AI FAQ

JWL · 03-29-2003

Greetings to all. I figured I would start off today with a list of the three most common questions that we see most about NASA and American Iron.

What does it cost to build an AI car?

This is an interesting question and it really depends on what shape your car is in to start with. The items required to make a street car into a racecar (cage, seat, harnesses, etc.) run anywhere from $2k on the low side to $5k or more if you get really trick. Most AI cars have big brake kits, motors built with the traditional aluminum head/cam/steel crank set-up, and some sort of aftermarket suspension solution. If you already have all that, you’re in luck. If you’re starting with a bone stock car, factor all those costs into the mix. People seem to be able to build a competitive AI car for $20k starting with a tub or completely stock street car.

How do I become a race driver in AI?

This one is pretty easy with NASA. You can start in our HPDE schools, move up to Group 4, and then go for a licensing test over two weekend with an instructor. You can also attend an SCCA rookie school, a Bondurant school, or come out with a group like Driving Concepts that runs our licensing in SoCal. With any one of these paths, you can be on track in a few weekends, but I strongly suggest you get at least a half-season or more of seat time in your car before you try to compete. Comparing competition to HPDE driving is like comparing running with the bulls in Pamplona to a jog around the neighborhood. It’s a whole new level of concentration and learning to drive off-line when stuff happens. You need to know your car, your ability and the track before you jump into the deep end.

Where can I see an AI race?

Check www.americanironwest.com , www.americaniron-east.com, www.racenasa.net, and www.nasatx.com for race dates. The pits are open, so come out to watch and spend some time talking to the racers.

If you have any questions, fire away here or e-mail me at jlindsey@drivenasa.com.

-John Lindsey
AI Series Director

**ScottHalliday** · 03-29-2003

John, thanks for the great intro!

Would I be correct in assuming you first need to attend an HPDE school and then pass the licensing test before you are permitted to drive your car on the track?

JWL · 03-29-2003

Scott-

Not necessarily. If you already have a competition license, you can race on that license for the first race if it is one we recognize (SCCA, VARA, POC, IMSA, FIA). However, if you don't have any sort of license you will need to go through a school.

-JWL

**ScottHalliday** · 03-29-2003

John, is there a comprehensive list of driving schools listed on the internet anywhere. I am particlularly interested in driving schools in southern California.

JWL · 03-29-2003

Scott-

Not sure. The only ones in SoCal that can prepare you for competition that I know of are Driving Concepts and perhaps Fast Lane up at WSIR.

-JWL

Adam Ginsberg · 03-29-2003

As a reminder, CMC is a great start to competition road racing if you already have a lightly modified Mustang, Camaro, or Firbird.

CMC requires stock suspension, A-Sedan brakes, stock motors ( 230rwhp/300rwtq ), stock dash ( can be modified/cut for cage and/or gauge installation ), etc.

A fantastic way to get going!

Have any more questions? PM, email, or check out the CMC Bulletin Board, and the CMC Website.

Twister · 03-29-2003

Adam, can you also do a CMC FAQ?

Adam Ginsberg · 03-31-2003

Sure thing twister. I'll work on it now, and post it as a separate thread.

Twister · 03-31-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by Adam Ginsberg
Sure thing twister. I'll work on it now, and post it as a separate thread.

thank you, I am leaning towards this class and would love to know what tends to need replacing when

Admiral · 03-31-2003

JWL,

What tranny is being used by most AI mustang participants? I'm looking at replacing my tired old T5, wanted to know what was holding up and what was legal. Is T56 legal in AI? Thanks for the assistance!

Adam Ginsberg · 04-01-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by Admiral
JWL,

What tranny is being used by most AI mustang participants? I'm looking at replacing my tired old T5, wanted to know what was holding up and what was legal. Is T56 legal in AI? Thanks for the assistance!

Old saying....."RTFM".

NASA 2003 AI Rules, section 7.9: Drivetrain

Quote:

7.9.2 AI cars must use synchromesh-type transmissions. Non-synchro transmissions such as Jericos are not allowed in AI.

Looks like a T56 is ok, as well as a TKO.

pederb · 04-01-2003

Admiral, most racers are now theses days using Tremec 3550 or TKO. There are still a few that are using T5 WC. Yes T56 is legal but do remember that it's very heavy if you compare to a 3550. So my recomendation is get a 3550 II Road Race with 0.82 fifth gear. If AIX is in the future a TKO II might be a better choice.

Admiral · 04-01-2003

Pederb, thanks for the informative response and not shoving a "RTFM" in my face.

Adam Ginsberg · 04-01-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by Admiral
Pederb, thanks for the informative response and not shoving a "RTFM" in my face.

Ouch....hey, I was joking Mike. Seriously, I meant no offense. My apologies.

Admiral · 04-01-2003

No worries, I thought I'd done something to get in hot water. Those rules are something I read over and over when we first built the car and I still missed plenty.