GH Performance Parts LSX All Motor
The All Motor rules are perhaps the most straightforward of all the heads-up classes. Only GM vehicles with a GM-manufactured LS-based block would be allowed to go head to head on a .400 Pro Tree. Any OEM or OEM "style" head is permitted, however canted valve heads are also allowed with a 50-pound weight penalty. Dry sump oiling, aftermarket EFI, and any single 4-barrel carb along with any intake manifold could be run; though production OEM manifolds carry a 50-pound weight break. The rules were perhaps the most liberal in terms of transmissions, except to say that any OEMstyle automatic or manual would do. Clutch-activated autos (such as a Clutch-flite) were a no-no, but transbrakes, line locks, and two-step rev limiters were all in. Only stockstyle suspensions with exception to tubular K-members, coilovers, and wheelie bars, make the cut. Ladder bars, though unlikely on any F-body or C5, carried a 50-pound penalty. Mini-tubs and notched framerails were also OK, though with a maximum tire size of 28.6x10.6-inches, it would most likely be unnecessary. Skinnies no smaller than 4.5-inches in width could be used, and electronic driving aids, throttle stops, or delays couldn't be.
In short, it's all about the driver. Without being able to crank up the boost or hit another stage of nitrous, there is little hope of running down your opponent at half-track if you fall asleep at the tree. At the LSX Shootout, even a big-cube LSX or C5R block wouldn't net too large an advantage, as the rules stipulate an allotted minimum weight based on displacement. Most of the heavy hitters, including the School of Automotive Machinists' and Six Speeds Inc.'s Camaros, would be carrying between 3,300 and 3,400 pounds with driver. Properly secured ballast along with the required carpet, headliner, passenger seat, and OEM appearing dash, as well as the NHRA-spec cage, easily make up that hefty weight. In addition, only the hood, bumpers, and rear hatch could be changed from factory. Even still, most competitors opted for larger cubes rather than lighter weight. And with two grand and an LS7 crate engine for the winner, and a grand for second place up for grabs, can you blame em? Out of the six competitors this year, Steve Hopkins was the only one sporting less than 427 cubes. His iron-block 402 was originally built as a nitrous car, but he thought he'd be more competitive in All Motor with a best of 9.80 at 140 mph rather than 8.90s on spray. The Bartlett, Tennessee native's '98 Z28 runs ported LQ9 heads, a Powerglide, carbon-fiber driveshaft, and 9-inch rear with a 4.86 gear. While still working out the bugs, Hopkins hit 9.97 at 134 mph in qualifying.
 Between rounds, the cars were...  Between rounds, the cars were lined up in front of the grandstands to make sure that no funny business could go on in the pits. Also, the cars were to run in the same order from the prior round, ensuring everyone received the exact same cool-down period. |  Probably the most visually...  Probably the most visually striking of all entries was the metallic blue Trans Am of Mike Brown (Ohio Boys Racing), whose ERLequipped LS1 was built by Wheel to Wheel Powertrain. This 427 was equipped with an LS7 crank and dry sump system, as well as a single 101mm turbocharger-all backed by a 4L80E tranny. Indeed, this overall winner of True Street did it all with the stock 16s on the front, and it was truly eerie to see this car with headlights popped up, (relatively) quietly cruising the pits at night! Brown went as quick as an 8.36 on his way to a blistering 8.64-second 3-run average. |  After putting the '01 Camaro...  After putting the '01 Camaro on the bumper Thursday night, traction didn't seem to be an issue for Joe Huneycutt. The Six Speeds Inc.-built T56 and big-bore/small-stroke LSX combo helped him set a new best e.t. in qualifying of 9.14 at 145, also a new record for six-speed F-bodies. This made him one of the favorites to win All Motor, but a broken rod prior to eliminations wiped out his chances of taking home two grand, an LS7, and the bragging rights. |