Topic: Solstice Coupe GXP with LS3 and Edelbrock E Force supercharger from Werks

[sbindley]

I may not put the top on for months...  Didn't notice drone specifically.  I need to get on the highway and see how it sounds while cruising at 70 -- again, with the roof off, most likely will be wind noise. 

Also, forgot to mention - there is this weird sensation while driving this car.  I find myself looking around and seeing other high performance vehicles as prey...  I'm not one to street race at all, but there is this newfound sensation as you drive around and no one has any idea what your vehicle is capable of.  I saw a guy in a Maserati GranTurismo with a really loud exhaust and as I eased by him in traffic, I couldn't help thinking, "This guy has $135,000 in that car and what would he think if my little Pontiac roared away like he was standing still?"  Again, I'm not one to act on such things on public roads, but there is no denying the sensation.  I last felt it many years ago with my 95 Supra, back before people realized how potent those cars could be, and well before 500 hp sports cars were commonplace.  Also reminds me of a time a few years ago when I was doing some full throttle runs while data logging a tune into my GXP with the old setup (big wheel turbo, etc) and some guy in an SL55 AMG tucks in behind me revving his motor.  I remember thinking, "Look cheeseball, shouldn't you and your 100K 493 hp German missile be out trolling for Porches or Ferraris instead of messing with my discontinued $29,000 four cylinder Pontiac?..."

So, perhaps that guy will soon upgrade to a $211,000 SL65 AMG with "only" 621 hp to push its 4,000 pounds.  Maybe I'd make an exception.

[JimmyBaja]

   he he he... I like the way you think.

[SHiNY]

I think his car is shiny on both sides...

And I wonder what SHiNY thinks about everyone telling each other to keep her side up?

Lastly, SBindley....  Where are the pictures and video??????

I'm pretty much good with either side being up, but if we're still talking about cars... then definitely keep the shiny side up!

[ChopTop]

Understand the temptations & sentiments but also sounds as if you're displaying maturity.  You own a killer car.  Think it would be a big hit at the Detroit Dream Cruise but a tad far to drive.  You plan on showing it anywhere?

[Critterman]

Besides it pisses them off more, when you won't give them the time of day

[sbindley]

Okay, so I drove it to the office today and am getting used to the heavier controls, and liking them more -- this car should have a heavier clutch and shifting, know what I mean?  But I did notice something else. 

I think my gas mileage is suffering...

Not really planning to show it.  There is a little weekly show out here every Saturday, but it is all day long and I cannot sit in a parking lot for nine hours with three kids at home, including an 18 month old.

I have noticed this rare desire to run any and all errands for my wife.

"Hey, we're out of pickles.  I'd better go get some.  Right now."

"It's 10 pm and no one in this family eats pickles."

"Yeah, but we should have some, you know, just in case.  I'll be right back."

[TomatoSoup]

I have noticed this rare desire to run any and all errands for my wife.

"Hey, we're out of pickles.  I'd better go get some.  Right now."

"It's 10 pm and no one in this family eats pickles."

"Yeah, but we should have some, you know, just in case.  I'll be right back."

I do that too, and I don't even have a v8 (can't imagine what I'd be like with one!)

[Brazen17]

I do that too, and I don't even have a v8 (can't imagine what I'd be like with one!)

I imagine something like this: "Mom, when is dad getting home? It's been three days..."   

[LatinVenom]

I think you are correct in keeping your right foot in check. On a public road you never know what can happen.

[miller11386]

TAKE IT TO YOUR LOCAL TEST AND TUNE NIGHT ON THE DRAG STRIP!

i wanna see what it runs My guess? high 10's

[Critterman]

Lack of traction will keep it in the 13's

[JimmyBaja]

Not if he puts some good drag slics on the back.

[miller11386]

Not if he puts some good drag slics on the back.

^^^This man knows what he is doing

at least Drag radials on a junk set. or perhaps some M&H slicks on 17" wheels?

[wspohn]

Lack of traction will keep it in the 13's

I disagree. If a tuned otherwise stock GXP can get into a 12.99 then there is ample traction for this car to get down to low 12 sec. range.

[elff]

If he can hook up he should get mid to low 12s
It totally depends on the tires.  That amount of power on our cars will require some wide and sticky tires to keep them from spinning, 

With ~350Rwhp I can spin 275s and that's significantly less power than this V8 beast

[Critterman]

No where does he mention he has a set of slicks to put on it or that he intends to get a set.  He does have the advantage of having a hard top so he will get more than on chance.

No way he will be under 13 in the first run.  And I was basing my time on him only getting one shot, forgot he has a coupe.

[ChopTop]

Found this site: http://www.measurespeed.com/quarter-mile-calculator.php

Estimated 3000LBS
530HP
Came out; 1/4 mile as 10.4 seconds at 131.4 mph

[JimmyBaja]

I'm not sure he ever mentioned that he would run it at a drag strip either, now that you mention it. 

[wspohn]

Found this site: http://www.measurespeed.com/quarter-mile-calculator.php

Estimated 3000LBS
530HP
Came out; 1/4 mile as 10.4 seconds at 131.4 mph

Those 1/4 mile calculators are pretty useless.  I ran oneof my cars through it and it is supposed to do 2 secs. faster than it ever could on a good day.

It also says my Fiero should do a 12.2..........(it is closer to 13 flat)

[Kelu]

wspohn: did you run your cars with drag racing rims and slicks? Sounds like you are wasting a lot of power.

[wspohn]

wspohn: did you run your cars with drag racing rims and slicks? Sounds like you are wasting a lot of power.

Yeah, I'm sure all that's keeping the Fiero from a 12.2 is tires....

[Critterman]

Yeah, I'm sure all that's keeping the Fiero from a 12.2 is tires....

    and maybe the driver, that's what keeps my car slow, not to mention Kelu's

[LatinVenom]

If your car is equipped with the proper tires and you are a good drag strip driver, the calculator is pretty close provided the dyno numbers are real.
You must really weight your car to find the actual true weight.

[Brazen17]

Those calculators are pretty accurate. It does take into account being able to get the power to the ground and a good driver. Sounds like one or the other is lacking...

[ChopTop]

I figured it's should only be used as a general guide due to other factors.  I'm not into drag racing but the impression I've always gotten is that even those that are still have to also have a pretty good understanding science of suspension, tires, track conditions, and reaction times.  Or in other words, practice, practice, practice, and pray nothing breaks.