Nasa racers, I have question on car difference between H1 and GTS3.

How much difference between the top ranked drivers of H1 vs GTS3 class?

Since most GTS3 class racers use mostly stock m3 motor, and H1 class uses hybrid setup, the cost to run in H1 is a bit higher than GTS3 right?

 

Not sure how many Honda guys are going to be familiar with the GTS3 rules. The Porsche/BMW types usually pit as far from us as they can...

The lap-time comparisons from the NASA nationals in both classes might be more helpful than we are.

 

Figure the "hybrid" setup for an H1 car will be about 10k for the motor. That is with paying some one else to do everything.

 

To tell you the truth, I don't think the costs would be that much different between the two classes.
The repair costs on an H1 car are SOOO much cheaper than the GTS3 car depending on what you choose to race.
Consumables will be cheaper on the H1 car though.
Motor wise, I bet engines would be roughly the same price to replace if not giving the edge to the H1 engine being cheaper.
Racing at any top level is gonna be expensive though and you can spend as much money as you want on anything you want.

 

It looks like laptimes are fairly similar, given the highest levels of preparation as a comparison. Within a few tenths, with H1 cars looking to get the nod at some tracks, GTS3 at others. Kinda surprises me, as I thought the GT cars were significantly faster.

VIR Full:
H1 - 2:11.5 (been lowered, but not officially I think)
GTS3 - 2:09.2

VIR North:
H1 - 1:40.1
GTS3 - 1:40.5

Summit Point Main:
H1 - 1:21.9
GTS3 - 1:21.5

CMP:
H1 - 1:46.1
GTS3 - 1:46.3

 

I agree. German cars don't have to be expensive, but they will get expensive fast if you don't know how to work on them yourself, or you aren't familiar enough with the parts and end up buying overpriced stuff you don't need (there's a ton of it out there). I spent around $800 on parts to get my 944 running really good, but if I knew then what I know now, it could have been closer to half that. So, I'd expect it to be easier to race a H1 car on a budget than a GTS3 car.

 

Thanks everyone for these good info.

Would you guys build a car to race in a class where your friends are? Or the fun factor doesn't change even just going racing yourself?

 

You should race where there is competition, whether it's with your friends or not. If you're racing as the only guy in your class, that would probably feel pretty lame.

 

Build an H2 car!
That is the class between the two you are talking about that you want to build for.
The overall build will be much cheaper and the cost difference between and H2 can and a GTS 3 car won't even compare. You'll be way ahead of the game with the H2 car and the is competition is growing around the country in that class.

 

what is a quick break down of the rules for H2? say my gsr for example, more on the motor/trans side? i have done a couple track days, and have been thinking about what i am going to do when my motocross days are over.. thanks

 

The gsr will make a great H2 car, the motor is required to be internally stock but is allowed a blox or skunk intake manifold along with a 62mmTB, they make good power and are capable of running up front at nationals.

 

Depends on what car youre using for H1. Also, GTS3 M3s do NOT have stock motors. Most have at least cams and put out quite a bit more power than stock. A built to the limit GTS car can be pretty infinitely expensive as there really are NO rules. No rules on engine, no rules on suspension, transmission, diff, etc etc. It's weight/HP. In HC, youre limited in cost somewhat by rule restrictions.

But yes, race and build a car for where there is competition. GTS2 and GTS3 are pretty big in MidAtlantic right now, H1 and H2, not as much.

Im obviously biased, but we get to win Hoosiers also Then again, if you arent winning tires, Toyos are a little cheaper than the Purple Kool Aid.

Regardless, racers in both classes are awesome to hang out with. Contrary to what Thawley says, Im always hanging around the HC paddock

 

so no cams, cam gears then ?? what about trans setup?? can the head be milled, or 2 layer HG?? thanks

 

link to the rules: www.nasaproracing.com/rules/Honda-Challenge.pdf

 

stock cams, cam gears are legal. any oem b trans with any aftermarket final drive and/or lsd, otherwise it must be stock.

You can raise the compression to 11.1-1, either from a head or block shave, or with the gasket