At risk of y'all hating me...., ...I got to drive a piece of history at Rennsport Reunion 3 Options

[horizontally-opposed]

Sure,

1. Brake pedal was soft. The brakes worked, but a full bleed restored a LOT of confidence. I think one more bleed would have been beneficial for Sunday.

2. Rear ride height lowered a bit. Would have liked to bring it down more, but the real #59 has clearance issues solved in the other car (Hurley's) by clearancing the tub.

3. Tire pressures. Just before going out, they reset them. I asked what they were running at. They said 19 psi, unless it was for Bob, who liked 18.5. I asked why and they said he liked the car a bit softer. I asked if that would add to or decrease oversteer, and they said decrease.

I don't know if they made any other subtle tweaks (we talked about rear toe), but it was a different car on Saturday. Different driver, too. I decided that I would stop driving my mirrors (but still watch them) and that anyone who wanted to go by had to earn it (which is safer for everyone anyway). I decided to keep my foot in it around the banking, too, which settled the car a lot.

I also decided that, if Saturday was like Friday, I was going to hand back the key and say "thank you."

That's because Friday was terrifying and I was really, really slow. Besides the whole driving a museum piece thing, Daytona is a pretty initimidating place and I knew none of the lines. Saturday was...so...much...funner.

The car played a big part in that. I think Sunday would have been even better, but I am thankful that the motor didn't blow on Friday. Had it, my only memory of driving that car would have been a bitter disappointment, mostly with the "me" part of the equation...

pete

[carr914]

Hi Pete, Never raced or really drove it. Bob let me sit in it, start it up, put it on the lift so I could see some stuff. Yes the rear end looks much lower from 2004. Here's another pic for inspection.

T.C.

[grantsfo]

We already hated you! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Thanks for confirming my suspicions. I've already got that set up:

2.5
S-Calipers
15x7 and 8

Can't wait until I get a spare 10 grand to bolt it all together... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol3.gif)

Seriously, my assumptions over years of pouring over this GT stuff is, there's a fine balance for a 914 chassis. A 2.5 lightweight hitting 220-230hp just oughta do it. The 2.5 SS motor incorporates the spirit of what these cars were all about. High revving fun.

Congrats Pete. I can't wait to read about it.

Eric,

Right on on the 2.5 and wheels, but I'd recommend trying the S calipers with caution. They might be enough on the street, but they were not really enough at Daytona. Personally, I'd do 986 or 951 brakes -- but then I really value killer brakes.

pete

Yep thats exactly whats in my car. Did the motor for under $10K. 2480cc twin plug, MSX gears, SC calipers and rotors (more than enough brake for my lightweight car) with 9" and 8" wheels. Car has tremendous balance and is wicked fast on the track.

Car just sings. Here is video if havent seen it in action.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSaL5XpVTt8

This post has been edited by grantsfo: Nov 9 2007, 05:45 PM