Pontiac - Race The next Level

          
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Old 04-24-2006, 11:18 PM
Bandit79403Dave Bandit79403Dave is offline
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Default Second Gen vs 4th Gen Weight differential? Legally save weight in 2nd Gen TA

Hey All...

I know I was one of the people to bring this up in the past but I figured I would bring it to the front of the pile again as I am finally in a position to make a legit run at TCI/FAST Pro Stock. I have my heart set on one of two cars: running a second gen TA or a 4th Gen Firebird. I currently have a '70 TA clone that would be a good candidate for this build as I have a motor that can run the numbers. My problem is that the car has to weigh in at 2935 pounds...that being the case, I would need to somehow shed 500+ pounds out of this car as I believe it weights close to 3500lbs...not to mention its 200 lb driver isn't at the helm. Seriously looking at a second gen, I know I could lose a lot by gutting the doors; changing the wheels, tires and brakes; gutting the impact bracing; running 'glass bumpers; fuel cell; lightweight seats, drivershaft, powerglide; no AC, heater, etc...lighter control arms...while this seems like a lot I am not sure I can make the weight. After doing a sizeable amount of computation and running the numbers on this motor, at 3200 lbs I am still at roughly 8.80s-8.90s but realistically speaking I am sure I can add a few tenths to that...at 2900lbs I am looking at 8.60s.

That being said, I also have the opportunaty to sell off all my other stuff, including this '70 clone car and use a 4th gen bird...I believe I can get the car lighter than the '70 and I feel it is more aerodynamic. Couple that with the wheel base and where the engine falls in that wheelbase and I think I really have the posibility of making something happen.

I guess what I am looking for is some guidance...safe ways to cut weight and be able to maintain structure. What have all you guys done.

Again, I thank you a million times over in advance!

Take care!
BanditDave

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  #2  
Old 04-24-2006, 11:54 PM
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Brian Baker Brian Baker is offline
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Go with the 4th gen...it's a no brainer. Easier to get the weight were you need it, and the body has a lower drag coefficient.

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  #3  
Old 04-25-2006, 12:03 AM
Bandit79403Dave Bandit79403Dave is offline
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I know Bri...for some reason though I can't get rid of these damn cars...I just keep holding on to them...haha....

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  #4  
Old 04-25-2006, 04:00 AM
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Colin Colin is offline
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Some of the older 4th gens can be had pretty cheap. Look around you should be able to find a great deal on one somwhere. I think I saw one on racingjunk.com a few days ago for cheap.

  #5  
Old 04-25-2006, 08:33 AM
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PONTIAC DUDE PONTIAC DUDE is offline
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Post 2nd Gen cars are:

FWIW:

Too heavy if ya got to run stock type suspension.

4th easier to get lighter then the 3rd gen.

The later 3rd & 4th have better stock type suspension systems to work with for better 60 ft'ers. Strut fronts and 4 link backs.

Check the BMR Fab website. Best out there for replacement 3rd & 4th gen stock type stuff.

Aero is better with the 3rd over the 4th.

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