[V8Vairs] Drag Strip Class?

[Paul Siano]

I guess V-8 Corvair conversions are different enough that they can
run in different classes depending on the driver's wish, to some degree,
and the opinion of the tech inspectors which may vary from track to
track.  I may try again when I finish my car. (again)  I agree that
putting a V-8 Corvair in an altered class which requires a parachute
and a fire suit was overkill.  It should be noted that I like to run my car without an engine cover which means there is no firewall, which may have been a factor in their decision.  Driving it is a little like flying in an open cockpit airplane rather than flying in an airliner.



Thanks for responding,



Paul

--- On Tue, 12/16/08, Larry <larry at 3kittys.com> wrote:
From: Larry <larry at 3kittys.com>
Subject: Re: [V8Vairs] Drag Strip Class?
To: "discussion of non-stock engines in Corvairs" <v8vairs at corvair.org>
Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2008, 11:23 AM

I am probably the least qualified to answer your question since I've 
only run my Torvair once on the strip at Lebanon Valley NY. When I 
pulled into tech, they asked me what times I expected to turn.  Since I 
had no idea I put myself in the 14-15 second class.  There were no 
specific safety requirements other than the norm like battery hold down. 
They did not even require a helmet! I only did two test runs with my 
best being a 14.0 at 100 mph.  This is on street tires, street start 
from the line and hesitating to be sure I had traction. If I had dipped 
into the 13's, a helmet was required. since I'm an old road racer, I 
wore a helmet and driving suit that I already have.  You can never be 
over protected. My understanding is the the Crown conversion can easily 
get into the 12's.  Maybe your local track is different.  This was a 
bracket racing event.

A roll cage (and /or safety cage), helmet, fire resistant gloves, socks, 
shoes and suit are good to have regardless of the class you run.  Yuo 
can get a nice class 1 fire suit and such for about $300 plus helmet. 
Get a full face type. Open face have minimal protection.  A parachute is 
way overkill.

my $ .02

Larry

Paul Siano wrote:
> Many years ago I took my Crown conversion to the local drag strip.  I
never got past the tech inspection.  They were not sure which class to put it
in.  They ended up deciding to put it in an altered class which required a fire
suit and a parachute which I didn't have. 
>
> What has been the experience of other V-8 conversions at drag strips?  In
which class were you placed?
>
> Just curious,
>
> Paul
>
>
>
>       
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