Need to know. Thinking about using one as a dirt track car in a Hobby Stock class, but it has a wheelbase restriction. I really want to use a Camaro. Thanks in advance!

 

101"

 

Dangit! I was thinking 110" or something like that. The minimum wheelbase in that class is 108". I guess I'll have to get a Monte Carlo. I really wanted a Camaro though!

 

1st and 2nd gen F-bodies have a 108" wheelbase.

The 2nd gen is a MUCH better chassis for dirt racing. Main area of concern is where the rear springs mount to the uni-body. Watch for rust.

If they won't allow F-bodies, go with a 1975-1979 Nova, Omega, Ventura, or Apollo.

They have basically the same chassis as the 2nd gen F-body except the wheelbase is 112" (some claim it is actually 111").

Either way, a 2nd gen is a MUCH, MUCH, MUCH, MUCH, MUCH (Get the point?) better beginning than a 3rd gen when getting into dirt racing.

jms

 

Just curious, why is the 2nd gen chassis better than the 3rd gen chassis for dirt track racing? Thanks for the info!

 

The reasons are many that a 2nd-gen is better.

Below are just a few reasons.

The 2nd-gen actually has a front frame that can be un-bolted from the body. This sub-frame is made of stronger steel than the sheet-metal 3rd-gen. The 2nd's sub-frame has upper and lower a-arms which will take wheel banging that is a normal part of dirt racing. A third-gen, if banging front wheels, will fold up the front strut and probably bend the strut tower.

The 2nd-gen will EASILY take any GM engine. If using a Chevy engine, large tube headers are readily and CHEAPLY available.

Most generally, leaf springs on the rear are more forgiving and easier to set up on dirt. Not always, but for a beginner it is one less problem. The rears on 2nd-gens include 12-bolts (very rare) and 8-1/2" 10-bolts, both of which are much stronger than the 7-1/2" later 10 bolt, not to mention a much better gear selection.

These are just a couple of reasons. Perhaps the biggest reasons to choose a 2nd-gen over a 3rd-gen is the number of aftermarket hard-core racing parts and there are books available that show how to build such a car.

The major drawback is these cars are getting old and you really need to find one with no rust around the leaf spring mounting areas. This can be repaired, though.

I currently have a street 3rd-gen GTA (and have had several other f-bodies) and have built numerous dirt cars including 2nd-gens.

The championship and feature win trophies collecting dust tend to make me smile when I need a pick-me-up.

If allowed by the rules, stick with a 2nd-gen. I know what I'm saying.



jms

 

Thanks for the reply. The class I'm thinking of entering is very strict with the rules. The car has to be basically stock. Thanks for the info!