Why no Pony cars allowed in NSS?

[fastdiesel]

While we've got the NSS rules "can of worms opened", (and some of there rules committee guys present) I have a couple of questions, just for clarification:

1. We have an El Camino currently running with us, although it's not specifically spelled out in the "acceptable" body types. I'm assuming a Ranchero would be a Fairlane ('67 only, previous models were Falcons) and an El Camino would be a Chevelle (or big car, prior to '64). What do the officials say? Would this be worth including in the rules for clarification, or just leave it like it is?

2. Bolt in front coil over shocks. Several manufacturers make a direct, bolt in replacement. Would seem to fit "the letter of the law", specifically:

3.4 SUSPENSION

FRONT SUSPENSION (NSS classes): Stock front suspension required. Aftermarket direct replacement suspension components including tubular A-arms permitted.

3. Tire size: 10.5W is the max sidewall designation. I run DOT tires currently (so I can compete in other "street legal" races). No one makes a 10.5W, DOT tire, but the 11.50 and 12.50 (NON-W), are all narrower than the 11.2" wide, M/T 10.5W.

I have a set of 11.50 (non-W) that are 1.2" narrower than the approved tire, can I run them? And what about radial sizes???

Thanks for your expert input!

Jimmy Ray

[poppaj]

I know there is at least one El Camino running NSS but I belive it is a 59' or 60'. If the mid 60's Chevelles will work I would think the Camino would be acceptible. But I would verify with Bob, Doug or Mark. As for the Dot tires I thought a couple of cars were running them at the Monster, they looked to be about 10.5 wide?

Attachments:

[Dave Schultz]

TIRES (ALL OTHER NSS CLASSES): Street type or drag slick tires permitted.
Maximum rear tire designation of 10.5Wx31-inch permitted. The front tires are limited to
4.5-inch minimum tread width. Tire tread may not extend outside fenders.

My reading is that if the "Designation" on the tire is stated to be wider than 10.5" -- you're hosed.

• Chevrolet Full Bodied: 1959-64

I assume the 59 el Camino makes it in because it is a "Chevrolet Full Bodied" and model weren't specified.

• Chevrolet Chevelle: 1964 – 1967; 396-454

However, I don't believe the 64-67 el Camino was classified by Chevrolet as a Chevelle. It was it's own model, and specifically sold as a truck in 64-67 -- so my guess is that it isn't legal. But what do I know?

[poppaj]

That is right, the 59'-60' were an Impala front, didn't think about that. I would think a mid 60's Biscayne or Impala would not be to hard to locate for a reasonable price..Then there are no worries.

[beemergary]

I run m/t street radials on my 11.50 pontiac tempest and drive it on the street. 275/50/15 with 10" tread and 11" cross section Mickey Thompsons. Probably one of the best street strip tires out there. Just leave of idle for 1.57- 1.62 60 ft.

[fastdiesel]

275/50/15 .... um.... two hundren seventy five is WAY BIGGER than ten and a half !! They must be illegal!!!!

[beemergary]

Go to specs at summit or jegs. There 295/65r/15 show a 10 in. tread with a 12.4 cross section also.

[Dave Schultz]

www.nssracing.com/nmca-rules/

The rules use to be more clear by giving measurements -- but now just says that the sidewall designation cannot be larger than 10.5W -- with leaves a big question for metric designations

[fastdiesel]

Sept 30, 2010 7:28:54 GMT -5 Dave Schultz said:

www.nssracing.com/nmca-rules/

The rules use to be more clear by giving measurements -- but now just says that the sidewall designation cannot be larger than 10.5W -- with leaves a big question for metric designations

YUP! I'd rather see max size in inches (like it used to be). If the widest tread allowable is an 11.2" wide, M/T 10.5W, then the max (tread with) size should be 11.2 inches (31" tall for NSS, 33" tall for F/X).

Just my 2 cents worth, but I might be looking for some BIG drag radials when I get my car mini tubbed and the frame notched this winter (I hope)!