fast1>>> I believe the weight issue falls under "each has his own way of going fast" If one of the guys wants to take out seats,jack, tailgate, or anything else that is up to them. I am not trying to be a smarta$$ here, but prove a point. If one of the guys has a serious sound system in his truck, should we force the others to pork up for his driving pleasure? It all boils down to unbolting everything that you are willing to sacrifice for the ET. If one of the guys spent hours upon hours cutting off the extra ends of bolts, shortening wiring harnesses, or any other way to lighten his truck in a borderline psychotic behavior, it is not right for us to tell him to add the weight back on cuz so and so is 25lbs heavier (I know that part is a little over the top). Also, do you make all of the trucks carry a spare tire and jack? To be street legal, you need these things, but if someone is willing to sacrifice the spare for a .10 let em go. As we all know, those are the first things to go if you race. I say, let them yank whatever they want off (as long as they stay safe). Hey, if someone wants to pull out their stereo and speakers for weight reduction, that is their problem, it just means that speed takes priority over creature comforts for them. Sorry so long again, Scott.

 

Hide Johnny, Hide..

JL with probably tube chassis his truck this winter after hearing this and weigh in at 2,000 lbs in the spring..

 

Actually this is the second version of Bill's motor, the first one on the engine dyno we had some block distortion @ 850 HP. The new version is holding up fine @ 1110 HP. As for Bill's Truck I own it and its sitting in my Garage right now.

Jim@JDM

 

Hey cuz,long time no hear.That is an amazing amount of power.I recently traded my Diesel for an 04 150.Maybe we can drop one of those in and see what it can do.LOL.Good to see you are doing well.I will try to stop by soon to see all of you.
Jim
That race in Feb sounds like a good idea.I would come and watch.

 

I'd like to see a race where the weight was equal. If that is impossible then let's get the weight for each of the trucks and driver after they make each run. At least that way we'll now what truck weighs how much instead of the normal guess fest and people can't add and subtract weight in the pits

 

One question:

Is this shoot-out for Gen 2 Lightnings only? Can Gen 1's participate?

People have only discussed the three Lightning vendors and their respective customers but no one has clarified this?

 

I don't think you'll ever get 100% of the people to agree on anything. I know some people don't agree with the weight thing. But this is my take on it...

This is a shootout. It's a comparison of a certain type of vehicle. The winner of which gets bragging rights and fame and fortune, and whatnot. If you are going to "compare" something, there needs to be some kind of common ground. If we allow it to be a simple "run what you brung" event, then we might as well just show up with Mustangs and Cobras and whatever else our resources give us access to. This is a showcase of tuner ability. The ability to make power. The ability to use that power to make a Lightning go fast. To see who's the best. IMO, achieving an ET by making the vehicle 1000 lbs lighter isn't impressive. Keeping the vehicle at a certain weight and then making power to achieve that ET is what impresses me. I know most customers don't look at it that way. They see an ET and that's it. Maybe people should start looking behind the scenes at what got that ET and then see who's impressive. Think about it... when you go to the track, which vehicle do you have more respect for - the Vega with a 350 running 10.50s, or the Chevelle with a 350 running 10.50s.

So that's my view on it. That's why I say make the trucks equal weight and then see who's got the best ability to get it down the track fastest. Otherwise it's not a comparison, it's an exhibition.

 

As usual, very well said, Sal.

 

LightningTuner,

I agree with you to a certain extent. Your description would be a more accurate comparison of a vendor's ability to build a fast Lightning. However, the other side of that coin falls out of your favor. People will say that, since there are weight requirements, why not have engine combination requirements? Most will not be looking to bolt on a race-only ProCharger or turbo kit. People will most likely stick to a Roots-type/Twin-screw setup. This would, of course, exclude you from the competition.

With all this talk about leveling the playing ground to showcase vendor ability while catering to the Lightning owner masses, I say we do a shoot-out with ONLY bolt-on trucks: ECU modifications, 4 lb. pulleys, shift kits, air filter kits, rear 16 inch slicks, and no front runners. Stock weight....

 

Just about every Drag Racing Class has minimum weight requirements

Here are a few examples from the NHRA rulebook
Super Street-2800 lbs
Super Gas-2100 lbs
Top Alcohol Dragster-2025 lbs
Top Alcohol Funny Car- 2250 lbs
Pro Stock- 2350 lbs
Funny Car- 2375 lbs
Top Fuel Dragster- 2175 lbs

So I think there should be a minumum weight that they must run.

In my opinion if one truck is much lighter and has to add weight, it will be an advantage to him. Since he can put the extra weight anywhere he wants(like over the rear axle) he would have a traction advantage off the line.

 

If the purpose is to compare vehicle performance instead of an exhibition of performance then the weight must be known, whether it's the same or not. Weight is a variable, just like the driver, in the performance equation. No one would suggest one driver so why one weight? A minimum weight, street legal format for all the trucks would have the widest appeal.

 

if its about tuning ability take 3 showroom stock trucks. limit the bolt-ons to a 6 lb pulley filter and a set of slicks. that would be the only way to showcase tuning ability on a equal playing field.

 

Actually to expand on your idea.. it would need to be the SAME truck, SAME weather, SAME track... and then just change the tune

 

QFT. 3 different trucks will give you 3 different HP ratings. I've seen stock trucks 1/2 a second faster in the 1/4. Of course then I whined about "WHY COULDN'T THAT BE THE ONE I BOUGHT!!!"

 

Just my .02 worth...

I have read most of these threads on the grudge match and I just have to say that it sounds like it's going to be a great time, regardless of where or when it is held.

I think for the most part we all like to get together and race our trucks, I think the best part is that we can all hang together regardless of who tuned our trucks.

As you may know I am a dyed in the wool JDM customer, Jim has a heart of gold and always goes out of his way to help people out at any event he attends REGARDLESS of who may have tuned their truck or where that person buys parts from.
Jim is a man that really truely enjoys racing and getting the most out of a piece of machinery. He so often shows his appreciation to his customers and friends for making this sport what it is...a true Ford racing community that welcomes all enthusiasts!!

With that said, I must say I am also very impressed with Sal's class in reponding to not only this "challenge" but to these posts.

Hat's off to you Sal, I have only met you once, but I look forward to seeing you again. We need more people like you not only here but at these events!


Johnny, I know you are a good man and a generous one ( who made a nice donation to a charity I once held ), and I truely respect your ability to go fast. However, if I could make a suggestion...I think your posts are showing a different side to you, one that is not helping your image at all.
I would like to see you attend more events and mingle with "the community" and not try to be #1 all the time...It just gives you that "I'm better than you" attitude that turns most people off...

I for one will still like you when you're #2 or #3 for that matter...


Peace, Jamie