Roadster sold coupe on order

[Rsnake]

As of 5:00 this evening I am without my roadster. I hadn't planned on selling but things just lined up and it happened. So I have already ordered my coupe. I ordered the R model but wondering if it's the right choice for street driving with some auto cross and track days thrown in. Does anybody drive the r model on the street? Maybe cut the side protection out?

[GoDadGo]

Rsnake,

I think you can pull it off and here's why.
I drove a 1980 Z/28 that had an NHRA approved 6 point roll bar in it.
It was my daily driver until 2005 (Lost August 29, 2005) and it had only three draw backs:

1. Wife would not drive or ride in it if she was wearing a dress or skirt.
2. I looked stupid getting out of it in a suit.
3. As the VP over Consumer Collections at largest bank in Louisiana my car was frounded by the most of my peers which was A-Okay with me.

Just make sure it's got pleanty of power with 6-Speed behind whatever power plant you put in it.
You Got This Brother So Go For It!
The More Radical The Better!

Steve

[Rsnake]

Steve,

I appreciate the words of encouragement but wonder if the tubing across the windshield will make registration in California impossible. They are illegal as they block your vision out of the windshield. I figure if it was already registered the odds of getting in trouble are minimal at best but since I need to get the chp to sign off all beats are off. My wife would hate it.

[edwardb]

Unless you're planning hardcore track use including needing some particular sanction approvals, I'd recommend against the R version. The standard Gen 3 Coupe is already very strong and extremely rigid. Plus it's already hard enough to get in and out of. Adding another 8-10 inches (or whatever the exact dimension is) of barriers to the door openings is brutal. Have you seen and tried getting in and out of either one? If you haven't you should. My wife enjoys cruising in our Gen 3 and I have given a number of rides to others. Other than my 18 year old grandson that hopped in and out of it (pays to be young and limber) everyone struggles a bit. For some it would be a no-go. Yes you could cut out the added bars. But then what's the point?

[GoDadGo]

My wife would hate it.

In retrospect, my Z/28 went away with Hurricane Katrina when I was 42 and my wife was 41 and we are now are 57 and 56.
In addition, Mrs. Go-Dad has ridden in my friend's 1st Gen Daytona and didn't like the entry and exit process.
Happy Wife Happy Life Always Holds True!

[Rsnake]

Thank you guys! I have been in and out of both models and the street version is much easier.
I will order the street model. How much of the roll cage can you see in the street version?
I am planning on a blue with white stripes and want the cage to be white if you can see it.
I might even add a diagonal bar in the rear for the "look".

[edwardb]

How much of the roll cage can you see in the street version?

Not exactly sure what you mean. The roll cage is certainly visible from the inside. Up the A-pillars, across the front top of the windshield, along the top of the side windows, across the top, behind the seats, etc. But not visible from the outside for the most part, if that's what you mean. Doesn't block vision except the bars behind the seats and top somewhat limit how much you can see out the center rear view mirror. But the angled hatch opening is narrow anyway.

[John Dol]

If you want the cage white then opt not to have your frame powder coated and do it locally. White frame only comes on the R spec.

John

[Rsnake]

I spoke with factory five and they won't powder coat it white just like John said. So I am going to have them powder coat black and when I get it I will add some more bracing scuff the visible roll cage components and spray base coat/clear coat in white. I think it will look great with white stripes and really pop in the interior. As for brakes I am contemplating going with the Levy racing 14" big brakes, they would be perfect for track days.
How many of you have had both the tko600 and the T56? I wasn't all that impressed with the tko600 but hear great things about the T56.

[edwardb]

How many of you have had both the tko600 and the T56? I wasn't all that impressed with the tko600 but hear great things about the T56.

I've had both. Although my TKO's were the modded ones from Liberty's High Performance. So supposed to shift better than stock. Not sure what you've heard about the TKO. But I've been happy with mine. They're tough and once broken in work fine IMO. Lots of internet bandwidth about the 2nd to 3rd shift at high RPM. But I haven't found that to be an issue. If you don't hamfist it, goes right in. I have the T-56 in my new Gen 3 Coupe. Bone stock and out of the box shifts fine also. Not sure I notice a huge difference though. I do like having two overdrive ratios. The electric lock-out on the reverse gate is nice. Although it's an added complication over the TKO. The T-56 is bigger, heavier, and more expensive than the TKO. But does fit into the Gen 3 Coupe easily and with no mods. Note they do take different bell housings. So check the combinations with your planned engine. Also note the somewhat different 1st through 3rd ratios. You may end up with different diff ratios for each. I did.

Specs for TKO TCET5008: Torque capacity: 600 lbs/ft, Input shaft spline count: 26, Output shaft spline count: 31, 1st: 2.87, 2nd: 1.89, 3rd: 1.28, 4th: 1.00, 5th: 0.64. Weight 105 lbs.

Specs for T-56 TUET11010: Torque capacity: 700 lbs/ft, Input shaft spline count: 26, Output shaft spline count: 31, 1st: 2.66, 2nd: 1.78, 3rd: 1.30, 4th: 1.00, 5th: 0.80, 6th: 0.63. Weight 135 lbs.

[Gordon Levy]

Dyno tuned a gen3 coyote today at 488rwhp. The T56 would be great, run a 3:73 gear. The engine really needs the gear. It's soft on the bottom.

[Rsnake]

T56 it is with 3:73 rear gearing!
488 HP at the rear wheels! What if any modifications? Still undecided on motor but that result will push me to the Gen 3 for sure. That's probably 550 to the crank.

[Gordon Levy]

sorry, typo on my part, it's 448.

[Rsnake]

Even at 448 that's still 500+ at the crank. Should get a heavier coupe moving along on the track.