130 replies to this topic

[DrDomm]

VIR full
Sm 2m 18.035
SM5 2m 15.7 (really it is 2m 13.9 ask me how I know)

Again, my (novice) suggestion was to add some cars to the "class" to increase MX5 participation...not for '99's to have another class to dominate.

Any other ideas how to make the class more attractive?

[Mike Collins]

The class is all ready very attractive. Cost of donors coming down to sub 5k. Fixed parts list to buy. Sealed motors. All the rules anyone ever bitched about in SM have been fixed for SM5.

The lap times quoted about SM5, while accurate, are misleading. While learning the cars we set new track records every event.

[Yosh]

Really? Ok, Watkins Glen is my track of choice...SM5 record is 2:16.9. SM is 2:17.0 for long course (3.4mi). For short course SM5 1:29.1, SM 1:30.5.

I was there that weekend for that Watkins Glen long course SM record - FYI it is a bit of a bogus one, if I recall correctly. I don't think you'll ever see that speed ever again.

[svvs]

OK, I'll bite. I was there too (scary I've been doing this that long now). Wasn't it super cool, and I thought I heard a rumor it was missing an important part.

It probably had a way bigger draft in SM that CW would have had in SM5.

SM5 does look inviting, it really does. Just a bit faster than SM, anti lock brakes, sealed motors......all a plus in my head. I mean spec boxster would probably be fun, but I think if we raced in PCA the way we do in SCCA people would cry.

[DrDomm]

Alright, I'll go back to watching all the COTA bickering.

[Marc Cefalo]

SM5 does look inviting, it really does. Just a bit faster than SM, anti lock brakes, sealed motors......all a plus in my head. I mean spec boxster would probably be fun, but I think if we raced in PCA the way we do in SCCA people would cry.

Its the next step for spec racing and why Planet Miata joining the pool party! Now if we can just get some spare time from building another great 99 for a certain someone on this forum......

Spec boxster??? Looked into it.....HUGE oiling issues when racing the motors, ultra restrictive PCA rules, limited growth and zero support from Porsche. No way.

[DrDomm]

Its the next step for spec racing and why Planet Miata joining the pool party! Now if we can just get some spare time from building another great 99 for a certain someone on this forum......

Maybe that "certain someone" really wants to see SM5 take off so that the next car he has built is an MX5?

[LarryKing]

Move all the 99 and up into SM5 and give us the original SM back please.

Pat, I cannot wait for the day when the NC chassis is eligible for SM and all the NB drivers start bitching that they aren't competitive anymore. Oh yeah, it's happening brother.

In all seriousness I think SM5 will be my next class - may be a couple years in the future.

[Den]

Succotash Miata, perfect answer when asked what the SM stands for!

[trey]

Anybody care to share baseline alignment numbers for an SM5 ?

 

I just picked up an SSB MX5 and converting to T4 , using the SM5 suspension

 

The only difference between my T4 and an SM5 :

- T4 does not have sealed motor

- T4 has to run factory exhaust manifold with primary cat

- T4 can run at 2500# , but I don't think it can get there

- My T4 car is a 5 speed

 

Looks like everything else is SM5 compliant

[AW33COM]

I finally saw the SM5 car in person.  Car looks very attractive, and it sits right.  More, I read the SM5 rules and those are the most competitive plus fair rules I have every seen.   If I had to build a new car I would take a hard look at SM5.   Having said that there is one major problem and no one mentioned it: MINIMUM WEIGHT at 2600. 

 

My car weights 2300, or 2255 in ITA trim.  That is 345 f... pounds more.  That is no longer a go kart with body panels.  At 2600 it touches and outweighs ITR machines.  300 pounds has consequences.  Some of them include: taking fun away of driving a light car, or not being able to show up at SCCA event and run in: this, this, this, and that. 

 

Tough cookie, and I do not know much about the car other than what I see on paper.   I have no idea where the minimum weight comes from, but I have a feeling it does not come from the ballast, and even if we could drop the weight we have another problem of too much power.  Mazda should have build a specific version of the sealed engine where the power would come down in order to "fit" the car better within our racing classes. 

[G.Obadia]

We had to ballast our three cars. Too much power?

 

VIR 2:12.5

[Mike Collins]

2600 is the right weight for the car.  You could probably get it to 2550.  Maybe less but then you would be skimping on stuff.

 

We outrun most ITS/R cars as it is.

[Todd Lamb]

You can argue about the participation numbers, but you can't argue about the package, weight, power etc....it is spot on and the SM5 is a LOT of fun to drive.

[AW33COM]

^ I did not drive it, so I can't tell.  I'm sure it's fun.  The 2600 lbs looks heavy to me as I do feel a 25 lbs difference in my 1.6 car. 

 

We outrun most ITS/R cars as it is.

I believe you as I did the math.  People will complain, but I would add this car to ITR and SM.  It would not be perfect, but it would make the car popular. 

[LarryKing]

Too much power??? Wat you talkin 'bout Willis?

[Jim Drago]

^The 2600 lbs looks heavy to me as I do feel a 25 lbs difference in my 1.6 car.

Your better than me. I can see it in the watch but can't feel it in the car.

[AW33COM]

Your better than me.

I hope so

[Glenn Davis]

Sorry to pull up an old thread, but...

 

Does anybody have a build log for an SM5 from a stock Sport or Grand Touring model?  Would also be nice to be able to compare against a Cup conversion.

 

Thanks

[Mike Collins]

Sorry to pull up an old thread, but...

 

Does anybody have a build log for an SM5 from a stock Sport or Grand Touring model?  Would also be nice to be able to compare against a Cup conversion.

 

Thanks

My cup conversion was $25,000

 

I'm building a new one now, over the winter.  Just got a great donor for a great price (Thanks Drago).  The build will be under 20k (not by much)...