AGT Corvette VS ALMS Corvette

[H16]

Considering that the AGT/GTS Corvette was giving the new Daytona Prototypes a run for its money, I was wondering what the differences were between the Grand Am Corvette and the ACO/ALMS Corvette C5R.

I know that an AGT car is closer to Trans Am, but both are tubeframed. Can anyone give me the specs of both cars?

[cybersdorf]

C5R specs are on the "GTO" site: http://gto-racing.nexen.net/gtworld_...orvetteC5R.htm (some text in French there but you'll find what you need)
The TransAm style cars are actually quite different, have a look at the regs: http://www.grand-am.com/competition/2003_GTSrules.html
There is a list of approved engines and engine sizes, approved transmissions, approved "body styles" and body manufacturers, approved aero. Engines have to be approved beforehand also. Max. engine size is 6l (for carburetted engines). Live rear axle is mandatory, components have to be approved.
Besically, it is the reverse approach to an FIA/IMSA/ACO style homologation: you look in the rule book which specific parts can be used, then build the car (as opposed to building a car according to general outlines which is then homologated, and you have to stick to your own individual homologation).
The beauty of it all is that when, for whatever reason, you don't want to run a Chevy anymore you can swap the engine and body for a Ford and voilá, there's your Ford. Or, if the body you use (say, Olds) is not permitted anymore you can switch to a Vette body with ease. You might argue that these cars have a built-in identity crisis but there.

[cybersdorf]

Just to add, the Derhaag Crvette is probably more similar to the Sky Blue Mustang than to the C5R.
http://www.skyblueracing.com

[C_g]

While both are tubeframes with composite bodywork (the C5-R tubeframe is built inside a the production car which is mostly a tubframe but has parts similar to a unibody), the main difference is in the drivetrain and suspension.

The Trans-Am Corvette has a transmission mounted to the engine via a bellhousing with a live rear axle - that is a solid axle where the differential is sprung. The C5-R has a transaxle at the rear, where the transmission and differential are one piece and bolted to the chassis; it has independent suspension and only the wheels/tires/brakes themselves are sprung. The C5-R has a carbon clutch, while the Trans-Am car doesn't.

According to Grand-Am GTS rules, both can use the LS6 motor in 6-liter form, though the C5-R has to run it with restrictors, while the Trans-Am car has to run it with stock intake manifolds, and a rev limit.

Minimum weight is 2400lbs for the C5-R and anywhere from 2400 to 2600lbs for the Trans-Am car depending on what engine is used.

The Trans-Am car is a bit wider by a few inches as well.

[veeten]

When looking at both sets of rules, one thing seems pretty clear: if you have an advanced degree in aerodynamics and engineering, the FIA/IMSA/ACO rules is where you start. If you are a "grease monkey", then the Grand Am rules are just for you.

jao, ta...

[H16]

Thanks everyone.

Somehow I find myself pulling for the Corvettes at Daytona.

[veeten]

... which ones?...

[C_g]

Yeah, that would be great to see the Bell/Bell Corvette do well. How cool what a father/son victory be?