Is a PHR Pavement Ego-Rama possible? [Archive]

Protour_Pinto

01-20-2005, 10:28 PM

Like many of the Gearheads I know, I read a lot od car mags and books. One of them is Rod and Custom. I have always looked forward to the Ego-Rama just for the fact that it puts the cars through the wringer for a couple of days just to weed out the trailer queens.

Has anyone ever tried to get a bunch of G machines together to do the same? I would like to see each magazine do their own and then pit all the cars aginst one another at a big show like S.E.M.A. or one of the Goodguy/NSRA gatherings.

I have seen the eBAy challenge and when the editors get together but I think it would be great to see just what the readers are building.

I see a lot of nice stuff on this site as well as others, It would be nice to show the public what is possible. I know my car is not going to be done any time soon but I work on a couple that would really be good at the game.

Conekiller13

01-20-2005, 10:58 PM

I'd like to see PHR put on somthing like the Tuner Challenge that I think Car & Driver or Road & Track do. It'd be cool to see The Mule face off against a Hennessy Venom.

Matt

01-20-2005, 11:09 PM

That would be an awesome idea.
A friend of mine with a 400+hp civic entered a similar contest held by Sport Compact Car (another Primedia mag) about two years ago, so I kept some tabs on that. They did lap, braking, acceleration, driveability, comfort, fuel consumption, car show judging, dyno, and gross display of power tests on the top 10 cars of the 100 or so that people sent in.

MarkM66

01-21-2005, 07:20 AM

CHP use to do a "Pro-Touring" shootout. Last one had to be 3-4 years ago.

But I don't think they're putting that much effort into things lately.

Someone definitally needs to put something like this together.

trapin

01-21-2005, 07:30 AM

Isn't this what Car Craft's 'Real Street Eliminator' is?

zbugger

01-21-2005, 07:37 AM

Hasn't Super Chevy been testing the cars lately? I know they were, but are they still doing it? It seems like something PHR should look into doing.

Steve1968LS2

01-21-2005, 09:51 AM

Hmmmm

<--- Taking Notes

MarkM66

01-21-2005, 10:05 AM

Isn't this what Car Craft's 'Real Street Eliminator' is?

Yeah. But they didn't do that event in '04. So who know's when or if it will be back.

Also it'd be pretty nice to test more then 6 cars. And to not include a certain car, just because they have to many of that make and/or model in the compititon.

Salt Racer

01-21-2005, 10:14 AM

Hasn't Super Chevy been testing the cars lately? I know they were, but are they still doing it? It seems like something PHR should look into doing.

The test driver Andrew Schear left Primedia. Last I heard, SC is in the process of training another driver Mike Petraria(sp?).

SC's testings are good, but it'd be nice to see shoot-out style direct comparisons between several cars, including actual track testing on a road course.

Mean 69

01-21-2005, 10:56 AM

One Lap of America, and the Open Track Challenge would love to have you bring your car to play around. Pretty serious test too, multiple tracks on consecutive days, cummulative results are what determines the overall winners.

I have heard some talk of putting together a new series that would restirct the entries to street-legal, registered cars, equipped with roll bars. A very influential individual is collecting interest for such an event, and it so far seems to have piqued interest from several significant tracks, and sponsors as well. Perfect arena to see how you do against the big boys, though there are a LOT of details to sort through. If I hear anything more on this, I'll post.

Mark

Nine Ball

01-21-2005, 07:01 PM

If any other Pro-Touring cars want to show up at the Year One event this April (22-24) in Atlanta, I'd be happy to grab a lane with you on Atlanta Dragway.

Don't be scared :box2:

Tony

zbugger

01-21-2005, 07:39 PM

The test driver Andrew Schear left Primedia. Last I heard, SC is in the process of training another driver Mike Petraria(sp?).

SC's testings are good, but it'd be nice to see shoot-out style direct comparisons between several cars, including actual track testing on a road course.

I'm guessing you're thinking of Mike Petralia. I think it's cool that they are trying to continue with that. It shows that lots of the cars out there aren't just show cars. And I do agree, they should be doing a shootout of some sort, but getting a few cars together like that would be tough. That's just me though, and I'm a mental cripple.... :injured:

gen3bu

01-21-2005, 07:42 PM

If any other Pro-Touring cars want to show up at the Year One event this April (22-24) in Atlanta, I'd be happy to grab a lane with you on Atlanta Dragway.

Don't be scared :box2:

Tony

i wish mine was finished enough to show-up and put a hurttin' on that 69. j/k tony.
it sounds like a great time, i might bring the truck just for the fun of it.
kevin

protour_chevelle

01-22-2005, 10:47 AM

Oh oh! I'll get some pro street cars to show up :) actually...Their all too lazy to travel that far.

Sounds like a great idea. Even if I wont attend!

-Matt

Bill Howell

01-22-2005, 10:58 AM

If any other Pro-Touring cars want to show up at the Year One event this April (22-24) in Atlanta, I'd be happy to grab a lane with you on Atlanta Dragway.

Don't be scared :box2:

Tony

Tony,
What you gonna spot me if I bring my golf cart? :naughty:
Be warned, it is street legal and top end is 38mph.
I will have registration and insurance card in hand.
I have marked that weekend and plan to attend.
Bill

WS6

01-22-2005, 02:32 PM

i think it would be a great idea. im also willing to bet a lot of the big name/big money pro-touring cars will not show up for fear of damage or embarassment. money doesnt buy everything. notice how car and drivers super car shoot out included a 427 MTI roadster? sure it didnt win it took fourth i think, but it didnt cost as much as the ones that beat it either. did you also notice how it was the only one at the top that was driven away and not trailored. i dont like trailer queens so having it include street legal and registered cars only is a great place to start. transporting your car because of distance doesnt make it a trailer queen.

Nine Ball

01-22-2005, 07:00 PM

Funny story on that MTI Corvette in the shootout. It was actually a back-up plan vehicle, that was entered at the last minute without any prep work. The original plan was to enter their red 2003 Z06 vette, which had much better brakes, mini-tubs, 335 wide tires, a meaner suspension, and a 427ci engine with a custom ProCharger kit. That red one was making approx 800 rwhp. But, they had some last minute tuning issues and couldn't get the car done in time. So, they called Ron to bring his blue car down. I believe it finished 3rd, and was the only car in the top 5 that was all-motor. The other cars had turbos or superchargers.

The red car would have dominated all of them. Too bad it wasn't finished in time. Here are some pics I took of the car they wanted to enter:

http://www.ls1tech.com/misc/MTIZ071.jpg
http://www.ls1tech.com/misc/MTIZ072.jpg
http://www.ls1tech.com/misc/MTIZ073.jpg
http://www.ls1tech.com/misc/MTIZ074.jpg
http://www.ls1tech.com/misc/MTIZ075.jpg

Bill, I'll give your golf car the move. haha

I hope to be running single digits by then

ProdigyCustoms

01-22-2005, 08:10 PM

Tony, We may be able to line up with one of my customers rides. It would be a cool race. Like yours, it is also a Forced LSX, Pro touring 69, but a convertible.
Do me a favor and tell me you think he is scared, that should do it, LOL!
I doubt very seriously though he would put it on a road coarse, that whole sliding out thing would probably be the reason.
He is in miami, Atlanta isn't to far away.
I painted it today, so it is possible to have it ready by mid April.
Here are a couple pics last week, we will put the body together this week.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Bill Howell

01-22-2005, 09:00 PM

Looks good Frank. Will it have a shift and/or a curve kit? :lmao:
Come on now-you can spot my golf cart about 30seconds right?
See you there!

Nine Ball

01-23-2005, 11:31 AM

ProdigyCustoms

01-23-2005, 12:41 PM

It is a turbo 427. Motor has been ready for a while. Owner is responsible for the motor package, so I am not at liberty to speak in much detail, but it did put a hurtin on the dyno. It is a TH400 car. It is mini tubed,DSE kit, and runs 335 / 18s on Intense 5s. We tied the Martz front clip in solid, beefed it up a bit and put a crossmember and hidden bar in to make it strong as possible without putting a Jungle Jim in it. It will be interesting to see if the motor twist it into a pretzel, LOL! The owner will not be afraid to run it at the dragstrip, he has owned street finals type cars before, so this will not scare him.
It will be a push to get it done, we do have the advantage of having had the engine in another vehicle already, so we do not have many tuning and trouble shooting issues ahead. but you know how these things go. For example, we went in today to final base and clear coat, and it is simply to cold today. looks like it may be this way for a few days, so there are a few days lost already.
I do not have info on the show, I assume it will be similar to the Commerce Challenge last October?

MarkM66

01-23-2005, 01:45 PM

Nice yellow car, what kind of engine setup will it have? I'd gladly line up with ANY other pro-touring car. Even some of those 1000 hp 12-second cars out there, haha.

Its all in fun, might make a good video too.

Put it on the road coarse if it's "Pro-Touring." :poke:

We know your car runs good quartermile times. But so do some "Pro-Street" cars.

Lets stay on track with what this post is all about, testing "Pro-Touring" cars for what they really are or should be. All around performance. :icon996:

TonyL

01-23-2005, 03:10 PM

MarkM66

01-23-2005, 04:07 PM

how do we judge the "winner" in a pro-touring contest? I liked the "real street eliminator" format.

But always thought autocross should be in there. Should be something like: Auto cross, drag race, ride and drive, 0-100-0 & an engineering inspection.

what do you guys think? Call it the "ultimate pro-touring shootout"

I agree. But I'd take out the autocross for a real road coarse test.

Just let the results declare the winner. With the exception of a few subjective test.

ProdigyCustoms

01-23-2005, 04:29 PM

Bill Howell

01-23-2005, 04:38 PM

I do not have info on the show, I assume it will be similar to the Commerce Challenge last October?

I second that Tony!
Is there a pre-registration? How much? I saw your post over on your site but I guess things are still somewhat in the planning stages?
Let me/us know when you have more details please. :icon996:
Thanks a bunch!

Nine Ball

01-24-2005, 05:40 AM

I'd prefer a parking lot with some cones for now. I haven't been on a road course in 4 years, and even then they wouldn't let us go all out. It would be a blast though!

Turbo 427ci. That could cause some trouble! I better jet up for that one. lol

Bill, I don't think they have a pre-registration. Its a 3-day event. $50 for the weekend gets you some laps around Road Atlanta (paced), entry to the car show, and drag racing test/tune. Its a very big family event as well, plenty for the kids to do. Last year they even had a shuttle to haul the wives back and forth to the nearby mall, haha. They do the show during the day at Road Atlanta, then at 5pm that shuts down and everyone migrates to the drag strip about 19 miles away (Atlanta Dragway)

Bill Howell

01-24-2005, 06:13 AM

Bill, I don't think they have a pre-registration. Its a 3-day event. $50 for the weekend gets you some laps around Road Atlanta (paced), entry to the car show, and drag racing test/tune. Its a very big family event as well, plenty for the kids to do. Last year they even had a shuttle to haul the wives back and forth to the nearby mall, haha. They do the show during the day at Road Atlanta, then at 5pm that shuts down and everyone migrates to the drag strip about 19 miles away (Atlanta Dragway)

Tony, thanks for the info. I guess then that people make reservations in Commerce, Ga. There are several hotels there and that is where the outlet shopping is. If my memory serves me there is not alot of accomodations near Road Atlanta, at least there wasn't 10 years ago.
I look forward to the show and meeting everyone.
Bill

MarkM66

01-24-2005, 06:16 AM

I would do what Tony is talking about, but a Road Coarse with a $60K to $100K car, flat out, on the edge? No, sorry. A parking lot and some cones, no problem.
Look, to most people here, these cars a love. Just because many here try to build to pull 3gs and run 200MPH, and won't prove, you cannot look down on them. These are big investments, and dream realizations in most cases. Probably the second, and in some cases the first biggest investment many have. Most cannot afford to destroy them financially or emotionally.
Mark, you are pushing hard. I do not recall what your car is, could you fill me in on the details? Cost? And the last time you had it on a road course in a competition? Maybe you should enter? Surely you are not barking from the peanut gallery with nothing?

What I'm building I'd be willing to take on a road coarse. I'm not saying I'm going to go balls out with it, or risk putting in the wall. But I'll give it a shot. I'd put it to any test that one of these compitions may have. That's what I'm building my "pro-touring" type car to do. As I did my '68 Camaro. I did in fact enter it in the CC RSE, but wasn't chosen. But if I had, I would of drove the piss out of it.

I'm building a '70 Nova. No, I won't have $60k in it. That wouldn't make much sense. I like making money when I sell, not loose. I also don't take my car to someone, and whip out my check-book. I do everything myself. And I can bet you the quality is right up there with what you're doing. Maybe better, maybe worse, I've never seen your work in person.

I'm not looking down on anyone that doesn't want to risk their car on a road coarse. I completly understand, but as far as I'm concerned, this post is for those who are.

I'm really not pushing this hard. As I'm pretty sure it's not going to happen. Anytime soon at least.

ProdigyCustoms

01-24-2005, 06:56 AM

[QUOTE=MarkM66]What I'm building I'd be willing to take on a road coarse. I'm not saying I'm going to go balls out with it, or risk putting in the wall. ]]

QUOTE]

This is what does not make sense, a competition where you do not go balls out to try to win? What does that prove? That is exactly why I am agreeing with the cone idea. I would bet most here would go balls out in a parking lot and prove something, as well as the dragstrip, 0-100-0, etc. It is just impossible to enter a competition and not try to go "balls out" to win. Even if one says they won't go balls out and risk damage or injury, testosterone is a bitch, and before long we are pushing farther then one first had promised ones self. Also, the other reality here is that most people here (myself included) are building cars to power full to be run full out on a road course with the amount of experience we have. For that matter, probably more power then one should run on the dragstrip, but it least it is only straight.
I am all for a call out for a ride and drive, show including engineering points, a autocross event, 0-100-0, maybe a g test, and a dragstrip test.
As far as your car, I am sure it will be beautiful. I always cheer the privateers that do their own stuff.

MarkM66

01-24-2005, 07:16 AM

This is what does not make sense, a competition where you do not go balls out to try to win? What does that prove? That is exactly why I am agreeing with the cone idea.

Maybe I just worded it wrong. What I meant was, I'll drive the car to the best of my ability. That obviously won't be up to par with a pro driver, but it's all I can do. I'd like to think I would know my limitations. If I have to ***** foot a bit, then that's going to hurt my chances, and if a scrape a wall, that would definitally suck.

If it was a compitition, obviously my lack of driving skills could hurt, as compared to a seasoned driver. But that's what a compition like this is to prove. To test the vehicle, the driver, and the builder.

If the compition just had autocross, that's fine, it's better then nothing. I'm game for any type of testing of these cars. I loved reading the CHP 0-100-0, and PT shootout, to bad they're long gone.

Also, the event could be put at a track where contact with a wall could be minimized. I believe the Hotchkis "track days" are like this. Lots of run off room. :camaro:

Steve1968LS2

01-24-2005, 09:18 AM

I would do what Tony is talking about, but a Road Coarse with a $60K to $100K car, flat out, on the edge? No, sorry. A parking lot and some cones, no problem.
Look, to most people here, these cars a love. Just because many here try to build to pull 3gs and run 200MPH, and won't prove, you cannot look down on them. These are big investments, and dream realizations in most cases. Probably the second, and in some cases the first biggest investment many have. Most cannot afford to destroy them financially or emotionally.
Mark, you are pushing hard. I do not recall what your car is, could you fill me in on the details? Cost? And the last time you had it on a road course in a competition? Maybe you should enter? Surely you are not barking from the peanut gallery with nothing?

Take them to Buttonwillow Raceway.. there is nothing there to hit (I know cause I've tried ;)

How about a G-Machine challenge with two classes. A "pro" class for cars like the Mule and such and a sportsman class for us regular joes.

Also, I see your point on the thrashing part. One can not expect someone that spent 10 or 20k on a paint job to beat it death on a roarcourse. That's why my car pisses me off. I wanted a car for the track and it came out too pretty, so what to do? Race it anyways of course! :D

It seems like everyone here is pushing for something akin to Real Street Eliminator but weighted more tword the G-Machine segment, right?

trapin

01-24-2005, 09:49 AM

Oh oh! I'll get some pro street cars to show up actually...Their all too lazy to travel that far.

Pro-Street cars? Don't you mean....Trailer Queens?:smoke:

Protour_Pinto

01-24-2005, 08:24 PM

Theres a lot of good input on this topic. I'm glad to see that there is some intrest.

When I tried to get something like this started when I lived in the Detroit area it was pretty bleek. But that was before the Internet and great mags like Popular Hotrodding. Grassroots motorsports was just getting started and Stoney Creek Metro Park was getting pretty tired of chasing us around the "Loop" at night!

My car will be done in the next couple of years the way things have been going but I am willing to work the event and help out any way I can.