Quote:
Originally Posted by ChrisSlicks
Does NASA use a point system for mods? Would be nice if you could get the sticky tires back, those alone are worth 1-2 seconds over Nittos on a longer course.
|
This may be TMI, but here goes. There are two core systems for determining class in NASA time trial.
NASA Time Trial There is a points system for TTF through TTA... and then the three fastest classes (TTS/TTR/TTU) are based upon weight/power ratios with a few modifiers for super light weight or heavy cars and tires. I was previously in TTS but didn't have nearly enough power to justify the class, and now targeting TTA... The way it works in TTF-TTA is that you have a base class (370z is TTB*) which determines your starting point.... then you have a certain amount of 'points' you can spend before you go up each class. With a TTB* starting point, I have 32 points I can spend. The bonehead that set the base class decided our car belongs in the same base class as a 996 C2! Among all the cars in the TTB* base class, ours is at the bottom in terms of weight / power. THERE IS A BACK-DOOR, however. You can request that your base class be recalculated based strictly upon weight / power. That's what I was referring to above. I asked NASA to tell me what my minimum competition weight would be given a WHP of 320 and base class of TTA. Let's say they come back with "3,150 pounds"... that would mean that I would not take points for any engine or weight reduction mods so long as I stick to that power and weight. I would have 19 points to spend after that.
Here's my current breakdown of points at 3280 pounds min comp weight and using TTB* starting class.. you can spend up to 39 pts and still only go up 1 class...
B* +7
Nitto 275's +8
Weight Redux 20 lbs +1
CAI +1
Exhaust +5
SRM +3
LSD +3
Brakes +2
Shocks/Springs +5
Wing +4
TOTAL = 39, so class = TTA
And if I had TTA starting with 3150 pounds min comp weight and TTA starting class, using Nittos
Nitto 275's +3 (TTA std size is 295 so get bonus there)
LSD +3
Brakes +2
Shocks/Springs +5
Sway bars +2
Wing +4
TOTAL = 19, so class = TTA (can add no more than 19 to stay in class)
The benefit would be that I could continue to make engine mods so long as I stay under 320whp and also drop ~150 pounds. Would also add back sways.
Alternatively, could forgo wing and sways and spend those 6 points on tires... could run 285 Hoosier R6's for example