[Shotimes] OT: Autocross Pt 2, "Not That Heavy"

[Donald Mallinson]

The SHO isn't really any heavier than most of the cars in its segement.  
Remembering that a lot of cars "in the segment" don't have near the 
interior/trunk room, and few have the structural integrety and safety 
record that the SHO does.  That all adds a few pounds.  Once you get 
past the compact size cars, 3400 pounds is about the norm, and 4000 
pounds is typical for bigger cars these days.  Just like in 1960 for 
example!  :)

The Vette does well because it is RWD and much better Front/rear weight 
distribution, and later ones have more power.  But you can beat up on 
the late 70's and early 80's Vettes a little!  They are real pooches.

But all that doesn't mean you can't have fun.  Forget about how the car 
does in its class, if you want to win trophies then get rid of the car 
and buy what is winning.  If you want to have fun, you have a VERY fun 
car and just getting close is a kick.  My son and I have fun at 
autocrosses by finding new ways to kick the back end of the car around.  
We just have fun and race each other.  Or like I said, find someone you 
respect that is good and consistent, and gauge your progress based on 
his times.  Since the course changes every event, you can't go on 
overall time, just the difference between your times.  If the course is 
longer, then the distance between your relative times will also grow, so 
keep that in mind.

let us know how it goes, and go to as many events as you can.  
Practice/practice/practice.  You will notice the best drivers take every 
lap they can, even the after-event fun runs.

Don Mallinson



Techpriest wrote:

>According to Car and Driver my 89 has a curb weight of 3348lbs.  Add 200lbs
>of driver and there is the 3500 I mentioned.  I did think at first, "My car
>is no heavier then a Vette and they do well at Autocross."  Then I
>remembered, those are Vettes!
>
>While my 89 does not appear to me to be as large as the later models the
>checking I have done does not seem to show it is much lighter.  The 99 came
>in at 3440lbs, less then 100 lbs more then mine.
>
>I will let everyone know how it goes.  I am not looking to set records at
>the moment, just have fun and not embarrass myself.
>
>"Son, we have never had anyone hit ALL the cones before!"
>
>  
>
>>-----Original Message-----
>>    
>>
>>>By the time we get done, my SHO will look down-right
>>>slim.  Heck, we could make our own "Fat Boy" class, 3500lbs
>>>      
>>>
>>minimum weight.
>>
>>You have an 89 right?  Thing is, it's not really THAT heavy,
>>especially
>>compared to current 4 door and even a lot of 2 door sports coupes.
>>    
>>
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