Thank you Onasled Racing and TSW... - Page 5

Batrugger · #41 08-27-2009, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M^Cubed

I actually got my spring choice from you (10/8) - but you are running different sway bars at both ends.

Did the dynamics of the car change dramatically going from the 8/7 to 10/8 ?

From my limited perspective (I don't drive it hardly at all) it allowed more travel, but it was better controlled and much more of a comfortable ride. I got to drive it for a run session after my Jetta blew an exhaust gasket on the track and it was very controlled, very neutral, and very predictable. I had a blast driving it.

M^Cubed · #42 08-28-2009, 12:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Batrugger

From my limited perspective (I don't drive it hardly at all) it allowed more travel, but it was better controlled and much more of a comfortable ride. I got to drive it for a run session after my Jetta blew an exhaust gasket on the track and it was very controlled, very neutral, and very predictable. I had a blast driving it.

Thanks - from some of the responses I have gotten, it seems like people think the car will be a handful. Your experience shows different though.

I would like to add springs and a TSW x-brace and be done with the suspension.

Bimmer Lite · #43 08-28-2009, 05:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M^Cubed

Is fun the same meaning as the borderline scary feel on a fast roller coaster?

HA HA HA

Actually, yes, that's exactly how I'd describe it! My instructor kept commenting during the weekend that momentum cars are more rewarding because if you screw up once, it takes a lap or two to make it it; with a HP car, you screw up, mash the gas, and you've made up your time.

**cct1** · #44 08-28-2009, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bimmer Lite

Actually, yes, that's exactly how I'd describe it! My instructor kept commenting during the weekend that momentum cars are more rewarding because if you screw up once, it takes a lap or two to make it it; with a HP car, you screw up, mash the gas, and you've made up your time.

So true, had this illustrated perfectly at my last track day.

I had a Cayman S behind me, I'd pull away in the corners, and he'd catch back what he lost on the straights. I was pulling away ever so slightly every lap, just a few yards. This went on for 5 laps or so, then I finally bungled the chicane toward the end of the session, which is where I was picking up most of my time on him--and the guy caught me.

Cool thing was immediately after the session he searched me out and basically said "please tell me your car isn't stock, I was having fits trying to catch you," very cool.

That's the thing about the MINI, and what's kept me from buying something faster--to drive it fast, you have to drive it well--it's so much more rewarding than mashing the accelerator.

On the other hand, if you're having an off day, it can be pure hell!

Bimmer Lite · #45 08-28-2009, 09:43 AM

Funny you mention the Cayman S - it was just voted the "Best Driver's Car" by Motor Trend.

That's a really balanced car, one that I thoroughly enjoyed driving. I'd say you're probably getting a lot more out of your car than he is - put you in the Cayman and him in the Cooper, and I bet your lead would be way more than a few yards!

Bimmer Lite · #46 08-28-2009, 10:25 AM

Forgot this picture in the original post:

My weight during the corner-balancing process...

175 pounds of pure steel right there. hahahahaha

- Marc

M^Cubed · #47 08-28-2009, 10:58 AM

HAHAHAH that is cast iron not steel...

just kidding, trying to burst your bubble superman!

Bimmer Lite · #48 08-28-2009, 11:19 AM

Iron, steel, I'm all of that

Rrrrrriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiggght.

One thing I never thought of was whether or not to tell Greg to corner balance the car with an instructor's weight in there as well. I'm assuming he didn't and that's probably the best idea since at least half of my time is going to be solo.

scott@txwerks · #49 08-28-2009, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bimmer Lite

Funny you mention the Cayman S - it was just voted the "Best Driver's Car" by Motor Trend.

It's awesome on the track - right up to the point that the motor grenades.

Two local track junkies have lost Cayman S motors in the last year or so... There are fixes out for it now, supposedly.

scott@txwerks · #50 08-28-2009, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M^Cubed

Scott,

Which vehicle are you talking about? Confusing by saying that the Cooper S uses a different line and is heavier)

I forgot who it is at TXS, but I know someone has an E30 there. I can see that being lighter than a R5X platform.

I track my Cooper - the one with 145 whp. It's 2650 lbs with me in it.

I autocross the e30 325is. Pops (aka Jeff) autocrosses and tracks the e30.