TravisJB Journal

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.

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Hotchkis ARB | Stillen CAI | Art Pipes | Berk CBE | Stillen AP Racing Brakes | AE Performance Oil Cooler | BC Racing ER Coilovers | Doran Control Arms

travisjb

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

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2009 370Z #104
*For Sale*

ChrisSlicks

Thanks for the explanation, it is much clearer now. I would say the R6's trumps the wing (more grip at all speeds beats more grip at high speed) but it would be nice to keep the sways. That's the one thing that made this car so much better in the corners.

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Hotchkis ARB | Stillen CAI | Art Pipes | Berk CBE | Stillen AP Racing Brakes | AE Performance Oil Cooler | BC Racing ER Coilovers | Doran Control Arms