[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 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.

It sounds like Friday is the day for me! Is the popular vote where all participants get a ballot and vote on the cars?

[MLouttit68GTO]

Yes each participant will get a ballot in their registration packet when they arrive. Friday is voting day.

[MLouttit68GTO]

One more note. For Popular Vote, the GTOAA will decide the classes based on registrations so voting is by class.

[Pat68HO]

Originally Posted by MLouttit68GTO

One more note. For Popular Vote, the GTOAA will decide the classes based on registrations so voting is by class.

You've seen the description of my GTO from the previous posts, so what class would I be in? Is there a list of classes somewhere?

[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).

[goatmanmitch]

Originally Posted by Pat68HO

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?

Wouldn't hurt to have a GPS confirming your speed either.

[rexs73gto]

My tires are 27 inchs tall & I run a 3:73 rear gear & I'm turning right at 2850. So I think your tach may be off a bit. I've driven my 73 GTO on the hwy for 3-4 hours & had no adverse actions running that speed for that length of time. Also I have a friend who had the original 4:33's in his 71 Judge who went from MI. to NY., mostly at 55-60 mph & drove it streight through. No problems if you don't beat on it.

[Ron Landis]

there is a documented '71 with factory installed 4:33's??? Factory was fighting this in '69...according to Milt, anyway. Warranty engine replacement was killing 'em! Just curious. Love to see the PHS.

[johnta1]

Code 'XM' special order 4.33 in 1971 A body.
Use without AC.
But wouldn't be for a Judge, 400 engines only.

Don't know how many made that way or were actually available.