[bowtieboy]

Posting this to see if anyone would like to offer any information, opinions or insite on what might be the better car to run in stock class, to include Nationals ~ car would not be a daily driver (trying to weigh my options)......feel free to "shoot from the hip"

2002 Z06
- Cost around $25,000. Still holding up well at National level events, but the Lotus and GT3 seem to have a definite advantage. Shocks (Penski) are pretty expensive (around $3000 ?). No wheel hop. Tires are around $1300 a full set. Would need smoething to transport tires (or car)

2007 Mustang GT (Shelby conversion)- Cost around $25,000 (converted). Top car in class thus far. Warrantee. Shocks $750 Minimal to no wheel hop. Tires are around $1300. I believe race tires will all fit in car.

98-02 SS- Cost $15,000 (for one with lower miles). Seems to still be competetive (should have a better idea later in the year). Shocks $750. Front bar $150. Wheel hop. VictorRacers (for local events) $880 / Divisionals or Nationals $1000 Tires can fit in car (in a pinch).

The costs are not an overriding factor but due play into my thought process (thus my reasons for showing prices). I just would like to see what else I could be over looking or what someone might be willing to share. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Thanks

[Sam Strano]

Hmmm... 3 cars I know a little something about setting up.

I've had my hands in/all over most of the fastest C5's @ Nats the last few years. I obviously know the Mustang and the Camaro.

First, you don't need $3k shocks for the Z06... In fact I maintain you don't WANT them, as I've had to fix a few sets valving wise over the years.

The tires, well if you compare apples to apples there isn't a lot of difference, certainly between the 18's on the Vette and Mustang, some down to the 17's, but still talking a lot of coin for A6's @ in 275's currently around $271 per, up to $290 per for 295's. At that point, is $306 for Mustang 18's really that much different?

Setting up a Mustang (already a Shelby) is right about $1000. Pretty much the same as a Camaro if you use 4/3's, but the Camaro would cost more if you use 4/4's. A Z06 is about $1200 for shocks and the front bar I use. So that's about a wash.

The Mustang has the best ABS of the 3. Mileage is similar. You can't fit squat in a Z06 really. The Mustang has room inside, though trailer hitches are a pain on CS or Shelby's because of the bumper cover, vs. easy bolt ons for the Vette/F-body.

I think in the end you have 3 cars, 2 of which are for sure, known commodities in their classes. The SS I think can be damned fast and competitive, but not many are working on it and certainly not at breakneak speed. In the end, I still think the Camaro's ABS, all else being equal could hurt it vs. the Ford.

I don't think there is a truly wrong choice here. But I have to be honest, I do think there are 2 smarter choices than the SS.