Originally posted by Andy Bettencourt@Sep 7 2005, 12:04 AM
BTW: It would weigh ABOUT 3600 in ITS given it's specs...
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Andy,
I respectfully disagree with the weight. Look at the numbers:
You've got a BMW 325 with a 2.5L inline 6 that makes, stock, 189 hp. That is 75.6 hp/L. And, this car is classed at 2800lbs (which IMHO is too light, but a different story). *SORRY - I MISSED WEIGHT FROM MEMORY BY 50LBS, MY BAD*
Now, the Lexus is a 3L motor with 215hp stock, which works out to 71.1 hp/L, slightly less efficient as one might expect.
Both motors have four valve heads and both motors have variable valve timing stock, they are very comparable.
If one was to use the ratio of weight to hp, that is classed weight, then for the BMW one would get:
2800 lbs /189 hp = 14.8 lbs/hp.
So, we want class parity therefore we'll use 14.8 lbs/hp as the benchmark and solve the Lexus for weight:
X / 215 hp = 14.8 lbs/hp, and we get X = 3185 lbs. So, class the car at 3185lbs to start with. Or a little higher if one wants to make sure it doesn't become a front runner straightaway.
You can do it with torque to and get a slightly different number if you wish, but there is no way you're going to get 3600lbs. Unless, of course, you just want the car to be non-competitive so that nobody will build one.
It will not be easy to make power with the Lexus inline 6, it'll take a lot of time and development before one of these at 3185 lbs is near a BMW. You just can't use your credit card and order good parts for one, like you can with a BMW. And, when a Lexus gets near a BMW then the adjustment board can simply put a restrictor on it and slap it back down.
R