Pure Stock Muscle Car Drag Race

[Rowdy Rat]

Joe,

That's the most reasonable theory I've heard to date on the gear ratio topic. I'm going to do a little research along that line of thinking and see what turns up.

sixtiesmuscle,

I'm not sure that I'd go along with the rear axle ratio restrictions being due entirely to the durability of the differential (I do agree that it wasn't nearly as strong as a 12 bolt). If anything, the automatic transmission would be a bit easier on parts than a manual transmission. Considering the Corvette's F70 x 15 tires and independent rear suspension, you'd have a tough time getting the car to launch hard enough to grenade the differential (although I wouldn't rule out a half shaft u-joint or two!).

Rob,

Can't wait to hear what Corvette plans you have for next year's event!

Regards,

Stan

[sYc]

Gentlemen; I am trying to understand some the previous posts. Anytime in the past when the mention of clones/fakes came up on this forum, the majority of people were against them, for many reasons. But now I am reading where it is OK to race one. Why is racing any different then the Supercar Reunion, Super Chevy Shows, the Camaro or Chevelle Nats, etc. How long before we see cloned Yenkos at the PSMC drags, as there are already cloned Gibb cars. What will the reaction be when MCR magazine or Speed Vision film a clone over a "real" car? It has happened at other events (ask Brian). It has been brought up about the value of the Supercars, I agree this is a concern. I think about it every time we race our Yenko Camaro. But, that is what so special about these cars. One of the best parts of the Supercar Reunion is watching these rare cars drive from the hotel to the trade center. I would rather see Brian drive his L-88 Yenko Camaro this short distance then see 50 clone L-89 Novas race. Who can forget the sound of a true Phase III Vette fire up, or the L-88 Motion Vette, Mark T. in his B-M Camaro, all of the Yenkos doing burnouts on the street. What about Greg's '67 Yenko getting sideways at the track this year, no way does a souped up L-78 Camaro compare with this. Ask anyone who was at the Gibb reunion what they remember most and it will be the rare supercars doing burnouts on the main drag of LaHarpe. Yes, I would hate to see one of these rare cars damaged, such as Ray's. But, if we do not take a few chances with our cars in public, then we are opening the door for the clones/fakes to replace us, and they will. People/media want to see them, either real or fake. It does not have to be "hard" passes, major burnouts, etc. A soft pass by Mark Hassett in his Zl-1 or Mike Riley in his Berger Camaro is way better then any "built" car running in the 12s. Is not that what these cars were built for in the beginning??? Sorry if I stepped on some toes, but that is how I feel. Bring on the REAL Supercars, not clones. Tom

[Kurt S]

Bowtie3168,
There is now a registry for the 69 L89 Camaros. I can dig out the contact info for the keepers of it. I'd also be interested in some info on the car and I could forward the data on. [email protected] CRG

Thanks.
Kurt

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Tom;
I'll go along with that!
M

[Charley Lillard]

Opinions ? Is a re-bodied car a Clone ? If a famous Musclecar shows up at your event and you know it is a Re-body do you let it in ? When a Yenko shows up that used to be a Firebird do you let it in ? Is ZL1 # 27 a ZL1 that has been re-bodied or is it a Clone. Would you let it in ? At what point are they Clones ?

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Personally, I think there is a big difference between a rebody and a clone. The rebody has the VIN and TRIM TAG plates that correspond with a real car, a clone is a copy of a car type. Anybody can clone a car, only the owner of the real car can perform a rebody.

There are some cars that are so far gone that people rebody them in order to save them. Everybody has a different definition of 'too far gone', but nonetheless it does save a valuable musclecar. I would define 'too far gone' for a sub-frame car when the structural integrity is lost due to rust damage only. I believe a tubbed car can be rebuilt, and under no circumstances do you restamp the firewall. Of course using a Firebird body to rebody a Camaro is sinful!

Unfortunately, some people think a rebody is the first alternative when restoring a car, when it should be the last. Just because you have this 'nice' or 'rustfree' car around, or can 'get' one doesn't mean that a rebody is the answer. If a car is too rough for you to handle, then let someone else restore it before you rebody a restorable car.

I would let a rebody race at the PS-Drags, but would lean against the clones.

Just a thought,
Marlin

[sixtiesmuscle]

Marlin, WELL SAID!

[sYc]

I agree with Marlin, there is a big difference between a clone and a rebody. To me, clones are no different then any other "regular" production car, OK, but not what I enjoy seeeing. On the other hand, a rebodied car has some connection to a real supercar, even if just the VIN (documented) and trim tags. With rebodied cars, the number of cars possible will not change, 69 ZL-1 Camaros, 198 1969 Yenko Camaros, 99 Yenko Chevelles, etc. With clones, there could be 1000s, such as the Cobra. As per the rebody versus replace sheetmetal issue, that is a choice the owner will have to make. I do agree that the more original sheetmetal/parts that can be used the better. To me, an all original sheetmetal/parts car is the ultimate prize. Why do you think Brian pursued his current dream car for over 20 years. And yes, a rebodied car can attend the reunion. If not, where do we draw the line, 100%, 80%, or 50% original parts. I would hate to be the one who has to determine "how real" a car is. From what I have heard, many of the restored supercars have at least some non-original sheetmetal/parts. And, to bring up another related topic, why is a rebodied car frowned upon, but it is OK to replace everything else, driveline, interior, trim etc? Original is original, whether talking sheetmetal or dash pad. Tom

[Charley Lillard]

I like this discussion. More opinions please. My understanding of ZL1 # 27 is the car was bought years ago but the buyers said just send the Title and Tags. So the Tags were put on another car. Is the new car a ZL1 ? If the old car still exists with the vin # stampings on the body is it a ZL1 ? If they both showed up at a meet which one is the real car ? Are they both ?

[mnyenko]

What are the vin and cowl tags worth for a Yenko chevelle with a clear title but no car?The car was crushed do to rust around 1980.Would this car be a clone if built and tags switched?