Experienced Owners--How Will I Keep Myself Alive and the Car Intact?

[CP82AERO]

I'm in the middle of my build and enjoying the heck out of it. When I get to actually drive it, how can I stay out of trouble? I'm 62, an experienced driver with track days in other cars, and my hot-rodding on the street is next to nil at this point. I intend to respect the over-powered, 90" wheelbase 2300# car in the same way I did when I owned a motorcycle, but none-the-less in searching through the forum it seems that I won't be able to misstep at all without the possibility of dire consequences. I know I have to be smooth with inputs, respect the road/tires/temperatures--but what else? FWIW I will have the staggered 18" wheels/tires, Wilwood brakes and the engine is a 351W/427--good for +/- 500hp depending on the exhaust.
Thanks in advance; perhaps there's a link to a thread someone can point me to since this is far from a new topic. Finally, what tires are forgiving, and should I install a front bar to further encourage understeer?

Brian, San Jose, CA

[GoDadGo]

How Will I Keep Myself Alive and the Car Intact?



Just Drive Carefully & Don't Do Stupid Stuff!

[Just puttering]

Just Drive Carefully & Don't Do Stupid Stuff!


Speaking from (recent) experience ? :p


Use a rev limiter to begin with like Godad did!

[GoDadGo]

Speaking from (recent) experience ? :p

I didn't crash, just wagged the tale of the dog a bit.:o

[BradCraig]

Honestly not that bad if you respect it. I have no more than a beer out if I am driving the Cobra, alcohol more than anything will get you in trouble with these beasts.

Ties...I run R888R and they are amazingly sticky.

[Al_C]

The advice I got from an HPDE instructor was "go easy on the gas".

[Rdone585]

Even if you don't intend to track the car, it's the best place to learn to drive these cars safely.

[NAZ]

Just Drive Carefully & Don't Do Stupid Stuff!

Sage advice!

And as mentioned above, learning how far you can push your car on a closed course is far safer than on the street. You will never learn the limits until you reach them and doing that on an autocross course set-up on a large parking lot is much more forgiving than a freeway ramp or industrial street on a weekend like we did when we were teenagers. And if you get a driving instructor to ride along that's a great way to start.

[Gordon Levy]

Proper set up and respect.

[txboiler]

I printed and posted the following on my shop bulletin board. I go back and reread it from time to time

http://https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?9926-A-few-reminders-to-all-owners-amp-a-good-read-for-soon-to-be-s (https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?9926-A-few-reminders-to-all-owners-amp-a-good-read-for-soon-to-be-s)

[edwardb]

I always have mixed feelings about these kinds of threads. I agree wholeheartedly that you need to have the car set up properly and drive it with the proper respect. Things can go bad in a hurry if you don't. But having said that, I'm betting you will be surprised how nicely it drives. I've told this story several times. I had never driven one of these cars until I completed my first build. A Mk3 10+ years ago. I had read enough of these threads that I was convinced it was going to take every bit of my amateur driving skills to keep the thing on the road and not jumping off into a tree somewhere. I was pleasantly surprised to find a well mannered and solid driving car that wasn't hard at all to drive. Granted, get crazy with the right pedal and things change. Especially if you aren't pointed straight ahead. So respect it and if you do no reason to be afraid of it.

One other hint. I'm an extremely defensive driver anyway. But when I'm driving one of these, even more so. People will get right up behind or next to you to get a look. They're small and low so sometimes people don't see you. It's not just you to be worried about.

[Derald Rice]

Everyone needs to know their limits.

And to learn those limits, start going to your local auto-crosses.....

learn the limits of both yourself and the car, and at the same time, have fun doing it.

[Jim1855]

As many have indicated, learn to work the gas pedal. Smooth and easy. I wouldn't restrict RPM, I'd build in a throttle stop and planning to do so on my build. It's not the RPM that gets you it's the instantaneous torque of a full throttle application, restricting the throttle is the key. Even then you can use full throttle if applied smoothly but it usually helps to have the wheels pointed straight ahead.

Good tires and being mindful of temperatures. Then there's rain, requiring a whole different set of tire parameters and driving techniques. Location dependent, if you're going to drive the car, sooner or later you're going to get wet.

Jim

[GoDadGo]

Shown below is best safety item that is installed on my car:

https://www.holley.com/products/ignition/rpm_and_timing_controls/rpm_controls/parts/8727CT

Just know you can't use this particular limiter unless you are running an HEI style distributor.

[Fman]

I had never driven a Cobra before my build, have 3k miles on the car now. The best advice I ever got with these cars is drive them like a motorcycle. I have had street bikes before and you must drive defensively like people can't see you and are going to hit you. These are not safe cars it is the reality of them. Always respect the car and don't do anything crazy.

[CP82AERO]

Thanks for the tire recommendation!

[CP82AERO]

...thanks for all your suggestions whether equipment, track experience or attitude. I live near ThunderHill and have some experience with this forgiving venue but might seek out a beginners group that has an instructor in the car and a ramp up to higher speeds as the day progresses.
Also, I'll be running a Holley Sniper EFI and so hopefully that translates into smooth, linear throttle responses.

[CraigS]

Everyone needs to know their limits.

And to learn those limits, start going to your local auto-crosses.....

learn the limits of both yourself and the car, and at the same time, have fun doing it.

Winner, winner. Track days may have their place but IMHO autocross is much better. You can get it sideways, spin it out, etc and have no injury to you or the car. You will definetely learn how to launch off the line too. All for <$50.

[MB750]

While I'm not yet an experienced Cobra owner, I have been a motorcyclist for almost 25 years and my plan is to treat the Cobra like I do a powerful motorcycle.

My current motorcycle is a 2000 Hayabusa. If that doesn't fix the speed lust, nothing will. I use it to tame the beast, which should keep my Cobra shenanigans at bay. Time will tell.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Winner, winner. Track days may have their place but IMHO autocross is much better. You can get it sideways, spin it out, etc and have no injury to you or the car. You will definetely learn how to launch off the line too. All for <$50.

Absolutely. I've said many times the only way to know the limit (be it you or the vehicle) is to find and exceed it---IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT! Besides that you'll have all sorts of fun :)

Jeff

[mike223]

Everyone needs to know their limits.

And to learn those limits, start going to your local auto-crosses.....

learn the limits of both yourself and the car, and at the same time, have fun doing it.


Winner, winner. Track days may have their place but IMHO autocross is much better. You can get it sideways, spin it out, etc and have no injury to you or the car. You will definetely learn how to launch off the line too. All for <$50.


Absolutely. I've said many times the only way to know the limit (be it you or the vehicle) is to find and exceed it---IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT! Besides that you'll have all sorts of fun :)

Jeff

+ another


One of the first things *most people* need to learn is you can't get the car crossed up and then step completely off the throttle.

Most of the time that results in a snap spin that is catastrophic out on the big road.


These cars settle down nicely with a little leading throttle - they get out of hand really quick engine braking in a corner or recovering from slightly sideways - faster than you can say oops.


Best place to learn it - 2nd gear in an autocross.



Know the limits, or do not come close to approaching the limits.


These cars can make things happen real fast.

[weendoggy]

I would agree to starting with auto-x, but for me it doesn't replicate the "feel" of the car in traffic. Now, I've smashed my cones, spun on course etc., but have spun on track as well. I tend to drive my capabilities and not the cars only out of respect and have lots of fun doing it while being in a closed environment with other vehicles.

[Mike.Bray]

Start out by pretending there's an egg between your foot and the gas pedal. Best advice I ever heard.

[AtlantaCobra]

you'll learn at what point the wheels want to break loose at heavy acceleration. Burn that into your brain. Of course things change with cold, wet conditions, but that was the first limitation I respected. Spend some time in a big parking lot breaking the back end loose and working on oversteer. The rubber you'll burn is well worth the investment.
Oh, and try your best to avoid Joe Mustang wanting to race you at every stop light. I get way more enjoyment giving him/her the head shake when they give you that "lets go" look.

[Hoooper]

Youre in San Jose, no reason to buy anything other than the best performance tires money can buy such as Toyo R888R or similar. You can get away with a lot more on good tires, you will find that you have to be doing something really really dumb or that it is cold/wet out (wet in san jose? yeah right) to get in trouble on a tire like that.

For me doing autocross was almost a double edged sword. I found out that I was actually taking it pretty easy on the street compared to how mind bending the lateral grip actually is. I still definitely recommend it, but maybe if you are on good tires try to keep it to how you were driving before finding out how good the car really is.

You can also option the engine control to be compatible with traction control, that obviously is a nice benefit if youre looking to keep the pointy end forward

[Fman]

...thanks for all your suggestions whether equipment, track experience or attitude. I live near ThunderHill and have some experience with this forgiving venue but might seek out a beginners group that has an instructor in the car and a ramp up to higher speeds as the day progresses.
Also, I'll be running a Holley Sniper EFI and so hopefully that translates into smooth, linear throttle responses.

I took my car out to ThunderHill last year on a beginner track day on the 4.8 mile loop, awesome experience and very fun to open up the car and start learning the handling. You cant get that experience driving around the streets. Definitely would highly recommend anyone doing this, great experience and definitely feel like I am a better driver with the car now. I was able to get up 110+ on the straights and was pleasantly surprised how stable the car felt at this speed. Hoping to get out there again this fall.

[wareaglescott]

Maybe I am just a wuss but all these comments about know your limit and the cars limit are fine and good but I would suspect a good many of us (myself included) dont even approach the limit during normal street driving. Now is you are spending time on a track that is a different discussion. IF you are exceeding the limit on public roads you are probably driving like an irresponsible A-hole in the first place. I find it very easy to operate the car in a manner that provides a great deal of fun, without approaching the cars limit. The easiest rule to live by is dont get to deep into the throttle until you are pointed in a straight line. As Paul mentioned above some of these threads are overblown a bit and you might be surprised how the car behaves. Of course I am 6 years and 11,000 miles into mine so it is easy to say that now and I was certainly more apprehensive at first.

[johnnybgoode]

I spent a bunch of time making sure I had smooth predictable progressive throttle operation. The last thing you want is an on/off switch. I also added a throttle stop under the pedal to avoid jamming the butterflies and tried several sets of return springs to get the feel I wanted. I also made sure I was comfortable in the car and all of the controls were where I wanted them. I swapped out the stock seats for a set of Kirkey low backs which hold me in the car much better than the stockers. The foot boxes on these cars are quite small and it's easy to get your feet hung up between the clutch and brake, I only have size 10.5 feet but with the small space, I either drive in my bare feet or in thin water shoes. A dead pedal is also a good idea. On the power side, you can always take a few degrees of initial timing out of your 427W and/or leave the stock heavier springs in the MDS distributor to slow down the advance curve until you get used to the car/motor. It will take a bit of time and trial and error but once you get the car set up the way you want, it will be a joy to drive. My 2 cents. Scott

[mike223]

IF you are exceeding the limit on public roads you are probably driving like an irresponsible A-hole in the first place.

Somewhat agreed - but a lot of people have gotten into trouble simply failing to recognize the possibility that they were a little short of traction (moist/cool on/off ramps come to mind), the rear steps out, they step off the gas - instant catastrophe - you're pointed backwards (at a minimum).


I feel certain they weren't all driving like irresponsible A-holes.

More likely oblivious to the hazard, symptoms, and proper corrective driver input.




Of course I am 6 years and 11,000 miles into mine so it is easy to say that now and I was certainly more apprehensive at first.

A healthy dose of apprehension never hurt anybody in one of these cars.

[bobl]

You do not have to fear these cars(respect yes)! If set up properly they can be driven easily. Get the stickiest tires you can and drive with proper shoes so your feet don't get tangled in the pedals. That's the most common problem I've seen with new drivers. As others have said, drive with awareness just as you would on a motorcycle.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

A quote I found to be true "You can’t be afraid of it or else timidity will prevent you from taking the decisive action necessary to stay out of trouble" Agree AutoX & a empty Big Box parking lot are good places to feel out the car.

Run almost daily when the weather is over 45*F & dry. Tires are NITTO NT-01 275X40ZRX17 - 315X35ZRX17

[CP82AERO]

Thank you for all of these great tips--hardware, techniques and attitudes--this forum rocks.

[AtlantaCobra]

i know there is a lot of talk about what to do if/when the rear end breaks loose. We've all seen those videos on YouTube where it gets squirrely and the back end starts whipping back and forth and they're into a curb or tree. The "rule" is to not let off the throttle completely and steer into the skid. I don't know if any of you have been in this predicament, but your natural reaction IS NOT to stay on the throttle. That would be a great thing to practice, if you think about it. Between the butt pucker and you're life flashing in front of your eyes, that's a tough one.

[GoDadGo]

The "rule" is to not let off the throttle completely and steer into the skid. Your natural reaction IS NOT to stay on the throttle.

You Mean Like This Fellow:
https://youtu.be/sYRN70r7Zrc

[mike223]

You Mean Like This Fellow:
https://youtu.be/sYRN70r7Zrc

I was thinking I saw somewhere that crash was caused by a rear lower control arm failure.

I forget the manufacturer of the kit - but if memory serves it used BMW IRS components?

[zee]

i know there is a lot of talk about what to do if/when the rear end breaks loose. We've all seen those videos on YouTube where it gets squirrely and the back end starts whipping back and forth and they're into a curb or tree. The "rule" is to not let off the throttle completely and steer into the skid. I don't know if any of you have been in this predicament, but your natural reaction IS NOT to stay on the throttle. That would be a great thing to practice, if you think about it. Between the butt pucker and you're life flashing in front of your eyes, that's a tough one.

This is one of the better videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ5leWLp65I

[nucjd19]

I have about 500 miles on mine so far with far less experience than the above posters. So this is only my opinion. So far my experience is it has been very tame and enjoyable at normal road speeds. It tracks beautifully through corners and tracks straight as an arrow down the road. I will not be pushing this rig until it is a controlled environment ( auto cross or track day ) and even then I plan on having an instructor with me. Having the forte mechanical throttle linkage is a god send as well allow very precise and adjustable throttle inputs. Anyway, awesome posts already made with great recommendations.

[GoDadGo]

I was thinking I saw somewhere that crash was caused by a rear lower control arm failure.

I forget the manufacturer of the kit - but if memory serves it used BMW IRS components?


Back Draft Cobras Use BMW Suspension Components:
I believe this is the video of which you speak:

https://youtu.be/CQkqkOwuqac

[skidd]

I used to obsess over mustang crash videos... Determined to figure out what the reason so many wreck. I knows it's inexperience , but in particular, it's the gear change. They are so eager to show off by keeping it going they change gears. It's that gear change that ruins 3/4ths of them. Either from the brief increase in traction between gears, or the increased lack of it with the higher wheel speed after the change.

[DadofThree]

I keep myself in check with a Stock 302 and a 3.08 rear end. The best way I know how to stay out of trouble. There's been many a time that I've dropped a gear and surged past someone to then realize THAT was the moment I would have "lost it" if I had a more powerful car. People say that they know their limitations, but I know mine too. I'm not smart enough to drive a powerful car. :)
I don't take on challenges, and I don't "keep up" when others are hot doggin'. I just go.

Get out there and enjoy yourself

[Fixit]

1st... You've never driven ANYTHING like one of these cars... experience be damned - they are animals.
2nd... Don't do anything "adventuresome" unless pointed straight ahead, wheel straight, and lots of clearance - until you know your car.
3rd... Find a SAFE place and play. Autocross event, track day, BIG parking lot, etc. Push the car to (your) limits and LEARN. She'll "talk" to you.
4th... Watch every YouTube video on Jackie Stewart - and LEARN SMOOTH! These cars do not like abrupt inputs - they are easily un-settled.

[CraigS]

I will counter some of the thoughts here re; tires. You might consider starting out w/ cheap low grip tires. This way your learning will be done at lower speeds, especially lower corner speeds. 8-10 years ago a couple of my autocross buddies had performance data tracker in their cars. At the time we were on either Kumho or Hoosier R compound tires. They found out that they were cornering at 1.3-1.4Gs. I suspect that today's high perf street NT05s, 888Rs, etc probably match those tires grip. Believe me the difference between 1G available in good current sports cars and 1.3G is huge.

[mikey likes it!]

When you think you have your car under control... Park it !!

[Mark Eaton]

Don't ever drive if you are emotionally labile or have consumed alcohol. And RESIST the constant challenges and taunting from other motorists.

[Avalanche325]

Even if you don't intend to track the car, it's the best place to learn to drive these cars safely.

I slightly disagree. I see track days as the next step. Most tracks have at least a few places that if you go off, you are into a wall or tire barrier. You also don't really drive at 10 /10ths, at least not for long if you are smart. You creep up to the limit, but never over if you are doing it right. I recommend the track after a season of autocross. 140 mph isn't the place to discover what trailing throttle oversteer is.

I will always say that autocross is the safest place. In autocross you will drive the car at 100%, spin the tires at launch (at first), drift, lock the brakes, spin out, do hard lifts (something you need to be careful about on these cars), and have to perform what on the street are emergency maneuvers, etc. All without walls to crash into. The speeds are also not in the you are going to flip if you lose it or something breaks zone. No you don't get a lot of seat time for your day. But you do push your car and yourself OVER the limit. That is where you really learn. If you haven't done all of the shenanigans listed above, you haven't done enough autocross to know what you car can do.

.....Oh and it's FUN too!

[wrp]

I’ve found there is frequently enough time to say “this is going to hurt” outloud before the crash. There is an odd zen to stepping outside of your body and looking at the guy driving and thinking, I’m glad I am not that stupid....wait, did that guy just throw a rev at me?

On a more serious note several factors temper my spirited driving

1. Did I torque that D-Shaft lock nut to the specs?
2. If you don’t know by the top of second, then you wouldn’t have beaten him anyhow.
3. Never more than 10 MPH over the limit, how quick to get there is another story
4. Never in a residential area where soccer moms with entire little league ball teams hide down side streets waiting on you.
5. Never in your own neighborhood or nest, **** is ****.....
6. Did I check the brake fluid?
7. Don’t forget nothing.

[Ford & Jeep Fan]

I used to obsess over mustang crash videos... Determined to figure out what the reason so many wreck. I knows it's inexperience , but in particular, it's the gear change. They are so eager to show off by keeping it going they change gears. It's that gear change that ruins 3/4ths of them. Either from the brief increase in traction between gears, or the increased lack of it with the higher wheel speed after the change.

Having owned a towing service and a autocrossed a modded fox mustang for a numer of year i agree. 2 gear is the key. If you are in 3rd corrections to errors are mulitplied quite a bit.
One night I got called to a single car crash with one of the last mach 1s built (2003?, single car up against tree) I told the OSP trooper "I'd bet the car is in 3rd gear" it was in 3rd.


+ another
...........
Most of the time that results in a snap spin that is catastrophic out on the big road.

These cars settle down nicely with a little leading throttle - they get out of hand really quick engine braking in a corner or recovering from slightly sideways - faster than you can say oops.

Best place to learn it - 2nd gear in an autocross.
.........
These cars can make things happen real fast.

Agree 1000% on the 2nd gear comment.

[Joel Hauser]

I’ve been following this thread for weeks, and I guess I agree with everything that has been said. However, my own experience, driving skills (of which I have none) and one incident in particular, has led me to conclude that the safest way for ME to drive my roadster is to take it really easy all the time. I’m 68 years old. I’m sure my reflexes ain’t what they used to be. I’ve never had to slam on the brakes in any car, and I hope to keep it that way. The most powerful car I’ve ever owned was a Nissan Quest minivan with a V6 motor. My Mk4 has a 4.6L motor in it, which has maybe 250-260 HP? Compared to almost every other Mk4s, that’s nothing at all. Still, on one occasion while making a left turn at an intersection, and feeling a little feisty, I accelerated a little faster than I typically do. The car felt great, until the rear end spun out and I found myself facing the center barrier. I recovered without incident, although I was certainly lucky there weren’t any other cars around me. From then on I’ve tried to drive it as if I’m driving through a residential neighborhood, keeping the RPMs low and the speed down around the posted limit. And even at these speeds, the car feels fast and light and is great fun to drive. I am not saying this is the way everyone should drive these cars; but I’m not embarrassed that this is the way I drive it. Heck, it’s my car, I built it, and I’ll drive it in a way that suits me.

[Avalanche325]

I’ve never had to slam on the brakes in any car, and I hope to keep it that way. The most powerful car I’ve ever owned was a Nissan Quest minivan with a V6 motor.

You're 68 and no one has ever pulled out in front of you or cut you off? A dog, child, racoon, soccer ball, deer, or bigfoot has never bolted out in front of you? Never happened up on road debris, or something come flying out from under a car in front of you? Really?

[mike223]

You're 68 and no one has ever pulled out in front of you or cut you off? A dog, child, racoon, soccer ball, deer, or bigfoot has never bolted out in front of you? Never happened up on road debris, or something come flying out from under a car in front of you? Really?

My key take away:


All that said - he still found a way to spin one on the big road by accident.


That's why *most* owners would be very well served by learning to manage "traction failures / driver input failures" on the autocross course.


Because these cars (even the mild ones) make things happen really quick.

[mrmustang]

I'm in the middle of my build and enjoying the heck out of it. When I get to actually drive it, how can I stay out of trouble? I'm 62, an experienced driver with track days in other cars, and my hot-rodding on the street is next to nil at this point. I intend to respect the over-powered, 90" wheelbase 2300# car in the same way I did when I owned a motorcycle, but none-the-less in searching through the forum it seems that I won't be able to misstep at all without the possibility of dire consequences. I know I have to be smooth with inputs, respect the road/tires/temperatures--but what else? FWIW I will have the staggered 18" wheels/tires, Wilwood brakes and the engine is a 351W/427--good for +/- 500hp depending on the exhaust.
Thanks in advance; perhaps there's a link to a thread someone can point me to since this is far from a new topic. Finally, what tires are forgiving, and should I install a front bar to further encourage understeer?

Brian, San Jose, CA

Brian,

First: Detune the motor for the first few hundred miles, 200hp is enough to get you or a loved one in the passenger seat killed. 300hp can get you down into the 12's 1/4 mile wise. 500+ HP will not be as driveable on the street as you think...It's not a new Shelby or Corvette.......No matter what others may tell you, too much HP is a bad thing in a 90" wheelbase, sub 2,300lb automobile.

Second: Repeat the following as you are walking up to the car "this car will try to kill me as soon as I start the motor"
Third: As others have mentioned, respect the car for what it is, I could care less what your driving experience on and off the track is, a Cobra is unlike any other vehicle you have ever driven. It demands respect as soon as you are in the drivers seat.
Fourth: Know the limitations of the tires, if it's cold out, say under 60 degrees, your nice and sticky tires will not be so nice and sticky. Far too many people do not take this into account, and you will read their stories on how the rear end got out from under them....Even me, ex SCCA racer with over 100,000+ miles of mixed street and track time in FFR's and others (ERA/SPF/Kirkham/ original CSX2000 series).
Fifth: Enjoy the ride, again, there is nothing like a Cobra, real or replica.

Hope you find this helpful.

Bill S.

PS: Do not be cocky and think "I know what I'm doing", the cold hard facts are, as a new Cobra driver, you do not.

[j.miller]

Wasn't going to chime in on this one but it's like a "high fast one" "can't hit em but can't lay off". Driving one of theses it like having a wild animal for a pet. They are beautiful and exotic but you ALWAYS have to be paying attention , never take you eye off them and always have respect that they are wild and can bite . RESPECT, RESPECT,RESPECT.....Tina Turner said it very well...da Bat

[rich grsc]

Drive it like you stole it, beat on it like a red headed step child, and force it into submission.
How's that for a counter point. :rolleyes::eek:

[NAZ]

Rich, I like your attitude.

[j.miller]

Drive it like you stole it, beat on it like a red headed step child, and force it into submission.
How's that for a counter point. :rolleyes::eek:




DUDE !!! Feelin all tingly....tingally..... tinkly......Ah heck my man parts a viberating....vibratin,,.,.;,..vebritt..... Dude! You have center field so screwed up nobody can play it !!!! I hope you are happy with yourself mister !...Ba Tab

[RoadRacer]

Start out with deliberate understeer built into your alignment. Remove it as you grow in experience.

Forget about a killer motor and focus on suspension and brakes first. A 300hp motor is enough for your first 10,000 miles

Lots of seat time.

Autocross.

[Avalanche325]

Anyone that owns one of these are hasn't autocrossed it, is ......shall we say.....

165514

[TBull]

Drive it like you stole it, beat on it like a red headed step child, and force it into submission.
How's that for a counter point. :rolleyes::eek:

Says the guy whose been doing it for better than 15 years. I've seen him do it. ;) But remember he's asking for a first timer. That being said, if you have an autocross event, go for it.

[Rsnake]

I have had a roadster and a coupe and know that either can kill you really fast on the street.
Check out my latest autocross video where my son drives the car hard for the first time and it bites him.
I even lost it once as I shifted too fast with too much throttle. Either one of these mistakes could have been deadly on the street. The channel is Cobra Daytona Build.

[Vspeeds]

just don't mash the pedal. If you do decide to mash the pedal, make sure you're in a straight line. For daily driving; pretend there is an egg underneath the accelerator pedal...try not to break the egg.

[Avalanche325]

just don't mash the pedal. If you do decide to mash the pedal, make sure you're in a straight line. For daily driving; pretend there is an egg underneath the accelerator pedal...try not to break the egg.

Where a lot of people get into trouble is getting OFF the throttle. Imagine the egg glued to the pedal and your shoe. You don't want to break it in that direction either, which is not what untrained reflexes will do.

[nucjd19]

Such great responses from so much experience here. Truthfully my biggest concern is the "other guy" not any of you guys doing something silly. I have spent hundreds of hours of time and love building out my rig and the last thing I want to do is wreck it. Now the folks around me in their cars do not have the same concern or perspective. I find myself driving my roadster like how I ride my bike on the road with the idea that I might be in the right if I am hit or in an accident, but I am going to lose no matter what. I find myself playing the "what if " game when driving my roadster. Can't wait to get an autox event and let her rip around in 2nd gear.

[GoDadGo]

Truthfully my biggest concern is the "other guy" not any of you guys doing something silly.

You'll find that everyone wants to play the stop light game, including guys in C-5 and C-6 Corvettes.
These Vettes start doing goofy things if the driver doesn't completely turn off their stability controls.
If you Hot Dog a Vette from these generations, they will spin out rather quickly if the system is on.

Corvette Active Handling System Explained:
https://youtu.be/LWNR-tvvwFo

Stability System In Action:
#1 https://youtu.be/kzlg3oQMze4
#2 https://youtu.be/BB-KBaevPqM
#3 https://youtu.be/m5g4KIdGLfM

A lot of these cars are now in the hands of younger fellows who hop them up.
They often don't know why they crash, but it is often caused by the Corvette's Active Handling System.

[rich grsc]

Strange, in over 15 yrs on the road, I've never had a Vette owner try a stop light game, not one. The majority act like I don't even exit, the rest give a nod or even a thumbs up.

[john42]

Strange, in over 15 yrs on the road, I've never had a Vette owner try a stop light game, not one. The majority act like I don't even exit, the rest give a nod or even a thumbs up.

Ya, never had a vette try to race me. A few thumbs up and a couple that scowled... Some of them are an odd bunch..

For stop lights... mostly I get hopped up Honda's and hot hatch backs trying to geode me into being stupid. I never take the bait. Is funny watching them tear off from a stop light making all sorts of noise tho. It's laughable and I just stay clear of them.

[GoDadGo]

Strange, in over 15 yrs on the road, I've never had a Vette owner try a stop light game, not one. The majority act like I don't even exit, the rest give a nod or even a thumbs up.

Street racing has always been a big part of the car culture in and around New Orleans.
You often see some serious machines at every local event, especially Cars & Coffee.
This video was shot out by the Folders Coffee Plant near the NASA Assembly Facility.

...https://youtu.be/mwk9f97BvUk

NOTE:.. We have a race track over in Gulfport Mississippi, but you seldom see these fellows there.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Street racing has always been a big part of the car culture in and around New Orleans.
You often see some serious machines at every local event, especially Cars & Coffee.
This video was shot out by the Folders Coffee Plant near the NASA Assembly Facility.

https://youtu.be/mwk9f97BvUk

NOTE:.. We have a race track over in Gulfport Mississippi, but you seldom see these fellows there.

So what you’re saying is there are lots of idiots :rolleyes:

Jeff

[GoDadGo]

So what you’re saying is there are lots of idiots :rolleyes:

Jeff

Without A Doubt & Yes I Was One Of Them Until I Turned 30-ish!

[mrmustang]

So what you’re saying is there are lots of idiots :rolleyes:

Jeff

After as long as we have been involved in these cars, you really need to ask that question, on both sides of the equation?


Bill S.

[Joe Campbell]

As others have said, don't cheap out on tires, but also keep in mind the high traction ones age out quickly. Tread will still look fine in the front usually as the rears get melted pretty quick. But when you need the for a panic stop, if they're too old, you might hear the sickening crunch of fiberglass on someone's plastic bumper cover.

[mike223]

The latest noteworthy traction / driver input failure:

https://www.foxnews.com/auto/florida-man-crashes-706000-ford-gt-supercar-into-palm-tree-report

[JohnK]

"Florida man...."

[mrmustang]

"Florida man...."

No registration, no insurance either

[Derald Rice]

No registration, no insurance either

What is your source for this info ?

[mrmustang]

What is your source for this info ?

People in the owner/drivers circle of Shelby related friends.


Bill S.

[Jeff Kleiner]

What is your source for this info ?



People in the owner/drivers circle of Shelby related friends.


Bill S.

That plus the fact that it has been stated in numerous news reports ;)

Jeff

[mike223]

Add suspended license to the charges...

https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a39878521/florida-ford-gt-owner-crashes-because-hes-unfamiliar-with-manual-transmission/

[AC Bill]

As mentioned previously, don't mash the throttle before the car settles, and is pointed straight. Action starts at around the 2.06 mark.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STUQHqlvFGc

[Hoooper]

"Old 200 treadwear tires" + getting antsy enough to pass that he cuts the corner short, not a good combo. Car looked already halfway gone before he even waved that shoelace over the throttle. Always more to learn on track thats for sure. Staying safe from yourself on the street is quite a bit easier since you shouldnt be cutting corners short to get on the throttle early to pass. Its all the other morons around that you should need to worry about.