[FlatBlack]

Hello all,

Just picked up a 1998 Formula that I will be prepping for ESP class in SCCA Autocross. It's Blurple, but I don't care too much about my cars look (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I have some other things to take care of first, but wheels (17x9 or 10+) and suspension should come soon. I plan on Koni yellows and GC coilovers.

(IMG:http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh81/flatblack280/CYMERA_20140226_175210.jpg)

(IMG:http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh81/flatblack280/CYMERA_20140226_175226.jpg)

This post has been edited by FlatBlack: Feb 27 2014, 10:22 PM

[CrashTestDummy]

Hmm, I don't know if they did make a slicktop 4th Gen Fbird or not, or the weight. The extra weight for the reinforcement and all that glass is high and forward, not where you want it in an autocross situation. Additionally, and gain, I'm not sure about 4th Gens, but 2nd and 3rd Gens with t-tops were a bit more 'flexible' than the hardtop versions. I don't think you can overcome that issue in ESP.

But still, it has an LS engine, which has a TON of potential, and you can have a lot of fun in it. I think the Firebird actually has a bit more room in the wheel houses, so getting even more tire under the car, as opposed to a Camaro, may be possible. I'd get under the car and look around, though. 18" wheels may afford you more space to tuck more wheel and tire under the car. 18" wheels fit a lot better, especially under the front end, than a 17" wheel on a 3rd Gen. I know they have different front suspensions, especially up front, so you'll have to do some research yourself.

Since Watts Links are legal (bolt-on only, IIRC), you may want to look into that to put on your mods list. They really help the 3rd Gens.

[Racer X]

I like Blurple and Trans ams so I approve. I just wish you where in my region I need more competition in ESP. New England is just me in ESP hanging out with Sam Krauss in his DSM.

The wife and I are working on moving back to the northeast. NE PA may be a bit too far from you though. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Hmm, I don't know if they did make a slicktop 4th Gen Fbird or not, or the weight.

They did but were almost impossible to find on a lot. I really only remember seeing one. An '01 Formula Firehawk of all things. Usually you had to order a hardtop yourself to get it. That's what I did.

The extra weight for the reinforcement and all that glass is high and forward, not where you want it in an autocross situation. Additionally, and gain, I'm not sure about 4th Gens, but 2nd and 3rd Gens with t-tops were a bit more 'flexible' than the hardtop versions. I don't think you can overcome that issue in ESP.

Weight difference is negligible in a 4th gen application. No chassis difference between the two. Pull down the headliner in a 4th gen sometime. The T top option was baked in.

Even if the glass tops did weigh more than a hardtop, how often do you really see anyone run with the tops in?

If the car was somehow more flexible as a T top, SFCs are legal in ESP

I think the Firebird actually has a bit more room in the wheel houses, so getting even more tire under the car, as opposed to a Camaro, may be possible. I'd get under the car and look around, though. 18" wheels may afford you more space to tuck more wheel and tire under the car. 18" wheels fit a lot better, especially under the front end, than a 17" wheel on a 3rd Gen. I know they have different front suspensions, especially up front, so you'll have to do some research yourself.

Maybe somewhat but 17x11s fit Camaros just fine. I've even seen 17x12s.

17 inch tires a bit cheaper than 18s.

Since Watts Links are legal (bolt-on only, IIRC), you may want to look into that to put on your mods list. They really help the 3rd Gens.

A Watts will make the car better no doubt, but IMO it really doesn't have to be high up on the list if on a budget. The cars were (and still are) plenty fast with a good ol' cheap panhard rod.

This post has been edited by Racer X: Mar 1 2014, 01:19 AM

[robz71lm7]

No chassis difference between the two. Pull down the headliner in a 4th gen sometime. The T top option was baked in.

Bull. This is an oft repeated myth. Look at the cross sectional area of the members connecting the A and B pillar.

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[Blainefab]

No chassis difference between the two. Pull down the headliner in a 4th gen sometime. The T top option was baked in.

Bull. This is an oft repeated myth. Look at the cross sectional area of the members connecting the A and B pillar.

Rob is correct - the sheet metal in the Ttop roof structure is thicker than the hardtop.