driving school December 09, 2008, 12:44:44 AM I attended a non-speed, non-competitive event last weekend with the money pit. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. It was the worst of times because the motor was backfiring over 3K rpm & 15psi. So on top of trying to learn the car, learn a new track, pay attention to the instructor and all that stuff they teach at school, I had to keep my foot out of it just when it was getting interesting. Adding insult to injury, a lot of stuff slated for future replacement decided this weekend was a good time to fail:punchballs: A short inventory of parts - vacuum line and spark plugs for trying to solve the ignition problem; a vacuum hose, a coolant line, the ground strap, the starter, and the power steering pressure hose all failed. Fortunately(?) the hose blew when I was going home instead of on the track. Because of the starter, the car didn't see much track time Saturday. We couldn't get it push-started in time for the track sessions. Sunday was different even though more things broke. While we never resolved the ignition issue, I was on the track for each session and because of all the expert help floating around we managed to get a few things fixed. A mechanic at the track figured out a funky brake noise was the dust guard rattling against the rotor.Most importantly, the work that has been done to the suspension works, and works well. I know this because that's all I heard over the weekend. Maybe it's because the car looks pretty ratty sitting next to new Ferrari 430 or Carrerra GT3, or maybe it's because I was new to the group. Or maybe it's because I could keep up with just about anyone through the corners:DI've got nothing but good things to say about the yokohamas. Great grip, great feel, nice feedback and they are hardly worn.Favorite moment - a guy on his hands and knees with his head under the trailer hitch looking forward at the suspension laughs then says "no wonder it handles, it's a race car underneath there."Wierdest moment - a guy walks up and sees there's a 4 banger under the hood, and tells me there's a way to put a volvo head on that motor. Quote Selected
driving school Reply #2 – December 09, 2008, 10:40:12 AM That sounds pretty cool, where did you do this at? I have done similar things when I worked for Mercedes and last year I took our SRT8 Jeep to Watkins Glen for a SRT sponsored deal but couldnt drive it as they only let you(not that I am complaining) drive their SRT vehicles and Vipers. I think it would be more fun with one of your own toys. Quote Selected
driving school Reply #3 – December 09, 2008, 07:59:18 PM Quote from: Dansbirds;246882That sounds pretty cool, where did you do this at?http://www.motorsportranch.com/here are the cars http://www.hart-photography.com/photocart/index.php?do=photocart&viewGallery=4082Saturday, the car had red "100 mph" tape for numbers, Sunday the numbers were grey. I ran in the 'green' group.Elises and Exiges can take a completely different line than just about any other car, so they went through the twisties pretty quickly. The only bad thing I can say about them is they don't give much warning when they let go. They'll spin faster than a 911 in the rain once the tires break.Most other cars were faster through the corners only if they could power through.http://www.hart-photography.com/photocart/index.php?do=photocart&viewImage=601242 Quote Selected
driving school Reply #4 – December 09, 2008, 10:21:12 PM i gotta get my car out on track next year.....how did you like your IRS?did you check your front tire temps? some pics look like you could use some more neg. camber*still jealous* Quote Selected
driving school Reply #5 – December 09, 2008, 11:53:45 PM Volvo twin cam four valve head conversion has actually been done quite a few times. Thing flows like h*ll from what I've heard.Check out turboford.net. Quote Selected
driving school Reply #6 – December 10, 2008, 12:44:11 AM Quote from: gumby;246995 i gotta get my car out on track next year.....well, duh!Quote from: gumby;246995how did you like your IRS?did you check your front tire temps? some pics look like you could use some more neg. camberIRS-It's a little tail happy at lower speeds, but seems to be fairly controllable above 50, similar to the factory tune. I'm curious as to how well those Yokos will lay down the power once the new motor's in. In other words, I'm thinking about getting an inch or so added to the inside of rear wheels, maybe going with 315s or so, whatever will fit.Pressure/temps-The track officials let another driver take a couple of laps in the Bird at the end of the day Saturday. We were trying to figure out what was causing the engine popping. He didn't think anything needed to be changed with the suspension. He said, and I quote, "You just need to learn how to drive it."Camber-The problem with tires that size is you pretty much have to run them with zero camber, otherwise you've got wear and braking issues. As for pressures, I packed plenty of junk for the track but forgot to bring a tire gauge.:screwy: Based on the shoulder wear, the Yokos probably would have been perfect with just a few psi lower than factory recommended max pressures.Quote from: gumby;246995*still jealous*there are plenty of tracks AND clubs in your neighborhood, it shouldn't be too difficult to schedule some track time. Get out there and show these other cars your taillights.Before the next time, I have to get an open face helmet. I brought my bike helmet (full-faced) which is okay for an autocross, but after a few laps it was getting pretty stuffy in there, and this was a cold (for Texas) December day. Quote Selected
driving school Reply #7 – December 10, 2008, 06:38:55 AM yup. hopefully next year the factors of time, money, and a working car will all coincide Quote from: t3skidoo;247010He said, and I quote, "You just need to learn how to drive it."i have a similar issue ;) Quote Selected
driving school Reply #8 – December 10, 2008, 07:34:31 PM Quote from: gumby;247032yup. hopefully next year the factors of time, money, and a working car will all coincide man, I can relate to that. a PS hose blowing out Saturday night and the car just up and dying on me Sunday night, that's downright depressing.fyi, I figured my total outlay for that weekend was close to $700, incl entry fees, race gas, food, asst misc BS. A legal and functioning street car should cost a little less to get on the track. Quote Selected
driving school Reply #9 – December 10, 2008, 07:36:18 PM Jangus, I've got 4Vs in the works for both cars. That's why it was so wierd for that guy to say something. Quote Selected
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