New track car progress... I'm ridiculous

[RedLS1GTO]

Not C4 related... but let's face it, not much here actually is :leaving:

It was a good weekend. The C5 is making it's track debut in 2 weeks at my favorite track... VIR. It will just be an HPDE, but if all goes well I will hopefully have it sorted out enough to get it into some TT events pretty soon after.

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p90/botch1980/02Z%20Race%20Car/IMG_20130420_163338_166_zps27ebee36.jpg

Suspension is done... GM T1 sways, LG coils w/Bilsteins, SKF hubs w/ ARP studs

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p90/botch1980/02Z%20Race%20Car/2012-10-20_11-55-41_853_zpsce2aeda1.jpg

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p90/botch1980/02Z%20Race%20Car/IMG_20130420_143317_498_zps283da5f4.jpg

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p90/botch1980/02Z%20Race%20Car/IMG_20130420_160625_918_zps1a859d4d.jpg

Brakes are on... AP/Hardbar T1 setup up front (stock in the rear). Ferodo pads all around. Fluid flushed with new Wilwood 600... having access to the computer tool to auto flush the abs is most excellent. New rear end grease, oil changed...

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p90/botch1980/02Z%20Race%20Car/2012-10-19_14-04-16_126_zpsad05c1d3.jpg

LG brake ducts installed

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p90/botch1980/02Z%20Race%20Car/2013-03-01_15-24-30_594_zps359ff3a0.jpg

Sparco EVO seat on custom low mount brackets, OMP 6 point harness, Brey Krause harness bar

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p90/botch1980/02Z%20Race%20Car/IMG_20130421_213445_631_zps06ddfc5e.jpg



Chase Cam up and working...

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p90/botch1980/02Z%20Race%20Car/IMG_20130413_215944_481_zps69ba820e.jpg

Low res test of video accelerometer, GPS, speed...

chasecam test - YouTube

...and my least favorite part of the day, mounted 12 Continental slicks (6 for me, 6 for a friend), straight from the 24hrs of Daytona

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p90/botch1980/02Z%20Race%20Car/IMG_20130420_171449_905_zps45cd39b5.jpg

Unmounting an old slick... you're doing it wrong. :D

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p90/botch1980/02Z%20Race%20Car/IMG_20130420_135926_992_zps9a0dec68.jpg



Now I just need to keep my fingers crossed for some good weather!!

[mike100]

Cool- how did u program in the chasecam track map? did you GPS drive it once to program in your neighborhood streets?

[RedLS1GTO]

Cool- how did u program in the chasecam track map? did you GPS drive it once to program in your neighborhood streets?

It captures GPS data and then deciphers it on it's own. In this case I just displayed the entire route.

For a circuit, it recognizes that you are taking the same route multiple times and overlays them on each other. All you have to do is add the start/finish line and it calculates lap times, etc from there.

[Taurus]

Not C4 related... but let's face it, not much here actually is :leaving:



A good Mod could do something about that. :D

Seriously, looks really good.

[RedLS1GTO]

A good Mod could do something about that. :D

Now just where in the hell am I supposed to find 1 of those?? :shrug:


P.S. That is 2 infraction points.

I don't know what infraction points are redeemable for, but I want to be like the awesome folks over at CF.

[Taurus]

Now just where in the hell am I supposed to find 1 of those?? :shrug:


P.S. That is 2 infraction points.

I don't know what infraction points are redeemable for, but I want to be like the awesome folks over at CF.

They ought to be worth a couple millions BBs for saying what everyone else was thinking but wouldn't say:D

I really do like what you're doing with that car, very jealous.

[nutz4c4]

Lookin' Good....:seasix:

[WW7]

A good Mod could do something about that. :D
Seriously, looks really good.

Now just where in the hell am I supposed to find 1 of those?? :shrug:.

Here's one...(wwomanC6) ....or we could ask HP to help...:D.....WW

The car looks great Bryan.Can't wait to see it on the track... After seeing the video at least we know it will do 35 mph...:rofl:...WW

[RedLS1GTO]

They ought to be worth a couple millions BBs for saying what everyone else was thinking but wouldn't say:D

Good answer. ...as long as it doesn't go to funding internet terrorism.

I really do like what you're doing with that car, very jealous.

It should be fun. I will say without a doubt that I have taken every little bit of Taurus feel out of the car. I would like to drive them back to back as a test but with the stiffer springs/shocks and the sway bars the size of tree trunks, I think the C5 might actually be a more harsh ride on the street than the 96. I drove it about 2 hours back to Louisville last night from Cincinnati (where the shop is). Through a couple of construction zones I swear I actually came up out of the seat and hit the roof. Most definitely have to make sure anything in the trunk is hooked down...

Here's one...(wwomanC6) ....or we could ask HP to help...:D.....WW

Kiss ass.

The car looks great Bryan.Can't wait to see it on the track... After seeing the video at least we know it will do 35 mph...:rofl:...WW

In a 25 zone!! :eek: :willy:

[Black95]

Now just where in the hell am I supposed to find 1 of those?? :shrug:


P.S. That is 2 infraction points.

I don't know what infraction points are redeemable for, but I want to be like the awesome folks over at CF.

You could ban me for a month for using the word "Bullshit!" like Bushrod did. Then you would be right up there with them! Then I would have to move to CorvetteGuru forum.

Nice car Red. After seeing how you guys set up for racing, chasecams, etc. I really do feel like a nOOb! But I am learning, so keep educating me.
:cert:

[RedLS1GTO]

You could ban me for a month for using the word "Bullshit!" like Bushrod did. Then you would be right up there with them! Then I would have to move to CorvetteGuru forum.

Nice car Red. After seeing how you guys set up for racing, chasecams, etc. I really do feel like a nOOb! But I am learning, so keep educating me.
:cert:

:rofl: Watch out or I will give you more infraction points. :toetap:


I've learned that the best tool for getting better is to be able to actually watch yourself and back it up with data. There have been a LOT of times that I got out of the car thinking I did pretty well at something and when I looked at the video and data was able to pretty easily see where I screwed it up.

The accelerometer really puts your screw ups front and center if you know what you are looking for.

[PLRX]

Bryan, will these mods make your Z06 better than a C4?

[DukeAllen]

Bryan, will these mods make your Z06 better than a C4?

Haven't you ever been on CF? NOTHING is better than a C4.:D

[RedLS1GTO]

Bryan, will these mods make your Z06 better than a C4?

:leaving:


I am really... REALLY curious to see this car's laptimes compared to the '96.

It is still very drivable, got just under 28mpg driving to Louisville from Cincy. It has right at 100 less hp and a little over 100 less ft/lbs of torque than the big 383. It will also have just a little less rubber on the track, 305s all around vs. 315s on the C4. Should be a neat little experiment how they compare in terms of lap times.

[WW7]

:leaving:


I am really... REALLY curious to see this car's laptimes compared to the '96.

It is still very drivable, got just under 28mpg driving to Louisville from Cincy. It has right at 100 less hp and a little over 100 less ft/lbs of torque than the big 383. It will also have just a little less rubber on the track, 305s all around vs. 315s on the C4. Should be a neat little experiment how they compare in terms of lap times.

Well , if the C5 doesn't work out, you can always build another C4,( they really are the best Corvette) .. Then I'll take the C5 off your hands at a greatly reduced price.... :eek:....WW

[allthrottleandsomebottle]

Ah yes...........VIR in a C5 is :dance:

[RedLS1GTO]

Ah yes...........VIR in ANYTHING is :dance:

Fixt

If there is a heaven on Earth, it's VIR.

-Paul Newman

[Sweet 90]

Bryan, will these mods make your Z06 better than a C4?

:rofl::rofl:
Looks like a fine set up Bryan. Looking forward to your track times:seasix:

[Taurus]

Good answer. ...as long as it doesn't go to funding internet terrorism.



It should be fun. I will say without a doubt that I have taken every little bit of Taurus feel out of the car. I would like to drive them back to back as a test but with the stiffer springs/shocks and the sway bars the size of tree trunks, I think the C5 might actually be a more harsh ride on the street than the 96. I drove it about 2 hours back to Louisville last night from Cincinnati (where the shop is). Through a couple of construction zones I swear I actually came up out of the seat and hit the roof. Most definitely have to make sure anything in the trunk is hooked down...



Kiss ass.



In a 25 zone!! :eek: :willy:


Never gonna let me forget that whole Taurus thing are you?

[Sweet 90]

Never gonna let me forget that whole Taurus thing are you?
Well Jon, it was one of your prouder moments:D

[DukeAllen]

Never gonna let me forget that whole Taurus thing are you?

Your screen name helps him remember.:leaving:

[RedLS1GTO]

Never gonna let me forget that whole Taurus thing are you?

Yea... probably not. :D

[PLRX]

Bryan, the Z look ready to rock n roll. Lets us know the outcome of all your investment.

Please don't start anything over there, the garage queeners will never understand.

[RedLS1GTO]

Bryan, the Z look ready to rock n roll. Lets us know the outcome of all your investment.

Please don't start anything over there, the garage queeners will never understand.

I certainly will and (unlike some people) I will actually have data to back up what I say.

I don't post in the C5 section over there and with the abundance of douchebag there would be no point in posting in the C4 section... other than perhaps to watch people melt down.

[C4fan]

I certainly will and (unlike some people) I will actually have data to back up what I say.

I don't post in the C5 section over there and with the abundance of douchebag there would be no point in posting in the C4 section... other than perhaps to watch Tom400CFI melt down.

There is a potential for a couple of real good threads over there. Let's not give up on CF just yet.:rofl:

[Taurus]

Your screen name helps him remember.:leaving:

Hence the screen name, an inside joke with certain members here about a legendary thread with Red about why I would never buy a C5, right before I did:D

[WW7]

There is a potential for a couple of real good threads over there. Let's not give up on CF just yet.:rofl:

Jon should at the very least share his expertise on C5 "floor mats" over on the CF. After all , he is the undisputed expert on the subject....:rofl:...WW

[C4fan]

Jon should at the very least share his expertise on C5 "floor mats" over on the CF. After all , he is the undisputed expert on the subject....:rofl:...WW

Yep, and rightfully so, he has earned the title. It must have been a difficult accomplishment after several years of training and research from CF. But most of the credit should go to the help from us at VBC4.:leaving:

[Sweet 90]

I don't post in the C5 section over there and with the abundance of douchebag there would be no point in posting in the C4 section... other than perhaps to watch people melt down.

You say that like it's a bad thing:D

[DukeAllen]

You say that like it's a bad thing:D

:iagree: It's fun when it's not you.

If I had a dime for every meltdown I ever had I'd be on the Ferarri forums laughing at you poor people.

But these little pills make it all better:o_o:

[WW7]

:iagree: It's fun when it's not you.

If I had a dime for every meltdown I ever had I'd be on the Ferarri forums laughing at you poor people.

But these little pills make it all better:o_o:

In the 6 years I've been on the CF I can't say I've ever had a melt down.. I got pissed at that Idiot "Tom400CFI" and blocked him , but I didn't melt down..I usually just "move on" because I refuse to argue ....:D..WW

[PLRX]

I don't post in the C5 section over there and with the abundance of douchebag there would be no point in posting in the C4 section... other than perhaps to watch people melt down.

Totally agree.

Yes the C5 section makes me wonder if they are on acid. They got some weird behavior over there.

[WW7]

Totally agree.

Yes the C5 section makes me wonder if they are on acid. They got some weird behavior over there.

Pete, I hate to be the one to break this to you, but we got some weird behavior over here too....:fingertap:........We have a cat , a dog, a rat ,an owl, a Demi God, and a few others I can't remember at the moment..So maybe we shouldn't be throwing any stones....:rofl:......WW

[nutz4c4]

Pete, I hate to be the one to break this to you, but we got some weird behavior over here too....:fingertap:........We have a cat , a dog, a rat ,an owl, a Demi God, and a few other union members I can't remember at the moment..So maybe we shouldn't be throwing any stones....:rofl:......WW

Fixt...:D

[Mirroredshades]

Excellent build thread.

:seasix:

[DukeAllen]

In the 6 years I've been on the CF I can't say I've ever had a melt down.. I got pissed at that Idiot "Tom400CFI" and blocked him , but I didn't melt down..I usually just "move on" because I refuse to argue ....:D..WW

I meant in real life :lol:

[Taurus]

Jon should at the very least share his expertise on C5 "floor mats" over on the CF. After all , he is the undisputed expert on the subject....:rofl:...WW

I'm not getting another paper cut for those guys............

[Taurus]

Excellent build thread.

:seasix:

My sarcasm meter just got pegged:leaving:

[RedLS1GTO]

Well gents... the data doesn't lie. The C5 is a fast mofo. I have been in C5Zs on a track, but it wasn't mine which means it wasn't getting pushed hard.

In a full weekend at VIR, I really didn't get much chance to really turn fast times. For the first day I was really just trying to figure out the car and on day 2 a combination of slaw cars and mother nature did their best to get in my way. It was actually cold enough that I couldn't get enough heat in the brakes. Eventually I taped up about 2/3 of the duct openings and it worked like a champ.

Through the climbing esses (0:59 in the video), the C5 is nothing short of spectacular. It is absolutely planted.

I haven't looked through all of the data yet, but this was the best so far. a 2:10.5 with misty rain isn't too shabby. I didn't have data so my times are a bit rough, but the fastest I was able to dig up in the C4 was in the 2:12 range.


VIR1 - YouTube

The C5Zs going at it (racer313g in the yellow one).

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p90/botch1980/02Z%20Race%20Car/IMG_3480_zpsd7a0c629.jpg

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p90/botch1980/02Z%20Race%20Car/IMG_3363_zps68e1d22d.jpg

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p90/botch1980/02Z%20Race%20Car/IMG_1579_zpse0979fa8.jpg

...and my new personal favorite picture. Oak tree. :cool:

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p90/botch1980/02Z%20Race%20Car/IMG_4658_zps0231e902.jpg


Now onto the important part. Despite having about 90 less horsepower, about 100 ft/lbs of torque less, and being about 150lbs heavier than the C4...


believe it or not... the C5 is faster. :leaving:

Here is a comparison video of the C4. (~2:13)

C4 VIR Lap - YouTube

It has MASSIVE power down low and gets off of the corners better but other than that, the C5 shows what a decade and a half of suspension technology was able to accomplish. I was honestly worried that the C5 would be a let down after the C4. There is absolutely no denying that the C4 was a blast to drive. I hadn't run with this group in about 2 years, and I still had multiple people come up and ask where the C4 was. There were also 2 different people pissed off that I didn't call them when I was getting rid of it. The C5 simply doesn't have the same kind of impact that the C4 does. NOBODY forgets the crazy C4 flying around. :willy:

[C4fan]

Great comparison Bryan.:seasix::seasix::seasix: It's amazing 100 less hp can still out do the C4 suspension.

[Mirroredshades]

My sarcasm meter just got pegged:leaving:

LoL. I know I'm a smart ass but who doesn't like a good track car? I'd sell my right nut to build a solid C5Z. Hell, I wish I could afford a spec Miata.

:funny:

[RedLS1GTO]

Great comparison Bryan.:seasix::seasix::seasix: It's amazing 100 less hp can still out do the C4 suspension.

The C4 could hold it's own in many aspects. The biggest place that it is lacking is in transition. If you get it loaded and keep it there, it is good. The problem is when you start shifting loads the 30 year old technology starts to become evident.

[PLRX]

This C4 would beat you


http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj290/plrx/COOL/Mister%20T/StealhYellowAppendixTurd.jpg

[DukeAllen]

This C4 would beat you


http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj290/plrx/COOL/Mister%20T/StealhYellowAppendixTurd.jpg

That's the hairiest pregnant woman I've ever seen. But I've heard of an '83 that's faster, if you put the parts on your kitchen table first.

[Black95]

That's the hairiest pregnant woman I've ever seen. But I've heard of an '83 that's faster, if you put the parts on your kitchen table first.

How about this one?
http://abe.midco.net/~barondeau1/Vettes/pregnant.jpg
:rofl:

[five-oh]

I now understand the addiction to the track. Yesterday, I snuck over into Bill's area - Hallet, Ok -for the local Corvette clubs' track day. I didn't take the 'vette because the dadblasted smog pump locked up when I was backing it out of the garage, but I hitched a ride in a friend's heavily modified C3.....I can see how addictive it can be. I'll post a thread with pics when I get them in, a friend took the pics and is supposed to send them to me.
One dude had a white FRC, didn't look too modified, but he didn't cut it any slack. Sweet!

[C4fan]

I now understand the addiction to the track. Yesterday, I snuck over into Bill's area - Hallet, Ok -for the local Corvette clubs' track day. I didn't take the 'vette because the dadblasted smog pump locked up when I was backing it out of the garage, but I hitched a ride in a friend's heavily modified C3.....I can see how addictive it can be. I'll post a thread with pics when I get them in, a friend took the pics and is supposed to send them to me.
One dude had a white FRC, didn't look too modified, but he didn't cut it any slack. Sweet!

Most of the Corvette guys I hang with here have been there and always talk of getting together another Hallet day. I'm still looking forward to going for the first time myself.:cert:

[Norm]

Looking good. :seasix:

[five-oh]

Most of the Corvette guys I hang with here have been there and always talk of getting together another Hallet day. I'm still looking forward to going for the first time myself.:cert:

It wasn't a huge meet Friday, just test and tune, but I enjoyed it. I'll drive back over sometime. If I'd had time I would've called you, but it was a spur of the moment trip...like get in the truck to go to town and wound up four hours away....:lol: Had to get back before Mama got off work. And no I didn't make it, so I'll be living in a Friz condo for a bit...:leaving:

[C4fan]

It wasn't a huge meet Friday, just test and tune, but I enjoyed it. I'll drive back over sometime. If I'd had time I would've called you, but it was a spur of the moment trip...like get in the truck to go to town and wound up four hours away....:lol: Had to get back before Mama got off work. And no I didn't make it, so I'll be living in a Friz condo for a bit...:leaving:

:lol:Sometimes you have to test the end or you leash. I wouldn't have been able to make it anyway. Maybe next time.

[RedLS1GTO]

Being the never satisfied mofo that I am... more changes are coming.

The C5 taught (reminded me of) a few things. Mainly, Corvettes are f**king fast. We will always get in pissing contests about random crap, but even a stock LS6 powered car is hitting 140+ at most tracks. Second, at those speeds, things go wrong in a hurry.

1 - YouTube

This wasn't even an attempt at a fast lap. The back story is this. When I get in the car and take off, I have a checklist of things to do. Among those things is to turn off active handling/traction control. As we were getting ready to head out, we got delayed by an oil cleanup and while sitting, I turned the car off. When I fired it back up, you guessed it, I forgot to turn off the AH/TC. Braking into turn 1 made it very VERY angry and to put it very simply, the car said "F**K YOU" when I told it to stop. I was actually slow by 15 or so mph on the front stretch compared to a fast lap and was braking WAY earlier than usual, still trying to get settled in.

I made it out with no damage beyond an air dam knocked crooked but it got me thinking about how colossally stupid it is to go that fast without a cage around me. :slap:

Soooooooo..... I am about 99% in buying somethnig else. This:

http://s3.amazonaws.com/s3.racingjunk.com/ui/9/65/31392659-456-undefined.jpg


Because why not? :willy: It is an ASA LS1 powered, Howe chassis GTA car with all the goodies.


Financially, it actually makes a lot more sense than going balls out with a full cage, etc on the C5Z. I have no idea how the wife puts up with my ridiculousness. I'm sure she will find a way to make me pay for this somehow. :D

[RedLS1GTO]

Oh... and down the road a bit, my goal is to get it rebodied. :cool:

http://s3.amazonaws.com/s3.racingjunk.com/ui/4/86/28165864-105-undefined.jpg

[PLRX]

look who has resuscitated, Welcome back Bryan.

Before I read the thread I notice the Vette was not slowing down. Good call.:seasix:

[RedLS1GTO]

look who has resuscitated, Welcome back Bryan.

Before I read the thread I notice the Vette was not slowing down. Good call.:seasix:

I figured I'd drop in and say howdy! :kimblair:


I have been traveling non-f'n stop for work and haven't had time for much of anything. Most of my posting here has been done from an iPad in either an airport or a hotel somewhere. :ack:

[WW7]

Brian, I hope the guy going into the turn in front of you brought an extra pair of underwear with him,,, I'm pretty sure he's going to need them....:rofl:...WW

[Frizlefrak]

Brian, I hope the guy going into the turn in front of you brought an extra pair of underwear with him,,, I'm pretty sure he's going to need them....:rofl:...WW

:iagree: Maybe jeans too....that one might have gone liquid. :leaving:

[RedLS1GTO]

Brian, I hope the guy going into the turn in front of you brought an extra pair of underwear with him,,, I'm pretty sure he's going to need them....:rofl:...WW

It might look close in the video but I was never in any danger of actually hitting him. I put it as close as I did trying to get every inch of braking out of the pavement before I hit the (wet) grass and trying to find the flattest spot possible to dump it. Yep... I had that much time to think about what was happening.

I had no idea what was causing it at the time but it was abundantly clear that something was bad wrong at about the 4 marker, which oddly enough is about where I usually START braking.

On a somewhat related note, check this out. If you have ever wondered how fast the Daytona Prototypes are that you see on TV, the answer is yes. They are f**king stupid fast.

DP1 - YouTube

The car taking the video is my C5Z... NOT a slow car.

[DukeAllen]

:iagree: Maybe jeans too....that one might have gone liquid. :leaving:

:iagree: But Brian's went projectile :lol:

[SQUIRMIN VERMIN 84]

Airborne!!

[SQUIRMIN VERMIN 84]

On a somewhat related note, check this out. If you have ever wondered how fast the Daytona Prototypes are that you see on TV, the answer is yes. They are f**king stupid fast.

That thing flies like a slot car!!!

[RedLS1GTO]

Since some of you don't venture to OT... I'll put this here.

A few more Utah quality pics...

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p90/botch1980/Howe%20Race%20Car/ASA1_zps94379502.jpg

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p90/botch1980/Howe%20Race%20Car/ASA2_zps52d640a5.jpg

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p90/botch1980/Howe%20Race%20Car/ef0fbcca7c6e16785cc7fd5024af05e3_zps24aa791c.jpg

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p90/botch1980/Howe%20Race%20Car/ea3cbcf9c7e4e6bde7dc018c6ee711fc_zps4aa7825a.jpg

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p90/botch1980/Howe%20Race%20Car/1a0d12b433eb91f671a6282b6ae8819a_zpsbb0eb209.jpg

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p90/botch1980/Howe%20Race%20Car/2d3042ebe2318f58dcbe2a880f6035c5_zps89c49ff9.jpg

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p90/botch1980/Howe%20Race%20Car/2c978f53d156ece4b9f1c7658ddc506c_zps94893c14.jpg

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p90/botch1980/Howe%20Race%20Car/fc685a260fd9d54bd278fe4057cd9569_zpse483dea3.jpg

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p90/botch1980/Howe%20Race%20Car/91086d7ec73a652b8e352f8515afd5d5_zpsa5a304cf.jpg

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p90/botch1980/Howe%20Race%20Car/2f4feba19e85a292fed46655b4957a92_zpsf6338efb.jpg

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p90/botch1980/Howe%20Race%20Car/af83b5a3b6db129066628e04ede79914_zps2ab9a3b0.jpg

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p90/botch1980/Howe%20Race%20Car/4ba51b16f274a2329013966656625d66_zpsab9be451.jpg

[RedLS1GTO]

The body is pretty decent but in the end it looks like... well... a used race car. Seeing as I will be getting it home most likely sometime mid November and Mike is taking care of the few mechanical issues before I pick it up, I will have absolutely nothing better to do over the winter than spend some time on the cosmetic issues. I should be able to take care of most of it with some simple fiberglass work.

Until somebody pays me to put their name on it which let's face it, isn't going to be happening anytime soon I need a scheme on it. I'm thinking something like this (minus the contingency decals):

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p90/botch1980/Howe%20Race%20Car/POW_zps0ee26e13.jpg

For the cost of even a home paint job on it that was even a remotely decent quality, I could easily put a full black carbon fiber wrap on it. The POW! Motorsports logos are going on either way.

[nutz4c4]

F'n SWEET...

[RedLS1GTO]

Got some picture updates from Mike on the progress today. :dance:

Engine and exhaust is in. Still a little bit of wiring to clean up and waiting on new injectors for it to be complete...

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p90/botch1980/Howe%20Race%20Car/IMG953223_zpsca687217.jpg

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p90/botch1980/Howe%20Race%20Car/IMG951878_zps5f097262.jpg

Interior is coming along. Trans and shifter are in. Seat leg extensions are built.

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p90/botch1980/Howe%20Race%20Car/IMG950274_zpsc34fa6b2.jpg


Looking forward to that road trip to Florida to pick this dude up! :cool:

[RedLS1GTO]

Well... it took a 2300+ mile road trip with a 26' trailer the whole way, but it was worth it. Left on Thursday from Louisville to head down south. Spent the weekend in sunny Florida (beats the freezing temps here in KY for sure). Sunday morning, hooked up the trailer and took off straight to VIR for the Trackdaze HPDE to test it out.

I had some minor hiccups but nothing too unusual for a "new" car. First session I had a WICKED vibration on the out lap. Turned out to be nothing more than an old wheel weight that was missed when mounting the new tires. Pulled it off and made it out just in time to get 1 lap. The following session ended with a tow back from the pits to our spot WAY up the hill (thankfully the paddock will be ready next time I'm there). I shut it off in the pits when they pulled us all in after a wreck and had no starter when I tried to fire it back up. Turned out to be nothing more than a loose wire.

After back to back sessions flagged for people stuffing cars into walls I FINALLY got a few laps under my belt in the afternoon. All I can say is WOW. This thing is the definition of fun. It is also a complete 180 departure from the Corvettes. The learning curve is STEEP with the clutch in the pits and the Jerico. I'm sure plenty of people were laughing at the clown who couldn't drive through the pits but by the end of the day I had it pretty much figured out. Functional... but not quite smooth yet. :D

The clutchless shifting is an absolute blast. As good as it feels to rip through a good heel-toe braking zone, this is a whole new level of awesome. The brakes are simply amazing. The pedal pressures are WAY more than the Vettes, but they are unbelievably precise and predictable. I never even began to push hard and was still braking deeper than I ever could with my C5Z with the AP T1s. As I get better with the bias adjust, getting them dialed in should make it even better.

Unfortunately I didn't have time to hook up any data or video so I have no hard numbers but it feels like a rocket. The track was packed... I don't think I had a single lap without having to deal with at least 3-4 cars. I was also just getting used to it. I wasn't even remotely coming close to pushing hard. I was coasting into braking zones, short shifting, and being very gentle on the throttle. Even with all of that, my father was clocking laps in the 2:10 range. Through massive traffic and driving about 50%, I'm more than happy with that. There are a LOT of seconds to be gained. Unfortunately, it will all be paved and widened next time I'm there so I won't get a good comparison in lap times with my previous cars.

OK... enough rambling. Gotta work. :leaving:

[jda67gta]

because racecar...:seasix:












Congrats. Very :cool: