Do I have a chance to change the rules?

[ChevyKiller]

For you serious racers, what are my chances? I really want to run heads up and the limited street class here in PSCA would be a perfect class with the little problem of the rules...lol

You see, you have to maintain quite a bit of stock requirements and it would be impossible to get an S197 under 3700 lbs with driver following the rules. The problem is that they do not allow twin turbo systems and a maximum 80mm single turbo system. This makes it damn near impossible for an S197 to compete in the class cause we couldn't get it light enough under the rules.

I have been talking to Mel and made a formal request for them to consider the use of a twin turbo system. My hopes is that they can adjust for it by setting a higher weight requirement to make it fair. This is the letter I sent to Mel for consideration he is going to try to get through...

Hi Mel;

This is Mark Kauffman, we spoke on the phone today. Per our conversation, I am formally requesting that a twin turbo by allowed into the limited street class under guidelines set forth by the PSCA.

In particular, my car is a new style mustang (S197) and these cars are heavy pigs from the factory...lol In fact, in order to follow the rules of Limited Street, the lowest I would be able to get the car is going to be in the 3700 lbs range. It is also a fact that using the stock computer (which is a requirement in the class) - you are limited to about 1100 hp. Anything over requires a stand alone due to the overwhelming of the spanish oak processor feeding all the new controls of the system.

To be blunt, no one in the world has been able to get a stock computer driven S197 meeting the rules of limited street below the 9 sec zone. The current world record under the limited street rules is JPC Sponsored Justin Burcham turning an 8.56 and that was accomplished using an F1 Procharger AND a 200 shot of nitrous. Modular Depot Sponsored Vinny Barber is the second fastest stock computer record holder and it took him an 88mm turbo to net an 8.87. These are the current fastest in the world on a stock computer 3V S197 and these were also ran back east on faster tracks than we have in division 7.

I am very interested in competing in this class and bringing the excitement of the new style mustang into the class. I currently meet all of the requirements of Limited street with the exception of I fabbed the car using a twin turbo system. My car would in no way be an unfair advantage to the class and would simply be a 'solid contender'.

The current set-up I have is...

FRPP Factory Boss 4.6 block
3.85 stroke
Livernois ported 3V factory heads
A twin 67mm precision ball bearing liquid to air turbo system


As I said, this car meets the requirements of the class in every aspect minus the twin turbo power plant. This car weighs 3700+ lbs. with driver. This car would be a consistent 8.80-9.20 car in my opinion and would be a great addition to the class.

Again, under the current rules, it will be impossible for a new style mustang to ever compete in the class. It is my hopes that you can take the weight of the vehicle into consideration and create a minimum weight bracket for the use of a twin turbo system (maximum 67mm) This will not only allow myself, but other new model mustang owners the ability to race in this class. I am deeply interested in running a heads up class and this class seems perfect if it could be slightly modified to allow these newer heavier cars the chance to compete.

Another factor of note is that on the new style mustangs, you are very limited on cubic inch motor size when restricted to the factory computer and stock 3V system. I would love to see the use of a twin system in this class with say, a 3600 or 3700 weight requirement.

Thank you for your time,

Mark Kauffman

Question is - do you think I have a chance? If they allow it, I think my car would be a strong contender in this heads up class...

 

[Ken3030]

Well one thing is for sure it can't hurt to ask. Good Luck hope he helps you out.

 

[ChevyKiller]

Thanks Ken... They said they are going to talk with me more about it on Friday. I think I could be solid in this class with my new build if they allow the twins...

Shit, the Mustang Madness is a $100 class - I'd hate to waste this build on that series.

BTW: See you on Friday.

 

[US-1]

First problem I see is the slant against turbochargers. Shit man...any F1 Procharger or the YSi trim Vortech against a 76mm or 80mm turbo? Especially with no boost controllers allowed. Kiss my ass.

The ONLY chance I see of you getting Mel to allow the S197 twin turbo combination would be at 3600 lbs minimum weight. I'm sure the nitrous guys are going to squeel like little schoolgirl piggies getting dicked in the ass for the first time with no lube at the idea though. Right now they're owning the joint. With no boost controllers the blower and turbo guys are getting ripped off. The Speedtech Diffuser plate should rule that class.

It's a long shot, Mark. I don't know if Mel will go out on a limb for you or not. He might let you run the car at one or two events at 3600 lbs to see what happens. Be prepared to be extremely UNpopular with the other guys in the class.

I know what I'd do in that class with a modular engine and an 80mm turbo....but I'm not tellin'.

 

[ChevyKiller]

Hell, I know what you would do too with an 80mm and modular in this class cause I would do it too...lol

Trouble is - I'm already into this twin build and sure as shit am not switching now.

It is extremely skewed and I'm heading out now to the event to talk with them more about it today. Truth be told, I think I would OWN the class, but I understand the subtlety required as you hinted in your post. My game plan is to work a deal to let me 'try' at a 3600 lbs min. weight for the next couple events and make damn sure I'm 'in there' but not dominating and not going all the way. I figure if I can do that, then play it cool for the other 5 races this season and just finish in the middle of the pack for the rest of the events, then I'll be set to come out blazing next year and own the class and then nobody would be able to do anything but bitch.

That's the plan anyway - we'll see if it works...

 

[US-1]

Don't let them try to push you into an air/air intercooler either. That's another thing the nitrous guys will scream for. They might also try to limit you to 67mm turbos but that should be more than enough so let them have that one as a "consolation prize."

Sounds like you are learning to "play the game" pretty quick. Qualify mid-pack, lean on it a little when necessary, take a loss once in a while, let the nitrous guys think they have an edge. Get a few round wins and see what happens when you do.

As far as what I'd do........stock suspension and that tire requirement is just BEGGING for a Fox chassis. Thunderbird or Fairmont Futura would be a cool change from the Mustangs too.

 

[kdesigns]

My advice, if they let you in to play, is to LOSE! At least the first few events. And I'm not talking red lights. A certain NMRA racer (NOT SD!) did this for a few events, until the bad guys left him alone, then he "found" the ability to cut a real good light and killed 'em. Won him a championship the second year.Play the game, play for long term, and you'll win. Go in there like a bat outta hell, and you'll get the lead trophy...

 

[kdesigns]

Also doesn't hurt to mention the words "associate sponsor" when talking about your turbo company...

 

[Hitman]

If you were a class sponsor they would bow down and do whatever you want.

 

[ChevyKiller]

It was a no go...bastards...

They ironic part was they only had 3 cars in the class and it probably won't even be around next year but they will not give any love and are protecting those 3 stinking cars. A bunch of BS. I'm just going super street.

 

[stkjock]

that sucks!!!

 

[don_w]

It was a no go...bastards...

They ironic part was they only had 3 cars in the class and it probably won't even be around next year but they will not give any love and are protecting those 3 stinking cars. A bunch of BS. I'm just going super street.

Well, if it won't be around next year, it's kind of a moot point anyway, right?

 

[ChevyKiller]

I'm just guessing. The most cars they had last year was 7 in any one event and averaged 5. You'd think they'd be open to getting more cars in the class...

There is NOTHING out here set up for the weight of new cars on the west coast for us. It really sucks.

There isn't a single heads up class we could ever compete in under the rules because we are at a 500 lbs weight disadvantage from get go. The only options are pro classes and then, it's not only big money, but it's 'pro' and and chassis car stuff.