Top Speed Realistically?

[Sorrymatev8]

Hi Guys.

I have a 1996 4.0L Chimaera - 34,000miles - well lokked after and so on.

I was just wondering how fast the top speed of this car would be. I know the book says 155MPH but realistically??

Your thoughts please!!

[im]

IF you can get 150 out of it - be happy. Other than On-Track or the German Autobahn there's not many places you'll have the opportunity to get anywhere near that anyway...legally

[midas dude]

Try the vmax events for your cars top speed.
There are threads on PH for listings of events and dates.
Go and enjoy safely,AL

[craigw]

I'd say around 148 from vmax experience, will be showing more on the speedo too

[Red V8]

I remember reading that the bonnet can lift at speeds much less than 150.. so be careful trying.

[zippee]

I've had a GPS verified 149 out of my 400 on a track day at RAF Marham.
It did get scarily light at the front end though!

[ATG]

140 and still rising slowly on GPS when I ran out of stupidity and eased off.

[zumbruk]

Red V8 said:

I remember reading that the bonnet can lift at speeds much less than 150.. so be careful trying.

The bonnet on mine popped open at Bruntingthorpe at an indicated 150mph. Fortunately, being front hinged, it isn't that serious.

I have retaining pins now, and I got the hinges fixed so it doesn't flap up and down at the front.

[WazzaL]

Bonnet certainly can flap around at those sort of speeds, though touch wood hasn't 'popped open' just yet. Standard wiper blades wouldn't be much use either as they tend to lift off the windscreen on mine.

[TVR Pablo]

What did you do for retaining pins, Zumbruk? I got away with it at 155, but would hate to run out of vision at that speed.

[jasandjules]

I had 140 indicated but the front went a bit light, so I slowed back down before my time..

[black-k1]

I had the bonnet pop open at around 140mph. Not too bad as mine just ‘floated’ about six inches above the normal closed position allowing reasonable forward vision and thus a controlled gentle stop.

zumbruk said:

I have retaining pins now, and I got the hinges fixed so it doesn't flap up and down at the front.

It would be great to know where you got them and even better if you have some photos.

[spend]

There are plenty of threads where people have advocated the splitter to counteract bonnet lift.

I think that puts paid to the early bonnet theory Phil! They seem to be later cars....

Dave