Handling at Speed

Handling at Speed

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sixx

Original Poster:

81 posts

253 months

Saturday 19th April 2003
quotequote all
Now I know this is wrong but just put it down to the exuberance of new car ownership .

I was driving down the M40 the other day, about 21:30 just enjoying the ride at a licence saving 98mph. Foolishly I was driving in the reserved BMW only lane (the one on the right) and was duly flashed by a BMW owner, obviously outraged at the lack of German heritage of my car .

I assumed that it must be a M3 for anyone to have the confidence to do such a potentially embarrassing move and decided to put my foot down to find out.... it was not an M3 and I left it for dead, but here is my question. When the car got to about 140-145 it seemed to handle as if the steering wheel were no longer connected to the rest of the car (i.e. constant steering correction and an incredible feeling of lightless). Now I assume that some of you guys do track days so I was wondering if anyone can tell me what the most likely cause of this would be. The cars running standard suspension on 18s with Toyos

granville

18,764 posts

261 months

Saturday 19th April 2003
quotequote all
Well done, Dave!

I ran a Cerby in the not too distant but of course, such high speed antics were reserved for the appropriate conditions, sort of, as you, er, suggested...

Good query because I can directly relate to it. Might I suggest pushing on somewhat? I always sensed a slight 'disconnection' too at about 140 but I recall (with immense joy) the diametric opposite as the pedal was mashed and the readout spiralled ever higher.

In Europe, I recall the nirvana of skimming empty highways for many minutes at a time, maintaining indicated speeds circa 160-175 and feeling utterly, utterly wonderful. The sense of being involved in a red blooded cavalry charge, overwhelming. But, even the missus commented how things felt better, noticeably more stable that is, once 140-odd had been breached.

I think certain Cerberae may have an inherent rough spot in this speed zone so clearly, hoof it some more and feel the power. It has so much more to give!

Bloody fantastic thing. Which model, btw?

DeR.

sixx

Original Poster:

81 posts

253 months

Saturday 19th April 2003
quotequote all
It's a late 2000 Speed Six... got it a week ago, having the time of my life in it....

granville

18,764 posts

261 months

Saturday 19th April 2003
quotequote all

sixx said: It's a late 2000 Speed Six... got it a week ago, having the time of my life in it....


Fabulous. Must say, compared to the AJP unit, your engine is BMW six silky smooth! The overall racket which used to accompany any journey in mine probably distracted me from noticing too many errant vibrations! Couple that with decatalysed sports pipes and well, as is well documented on PH, these buggers can be something of an automotive maelstrom!

Always fancied a SP6 for it's relatively nicer burble on tickover and let's be honest, in all but autobahn situations, similarity in urgency.

Like I said, fabulous, fantastic creation - still the daddy IMHO - I think it's piccie time, whaddya say?

It's just so utterly

ro_butler

795 posts

271 months

Saturday 19th April 2003
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I think the high speed handling might be down to the crap standard suspension (thats what I'm hoping anyway). I will be upgrading mine soon so I will report back with my findings.

The standard springs are soft (even on the v8's) which gives poor body control at speed. Anyhow we will soon see if my theory is right.

Rob.

JimT

6 posts

253 months

Saturday 19th April 2003
quotequote all
I found the same on my Cerb. Only had it a couple of weeks and surprise surprise found a real M3 up my jaxy. Not for long though - hit 150+ ish and bloke was long gone - the steering/feel did improve slightly.

Must be the only normal BMW driver in the world cos he pulld along side (when I slowed down obviously) to acknowledge defeat.

That's what we like....

sixx

Original Poster:

81 posts

253 months

Saturday 19th April 2003
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How do I actually insert a picture in a reply

B19TOY

539 posts

284 months

Saturday 19th April 2003
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Stiffer springs and better dampers enabled an airfield runway run that was as steady as a rock with an indicated high 180s - a needle's width below 190mph - in my 4.5 with a passenger on board.

Whats all this with the BMW bashing? My derestricted M5 speedometer shows 175mph at the same venue. Not too different from a six cylinder TVR's top end.

stas

111 posts

253 months

Saturday 19th April 2003
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sounds to me like you have slightly worn bushing.

sixx

Original Poster:

81 posts

253 months

Sunday 20th April 2003
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Not bashing BMWs, I've had a few myself , just having a go at the company car 318 owners who treat the outside lane like they are the Last of the Great Road Warriors....

Cajun

67 posts

271 months

Tuesday 22nd April 2003
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ROTFLMAO
I will not forget this: the cerbie feels slightly vague at 140mph, the solution - accelerate of course.

Humble Chim 450 owner

bow, scrape etc

CX

dax_j

65 posts

276 months

Tuesday 22nd April 2003
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has it got the front spoiler (many get knocked off) this is supposed to reduce lift. My sp6 never felt too bad at speed, only braking from high speed did it feel nose heavy and move around at the back.

Sixx

Original Poster:

81 posts

253 months

Tuesday 22nd April 2003
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Doesn't look like anything has been knocked off.. I can't really tell...
www.fotango.com/p/eba00319761f00000001.jpg

dax_j

65 posts

276 months

Wednesday 23rd April 2003
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It's a metal strip which is about 2" deep and is about 4' wide. Sits about 6" along underneath the front of the car. If I remember it's only held in place by 4 screws so easily dislodged if you park too close to a kerb stone front on.