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Sports Cars - The Definitive Discussion - READ ONLY

522 messages,  Last post on Dec 08, 2007 at 6:07 PM

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What is this discussion about? Porsche 911, Chevrolet Corvette, Ferrari F430, Lotus Exige, Lotus Elise, Coupe

#61 of 522 'Vette by ultimatedriver Apr 12, 2005 (6:15 pm)
Completely agreed with Shifty's previous post (#60) about the C4. The one that I drove had the chiropractic Z51 suspension (the shock valving of which I deemed better than the Z06 I drove in 2002).   That was a real leap in the evolution of the Corvette line. It showed that the engineers actually drive their cars and took notes as to what they did and didn't like. It's what I think is one of the key differences between my love for Corvettes and sports cars from the rest of the world. I feel like the engineers are regular Joes like me putting in the overtime because they see their work in action to the tune of about 1.3 million units (as of 2003).   I understand that there is a passion that lies in the tiny villages of Italy for the marques that reside therein. However, those products seem so out of reach for the people, that their passion can only reach so deep.   Germans are pretty loyal to their brands as they have a wide selection to chose from as far as getting into a sports car is concerned.   However a lot of fans of the Corvette actually end up owners one day. So maybe the sports car cred of the Corvette doesn't need to be steeped in years of history (this is just an opinion, so keep all angry replys to yourselves). The 'Vette, to me, will always be the car I can wish for while I'm young, and obtain when I'm closer to being young at heart.
#63 of 522 zoom zoom by Mr_Shiftright HOST Apr 13, 2005 (11:34 am)
I'd like a 1962, 4-speed, red and white, thank you very much. Replies to this message: designman (Apr 13, 2005 12:49 pm) Mr_Shiftright (Apr 13, 2005 1:45 pm)
#64 of 522 Re: zoom zoom [Mr_Shiftright] by designman Apr 13, 2005 (12:49 pm)
Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Apr 13, 2005 11:34 am) Absolutely, that one's in heaven. A look that lasts forever. And it's Americana.   Shifty, what did you think of the Fiat 124 Spyder? Replies to this message: Mr_Shiftright (Apr 13, 2005 1:45 pm)
#66 of 522 Re: zoom zoom [designman] by Mr_Shiftright HOST Apr 13, 2005 (1:45 pm)
Replying to: designman (Apr 13, 2005 12:49 pm) Fiat 124 Spider was a nice little sports car. Beautiful ride, nice snug convertible top that was a dream to put up and down (not like infernal British tops of the day). Probably my biggest complaint was a lot of driveline "whip" due to how the driveline was mounted with lots of squishy bushings. So you floor it and get this uh-UH_=-UH while your head bobbles around. But gee, you got dohc engine, 5-speeds, good handling and Fiat quality==hahahahaha! Fun to drive, though.   The last Spyders were fuel injected and those were better. They also made a turbo 2.0 liter 1982?...pretty quick but really I don't think the engine and cooling system were up to the task. So a 1981 FI model would be my pick.   They also made a coupe, which is kinda rare but a neat little car.
#67 of 522 Re: zoom zoom [Mr_Shiftright] by starrow68 Apr 13, 2005 (8:25 pm)
Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Apr 11, 2005 4:01 pm) As to the 3 open road runs in northern Nevada I think I may sign up for the 105 mile an hour class one year to see what it takes before trying to run over 80% for 20 to 25 minutes, up to an hour? I know my car will run 80 to 120 for extended periods, I don't know it will run 130 to 150 or that I have the required safety equipment. I think I'm good with fire extinguisher and harness up into low 100's. Let me know when you're going ! Randy Replies to this message: Mr_Shiftright (Apr 14, 2005 10:05 am)
#68 of 522 FWIW, another view by starrow68 Apr 14, 2005 (9:40 am)
http://www.mlive.com/business/fljournal/index.ssf?/base/business-0/1113492154213530.xml
#69 of 522 Re: zoom zoom [starrow68] by Mr_Shiftright HOST Apr 14, 2005 (10:05 am)
Replying to: starrow68 (Apr 13, 2005 8:25 pm) Running wide open for an hour is stressful. I guess I told you that my friend Monty has blown up two C5 engines doing this, but he did hit 178 or so he says. Oh, well, it's like with boats---they are safe in harbor but that's not what they are for.   Corvettes seem to generally do well in these events, or at least the ones that survive do, as do Vipers. I don't know why the Porsche and Ferrari owners are not running more of these things, but maybe they don't want to blow the suckers up. Actually, a 996 crate engine is not that expensive ($7000) but I have no confidence in a 996 engine. I'd run a 993 engine no problem at max speed all day long. Of course I'd think twice about putting a Ferrari engine at risk as I would find it painful to be writing a $30K-$60K check for a new one.   Porsche 928 engines are very strong but I'll need new tires. I think I can wear my motorcycle helmet for the 120 class and a long sleeve shirt I think is the other requirement----oh, shoes, you can't wear sandals.   FLINT JOURNAL -- c'mon you can do better than that---that's a fluff piece.
#70 of 522 Interested in the Silver State Classic by ultimatedriver Apr 14, 2005 (6:49 pm)
I've been looking at that event for quite some time. My 1997 BMW 325i has been extensively modified for road course work. The only exterior modification I've made is the addition of an M3 body kit from the same year.   I'm not as well versed as I'd like to be in long distance high speed races such as this. I would imagine that I'd slightly increase the output of my engine to compensate for the fact that I live in Florida at sea level. Right now I've got 257whp7350RPM. I'm not sure how aerodynamically sound the 1997 M3 sedan was at the time. I've topped my car out at 166.7mph with great stability even with crosswinds. I have a progressive rate coil-over suspension with gas charged Ohlins at all 4 corners. Brakes are cross-drilled 13.5" units with 4 piston calipers all around. Every component of fluid management is upgraded or new, as well as cooled beyond stock specification (transmission, oil, water, etc).   I'm not sure if I need to put more hardware into my car before taking it up there. If you have successfully run this race before, please let me know.

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