That one-on-one driving course I took totally changed my attitude in driving. I used to be those guys that just respected power and straight line driving, so I am slowly evolving to more of a "lap time" mentality, where timing, form and technique are the virtues to aspire to. My first time on the track was just so hilarious, that I just had to show it off. I had all the traction controls off, and learned a good humbling lesson. You were right, at our last group run I lost control numerous times, but I always do that in the rain, and somehow always recover. Thank GOD for Life Insurance eh? : )
as for the car, it's a 2007 GXP with Auto Tranny, SOLO SR Exhaust and SOLO High Flow CAT, tuned and retuned 3 times aggressively by CarbonSky, and yesterday using this gadget called a G-Tech Pro SS, it claimed I do 0-60 in 4.44 secs, and the 1/4 Mile in 12.99 secs. It's probably wrong but it did make me smile when I repeated the results. I have to find some place to weigh the car with me in it with a full tank of gas, so I can set the parameters on this device to be more accurate cuz I don't think with my small mods and a tune it would run this fast. But there's always hoping right?
There is another lapping event this coming Sunday from 1-5 at Mosport DDT Track. Are you a lapper? I have new respect for Manual Drivers, because I am already sooo busy maintaining "tight" lines using both hands on the steering wheel and bracing myself with my left foot on the "dead pedal" that I couldn't even conceive of adding another element of shifting to the equation.
I know CarbonSky. He drove all the way to my house in Burlington to pick up my stock CAT (He couldn't pass up the deal as I gave it to him). Nice guy. Looks like he knows what he is doing with his HP tuner. He did mention that he had one but I didn't know that he could do such a great job with it.
I personnly think that your new G-Tech Pro SS is pretty close to the mark on predicting 0-60 and 1/4 mile times and speeds. What boost pressure are you getting. I'm getting 140 kPa in 4th and 5th at our altitude (about 300 feet above sea level).
Don't know about lapping at this time. Would certainly love to try it next year. I'm closer to Cayuga the you are. Anyway, got to go.
Take care,
Rick
__________________
2007 GXP, 116676, Mysterious Black, Built October 2006 - 5 speed auto, loaded.
Mods: Solo Hi-Flow Cat and Solo Mach Shorty exhaust system, GM Performance Upgrade Kit, Illuminated Windrestrictor, Red calipers with white GXP decals, GMRoadster Club decal on windshield, GXP badge covering airbag light, Turbo decal over 3rd brake light, Dual horns, T-Bolt Clamps on TB hose, Window tint (35% sides/20% back), DDM Race Backbone Brace, 2 door Cobalt Spoiler.
My boost before the 3rd tuning session was 23psi peak and 21psi steady. I don't usualy pay attention to the boost anymore, because after the 3rd tuning sesison with CarbonSky, he mentioned that the stock sensors wouldn't read past 23psi anyway. What I am paying attention to more closely now is my traction on the road, because it spins out of control too easily that I can't floor it anymore in fear that the tires will screach to attract five-o or slip and fishtail me. I desperately need new tires, and someone recently gave me advice to just drive over to Buffalo, buy new tires, then leave behind the old ones and drive back.
I have never taken my times at Cayuga. I approach it as a spirited drive rahter than a quest for times.
I have been motivated to run with far faster cars at the track. While i could stand with a c5 and challenge better bimmers, my car is simply not properly prepared for a serious track challenge.
The problem is that you can only get a few all out laps before the car starts to gather heat. I have boiled my brake fluid, foamed over my power streering fluid and had my watrer temps climb significantly. The car isn't prepped for all out attempts.
That beign said, MOsport will be hard on driver and car.
I woud love to try out the full track at Mosport. I'll need to do a brake job before I go. I'll see what i can do.
I looked into it, and the Touge events at Mosport use the DDT, not the main track. The Driver Development Track is a much smaller/tighter/less-risk-of-death-or-serious-injury track than the main high-speed track.
I'm still a lapping virgin myself, so I can't speak from first hand experience, but because of the small track I think Craig's point is very valid -- the car will get hot after a few laps.
Hypothetically, I would think on the big track with longer straightaways that things would cool a bit between corners (but boiling the brake fluid in the braking zone might still be an issue).
If either of you are going to attend on Nov. 1, PM me and I'll join you.
I am 80% going. Only thing stopping me is if something unexpected happens like rain, or some relative's birthday etc...
When I was lapping at Cayuga, you could smell the brake pads strongly after the first run of 4 laps. After 5-6 laps (15mins) I would always stop and open the hood cause I was paranoid. I also learned that your last lap on the track should be a "cool down" lap where you don't push it as hard so things cool off. I also heard that when in between laps you simply leave the engine on so the fan keeps cooling. I've read about the steering fluid getting too hot, so I watch that like a hawk. It didn't seem too bad, I think I was more concerened about the hot brake rotors and pads. After my lapping session, I looked at my rotors and it burned off the caliper paint I used to have on it. The rotors used to look beautiful, but now it's back to the rusty look again. I may re-paint it again in December, but I am edging to get new rotors and pads. The tires didn't lose too much thread, but noticeably got shaved. It would be cool to see other Solstices on Sunday.
I do run a cool down lap or two. My wheels have gotten so hot that they are difficult to touch(with office hands). My engine temps never got out of hand, but I could see the need for extra cooling with a tune and extended abuse.
I'm not sure if I can make it for Sunday. Sure would like to.
Thanks for the video. DDT seems like a very small track, about 1min per lap. I probably would have enjoyed Shannonville, it was just so damm far. I can see how crowded it may get, so hopefully people run out of gas early, and make more room later in the day. Let's see what happens on Sunday, if there are too many cars, I'd probably wait a bit until everyone gets used to the track, then it may be safer to go join when they are all comfortable with the track.
I think the best idea is for the participant to pay attention to who is around your speed and then try to enter the track to join them.
Specifically recodnise how everyone is driving. Where they chose to pass...how aggresive are they...
I am not worried about the lack of corners. It just makes them easier to nail down. I expect a gradual introduction to Mostport would be wise anyway. DDT looks interestign to me.
Great video with the bumper camera. Sound was awesome (great engine noise with no wind noise). Also, I noticed you passed a fair number of cars and noticed that no one passed you. Good driving man and looks like that Solstice of yours is a fast car. Any comments from the other guys after your time on the track? Thanks for posting this video. Really enjoyed it and will consider the bumper camera. How did you set it up? Any photos of your set up? Where was the microphone?
Rick
__________________
2007 GXP, 116676, Mysterious Black, Built October 2006 - 5 speed auto, loaded.
Mods: Solo Hi-Flow Cat and Solo Mach Shorty exhaust system, GM Performance Upgrade Kit, Illuminated Windrestrictor, Red calipers with white GXP decals, GMRoadster Club decal on windshield, GXP badge covering airbag light, Turbo decal over 3rd brake light, Dual horns, T-Bolt Clamps on TB hose, Window tint (35% sides/20% back), DDM Race Backbone Brace, 2 door Cobalt Spoiler.
Great video with the bumper camera. Sound was awesome (great engine noise with no wind noise). Also, I noticed you passed a fair number of cars and noticed that no one passed you. Good driving man and looks like that Solstice of yours is a fast car. Any comments from the other guys after your time on the track? Thanks for posting this video. Really enjoyed it and will consider the bumper camera. How did you set it up? Any photos of your set up? Where was the microphone?
Rick
That was just a video off Youtube. I have no m3 or even a video camera.
I have decided to go to Cayuga this Sunday instead. I bought a G-Tech this week, and will put these questions in my head to bed. It's also only $30 for Sunday's test and tune, and I gotta prioritize the end of the month bills vs. $130 at Mosport. If anyone wants to join me please just PM me OK? Test and tune runs from 11am to 5pm. If you come, we can compare mods vs. times vs. launch techniques.
I have decided to go to Cayuga this Sunday instead. I bought a G-Tech this week, and will put these questions in my head to bed. It's also only $30 for Sunday's test and tune, and I gotta prioritize the end of the month bills vs. $130 at Mosport. If anyone wants to join me please just PM me OK? Test and tune runs from 11am to 5pm. If you come, we can compare mods vs. times vs. launch techniques.
Hope it doesn't rain!!!
It looks like it's going to be nice. Maybe a little cool for good launches, but great for power.
Depending on what the wife wants(me) to do, I might very well show up.
You are a man of your word. Nice seeing you there at Cayuga today. I commend you on having such a beautiful and patient wife that would wait for you in the stands as you "live out" your dream and drag race your solstice. I know my wife would never do that for me as she doesn't understand these passions.
If anyone is interested in the times we posted, here was my fastest 1/4 Mile time:
A 13.145 with the usual tire slippage/wheel hop as our stock Goodyear's suck. Imagine I had real tires, I would be in the 12's.
My setup: Custom HP Tuners tune done by local genius "Carbon Sky", Solo Street Race Exhaust, Solo High Flow CAT, 94 Octane GAS, everything else stock including: (air filter, tires, wheels, suspension, turbo etc..)
Isn't 13.145 secs for a 1/4 Mile from an automatic GXP with crappy tires pretty good?
My best was 13.6 at 102. Funny how both our best times, they mixed the cars.
GMPP tune. Cat back. Intake and charge pipes for what they are worth. 3/4 tank of 94. Stock air pressure in the stock tires.
I have a couple issues with my car at the moment, even still, I ran my best today. I believe my cat is holding me back. Aswell as my driving
Steph's patience wore pretty thin later on. I got "the look". I suppose I was testing the limits when the shade covered the stands.
I did wait for your last run, as they had anounced the closed staging lanes. When they let you go again, I split in with the hopes that I was making peace with the wife.
I would consider buying your stock tires if they have significant meat on them. A 16" wheel with drag radials would do nicely for the drag strip.
I had a great time. I could spend all my free time at the track!
I believe your fastest time was 13.618 if they screwed up the car numbers again. If they didn't screw up the car #'s your fastest time was actually 13.320 But the funny thing is, because the "clock time" was cut off from the slip, I don't have/can't locate the video for it.
If you feel optimistic, then just believe you hit 13.320secs as the time slip proves it if you are car #9065.
when I hit 13.145secs I was actually in the right lane and they just screwed up the car #'s.
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