from mods to late models

[shocks]

We recently sold out our modified outfit to start into late models. The series we are going to run is a spec motor series that involves motors that max out in the 575 hp range.

Going from 750+ hp on 8" tires to the 575 range on D55's will obviously be a much different ball game for us.

We picked up an 02 grt car that has been updated within the last season. My main question is, with the limited horsepower that we'll be producing, what changes from the baseline setups on GRT's website should we be most concerned with?

And, for those who have went from mods to late models, or that still run both, what would you consider to be the biggest differences in setups and driving characteristics of the two classes? (yes I understand that is a loaded question that could require a month or more to explain, but i'm asking about generalizations moreso than detailed analysis). We've had several of the late model guys tell us that with as competitive as we were in the modified, we'll have no trouble being competitive in the late model, but from a setup perspective the late model seems to be a bit more intimidating.

Anyone care to give their opinions?

[billetbirdcage]

Most of the difference is in the speeds, less time to react and make decisions in a LM (usually about a second faster a lap or more). Also entry speed will usually be alot higher then a mod (may not be your case with the limited HP).

You'll be fine, just some slight adjustments but nothing major.

[shocks]

I had actually compared lap times with the LM's from the series we will be running when we were at the same tracks as they were throughout the season. They were between 9 tenths and 1.2 seconds faster than us on everything except the stop and go, "drag race" type tracks.

If I can ever get ahold of anyone at GRT except for their freakin voice mail...lol I'll see what variations from the baselines on their webpage that they recomend for the limited hp that we'll be dealing with.

Thanks for the input

[GPhillips]

Speaking from experience, one of the teams I worked with used an all aluminum engine and a steel limited engine as a back up one year. I think you may have to stiffen the front springs a litltle if you are running an all steel engine. The other thing I think you might need to do is free the car up some because you will not have the power to turn the car with the throttle like you can with 750+ HP. Other than that I think GRTs baseline should be close.

The big thing is to find what makes your driver comfortable and the speed will come.

[shocks]

our engines have to been steel block, crank, and rods, but run brodix aluminum, spec. heads.

I'm definitely looking forward to the new challenge. Hopefully we'll learn a lot and have a good first season

Thanks again for the input

[FlatTire]

We recently sold out our modified outfit to start into late models. The series we are going to run is a spec motor series that involves motors that max out in the 575 hp range.

Going from 750+ hp on 8" tires to the 575 range on D55's will obviously be a much different ball game for us.

We picked up an 02 grt car that has been updated within the last season. My main question is, with the limited horsepower that we'll be producing, what changes from the baseline setups on GRT's website should we be most concerned with?

And, for those who have went from mods to late models, or that still run both, what would you consider to be the biggest differences in setups and driving characteristics of the two classes?

Anyone care to give their opinions?

2005 was my first year in a Supr spec latemodel and before that it was YMCA mod stuff. I've really enjoyed the latemodel. They are a blast to drive, just because you can go so much harder.

The biggest difference I've found between driving the two types of cars is with the latemodel you really have to get after it to make the suspension work for you. If you drive a mod that hard, most times you'll spin/get loose.

Seems with the modified we were always trying to get hooked up. With the latemodel you manipulate the handling on the other end of the spectrum. Seems it's always hooked up it and doesn't want to turn. I've found that the latemodel is very responsive to small setup changes vs. the modified. I would imagine it has a lot to do with tires. Good luck.

[billetbirdcage]

YMCA mod stuff.


Is that a sactioning body by the VILLAGE PEOPLE? :shock: :? :-D

[speedy79]

The biggest thing for me when I went to late models from mods was being smoother, while driving harder. I had only run a little with the four bar stuff in a mod, mostly ran two link stuff, so I was still used to being smooth while finessing the car and man handling it in the tacky. The thing that I am just getting used to now after three seasons in a late model is how hard you still drive the car even in the slick compared to what we used to do with the mods. I will be running a mod and a late model this year, so it should be interesting comparing the "new" mod technology with the feel of the late model.

[shocks]

I guess we're going to try to hit a couple of races this season before things come to a close. I'm going to get the extra stuff off of the car and get it back to the baselines on GRT's page except for the front springs, which I'll up the rate on a bit.

We'll give it a run and see where we're at. Having been on different varieties of 4 link mods, I think we'll be able to make headway fairly quick since I have a good knowledge of what changes yield what results. The thing to figure out (as you guys have said) is how much of each change to make.

here's hoping...:D

[JHobbs26]

4 years ago I went from a mod to an open ruled late model. I was using my 600 hp modified motor against alum motors so I wasn't very competitive, but what little seat time I managed to get the biggest thing I noticed was how much harder you have to drive. I didn't give the LM much chance, only ran about 6 or 7 races then sold it and bought a Sprint Car. I've been racing Sprints for the last 2 years (rookie of the year, 2005 & season points champ 2006) but am going back to modifieds in 2007 :shock:

[Toywagon]

Hey Mr Hobbs!

Congrats on that 2006 Title. I watched you win that from the back stretch wall! A minimum of 5 times I just knew you were flying off the end of turns 1 and 2 that last race. Hope your enjoying that new trailer!!

Looking foward to seeing you back in a Modified!
Jim

[JHobbs26]

Thanks, Jim, I had my car way too tight and making it though 1 & 2 was tough, plus I pulled all my tearoffs off on lap 5 so I wanted to run as much of a different line than the leader as I could to keep some vision. Nothing more fun than 15 laps without lifting off the loud pedal :)

I'm driving the 77 car (Mike Jarvis) this weekend! It's going to be fun :shock: