Need some help with a purchase!
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Well, this was a few years back (2008) when SCCA was still in the middle of the changeover per se from the 'Kent' version engine with carbs to the now standard Zetec engine. Had the Kent version and did race a few Zetecs.
Basically, it is like a go-cart on major steroids. After driving a modded Ferrari tintop on the track for a few years I got bored (too slow, then again it was a 'toy' 308 Euro spec = Miata frankly). So looked for the best 'value' for the $ and the F2000 seemed like the sweet spot.
With all that said.... What initially blew the mind of this non-formula/high-downforce drivers is the aero downforce and that going FASTER through the corners is actually better than slower. The overall grip potential is about 3x higher. Thus one needs to 'reprogram' their brain and physical senses to understand the far higher grip/performance potential. Brake zones that were the 4 board are now the 1.25 board! Sure acceleration and braking at this level is virtually unheard of in a street legal car yet, for me, it is the cornering ability that I live for. Straight-ahead speed never trilled me quite frankly (living in FL, any decent car can go 150mph+... but it is in the cornering ability from initial braking to turn in to hit the apex to then powering out....).
To use a NASAR equivalent, as I recall at the NHMS 'Magic Mile' NASCAR does around 100 mph through the first banked turn whereas a Formula 2000 does around 127 mph back in my day (2008). The newest generation of Formula 2000 cars offered by my ex-engineer/mechanic Glenn Philips @ GTP Motorsports uses a completely modern package versus the 'old' car I earned the Driver's Championship in. Now they have a totally different chassis, far more modern aero with higher DF yet less drag, better safety, etc. If you or anyone here are serious about Formula 2000, Glenn Philips @ GTP Motorsports is the guy to hookup with imho. He has worked with many famous racing families, etc on track and is a true gentleman in every aspect.
FYI: To just rent a F2000 can be fun, but to REALLY understand the car and the potential you'll want quite a bit of seat time. Just thinking of being back in a F2000 brings a HUGE smile on my face.
The saying is right, "It is the most fun you can have with your clothes on."
Had the 'wrong' 4th gear in the box that day as expected headwinds down the back straight. Yes, these cars can be that tweaky
Changed it to the higher 4th for the race.
http://enjoythetrack.com/blogs/wgi072608/wgi072608.wmv
Basically, it is like a go-cart on major steroids. After driving a modded Ferrari tintop on the track for a few years I got bored (too slow, then again it was a 'toy' 308 Euro spec = Miata frankly). So looked for the best 'value' for the $ and the F2000 seemed like the sweet spot.
With all that said.... What initially blew the mind of this non-formula/high-downforce drivers is the aero downforce and that going FASTER through the corners is actually better than slower. The overall grip potential is about 3x higher. Thus one needs to 'reprogram' their brain and physical senses to understand the far higher grip/performance potential. Brake zones that were the 4 board are now the 1.25 board! Sure acceleration and braking at this level is virtually unheard of in a street legal car yet, for me, it is the cornering ability that I live for. Straight-ahead speed never trilled me quite frankly (living in FL, any decent car can go 150mph+... but it is in the cornering ability from initial braking to turn in to hit the apex to then powering out....).
To use a NASAR equivalent, as I recall at the NHMS 'Magic Mile' NASCAR does around 100 mph through the first banked turn whereas a Formula 2000 does around 127 mph back in my day (2008). The newest generation of Formula 2000 cars offered by my ex-engineer/mechanic Glenn Philips @ GTP Motorsports uses a completely modern package versus the 'old' car I earned the Driver's Championship in. Now they have a totally different chassis, far more modern aero with higher DF yet less drag, better safety, etc. If you or anyone here are serious about Formula 2000, Glenn Philips @ GTP Motorsports is the guy to hookup with imho. He has worked with many famous racing families, etc on track and is a true gentleman in every aspect.
FYI: To just rent a F2000 can be fun, but to REALLY understand the car and the potential you'll want quite a bit of seat time. Just thinking of being back in a F2000 brings a HUGE smile on my face.
The saying is right, "It is the most fun you can have with your clothes on."
Had the 'wrong' 4th gear in the box that day as expected headwinds down the back straight. Yes, these cars can be that tweaky
Changed it to the higher 4th for the race.http://enjoythetrack.com/blogs/wgi072608/wgi072608.wmv
Last edited by stevenrmusic; Jul 19, 2013 at 04:43 AM.
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Well, this was a few years back (2008) when SCCA was still in the middle of the changeover per se from the 'Kent' version engine with carbs to the now standard Zetec engine. Had the Kent version and did race a few Zetecs.
Basically, it is like a go-cart on major steroids. After driving a modded Ferrari tintop on the track for a few years I got bored (too slow, then again it was a 'toy' 308 Euro spec = Miata frankly). So looked for the best 'value' for the $ and the F2000 seemed like the sweet spot.
With all that said.... What initially blew the mind of this non-formula/high-downforce drivers is the aero downforce and that going FASTER through the corners is actually better than slower. The overall grip potential is about 3x higher. Thus one needs to 'reprogram' their brain and physical senses to understand the far higher grip/performance potential. Brake zones that were the 4 board are now the 1.25 board! Sure acceleration and braking at this level is virtually unheard of in a street legal car yet, for me, it is the cornering ability that I live for. Straight-ahead speed never trilled me quite frankly (living in FL, any decent car can go 150mph+... but it is in the cornering ability from initial braking to turn in to hit the apex to then powering out....).
To use a NASAR equivalent, as I recall at the NHMS 'Magic Mile' NASCAR does around 100 mph through the first banked turn whereas a Formula 2000 does around 127 mph back in my day (2008). The newest generation of Formula 2000 cars offered by my ex-engineer/mechanic Glenn Philips @ GTP Motorsports uses a completely modern package versus the 'old' car I earned the Driver's Championship in. Now they have a totally different chassis, far more modern aero with higher DF yet less drag, better safety, etc. If you or anyone here are serious about Formula 2000, Glenn Philips @ GTP Motorsports is the guy to hookup with imho. He has worked with many famous racing families, etc on track and is a true gentleman in every aspect.
FYI: To just rent a F2000 can be fun, but to REALLY understand the car and the potential you'll want quite a bit of seat time. Just thinking of being back in a F2000 brings a HUGE smile on my face.
The saying is right, "It is the most fun you can have with your clothes on."
Had the 'wrong' 4th gear in the box that day as expected headwinds down the back straight. Yes, these cars can be that tweaky Changed it to the higher 4th for the race.
http://enjoythetrack.com/blogs/wgi072608/wgi072608.wmv
Basically, it is like a go-cart on major steroids. After driving a modded Ferrari tintop on the track for a few years I got bored (too slow, then again it was a 'toy' 308 Euro spec = Miata frankly). So looked for the best 'value' for the $ and the F2000 seemed like the sweet spot.
With all that said.... What initially blew the mind of this non-formula/high-downforce drivers is the aero downforce and that going FASTER through the corners is actually better than slower. The overall grip potential is about 3x higher. Thus one needs to 'reprogram' their brain and physical senses to understand the far higher grip/performance potential. Brake zones that were the 4 board are now the 1.25 board! Sure acceleration and braking at this level is virtually unheard of in a street legal car yet, for me, it is the cornering ability that I live for. Straight-ahead speed never trilled me quite frankly (living in FL, any decent car can go 150mph+... but it is in the cornering ability from initial braking to turn in to hit the apex to then powering out....).
To use a NASAR equivalent, as I recall at the NHMS 'Magic Mile' NASCAR does around 100 mph through the first banked turn whereas a Formula 2000 does around 127 mph back in my day (2008). The newest generation of Formula 2000 cars offered by my ex-engineer/mechanic Glenn Philips @ GTP Motorsports uses a completely modern package versus the 'old' car I earned the Driver's Championship in. Now they have a totally different chassis, far more modern aero with higher DF yet less drag, better safety, etc. If you or anyone here are serious about Formula 2000, Glenn Philips @ GTP Motorsports is the guy to hookup with imho. He has worked with many famous racing families, etc on track and is a true gentleman in every aspect.
FYI: To just rent a F2000 can be fun, but to REALLY understand the car and the potential you'll want quite a bit of seat time. Just thinking of being back in a F2000 brings a HUGE smile on my face.
The saying is right, "It is the most fun you can have with your clothes on."
Had the 'wrong' 4th gear in the box that day as expected headwinds down the back straight. Yes, these cars can be that tweaky
Changed it to the higher 4th for the race.http://enjoythetrack.com/blogs/wgi072608/wgi072608.wmv
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Yes, CF helmet as you must remember everything you wear will weigh 3x during aggressive maneuvers... plus it is sooo cool looking. This helmet was developed for formula drivers so had the right aero and venting system to keep the driver cool and resist fogging. Also, you MUST get a HANS imho.
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Yes, CF helmet as you must remember everything you wear will weigh 3x during aggressive maneuvers... plus it is sooo cool looking. This helmet was developed for formula drivers so had the right aero and venting system to keep the driver cool and resist fogging. Also, you MUST get a HANS imho.
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Alas, never drove a Porsche GT3RS 4.0 and am sure it is very impressive. Another fun fact about Formula cars, virtually everything is 'right there' to work on and/or r/r. Changing gears in the Hewland LD200 takes about 45 minutes (give or take). Am sure you know this 'fun fact', yet be ready for a new meaning of the words 'tire budget'. Nothing feels better than a properly warm tarmac with a new set of slicks...
It's feels like.... victory
Oh yeah, and lap times of 0:51 seconds around LRP. It almost becomes comical, like a small rollercoaster. Before the repave we'd get good air time at the top of the hill too
ADDED: Just called Glenn. A driver just broke the LRP record doing a 0:50.2 lap time.
It's feels like.... victory
Oh yeah, and lap times of 0:51 seconds around LRP. It almost becomes comical, like a small rollercoaster. Before the repave we'd get good air time at the top of the hill too
ADDED: Just called Glenn. A driver just broke the LRP record doing a 0:50.2 lap time.
Last edited by stevenrmusic; Jul 19, 2013 at 08:16 AM.
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Im debating between 4 cars and the money i'm willing to pay peaks out at around 200K. The four cars are: 1. Bentley GTC 2. Maserati GTS 3. Ferrari California 4. Aston Martin V8V
I am aware that this is a Bentley forum, so I will be posting this in each respective forum so that I can get a broad range of answers from different owners. Thanks again for your input!
I am aware that this is a Bentley forum, so I will be posting this in each respective forum so that I can get a broad range of answers from different owners. Thanks again for your input!
1. Ferrari California
2. Bentley GTC
3/4. Maserati GTS/V8V
The image of AM has somewhat been tarnished by Ford's introduction of the new fusion. From distance, Ford fusion looks very similar to AM.
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My opinions and they are worth what you have paid for them.
1. V8V is a lovely car and I drove one home one night to show the wife. It was not what i thought it was. It was much more of a raucous race car and not a GT ride, The sound was great but the tranny was odd, some sort of automated manuel? Some what under powered and I'd consider the V12V. These are not smooth road cars. If you are stuck on AM(I love them too) consider the DB9 as a closer competitor to the Bentley GT.
2. I think the California is also a drop dead lovely car and it is the most road friendly of the family but have not drove one. I believe this car is a little more high strung than the CGT and therefore prone to be more needy of care and $.???
3.Maserati? Not even in the same class imho. Considering $, quality, reputation and build I think it lags behind the others in your list.
4. Bentley GT is more of a true luxury tourer and more sedately tuned and strung therefore it will be an "easy" daily driver and offer more road comfort. Fast, yes but smooth and beautiful but not as much of a corner carver as the others.
Just to make the matter worse for you, have you seen the new Jaguar XKRS?
I likes it quite a bit but went for the Bentley because of the service record history of the brand.
Ultimately you will have to decide what are the most important criteria for you. Bentley is most luxury with Ferrari next then Maserati and Aston Vantage being the most sporting ride. I had to come off the fence and make a decision about what was the highest priority and luxury ride came up the winner. On the real roads I am not racing around most of the time. More miles are spent just going down the road loafing along in high style. Good hunting mate.
Already have a high maintenance wife needed a low maintenance car.
1. V8V is a lovely car and I drove one home one night to show the wife. It was not what i thought it was. It was much more of a raucous race car and not a GT ride, The sound was great but the tranny was odd, some sort of automated manuel? Some what under powered and I'd consider the V12V. These are not smooth road cars. If you are stuck on AM(I love them too) consider the DB9 as a closer competitor to the Bentley GT.
2. I think the California is also a drop dead lovely car and it is the most road friendly of the family but have not drove one. I believe this car is a little more high strung than the CGT and therefore prone to be more needy of care and $.???
3.Maserati? Not even in the same class imho. Considering $, quality, reputation and build I think it lags behind the others in your list.
4. Bentley GT is more of a true luxury tourer and more sedately tuned and strung therefore it will be an "easy" daily driver and offer more road comfort. Fast, yes but smooth and beautiful but not as much of a corner carver as the others.
Just to make the matter worse for you, have you seen the new Jaguar XKRS?
I likes it quite a bit but went for the Bentley because of the service record history of the brand.Ultimately you will have to decide what are the most important criteria for you. Bentley is most luxury with Ferrari next then Maserati and Aston Vantage being the most sporting ride. I had to come off the fence and make a decision about what was the highest priority and luxury ride came up the winner. On the real roads I am not racing around most of the time. More miles are spent just going down the road loafing along in high style. Good hunting mate.
Already have a high maintenance wife needed a low maintenance car.
Looking back to the old MK2 jag, the V12 XJS or the Double Six luxury cars of the 60's/early 70's. They were the true Jaguar. Perhaps VW should have bought them out in the late 70's then they might very well still be a prestigious marque ??
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I would take another look at the 2013 Maserati. They have made major interior and exterior enhancements on the 13' GranTurismo that absolutely bring it up to competition standards. I caved and purchased one on Saturday over the Bentley I wanted because they were discounting it highly and I couldn't pass up the savings. It's an absolutely stunning car and I couldn't be happier.
Last edited by Ryan9095; Jul 22, 2013 at 07:52 AM.
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I checked out the GranCabrio in December and found it was nowhere near the quality level or comfort or spaciousness of a GTC, so I bought the V8 GTC (my third GTC).
If you're not concerned about attracting attention to yourself or your car, the 2014 Porsche 991 (911) Carrera S Cabriolet now has a more spacious interior than ever before (though still not the size of the Maserati or GTC) and very luxurious. It performs like a super car w/o attracting the attention of those "look at me!" cars. And it can be custom-ordered to your exacting specs - choice of whatever color stitching you want and where you want it, leather everywhere, and the best automated manual (automatic) transmission available today, the PDK. A heavily optioned, totally bespoke P-car Cabriolet will cost about US$135K and can be delivered in 90 days. If you don't find an interior leather color that suits you, they will match your sample for a modest $1700. If you want the exterior paint in a bespoke color, they will match your paint swatch for $5500.
Side-by-side with a GranCabrio, the Porsche Carrera will look plain but inside the cabin the 911 will knock your socks off and on the road there is no comparison between the two.
If you're not concerned about attracting attention to yourself or your car, the 2014 Porsche 991 (911) Carrera S Cabriolet now has a more spacious interior than ever before (though still not the size of the Maserati or GTC) and very luxurious. It performs like a super car w/o attracting the attention of those "look at me!" cars. And it can be custom-ordered to your exacting specs - choice of whatever color stitching you want and where you want it, leather everywhere, and the best automated manual (automatic) transmission available today, the PDK. A heavily optioned, totally bespoke P-car Cabriolet will cost about US$135K and can be delivered in 90 days. If you don't find an interior leather color that suits you, they will match your sample for a modest $1700. If you want the exterior paint in a bespoke color, they will match your paint swatch for $5500.
Side-by-side with a GranCabrio, the Porsche Carrera will look plain but inside the cabin the 911 will knock your socks off and on the road there is no comparison between the two.
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