Team Xterra Racing moving to class 3

[XterraRacer]

I am new to this forum, but an old hat in the desert racing scene. I have been running as a 3100 in BITD for the last few years. The time has come to get away from stock parts and get into a plush ride.

As per sponsor deals I am looking to go 7s or 3 with the Xterra. BITD has rules that state you can not run tubular a-arms, so their 7100/3 class won't work. I did go and run the SNORE Midnight special as a 7s and did ok.

Here is my delima; If I do a update with custom arms and new shocks etc. I want to just do it once. I looked at SNORE rules and I can go any width as long as wheel retract into fenders, pivot points open. Then I read on here in a post 2" wider than stock. I take it that is a SCORE rule. I need input from you guys that know. I have all my new shocks, uni-balls and the 4130 plate waiting to go together. I made up all the patterns to go 1" wider as per 7s rulles, but think I should just jump to class 3.

My goal is to be ready and dialed for the 2009 season. I am also trying to decide on what races I will do. I would like to run with some compitition in my class. What races did you guys decide to make the "CUP RACES"? I hail out of Utah so BORE and SNORE are good for me. I don't see myself going to Mexico, unless that is what the series consist of. It would be cool if we could get a class back together for BITD, as I really liked racing that series.

TeamXterraRacing.com

[Blanco]

Then I read on here in a post 2" wider than stock. I take it that is a SCORE rule.
Yeah thats a SCORE rule, 2" per side with a total of 4" over all wider for class 3.

Most race org's run via SCORE rules..

& Welcome to class 3. http://www.thewebwheeler.com/forums/images/smilies/hug.gif

[3amigo]

I have been watching your rig for a while now, and wondering why you don't jump in with class 3. I am just across the valley in Highland building my own class 3 right now. Mine is Isuzu based so there would be a couple of screaming v6's in the class if you join.
My goal is to be at battle at primm in Feb. and then do the Mint400. The Mint is almost gauranteed to be a cup race for 2009, and it looks like there should be pretty good class 3 turn out. I will also be hitting the bore races where I can swing it.

Welcome to class3 you are going to like it here. The wheel base is the most limiting factor in this class. You are only going to go so fast with a 108" WB so I think that is a great equalizing factor.

I think you said over on RDC that you were going to ditch 4WD and that would be a no no for class3. So try and keep it if you can.

The good news is you can now throw that FF 9" axle under your truck and a set of 64" deavers. Your track width can be 2" over per side, but you could run a 6" over a-arm if you moved in the pivots, the sky it the limit.

You can also gut and cut away most of the body. Full fiberglass fenders,hood,rear sides,doors. Think about how much weight you could ditch!

I can tell from your videos that your motor has plenty of power, so I think you are covered there.

Good luck! I saw a pic of your truck on the shelf at DD bolt the other day when I was in buying bolts for mine. Good to see some more locals that speak desert racing, most of my freinds think I'm touched.

[XterraRacer]

Come on guys!!! You are suppose to be convincing me to go class 3 here.

I am still torn between 7s and 3. If I go race a SNORE event right now I get at least a few 7s to run against. Right now I don't see anyone running in class 3. If I go to a BORE race I have to run MINI METAL. BITD has no class for us. SCORE is too expensive!!! So where does this leave me?

What is the final decission on 2009 CUP race schedule? I am game for a mix of some SNORE, BORE and BITD for a 5 or 6 race series. I personally love Baja, but it is truely out of my budget unless I have a sponsor step it up for those events.

[3amigo]

You are going to have to make that choice for yourself.
I doubt you ever would have a shot at winning in 7s. You would be racing against much longer wheelbased vehicles that are always going to have an advantage. I have no doubt that you would have more people in class 7s to race against, but it would be an uphill battle.

Class3 is the natural fit for your truck. You could race against short wheelbase 4wd vehicles that have the same limitations as your truck. You could sit right at the max wheelbase for the class. The Japanese suv's have proven they can win in class3.

Casey is open to bringing class3 back if there are people who will run in it. It got dumped because there wasn't anyone racing in it.

Snore has class3. I bet bore would make a class for us if we wanted them to and we had a few racers show up.

If you get rid of 4wd your done as far as class3 goes. If you keep it and build to 7s specs you could run in either class.

[XterraRacer]

It is a very though spot to be in. I was hoping that I would hear something that was strong enough to sway me one way or the other. I have to decide in the next few days, before I start cutting up my 4130 plate.

My struggles are with these things;
#1 I really need to do a drop spindle for ground clearance of the front X-member. A drop spindle makes for no room for the axle shaft to run through into the hub.

#2 With 4wd I can get a max travel of 12" in the front even with uni-balls.

#3 Nissan front gears sets are not produce yet. Even though I am sponsored by SUPERIOR GEAR and they are working on them right now, but no real date of when they come out?

[chupakabras]

i was reading the score rule book and for class 7s engine displacement max 3000 cc, class 7sx max 4000cc class 7 4500 cc, v6 max
:D:rolleyes::confused:

[XterraRacer]

i was reading the score rule book and for class 7s engine displacement max 3000 cc, class 7sx max 4000cc class 7 4500 cc, v6 max
:D:rolleyes::confused:

I have run one SNORE race as a 7s. I think SNORE rules you can run any production V6 offered. If it is larger than 3.0L it has to stay stock , w/ stock ECU. Hell, I don't know for sure. I called them and told them what I have, they said come on out and run 7s, so I did.

Maybe it is time to get a SCORE rule book!!!

[chupakabras]

I have run one SNORE race as a 7s. I think SNORE rules you can run any production V6 offered. If it is larger than 3.0L it has to stay stock , w/ stock ECU. Hell, I don't know for sure. I called them and told them what I have, they said come on out and run 7s, so I did.

Maybe it is time to get a SCORE rule book!!!

the same for us, ours is a class 3, and we ran the last two races as class 7s, because nobody is racing a class 3 vehicle here,. they prefer class 11 wtf,.
so, we are planning on racing as class 7s the whole 2009 season of CODE,. no more SCORE for us,. well, maybe san felipe,.

[XterraRacer]

I copy/pasted the engine rules for SNORE 7s.

SCR23 Engine and Engine Displacement
Engine must be one delivered in the vehicle by the factory with a
maximum of six cylinders. Any other engine of the same manufacturer/importing
distributor may be used providing:
(1) It retains a maximum of six cylinders as originally produced by the
factory
(2) It retains the same number of camshafts
(5) It retains the same number of valves per cylinder
(6) It does not displace more than 3000cc. Engine must be readily
available to the general public in the USA. Any make of carburetor will
be allowed with a maximum of one venturi per cylinder. Any make or
type of fuel injection allowed
(7) Must have a stock factory part number
No rotary piston engines are allowed in this class
Items with no restrictions include:
(A) Strengthening and balancing
(J) Valve train and camshaft
(K) Pistons
(L) Blueprinting
(M)Oil and water cooling systems dry sumps are allowed. The radiator
must remain in the stock location
(N)Air cleaners
(O)Fuel pumps
(P) Exhaust system
Water and vapor injection not allowed unless originally equipped. Engine must be
located in the stock mounting location as delivered from the factory plus or minus
1”. This will be measured from the center line of the front spindle to the back of
the block

[chupakabras]

the same as score, 3000 cc for 7s, i'm actually reading the score rule book and it says the same,

[XterraRacer]

the same as score, 3000 cc for 7s, i'm actually reading the score rule book and it says the same,

The way I read this is; the 3000cc only applies to any other motor option if you decide to go that way.

Engine must be one delivered in the vehicle by the factory with a
maximum of six cylinders. Any other engine of the same manufacturer/importing
distributor may be used providing:

[3amigo]

Why not go to 35" tires?

You don't have to keep Nissan parts under the front of it. Use something that has gearing options all ready. 12" isn't that bad. The mega bucks FJ that Donahoe built only had 12" in the front, it gave the Moss boys all they could handle. To bad it was a shooting star, I really thought it was going to re-write the class3 mentality.

I understand the lure of custom spindles and long travel. The ifs 4wd systems just don't lend them selves to much modification. Is the x's front suspension a unit-bearing set up or is it a traditional spindle and bearing design? What style of cv joints does it use? Birfield style outer with a dual offset inner?

What ever you do make sure its ready for race season!

I was wondering, what kind of fuel mileage do you get during a race?

[XterraRacer]

I run Goodyears, have since early 90's all sponsored. They do not have a 35" in a 16" rim. I have my supply of factory off-road wheels already. It would cost me $5k to replace them with 17" rims. SEMA is coming up and that is a focus, find a wheel sponsor for 17"s.

The Nissan runs a sealed twin bearing hub assembly. The Titan front end will bolt right into the factory brackets and is way stronger. I would just have to do custom axles. The Nissan also uses CV joints inside and out. If I build someting it will accept the 930 CVs.

I only get 7 to 8 MPG.

[Blanco]

What is the final decission on 2009 CUP race schedule? I am game for a mix of some SNORE, BORE and BITD for a 5 or 6 race series. I personally love Baja, but it is truely out of my budget unless I have a sponsor step it up for those events.
WE have a whole other forum on that topic, I suggest posting there on the topic.

Class 3 had a nice showing at the last MINT400 & I feel very confident it will be bigger this next year. :D

I forget the guy that was in charge of the event but he made sure to mention the return of class 3 & then we had Moss at his acceptance speech that was gracious enough to mention the class 3 cup & as long as we keep doing our part Class 3 will be back!

[chupakabras]

The way I read this is; the 3000cc only applies to any other motor option if you decide to go that way.

Engine must be one delivered in the vehicle by the factory with a
maximum of six cylinders. Any other engine of the same manufacturer/importing
distributor may be used providing:

ok ok, i see your point,., but, but,

this is the definition of class 7s in the score rule book,.
VEHICLES BUILT FROM A 2 WHEEL OF 4 WHEEL DRIVE MINI OR MID-SIZED PICKUP,. ENGINE MAXIMUM SIZE MUST NOT EXCEED 3000CC VEHICLE MUST HAVE BEEN SERIES PRODUCED IN QUANTITIES....

then it says the same as the other rule book.. so under score rules, it not only applies to any other motor option,, but to the stock one too.

[3amigo]

Part Number: GDY750-933-196LT315/75R16, Good Year Wrangler MT/RLoad Range DMax Load 3042Tread Depth 19/32Overall Diameter34.8 InchesRaised White Letters


Sure looks like they have a 35" tire for a 16" rim!

[XterraRacer]

I am talking race tires! You are looking at D.O.T. over the counter tires. They only produce certain sizes with the racing compounds and cases.

[retroblazer]

I am talking race tires! You are looking at D.O.T. over the counter tires. They only produce certain sizes with the racing compounds and cases.

Most of us racing use BFG Baja's that are dot rated

[XterraRacer]

I too have been running DOT tires. We have only had 2 flats in the whole last season. I have been with Goodyear since 1990 and have full product sponsoring deal. We had discussed going to a true race tire when I did the upgrade. Thus why this even came up for discussion.

[retroblazer]

In many respects your truck or the equivalent has already been run in class 3 for years. The Texas based team whose last name begins with an S, Spence's. I think they race another truck in class 7 now.

[straightaxle]

In many respects your truck or the equivalent has already been run in class 3 for years. The Texas based team whose last name begins with an S, Spence's. I think they race another truck in class 7 now.

Don't you mean the Beal's? They raced a Nissan a few years ago, and I believe they still have the truck. They had a class 7, but it was destroyed in the shop in a So Cal wild fire last year. They have a Trophy Truck now, and race it occasionally. They used to race very competitively, but in recent years have come out primarily just for fun, with the entire family taking a turn behind the wheel.

[retroblazer]

Don't you mean the Beal's? They raced a Nissan a few years ago, and I believe they still have the truck. They had a class 7, but it was destroyed in the shop in a So Cal wild fire last year. They have a Trophy Truck now, and race it occasionally. They used to race very competitively, but in recent years have come out primarily just for fun, with the entire family taking a turn behind the wheel.

You are correct. Spencer Beal