NASA Classing thoughts

[NDSP]

Here are three setups that I've been able to come up with. Any suggestions, as to which would be preferable?

Car Modification Points
2006 Mustang GT 14
Bilstien Struts/Shocks 3
K Springs 2
Whiteline Sway bars 2
Hankook RS-3 tires 3
285mm ( +40mm) 10
Brembo front brakes 2
Panhard bar 2
CAI 1
39 total

Modification Points
14
Bilstien Struts/Shocks 3
K Springs 2
Whiteline Sway bars 2
panhard bar 2
Toyo RA1 7
275mm ( +30mm ) 7
Brembo front brakes 2

39 Total


14
Bilstien Struts/Shocks 3
K Springs 2
Whiteline Sway bars 2
panhard bar 2
Toyo RR 9
275mm ( +30mm ) 7

39 Total


Basically the only difference is for better tires (???? are they) I have to give up brakes and CAI and 10mm in width of tire.

 

[SoundGuyDave]

Try this:

TTD base
** for 14 points
Hoosier 275 R6 rubber (7+10) 14 pts
AST 4150 dampers 3 pts
Coilover springs. 2 pts
CAI and tune. 1 pt
3370 competition weight (80 lbs=5 pts)

39 points total

If you want/need the Brembos (or StopTechs), bump min weight up to 3415 and use the 2 points there. If you're serious about being competitive, keep in mind that the brakes really only need to do ONE hot lap, and ducts are an aero drag. Good fluid, good pads, and the stock package will work fine for that one lap.

Remember, non-metallic bushings are "free," so keep the stock PHB and control arms to save points and just replace the bushings. With "proper" spring rates, the bars become less critical, so again, save the points.

Also, when doing planning, focus on the "best" you can get for the points paid... Bilstein dampers are good, but compared to AST, Moton, or Sachs, they're not in the same league.

Also, you could think about Hoosier A6 (13 points), but with the weight, they grease up pretty quick. Definitely a "one and done" tire choice in my experience.

 

[NDSP]

OK, so AST coil overs and springs are the same points cost as the bilstiens and k springs. I wasn't sure about that. So you think it would be OK to not have pan hard bar correction with the lowered car ? Wouldn't I rub rear tire with 18x10 wheels 275mm tires and no panhard bar correction?

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[SoundGuyDave]

OK, so AST coil overs and springs are the same points cost as the bilstiens and k springs. I wasn't sure about that. So you think it would be OK to not have pan hard bar correction with the lowered car ? Wouldn't I rub rear tire with 18x10 wheels 275mm tires and no panhard bar correction?

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Probably no issue, bit if you pull the springs, you can cycle the suspension around and check clearances to be sure. The PHB will NOT give you "2 points" worth of speed, so do it as a last resort.

Read the descriptions of the three classes of dampers... The AST 4150 clearly falls in the 3-point category, same as Monroe Sensatrac. Make sure you get the maximum possible performance for each point you spend.

 

[RichV]

Great thread. Learned a bunch, from a W2W driver going TT.

 

[SoundGuyDave]

As a TT driver that went W2W, I can tell you that it's a little bit of a different environment. With TT, forget ALL about making passes or getting a nose inside. If you have to make a pass (in a corner) not only is your lap blown, but so is the other guys. Treat it like a 15 minute qual session: do all the traffic management you have to to get that one, clean, perfect lap. Once you're done, get your head up and manage traffic again, staying well clear of anybody that looks like they're on a tear while you cool off your junk and head to the pits. Yes, it really IS that cooperative! You don't want to be "that guy" that blows everybody's lap putting along at 5/10ths on the way to the pits. Hell, on one occasion, I hit the pit entry road nearly sideways trying to get out of a direct competitors way. I want to beat them because I out-drove them, not because I was able to blow their one shot at a clean lap before their A6s turned to puddles of greasy rubber... ;-)

FWIW, for the TT "letter classes" (TTB-TTF), the classing work and build you do ports DIRECTLY to the equivalent PT class. That lets you supersize your entry and run both W2W and TT. Twice the fun, twice the opportunity for contingency! Also TT3=ST3, TT2=ST2, etc, but with some very minor differences in the adjustments.

 

[RichV]

Thanks Dave!

I will be staying TTD with my 05. Not going to get wrapped up in competition too much since I'll be trying my hand at instructing. So instructing first, then if I get a couple of sessions a weekend, I'll make a few fast laps when time permits.

Completely agree on re-programming myself to a TT/HPDE4 group. Different lines and goals than W2W.