SCCA T1 Viper versus Corvette Comparison

[David Pintaric]

From Scotty B White, world famous SCCA Corvette racer from the state of Washington:

Just thought I'd do a little math for y'all to ponder...
The Z06 T1 spec front tire is 20mm wider than allowed on the Viper, OTOH the rear tire spec for the Viper is 20mm wider than the Corvette

Viper -v- Z06
Tire contact patch = WASH

The inlet Restrictors used on the Viper in T1 makes -0- difference in power below 5500rpm which is the correct shift point for a Viper in T1 trim with or without restrictors

Viper -v- Z06
Restrictors = Advantage Z06 0.0%

As for brakes, the Viper actually has a much better caliper design than the antiquated sliding clamshell caliper of the Corvette. The Viper calipers hold more than twice as much fluid and are a true race type 4 piston caliper made by Brembo whereas the Corvette caliper is basicly the same thing the Mustang uses and the Corvette has used since 1984. The ABS might be more sophisticated on the Corvette but I believe the Viper has a 4 channel system the same as the Corvette?

Viper -v- Z06
Brakes = Advantage Viper 0.0%

The Viper has a 39% that's Thirty NINE Percent larger displacement than the Corvette

Viper -v- Z06
Engine size = Advantage Viper 39%

The Viper has 13.5% more horsepower than the Corvette stock

Viper -v- Z06
Horsepower = Advantage Viper 13.5%

The Viper has 22.5% more torque than the Corvette

Viper -v- Z06
Torque = Advantage Viper 22.5%

Now given that the above numbers all represent stock off the showroom cars and given that the Viper has a 39% larger motor than the Corvette which motor do you think gains the most when blueprinted...?

Viper -v- Z06
Gains form blueprint = Advantage Viper ??%

In T1 the Viper has to weigh a whopping 9% that's NINE PERCENT more than the Corvette

Viper -v- Z06
Race weight = Advantage Z06 9%

Now which car should have the advantage given the above Facts & Data...?

Gets interesting when you see it on paper don't it...?

sbw

[timz06]

Well checking one of the t1 races in may a viper ran a 2:16xx.
http://www.ncrscca.com/Pdf/2003%20Re...10/G7r_sun.pdf

The fact that i am a novice and ran a 2:17.4 on street tires tells you that the viper is not that great.

tim

[David Pintaric]

Funny thing about SCCA racing: for every driver there is a different approach. Some just get points to qualify for the Run-Offs so they just put around, others want to run as hard as you can all the time. Also, the driver's ability has alot to do with it. I currently am slow as a slug, but will get better with more seat time. The Vipe needs an experienced driver, finding the edge with that car takes alot more than our Vettes.

[Subdriver]

Although I have not been on the track with a Viper yet, I have seen two SCCA races with Vipers and Vettes.
From my limited perspective, it seems the Viper has an edge on tracks with long straights. The two races I saw had fairly long straights (Memphis and Roebling Road). The Vipers led both races until a crash and a failed power steering pump knocked them out.
And as David said, there is a huge variance in the SCCA drivers. Even in the link posted above, there is a T1 Vette at 2:09 and another one at 2:17, slower than the Viper's 2:16. Very hard to draw conclusions from this.
Bobby Archer in his Viper has lost to Heinricy in the Vette in the SCCA National runoffs several times, but at a track that may have favored the Vette. This year the runoffs track configuration is different - they took out a chicane, making one straight longer. It will be interesting to see if that is enough of a change to give the Viper the T1 championship this year.
I hope to have a front row seat!