing a bunch of mods either, but there are a few things I'd like to do. I would like the classing progression question answered so (as you suggest Chris) I can look at the competition in that class and see how I want to proceed. Tire may indeed be my best competitive option with this car.
Oh - and in my letter - I didn't ask fot it to be put in STR.. I asked for them to clarify class progression, and put the info down as I did in my first post here. - So.. We'll see.
|
|
|
|
Post by MattP on Sept 13, 2011 9:05:57 GMT -5
I just looked, the car is already classed in STR, "BMW Z3 (non-M)". By catchall, I mean things like: "Sedans over 1.7L & under 3.0L not otherwise classified." that don't call out makes and models.
It's also explicitly classed in CS via the "Z3 (6-cyl, NOC) (1997-2002)" line, since the only other 6 cylinder Z3's classed elsewhere are the M roadster and coupe in BS.
No question about its correct classing in Stock, ST, SP or SM. CS, STR, BSP, SSM
No letter needed, I should have looked at the STR car list first.
|
|
|
|
Post by srduck on Sept 13, 2011 13:22:14 GMT -5
Hmmm, making it legal in STR would put a C-stock base class car (Z3) competing against A-stock base class cars (S2000). That would be bringing a knife to a gun fight. Take a look at Mike Licursi's raw time of 35.939 secs from the 24 hr autocross to give you an idea of what a good STR car is capable of. I would stick to stock class and if you want to run street tires come play in tire class. Plenty of competition and you would have a fighting chance of being competitive. STR already has C-Stock base cars competing against A-stock cars... namely the NB & NC Miata. Hell... if you'll recall from discussions in the main forum... my NA Miata that would be STS if it weren't for the Torsen has to fall into STR, thus putting an E-Stock base car against A-stock base cars. Now, that said, I know it's still possible to build a Miata into an STR fighter. I just don't know how deep the aftermarket is for the Z3 and whether or not it would be even remotely competitive. |
|
|
|
Post by MattP on Sept 13, 2011 13:43:57 GMT -5
Why not just put an open diff in the Miata and run STS? They're very competitive there.
|
|
|
|
Post by srduck on Sept 13, 2011 13:50:05 GMT -5
Why not just put an open diff in the Miata and run STS? They're very competitive there. BLASPHEMY!  I've decided to just keep spending money and gradually build it to a mildly tolerable CSP spec. |
|
|
|
Post by lagunamiata on Sept 13, 2011 13:58:21 GMT -5
Drive Mike Burke's STS car. Open diff swap (originally a C-package car) and it's great.
|
|
|
|
Post by srduck on Sept 13, 2011 14:14:08 GMT -5
Drive Mike Burke's STS car. Open diff swap (originally a C-package car) and it's great. I wouldn't mind giving it a spin, but I doubt it could turn me to the dark side of open diffs  But... I'll tell you... I took a ride in Marske's at the 24h when he wasn't even on the 13s..... and I LIKE the concept of a CSP car! Probably won't even want to spend the money on Hoosiers, but hey... who knows! Honestly though, I bought the Miata as a toy so I could have something to learn to wrench on and just a fun car to drive. Didn't ever think I would get into AutoX with it. I know it's going to take me a while to get it build to even a spec that could compete in STS... so I'll just set my sights for CSP and have fun there while it all develops. Kinda wish I could go back to ES with it, but that would be a lot of work to undo the work that's already been done  Unless I can convince the wife to let me buy ANOTHER Miata.......... ;D |
|
|
|
Post by z3elda on Sept 13, 2011 14:25:17 GMT -5
Lightweight flywheel, rear diff swap to a shorter gear and an ECU remap pkg. Then some more $ on the suspension.. Some of which might bump it to BSP, but yes- there are parts to speed her up, just depends where you $ource the part$. (Die Bavarians hat Vays, Ja?) I don't have the experience to know if it would be enough.
And then there's the driver Mods that are absolutely necessary. :-)
Of course -at some point you have to decide how much $ is too much, which I can clearly see has alot to do with mental stability, and we are all quite certifiable on that count.
|
|
|
|
Post by 1slowcrx on Sept 13, 2011 15:04:13 GMT -5
What A-stock car is legal for STR? The S2000 is a B-stock car and has been for two years now.
I also don't buy the Knife to a gun fight argument either. The C-stock MX-5 and also the older Toyota Spyder are perfectly competitive in STR. I'm also not convinced that a 1.8l NA miata with 15x9s wouldn't be awesome at the right courses.
|
|
|
|
Post by MattP on Sept 13, 2011 15:36:39 GMT -5
If you're taking the Z3 to BSP, then you'll want to swap in the S54 M-engine. I wouldn't go to SP unless you were planning to cut the fenders to run 285's...
|
|
|
|
Post by lancer360 on Sept 13, 2011 16:45:13 GMT -5
Oops, I don't know where I got AS from for the S2000. Just looked up the results for Nationals and even though 6 of the top 7 were S2000's, the top MX-5 was only a couple of tenths off the leader. I guess the allowed mods benefit the Miata's enough to make up the difference. I'm still not sure the Z3 could be competitive in STR, but at the regional level it probably wouldn't matter and STR allows some nice mods compared to the more extreme mods of Street Prepared.
|
|
|
|
Post by cr89x on Sept 14, 2011 6:10:21 GMT -5
Chris is still stuck in like 2009 rule set lol.
|
|
|
|
Post by lancer360 on Sept 14, 2011 7:26:47 GMT -5
Chris is still stuck in like 2009 rule set lol. LOL! More like stressing over car prep. I have two weekends left to finish getting the F600 ready as well as some work on the wife's car. Then it is the NCAC followed by the SARRC Invitational Race at Roebling, followed by the autocross at the BMW plant, followed by Anna leaving for a 4 day girls weekend in New York and my mom coming in town for 2.5 weeks. I think October is looking full! Should be a fun and exhausting month! |
|
|
|
Post by z3elda on Sept 14, 2011 20:26:52 GMT -5
Heard back from SCCA Tech - Progression for Z3elda is as we thought - we're smart!
Thanks for the help and the discussion!
|
|
|
|
Post by cr89x on Sept 15, 2011 5:10:57 GMT -5
Glad to hear Eric. That was seemingly quick.
Chris, I told you my prespective race schedule for October. I find it amusing that it is late in the year and people should think about packing up for the winter yet we push on. Only one weekend in October that doesn't have an event in our area that I know of. It is almost like a second May this year.
|
|
|
|
Post by z3elda on Sept 15, 2011 6:31:40 GMT -5
Glad to hear Eric. That was seemingly quick. Chris, I told you my prespective race schedule for October. I find it amusing that it is late in the year and people should think about packing up for the winter yet we push on. Only one weekend in October that doesn't have an event in our area that I know of. It is almost like a second May this year. AJ- Yeah - It was quick because the SEB didn't have to get involved. Both STR and BSP would be Challenging, but at least we know. I don't get the roll-up-the-sidewalks-summer-is-over stuff either. They are closing my community pool this weekend, and we're still tapping 90 most days. Of course- my perspective is tainted by all those years in Lake Effect Snow Country. Summer is definitely over up there! With the exception of maybe December 15 - January 15 as a holiday break, there's no reason we couldn't hold events every month of the year (weather permitting), and we're almost there now. I'll be looking for a January 2012 event to attend. (Florida maybe?) |
|
But... I'll tell you... I took a ride in Marske's at the 24h when he wasn't even on the 13s..... and I LIKE the concept of a CSP car! 
