Road Atlanta Pics
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Originally Posted by Al Norton
I think re-alignment and corner balancing is in order after the 2WD conversion also. Congrats on some nice times.
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Think about getting a track alignment and corner balancing, especially with the changes you have recently made. It may make no difference for you but would be worth a try if it were me. Regardless, that is a very nice time - good job in representing the Turbo crowd!
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yeah all of that will be in the works but I want to commit to one form of drivetrain first. mostly what comfortable to me, I could possibly not be ready for RWD in this car though I have handled it well in my corvette and M5. I know that overall the car will probably be faster in RWD most places but I will keep the safety factor with AWD with my aggressive style.
Originally Posted by Al Norton
I think re-alignment and corner balancing is in order after the 2WD conversion also. Congrats on some nice times.
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This was my first time at RATL-what a great circuit and a very demanding/scary/exciting experience. I was there on both Sat and Sun. It was cold and wet on Sat which made things rather treacherous-I saw at least two cars that hit the wall at turn 5 with severe damage. Being a first timer, my sessions were lead/follow on Sat. With the rain it turned out to be a great way to learn a very demanding course. Taking it relatively slow, but with enough speed to really learn the proper line. In the afternoon things sped up a bit more as the track dried up a bit, but not much.
The next day turned out to be a great day. All the pics in Dez's post where on Sunday and under perfect conditions. My goal was to get into the 40's. I think I managed to hit every corner perfectly, just never on the same lap
I'll have to give Neil Orton a lot of credit-he installed a new H&R sway bar in 15 minutes between sessions. According to my Pbox data, it improved my times by about 2 seconds after the installation and that's what got me where I wanted to be-thanks Neil for the quick work. I'm looking forward to improving my times as my experience level increases.
There were a lot of Vettes there, 2 Ford GTs, some Vipers, a Saleen Mustang, a lot of muscle. A bunch of great drivers too. I don't think any of them came close to what Dez was doing-it was great to watch and I hope to see more of it in the future.
Dez, if you want to consider some advice from a newbie, I wouldn't give up on the RWD just yet. I would go to a less demanding circuit where you can truly test the limits of that awesome machine without fear of catastrophic damage. Then once you've really learned what it can do, I bet you will shave off a few more seconds the next time you're at RATL.
Good luck.
PS-I had Conti's, not PS2s-I think these are the original tires from when the car was first purchased. Old tires which I suspect where a bit on the hard side. This is my next upgrade.
The next day turned out to be a great day. All the pics in Dez's post where on Sunday and under perfect conditions. My goal was to get into the 40's. I think I managed to hit every corner perfectly, just never on the same lap
I'll have to give Neil Orton a lot of credit-he installed a new H&R sway bar in 15 minutes between sessions. According to my Pbox data, it improved my times by about 2 seconds after the installation and that's what got me where I wanted to be-thanks Neil for the quick work. I'm looking forward to improving my times as my experience level increases.
There were a lot of Vettes there, 2 Ford GTs, some Vipers, a Saleen Mustang, a lot of muscle. A bunch of great drivers too. I don't think any of them came close to what Dez was doing-it was great to watch and I hope to see more of it in the future.
Dez, if you want to consider some advice from a newbie, I wouldn't give up on the RWD just yet. I would go to a less demanding circuit where you can truly test the limits of that awesome machine without fear of catastrophic damage. Then once you've really learned what it can do, I bet you will shave off a few more seconds the next time you're at RATL.
Good luck.
PS-I had Conti's, not PS2s-I think these are the original tires from when the car was first purchased. Old tires which I suspect where a bit on the hard side. This is my next upgrade.
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Originally Posted by manalex
This was my first time at RATL-what a great circuit and a very demanding/scary/exciting experience. I was there on both Sat and Sun. It was cold and wet on Sat which made things rather treacherous-I saw at least two cars that hit the wall at turn 5 with severe damage. Being a first timer, my sessions were lead/follow on Sat. With the rain it turned out to be a great way to learn a very demanding course. Taking it relatively slow, but with enough speed to really learn the proper line. In the afternoon things sped up a bit more as the track dried up a bit, but not much.
The next day turned out to be a great day. All the pics in Dez's post where on Sunday and under perfect conditions. My goal was to get into the 40's. I think I managed to hit every corner perfectly, just never on the same lap
I'll have to give Neil Orton a lot of credit-he installed a new H&R sway bar in 15 minutes between sessions. According to my Pbox data, it improved my times by about 2 seconds after the installation and that's what got me where I wanted to be-thanks Neil for the quick work. I'm looking forward to improving my times as my experience level increases.
There were a lot of Vettes there, 2 Ford GTs, some Vipers, a Saleen Mustang, a lot of muscle. A bunch of great drivers too. I don't think any of them came close to what Dez was doing-it was great to watch and I hope to see more of it in the future.
Dez, if you want to consider some advice from a newbie, I wouldn't give up on the RWD just yet. I would go to a less demanding circuit where you can truly test the limits of that awesome machine without fear of catastrophic damage. Then once you've really learned what it can do, I bet you will shave off a few more seconds the next time you're at RATL.
Good luck.
PS-I had Conti's, not PS2s-I think these are the original tires from when the car was first purchased. Old tires which I suspect where a bit on the hard side. This is my next upgrade.
The next day turned out to be a great day. All the pics in Dez's post where on Sunday and under perfect conditions. My goal was to get into the 40's. I think I managed to hit every corner perfectly, just never on the same lap
I'll have to give Neil Orton a lot of credit-he installed a new H&R sway bar in 15 minutes between sessions. According to my Pbox data, it improved my times by about 2 seconds after the installation and that's what got me where I wanted to be-thanks Neil for the quick work. I'm looking forward to improving my times as my experience level increases.
There were a lot of Vettes there, 2 Ford GTs, some Vipers, a Saleen Mustang, a lot of muscle. A bunch of great drivers too. I don't think any of them came close to what Dez was doing-it was great to watch and I hope to see more of it in the future.
Dez, if you want to consider some advice from a newbie, I wouldn't give up on the RWD just yet. I would go to a less demanding circuit where you can truly test the limits of that awesome machine without fear of catastrophic damage. Then once you've really learned what it can do, I bet you will shave off a few more seconds the next time you're at RATL.
Good luck.
PS-I had Conti's, not PS2s-I think these are the original tires from when the car was first purchased. Old tires which I suspect where a bit on the hard side. This is my next upgrade.
Alex, did the sway bar help much when you installed it? I didnt stay for the last few sessions, how was it afterwards, did you feel more comfortable with the track?
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Dez:
There was a lot to learn while at the track for the first time. I came away with a lot of learned lessons-three come to mind off hand:
Let me know when you plan on going out again...
There was a lot to learn while at the track for the first time. I came away with a lot of learned lessons-three come to mind off hand:
1) Fastening yourself into the car is critical. All I have are sport seats and stock belts. RATL really throws you around. As a result I found myself constantly having to adjust my position within the car. Distracting to say the least, but it contributes to fatigue and impairs you ability to fine tune adjustments while driving. In other words your actions tend to be more abrupt because your bracing yourself with the steering wheel-hence you're less smooth. Harness and roll bar are in my near future.
2) Tires are critical, although I already knew this in a more theoretical sense, the experience takes it to a another level altogether. No need to tell you about this one. New tires are in my future as well-we'll talk about this.
3) Sway bars help, a lot more than I ever expected. I'll look through my Pbox data, but I bet my times were better through the S's after the installation. The car simply felt more stable and balanced. Going over the gators in five, again more stability. I expected the change to be much more subtle than what I actually felt. That said, going into 12 didn't feel any better, not sure why-perhaps I had other things on mind in that daunting corner.
I only installed the rear sway bar. Given you're current RWD status, I'm not sure if that's all you would need or if a front one needs to be considered as well. Also, Neil installed the sway at the center whole adjustment point, perhaps someone could shed some light on what effects the other two holes will have on handling-I forgot to ask.2) Tires are critical, although I already knew this in a more theoretical sense, the experience takes it to a another level altogether. No need to tell you about this one. New tires are in my future as well-we'll talk about this.
3) Sway bars help, a lot more than I ever expected. I'll look through my Pbox data, but I bet my times were better through the S's after the installation. The car simply felt more stable and balanced. Going over the gators in five, again more stability. I expected the change to be much more subtle than what I actually felt. That said, going into 12 didn't feel any better, not sure why-perhaps I had other things on mind in that daunting corner.
Let me know when you plan on going out again...
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If you haven't already, go post your times on the Rennlist board and let those J/O's tell you how slow you are. The best driver's in the world hang out on that forum and will give you some great advice.
Cleve
P.S. Great times...especially for a street car.
Cleve
P.S. Great times...especially for a street car.
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Hi Alex,
Glad you enjoyed RA. I get my first shot at it next week, if my car is ready in time. Have heard nothing from Neil, so don't know the status.
One thing an autocrosser told me that helps in my Lexus, and may help a little in your 996 is to put the seat the way back, then draw your seat belt across yourself and place it right at the latch point. Before you latch it, twist the belt4 times (4 180 degree turns so it will line up properly again) and then force it into the latch mechanism. Next, move your seat forward until it gets uncomfortable. That will give you more stability. You will have to play around with the proper seat positioning for the start so as to get yourself into the proper driving position.
Glad you enjoyed RA. I get my first shot at it next week, if my car is ready in time. Have heard nothing from Neil, so don't know the status.
One thing an autocrosser told me that helps in my Lexus, and may help a little in your 996 is to put the seat the way back, then draw your seat belt across yourself and place it right at the latch point. Before you latch it, twist the belt4 times (4 180 degree turns so it will line up properly again) and then force it into the latch mechanism. Next, move your seat forward until it gets uncomfortable. That will give you more stability. You will have to play around with the proper seat positioning for the start so as to get yourself into the proper driving position.
Originally Posted by manalex
Dez:
There was a lot to learn while at the track for the first time. I came away with a lot of learned lessons-three come to mind off hand:
Let me know when you plan on going out again...
There was a lot to learn while at the track for the first time. I came away with a lot of learned lessons-three come to mind off hand:
1) Fastening yourself into the car is critical. All I have are sport seats and stock belts. RATL really throws you around. As a result I found myself constantly having to adjust my position within the car. Distracting to say the least, but it contributes to fatigue and impairs you ability to fine tune adjustments while driving. In other words your actions tend to be more abrupt because your bracing yourself with the steering wheel-hence you're less smooth. Harness and roll bar are in my near future.
2) Tires are critical, although I already knew this in a more theoretical sense, the experience takes it to a another level altogether. No need to tell you about this one. New tires are in my future as well-we'll talk about this.
3) Sway bars help, a lot more than I ever expected. I'll look through my Pbox data, but I bet my times were better through the S's after the installation. The car simply felt more stable and balanced. Going over the gators in five, again more stability. I expected the change to be much more subtle than what I actually felt. That said, going into 12 didn't feel any better, not sure why-perhaps I had other things on mind in that daunting corner.
I only installed the rear sway bar. Given you're current RWD status, I'm not sure if that's all you would need or if a front one needs to be considered as well. Also, Neil installed the sway at the center whole adjustment point, perhaps someone could shed some light on what effects the other two holes will have on handling-I forgot to ask.2) Tires are critical, although I already knew this in a more theoretical sense, the experience takes it to a another level altogether. No need to tell you about this one. New tires are in my future as well-we'll talk about this.
3) Sway bars help, a lot more than I ever expected. I'll look through my Pbox data, but I bet my times were better through the S's after the installation. The car simply felt more stable and balanced. Going over the gators in five, again more stability. I expected the change to be much more subtle than what I actually felt. That said, going into 12 didn't feel any better, not sure why-perhaps I had other things on mind in that daunting corner.
Let me know when you plan on going out again...
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Originally Posted by manalex
Dez:
There was a lot to learn while at the track for the first time. I came away with a lot of learned lessons-three come to mind off hand:
Let me know when you plan on going out again...
There was a lot to learn while at the track for the first time. I came away with a lot of learned lessons-three come to mind off hand:
1) Fastening yourself into the car is critical. All I have are sport seats and stock belts. RATL really throws you around. As a result I found myself constantly having to adjust my position within the car. Distracting to say the least, but it contributes to fatigue and impairs you ability to fine tune adjustments while driving. In other words your actions tend to be more abrupt because your bracing yourself with the steering wheel-hence you're less smooth. Harness and roll bar are in my near future.
2) Tires are critical, although I already knew this in a more theoretical sense, the experience takes it to a another level altogether. No need to tell you about this one. New tires are in my future as well-we'll talk about this.
3) Sway bars help, a lot more than I ever expected. I'll look through my Pbox data, but I bet my times were better through the S's after the installation. The car simply felt more stable and balanced. Going over the gators in five, again more stability. I expected the change to be much more subtle than what I actually felt. That said, going into 12 didn't feel any better, not sure why-perhaps I had other things on mind in that daunting corner.
I only installed the rear sway bar. Given you're current RWD status, I'm not sure if that's all you would need or if a front one needs to be considered as well. Also, Neil installed the sway at the center whole adjustment point, perhaps someone could shed some light on what effects the other two holes will have on handling-I forgot to ask.2) Tires are critical, although I already knew this in a more theoretical sense, the experience takes it to a another level altogether. No need to tell you about this one. New tires are in my future as well-we'll talk about this.
3) Sway bars help, a lot more than I ever expected. I'll look through my Pbox data, but I bet my times were better through the S's after the installation. The car simply felt more stable and balanced. Going over the gators in five, again more stability. I expected the change to be much more subtle than what I actually felt. That said, going into 12 didn't feel any better, not sure why-perhaps I had other things on mind in that daunting corner.
Let me know when you plan on going out again...
BTW I just overlayed fast lap on track view with my previous fast AWD lap on street tires and the times were I dentical until turn 5. I think my technique got better there as before I was concentrating so much on tracking out I began to really turn in and got the car going faster sooner. Also pulled a bit in turn 7 because I was able to turn in and get on the gas quicker as opposed to understeering as much as I was, this also netted me 8 mph on the back straight, and then turn 10b was the same, more gas less understeer. Those are the only places at RA that you will gain advantage by using RWD. I think that may have been my most PSM-less lap as well. I cant wait to see what the AWD will do on the newer tires (better, but far from great).
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