POLL: For how many has LBA180?

[dsinned]

The forum's motto is "Life Begins at 180 mph", but how many have actually "lived" it? If you have an interesting story to go along with your experience, please post it after you vote in the poll, so you can receive some accolades from your peers . . . :notworthy

[Kevin]

I've done it once racing a viper. There just arn't enough good roads around here to do it more than once

[dsinned]

guess, I'll go first (btw, this is my all time favorite topic since becoming a members of the ZR-1 Net 10 years ago) . . .

Not only did I go 180 but I did so with dear ol' Mom along for the ride!!!

We did it in a virtually stock 1990 ZR-1 on a lonely rural highway in the Sin State of Nevada. Had a lot of running room, no other cars to worry about and plenty of straight and level pavement to make the attempt. Plenty of cops around but none interested in pulling us over (or able to catch us) and extend an invitation to spend the night in jail. [-X

We had plenty of motivation . . . a cooler full of brewskies, and an in-car camera rolling just for subsequent bragging rights.

I believe the magic number came up about 8 miles into the attempt at about 5000 feet with high desert all around in the cool of a Sunday morn on a nice piece of highway approaching a long straight called the Battle Mountain Gold well known by many for similar perfectly legal speed trials.

Pedal to the metal as we ever so slowly continued to accelerate fast and fast - while still in 6th gear - the ZR-1 did her absolute best to not run out of breathe and rise to the challenge.

The adrenaline was already flowing when "1-7-0" first appeared . . . then "1 7 5" a few moment later. Mom was even starting to stir having been calm as a cucumber up to this point, seemingly half awake. To remind him of what has happening I shouted out the speedo's incremental changes as we sped onward.

As we came out of the hills and leveled off just before the longest of straights we both knew this was the car, the time and the place that does legends make. "1-7-7" . . . "1-7-8" . . . would we run out of straight before seeing the most revered and exhaulted number of all possible numbers in a street legal C4 Corvettte?

Just as I thought we had reached the beginning of the end just two measly miles per hour from seeing the beginning of new life, as if to be willed to go just a bit faster, to our mutual amazement . . . SHAZAM!!! We had finally broken the barrier and arrived to the moment of pure ZR-1 owners' ecstacy . . .

1 8 0 miraculously appeared as I shouted out to MOM as loud as I could, who by this time was fully awaken and noticeably excited.

The movement of glory that all ZR-1 owners seemingly aspire to had been fully achieved and duly witnessed by none other than MOM himself!!!

Mom took it in stride and promptly commeratted the ocassion by officially declaring . . .

It's Miller Time ! ! !


Epilogue: After this sterling achievement and friends had gathered all around, I remember the in-car camera that Mom had set up beforehand, but oddly, Mom did not proudly proclaimed "I got it on VIDEO!" Hum, why would he be reluctant to relive the moment on film in front of all the children? If this post has held your interest this long, I think I'll let Mom finish the story, or perhaps I merely dreamed or imagined this whole story and as we all know Mom will never lie to her children. :hal: :wave: :cheers:

[We Gone]

Only been 160 once with my son. :o Worst thing I ever did. 1 year later we found a good deal on a 95 LT1 so I helped him get it. Lasted 3 months and he got a ticket @ 113 did not get to drive for the next year and I sold the Vette. at least he did not hurt anyone or himself, now he drives a Honda :wink:

If I go fast now its just me :mrgreen:

[Jim Jones]

Not sure I'm ready to try those speeds just yet. Of course here in Ohio there aren't enough long straights on the highway with no traffic to try that. I can only imagine the adrenaline rush!!

:worship:

[Z Factor]

Only been 160 once with my son. :o Worst thing I ever did. 1 year later we found a good deal on a 95 LT1 so I helped him get it. Lasted 3 months and he got a ticket @ 113 did not get to drive for the next year and I sold the Vette. at least he did not hurt anyone or himself, now he drives a Honda :wink:

If I go fast now its just me :mrgreen:

The story you told about your son makes perfect sense. In a way, everything we do and say in front of children is a life lesson, good or bad. If you show him something you think is fun, he will at some level assume that is what he could and should do. Even if you do something like yell at someone who has cut you off, he will probably be inclined to do the same. Obviously you going very fast under the right conditions with your experience and skill is different than your teenage son doing the same, but they dont think that way.

I had a very bad habit of doing something dangerous and didn't even think twice about it. Then one day when I was questioning myself as to why I did it so often, it dawned on me that I remember my father doing it when I was a small boy. When I was doing it, it wasnt as if I had a concience thought that it was ok because he did it. As a matter of fact, until I sat myself down to figure it out, I had actually forgotten that I witnessed him doing it as a small child.

So for all the parents out there, you set the example for your children, and if you have a passion for fast cars, be careful in what you show them because as our stories point out, it can come back to haunt you.

:cheers:

[WB9MCW]

I remember my Dad's stories about going 145 in a Jag on the Kansas Turnpike. And I remember him driving his BMW's in a spirited way. Never did he go triple digits with me in the car ever though. I still got that need 4 speed thing but I can not blame the old man 4 it! After all his fav. passions were golf and sailing! LOLOL I must have just developed the speed thing on my own. Usually when I showing off the ZR-1's performance to friends I shut her down at 100mph. Never have I have a complaint if fact they acted relieved that I didn't go any faster (esp. da wife)! JIMO :nono: :nono: :nono:

[Jim Jones]

I took my cousin for a ride in the Z just before he left for Okinawa in the Marines. We turned onto an entrance ramp and I hammered it up to about 105mph (barked the tires in second hehe). He really really liked it, although I think he was relieved when we slowed down even though he had a HUGE smile on his face. Of course, I did too. :D

[Mikez40]

I never got up to 180, however I did get up to 162 mph once. I was caughting up to traffic so I had to get off it. That was a couple of years ago, and I never really had enough road to try it agian.

Now about 6 months ago I blew out my front tire going 110 MPH. I got lucky and only damaged the rim along with the tire. At that speed it is not fun when the tire blows. Lucky for me I was on a straight away and had plenty of room to slow down with out hitting the brakes. So now I am a little gun shy and have only taken it up to 120 MPH.

[cuisinartvette]

I've had mine a whopping 2 weeks and have yet to drive it. Finally found insurance today as a matter of fact. The prior owner had it 180 with stock gearing, and with the 4.09's saw 160. I'm looking forward to running it down the track soon and at least porting the heads and intake to get "a little more". Haven't really hammered it yet, just ran through the first few gears during my test drive. Felt good, but there's plenty more power in this thing waiting to be unleashed!

[ZRXMAX]

Had my opportunity recently to join the LBA 180 club... it was a blast ! Captured on video for the fun time that it was... It is most exhilarating when you come to a blind curve in the road and keep the pedal to the metal... :D
Looking forward to doing it again !

[Scoob]

Damn...the most I've ever gone is a paltry 126 @ Pocono.

I'll turn in my power key at the desk.
:redface:

[tomtom72]

I'll turn in my power key at the desk also. Where I live in metro NYC there aren't many places & besides I can't conceive of speeds like that & the skill required. I've only had mine road ready since April 28, 05 but I took our VP's advise on pratical ways to blow out the junk. Thanks Ron! I use steep hills on local highways...111mph came so quick I almost had a seizure...2nd gear and no where near the shift light!!! These cars are too quick for production cars!

I got a laugh when I was driving to BG & I was coasting up hill on the PA pike doing 90+. I was thinking... Jeeze, I'm doing 90 uphill & traffic is going backwards & the guy in the M3 can't even keep up every time I nail it in 4th. These cars are amazing to me, but then I'm a rookie owner.

I think when I get the cash driving school is the first mod for me! The car needs no help!!!

[WB9MCW]

good to see your having so much fun with the new zr-1 there tt!!! 7k rpm's is addicting isn't it? glad to see u posting here tt

[Scoob]

Update...played with the Viper club @ Pocono yesterday.

145 mph on the Long Pond straight. :D

[tomtom72]

Wow, is all I can say to the guys that have been well into the three digits!
I'm not being too forward if I ask if driving school was on your list?

Hi Bryan! Yes in my own way I'm having way too much fun with my Z!! :mrgreen: Go on every cruise I can over at CF with the Northeast guys. You just gotta imagine what 20 or more vettes look like going thru a small town. People stop & stare! We got 40+ doing a run tomorrow. :thumbsup:

Tom

[Scoob]

Yes, I've been to a couple DE and car control sessions.

[Kevin]

I have a driving school in my future. Just haven't had the time yet.

[Ed Hoffman]

My tale is not about Life Begins at 180. Mine begins with the sight of a new Black Itilan Stallion bearing down on me while I was taking a Sunday cruise North on I-15 between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, where I live. A young blond male, with his hat turned backwards, pulled up along side and motioned me by pointing down the road a reving his 12 piston engine. I was in 6th gear at the time and knew I could not do a thing, until my shifting hand found 3rd gear. Well, as all 405 Hp ZR owners know that is the magic gear. When I pushed the pedal to the metal I heard the Black Beauty looking for a gear to match. The next thing I know I'm back in 5th gear and Italy's best is no where to be seen. I think he took an off ramp so he would'nt have to face me any time in the future.

[WB9MCW]

Good one Ed way to show the pretty boy the way to the exit ramp! LOL

[Kevin]

My tale is not about Life Begins at 180. Mine begins with the sight of a new Black Itilan Stallion bearing down on me while I was taking a Sunday cruise North on I-15 between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, where I live. A young blond male, with his hat turned backwards, pulled up along side and motioned me by pointing down the road a reving his 12 piston engine. I was in 6th gear at the time and knew I could not do a thing, until my shifting hand found 3rd gear. Well, as all 405 Hp ZR owners know that is the magic gear. When I pushed the pedal to the metal I heard the Black Beauty looking for a gear to match. The next thing I know I'm back in 5th gear and Italy's best is no where to be seen. I think he took an off ramp so he would'nt have to face me any time in the future.

It's not just 405 hp cars that love third gear.......[-X

[taximan1]

Never got near 180. We don't have those kind of roads in NJ. However, I did get my 93' 40th ZR1 up to 144 on the interstate going through WV on our way to Bowling Green in 1999.

That road in WV is a blast to drive on. I don't think they have cops in WV. I think its I-78 or I-79. Lots of straight aways with no traffic, even some mild bends that make it interesting.

[Ed Hoffman]

Taxi, we are lucky out west. In Nevada we have two long distance supervised road races. They are really individual attempts to hold a pre set speed, say 150MPH for a distance of say 30 miles, and the winner is the one who averages his or her pre selected speed. It starts at 100 and goes up to 180. They have had some pretty mean crashes in the 150 to 180 bracket. Most because of tire failure.

[crazyb1]

140mph on I-95 with a neighbor. It got there QUICK!!!!! He was bragging about his old Cutlass he used to race back in the 80's. Gave him a "ride" in the Z and afterwords asked him if this was faster than the Cutlass. After he got the perma-grin off of his face, he stated, "I need a beer. I've got to get me one of these...how much did you say you paid for this?" nuff said.

[Hammer]

Being a newbie to the Registry, I though I would share my story. I picked up my Z in Salt Lake City on May 6th. On the way home I hit 127 in Utah. When I hit the border and was in Idaho I let her rip one more time. I was in 4th gear and this baby was pulling HARD, Not sure what RPM's it was at but I smelled clutch so I stuck it in 5th gear and slowed. The GPS had registered 132 as a high speed for that run. I was headed for 150 that day but didn't want to screw the clutch up and be towed home. I don't know about 180 (maybe under the right situaton), but I defintely see 150 in my future someday.

'91 #458 Red/Black Stock except for K & N Filter/Open Cover
(the K&N was not on the car this day)
John Boyd
Nampa Idaho

[WB9MCW]

Looks like your living up to your name there Mr. "Hammer Down"...I like your plate!

Here is a photo of the "Snake Skinner ZR-1" FYI.....

http://www.hashmarks.com/photos/gathering2000/images/zr1_wing.JPG

[Hammer]

Looks like your living up to your name there Mr. "Hammer Down"...I like your plate!

Here is a photo of the "Snake Skinner ZR-1" FYI.....

http://www.hashmarks.com/photos/gathering2000/images/zr1_wing.JPG

Thanks for the kind words and the great picture. Anymore pictures out there on the net of this car? I thought quite awhile and that plate was the only one I came up with and I just had to have it. I had to wait a month and wasn't even sure if I would get it or not.
Later

[WB9MCW]

Well I do know of another SS....meet the zr-1 ss vette from HELL

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/1052/zr1hell21od.jpg

with a "black widow" LT-5 this was the "street skinner" aka: ZR-1 SS.....

General Information
Price: $--,---
Miles Per Gallon: --/-- mpg
Curb Weight: ---- lbs
Layout: Front-Engine/RWD
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual

Engine
Type: V-8 DOHC
Displacement: 5.7L
Horsepower: 475 bhp @ ---- rpm
Torque: --- lb-ft @ ---- rpm
Redline: ---- rpm

Performance
0-60 mph: 3.6 sec
0-100 mph: 7.8 sec
Quarter Mile: 11.8 sec @ 123 mph
Skidpad: 1.05g
Top Speed: 190 mph est.
Braking, 60-0 mph: -- ft
Slalom Speed: --.- mph

note that performance was done with Goodyear Eagle GS-CS
tires


Here is the link to a zrwon post who owns a ss and is a member here...

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showpost.php?p=1548954168&postcount=15

and here is a post of him on this forum here...

http://www.zr1netregistry.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1466

and here is the article...

http://zr1netregistry.com/ZR1-SS.html

and some more comments

http://www.zr1netregistry.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6196&postcount=70

hope this gets you up to speed!!

[key_on]

As much as I'd love to join the club, I can't say I've even come close. Still riding on the original Goodyear skins. Just can't trust tires that old at speed.

[WB9MCW]

HOLY CRAPPERS U STILL GOT ORIG RUBBER!!! WOW

http://www.rma.org/images/tire_safety/tire_basics/what_is_inside_a_tire/tiresafety_inside_diagram.gif

http://www.goodyearaviation.com/img/radiaply.jpg

RADIAL ABOVE

http://www.goodyearaviation.com/img/biasply.jpg

THIS ONE IS A BIAS PLY

http://www.wasp-wwii.org/wasp/images/wwii/tire.jpg

[Kevin]

As much as I'd love to join the club, I can't say I've even come close. Still riding on the original Goodyear skins. Just can't trust tires that old at speed.
time to put new tires on that car and DRIVE IT

[CorvZ061]

eh... not a ZR1 but still a vette.... 160..... the L98 didn't have it in her to go even 161.... lol.... but there was a story to it... lets say Texas to Georgia with an average speed well above the posted limit.... 155-160 most of the way.... not stupid enough to do it again tho...

[zipnz]

did 180 at BBORR 2002. The same year Curtis W. went over 200 mph in his 100k+ mile 1991 Z. :D
BTW, we were both DQ'd.

The pic in my avatar was taken seconds before I hit the magic number...

[WB9MCW]

I can see 17? in the avitar pic...a bit small to see clearly! How did you hold the camera steady at that speed???

http://www.dustygroove.com/images/products/s/speedometer_thisisspe_102b.jpg

http://www.clubdicecasino.com/adv2/ngscreen/speedometer.JPG

http://www.info.com.ph/~philbert/speedometer.JPG

The new Silva Ski Speedometer is the only product available to measure ground speed and distance for skiers and other snow sport enthusiasts. Its multi-purpose radar sensor is accurate for cross country and downhill skiing. The equipment can be worn as a wrist watch. A lanyard and a carabiner is included to give maximum flexibility. The device will go on sale in January.

Features of the new Speedometer:

• Speed

• Distance

• Heart rate (with optional monitor)

• Wireless coded RF transmission between sensor and receiver (watch)

• 3 speed modes (Downhill, Cross Country, Nordic)

• Calorie counter (Cross Country only)

• Time: second, minute, 12/24 hour, day, date, month, year settings

• Versatile removable strap system allows use as a watch, carabiner or on a lanyard

• Average ground speed (mph/kmh), maximum speed, pace (min per mile), distance (miles), total distance, trip (elapsed) time

• Backlight with 3 second delay

• Alternate time zone setting

• 2 alarms

• Lap counter

• 3 independent timers with alarm

• Stopwatch: intermediate or lap time measurements;

• 50 record storage capacity

•Water resistant: up to 30ft/10m

http://www.gizmowatch.com/images/r_ski_speedometer.jpg

www.gizmowatch.com/.../

[Z Factor]

As much as I'd love to join the club, I can't say I've even come close. Still riding on the original Goodyear skins. Just can't trust tires that old at speed.

I'd stay away from high speed with older tires just to be safe. That said, if you want to keep the originals for resale/collector sake, then you can buy a separate set of tires and/or rims to do your regular cruising it.

:cheers:

[L8apex]

150+ leading a pack of Vettes one Sunday morning in the rolling hills of VA:eusa_shhh Plenty left in the car just not enough road and driver to take it any higher[-X

[WB9MCW]

150+ leading a pack of Vettes one Sunday morning in the rolling hills of VA:eusa_shhh Plenty left in the car just not enough road and driver to take it any higher[-X


Yes we like the "LEADING A PACK OF VETTES" part! :cheers:

[FU]

I DRIVE 55 !!

[WB9MCW]

You must not like Sammy Hagar then!

http://www.dma.org/~doogie/sammy55.gif

http://www.signguy.com/SEMA/afa0.jpeg

http://www.signguy.com/AAA%20KT%20PAGE/gt40wt.jpg

[Peaven]

130mph....around here, there's too much traffic, neighborhoods, etc. Some years back I did 165 in my stock LT1, in a place more suitable for this duty.....I haven't had the opportunity to take the Z there...yet:mrgreen:

[Kevin]

I DRIVE 55 !!
sure you do frank

[Peaven]

130mph....around here, there's too much traffic, neighborhoods, etc. Some years back I did 165 in my stock LT1, in a place more suitable for this duty.....I haven't had the opportunity to take the Z there...yet:mrgreen:

Update, did 160 this weekend....I need to be sure of a few things before I attempt another 10-20 mph.:D

[jonszr1]

I am so ;ucky to live at the edge of death valley . there is Paniment valley about 1/2 way to dv which has a 4 mile straight away . the pavement is very good and it is right at sea level which sure gives a good feeling power wise. there also is hardly any traffic so its just asking to be driven on as fast as one can go:mrgreen: So what can I say itry to do it at least twice a month. I take my g-tech and also try to work on my 1/4 mile times , so I can give Ully a run for his money at the next west gathering:mrgreen: :mrgreen:

[DaveK]

There's an option missing from the poll - "Not yet, but I'm going to!" :D

[WB9MCW]

hey jonszr1 what speed have u been getting her up to in the Paniment valley???

[rkreigh]

larry blew by 155 up on sunrise in long island on his last ride in the LSV and my first. coming up on a stop light so he had to back out.

that was enough for me. scared the crap out of me because I wasn't driving. the LSV has some long legs.

[RedSled]

Thought I'd share my high-speed experiences. I lived in Germany for three years and was able to drive my everyday car on the Autobahn several times a week. My Audi tapped out at 125mph, but could do it all day. A good friend at a tire company needed people to drive cars to autoshows for him. As a result, I got to deliver some cool cars (Porsches, Ferraris) around Germany. 165 was about as fast as I got a few times. Even on the Autobahn, more than that didn't feel safe. But one day, while driving my Audi at 120, I saw flashing lights behind telling me to get out of the way. I pulled aside to let a very fast C-4 Corvette flash by. A wide set of rear tires was all I saw. It was 1989. I wondered later if it had been an early ZR-1 that blew my doors off.

I've only seen 120 in my ZR-1 so far. I'm heading to the Jim Russell driving school in July.

Cheers, Keith
'90 red/red #1383

[billfarmer]

I am lucky enough to live in Germany as well. I saw 162mph last week but it was during the day with other cars on the road. I blasted past 2 ??? some kind of cars. They must have seen me coming because they got way over. Look out for the crazy American. I have found the right stretch of road however....I have GSCs on and the LTPWS sensors still on the wheels. Although I only want to hit 180 for a couple of seconds (that is until I do it, then I will want to do it everyday) I am not so sure it would be a good idea until I get some new shoes and remove the sensors. Whadda yall think?

Also, what is the fastest anyone has done in a stock ZR1?

Bill

[jonszr1]

the best speed I have hit is 188 . thestraight is 1.7 miles long and the corner at the end can get a little hairy This weekend i am going to try for 190 by doing a 4 wheel drift on to the straight. there is a longer straight in that valley but the asphalt isnt very good . also pretty soon it will just get too hot on the asphalt. the last thing I want to do is pop a tire. sure is fun though. especially with the inj and plenum porting :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

[WB9MCW]

WICKED JZ1 I KNEW U WERE HAMMER DOWN OUT THERE! --BE CAREFUL-- GOOD LUCK ON THE 190---

Curtis W. hit 200--- http://www.zr1netregistry.com/forum/showpost.php?p=12928&postcount=45

[cward]

I seem to recall hitting 180+ quite a few times. So for the poll, MANY times.

Might add another option: 200+

I think there are several drivers that have done that in their Z's.

Curtis

[jonszr1]

I just got back from the valley and my latest early morning run. I DID IT my new Personal record196 but Holy SH*t almost lost it on the shut down ended up do a 360 but stayed on the road. Excuse me but I think I sucked the seat up my butt and I gotta go remove it. I know I flat spotted the tires. on the way home felt like a centapeed witha wooden legg 99 thump. Man do things happen fast at that speed:mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

[cward]

I just got back from the valley and my latest early morning run. I DID IT my new Personal record196 but Holy SH*t almost lost it on the shut down ended up do a 360 but stayed on the road. Excuse me but I think I sucked the seat up my butt and I gotta go remove it. I know I flat spotted the tires. on the way home felt like a centapeed witha wooden legg 99 thump. Man do things happen fast at that speed:mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

Yes, at that speed things do happen very quickly. There are several things you can do to help you when attempting to go fast. One, and imo, is to have very good tires. I mean VERY good tires. There are only a few that are rated above 180 mph. I would suggest that if you are going to try going that fast, then get a set of them. Most of the drivers at ORR events that have had bad experiences had them occurr because of tire failure. Losing a tire above 180 is a bad thing. Two, put all the positive caster available into the steering to slow down the steering. Setup the suspension to lower the car as much as you can, especially in front. Put the slightest bit of toe-in front and rear. You do not want the car to have any toe-out. And some negative camber also. Not too much. Also, try to stiffen up the suspension so when you let off, the rearend does not want to come around. That means setup the car on the tight side, not loose. I don't know how fast you were going when the donut happened, but I do know that donuts above 100 mph will get the adrenalin(sp) flowing. 196 mph is very fast. Congratulations. You also might consider doing those runs by yourself. You do have good life insurance don't you. :-) I was asked by my wife to increase mine when I started high speed racing. I did as she asked.

[jonszr1]

thanx for the info on the car set-up . Tires I have the goodyear dg-3s ithink is what they are. tread is like a big V.. Are they ok or whats the best. i dont care if they wear out quick . whats the best street legal tire.? 18 s better? I have been thinking of doing coilovers. would that be the way to go? Can one get a reasonably priced set up to set thet front end. I don't need life Ins as I am single with no family. Am An EX ranger so I am a little nuts anyhow. But your right a smart guy would set the car up a little better. Also ntghinking the silver state race in one of the mph cat. might be fun too. SO new ? what would you all do / change for high speed runs? be thankfull for any advise. OH P.S. spunabout 90 3-360s and you are RIGHT you know your heart is pumping. Wheni got it stopped and got out . I just sat down ,serious shaken goin on

[Aurora40]

Tires I have the goodyear dg-3s ithink is what they are.
They have a "Y" service description and thus are rated up to 186mph when properly loaded/inflated.

I have seen Michelin provide speed rating data that indicated at a set of speeds what % of the max load the tire could take, and what additional pressure was needed. On some by the max speed rating, it could only take 95% of the max rated load, and required +5 psi additional pressure.

It might be worthwhile to contact Goodyear and find out what they recommend in regards to taking that tire to its top speed and beyond. :cheers:

[Peaven]

Holy Shiite indeed, Jon...glad you're still here, congrats!=D>

I don't know Curtis personally, but from reading everything on the forums about his high speed exploits in a Z I'd say he definately knows what he's talking about. After I meet some other obligations and commitments in my life, I'd like to do a little ORR and set my Z up to run up to 200...but 1 thing at a time.:thumbsup:

[cward]

thanx for the info on the car set-up . Tires I have the goodyear dg-3s ithink is what they are. tread is like a big V.. Are they ok or whats the best. i dont care if they wear out quick . whats the best street legal tire.? 18 s better? I have been thinking of doing coilovers. would that be the way to go? Can one get a reasonably priced set up to set thet front end. I don't need life Ins as I am single with no family. Am An EX ranger so I am a little nuts anyhow. But your right a smart guy would set the car up a little better. Also ntghinking the silver state race in one of the mph cat. might be fun too. SO new ? what would you all do / change for high speed runs? be thankfull for any advise. OH P.S. spunabout 90 3-360s and you are RIGHT you know your heart is pumping. Wheni got it stopped and got out . I just sat down ,serious shaken goin on

Let's see if I can try to answer some of your questions. Those are pretty good tires if they do not have too many miles. Now with flat spots, you will have to replace anyway. Coil-overs are a good thing if you are going to try to go fast and turn too. I used DRM. 17's are OK. I switched to A-Molds because they looked better and are lighter than the saw-blades. Any good alinement shop with 4 wheel alignment equipment should be able to set up to your specs. Should be able to get it done for less than $100. All the ORR events have rules. Running is GS means you don't have to do much to your Z. Tech is 165 so Z will take that pretty easily. SS classes and Unlimited require much more safety equipment and are harder on the Z.

[WB9MCW]

OK GUYS CURTIS EMAILED ME THE PHOTOS OF HIS ZR-1 IN THE BIG BEND OPEN ROAD CHALLENGE FOR ME TO POST HERE SO YOU ALL CAN SEE HOW HE SET UP THE Z FOR THE 201 BEST IN 2002. NOTICE HOW THE Z WAS MUCH LOWER BETWEEN THE 2000 VS THE 2002 RUNS. THIS IS WHAT CURTIS IS TALKING OF GETTING THE Z NICE AND LOW. HEY CURTIS WHAT IS ALL THE DUCT TAPE ABOUT? IS THERE A CONCERN ABOUT AIR GETTING IN THE FRONT AT THE PLATE AND TURN LIGHT OPENINGS? BTW HOW MUCH OF A BLUR DOES IT BECOME AT THOSE SPEEDS? I IMAGINE QUTE A "TUNNEL VISION" EFFECT HAPPENS AND TIME STANDS STILL FOR THOSE BREIF MOMENTS WHEN YOUR AT THE MAGIC 200 MARK----

HERE IS A LINK FOR THE "TOP GEAR" BUGATTI 253 MPH RUN --- ONLY $1,669,314.00 = 850,000 UK POUNDS SUCH A BARGIN---THINK I'LL ORDER ONE OR TWO!!! LOLOL WHAT PRICE GLORY----- 1,001 HP = 253 MPH
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x157l2_bugatti-veyron-at-top-speed

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o128/wb9mcw/BBORR_Logo.jpg
The April race takes place on US Highway 285 South from Fort Stockton to Sanderson and back (about 59.0 miles each way - or 118.0 miles). The Road Runner Open Road Race takes place on US Highway 385 south from Ft. Stockton to Marathon.
LINK TO THE SITE>>> http://www.bborr.com/

HERE ARE THE PIC'S OF #364

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o128/wb9mcw/2000BB.jpg

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o128/wb9mcw/364-BBORR-2002.jpg

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o128/wb9mcw/364-BBORR-2002A.jpg

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o128/wb9mcw/364-BBORR-2002B.jpg

[Peaven]

OK GUYS CURTIS EMAILED ME THE PHOTOS OF HIS ZR-1 IN THE BIG BEND OPEN ROAD CHALLENGE FOR ME TO POST HERE SO YOU ALL CAN SEE HOW HE SET UP THE Z FOR THE 201 BEST IN 2002. NOTICE HOW THE Z WAS MUCH LOWER BETWEEN THE 2000 VS THE 2002 RUNS.
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o128/wb9mcw/364-BBORR-2002.jpg

Yes...that's how I eventually want to get mine to squat down to keep the air from getting under there. 1st things 1st (P&P, pc, headers, etc) though.

[Kevin]

I never get tired of reading Curtis postings about high speed runs in these cars

[cuisinartvette]

Well, almost 2 years, and Ive barely broken 135, just nowhere around to do anything like that or faster safely. Undergoing a ton of work right now, soon as its done Im heading to the middle of nowhere to see what it will do...Kind of nervous thoguh, I hear even leting off the gas too quick at high speeds can wipe you out. I love acceleration....Top speed Im not a huge freak about. Had a bad experioence many years ago, Ill just have to go do it I guess.

Is it best to slowly let off, or throw it in 6th and ease off the throttle slowly?

[Jeffvette]

Put it in 6th, and coast. Letting off the gas will slow you down pretty rapidly from those speeds.

Modulate the brakes just a bit once you get below 150. Be prepared for 70 mph to be slow as chit.

[cward]

OK GUYS CURTIS EMAILED ME THE PHOTOS OF HIS ZR-1 IN THE BIG BEND OPEN ROAD CHALLENGE FOR ME TO POST HERE SO YOU ALL CAN SEE HOW HE SET UP THE Z FOR THE 201 BEST IN 2002. NOTICE HOW THE Z WAS MUCH LOWER BETWEEN THE 2000 VS THE 2002 RUNS. THIS IS WHAT CURTIS IS TALKING OF GETTING THE Z NICE AND LOW. HEY CURTIS WHAT IS ALL THE DUCT TAPE ABOUT? IS THERE A CONCERN ABOUT AIR GETTING IN THE FRONT AT THE PLATE AND TURN LIGHT OPENINGS? BTW HOW MUCH OF A BLUR DOES IT BECOME AT THOSE SPEEDS? I IMAGINE QUTE A "TUNNEL VISION" EFFECT HAPPENS AND TIME STANDS STILL FOR THOSE BREIF MOMENTS WHEN YOUR AT THE MAGIC 200 MARK----

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o128/wb9mcw/364-BBORR-2002B.jpg

Tape was to try to make air flow better. Waste of time. It was all gone after the run. I expect it came off going south and was not there for the 200 mph part. More important is the removal of the outside mirrors. Several mph above 180. Some tunnel vision but I am always that way when open road racing and am trying to go fast. On a road course such as Texas World Speedway, I look around alot more. When I ran an ORR at lower speeds, I looked around then too. I remember waving to a friend along side the road at about 175 in the 1999 BBORR.

My opinion on slowing down from high speed is to set the car up tight before going fast. A tight car will be less likely to have the rearend try to catch up with the front end. I never set my car up loose. When doing an ORR and you are not an expert driver (I am an old for fun driver, not expert by any strech of the imagination), you need to be able to let off the gas if you make a mistake. That is usually in the middle of a corner and you really don't want the rearend to come around. Also, if you are trying to go fast and you want to save time on the course, then you run up on the corner and hit the brakes to set up for the corner at the correct speed. Open road racing is different from track racing. No practice on the course so you don't know the corners. Your navigator is feeding you the info you need, mainly the entry speed. Most corners on a Texas highway are sweepers so most of the time you enter the corners the same way: go in high, dive on the corner and hold the bottom until you can see the end and accelerate out. That is why entry speed is critical. The better you are and the more willing to take chances determine the entry speeds and amount of drift in the middle and exit. Also cajones come into play. :-) I have said many times, 180 + on the straight is the easy part. 140 - 160 in a corner with a 20 foot ditch on the outside of the exit is the fun part. That is where the sheep and goats separate. That is why my low hp car could sometimes beat some much faster cars. Very dangerous type of racing when trying to go fast. There are definately some places where you do NOT want to go off the road. If you lose a tire at speed in one of those spots, you can kiss your *** good bye.

Curtis

[jonszr1]

In retrospect of my little topspeed run gone almost bad (previous post) i think that I will call it a day on the topspeed runs. ithink i will go back to drag racing @the strip and sure things can happen there but thats alot different than a dummy(me) out on a straight stretch of road 50miles out into one of the most desolate places on earth. it was a gas haveing escaped unharmed but i can't help thinking what if............So to anyone thinking about doing a jonny dummy be carefull don't do it alone if nothing else. BUT I WENTOVER 190 phew:mrgreen:

[Z Factor]

I remember waving to a friend along side the road at about 175 in the 1999 BBORR.



Surprised you didn't hand him some Grey Poupon at that speed.:mrgreen:

Nice run:thumbsup:

:cheers:

[UKZR1]

Most I've done is 178mph in Germany a couple of years ago. It was on a 2 lane autobahn and after many runs of 160-170 I finally had a good stretch of road, only to have a car pull out infront of me - that was the day the Movit brake upgrade became worth every penny!!! The engine was stock back then. This year we are going on a road trip after LeMans down to Switzerland and then back up through Germany to Hockenheim. I'm looking forwards to the autobahns now the engine has been rebuilt:D

There are some videos on my site at http://www.corvetteclips.co.uk/VideoClips.html

The best high speed run is done by a quiet guy in the corvette club with a C5, scroll down and look for the link 180MPH TE51CLE 5MB Version (http://www.corvetteclips.co.uk/site%20pics/Triple%20Top%20Rush%205MB.mpg) and take a look. Be ready to hit the pause button as he approaches the bus. Appropriate name do ya think??

[WB9MCW]

Hey Gixer Chicago ZR-1 here---nice post and vid-- yes methinks that TE51CLE is a tad nutz--he sure came up on those cars and motorbike mighty fast--guess his brakes passed the test this time--funny how the vid cam rolled over--guess I would too if I had been in that vette coming up on those cars at that speed. Imperssive that the LS1 got to 180mph suppose a few mods on that engine there of Mr. TE51CLE's C5. Or Perhaps it is a Z06 --LS-2 engine?

[UKZR1]

Hey Gixer Chicago ZR-1 here---nice post and vid-- yes methinks that TE51CLE is a tad nutz--he sure came up on those cars and motorbike mighty fast--guess his brakes passed the test this time--funny how the vid cam rolled over--guess I would too if I had been in that vette coming up on those cars at that speed. Imperssive that the LS1 got to 180mph suppose a few mods on that engine there of Mr. TE51CLE's C5. Or Perhaps it is a Z06 --LS-2 engine?

How ya doing:thumbsup: Not sure what Te51cle has done to his car (it's not a ZR1 so I don't pay much attention;) ). I think its just about stock, just the usual air box mods and stuff. I know he upped the psi in the tires before the run.

My Z is now run in so I've been out putting some miles on her and enjoying those extra horses:D

[WB9MCW]

Glad to hear the rebuild went well! Good of you to post here from time to time:cheers:

here is a vid of a sc c5 199mph flyby of a cyberbuddy vette friend Joel in California

http://zr1netregistry.com/forum/showpost.php?p=18040&postcount=5

[USAFPILOT]

I feel really funny doing anything over about 130 in a car...it feels like I should be taking off. In a jet if I'm not airborne by those speeds, it is time to reject the takeoff...I guess I carry that over to the car as well.

[A26B]

I ran the mile event at Nellis AFB in Las Vegas a couple of years ago and ran 172mph. Took all of abt 29 seconds from start to finish line. I'll try again some day to make the magic 180.

[HADI-ZR1]

I DRIVE 55 !!
:mrgreen:
you forget to put # 1 first!

[Z51JEFF]

Not me,aint got the balls and not dumb enough.