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* Let's have a test and tune day in So. Cal.
- Thread starter 400Eric
- Start date
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- Tags
- drag racing nitrous
You tell them...
Stevo cooking and serving up some horse meat:
[youtube]FLy0wQoAkG0[/youtube]
Benzer1 doing an outstanding job of holding off a GENUINE M3 and showing a lot of heart by doing it: [youtube]6QDtIV-N7dI[/youtube]
In my first race with that M3 I cut a .005 light! Still waiting for the video of that first race to be posted. It was Steve's first time filming with the Miata pilot's camera and he hadn't mastered the zoom yet so don't expect it to be as good as the second M3 race video that is posted above.
The Supercharged Miata racing one of the 6 spd Altima SE Rs that I raced a while back:
[youtube]j6ui8DiIi4M[/youtube] (Don't poo poo this video. It was a great race!)
Benzer3's race with said SE R last February:
[youtube]BLpzaOVu0rU&list[/youtube]
Regards, Eric
[youtube]FLy0wQoAkG0[/youtube]
Benzer1 doing an outstanding job of holding off a GENUINE M3 and showing a lot of heart by doing it: [youtube]6QDtIV-N7dI[/youtube]
In my first race with that M3 I cut a .005 light! Still waiting for the video of that first race to be posted. It was Steve's first time filming with the Miata pilot's camera and he hadn't mastered the zoom yet so don't expect it to be as good as the second M3 race video that is posted above.
The Supercharged Miata racing one of the 6 spd Altima SE Rs that I raced a while back:
[youtube]j6ui8DiIi4M[/youtube] (Don't poo poo this video. It was a great race!)
Benzer3's race with said SE R last February:
[youtube]BLpzaOVu0rU&list[/youtube]
Regards, Eric
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Whoever is posting the videos instead of just linking them like I did, thanks. The last one was a re-post of the Miata race though instead of the Benzer3 race. After studying how it is done, I figured it out and corrected the error. So now I may be able to post videos myself too instead of just linking them in the future!
In looking at my time slips it appears that I am in error about the M3 races too. The posted M3 race WAS THE FIRST RACE with the M3 after all. The second one occurred a little after 8:00 PM which will show up as being a lot darker. So watch that first M3 race again kids, cause that's what a .005 light looks like! As Charlie Daniels would say: "That's how you do it son."
Still gonna try to get the other M3 race posted.
Regards, Eric
In looking at my time slips it appears that I am in error about the M3 races too. The posted M3 race WAS THE FIRST RACE with the M3 after all. The second one occurred a little after 8:00 PM which will show up as being a lot darker. So watch that first M3 race again kids, cause that's what a .005 light looks like! As Charlie Daniels would say: "That's how you do it son."
Still gonna try to get the other M3 race posted.
Regards, Eric
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The videos appearing seems to be the work of some sort of stealthy, hidden "500Eboard fairy" who waves their magic wand and turns youtube links into actual videos that appear on screen.
To do this yourself, you just type [youtube ] and then [/youtube ] and put the string of letters and numbers that is the unique identifier of the youtube post (you can cut and paste this from the youtube URL) in between the words.
Cheers,
Gerry
To do this yourself, you just type [youtube ] and then [/youtube ] and put the string of letters and numbers that is the unique identifier of the youtube post (you can cut and paste this from the youtube URL) in between the words.
Cheers,
Gerry
I didn't know if it was you Uncle or Dave since he has "Admin" status too.
Does that technique work on most other sites too?
So how about our work against that M3? Are you proud of us? Not bad for a nappy M103 huh?
And Dave, how can you watch Benzer1 give his all like that (and then some) and not feel a certain fondness for him? Yes, I did my part with that .005 light but B1 really gave it his all too!
Regards, Eric
Does that technique work on most other sites too?
So how about our work against that M3? Are you proud of us? Not bad for a nappy M103 huh?
And Dave, how can you watch Benzer1 give his all like that (and then some) and not feel a certain fondness for him? Yes, I did my part with that .005 light but B1 really gave it his all too!
Regards, Eric
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It's not what you've unleashed..... it's what you've created Uncle Gerry!
[youtube]kIHMIoweT_U&list[/youtube] (Inspired by your garden hose picture from a few years ago.)
[youtube]s2V4n1xAII4&list[/youtube]
[youtube]jsVRj7VvfWc[/youtube]
[youtube]1E6ywsBBSj0[/youtube]
Regards, Eric
[youtube]kIHMIoweT_U&list[/youtube] (Inspired by your garden hose picture from a few years ago.)
[youtube]s2V4n1xAII4&list[/youtube]
[youtube]jsVRj7VvfWc[/youtube]
[youtube]1E6ywsBBSj0[/youtube]
Regards, Eric
Oh come-on now. Can you HONESTLY tell us that you don't absolutely LOVE that "Ain't It A Beauty" song?
For the benefit of those who have never seen them, could you please re-post those pictures of you with the garden hose?
One more for you Uncle Gerry:
[youtube]VyunS3T5_Ew[/youtube]
(Listen to this all the way through because the best part is at the end.)
Regards, Eric
For the benefit of those who have never seen them, could you please re-post those pictures of you with the garden hose?
One more for you Uncle Gerry:
[youtube]VyunS3T5_Ew[/youtube]
(Listen to this all the way through because the best part is at the end.)
Regards, Eric
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I'll chime in.
1. It was hot as hell (around 98°F) and muggy this time around. It would have been nice if there were trees in the parking lot, cause you can't buy shade there unless one has a tent, which I might consider looking into.
2. Eric did a great job with taking down the M3 and getting probably one of the best RT of the day at .005
3. My runs were less then favorable this time, I only managed a best at 14.5. The track did play a big part imho, cause all of my runs in the left lane ended up with me triggering ASR one time at the lights and twice going from 2nd to 3rd down the track, which was a first for me at that track. I did manage better in the right lane where I got my 14.5 and no ASR. I got spanked by 12 second and faster cars (you can hear Eric's disapproval in the video) but I did spank two stock Mustangs, so the day was ok but I was slower. I think the day was slow for all, cause Casey's S70 only managed low 15's this time around.
4. I did manage to give Eric a bloody lip for good measure...so making a track day in that heat was not for nothing.
I'm considering making the September's 17th date if the weather gets cooler. Btw, I'm also thinking of trying the drag strip at Irwindale for the 1/8 mile - its on each Thursday night from 5 to 10 pm - http://www.toyotaspeedwayatirwindale.com/dragstrip/dragprices.html. If anyone wants to try Irwindale let me know, I rather go if others are going but am thinking of giving it a shot for evening races in the meantime.
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Thanks Justin! For the record, he did clip me at the very very end of the track both times but it was still a moral victory for Benzer1 to be able to make a genuine M3 work and sweat so hard for it!
Steve, not a bad job for your first time but some corrections are in order:
3. I wasn't the one who took that video of you getting spanked. I only took the one of you spanking the Mustang. But since I didn't bother to link the one of you getting spanked, only of the one of you doing the spanking, I don't know what disapproval you are speaking of, since you can clearly hear my approval in the video that I did link. (Did you go to the guy's page to view the other video?)
Yes, the track sucked and everybody's E/Ts were off, but for the record, Casey did get a high 14 on his second run. (It's important to be accurate when doing the Rock and Roll Race Report. There's a long, proud, tradition we have to uphold!)
4. I walked into your car's window, giving myself the fat lip. (Again, ACCURACY.) You car is so damn clean, you can't see the glass!
Regarding Irwindale, keep us posted on how you do and good luck. I'm a 1/4 mile man myself. I would encourage others to go though!
Regards, Eric
Steve, not a bad job for your first time but some corrections are in order:
3. I wasn't the one who took that video of you getting spanked. I only took the one of you spanking the Mustang. But since I didn't bother to link the one of you getting spanked, only of the one of you doing the spanking, I don't know what disapproval you are speaking of, since you can clearly hear my approval in the video that I did link. (Did you go to the guy's page to view the other video?)
Yes, the track sucked and everybody's E/Ts were off, but for the record, Casey did get a high 14 on his second run. (It's important to be accurate when doing the Rock and Roll Race Report. There's a long, proud, tradition we have to uphold!)
4. I walked into your car's window, giving myself the fat lip. (Again, ACCURACY.) You car is so damn clean, you can't see the glass!
Regarding Irwindale, keep us posted on how you do and good luck. I'm a 1/4 mile man myself. I would encourage others to go though!
Regards, Eric
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No one got this on video?
Well, it was my first time...
Your disapproval reference was when you said "lopsided races" towards having two cars not closely rated in power lining up against each other. Yes I did see the other videos from the day, including my ass handed to me by a 12 second car. The other race between me and a hardtop Mustang must have not been captured on tape, plus I think the Miata owner left by then with his camera. Maybe Casey's girlfriend taped it? Speaking of Casey, I did not hear his other ET so my bad for only listing his slower time. He did say he hooked up much better on his next run, but I did hear what he ran.
I had to leave that one open ended...
I was closing my window as Eric leaned into the car and got caught by the rising window. Note to self - do not wash the car for track days to avoid any further injuries.
I too prefer longer tracks, hell if we had a 1/2 mile drags available I would be the first person to commit. Even a standing mile would be sweet, drag racing aside. I might try Irwindale anyway, just to get some night racing here and there.
Are you up for the September 17th date, if the weather is decent and being that date's hours are earlier?
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Nope...sorry. One more reason for me to invest into a good HD camera, or two and mount one in the car.
Well...we could consider the Mojave Mile in 2012, I think we would be late for this October's dates (8-9th), which are the last days for 2011. That and there is a limit on number of entries for the two day and one day events - 120 for two days and 30 additional for Sunday only. There are a few safety requirements - no aluminum lug nuts, DOT approved helmets and a few apparel requirements like leather gloves and leather shoes, cotton clothing instead of synthetics. All info here - http://www.mojavemile.com and it's only 90 miles north of Los Angeles.
I would love to this for sure and I hope some of you can partake. My tuner has been talking to me about going, so I might go regardless if anyone from the board can't make it. But I would rather go with our brothers and have a blast with some serious speed runs and exciting videos at top speeds. And we can really test the differences between early and later engines.
IMHO, this would be ideal for a GTG and really test the car's top end. The price of admission is not cheap though, $339 for two days and $189 for one day. Since I'm not living in Europe, this is the only chance to potentially top out the car legally during the whole day (or two) and under safety supervised personnel and that just might be worth the price of admission. Maybe we can target 160mph and get t-shirts made with "036-160 club" print and logo.
So far it looks promising - 86°F next Saturday. If it holds, I'll make the early call...just need to freebase some coffee beans prior.
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That looks very cool. I'd be in for sure if I could make it! Don't expect to hit 160mph though... it will take more than 1 mile for the 500E to achieve terminal velocity, especially since Mojave is at 2700' elevation. You may be able to hit 150 though. That last 10mph takes for-ev-er. BT, DT. Any idea how many attempts you get?
I can live with 150, as long as I can do it over and over and over. Speaking of which, the rules from the site do not list the exact number of attempts, it rather indicates that it's first come, first served. I have emailed the Promotional company and asked that and a few more questions as well as the 2012 schedule. I've poked around the net and found a few racers refer to how many runs they did rather than how many runs were allowed and that number ranged from 3 to 5. My bet it's unlimited runs as most standing mile events (at air strips anyway) seem to have, as classes rotate. Btw, one item to correct regarding aluminum lug nuts, from their site - "Aftermarket aluminum lug nuts are not allowed on any car."That looks very cool. I'd be in for sure if I could make it! Don't expect to hit 160mph though... it will take more than 1 mile for the 500E to achieve terminal velocity, especially since Mojave is at 2700' elevation. You may be able to hit 150 though. That last 10mph takes for-ev-er. BT, DT. Any idea how many attempts you get?
If they hold court in Spring and Fall like this year, I would be quite interested in going during Spring.
Based on my test data, I'd expect 145-150mph for a lightly modded 500E at 2700' elevation in a standing mile. It would be downright awesome to actually do it! It's officially added to the ol' bucket list. Thanks for sharing, Steve! 
I think Eric's nappy 420 might pull 140+... dunno if we could get him to shell out the $$$ to find out though.
A 6.0L car should easily pass 150 but may still have problems hitting 160 in the limited distance. Maybe we can get Michael to bring his 6.0 out there to find out, heh-heh.
I think Eric's nappy 420 might pull 140+... dunno if we could get him to shell out the $$$ to find out though.
A 6.0L car should easily pass 150 but may still have problems hitting 160 in the limited distance. Maybe we can get Michael to bring his 6.0 out there to find out, heh-heh.
I think with having a longer distance, we'll have additional techniques to explore while trying to reach top speed as quickly as possible at that elevation...call it an almost 20 year old celebratory load test on our engines. We can really hold our heads high in the aftermath. Plus I love events with an edge...not that a 1/4 mile race is child's play, but our pets like to play at higher speeds and we need to let them go all out (or as close as we can) once in a while.
I can help Eric to make it, cause he would definitely have to show what a 4.2 can do, not to mention that he just needs to partake with no questions asked. But under one condition, got to wash the hoopty for the event.
I hope we can get some peeps to come for at least one day. This is exactly where we could test 500E vs E500's, 5.0 vs. 6.0 engines, LH modules, chips, tires and their PSI, heavy wheels vs. light wheels, vented headlights panels, NOS...hell, the kitchen sink if we can bring one - just think of all that data we can attain. I can do both days as well if we wanted to have two days to race, otherwise one day would be just fine first time around.
I can enquire if they do group buys for committed drivers, although I doubt it.
I can help Eric to make it, cause he would definitely have to show what a 4.2 can do, not to mention that he just needs to partake with no questions asked. But under one condition, got to wash the hoopty for the event.
I hope we can get some peeps to come for at least one day. This is exactly where we could test 500E vs E500's, 5.0 vs. 6.0 engines, LH modules, chips, tires and their PSI, heavy wheels vs. light wheels, vented headlights panels, NOS...hell, the kitchen sink if we can bring one - just think of all that data we can attain. I can do both days as well if we wanted to have two days to race, otherwise one day would be just fine first time around.
I can enquire if they do group buys for committed drivers, although I doubt it.
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I would definitely be interested in the mojave trip (mmmm foster's freeze). I have both LH module types for my e500 (original and spicy), and then maybe the 200 might be fun, albeit a little scary.
Two questions:
1. How are speeds measured? Speedometer, gps, or will there be someone with a radar/laser?
2. How do the w124s handle triple digit speeds? I hit well into triple digits with the jag xkr once, and it was incredibly unstable, so much so I've shyed away from it even in other cars.
Don't forget to visit the singing road (ave G I think...).
Two questions:
1. How are speeds measured? Speedometer, gps, or will there be someone with a radar/laser?
2. How do the w124s handle triple digit speeds? I hit well into triple digits with the jag xkr once, and it was incredibly unstable, so much so I've shyed away from it even in other cars.
Don't forget to visit the singing road (ave G I think...).
From their site: "Electronic Timing triggered by laser beams are used to determine speed. The “speed trap” used to measure speed consists of the last 132 feet of the one-mile track. Elapsed Time will not be measured, only Top Speed. There is a minimum 0.8 mile slowdown area after the speed trap, with as much extra runoff as possible."
From my own experience, I've had my 036 over 135mph on a few occasions (very late at night on the L.A. freeways and a few times back from Vegas) and it felt tight and planted, for the few seconds I was willing to hold that speed on public roads.
I'm still going over all of the posts.
Steve has really caught the bug!
I would LOVE to do the mile, and I figure since it's a trip for all of us, we might as well do it for both days. My problem is WHEN.
Steve, let's talk more about this when we next see each other at the track.
Regards, Eric
Steve has really caught the bug!
I would LOVE to do the mile, and I figure since it's a trip for all of us, we might as well do it for both days. My problem is WHEN.
Steve, let's talk more about this when we next see each other at the track.
Regards, Eric
The main issue I would triple-check prior to attending this is tire condition and balancing. I wouldn't attend if your tires are more than about 5 years old (check DOT date code on the sidewall), or if they are not speed rated to above 145mph. You really don't want a blowout at those speeds.
The other thing is balancing. If you have even the slightest hint of wobble or vibration at 75mph, it's not going to get better at double that speed. Have your wheels/tires RoadForce balanced on a Hunter GSP9700 machine, request the tires be "force matched" if necessary to get all four below ~25 lbs measured road force, and also specify they dynamic balance with weights on the inside & outside of the wheel (not a single weight in the center, as many shops will do for alloy wheels). If the RoadForce machine can't get them below ~25 lbs, you either have a bad tire, bent wheel, or both... get it fixed before going Warp Factor Nine.
If not already done, a factory alignment ONLY AT THE MB DEALERSHIP is definitely recommended. If the alignment is not in spec, you could experience instability - particularly at high speeds, as Jano noted with his Jag. When set up correctly, the W124 should be drama-free all the way to vMax.
Final note: For US-spec E500E owners without the factory oil cooler... I'd add some tie-wraps to hold up the leading edge of the engine splash shield. It was designed to butt up against the oil cooler, which is not present on US models. The resultant gap allows airflow to push the edge down into the airstream below the bumper, resulting in the carnage seen below when you hit >150mph. Additional pics here, scroll down to "engine_shieldxx".
The other thing is balancing. If you have even the slightest hint of wobble or vibration at 75mph, it's not going to get better at double that speed. Have your wheels/tires RoadForce balanced on a Hunter GSP9700 machine, request the tires be "force matched" if necessary to get all four below ~25 lbs measured road force, and also specify they dynamic balance with weights on the inside & outside of the wheel (not a single weight in the center, as many shops will do for alloy wheels). If the RoadForce machine can't get them below ~25 lbs, you either have a bad tire, bent wheel, or both... get it fixed before going Warp Factor Nine.
If not already done, a factory alignment ONLY AT THE MB DEALERSHIP is definitely recommended. If the alignment is not in spec, you could experience instability - particularly at high speeds, as Jano noted with his Jag. When set up correctly, the W124 should be drama-free all the way to vMax.
Final note: For US-spec E500E owners without the factory oil cooler... I'd add some tie-wraps to hold up the leading edge of the engine splash shield. It was designed to butt up against the oil cooler, which is not present on US models. The resultant gap allows airflow to push the edge down into the airstream below the bumper, resulting in the carnage seen below when you hit >150mph. Additional pics here, scroll down to "engine_shieldxx".
Attachments
+1 with Dave. All who are thinking of going, please read the Registration http://www.mojavemile.com/html/registration.html and Rules http://www.mojavemile.com/html/rules.html from the site for all needed info. They will inspect the car very thoroughly.
Btw, I spoke the Michael Borders, the GM with MKM Racing Promotions and got some info.
1. One can run as many times as time allowed, per day. Each day has 10 hours allocated to race, but the air strip is not inactive, so there might be a time to let an airplane land or take off. If there is a full turnout, the realistic number is 3-4 but - Michael indicated that a good amount of drivers do not run than 2 or 3 times, so even with a packed house, 5 or more runs can be done. On a slow day, one guy ran 20 times.
2. If 10 people are in a group, we can get 10% off, regardless if we have a one or two days reserved.
3. The best news, is for 2012 - instead of a standing 1 mile, they are working towards holding a 1.5 mile event for next year (pending construction completion on the strip), which might have 3 event dates vs. 2 events this year. The proposed dates are in April/May, Summer and Fall and I would want to make the April/May dates - the 2012 schedule should be ready in 30 to 45 days and the fees should not change for 2012. Michael is a cool guy who would love to see our cars there - he asked what we have and was happy to hear that more European cars are interested in running. The only Benz they had so far, a 560SEC from Santa Clarita, CA topped out at 134.9 mph.
1.5 mile race would be so sweet, cause we can really push the cars now and there are no events that have a 1.5 mile distance to race (races like the Silver State Classic Challenge, in Nevada are a lot more expensive, but offer a longer distance to test your car and yourself...that one is in my "to do at least once" race.)
[video=youtube;ujJQYKwZqP8]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ujJQYKwZqP8#![/video]
4. As long as we do not break 170 mph, we do not need any safety bars inside the car.
I'm so doing Mojave next spring...
Btw, I spoke the Michael Borders, the GM with MKM Racing Promotions and got some info.
1. One can run as many times as time allowed, per day. Each day has 10 hours allocated to race, but the air strip is not inactive, so there might be a time to let an airplane land or take off. If there is a full turnout, the realistic number is 3-4 but - Michael indicated that a good amount of drivers do not run than 2 or 3 times, so even with a packed house, 5 or more runs can be done. On a slow day, one guy ran 20 times.
2. If 10 people are in a group, we can get 10% off, regardless if we have a one or two days reserved.
3. The best news, is for 2012 - instead of a standing 1 mile, they are working towards holding a 1.5 mile event for next year (pending construction completion on the strip), which might have 3 event dates vs. 2 events this year. The proposed dates are in April/May, Summer and Fall and I would want to make the April/May dates - the 2012 schedule should be ready in 30 to 45 days and the fees should not change for 2012. Michael is a cool guy who would love to see our cars there - he asked what we have and was happy to hear that more European cars are interested in running. The only Benz they had so far, a 560SEC from Santa Clarita, CA topped out at 134.9 mph.
1.5 mile race would be so sweet, cause we can really push the cars now and there are no events that have a 1.5 mile distance to race (races like the Silver State Classic Challenge, in Nevada are a lot more expensive, but offer a longer distance to test your car and yourself...that one is in my "to do at least once" race.)
[video=youtube;ujJQYKwZqP8]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ujJQYKwZqP8#![/video]
4. As long as we do not break 170 mph, we do not need any safety bars inside the car.
I'm so doing Mojave next spring...
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It's still early, although the morning time slot might keep the guys away, but there aren't any night racing till late next year so...
[video=google;2312941173447863684]http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2312941173447863684[/video]
Ya wussies...
1.5 mile standing start would be AWESOME. Should get past 150mph, dunno if a 5.0 could hit 160 in that distance. But I'd sure like to try!!
The SSC would be a blast, my gripe with them is that we're restricted to something like 120-130mph without a roll cage. Bah, humbug. I'll probably still try it someday though.
The SSC would be a blast, my gripe with them is that we're restricted to something like 120-130mph without a roll cage. Bah, humbug. I'll probably still try it someday though.
Yep,
more of a reason to attend. This could be a cool GTG with emphasis on track time on an air strip and 1.5 miles to go balls out. I'm sure a full day (or two) on a twisty track would be the optimum choice (imho), but this would be a good start.It can still give you chills trying to hold the maximum allowed speed start to finish. Some of the corners with elevation, not including a chance to meet an animal or rodent crossing the road would be enough and then some at 130mph...otherwise, I not quite ready to put up scaffolding inside the car.
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Do you guys think they'll actually be checking the date codes on the tires?
I have a set of top of the line Goodyear Eagles That have never even been on the ground! They are R1-F1s? I forget. All I know is that they are the exact same tire that won the C&D and Grassroots Motorsports comparisons a while back that I bought about 4 years ago, only to have the rims they were slated to go on get stolen. They've been sitting in the back of one of my box trucks (Thomas) ever since. (Those are the tires that you were sporting wood for, Justin.) I'm sure they were at least a year old when I got them, so they are probably 5 years old now. These are the tires I want to run because they are still by far the best tires I have, the ones most suited for this kind of work. Remember, while speed increases the stress on tires exponentially, the length of time at that speed does even more. That's why the tire speed rating process includes a time frame. Heat is another factor too. I don't think a mile and a half at speed (a relatively short burst) in the spring or fall is gonna stress the tires all that much. I'd stake my life on it! (Pun intended!) Don't make me buy more new tires!
Yeah, I can't even get you to take your headlight panels off!
Regards, Eric
I have a set of top of the line Goodyear Eagles That have never even been on the ground! They are R1-F1s? I forget. All I know is that they are the exact same tire that won the C&D and Grassroots Motorsports comparisons a while back that I bought about 4 years ago, only to have the rims they were slated to go on get stolen. They've been sitting in the back of one of my box trucks (Thomas) ever since. (Those are the tires that you were sporting wood for, Justin.) I'm sure they were at least a year old when I got them, so they are probably 5 years old now. These are the tires I want to run because they are still by far the best tires I have, the ones most suited for this kind of work. Remember, while speed increases the stress on tires exponentially, the length of time at that speed does even more. That's why the tire speed rating process includes a time frame. Heat is another factor too. I don't think a mile and a half at speed (a relatively short burst) in the spring or fall is gonna stress the tires all that much. I'd stake my life on it! (Pun intended!) Don't make me buy more new tires!
I not quite ready to put up scaffolding inside the car.
Yeah, I can't even get you to take your headlight panels off!
Regards, Eric
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Dave has already answered your question and this is from their Rules, page 22: "Tires should not be more than 4 years old, and must not be more than 6 years old, regardless of tread depth or apparent condition. The tire production date can be found inside a small oval stamp, probably on the inside sidewall. It's a 4-digit number indicating the week and year of production. If the number is 1307, then the tire was produced in the 13th week of 2007 and if it's a 3-digit number, the tire was produced prior to 2000 and is too old to use."
They ask anyone to contact them with any questions. Everything one needs to know is listed in the Registration and Rules sections.
HA! Btw, the weather is looking cooler now, 83°F for Saturday.
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Hey Stevo, should we invite the Swedes to join us? It's the only way we could ever hope to reach that goal of 10 cars in our group. I'd be willing to bet we could get at least 3 to join us. (I'm afraid we still won't reach 10 though. We can't even get most of the 036 wussies to do even a measly 1/4 mile!)
Regards, Eric
Regards, Eric
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Since they even check your tire pressure, I would say YES, they will be checking the date codes on the tires. It's an easy visual check for them and it's not subjective. Simple way to weed out the slackers. It would really suck to pay your entry fee then fail tech because you want to run old tyres, eh? If they are less than 6 years old, AND are the appropriate speed rating, you're golden. Besides, it is just plain stupid to drive 150mph on old tires. Rubber deteriorates with age, regardless of how much tread is left, even if they were never mounted on a car. Is it really worth risking your life to save $400? Really? It is? Wow.
Note that H-rated tires will get you a 140mph limit, V-rated to 160mph, and W/Y/Z to 170mph for the A1 class. You're limited to 170mph without a roll cage. I'm not sure if even a supercharged 6.0 could hit 170 within 1 mile, or even 1.5 miles, so this shouldn't be an issue for any of us .036 guys. Some non-crusty V-rated tires should be fine for you, Eric. Sell those old ones on Craigslist and replace 'em with something fresh.
I read all the rules yesterday, and somehow foresaw Eric's tire woes almost to a T. Yes, it says specifically that they will be heavily scrutinizing every set of tires as they are nearly always the weakest link.
Oh and, please Eric, try to refrain from inferring about the stance of my genitals. It makes me nauseous.
Anyhow, I'd like to come out to the Mojave Mile too! As first timers, we would need to show up Friday evening for the mandatory orientation. So Sunday only, it seems, is not an option. That 10-driver discount looks nice, but my attendance is not contingent upon it. I'll post it up in the mbworld forums and hopefully get some more people interested in tagging along. Hopefully I can come up with the funds here and there to get some nomex and other things. Seems I will also need a new helmet, as mine is only Snell 2000 and they only accept Snell 2005 and up. I'm getting excited for this one!
Hey Dave-O, what doth thou thinketh about a nitrous injected 5.0 hitting 160? I would only use the juice up until about 115-120. Which reminds me; I would also probably need to buy a 3rd bottle to get me through the weekend, unless I can find a place out there that refills. As a matter of fact, I believe many aircraft supply stores do carry nitrous. We shall see!
Oh and, please Eric, try to refrain from inferring about the stance of my genitals. It makes me nauseous.
Anyhow, I'd like to come out to the Mojave Mile too! As first timers, we would need to show up Friday evening for the mandatory orientation. So Sunday only, it seems, is not an option. That 10-driver discount looks nice, but my attendance is not contingent upon it. I'll post it up in the mbworld forums and hopefully get some more people interested in tagging along. Hopefully I can come up with the funds here and there to get some nomex and other things. Seems I will also need a new helmet, as mine is only Snell 2000 and they only accept Snell 2005 and up. I'm getting excited for this one!
Hey Dave-O, what doth thou thinketh about a nitrous injected 5.0 hitting 160? I would only use the juice up until about 115-120. Which reminds me; I would also probably need to buy a 3rd bottle to get me through the weekend, unless I can find a place out there that refills. As a matter of fact, I believe many aircraft supply stores do carry nitrous. We shall see!
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I don't see why not, unless we want to keep it a German event. It would be nice to get 10 peeps to get the discount, but that should not keep us away. Maybe the 036 wussies might look at this as an optional race to test their top end vs. shorter races.
Unless you want to have a nomex suit, all you need is clothing from 100% cotton, helmet aside.
Justin, your car on NOS should definitely be able to hit 150 in 1 mile, if you back off the juice by ~120mph. I am not sure if you could hit 160 but my initial reaction is "no way". The problem is the time required to get from 150 to 160 burns up waaaaay too much distance. It could literally take a half-mile to get that last 10mph. Now if you ran the bottle empty, that's a different story; but I think that's very much not recommended. I too would shut it off by approx 120mph.
Remember also that a car with the stock chip will hit the Vmax wall at 155mph, even if you have miles of open pavement/concrete. The eBay chip will eliminate that. However with stock diameter/circumference brand-new tires, and stock gears, the 500E/E500 tops out around 162-164mph, and has to spin to ~6300rpm to get there. This is where the 2.65 gearing might come in handy. If the stock tires are half work (or more), top speed will be reduced a few mph. Mine topped out at 161 due to tread at ~5/32, and had to spin to an indicated ~6300 to get there. Since I know Eric will ask, the tires were 5 years old at the time, and still Mojave-legal.
There's no way I can attend this year, but if y'all plan to do this sometime in 2012, I'll sure try to fit it into my schedule!
This year is too late anyway, unless anyone wants to show up as a spectator. Plus the registration form has to be sent in at least a week before the October 8-9 dates of the event. Michael indicated that they were at full capacity for October anyway.
Next Spring would be my choice to do it. The weather will be cooler and will give all enough time to consider doing it and to get ready. The Summer event might be in the early month(s) cause the weather will be quite hot at the track, they saw 103°F this summer.
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I'll ping the organizers again and ask if it applies to Sunday only drivers, maybe they hold another orientation Saturday night.
It really would be better to do both days anyways. Considering all of the other expenses and time involved, it isn't really that much more money to do both days.
Investing in a new helmet is needed anyways because our 1/4 mile track is gonna stop allowing Snell 2000 helmets at the end of this year. I have a Snell 2000 myself that i never got to use because i never got out of the 14s.
If I have to spring for new tires (AGAIN!), I'm gonna spring for the ones that will allow me to go for 170 (Z rated, AGAIN! $$$$$). I know there are doubters who don't think I'll reach that but there are also doubters who never thought I'd do better than a 14.7 in the 1/4 mile either! Remember, I'm in 3rd gear till 134 MPH! I'm not promising I'll actually hit 170 but I'm sure gonna try! It's good to have goals!
If Justin gets nauseated so easily, maybe we shouldn't encourage him to participate in an event that involves high speed driving! :-O
Regards, Eric
Investing in a new helmet is needed anyways because our 1/4 mile track is gonna stop allowing Snell 2000 helmets at the end of this year. I have a Snell 2000 myself that i never got to use because i never got out of the 14s.
If I have to spring for new tires (AGAIN!), I'm gonna spring for the ones that will allow me to go for 170 (Z rated, AGAIN! $$$$$). I know there are doubters who don't think I'll reach that but there are also doubters who never thought I'd do better than a 14.7 in the 1/4 mile either! Remember, I'm in 3rd gear till 134 MPH! I'm not promising I'll actually hit 170 but I'm sure gonna try! It's good to have goals!
If Justin gets nauseated so easily, maybe we shouldn't encourage him to participate in an event that involves high speed driving! :-O
Regards, Eric
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