[Old Blue 66]

The 40th anniversary of the GTO in 2004 in Detroit was (I think) the biggest turnout in the convention history. That was a lot of fun. The 50th should be a good show.

[151007]

Originally Posted by Old Blue 66

The 40th anniversary of the GTO in 2004 in Detroit was (I think) the biggest turnout in the convention history. That was a lot of fun. The 50th should be a good show.

I was actually a little disappointed that the 50th wasn't going to be held in Detroit in conjunction with the 20th anniversary of the Woodward Dream Cruise -- I think that would have resulted in a huge turnout. I'm sure the PA event will be great though!

[MLouttit68GTO]

The group rate rooms at the host hotel are almost all reserved! There are additional rooms available at the host hotel at regular rates. We encourage you to stay at the host hotel. It is the only hotel within walking distance of the convention center. There are group rate rooms available at the overflow hotels. See our web site www.greaterpghgto.com for hotel contact information. See you in Pittsburgh!

[MLouttit68GTO]

The Activities Committee has been working on the trips/tours for the convention. All of the details have not been finalized yet but we wanted to provide a current status so you can start thinking about what activities you might want to do while in Pittsburgh! Please see our web site and provide feedback here. We would love to hear what you think!
http://greaterpghgto.com/html/activities.html

[Pat68HO]

I just bought my GTO last month (and joined GTOAA!), and, never having been to a GTOAA event, I would like to ask a few questions.

1. If you can only be there for one day, what is the best day? I'm about 4 hours away in Va, so what time should I arrive?

2. My GTO has had a color change from Verdoro green. gold interior, black vinyl top to triple black. Also, it originally had all drum brakes but has now been upgraded to front discs. Otherwise, it is numbers matching front to back. Am I eligible for any show class?

3. If I go, it will be by far, the furthest I will have driven my GTO. It is a 4-speed with 3.55 gears, and at 70mph it is running somewhere between 3800 and 4000 rpm. Do any of you have a similar setup, is it ok to run on the interstate for long periods of time with that much rpm, or should I stay off the interstate and come an alternate route?

Thank you for your answers and please excuse my ignorance.

[johnta1]

Can't answer all the questions, but I think the gear ratio or something isn't right on your RPM at 70?
(unless you are using a real small diameter tire)

Try this calculator:

Calc RPM, Gear, MPH, Tire Diameter

On question #2, If it's like POCI, I would think as long as it was available in that year, it would be good to go.
(don't think they check cowl tag to actual paint?)

[MLouttit68GTO]

Pat68HO,
First, congratulations on your GTO purchase!
To answer your questions:
1) That is a tough question. Tuesday is arrival day so I think we can rule that one out if you only have one day. Wednesday more people will still be arriving but there is a kickoff cruise and a trip offered to Pittsburgh to go to either the Science Center, Heinz History Center, or the Rivers Casino. Thursday we will have drag racing at Pittsburgh Raceway Park, a tour of Pittsburgh (aboard a double decker bus and a river boat) and the Concours judging. Friday will be the parking lot party, Popular Vote judging, and fireworks. Saturday we are offering a trip to the Flight 93 memorial and, of course, the Awards ceremony. If I had to pick one day, unless you were interested in one of the trips, I think that I would choose Friday but that is just one man's opinion.
2) I refer you to the GTOAA for classification information. Concours information can be found here http://www.gtoaa.org/concours/
Popular Vote information can be found here
http://www.gtoaa.org/popular-vote/
Since you are only coming for one day, Concours isn't an option for you (they are inside and must be there the whole week). If you do come on Friday you will be there for the Popular Vote voting.
3) I will let other forum members comment on your gearing question.

Thank you for your questions. I hope that I answered them. If I can provide any more information please let me know.

[Pat68HO]

Originally Posted by johnta1

Can't answer all the questions, but I think the gear ratio or something isn't right on your RPM at 70?
(unless you are using a real small diameter tire)

Try this calculator:

Calc RPM, Gear, MPH, Tire Diameter

On question #2, If it's like POCI, I would think as long as it was available in that year, it would be good to go.
(don't think they check cowl tag to actual paint?)

Thank you for the calculator- definitely going on my favorites tab!

You're right, John... something just doesn't add up. I have 235/60-15 tires (26.1" diameter) and 3.55 gears ("WH" stamped on the rear axle). According to the calculator, I should be turning 3200 rpm at 70 mph. I think the speedometer is close enough because when I keep pace with the traffic on the interstate, it is showing 70 mph give or take a couple of mph. I have hood tach which I don't think is the original... has there been any problems with the accuracy of the reproduction units?

I think I will take it out on I-81 this weekend and double check my readings.

On question #2, it is painted starlite black which was available in 68. Now, I do have 15" Rally II's (which I guess weren't available till 1970?) with radials and a Judge T-handle shifter. I just don't know if these changes kick me out of stock class and put me in modified class (or whatever they call it).