ELEGIBLE CLASS 3 VEHICLES by MANUFACTURER [Archive]

fj40

03-12-2007, 05:46 PM

Lets say i´m new to the sport and this site, interested in building a class 3 racer, what trucks or SUV´s are out there that can be modify to race in this class, not counting how much $$effort$$ is needed?
I´m doing this on memory, so fell free to add or correct.....
here it goes:
Note: Videos are for reference only.......
IHC
Scout

AMC
Eagle ===> Only the 81-83 SX/4 liftback & kammback models... wheelbase: 97.6" (this is and interesting project)
YouTube- 1983 Eagle SX4 Back-Yard Action

FORD
All Broncos late and early
YouTube- SCORE Class 3 '07 Baja 1000 Moss Bros

Bronco II
YouTube- Broadcast Yourself.

Explorer Sport
YouTube- ROSARITO 200 PRE-RUN
scape

GM
All K5 Blazers
YouTube- Jason jumping his k5 blazer

S10 Blazer
YouTube- S10 Blazer Jump

H3
YouTube- hummer h3
T10

DODGE
Ramcharger
Raider
Nitro

JEEP
All CJ´s, Wranglers, etc.
Grand Cherokee
Cherokee
Liberty

TOYOTA
All FJ40´s and FJ45´s
Some FJ60
Some FJ70 (Prado aka as Landcruiser II)
4 Runner
Rav4
FJ Cruiser
YouTube- Nitto Tire, KC highlites FJ Cruiser

NISSAN
Pathfinder
Xterra
Patrol Safari

MITSUBISHI
Montero Sport
Outlander

MAZDA
Navajo

ISUZU
Trooper
Amigo
V-Cross
YouTube- Isuzu Vehicross, Mini Rally Clip.

SUZUKI
Samurai
Sidekick

HONDA
Passport
Pilot
Some CR-V´s

KIA
Sportage
Sorento

OTHERS
Land Rover
Mercedes G class
Saturn VUE

Many more coming soon...

retroblazer

03-15-2007, 03:21 PM

I'm assuming you're using a 108" wheelbase standard. A couple of these trucks seemed a little long.

DesertRat

03-15-2007, 10:15 PM

Not sure about the wheelbase,but i would absolutely love to see a Izuzu Trooper or Amigo class 3....And yes they very much can be capable with some attention to detail!:D

fj40

03-16-2007, 01:51 AM

Yes, I´m cheking the the spec sheets, some are at the very edge of the 108".

Anderson Offroad

03-20-2007, 05:15 PM

Not sure about the wheelbase,but i would absolutely love to see a Izuzu Trooper or Amigo class 3....And yes they very much can be capable with some attention to detail!:D

Amigo Wins Baja 500; Isuzu Amigo Prepped for Stock Mini-SUV Takes Class 3 Win
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_1999_June_17/ai_54917965

fj40

03-21-2007, 12:20 AM

Great find on that article, thanks.

jonnyslick

04-17-2007, 10:43 AM

Great find! Ramcharger! I forgot about that one!

3amigo

04-19-2007, 06:19 PM

Hello, first post on this board.
Good list. I was a little surprised to find Isuzu listed. They often get overlooked. I have been building isuzus for years now, mostly rock crawling rigs. I usually cut out the IFS and hang a solid axle in there.
I am busy building an amigo for the desert. I have stayed mostly within the class3 rules, but I just couldnt keep the t-bars. I went with coil overs.
I know Bob Land raced isuzu's for a while, I think he runs in 7 now.
Any way great site. I will be poking around.

fj40

04-19-2007, 08:31 PM

Wellcome 3amigo, my gess is you read the entry about the amigo wining the baja 500 a few post up, it shows that class 3 is not only about broncos and blazers, anyway, let see some pics of your builds.

3amigo

04-21-2007, 08:04 PM

Blanco

04-21-2007, 09:46 PM

You guys have half convinced me to look back into t-bar springing. I wonder if I could get SAW to make me some bars thick enough to spring my longer A-arms?

http://www.thewebwheeler.com/forums/images/smilies/awesome_dude.gif

retroblazer

04-22-2007, 09:32 AM

Thanks for the welcome. The amigo is spread all over my shop right now. I am having major problems with my shock supplier. Seems like they think 3 months is a reasonable amount of time to take to deliver:mad:
You guys have half convinced me to look back into t-bar springing. I wonder if I could get SAW to make me some bars thick enough to spring my longer A-arms? That is unless Mr. Savage would consider a rule change, but that could turn into Pandoras box.
I havent been taking pics of the build, but as things progress I'll try and get a few.

Call him and ask if you can run coil-overs. Remember, a torsion bar is nothing but a coil spring straightened. There are more than a few people that have been working on him to open the front springs. Tell him you're staying with the original concept of the suspension, but it is much more practical to use a coil-over. Having custom made torsion bars is expensive and if you don't get it right on the first try, then you have to repeat the process again. You have nothing to lose by asking.

3amigo

04-23-2007, 09:11 AM

It looks like SAW custom bars are aroung a $1000 per set, which means I won't be going that way. I will have to throw myself on Mr. Savages mercy.
I know that there are some who would love to see some rule changes, mostly the chevy guys and the t-bar guys, and some who don't, mostly the TTB guys.
I would like to hear from the guys who are racing. Would you be against allowing someone like myself to run with front coil overs? It wouldn't be any fun for me to run in 3 if most people thought I was cheating, even if Savage allowed it.

retroblazer

04-23-2007, 10:26 AM

If Savage says yes, then by all means, do it. Almost without exception the Ford guys run coil-overs, their trucks didn't come with them. Sure, they had coil springs in a separate bucket or mount, but they were not true coil-overs. Of the trucks competing now, only the FJ's come from the factory with them.

retroblazer

04-23-2007, 10:28 AM

If you talk to Savage, tell him how much is costs to buy custom t-bars. By the way, that's still cheaper than what I pay for custom leafs for the front of my Blazer.

tsm1mt

04-23-2007, 04:48 PM

Lets say i´m new to the sport and this site, interested in building a class 3 racer, what trucks or SUV´s are out there that can be modify to race in this class, not counting how much $$efort$$ is needed?
I´m doing this on memory, so fell free to add or correct.....
here it goes:

AMC
Scout
Eagle ===> Only the 81-83 SX/4 liftback & kammback models... wheelbase: 97.6" (this is and interesting proyect)
Many more coming soon...

Now wait just a minute.. AMC never built the Scout.. International Harvester did. :D

..and they have a couple of Baja wins to their credit from back in the day (~1977-79).

(edit: 1977 Jerry Boone of Parker won Class 3 in the Baja 1000. Sherman Balch took the Mil in 78, and the Mint 400, and in '82 the 250, 500, 1000, Mint 400, and Parker 400)

You'll need the "SWB" standard model, at 100". Engine options range from a 4cyl to the AMC 232 and AMC 258 6cyl, IH's 304/345 (392 was never offered in the Scout), or a Nissan diesel.

Haven't checked the rules, but IH also used the AMC 401 in the bigger trucks (Travelall wagon & full size pickup) and called it the "V-400".. could you run the 401 and be class legal? Or the 392?

It's particularly fun when a class rule specs out "grille must match engine mfg".. but I could have an IH Scout with an IH, an AMC, or Nissan engine in it.. :D

What's the WB on the Nissan Patrol?

Blanco

04-23-2007, 09:01 PM

Yeah I agree with Chris... Ask Savage... If you get him while in a good mood you might get lucky. http://www.thewebwheeler.com/forums/images/smilies/shrug.gif

fj40

04-23-2007, 10:33 PM

It's particularly fun when a class rule specs out "grille must match engine mfg".. but I could have an IH Scout with an IH, an AMC, or Nissan engine in it.. :D

What's the WB on the Nissan Patrol?

Good observation, the rules state "as offered by manufacturer for that particular year/chasis"... sow if any of those engines came whit the IHC Scout, then is possible.

The wheelbase in the Nissan Patrol Safari is 94.5", I will add that to the list.
Check the attach file to see this short wheel base beauty.

tsm1mt

04-24-2007, 09:09 AM

Good observation, the rules state "as ofered by manufacter for that particular year/chasis"... sow if any of those engines came whit the IHC Scout, then is posible.

In that case, isn't Don & Ken's Bronco illegal? I thought I read (was it the Bronco Driver magazine article?) that they're running a 351W.

Shouldn't a '78 or '79 Bronco have a 351M or 400M? A Cleveland would be closer to correct than a Windsor. :D

The wheelbase in the Nissan Patrol Safari is 94.5", I will add that to the list.
Check the attach file to see this short wheel base beutty.

I think it's kinda fun to race something unusual. Not always the most competitive, or cost effective, but fun - and you stand out.

I bet there isn't a Patrol racing in the States in any significant sanctioning body. Should would set off from the crowd.

tsm1mt

04-24-2007, 09:24 AM

Speaking of odd-ducks.. I present the Lada Niva (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Niva).

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/58/Ladaniva.jpg/250px-Ladaniva.jpg

Factory equipped with coils all around, IFS front, 5-link rear.

Engine department is a little lacking, though.

I think there's also a Unimog with a short enough wheelbase, but they always use those tuned-up but tiny gassers and they're geared like a tractor.

retroblazer

04-24-2007, 02:05 PM

In that case, isn't Don & Ken's Bronco illegal? I thought I read (was it the Bronco Driver magazine article?) that they're running a 351W.

Shouldn't a '78 or '79 Bronco have a 351M or 400M? A Cleveland would be closer to correct than a Windsor. :D

I think it's kinda fun to race something unusual. Not always the most competitive, or cost effective, but fun - and you stand out.

I bet there isn't a Patrol racing in the States in any significant sanctioning body. Should would set off from the crowd.

No, their motor is not illegal. The engine was offered in later model Broncos. The beauty of this class is that it allows the freedom to update or backdate, as long as it was available in that model. The could even put a big-block in if they so chose.

A Nissan patrol is a cool truck, but anything under a 100" doesn't stand a chance.

tsm1mt

04-24-2007, 02:37 PM

No, their motor is not illegal. The engine was offered in later model Broncos. The beauty of this class is that it allows the freedom to update or backdate, as long as it was available in that model. The could even put a big-block in if they so chose.

So if GM had gone on calling the fullsize SUV "Blazer" instead of "Tahoe" you could run a 5.3? Maybe the aluminum LS motor used in some Escalades (Cadillac version of a Blazer)?

A Jeep Cherokee (old fullsize or XJ variety) can take their pick of a 304, 360, 401 V8s, or the 2.5L, 2.8L, 2.1L (diesel), 4.0, 2.5L (diesel), the 5.2L, or the 5.9L V8s?

Time to go pull a 401 from an AMX and cram it into a unibody XJ..

retroblazer

04-24-2007, 03:04 PM

So if GM had gone on calling the fullsize SUV "Blazer" instead of "Tahoe" you could run a 5.3? Maybe the aluminum LS motor used in some Escalades (Cadillac version of a Blazer)?

A Jeep Cherokee (old fullsize or XJ variety) can take their pick of a 304, 360, 401 V8s, or the 2.5L, 2.8L, 2.1L (diesel), 4.0, 2.5L (diesel), the 5.2L, or the 5.9L V8s?

Time to go pull a 401 from an AMX and cram it into a unibody XJ..

Yes, this is correct. No aluminum blocks are allowed, however. Truthfully, I have no need for additional motor.

Blanco

04-24-2007, 03:05 PM

Yes, this is correct. No aluminum blocks are allowed,

Yet aluminum heads are fine. :cool:

jonnyslick

04-24-2007, 04:54 PM

Aluminum blocks are allowed if that is what came stock ... the only thing that is limited is the number of cylinders, the manufacture of the engine, and the material of the block. Bore and stroke (and therefore displacement) are not an issue. Since full size bronco's had V8's in them ... you can use any Ford V8 as long as it is of the same material as the original block (ie: iron). But you couldn't say run a Triton V10 in the truck since they never offered a V10 in the Bronco (that I'm aware of).

etc, etc

jonnyslick

04-24-2007, 04:57 PM

Also ... for a Class 3 to be SCORE legal (according to the rulebook not real life) it is supposed to be a 4x4 vehicle generally available to the public in the quanitiy of a minimum of 5,000 produced in a 12 month time frame.

fj40

04-24-2007, 08:09 PM

We didin´t get it at first also.... the "YEAR / CHASIS" dilema.

Anderson Offroad

05-12-2007, 08:24 AM

straightaxle

05-12-2007, 09:02 AM

So my qestion is. My 1990 BroncoII has a FI 2.9L V6. Can i move to a FI 4.0L V6 from an 1991 Explorer. The 4.0 was never offered in a BroncoII.

As I understand the rules, it would be OK to use the 4.0. Just a bored and stroked 2.9 anyway. Being the owner of a BII, even if you had a V10, you are starting out with such a handicap with that wheelbase. Chupacabras raced one, and they stepped up to a longer wheelbase as soon as they had a chance.

jonnyslick

05-12-2007, 09:06 AM

So my qestion is. My 1990 BroncoII has a FI 2.9L V6. Can i move to a FI 4.0L V6 from an 1991 Explorer. The 4.0 was never offered in a BroncoII.

both are V6's right? both are Ford right? are the block materials the same?

the way *I* read the rule book there shouldn't be a problem with it since the main concern is a) block manufacture b) number of cylinders and c) block material. as long as the material of the blocks are the same, shouldn't be an issue at all. but always call tech on questions like that. they'll give you the CORRECT answer.

Anderson Offroad

05-14-2007, 07:45 PM

Chris Anderson wrote:
Hello,
I am looking to run a 1990 Ford BroncoII in the 1000. It has a FI 2.9L V6 Stock. When I read the rules it says "any displacement engine may be used as long as the original block casting remains the same." I wanted to move up to a FI 4.0L V6 from a 90 Ford Explorer, but I know that the cast used to make the block are not the same. So I am asking for a clarification in the term "original block casting". Does it mean that the 2 engines have to have the same block casting, or that the engine used must have its original block.
Christopher M. Anderson

From: Bill Savage
Sent: Mon May 14, 2007 7:49am
To: Chris Anderson
Subject: Re: Engine Question Class 3
What class

Chris Anderson wrote:
Sorry, Class 3
Thank You

From: Bill Savage

Chris,
Yes you can do that. It has to be a stock block and material ie cast iron.
Bill

retroblazer

05-14-2007, 08:16 PM

Don't do it. If you haven't started on this truck, don't. There are much better Ford platforms to work with. If you want something you can race in PA, build a Jeep. My engine builder is from State College and races in the Seven Miler. I've co-driven with him in his Jeep. A Bronco II is a bad idea. You'd be much better off building a second gen Bronco like Mosses. A Bronco II is too short and too narrow. Sorry to rain on your parade, but you'll have a whole hell of lot more fun in something else and have a much better chance of finishing.

fj40

05-14-2007, 11:20 PM

if you dont want to go "full size", Get a Ford Explorer Sport, its longer, wider, easy to find & already has a 4.0 V6 on it.
Mis 2 pesos.....

Rocketman

05-18-2007, 12:14 PM

how about a lamborgini lm002???wheel base 115" is too long right?

Moss2

05-18-2007, 12:31 PM

how about a lamborgini lm002???wheel base 115" is too long right?

Right.. Find some of those in a junkyard did ya?? There is also something in the rules about having to been available for sale in the US and more than 500 units sold.

Rocketman

05-18-2007, 02:41 PM

Right.. Find some of those in a junkyard did ya?? There is also something in the rules about having to been available for sale in the US and more than 500 units sold.

I've driven one and thought it be a cool prerunner with many mods....
i'm still looking but when i find that one thats been crashed !!!!!! its mine...as for the # units is that total produced or / year....?

fj40

05-18-2007, 03:04 PM

I posted something about the LMS002, if I remember correctly, there where about 300 of them ever made, so even if it had the 108" wheelbase, could not be class 3 legal.
But you are Right about it making a cool prerunner do.:)

fj40

07-31-2007, 12:26 AM

Just added some video links to the list.
Sorry, I only find a few of the actual race trucks..... will look somewhere else.

81eagle

10-31-2007, 08:25 AM

I'm glad the Eagle was mentioned. I have several of the 2dr SX/4 models and have built a straight axled crawler out of one. I have been wanting to do BAJA rig, but I didn't know what class it would fall in if any at all. I'm so glad I found this site.

Building offroad rigs is nothing new to me as I own and operate a shop called Evolution 4x4 in Casper Wyoming. But building a competition vehicle for a series I'm unfamiliar with presents some different challenges. I read the requirements but I still have some ????

Such as:

What exactly can I do to suspension as far as mods are concerned? As i've read nitro bumpstops are not allowed. But what about lift? The suspension design is an a-arm upper with a lower control arm that uses a strut rod for traingulation and caster adjustment. Can I build custom: tubular upper arms, relocate the lower arms lower, etc. Nobody manufactures a lift for these so can I basically build by own?

Can I modify shock mounts to use something a little more suited for punishment than an off the shelf Auto Zone shock?

Those cars never came from the factory with 4-low, not that you probably need it, but I can swap NP129 for the NP229 which has low range right?

I didn't see any mention of a cage, but one must be necessary correct!?

Do engines have to be naturally aspirated?

I could go on and on but that's enough for now. Thanks for any assistance and help. Here are a few links to show I'm not full of S.

http://www.evolution4x4.net/

My assortment of Eagles
YouTube - Amc Eagle
YouTube - Truck Pull
YouTube - AMC Eagle Offroad

11wnb

10-31-2007, 09:41 AM

Cool cars! I really like the green one with the exo-cage.

Blanco

10-31-2007, 01:48 PM

http://www.thewebwheeler.com/forums/images/smilies/awesome_dude.gif
1st time I've seen one done up like that.

I like the clip of it in its stock form the best.

& I've been posting the Class 3 rules somewhere on this site.

I'd really recommend getting a rule book & then you'll have the answers..
I think it would be AWSOME to see a Class 3 Eagle. :cool:

81eagle

10-31-2007, 02:19 PM

fj40

10-31-2007, 04:21 PM

I sent off for the score rule book today. I'm glad you dig the cars. The black one is actually the most fun to wheel because, it does things it should in no way be able to do, it really pisses of the purist Jeepers, and I love that!
Awesome!!! Another thinking outside the norm... I like it.
Most of your questions will be answered once you get the rule book, just in case, some "vague" rules have been discussed in this site to find a middle ground of the idea behind the rule.
Welcome to C3R, enjoy your stay.

Blanco

10-31-2007, 05:35 PM

I sent off for the score rule book today. I'm glad you dig the cars. The black one is actually the most fun to wheel because, it does things it should in no way be able to do, it really pisses of the purist Jeepers, and I love that!
I completely understand.

I like to Mud whomp my Sammy & its always a blast to show the big dogs what my little Sammy can do.

A friend of mine even told me that one day while standing on the sides & taking Pics he could here the BIG DAWGs getting mad how my little Sammy was showing them up. :D

I mean these guys have 44 inch tires & dana 60's etc etc...
& my Sammy walks right by where they get stuck! http://www.thewebwheeler.com/forums/images/smilies/14.gif

Chasespeed

10-31-2007, 06:37 PM

I sent off for the score rule book today. I'm glad you dig the cars. The black one is actually the most fun to wheel because, it does things it should in no way be able to do, it really pisses of the purist Jeepers, and I love that!

Funny, cuz, I do the same thing with my rodeo, and before that, my old Trooper...

Cool looking toys though.. .my fav, the yellow one...

Chase