Chassis Rigidity , Why Track a Vert?

[E7-S14]

Just a simple question that popped into my head. Figured posting this in 240gen wouldn't gauge intelligent answers or discussion, so I'll post it here.

I don't know if its only with drifting, but i see a lot of 240 guys that track their verts, and daily there coups/hatches.
my question is why? wouldn't the closed chassis be much more rigid? I know a cage is a structure addition and adds rigidity to the chassis as well, but wouldn't caging a closed in chassis be more efficient than caging a convertible?
I also see that S2000's make amazing track cars. makes me wonder how much more rigid an s2k chassis is over an s14 for example.

Or is it just preference? for those guys who track their verts.
Personally, i don't like s13 verts. the only few verts i actually like are s200's( but would prefer the hardtop addition) and M3 verts to name a few.

[Urabus GodofTraction]

The S2000 was designed as a vert, therefor it's very rigid. As is the Miata (well, Miata's aren't very rigid, but moreso than a car designed as not a vert). Throwing a hard top on them doesn't do all that much for rigidity, just protection.

The S13 vert is pretty damn flexy, I understand. I don't know why people track them, especially with many sanctioning bodies not allowing unhardtopped convertible to run.

[flohtingPoint]

Who are "a lot of 240 guys", where are they tracking their car and with what associations?

[Mr1der]

ummm...Greg tossed his around some...but yeah.

how a car was originally designed is the biggest factor in this.

[flohtingPoint]

ummm...Greg tossed his around some...but yeah.

Yea, I assumed Greg has thrashed the vert a few times. Including him, I can count on one hand the number of verts I've seen on or heard of on tracks.

[seang]

TVR lattice backbone looks good for vert:

[AZhitman]

Maybe it's all they own? Maybe it's because people said it couldn't be done?

Ask Ryan Hampton why he's drifting a convertible 350Z?

Side note: I won't go into it in detail right now, but the S13 droptop isn't exactly the limp noodle that people think of when they think of a convertible. There's a LOT of chassis bracing in there.

[E7-S14]

Who are "a lot of 240 guys", where are they tracking their car and with what associations?

lol few guys ive seen slide on the east coast.

and i can understand how s2ks are more rigid than some closed chassis since it is much newer than alot of the nissnas we grew up to love.

[simmode1]

and i can understand how s2ks are more rigid than some closed chassis since it is much newer than alot of the nissnas we grew up to love.

The S2000 is so rigid mainly because it was designed with it's 'X-bone' chassis frame.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/e ... _frame.jpg

I think I remember SCC talking about the S13 vert's chassis rigidtiy in their 240sx buyer's guide. I vaguely recall them saying there isn't a whole lot of difference when compared to the hatch and coupe...

[AZhitman]

There isn't.

The coupe is the stiffest, but the hatch is minimally more rigid than the vert.

<prepares for the onslaught of hatch owners saying, "OMG d00d UR so wrong WTF y0!">

[s0m3th1ngAZ]

Wasn't the 240 vert converted after they left the factory?

[AZhitman]

Yes. They were all born as coupes.

[Looneybomber]

Chassis rigidity isn't the only factor when taking into account handling. Sure it has an effect, but so does suspension geometry and components, weight distribution, etc...

[krash]

I use my vert for racing and stuff because its kind of my all-in-one car. I'm too broke to have a dedicated track car, and the vert is just too damn awesome to trade for a coupe or hatch Its not all that bad really. I don't think you'll really feel the effects until you get very competitive. The only thing that sucks about verts is that most tracks wont allow you to use them unless the have a roll-bar or roll cage. You really can't deny the awesomeness of drop-top racing.

[MinisterofDOOM]

...weight distribution...

Certainly a bonus for 'verts. Lower center of gravity. Same reason M3 and ZR1 have magnesium roofs.

[OriginalWheelman]

M3 and ZR1 have magnesium roofs.

That and the pretty white flame when it burns.

[Dano]

I <3 S2k.

[Koshin]

coupe > hatch

a vert of any kind is stupid in my mind for a track car. But thats just me

[krash]

I agree that if you were out to build a 100% dedicated track car, it wouldn't be smart to buy a vert. But it is pretty awesome to race with a vert.

[flohtingPoint]

a vert of any kind is stupid in my mind for a track car. But thats just me

[Koshin]

lmfao

we arent talking AC cobras, and Triumphs and s*** haha

Im sure I COULD find a vert race car that I approve of lol

[MinisterofDOOM]

[Infinitiguy19]

I want to see a old M30 convertible drift...I hear those cars are extremely weak.

[Jesda]

S13 verts are heavy. Great for casual driving, cant imagine picking one for track use.

[wingFeather]

Tracking a vert is awesome. Why ask why?

[AZhitman]

S13 verts are heavy. Great for casual driving, cant imagine picking one for track use.

"Heavy" is relative. 2733 (base coupe) to 2772 (SE hatch) vs 2800 (convertible) is an insufficient amount to dismiss a vehicle.

28 - 67 lbs can be remedied by removing the spare and swapping to a manual trans.

[Jesda]

S13 verts are heavy. Great for casual driving, cant imagine picking one for track use.

"Heavy" is relative. 2733 (base coupe) to 2772 (SE hatch) vs 2800 (convertible) is an insufficient amount to dismiss a vehicle.

28 - 67 lbs can be remedied by removing the spare and swapping to a manual trans.

Or just buy a used Miata -- better to abuse something with a million copies than a rare car

[AZhitman]

Definitely.

(altho some of us would prefer to not be seen in a Miata...)

[MinisterofDOOM]

Bah. I could happily drive a pink miata. I'd be having too much fun to notice the color.

[numbnuts240]

dat dare thing shore duz have a purdee mouf.