Discussion
Greg, if you check piston heads main gassing forums one of the pasted links of photos has several shots of your car
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=241464&f=23&h=0
>> Edited by V8HSV on Monday 6th February 16:18
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=241464&f=23&h=0
>> Edited by V8HSV on Monday 6th February 16:18
Oh yeah! Thanks..
It's a real shame it was so filthy (though it looks meaner that way) but on Saturday I'd done a trackday at Bedford, and the time I had on Sunday morning to wash it got used up taking the insides apart to fix the gear lever which had come loose!
>> Edited by gregwatson on Monday 6th February 20:28
It's a real shame it was so filthy (though it looks meaner that way) but on Saturday I'd done a trackday at Bedford, and the time I had on Sunday morning to wash it got used up taking the insides apart to fix the gear lever which had come loose!
>> Edited by gregwatson on Monday 6th February 20:28
It was very interesting... First of all I think it's amazing that a car that heavy can be hurled round a track all day and still drive home afterwards (loose gear lever notwithstanding).
Secondly - I was surprised at how little advantage the power gave me, even on the straights. I was catching people on the long straight, and whereas they were reaching 125-130mph at the end I was hitting 150mph, but even so I wasn't completely obliterating them on the straights as I'd expected to. I was just about keeping up with 911 turbos on the straight, but those 911 GT3s were damn fast.
On the hairpins the LSD was really noisy so I guess I was working it hard. I think the main issue I had was traction in terms of getting power down cleanly when exiting the corners.... not helped by the fact that I suspect my tyre pressures were a little too high. Braking too near the turn-in on bends definitely unsettled the car too much to get through the corner, but if I didn't leave it too late then the car handled itself beautifully. Oil temperature never got above 103 degrees. Didn't get anywhere near the brakes limits but they were well up to the job. I also managed to dodge a 911 that spun right in front of me. The second 911 went left and I dodged to the right so no harm done, but it could have been nasty.
Used two full tanks of petrol on the track plus one to get there and back.
I really must get to hear the car some day - one guy said it sounded like a Mercedes SLR McLaren when I overtook him, and another said it sounded like a bomber, and that you felt it before you heard it..
In summary it was a lot of fun and I will definitely go again. It's a nice track, quite easy to learn, nice combinations and decent straights. Lots of full throttle corners for powersliding.. Yup, it was fun and I'l definitely go again. But like I said the most amazing thing is that such a big car can be driven SO hard for the whole day without anything breaking. Testament to Brian's work....
>> Edited by gregwatson on Monday 6th February 20:44
Secondly - I was surprised at how little advantage the power gave me, even on the straights. I was catching people on the long straight, and whereas they were reaching 125-130mph at the end I was hitting 150mph, but even so I wasn't completely obliterating them on the straights as I'd expected to. I was just about keeping up with 911 turbos on the straight, but those 911 GT3s were damn fast.
On the hairpins the LSD was really noisy so I guess I was working it hard. I think the main issue I had was traction in terms of getting power down cleanly when exiting the corners.... not helped by the fact that I suspect my tyre pressures were a little too high. Braking too near the turn-in on bends definitely unsettled the car too much to get through the corner, but if I didn't leave it too late then the car handled itself beautifully. Oil temperature never got above 103 degrees. Didn't get anywhere near the brakes limits but they were well up to the job. I also managed to dodge a 911 that spun right in front of me. The second 911 went left and I dodged to the right so no harm done, but it could have been nasty.
Used two full tanks of petrol on the track plus one to get there and back.
I really must get to hear the car some day - one guy said it sounded like a Mercedes SLR McLaren when I overtook him, and another said it sounded like a bomber, and that you felt it before you heard it..
In summary it was a lot of fun and I will definitely go again. It's a nice track, quite easy to learn, nice combinations and decent straights. Lots of full throttle corners for powersliding.. Yup, it was fun and I'l definitely go again. But like I said the most amazing thing is that such a big car can be driven SO hard for the whole day without anything breaking. Testament to Brian's work....
>> Edited by gregwatson on Monday 6th February 20:44
When I did Bedford I too used 2 tanks on track but on the straights achieved only 130 MPH but then it was not supercharged. Understand your comments so basically I would not be blowing others away just because of a blower fitment.
I think the trick there is to brake early, progressive power out of the bends and don't try any antics in 2nd gear, especially with tyre pressures reaching 48 psi when nice & hot!
I think the trick there is to brake early, progressive power out of the bends and don't try any antics in 2nd gear, especially with tyre pressures reaching 48 psi when nice & hot!
How did your tyres stand up to it Greg?
I found the n/s (clockwise tracks) took a pasting, which when added to wear on the pads & the cost of the day itself, made for an expenive day out.
Good fun, but if I'm honest, I'd have to say I prefer lighter cars for track use.
In a fantasy world, wouldn't it be great to have a V8 Supercar over here for track days. No idea what they weigh, but I'd guess around 1/2 of a road car.
I found the n/s (clockwise tracks) took a pasting, which when added to wear on the pads & the cost of the day itself, made for an expenive day out.
Good fun, but if I'm honest, I'd have to say I prefer lighter cars for track use.
In a fantasy world, wouldn't it be great to have a V8 Supercar over here for track days. No idea what they weigh, but I'd guess around 1/2 of a road car.
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