Reflections on My First Drive

[Gbeck]

These are my reflections on my first drive. It was just over ten miles driving the coupe back home after it's PA state inspection. This is not a rant or a complaint. I'm just assessing where things stand now and considering what I might do to make my coupe into the road car that I want it to be.

Every time I've heard Dave Smith talk about the coupe kit he describes it as "race car". Now I get it! The car makes all the right sounds, has all the right smells and demands your undivided attention. The body seems to pick up, contain and amplify all the sounds, smells, vibrations and heat the car makes.

With nothing but a bit of fiberglass between me and the rear wheel and with the doors not sealed, the tire noise dominates the cockpit. I intentionally went cheap on my first set of tires because at the time I wasn't certain that this project would ever see the road. These Sumitomos are noisy.

The exhaust sounds great from the outside of the car. Inside is another matter. I routed the pipes under the car to get the exhaust sound behind me. I suppose it's quieter than side pipes would be, but short chambered mufflers are all there's room for at the back of the car. I think the body and the rear glass might be reflecting the sound inward.

There doesn't seem to be a lot of drive line noise except when the Torsen differential engages but that shouldn't be a problem on the highway.

After about 10 miles I could definitely feel the engine compartment heat blowing through the gap between the top of the firewall and the body. The transmission tunnel also got a little warm.

The power from the Coyote comes in very smoothly and predictably. The stage 2 clutch is a little aggressive but manageable. I'm used to the notchy shifter in my Mustang so I feel right at home with the TKO-600. The electric power assisted steering can be dialed from nothing all the way to parking-with-your-pinky.

It's gonna take some work to make this into a road trip car. There are gaps to close, seams to seal and sound deadening to be applied. I'm going to go over the exhaust system again to check for leaks, contact with the frame and to see if there might be space somewhere for resonators. Carpet and upholstery are off in the future somewhere.

I love this beast! With probably over 400 hp to the wheel in a 2600 pound car and 47/53 weight distribution it's a blast to drive. I just need to take some of the edge off it to get it where I want it to be.

[narly1]

There's something to be said for going on a proper test ride in one of these cars in order to gain a full understanding of what you're getting yourself into.

[Gbeck]

D
There's something to be said for going on a proper test ride in one of these cars in order to gain a full understanding of what you're getting yourself into.

That's certainly true. For me, I want to BUILD the car as much as i want to DRIVE the car. So here I am, doing my thing. Driving and still building.

[wallace18]

Thanks for posting this great account of your drive. IMO this is a must read for anyone interested in a Type 65. It is a race car replica. The Daytona Coupe was never a street car. It is rewarding in its own way, but for someone who is used to driving a modern day Lexus, MB or equivalent it is far removed. I get lots of inquires to build the Type 65 but I always ask the person to find one already built to sit in and check out. Usually that ends the dream. But for the fortunate ones who look past the modern stuff it can be a rewarding ride. Just my 2-cents worth. :cool:

[edwardb]

Interesting read. I concur with your observations. But encourage you (and others) it will change significantly. For my builds, I've always done the traditional go-kart drive. Then another drive with the body on before going to paint. At that point, typically there's no carpet, incomplete bulb seal, seals on the doors, splash guards, etc. Maybe kind of like where you're at. Even though I'm able to confirm everything is working OK, it's always a bit concerning because it's loud, drafty, hot, rattles, and frankly a bit rough. I'm always amazed at the difference when completed with all the final touches, everything sealed up, insulated, etc. Almost like a different car. So IMO you have that to look forward to. While I would never represent my finished Gen 3 Coupe to be a DD along the lines of a Lexus, MB or even Corvette or whatever. Other than being loud, it's surprisingly composed and easy to drive. Sealed up with A/C it's neither drafty or hot. I too hear my Torsen clacking around a bit. Nature of the beast. I'd take it on a long cruise in a heartbeat. Drive it every day? Not likely. But that's for other reasons, like weather, security, etc. I agree potential owners need to have the right perspective. At it's core, definitely a race car replica. But lots of room for refinement.

[freds]

Interesting read. I concur with your observations. But encourage you (and others) it will change significantly. For my builds, I've always done the traditional go-kart drive. Then another drive with the body on before going to paint. At that point, typically there's no carpet, incomplete bulb seal, seals on the doors, splash guards, etc. Maybe kind of like where you're at. Even though I'm able to confirm everything is working OK, it's always a bit concerning because it's loud, drafty, hot, rattles, and frankly a bit rough. I'm always amazed at the difference when completed with all the final touches, everything sealed up, insulated, etc. Almost like a different car. So IMO you have that to look forward to. While I would never represent my finished Gen 3 Coupe to be a DD along the lines of a Lexus, MB or even Corvette or whatever. Other than being loud, it's surprisingly composed and easy to drive. Sealed up with A/C it's neither drafty or hot. I too hear my Torsen clacking around a bit. Nature of the beast. I'd take it on a long cruise in a heartbeat. Drive it every day? Not likely. But that's for other reasons, like weather, security, etc. I agree potential owners need to have the right perspective. At it's core, definitely a race car replica. But lots of room for refinement.

Agree absolutely!
fred

[cob427sc]

Absolutely agree! I built an early coupe and it was a true race car for the street. When I went for my VIN inspection with the State Police, they questioned my driving it on the street. One Officer told me if he caught me driving it in his hometown he would impound the vehicle! Mine was loud. The engine was custom built for me by Ford Racing as I was doing work for them at the time. Obviously way to much engine for a daily driver. But it sure was fun!!

[ggunter]

I live in North East Md and just got done my Roadster and ready to paint and all the things you say about the cars are true. Heck when i went trough a tiny puddle I had water and little stones come into the cockpit because of seals not being installed yet, and it rides a lot rougher than I thought it would, and the tire noise is pretty bad too......But...when I kick her square in the tail and she makes my eyeballs receed to the rear of my head and that beautiful sound fills my brain and stopping to get gas becomes a half hour event...It's all worth it:)

[GoDadGo]

My pal Gerry has a Type-65 with a potent 392 Windsor and we have a very strong MK-4 with a 383 SBC so here is our shared solution in two words:

Ear Plugs!

Though we truly love our open-top MK-4 Roadster, idling at 95 DB is an issue that our ears simply can't take.

https://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/S-12514/Hearing-Protection/3M-EAR-Yellow-Neons-Earplug-Refill?pricode=WA9851&gadtype=pla&id=S-12514&gclid=CjwKCAjwxuuCBhATEiwAIIIz0XT-TDExzkAm_h-auEEGfVQWbzg7s4_UjVquIBvFuKEwi2TXPaJULxoCySIQAvD_B wE&gclsrc=aw.ds

[caesarmascetti]

These are my reflections on my first drive. It was just over ten miles driving the coupe back home after it's PA state inspection. This is not a rant or a complaint. I'm just assessing where things stand now and considering what I might do to make my coupe into the road car that I want it to be.

Every time I've heard Dave Smith talk about the coupe kit he describes it as "race car". Now I get it! The car makes all the right sounds, has all the right smells and demands your undivided attention. The body seems to pick up, contain and amplify all the sounds, smells, vibrations and heat the car makes.

With nothing but a bit of fiberglass between me and the rear wheel and with the doors not sealed, the tire noise dominates the cockpit. I intentionally went cheap on my first set of tires because at the time I wasn't certain that this project would ever see the road. These Sumitomos are noisy.

The exhaust sounds great from the outside of the car. Inside is another matter. I routed the pipes under the car to get the exhaust sound behind me. I suppose it's quieter than side pipes would be, but short chambered mufflers are all there's room for at the back of the car. I think the body and the rear glass might be reflecting the sound inward.

There doesn't seem to be a lot of drive line noise except when the Torsen differential engages but that shouldn't be a problem on the highway.

After about 10 miles I could definitely feel the engine compartment heat blowing through the gap between the top of the firewall and the body. The transmission tunnel also got a little warm.

The power from the Coyote comes in very smoothly and predictably. The stage 2 clutch is a little aggressive but manageable. I'm used to the notchy shifter in my Mustang so I feel right at home with the TKO-600. The electric power assisted steering can be dialed from nothing all the way to parking-with-your-pinky.

It's gonna take some work to make this into a road trip car. There are gaps to close, seams to seal and sound deadening to be applied. I'm going to go over the exhaust system again to check for leaks, contact with the frame and to see if there might be space somewhere for resonators. Carpet and upholstery are off in the future somewhere.

I love this beast! With probably over 400 hp to the wheel in a 2600 pound car and 47/53 weight distribution it's a blast to drive. I just need to take some of the edge off it to get it where I want it to be.


Keep at it they can be made to be more driveable. I have a MKIV roadster and short of salt on the road or rain I drive it all the time. I put nearly 6,000 miles on it last year between march and end of nov. Insulate the cabin well, I would suggest vintage air a/c pay attention to the suspension settings and air pressure in the tires.