Payback VS. Blue Balz With Hot Shoe Mary Pozzi

[Vegas69]

Chris, let's settle this once and for all at RTTC. I've been thinking and if Mrs. Pozzi will agree to it, she drives both our cars on the autocross at the end of the day, Best car wins. I think that's the only fair way to compare in that venue. She's an autocross champion and it's not my strong suit. I do want the benefit of her making a few runs in my car to get a feel and allow me a tire or shock adjustment before the real deal. She gets 3 runs in each car at relatively the same time. Best CAR wins.

I'll handle the driving in the road race and 0-100-0 events as I feel more capable in those venues.

I am running R888's so I'm willing to give you a reasonable handicap. We can figure that out.

Can the Big Block garage built bruiser, take down the almighty LS7 pro build known as Blue Balz?:D :D You in?

[sik68]

Gauntlet thrown! I will be watching this!

(Mrs. Pozzi I would be honored for you to drive my car too if you can squeeze it in. It's an unsophisticated knuckle-dragger but it's 3090lbs with r888's :unibrow:)

[DOOM]

DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMMM!:drive:

[skatinjay27]

she aint gonna drive that drag racer car!:lol:

[Vegas69]

It doesn't have to be Mary. Another accomplished driver is OK as well. When I hand over the keys I'll make it very clear not to worry about rev limiters, cone rash, tread depth, etc. Let it rip! Does David have a ride this year?

[intocarss]

I'm pulling for the Old School BBC to woop ass on the LS stuff!

NAIL IT AND RAIL IT VEGAS! :willy:

[ironworks]

I think you need an extranormal video to really call him out.

[SLO_Z28]

The best thing to get a real comparison would be to get someone thats not familiar with either car but a consistent and good driver to drive both.There is going to be a LOT of driving talent at that place.

[tones2SS]

This is gonna be good!:yes:

[BBC71Nova]

Dayum. People getting called out by the ol' big blocks. Now we are talking. One of very few reasons being closer to the west coast would be nice. You guys have fun and don't forget the cameras :)

[Spiffav8]

I'd be more than happy to fill in as the driver in both cars if Mary is unable. Hey I may not be a professional driver, but I am used to going fast. :lol:

Seriously....this is one more reason that I'm glad to be attending RTTC this year!

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Ron in SoCal]

This (thread) is gonna be EPIC...:lateral:

[intocarss]

Spiff or Mary can do the Auto-X... And if you want to see who's faster in a drag race, I'll launch that bitch (I have some experience in drag racing) :woot:

[HRBS]

Todd..... will your ass fit on this ?

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff143/hrbs/platter.jpg

Because that is what Chris will hand it to you on.

[Track Junky]

OK, seriously bro, have Kelli hand back your testacles and drive it yourself :thumbsup: :lol:

[intocarss]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/real3/speedcopy.jpg

[coolwelder62]

Man,I wish I'd bought a plane ticket now.Will somebody please flim this one.

[Richio1]

Sorry Todd but this is hilarious :rofl:

Todd..... will your ass fit on this ?

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff143/hrbs/platter.jpg

Because that is what Chris will hand it to you on.

[mpozziCPL]

The best thing to get a real comparison would be to get someone thats not familiar with either car but a consistent and good driver to drive both.There is going to be a LOT of driving talent at that place.

Trust me when I say this ... I'm not familiar with EITHER car so will be perfect as an impartial shoe.

And I can be bought ...

Mary Pozzi

[Cole]

This (thread) is gonna be EPIC...:lateral:

I'm with him....

[camcojb]

Trust me when I say this ... I'm not familiar with EITHER car so will be perfect as an impartial shoe.

And I can be bought ...

Mary Pozzi

:lol:

[fleetus macmullitz]

Loser gets one of Dub Renner's t-shirts though. :D

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k156/wnyjazz/Funnies/dubst-shirt.jpg

[Vegas69]

Mary, I'll talk to Dave. :unibrow: :lol: We have a hot shoe!

Steve, that platter looks about the right size for a pair of blue balz. :rofl:

[Track Junky]

This is better than cable :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[Cris@JCG]

Todd- I am down for this!! :D


Chris, let's settle this once and for all at RTTC. I've been thinking and if Mrs. Pozzi will agree to it, she drives both our cars on the autocross at the end of the day, Best car wins. I think that's the only fair way to compare in that venue. She's an autocross champion and it's not my strong suit. I do want the benefit of her making a few runs in my car to get a feel and allow me a tire or shock adjustment before the real deal. She gets 3 runs in each car at relatively the same time. Best CAR wins.

I'll handle the driving in the road race and 0-100-0 events as I feel more capable in those venues.

I am running R888's so I'm willing to give you a reasonable handicap. We can figure that out.

Can the Big Block garage built bruiser, take down the almighty LS7 pro build known as Blue Balz?:D :D You in?

[Vegas69]

You just made my day, budro. :cheers:

[Cris@JCG]

Just remember ! No excuses... This is my first all out pro-tour car that I have built.. but feel confident in what I have built!




You just made my day, budro. :cheers:

[awr68]

This will be fun! Wish I was going now!! :yes:

[Cris@JCG]

We should start a poll.. See what our fellow Lat-G member think!

[Vegas69]

Cool with me.....

[Richio1]

Damn, wish I could be there to see it play out... Please do us all a favor and get some video footage for us to drool over.

I can see it already, more and more grudge matches like this matching car and drive against each other with comparable vehicles. Someone call Speed and pitch it as a replacement for Pinks.

[Spiffav8]

We might need to add a good ol fashion drag race where these two go head to head. :unibrow:

[454SSguy]

We might need to add a good ol fashion drag race where these two go head to head. :unibrow:

Maybe come up with a points system, make time count for points and certain events have more weight than others. This could become a trend.

Also, in for video.

[67zo6Camaro]

Yes, Yes... Yes! I'm almost there! Come on keep it coming... come on give it to me. I like it this way...

Lol
this is good stuff

Sorry Todd, saw this thing in person recently at the test and tune.... it's fast so my vote is for BB.

And as a side note, if I remember correctly we were pretty close at the last RTTC. When I was chasing this thing at the recent airport test and tune it just kept getting faster and pulling away from me.

[James OLC]

We might need to add a good ol fashion drag race where these two go head to head. :unibrow:

You would not want to see that one... LOL

[DFRESH]

And the hits just keep on coming.

[Track Junky]

BB is still going through growing pains, I'm likeing Payback for this one. :thumbsup:

[73CPCAMARO]

Todd's car is very nice, but I just drove Blu Balz and it is REALLY FAST! Cris, I hope you made those changes we talked about. If you get them done, watch out Todd! No tire handicap will be needed. This will be fun. :D

Brian

[Vegas69]

Brian, thanks for conceding the tire handicap. :lol: :cheers: If you say it's fast, it's fast.

Hey, I just want to see how my garage built car stacks up to one of the nicest pro builds pro touring has ever seen. I can guarantee you one thing, it's not anywhere close to the same car that was there last year. :unibrow:

I like being the under dog.
AuULcVaMTf0

[Blake Foster]

you guys selling tickets.............. i ll bring the beer

[mpozziCPL]

I gotta speak up and just say that BB is pretty slow, can't stop, doesn't go, won't turn and the only thing it does really well is look pretty. I was so overwhelmed by its beauty I forgot how to drive. All I wanted to do was go really, really slow just to prolong the driving experience and smell that "new car" ambiance.

In fact, I stayed in the car the entire run group ... <inhale deeply>.

So because we are at such a disadvantage, I think Todd should give US the handicap of say ... spotting BB a full ten seconds on the Autocross course and at least 30 on the road course.

C'mon, be a sport.

Mary "never a sandbagger" Pozzi

[Vegas69]

Mary, you continue your love affair with Blue Balz. I want you to treat mine like the red headed step child you've wanted to spank since day one. :lol:

[scottysimp7]

Holy Smokes! This will be my first RTTC, and this thread is insane.:thumbsup: I cant wait for this little nugget of action to kick off. Gonna be classic

[mpozziCPL]

And no fair plying me with any of that Tennessee "magic juice" that seems to appear at RTTAnything. You keep Albert away too ... he has an agenda and is not trustworthy around any form of grain or grape!

Mary "you are toast, Todd" Pozzi

[Matt@BOS]

Based on names alone, my money is on Payback... Blu Balz isn't going to finish.

Matt

[skatinjay27]

Based on names alone, my money is on Payback... Blu Balz isn't going to finish.

Mattok i honestly was taking a drink of water when i read that and had to make a real effort not to spit up!:lol:

[Vegas69]

:lol:

[Track Junky]

Based on names alone, my money is on Payback... Blu Balz isn't going to finish.

Matt

I get it......BluBalz isn't going to finish:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[67zo6Camaro]

I like being the under dog.


:rolleyes: oh, so now you are the underdog....:lol:

Todd Im just clad you stepped up, someone had to come forward.

This is going to be good.:theresa:

[Flash68]

How come Dub Renner's 69 isn't involved in this shootout? It's got an awesome parts list too...... sitting in the rafters of his garage.

I vote Payback for the Performance Win and BB for the Show Win. :D

[Sieg]

The Speed Channel needs to send a video crew to capture this event. :D

[Cris@JCG]

Brian- All changes have been made! The car totally feels different now.. Again .. Thank you for the input & help.. keeping Mary updated with changes all week..


Now the true test will be .. does the car compete as good as it looks! The true intentions of BB's build was for it to be competitive ...

Todd's car is very nice, but I just drove Blu Balz and it is REALLY FAST! Cris, I hope you made those changes we talked about. If you get them done, watch out Todd! No tire handicap will be needed. This will be fun. :D

Brian

[fleetus macmullitz]

The Speed Channel needs to send a video crew to capture this event. :D

If they covered it live, wonder if they'd cut away to commercials during the hotshoe runs, and just air their classic car guy commentators giving their opinions of pro-touring in between runs?


:lol:



.

[intocarss]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/real3/PAYBACK.gif

[Roadbuster]

Dammmmmn Todd! :wow: Way to lay out a challenge!

I gotta see this one!

RTTC is going to be interesting this year!

:cheers:

[mdprovee]

And this is another reason this site is great, and these events are so much fun.

You guys kick a$$ and take names, and video so the rest of us can enjoy too.

Good luck to both.

[Depthrecordings]

I can't stop grinning as I read through this. Can those of us who are not familiar with either car get a run down? Post some specs so that us bystanders can make our pick.

So wish I could be there to witness this!
:lateral:

[dunnjun]

How about the loser, Cris or Todd, serves a round of tacos Saturday night? Go BB! Go BB!:theresa:

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff143/hrbs/platter.jpg[/IMG]

[Chad-1stGen]

hahahaha this thread delivers! :lol:


And no fair plying me with any of that Tennessee "magic juice" that seems to appear at RTTAnything. You keep Albert away too ... he has an agenda and is not trustworthy around any form of grain or grape!

Mary "you are toast, Todd" Pozzi

Ummm... Todd are you concerned that your "hot shoe" unbiased driver is demonstrating.... bias?

Based on names alone, my money is on Payback... Blu Balz isn't going to finish.

Matt

This wins the thread. Hands down. :hail: :hail: :hail:

How come Dub Renner's 69 isn't involved in this shootout? It's got an awesome parts list too...... sitting in the rafters of his garage.

I vote Payback for the Performance Win and BB for the Show Win. :D

ahaha, nice Dave!

[57hemicuda]

Don't know what you do for a living Todd, but you should be in marketing. You have turned this freindly fued into a battle as epic as the Ali vs. Forman. I really don't personally know either one of you guys, or your cars, but am dying to know how it turns out.

Ps. I here Mary likes jewlery.

[Nessumsar]

SATURDAY SATURDAY SATURDAY!!!!

Come on down to El Toro this Saturday and watch Payback try to finish off his case of Blu Balls!

Its going to be the showdown of the CENTURY!!

Tickets are $5 at the gate, and kids are always FREE!!!

:cheers:

[mrr1999]

Someone should post the build specs of both cars and a poll on who is going to win....:unibrow:

[Rybar]

Cool challenge, tough to pick a winner here. But I think both guys and Mary are winners either way.

Please post the results when done!!

[Track Junky]

http://ts2.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=1623251885969&id=713a18f5cc57fb69220f628cca1826cc&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.drewsmarketingminute.com%2fim ages%2f2011%2f05%2funderdog.jpg
Winner of this event will win the Prestigious Under Dog Ring

[Vegas69]

Cars in the trailer and she sounded pissed off this morning. It was about like a horse in the shoots at the Kentucky derby trying to put her away for the trip. :D

Payback Specs:

3560 Lbs
Custom Built All Aluminum BIG BLOCK ZL1 Solid Roller 666hp 641lbs Redline at 6800 rpm (I think I just felt a couple hairs pop out of my chest) Road Race pan and Accumulator
TKO600 (Carbon Fiber Sychros installed by me)
Mcleod RXT Clutch
Aluminum 3.5" Driveshaft
33 Spline Moser True Trac with 3.73 Gears
DSE Subframe
Air Bar with Varishocks(Customized by me)
Different spring rates than provided by the manufacturer front and back
Car has 52/48 balance and has been corner weighted with me in the seat to 50/50
Wilwood 6 Piston Front with 13" Slotted Rotors
Wilwood GM D154 Floating Rear Caliper 12.2"(No Knockback)
Agressive Brake Compound
Forgeline 18x10 18x12 ZX3r with titanium hardware
Toyo R888 335/30/18 295/30/18

3 years of tweaking and tuning which likely still puts me behind a Pozzi Tune. :unibrow: The car is by far the best it's every been TODAY.

[Bucketlist2012]

Don't know what you do for a living Todd, but you should be in marketing. You have turned this freindly fued into a battle as epic as the Ali vs. Forman. I really don't personally know either one of you guys, or your cars, but am dying to know how it turns out.

Ps. I here Mary likes jewlery.

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: I have never met them either, but the Smack talk and the ACTION they are about to throw down, makes me want to see the battle.

EDIT...I take back all my smack talk...I feel like I have a Taser in a .50 Caliber gun fight...:cheers:

[Cris@JCG]

I haven’t loaded mine on the trailer yet.. This morning we did a nut & bolt check on the suspension & changed the oil.. remembered that I had to go pick up some parts in Santa Barbra.. So jumped in the Camaro (My temporary parts chaser!) Stopped @ the Starbucks to pick up a coffee.. I was a bit cold this morning.. Turned on the heater.. Loaded the address on the Navigation system.. Plugged in my IPOD.. On my way.. 70 MPH @ 2200 RPM.. Over all miles on this morning’s trip about 80 miles.. The crew is cleaning the truck & trailer.. Cleaning the Camaro..

Blu Balz is not angry… Just waiting to unload on a black 69 Camaro!



Specs:

600 horsepower LS7 rebuilt by QMP Racing Engines, JCG Dry Sump System, JCG Accy Drive System, DSE Headers
T56 Magnum, ACT clutch
Wilwood C6 Corvette front Road Race Brake Kit, Wiwood rear W4R brake kit, Wilwood M/C
Detroit Speed Hydro-formed Sub-frame with suspension and Moser 9” Ford rear-end with Quadra-link rear with double adjustable remote reservoir shocks
Wire 1 Body Wiring Harness, Speartech engine harness
JCG Custom Plumbing, Exhaust with MagnaFlow mufflers
Vintage Air
Forgeline ZX3R Wheels 18x10 front, 19x12 rear
Nitto NT05 tires 295/35/18 front 335/30/19 rear
Interior:
Eric Thorsen Custom Upholstery
Pro-Parts/Spek Gages
JCG Custom Dash with Billet Insert
JCG Console with Billet Insert

Body:
Anvil Auto carbon fiber Header panel, Hood, Cowl panel
JCG Billet Tail Light & Front grill
JCG Body Modifications- Stretched rear qtr panels, Front stretched fenders, Rear Spoiler, Tail Panel
Body Work & Paint- JCG
Ringbrothers door handles, Hood hinges


Here are some okay drivers taking it for a Sunday Spin! Brian Hobaugh & Mary Pozzi!

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/jcgrestoration/DSC_1557.jpg

[Track Junky]

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l110/quickdraw3/Deer-popcorn.gif

[Bucketlist2012]

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l110/quickdraw3/Deer-popcorn.gif

:thumbsup: :rofl:

[57hemicuda]

As an outsider, just looking at the specs:

Payback definately has a tire advantage, as long as Gonzo's NTO5's are not NTO5R's, if they are R's I'd call it even.

Although Gonzo didn't list his weight, I have to assume with all the carbon fiber, and the LS7, Gonzo will be a couple hundred pounds lighter.

Horsepower is close, Todd has had a little more tuning time, but is stuck with the really numerically high first gear.

HMMM, as much as I love big blocks, I think the LS7 will be too hard to over come.

[mrr1999]

Poll is up...

Try to keep comments in this thread, though.

[Track Junky]

IIRC BB is about the same weight as Payback. Payback is putting down more torque and has a tire advantage and that should be considered.

BB is also still going through growing pains that haven't been ironed out yet and Payback is balanced and has been tweaked to satisfaction.

My money is on Payback.

[HRBS]

Cris.... what is the dry weight of BB and how much Torque at what RPM does that LS7 make ?

Also what gear ratios (trans and rear) are you guys running?

Last minute airfare is brutal.... I looked into it :lol:

[BonzoHansen]

And I can be bought ...

Mary Pozzi

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7IcDtaK0adU/S80PX8kNejI/AAAAAAAABLg/oXOnVwVMstA/s1600/Kraft+Macaroni+and+Cheese.jpg

[Matt@BOS]

As an outsider, just looking at the specs:

Payback definately has a tire advantage, as long as Gonzo's NTO5's are not NTO5R's, if they are R's I'd call it even.

Although Gonzo didn't list his weight, I have to assume with all the carbon fiber, and the LS7, Gonzo will be a couple hundred pounds lighter.

Horsepower is close, Todd has had a little more tuning time, but is stuck with the really high first gear.

HMMM, as much as I love big blocks, I think the LS7 will be too hard to over come.

I think Todd has the weight advantage actually...
Even with the all aluminum big block, I'm surprised that it weighs 3560. I might have to stop making fat jokes about your car Todd. It probably has enough weight watchers points to be able to eat a cream puff this weekend :lol:

Matt

[skatinjay27]

the disadvantage i see is that mary has help tune out blu as opposed to never even sat in payback.

chis added so much awesome billet parts and a fancy interior that he canceled out all the CF.
i LOVE! blu balz but todd my boy so im always gonna go for todd... plus if he loses we can just blame it on the carb not being adjusted for that weather!lol

[intocarss]

The square root of speed is the amount of broken parts divided by expendable income, multiplied by hours worked. The sum of that is inverted by the smile on Todd's face when he kicks Blu Balz ass


I will add that if Tracky attended this event........... he'd woop all of you all :bow:

[Bucketlist2012]

This is way too much Foreplay for me...:unibrow:

But I usually say that..:willy:

Can we just get to the Good part...:unibrow:

But I usually say that too..:willy:

[DFRESH]

Steve Rupp just told me--that whoever the winner of these two ends up being, they will have to deal with him, then Hollywood said whoever wins that round will have to deal with him, then Finch said he will deal with winner of that one, then Greg Weld said he will buy the winning car. Investing 401, discretionary income beats winning.

[Bucketlist2012]

Steve Rupp just told me--that whoever the winner of these two ends up being, they will have to deal with him, then Hollywood said whoever wins that round will have to deal with him, then Finch said he will deal with winner of that one, then Greg Weld said he will buy the winning car. Investing 401, discretionary income beats winning.

I like your thinking....:lateral: :cheers: :woot: :thumbsup:

[WicKeD_SS]

Wish I didnt live so far away, would love to watch this! My money is on Payback :thumbsup:

[6D9]

My vote is for payback as well. Let that carbed BBC eat!

[ALLSPEED01]

Great idea everyone loves an old fashioned grudge match!! Who's the bookie...Greg?

[CarlC]

What's that old saying? The enemy of my enemy is my friend? :yes:

Let the rubber fly.

[KPC67]

This is an awesome thread!
Wish I could have made it.

[coolwelder62]

I have found that the car most sorted out will be easier to drive:thumbsup:

[96z28ss]

So, Todd if Payback is alot slower than BB, are you switching to a LS engine?

[57hemicuda]

IIRC BB is about the same weight as Payback.

If that is the case, with the tire edge that Todd has(this is autoxing after all), I'll have to go with Payback.

[DOOM]

So, Todd if Payback is alot slower than BB, are you switching to a LS engine?

Bob.......... Are you asking for trouble....:lol:

[Sieg]

So, Todd if Payback is alot slower than BB, are you switching to a LS engine?

Traction control and a close ratio T56. :unibrow:

[Bow Tie 67]

Steve Rupp just told me--that whoever the winner of these two ends up being, they will have to deal with him, then Hollywood said whoever wins that round will have to deal with him, then Finch said he will deal with winner of that one, then Greg Weld said he will buy the winning car. Investing 401, discretionary income beats winning.


LOL Doug I will miss this, crap. We need lots of video, not just the cars, video of Todd at his best. :cool:

How about an interview clip, like when the fighters weigh in??

[Bucketlist2012]

We need a name for this..."thrilla in manila"... you know...Which one is floating like a butterfly, and stinging like bee...

Cassius "payback" Clay vs. Joe " blue balz " Fraizer...

And where the hell is Don King on this thread ???

[69x22]

This is going to be good! I love everything about Todds car including the ZL-1but once you had a good running LS it's hard to imagine anything different. My money is on the black 69.

[chevguy]

Go the big block,man it sux living in the wrong car country:D

[Vegas69]

It's unoficcial but payback takes the win today. We havent seen times due to the format but Mary said there is a clear winner. Blue Balz lost it's power steering this afternoon so we didn't have the actual shoot out. My car was good in the autocross and speed stop today. Way loose on the road course. In fact, i spun out 4 times and Thats rare for me I'm happy to say that I've found two distinct front and rear shock settings now for the autocross/road course. I'm going back to my Buttonwillow settings for the roadcourse tomorrow. What a great day as I post from mr Renners futon. Ill have some video of the 80 mph spin out and Mary Driving when I get back

[Track Junky]

I figured Payback would take it. Chris had been talking about BB not being sorted yet and from there I knew, congrats.

[Sieg]

Congrats Todd and sorry to hear BB had a mechanical Chris.

Looking forward to the video footage and Mary's "vanilla" comentary. :D

[Cris@JCG]

Like Todd said.. unofficial.. I got the power steering fixed.. &
Mary got on the road course.. she was fast.. we haven't compared times yet

[KPC67]

We need a name for this..."thrilla in manila"... you know...Which one is floating like a butterfly, and stinging like bee...

Cassius "payback" Clay vs. Joe " blue balz " Fraizer...

And where the hell is Don King on this thread ???

You mean "float like a cadillac, sting like a beamer"

[Sieg]

Like Todd said.. unofficial.. I got the power steering fixed.. &
Mary got on the road course.. she was fast.. we haven't compared times yet
Then it's still Game On! Glad to hear it!

Edit "unofficial" premature congrats Todd. :lol:

What failed on your PS?

[Vegas69]

Chris is right, this is all based on what Mary said. We need to review numbers before declaring a winner. I need to lay down a good road course lap today.

[FETorino]

We need a name for this..."thrilla in manila"... you know...Which one is floating like a butterfly, and stinging like bee...

Cassius "payback" Clay vs. Joe " blue balz " Fraizer...

And where the hell is Don King on this thread ???

For some reason I'm digging the Camaro on Camaro violence in this thread.

[Richio1]

Well.... where is the update? Everyone out partying tonight?

[coolwelder62]

Did somebody choke on a taco.:willy: :willy:

[FETorino]

Did somebody choke on a taco.:willy: :willy:

They never got to the tacos they stuck with the sausage............

[Vegas69]

Mary likes my car as is, Brian Hobaugh said my car is a better short course car but has more power than blue balz. Here's the deal, your car needs to be tuned to your feel and skills. Here we have two excellent drivers that disagree on the best car. We didn't have the shoot out. We don't have times yet unfortunately but I'm neck and neck on autocross with Mary with me behind the wheel and I was faster in the sPeed stop challenge only .3 behind Kyle Tucker. The road race is undetermined but mt car wAs making great power but my trans is going in the dumpster. Missed a third shift on every lap. I heard top ten but far frOm my best. Bottom line, chris conceded the autocross win to me and I won the speed stop. Mary was the negotiated driver on the autocross. I have a good chancemon the road course even with my shifting problem. I have to say that Chris and Inhad a blast this weekend giving eachother hell. Blue Balz is a fantastic car and it was driven by Mary,Hobaugh, Maier, and Kyle Tucker this weekend! TO be in the same breath is great. Let's see where the times lay before declaring me the winner. Either way, we both win.

[Rick D]

^^^^^
Class act right there :thumbsup:
Sounds like just what this hobby is all about FRIENDSHIP!!
The cool cars are just The by product of a great community and this site!! Can't wait for the rematch!!! :cheers: :cheers: :lateral:

[GregWeld]

^^^^^^ X's 10 what he said... win loose or draw -- EVERYONE had a great time.
:cheers:

[Sieg]

Awesome Todd!

Highly spirited good natured competition with exceptional equipment........doesn't get much better than that IMO. :thumbsup:

[Vegas69]

I'll go into more detail tonight when I get home tonight. This iPhone typing sucks. Haha

[Sieg]

I'll go into more detail tonight when I get home tonight. This iPhone typing sucks. Haha
i aLmOst miMicked yoUrskILz inmy lAst pOSt. :D

[SLO_Z28]

This was as close to a tie as there can be IMO.

[Track Junky]

Congrats to all of you, that is awesome!! :thumbsup:

Just go's to show what a good suspension tune will do for a car. I figured BB was going through some growing pains and thats why I gave the edge to Todd.

A little more track time into BB and I would have probably figured differently.

[Cris@JCG]

I think Todd was drunk when he was replying to the thread.. :lol:

I just got home.. tired from a great weekend of events... I will type up a re-cap of this weekend events tomorrow..

I want to thank Mike Maier, Steve & Brian Hobough, Rich Burma, Mike Hamrick from Wilwood, Dave & Mary Pozzi, Kyle Tucker from DSE for all the help they gave me this weekend to keep the car running thru out the event..
@ times I just wanted to load the car on the trailer.. We are close to getting the shaken out..

Also meet somebody new @ the event.. Guy Ankeny.. shock guru! I will be working with him closely in the next few weeks on a few upgrades.. Thanks Mike Maiers for the introduction!

I just remembered.. Mike Norris! He saved my ass on the eratic idle issue we were have with engine.. as soon as we fixed this we got the power steering work again..

Todd- As always great to see you buddy! I will let you have this one.. YOU WIN!!! But just this one.. This was BB first big event & one Auto-X event.. No excuse on my behave.. I call it a learning curve...

Mary likes my car as is, Brian Hobaugh said my car is a better short course car but has more power than blue balz. Here's the deal, your car needs to be tuned to your feel and skills. Here we have two excellent drivers that disagree on the best car. We didn't have the shoot out. We don't have times yet unfortunately but I'm neck and neck on autocross with Mary with me behind the wheel and I was faster in the sPeed stop challenge only .3 behind Kyle Tucker. The road race is undetermined but mt car wAs making great power but my trans is going in the dumpster. Missed a third shift on every lap. I heard top ten but far frOm my best. Bottom line, chris conceded the autocross win to me and I won the speed stop. Mary was the negotiated driver on the autocross. I have a good chancemon the road course even with my shifting problem. I have to say that Chris and Inhad a blast this weekend giving eachother hell. Blue Balz is a fantastic car and it was driven by Mary,Hobaugh, Maier, and Kyle Tucker this weekend! TO be in the same breath is great. Let's see where the times lay before declaring me the winner. Either way, we both win.

[Flash68]

I'll go into more detail tonight when I get home tonight. This iPhone typing sucks. Haha

and I'm sure the typing was extra difficult after the shotgunning beer extravaganza last night before your 1am post. lol

[Track Junky]

and I'm sure the typing was extra difficult after the shotgunning beer extravaganza last night before your 1am post. lol

That explains why he was slurring his letters :lol:

[Vegas69]

I actually tried to erase it but the site wouldn't let me. :lol: I also had a showdown with Rich Bermea this weekend. Rich wanted to race me beer for beer so I stepped up the game and showed him how to shotgun a beer. I didn't win but it was a hell of a lot of fun and we even got Matt Acala to slam one. All I know is there was a lot of beer drank, some apple pie, and one hell of a lot of bull **** flying around that place last night. What a great time.

Chris, I was amazed at your resilence. You are one driven soul. On top of that, to let all these insanely fast drivers beat up on such a beautiful car..:thumbsup: We both learned alot this weekend. Specifically, that a car needs to cater to the actual driver. Mary just happens to like how my cars set up. It's alot like her car.(Except for the steering wheel):lol: Having Brian Hobaugh drive my car was awesome. It was clear to see that he has a completely different driving style than Mary. He wanted me to tighten up the car for him. I'd really like to see what my car is capable of making some tweaks to make the car to his liking. He said a slightly larger front bar would probably do it. I think stiffening up the front end a hair would of made him happy as well. I have to thank Mary for driving my car. She showed me that my car has better brakes than I thought for autocross. Really, she showed me how to brake and I know I'll be faster from here on out. Thanks Mary. :cheers: She also recommended a set of Ridetech triples for out back. I'm still running the Alston single adjustables back there. I would like to upgrade eventually.

Here's the deal guys. Brian made only 3 runs in my car and laid down a 39.8xx. I'm pretty sure the winner of the entire event in the Autocross was in the 39.xxx range. He laid down a high 38 in Blue Balz. With some more runs and a chance for me to tweak the car for Brian, I really think it would be neck and neck with Brian in the car. One interesting thing Brian mentioned and I warned him about was my engine braking. With my big block and aluminum flywheel, it's a different animal than the LS stuff. He remarked that it would upset the car and that's the main reason he wanted it a little tighter.

In the speed stop challenge, just so you guys that weren't there know, they changed the format this year. It starts with a drag strip tree and you drag race for about 100-150 yards, make a 180 back through a slalom, then slam hammer it/slam on the brakes into a tiny little box. My car makes big power and I was able to get out on everybody I raced as long as I got a reasonable start. I ran a 21.8 and I believe Kyle Tucker was in 2nd or 3rd with a 21.5 for the day. I was able to edge Mike Maier on Saturday with my good buddy Chris Robinson riding shotgun. I didn't think I had a chance. That was a thrill. Mike is a cool cat and that is one bad ass car and driver. I was also able to edge the Speedtech Nova on Sunday. Jay Weir is one hell of a wheel man as well.

I was really disappointed in my road course performance. That's really where I stick out my chest normally. On Saturday, I left the set up in the car from my previous SCCA autocross where I found some speed. It translated into a super loose car. I spun out 4 times and nearly put my car through a fence. I decided to go to my buttonwillow set up for Sunday with a slightly softer rear shock setting due to the dirty track. It brought back memories of Buttonwillow. The car handled beautifully. I was able to down shift without upsetting the car and rotate it through the corners. Getting it into 3rd gear was a different story. I missed a shift on every lap. And when I mean miss a shift, I'm talking taking a couple seconds to get it back in gear. My right hand is sore from trying to jam it in gear. The engine just revs so damn fast in 2nd gear with it pinned. Bottom line, the 600 is going down the road and the car is getting cut to fit a 56 mag. I've got to have a reliable transmission on the road course. Finch said I was top 10 over a few sips of the Apple Pie. Not sure how but that ZL1 can make up for lost time. :D :unibrow:

Clearly I'm running illegal tires for the event and it does help my performance. Going back to 200 treadwears definitely crossed my mind coming across the desert today. I really wished I could compete in the Speed Stop shoot out at the end of the day. It's just tough for me to justify taking a sorted well balanced car that I've spent years getting to my liking and startingn over with a new tire that is required once a year. I run 6-8 SCCA events a year and a couple road races. Two sets of wheels just isn't in the budget.

For me, it's about the people, then the racing. The folks that show up to these events are the best group of people I've ever known. There are a handful of drivers that can win and I'm not one of them. I think Chris and I proved that you can be fast with a 3600 lb car.

Thanks for taking me on Chris.

P.S. My car has more power. ha ha ha:cheers:

[chr2002ca]

I can't say thanks enough to Todd for letting me ride along on Saturday in Payback. The 2 blasts down the SpeedStop challenge against Mike Maier were insanely fun. Todd is humble about his driving, too humble. The guy flat out nailed these 2 runs and is a much better driver than he gives himself credit for. You and Payback did a kickass job out there. Congrats to you my friend. :thumbsup:

[73CPCAMARO]

Thank you very much to Todd and Cris for allowing me to drive each of your incredible cars. Like Todd said, each car is set up different and handle different from each other. Both of these cars are fast and were a pleasure to drive. Here are some points on each car:

Payback:

Tons of power that is very linear. The power is easy to put down and modulate. Torque is beautiful and running 2nd gear on the autocross is a no brainer. It has all the power you will ever need. I wanted to go into 3rd gear, but Todd advised me of the issues he was having on the road course and said to ride the limiter a bit. Maybe it was a good thing I didn't shift to 3rd because I would not have wanted to stop! :D The brakes were easy to control and it stopped on a dime. The steering was light and quick and the car would go exactly where you steered it. In fact, I was really suprised how well it handled the back u-turn. Of all the cars I drove, my car before I grenaded the transmission, Mike Maier's Mustang, and Blue Balz, Payback easily got around the tight, sharp turns the best. As I told Todd, give me a course with a lot of u-turns and sharp corners, and I want Payback. Not only does it get around the turn the fastest, it will then launch off the corner with amazing grip. The biggest obstacle for me with Payback was the high speed instability on transition and when I lifted after chicanes coming back to the finish. I was at the top of second gear, not sure what my speed was, and when I lifted and started to brake (I left foot brake), the rear end immidiatly came around on me and I was not able to make the left turn. In fact, I did this two runs in a row. I had to be traveling completely straight when lifting to stay under control. This issue can be corrected with some shock adjustment and/or spring change. It may be getting too much weight transfer and unloading the rear of the car. Because of this, I had to slow down more than I wanted at the end of the course and I lost too much time. If it was not for that part of the course and the rear end coming around on me, the times would have been much closer. With more practice, I now I could knock about 1 second of my time and I would have been a high 38.xx.

Blue Balz:

I did have a slight advantage with Blue Balz as I drove this awesome car last week at Marina at the American Autocross twice. From the very first moment I sat in this car last week, I can't stop thinking about it. The interior is perfect. It has the feel of a better than new car. The ergonomics are just about perfect. The first time I autocrossed this car, I felt completely at home. Mary gave Cris some advice on some improvements and I gave a couple of my own and they improved the car a bunch.

So, at RTTC III, I had two previous laps under my belt to get the feel for the car. As with Payback, get the car rolling and then dump it into 2nd gear for the remaining time on course. Blue Balz does not have the bottom end torque like Payback. Once the RPM comes up a bit, Blue Balz has all the power you need. What I love about Blue Balz is the ease I have of just hammering the throttle and driving the heck out of it. The car is extremely easy to drive fast. Slalom type transitions is its strong suit. I like a slightly tight car. My driving style demands that. When it comes to entering a tighter turn, I use my left foot brakes and entry to rotate the car. Mike Maier and I have very similar driving styles. The only thing Blue Balz needs to do better is rotating on the over 90 degree corners. It is much better than it was last week. Blue Balz did have an issue with the brakes after they got cooked on the road course. I had to pump the brakes before each corner. I probably lost up to .5 seconds due to poor brakes. I got down to a 38.6XX on my last run and I don't think there was much more in it due to the brakes.

To sum it up, both cars are a treat to drive and are at the top of their game. It comes down to driving style and matching the car to the driver. Fix Paybacks issue with the braking and rear coming around and get Blue Balz to turn in just a bit better, and both cars would be just about perfect.

Thank you very much for the opportunity to drive these bad ass cars!

Brian

[fleetus macmullitz]

Great write-ups on some of the top PT cars.


:lateral:

[Flash68]

Todd is humble about his driving, too humble. The guy flat out nailed these 2 runs and is a much better driver than he gives himself credit for.

Yeah it's easy to think you're average when you got so many great drivers with a decade or several decades of competitive driving experience. Todd's pretty darn good and with practice will continue to improve.

Todd, when did you get so humble? lol

[Spiffav8]

I was lucky enough to take a few laps with Mary in Blu Balz and Todd in Pay Back. Yeah....you should hate me. It was full on Donkey Kong!

:thumbsup:

[Vegas69]

Thank you very much to Todd and Cris for allowing me to drive each of your incredible cars. Like Todd said, each car is set up different and handle different from each other. Both of these cars are fast and were a pleasure to drive. Here are some points on each car:

Payback:

Tons of power that is very linear. The power is easy to put down and modulate. Torque is beautiful and running 2nd gear on the autocross is a no brainer. It has all the power you will ever need. I wanted to go into 3rd gear, but Todd advised me of the issues he was having on the road course and said to ride the limiter a bit. Maybe it was a good thing I didn't shift to 3rd because I would not have wanted to stop! :D The brakes were easy to control and it stopped on a dime. The steering was light and quick and the car would go exactly where you steered it. In fact, I was really suprised how well it handled the back u-turn. Of all the cars I drove, my car before I grenaded the transmission, Mike Maier's Mustang, and Blue Balz, Payback easily got around the tight, sharp turns the best. As I told Todd, give me a course with a lot of u-turns and sharp corners, and I want Payback. Not only does it get around the turn the fastest, it will then launch off the corner with amazing grip. The biggest obstacle for me with Payback was the high speed instability on transition and when I lifted after chicanes coming back to the finish. I was at the top of second gear, not sure what my speed was, and when I lifted and started to brake (I left foot brake), the rear end immidiatly came around on me and I was not able to make the left turn. In fact, I did this two runs in a row. I had to be traveling completely straight when lifting to stay under control. This issue can be corrected with some shock adjustment and/or spring change. It may be getting too much weight transfer and unloading the rear of the car. Because of this, I had to slow down more than I wanted at the end of the course and I lost too much time. If it was not for that part of the course and the rear end coming around on me, the times would have been much closer. With more practice, I now I could knock about 1 second of my time and I would have been a high 38.xx.

Blue Balz:

I did have a slight advantage with Blue Balz as I drove this awesome car last week at Marina at the American Autocross twice. From the very first moment I sat in this car last week, I can't stop thinking about it. The interior is perfect. It has the feel of a better than new car. The ergonomics are just about perfect. The first time I autocrossed this car, I felt completely at home. Mary gave Cris some advice on some improvements and I gave a couple of my own and they improved the car a bunch.

So, at RTTC III, I had two previous laps under my belt to get the feel for the car. As with Payback, get the car rolling and then dump it into 2nd gear for the remaining time on course. Blue Balz does not have the bottom end torque like Payback. Once the RPM comes up a bit, Blue Balz has all the power you need. What I love about Blue Balz is the ease I have of just hammering the throttle and driving the heck out of it. The car is extremely easy to drive fast. Slalom type transitions is its strong suit. I like a slightly tight car. My driving style demands that. When it comes to entering a tighter turn, I use my left foot brakes and entry to rotate the car. Mike Maier and I have very similar driving styles. The only thing Blue Balz needs to do better is rotating on the over 90 degree corners. It is much better than it was last week. Blue Balz did have an issue with the brakes after they got cooked on the road course. I had to pump the brakes before each corner. I probably lost up to .5 seconds due to poor brakes. I got down to a 38.6XX on my last run and I don't think there was much more in it due to the brakes.

To sum it up, both cars are a treat to drive and are at the top of their game. It comes down to driving style and matching the car to the driver. Fix Paybacks issue with the braking and rear coming around and get Blue Balz to turn in just a bit better, and both cars would be just about perfect.

Thank you very much for the opportunity to drive these bad ass cars!

Brian

That is some killer feedback for both of us. Great write up Brian and thanks for sharing your experience with us. :thumbsup: I was thinking about my runs and my usual downfall autocrossing and it's exactly what you describe. I wish I would have hopped in with you as I feel our driving styles are actually alot more similar than Mary and I. I know I ran a 40.8 that I coned away so I'm sure the problem is magnified for you. Since the front end is digging so hard, do I leave it alone and drop the rear spring rate 25lbs? Or since I have these single adjustable Varishocks and I had them almost full soft(Which probably means very little rebound control)do I swap shocks or both? Maybe a little stiffer shock setting up front but I'm afraid I'll give up front bite in the process. You said a slightly larger front sway bar may fix it as well but will that be at the compromise of front traction?

Bottom line, I want to have it fixed next time you drive it. :D Oh ya, and 3rd gear will be available as well. (2nd tops out around 75/3rd at 110ish )

[Vegas69]

I can't say thanks enough to Todd for letting me ride along on Saturday in Payback. The 2 blasts down the SpeedStop challenge against Mike Maier were insanely fun. Todd is humble about his driving, too humble. The guy flat out nailed these 2 runs and is a much better driver than he gives himself credit for. You and Payback did a kickass job out there. Congrats to you my friend. :thumbsup:

I'm glad you got to experience it with me. I bet we were close to 4000 lbs with all that muscle in the car. Good thing it has one of them boat anchors under the hood. :unibrow:

Yeah it's easy to think you're average when you got so many great drivers with a decade or several decades of competitive driving experience. Todd's pretty darn good and with practice will continue to improve.

Todd, when did you get so humble? lol
A weekend of racing and having fun with your buddies will put you in a good mood, what can I say.

I was lucky enough to take a few laps with Mary in Blu Balz and Todd in Pay Back. Yeah....you should hate me. It was full on Donkey Kong!

:thumbsup:

Curtis, glad you got to experience my car. I know you have big block floating around in your head again. Brian touched on it in his feedback. The LS engines are civil and modern. Big blocks are naturally rowdier and more era correct. Put a set of tail pipes, hydraulic cam, fuel injection and it becomes a hell of alot closer. As you see, you can compete with a big block.

[MrsSpiffAv8]

Blue Balz........had the best cup holders. :D

[waynieZ]

Blue Balz........had the best cup holders. :D

And that right there settles it!

Glad everyone had a good time and you didn't have to use the winch to get them in the trailer at the end of the day.

[Matt@BOS]

Awesome Todd!

Highly spirited good natured competition with exceptional equipment........doesn't get much better than that IMO. :thumbsup:

Yes, I suppose you could say there was some highly "spirited" competition going on. It is amazing how much beer can be consumed with pride on the line. However, I'm not sure a knife used to poke a hole in aluminum cans constitutes "exceptional equipment." OH WAIT, you're talking about on track competition. Never mind...

Really, I'm amazed Todd typed that last night. It sounded way more coherent than he looked.

I have to take a brand new engine apart, and I lost a shotgunning contest to Rich Bermea, neither of which seems that surprising to me, but really, this weekend was a blast. Doug, I imagine I know how you felt this morning. I also woke up with a headache, but it was because all I heard about for hours last night was Blu Balz this, Payback that. blah, blah, blah. At least you probably don't remember what gave you a headache :lol:


Matt

[Sieg]

My amatuer perception of Brian's transition issue was the rear rebound needed to be slowed down and front compression increased to slow and better control the weight transfer. Springs may also factor.

With as hard as it sounds your car is running triple adjustable shocks would be appreciated. Being able to tune with high and low speed compression and rebound dampening should help depending on the range of adjustment and effectiveness of one click of adjustment. Good shocks (Ohlin, WP, Penske in the motorcycle world) offer a wide range of adjustability and one click of comp or rebound should be detectable. The WP shock on my KTM has 22 clicks of compression, 3 turns high speed, and 26 clicks rebound and 1 click C/R or a 1/4 turn HS is noticable.

Brian - Am I somewhat on track?

[Vegas69]

Yes, I suppose you could say there was some highly "spirited" competition going on. It is amazing how much beer can be consumed with pride on the line. However, I'm not sure a knife used to poke a hole in aluminum cans constitutes "exceptional equipment." OH WAIT, you're talking about on track competition. Never mind...

Really, I'm amazed Todd typed that last night. It sounded way more coherent than he looked.

I have to take a brand new engine apart, and I lost a shotgunning contest to Rich Bermea, neither of which seems that surprising to me, but really, this weekend was a blast. Doug, I imagine I know how you felt this morning. I also woke up with a headache, but it was because all I heard about for hours last night was Blu Balz this, Payback that. blah, blah, blah. At least you probably don't remember what gave you a headache :lol:


Matt

:rofl: :rofl: Classic

[Payton King]

had a great time. I was close to flying out just to watch and have a beer.

This is what makes this hobby so fun is the people, good times and the friendly competition.

Cup Holders...I thought those were ball holders?

[Spiffav8]

had a great time. I was close to flying out just to watch and have a beer.

This is what makes this hobby so fun is the people, good times and the friendly competition.

Cup Holders...I thought those were ball holders?

You should have flown out!

[fleetus macmullitz]

Yeah, nice '68/'69.

Heard Stielow's buildin a '67.




:lol:

[monza]

Well done to both cars and all the drivers, great thread and fantastic adventure. This post was like a ride along, great excitement. Todd the old BB just keeps on impressing! One day my friend I hope to tear up that pavement with you and Payback!
:cheers:

[Cris@JCG]

Iceman! I figured Todd might like this pic... A friend of mine just dropped off a disc of pics of all the action going down @ RTTC.. My IT guy will load them on my FTP site later tonight.. The pics we show us on how the cars were working on the track..

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/jcgrestoration/DSC_0285.jpg

[69x22]

How about the spin out video?

[dunnjun]

How about Steve and Bad Penny. I saw some in line pics. Steve how'd Penny do this time out? One of my top 5 favorite cars! :thumbsup: Info please!

[73CPCAMARO]

That is some killer feedback for both of us. Great write up Brian and thanks for sharing your experience with us. :thumbsup: I was thinking about my runs and my usual downfall autocrossing and it's exactly what you describe. I wish I would have hopped in with you as I feel our driving styles are actually alot more similar than Mary and I. I know I ran a 40.8 that I coned away so I'm sure the problem is magnified for you. Since the front end is digging so hard, do I leave it alone and drop the rear spring rate 25lbs? Or since I have these single adjustable Varishocks and I had them almost full soft(Which probably means very little rebound control)do I swap shocks or both? Maybe a little stiffer shock setting up front but I'm afraid I'll give up front bite in the process. You said a slightly larger front sway bar may fix it as well but will that be at the compromise of front traction?

Bottom line, I want to have it fixed next time you drive it. :D Oh ya, and 3rd gear will be available as well. (2nd tops out around 75/3rd at 110ish )

Todd,

I thought about what I would do with your car and I have a couple suggestions. Increase compression in the front and less rebound in the rear. Maybe a bit more spring in the front also. I would not touch the sway bar until you do these things. You need to keep the front end from diving so much. You have a really fast car and getting the car more stable at higher speeds and braking will really help you go fast.

Brian

[Vegas69]

Here's the Road Course video from Friday. I had my new found Autocross set up in the car. The front end was to soft and the car was LOOOOOOSE. I was joking around with Kyle Tucker to take it easy on me as he was right behind me. Well, I spun out 3 times on my first lap! It made it interesting as I was able to chase him for a whole lap before I nearly put my car through the fence. :lol: :willy: I seemed to be keeping up with him reasonably on that lap. I was unable to utilize my 3/2 down shift due to the looseness of the car so I ended up stuck in 3rd to keep from doing any more donuts. Looks like my lap chasing Tucker was right at high 1:43 to low 1:44. They improved the track for Saturday with braking zone markers and larger cones. I was constantly getting lost in this small sea of cones on Friday. Anyway, on Saturday, I went back to my Buttonwillow setup and the car handled AWESOME. I was making my 3/2 downshift in 3 corners and the car was eating it up. I did miss a shift on every lap but I bet I was faster on Saturday. Anyway, my go pro decided to malfunction on Friday afternoon and I don't have any video of Saturday.

Disclaimer: This is exactly the set up you DON'T want under your car on the road course. Set your car up tight when you start road racing.
Wg8qjyJKqPk

[Sieg]

Good driving Todd especially after having it get away from you 3 times on lap one. That sea of cones makes it tough to pick up apexes even with the elevated perspective of the camera. Did they have apex references on Saturday?

[Vegas69]

Very few if any. Take a look at Brians laps in Mike's car on Saturday. I was braking well before the braking zone cones and so was everybody I spoke with at the taco party. It was really a fun and challenging course. I think they could make it a little more user friendly especially since most of the guys are greener than me.

[Vegas69]

Todd,

I thought about what I would do with your car and I have a couple suggestions. Increase compression in the front and less rebound in the rear. Maybe a bit more spring in the front also. I would not touch the sway bar until you do these things. You need to keep the front end from diving so much. You have a really fast car and getting the car more stable at higher speeds and braking will really help you go fast.

Brian

I have an SCCA event coming up in 2 weeks and I'll let you know how it works out. :cheers:

[Cris@JCG]

Were? & what dates?

I have an SCCA event coming up in 2 weeks and I'll let you know how it works out. :cheers:

[Vegas69]

Las Vegas motor speedway on the 25th. Come on up....:D

[Spiffav8]

Las Vegas motor speedway on the 25th. Come on up....:D

I agree. You should come up and have some fun with us.

:unibrow:

[Cris@JCG]

Hmmm! I just might do that.. I just gotta see which one of my approved drivers by Karl for BB is available...


Las Vegas motor speedway on the 25th. Come on up....:D

I agree. You should come up and have some fun with us.

:unibrow:

[HRBS]

Hats off to both of you.
Todd... your car has come a long way and you should be proud.
Its turned into quite a cone killer.
I love the fact you are as head strong on Big Blocks as I am :thumbsup:

ps... feel free to serve my ass on that platter :lol:

[Vegas69]

Ok guys and gals, here are the official times for Payback & Blue Balz.


Payback

Speed Stop Challenge: 21.830
Road Course: 1:44.2(Have an email into Brian, think this is from Friday based on my stop watch and go pro video)
Autocross: 41.747(Me driving, Mary didn't drive Sat./ course changed)

Blue Balz

Speed Stop Challenge: 22.750
Road Course: 1:44.6
Autocross: 41.660

Folks, this is how close this deal is getting. From less than .1 in autocross to under a second in the speed stop. We both have plenty of excuses but it was a hard fought, close battle. I'm proud to be competing with such fine cars and drivers.

[GregWeld]

Tires (according to my inside tire source) are worth .5 second -- between 200 and 100 tread wear -- on an autocross of this size.

An epic battle that was fun to witness! And fun to read about!:cheers:

[67zo6Camaro]

Lol the hole way, you can see me following you, and I kept thinking "where is he going?" I thought maybe you had a hot date when you took a B-line toward the fence possibly leaving the event.:rofl: Good vid.

Wg8qjyJKqPk[/YOUTUBE]

[Cris@JCG]

Here is a re-cap of our time @ RTTC…

Friday:
Our run group was Auto-X first, Speed Stop second & road course last..

At the Autocross I was still trying to get the car to work for Mary.. Car was still pushing , over-steering, & we had too much front brake bite.. but we figured we would get some adjustment in for Saturday..

At the Speed Stop Mary was getting comfortable with the car but the front brakes again were biting too much.. Asked Mike M if he had less aggressive pads on the truck.. He had some .. so we changed the brake pads during our lunch brake..

At the Road Course.. Mary drives the car on a warm up lap & comes back in because we lost our power steering.. The car had an erratic idle so I figured that it caused a cavitation on the power steering pump.. It had done this to me before.. So I am looking for Mike Norris to see if he can fix the idle.. Finally find him.. he works his magic & gets the car running smooth.. Look for empty space & just drive around to see if I can get the pump to work again.. Finally get to start working again.. Drive over the car to the road course & we still have time to do a run… Mary jumps in & gets her runs in.. I could tell that she was getting the car moving on the track.. She comes in & is driving around to get the car to cool down… Finally stops .. Ask Mary what she thought about the car on the road course.. She loved the car on the road course.. Great! Now I just gotta find a way for the car to work for her on the Auto-X.. But Mary tells me we have bad news.. We got rear-end noise! Damm it .. I just got it rebuilt… @ that point I was just saying to myself.. We are done for this event.. go park the car pissed off & walk around… Finally ended up @ the DSE trailer.. Talking to Guy Ankeny.. He asked me how the was doing.. Told him that we the car was pushing & over steering.. Kyle over heard my conversation with Guy.. He offered to help by checking the shock adjustments for me.. Drove the car over to the DSE trailer & Kyle was checking our setting.. He told me that we need to check the charge on the shocks.. but he did not have any on the truck & would ask Guy to bring some in for Saturday morning.. I asked Kyle if he wanted to take it for a spin on the Auto-X to see if could improve it for Mary.. I didn’t have to twist his arm on that one.. Kyle made about 5 passes on the Auto-X & we got some better shock tuning out of it.. We figured we were now better on the adjustments… but had a bad rear-end & we had cooked the brakes on the road course…

Later that night @ Doug’s house I mentioned to Todd he had won because the car was done for the weekend.. This is why he posted that he had won on Friday night… Driving back to the hotel that night I remembered that Kyle said that I should check the gear oil on the rear-end.. Could not sleep all night!

Saturday:
I got up & drove to the event & was there about 6:30.. Dave Pozzi was not there yet .. So I stop @ the Maier trailer & asked them if I can borrow a jack & stands.. I need to check out what’s going on with my rear-end.. I had gear oil all over the gas tank & rear suspension.. The breather system that I built for it was not enough.. Mike gave me some pointer’s on how to fix it & got me some gear oil.. Bleed the brakes.. but the M/C was by-passing the fluid.. Changed the tow on the car .. Finally meet up with Mary & tell her we can run for Saturday.. but we will have to pump up the brakes..

Auto-X the car was better for Mary but was not enough for her get the car to do what she wanted.. Managed to get our runs in .. but now the brakes kept locking up in the front…

Speed stop Challenge was not a big challenge for us because Mary could to not stop in the box without knocking down cones.. She finally gets one run in without knocking the cones down..

Road Course we changed back to the pads we started off with.. That track was hard on brakes.. We still did not have the right pads for this event but managed to make them work.. We managed to get only one run on the road course.. The rear-end was kicking oil out again.. I told Mary that is enough.. We got one run in & that should cover that we ran on all three events for Saturday… Parked the car & walked over to the Auto-X to check out the fun runs.. but that is whole other story..

Brian Hobaugh does some fun runs in BB..
Mike Maier does some fun runs in BB
Brian Hobaugh runs it in the Speed Stop Squared Challenge


I managed to keep the car running for two days with all the problems we were having & think we placed in the top 10.. Not bad for its big event!

[David Pozzi]

How about Steve and Bad Penny. I saw some in line pics. Steve how'd Penny do this time out? One of my top 5 favorite cars! :thumbsup: Info please!

Steve and I drove BP, & did well. I finished 4th in the autox, was announced 4th on the road course at the end of Saturday, but I see the results now show me 5th. Finished 10th on the speed stop. I didn't cut the light very close which really hurt my times.
Steve had street pads on so I overheated them after the first lap or two and they were so hot Friday that the pedal went to the floor after I came off the track in spite of driving around to cool them. They did not allow a cool off lap so we all came off the track with toasty brakes & the rotors were pulsating on Saturdays runs so I probably warped them. I turned up the rear bias as far as it would go and still didn't have enough rear braking and had significant of understeer on the sweepers. BP felt pretty good on the Autocross course.

[Vegas69]

Chris, nothing but respect for you after this weekend buddy. I have to admit that I knew your car had a very good chance of having some growing pains. We both had problems but I'm about 99% sure yours would of convinced me to put mine in the trailer and put my tail between my legs. Then again, mayble our friendly rivalry kept that fire burning. Come on man, you had Mary Pozzi, Brian Hobaugh, and Kyle Tucker helping you sort this thing out last weekend. Guys should KILL for that opportunity. With my tire advantage and your driver advatage, it couldn't of been scripted any better. Look at how close those times are! That's nascar ****! I'll get my trans fixed and you sort out a few problems and we'll have the "Thrilla in Manilla 2" next year. :cheers:

[Sieg]

Ok guys and gals, here are the official times for Payback & Blue Balz.


Payback

Speed Stop Challenge: 21.830
Road Course: 1:44.2(Have an email into Brian, think this is from Friday based on my stop watch and go pro video)
Autocross: 41.747(Me driving, Mary didn't drive Sat./ course changed)

Blue Balz

Speed Stop Challenge: 22.750
Road Course: 1:44.6
Autocross: 41.660

Folks, this is how close this deal is getting. From less than .1 in autocross to under a second in the speed stop. We both have plenty of excuses but it was a hard fought, close battle. I'm proud to be competing with such fine cars and drivers.

Great competition Gentlemen and thanks for sharing it on the forum. :cheers:

[Vegas69]

Lol the hole way, you can see me following you, and I kept thinking "where is he going?" I thought maybe you had a hot date when you took a B-line toward the fence possibly leaving the event.:rofl: Good vid.

Dude, my car was junk on Friday. Being the Chad Knaus that I think I am, I needed Jimmy Johnson behind the wheel to get around that road course. I still think my road course time is from Friday. I got in one good lap chasing Mr. Tucker. That Carrot was to tempting. Very impressed with your car and driving. That motorcyle racing background clearly translates into cars.

[Vegas69]

Minimum of 150 lbs. ZL1 block is 110 lbs bare and my previous Gen VI block was 260-270lbs. Aftermarket blocks are even heavier due to their increased bore potential and structure. The original ZL1 block in 1969 was only 90 lbs. Mine is the modern GMPP blocks with increased deck thickness and webbing. It's been endurance tested to 650 hp by GM.

[Cris@JCG]

Thanks for the props Todd!

Next year you will be faced with BB I & BB II! Let's just say that BB II will be something special .. Nothing fancy but all business!


Chris, nothing but respect for you after this weekend buddy. I have to admit that I knew your car had a very good chance of having some growing pains. We both had problems but I'm about 99% sure yours would of convinced me to put mine in the trailer and put my tail between my legs. Then again, mayble our friendly rivalry kept that fire burning. Come on man, you had Mary Pozzi, Brian Hobaugh, and Kyle Tucker helping you sort this thing out last weekend. Guys should KILL for that opportunity. With my tire advantage and your driver advatage, it couldn't of been scripted any better. Look at how close those times are! That's nascar ****! I'll get my trans fixed and you sort out a few problems and we'll have the "Thrilla in Manilla 2" next year. :cheers:

[Stuart Adams]

Have you guys driven each others car? That would be immediate feedback personally.

[Sieg]

Cris - How do feel about the Nitto NT05's performance after the weekend?

[skatinjay27]

Have you guys driven each others car? That would be immediate feedback personally.todd drove blue ballz after sema, and said it was a POS!:lol: i kid, i kid.

[Vegas69]

Have you guys driven each others car? That would be immediate feedback personally.

I took Blue Balz around the block after SEMA but it was fresh and we clearly weren't near a race track. Damn nice car but I'd like to feel it at 100 plus mph.:D

[Stuart Adams]

I took Blue Balz around the block after SEMA but it was fresh and we clearly weren't near a race track. Damn nice car but I'd like to feel it at 100 plus mph.:D

That would be cool if you guys did that, and hear each others respones. Both very cool cars.

[Cris@JCG]

Stuart- Have you seen Todd's latest video on the road course! :lol: If BB were my car I would let Todd take it for a spin on the track.. I don't know if would drive his car though.. I might miss 3rd gear!..

All due honestly.. I need to take some driving lessons before I hit the track.. I have been go-kart racing lately just so that I can learn to read a track.. but I have respect for Big Blocks & their torque.. I used to have a Big block 69 Camaro.. & it took me for a ride I will never forget..

Have you guys driven each others car? That would be immediate feedback personally.

I like these tires but they wear out pretty quick..

Cris - How do feel about the Nitto NT05's performance after the weekend?

It really is a turd! :D

todd drove blue ballz after sema, and said it was a POS!:lol: i kid, i kid.

If you drove it again.. You would be knocking @ my door to build you one.. :D

I took Blue Balz around the block after SEMA but it was fresh and we clearly weren't near a race track. Damn nice car but I'd like to feel it at 100 plus mph.:D

[Vegas69]

I was headed out to my frist appt. this morning and the phone rings. It's Cris Gonzalez. I answer the phone, "This is the Champion". :lol:

Anyway, just wanted to let you guys know that Chris is rebuilding the car to beat me next year. :D We may have shared a little info back and forth. I gave up brake pad material and he disclosed his soon to be spring rates.

[Stuart Adams]

Next time you guys drive your own cars and post the best time. Then you drive each others car and post the best time.
If its better than your own cars time then you have the winner, if you are slower, you add the difference to your cars best time and see where the number is. Lowest wins.

[Sieg]

I was headed out to my frist appt. this morning and the phone rings. It's Cris Gonzalez. I answer the phone, "This is the Champion". :lol:

Anyway, just wanted to let you guys know that Chris is rebuilding the car to beat me next year. :D We may have shared a little info back and forth. I gave up brake pad material and he disclosed his soon to be spring rates.

And the after-market vendors are licking their chops.

Time and Money neither of you will regrete spending. :thumbsup:

[Vegas69]

Next time you guys drive your own cars and post the best time. Then you drive each others car and post the best time.
If its better than your own cars time then you have the winner, if you are slower, you add the difference to your cars best time and see where the number is. Lowest wins.

Keep in mind that Mary is an multiple time autocross champ and placed 5th at the Optima Challenge last year. Chris had a better driver in his car. Blue Balz is way to expensive for me to feel comfortable wheeling it around a road course and do it justice. Chris is making some large changes and I'm sure it will be much faster next year. I'm confident I will be as well. I just have to make the decision if I want to go to 200 treads and start testing well before.

[Flash68]

I know you don't want to for retuning purposes, but we really hope you go to 200 TW tires for next year... you got a whole year to dial in that setup.

You know you want to make the finals and go far in that drag race shootout format.. :unibrow:

[Vegas69]

Send me the money and time and you have a deal. :lol: I'm giving it some thought. I want to work on the changes Brian has requested first. You're right, I would like to be in the final next year. Just not sure 1 event a year warrants changing a car.

[Stuart Adams]

Keep in mind that Mary is an multiple time autocross champ and placed 5th at the Optima Challenge last year. Chris had a better driver in his car. Blue Balz is way to expensive for me to feel comfortable wheeling it around a road course and do it justice. Chris is making some large changes and I'm sure it will be much faster next year. I'm confident I will be as well. I just have to make the decision if I want to go to 200 treads and start testing well before.

I think both cars are great, its all fun and good.

I would be nervous as heck driving someone else's car. I hear you on that one. Just a crazy thought.

[Matt@BOS]

Todd, are you saving the "I have Varishocks" excuse for next year?

Matt

[Vegas69]

So far...:unibrow:

[Cris@JCG]

Dude! Your like a a gossiping chick!! :lol:

I was headed out to my frist appt. this morning and the phone rings. It's Cris Gonzalez. I answer the phone, "This is the Champion". :lol:

Anyway, just wanted to let you guys know that Chris is rebuilding the car to beat me next year. :D We may have shared a little info back and forth. I gave up brake pad material and he disclosed his soon to be spring rates.

I just finished my suspension upgrades! Crazy what we did.. but the car is working better than ever.. We are on a fast pace to get this car the best it can be on the track.. The car will be faster by next month.. I just might show up in Las Vegas next month.. They have a few events going on.. The tires will be 200 treads

Keep in mind that Mary is an multiple time autocross champ and placed 5th at the Optima Challenge last year. Chris had a better driver in his car. Blue Balz is way to expensive for me to feel comfortable wheeling it around a road course and do it justice. Chris is making some large changes and I'm sure it will be much faster next year. I'm confident I will be as well. I just have to make the decision if I want to go to 200 treads and start testing well before.

Stuart- I am always nervous when I drive BB.. but @ the same time enjoy all the :thumbsup: I get on the road..

I think both cars are great, its all fun and good.

I would be nervous as heck driving someone else's car. I hear you on that one. Just a crazy thought.

[GregWeld]

Send me the money and time and you have a deal. :lol: I'm giving it some thought. I want to work on the changes Brian has requested first. You're right, I would like to be in the final next year. Just not sure 1 event a year warrants changing a car.



BUT IT'S THE EVENT OF THE YEAR!! :D :woot:

[Vegas69]

Just trying to keep things interesting around here Mr. Gonzalez. We can treat this like Nascar with our slow out of tune cars. :unibrow: It would be awesome to see you over here for some autocross/drag racing.

Mr. Weld, Buttonwillow is still my favorite event of the year and they allow WHAT YA BRUNG.

[GregWeld]

Mr. Weld, Buttonwillow is still my favorite event of the year and they allow WHAT YA BRUNG.


Don't know how it could be? I'm not there!


:cheers: :unibrow:

[CarlC]

You could be Greg, you could be. And, with a car! :thumbsup:

[GregWeld]

You could be Greg, you could be. And, with a car! :thumbsup:


What are the dates??

[Blake Foster]

yea what are the dates i might be interested in that?

[Vegas69]

September 15-16 http://www.buttonwillowraceway.com/ http://www.ncracing.org/events.php

[Flash68]

Yep, Todd and I were just talking about this casual "event" gaining speed for those of us out here who really are close to only 1 Run to the Whatever event per year.... here is the thread that got it going for 2012.

Blake/Greg - bring your rides down and help this gathering gain even more momentum. I know the guys just ran one day last year but we can run Sat and Sun if we want and it's a lot more track time for less $ than RTTC in comparison.

http://www.lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=34447&highlight=buttonwillow+september

:thumbsup:

[GregWeld]

Yep, Todd and I were just talking about this casual "event" gaining speed for those of us out here who really are close to only 1 Run to the Whatever event per year.... here is the thread that got it going for 2012.

Blake/Greg - bring your rides down and help this gathering gain even more momentum. I know the guys just ran one day last year but we can run Sat and Sun if we want and it's a lot more track time for less $ than RTTC in comparison.

http://www.lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=34447&highlight=buttonwillow+september

:thumbsup:


I'm all registered and paid for SEPTEMBER BUTTONWILLOW -- both days -- Point by....


*****BLAKE -- If you want to fly in to Bakertucky -- you can run my car.:D Or you can drive to my house and we can take one car down and you can drive while I sleep.... or whatever....

[96z28ss]

Hmm, I may want to go to this and watch.

[Flash68]

This is starting to get traction... could be big... we could call it Run To The Wasteland. :D

[Cris@JCG]

I will be their.. Driving my own car.. Trying to improve my driving skills.. right behind Greg Weld! :lol:

I should have the JCG test car done by June.. Slapping together a car with parts just hanging around the shop..

Todd- It will not be a LS car.. That should make you happy..

[Track Junky]

I missed RTTC due to losing a truck motor but its going to take a monsoon for me to miss this one :unibrow:

[Track Junky]

This is starting to get traction... could be big... we could call it Run To The Wasteland. :D

"Run to the Desert"

[GregWeld]

I will be their.. Driving my own car.. Trying to improve my driving skills.. right behind Greg Weld! :lol:

I should have the JCG test car done by June.. Slapping together a car with parts just hanging around the shop..

Todd- It will not be a LS car.. That should make you happy..



They call me the "whirling dervish"!!

:rofl: Cris... get behind me at your own peril!

[Matt@BOS]

If Cris is going, then I'm in. I'll show up to anything just as long as my pride doesn't have to worry about being the slowest person there. I used to think I was the only person to ever get lost on a track :lol:

Cris, we better watch out though, Greg is brushing up on his driving skills, and might school us all!

Matt

[Cris@JCG]

Matt- Planning on doing more testing & tuning @ the Camarillo Airport.. I might make this a monthly thing for us locals.. Limit it to about 20 people/cars though.. ALot easier to control.. I don't want it to make it an event.. Just driving our cars in a safe environment.. plus it brushes up on our driving skills.. I have discussed this with Mary P..





If Cris is going, then I'm in. I'll show up to anything just as long as my pride doesn't have to worry about being the slowest person there. I used to think I was the only person to ever get lost on a track :lol:

Cris, we better watch out though, Greg is brushing up on his driving skills, and might school us all!

Matt

[CarlC]

I missed RTTC due to losing a truck motor but its going to take a monsoon for me to miss this one :unibrow:

Monsoon in September near Bakertucky? LOL!!!

Todd, you up for a Payback and Creampuff garage/hotel again?

Oh, and the Camaro has 200tw's on it now. Kumho's out of stock for a while but with a track day Wednesday I needed something.

[Vegas69]

Hell yes...

[Sieg]

I missed RTTC due to losing a truck motor but its going to take a monsoon for me to miss this one :unibrow:
Hmmmmm.......I've had carpet installers use that excuse when they were scared of a challenging job. :_paranoid :D :cheers:

[Gandalf]

Tood/Chris - You both get huge respect from me - not only for your respective cars, driving ability and your willingness to share openly on the forums all the good, bad and the ugly - but for spicing things up with some friendly rivalry.

I was too busy soaking-up my first time out on the track with the car - taking in all the feedback from the car and as a driver too. It was great to be doing this in such good, supportive company as well as a good, open space too :-) I had a blast and cannot wait for the next event (Riverside?)


Matt- Planning on doing more testing & tuning @ the Camarillo Airport.. I might make this a monthly thing for us locals.. Limit it to about 20 people/cars though.. ALot easier to control.. I don't want it to make it an event.. Just driving our cars in a safe environment.. plus it brushes up on our driving skills.. I have discussed this with Mary P..

Count me in if there's room Chris!


If Cris is going, then I'm in. I'll show up to anything just as long as my pride doesn't have to worry about being the slowest person there. I used to think I was the only person to ever get lost on a track :lol:

Matt

No worries Matt - I'll cover the rear of the pack for a while - should take the pressure off lol.


Yep, Todd and I were just talking about this casual "event" gaining speed for those of us out here who really are close to only 1 Run to the Whatever event per year.... here is the thread that got it going for 2012.

Blake/Greg - bring your rides down and help this gathering gain even more momentum. I know the guys just ran one day last year but we can run Sat and Sun if we want and it's a lot more track time for less $ than RTTC in comparison.

http://www.lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=34447&highlight=buttonwillow+september

:thumbsup:

September 15-16 http://www.buttonwillowraceway.com/ http://www.ncracing.org/events.php

Buttonwillow in Sept. Sounds good to me. I may even have a couple miles under my belt by then! Count me in.

G.

[Track Junky]

Lets try and keep anybody interested in going in the "Buttonwillow RSVP" thread. That way we can work on a group discount.

Thanks