B Stock - Why doesn't STOCK mean stock?
Originally Posted by PDX_Racer
The car setups and dynamics are also significantly different. For example, a car that is neutral to loose on a solo course will be undrivable to the point of being dangerously loose on a track. A car that is drivable on the track will likely be a plowing pig -- or be extremely loose on-throttle -- on a solo course. Also, spinning a car at 30 MPH is significantly different than spinning a car at 60 MPH.
Finally, although this has been discussed probably thousands of times before I was even old enough to drive, the stock allowances are for two reasons: safety and cost. Many cars -- even today -- are marginally unsafe on the standard anti-sway bars. Since most of the weight of the car is on the front suspension, it makes a lot of sense to control the roll capabilities of that end of the car. The rest is cost-related -- most OEM parts are significantly more expensive than third-party replacements, and sometimes are significantly safer as well.
Finally, although this has been discussed probably thousands of times before I was even old enough to drive, the stock allowances are for two reasons: safety and cost. Many cars -- even today -- are marginally unsafe on the standard anti-sway bars. Since most of the weight of the car is on the front suspension, it makes a lot of sense to control the roll capabilities of that end of the car. The rest is cost-related -- most OEM parts are significantly more expensive than third-party replacements, and sometimes are significantly safer as well.
I was hoping someone would bring up what you said. Though I do want to say that front roll control benefits are a more complicated issue then saying it's beneficial because of more weight being carried at the front of the car, really by the numbers we cannot say that "most" of the cars weight is up front (yes I'm nit picking, just saying that "most" should read "more"
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Joined: May 2005
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From: Nicholasville, KY
I've been watching... so I guess my 2 cents are warranted...
I run an /03 Touring. Heavy as hell, and an automatic to boot (does actually have some advantages). I'm not nationally competative, but I do think that I can be with enough seat time. And I do win, competing the three regions.
I've considered many of the upgrades you guys have mentioned, and so far, resisted them. I did run with comp rubber last year; Dunlop SSRace tires that I could track, autox, and drive on when necessary since the trailer and hitch still elude me. I'm back on the RE040's now, because I'm convinced they will make me a better driver. Having beaten local competitors using Dunlops, V710's, and Hoosier's has proved that to me. One small upgrade; a used 4-point harness to keep me planted in the seat, and used the existing mounting points. Total cost= $10 harness, $30 magnetic sheeting for numbering/logos, and one driving school per year ($220 EVO).
Guys, the Z is fast, and it'll turn, if you let it. I think the most experienced drivers know how to take advantage of each car, and live with its problems (yes, the Z has just a few). I am a firm beliver in "It's the driver, not the car". With that in mind, imagine how competative BS would be if it were a true spec class. Then, it'd really come down to the most experience driver, period. I think the allowed upgrades target these issues. Allowing new drivers to hone their skills during the upgrading process, and balancing the field so that no ONE person (or car) runs away with it all. That'd just be boring. Just ask the S2K guys if it was fun in BS, when they were winning everything. Most of them are much happier now competing in AS. (boy, that'll get some flack).
That said, not everyone can change their driving style to suit the car they're in. With the possible exception of tires, most of the upgrades discussed here are about making the driver feel more comfortable, and confident (case in point, my harness). Do what you can afford, what's legal, and what you need to do to be competative/confident. If you're still not satisfied, for god sakes, buy a different car, more suited to your needs or style.
I will tell you this; If I were a member of the BOD (I do represent CKR at least), I would not hesitate a minute to allow non-stock upgrades to a car type that was struggling to be competative. Stock is as stock as you can keep it, and still make it fun.
Run what you brung, fellas. DO YOU? have the drive, determination, and raw talent to win with it? Let's see....
I run an /03 Touring. Heavy as hell, and an automatic to boot (does actually have some advantages). I'm not nationally competative, but I do think that I can be with enough seat time. And I do win, competing the three regions.
I've considered many of the upgrades you guys have mentioned, and so far, resisted them. I did run with comp rubber last year; Dunlop SSRace tires that I could track, autox, and drive on when necessary since the trailer and hitch still elude me. I'm back on the RE040's now, because I'm convinced they will make me a better driver. Having beaten local competitors using Dunlops, V710's, and Hoosier's has proved that to me. One small upgrade; a used 4-point harness to keep me planted in the seat, and used the existing mounting points. Total cost= $10 harness, $30 magnetic sheeting for numbering/logos, and one driving school per year ($220 EVO).
Guys, the Z is fast, and it'll turn, if you let it. I think the most experienced drivers know how to take advantage of each car, and live with its problems (yes, the Z has just a few). I am a firm beliver in "It's the driver, not the car". With that in mind, imagine how competative BS would be if it were a true spec class. Then, it'd really come down to the most experience driver, period. I think the allowed upgrades target these issues. Allowing new drivers to hone their skills during the upgrading process, and balancing the field so that no ONE person (or car) runs away with it all. That'd just be boring. Just ask the S2K guys if it was fun in BS, when they were winning everything. Most of them are much happier now competing in AS. (boy, that'll get some flack).
That said, not everyone can change their driving style to suit the car they're in. With the possible exception of tires, most of the upgrades discussed here are about making the driver feel more comfortable, and confident (case in point, my harness). Do what you can afford, what's legal, and what you need to do to be competative/confident. If you're still not satisfied, for god sakes, buy a different car, more suited to your needs or style.
I will tell you this; If I were a member of the BOD (I do represent CKR at least), I would not hesitate a minute to allow non-stock upgrades to a car type that was struggling to be competative. Stock is as stock as you can keep it, and still make it fun.
Run what you brung, fellas. DO YOU? have the drive, determination, and raw talent to win with it? Let's see....
Here's a point that I don't think has been mentioned. Every stock class has a car that is dominant. Maybe, just maybe, allowing a few minor modifications will help an underdog be more competitive in it's class.
