Camaro Auto-X Classification

Are the 305 powered Camaros legal for STX?

Under STU "Example Classifications", it lists Camaro (5.7L) but STU doesn't have the non-sports car based disclaimer after the requirements of coupes & sedans that STX does.

Do they consider Camaros sportscar based?

Thanks!

The rules imply that "sports car" is defined as a two seat car and clarifies that by saying "...a sports car based vehicle includes those that are 2+2 variants of two seat sports cars".

So in other words, go for it. (that being said, the car would be better in ESP)

I used to run a 281ci mustang in STX, but not with the SCCA. I have heard talk about setting up a 302 mustang (foxbody) for stx on some SCCA forums, so it should be legal from that point.

A long time ago someone said that when STX was setup, it was meant to include fox body mustangs and 305 3rd gen camaros. Whether or not that is true im not sure, but i do think they are fine.

bludroptop wrote: The rules imply that "sports car" is defined as a two seat car and clarifies that by saying "...a sports car based vehicle includes those that are 2+2 variants of two seat sports cars".

I saw that but my concern is the rules imply - they are not explicit. I'd really hate to head in one direction and then have to do something else. Lets face it, a bunch of the other cars in that class have a 4 door variant. I don't think the argument, "Well you shouldn't have specified 5.7L for STU then." would fly.

Gimp, I think that would have been an excellent choice for ESP several years ago. If you look at the fact there is not a lot different in the rear suspensions from the 3rd & 4th gens. But the 4th gens flat out, out power the 3rd gens even with the 350 TPI motors.

I think part of what intrigues me is, 305 Camaros develop almost as much torque at 2000-2500 as say an RX8 does at peak. That's gotta be really helpful coming up outta slow speed corners. But, there is a weight penalty.

The biggest problem with a pony car in STX is weight vs tire size... The grip just isnt there. (at least not for my 3400-ish lb 305hp mustang)

You are going to have your work cut out for you with the ITR, WRX, E30M3, etc

You are going to be an underdog in either STX or ESP, but I think less so in ESP.

CamaroKeith wrote: Gimp, I think that would have been an excellent choice for ESP several years ago. If you look at the fact there is not a lot different in the rear suspensions from the 3rd & 4th gens. But the 4th gens flat out, out power the 3rd gens even with the 350 TPI motors.

Third gens have a weight advantage over the 4ths and shouldn't be discounted in ESP. Then again, I have a second gen...

Apexcarver wrote: The biggest problem with a pony car in STX is weight vs tire size... The grip just isnt there. (at least not for my 3400-ish lb 305hp mustang)

I think you can run a 265 section width tire - 20mm wider than stock for Camaros.

And not to bash the Mustang, but I think the F-body cars have less of an issue with suspension bind in the factory torque arm / panhard bar set-ups so you can use the available section width more efficiently.

I guess the worst scenario is, I switch to ESP. But from what I remember (I sat out this past year), not that many people ran ESP in the region I ran.

In ESP you are going to need to ditch that 305...

CamaroKeith wrote:

Apexcarver wrote: The biggest problem with a pony car in STX is weight vs tire size... The grip just isnt there. (at least not for my 3400-ish lb 305hp mustang)

I think you can run a 265 section width tire - 20mm wider than stock for Camaros. And not to bash the Mustang, but I think the F-body cars have less of an issue with suspension bind in the factory torque arm / panhard bar set-ups so you can use the available section width more efficiently. I guess the worst scenario is, I switch to ESP. But from what I remember (I sat out this past year), not that many people ran ESP in the region I ran.

I think your right on the tire thing, that is a recent change (happened after I moved on to ESP).

The suspension difference thing is something that can be fought till the cows come home.

I used STX as a jumping platform to get to ESP. The rules arent all that different in allowances, so it allows you to build up the car before sinking money into super sticky tires. It comes down to splitting hairs if its gonna be nationally competitive in either class. Regionally you should be fine probably.

maroon92 wrote: In ESP you are going to need to ditch that 305...

Not really. Where I was running, the only guy I can think of that typically runs ESP has an SVO Mustang.

Apexcarver wrote: I think your right on the tire thing, that is a recent change (happened after I moved on to ESP). The suspension difference thing is something that can be fought till the cows come home. I used STX as a jumping platform to get to ESP. The rules arent all that different in allowances, so it allows you to build up the car before sinking money into super sticky tires. It comes down to splitting hairs if its gonna be nationally competitive in either class. Regionally you should be fine probably.

You are probably right on the suspension bit. But it seems to me they tightened down the rules, as far as mods go, over the last few years. I'm gonna have to pick apart the rules and figure it out.

CamaroKeith said: Not really. Where I was running, the only guy I can think of that typically runs ESP has an SVO Mustang.

Ah, I ran with the Detroit region, and there were at least 8 fully prepared ESP cars at every event...

(though I guess that only makes sense)