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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,140
Hard-core CEG\'er
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OP
Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,140 |
And loving it! I finally got on track at the Glen, and it was pretty sick. Mark (T-Red98) showed up too. Hot dang does an SVT with headers/y/intake pull hard! I was stretching towards 110 (~4th redline) on the back straight, and he wasn't having much trouble hitting it - and thanks to my tires, I was coming out of the esses at least 10mph faster!
The Contour feels awesome on the fast corners. I kept it brimming with oil (7qts) and had no issues, despite ~70 laps, each with 4 very long, sustained right-handers at 5,000 - 7,000 rpm. And it was really fast. Thanks to a forgiving chassis and lack of power (and some autocross experience) I was able to push pretty hard through the corners. It's amazing how a car that sticks well, when driven on the right line, will come FLYING up on a C5 or Mustang Cobra that's missed an apex. As fast as those cars are, they really don't stick in the corners much better than the Contour. Power was much less of a factor here than I imagined it would be.
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 25
New CEG\'er
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New CEG\'er
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 25 |
I'd have to agree, it was my first track event and I'm soo happy I went. I cant wait till next year. Watkins Glen is a great track, the instructors are extremely knowledgeable, and helpfull.
I 'hit' redline in 4th on the backstraight once, but for the most part I would roll off the throttle around 6k and then start to brake. On the last couple of laps I tried 3rd in some spots, but for the most part I just took your advice and left in in 4th and tried to work on my lines.
Im definitely hooked and looking forward to future events.
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,867
Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,867 |
IMHO, the Contour is a much better road course car than autocross.
I've heard many reports through the years of Contour drivers pulling on much more powerful cars in the twisty bits. (Even if they get caught on the straights--eventually).
The technical details that limit this car on the autocross course are much less of a factor on the road course. Furthermore, I think the car's inherent strengths are allowed to come into play.
Function before fashion.
'96 Contour SE
"Toss the Contour into a corner, and it's as easy to catch as a softball thrown by a preschooler." -Edmunds, 1998
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,140
Hard-core CEG\'er
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OP
Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,140 |
Oh yeah, the 107.5" wheelbase is the biggest factor. I mean, this car feels good on parking lots, but it was SOLID on the course. My (ITA-racing) instructor was floored by its performance. It's so stiff, so balanced, and so predictable that I was running at 9/10ths and felt super comfortable. My second day on the track I was cracking off 7-8 laps in a row without missing a corner. Throttle-steer is silky-smooth, power is everywhere in the rev band, brakes held up fine, and the seats were supportive.
Problems - Front non-SVT rotors are pretty marginal. Heel-toe is tough (but I got it down on the second day), brake pedal is very soft, and it is a bit under-powered (SVT would be much better).
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,194
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,194 |
I have to agree with the thought that the Contour is better on the road course than autocross. My instructor was very surprised at how well the Contour stuck in the corners. I think I averaged about 8-10mpg when I was driving.
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5,600
Addicted CEG\'er
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Addicted CEG\'er
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5,600 |
Well considering my rear sus. is about to get a major overhaul (TCAs, BAT sway bar, boxed main control arms, endlinks, etc.), I think its about time I found me a road course! Too bad the closest one is Daytona and that is a PITA/hard as balls to get track time on. Sebring, Atlanta, Homestead anyone?
#4559 of 6535 born on Feb 17, 1998
Black 1998.5 CSVT
FOR SALE [cleaning house]: SVT rear swaybar. Reasonable offer and its yours!
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 21,653
I have no life
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I have no life
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 21,653 |
98.5 SVT
91 Escort GT (almost sold)
96 ATX Zetec (i brake to watch you swerve)
FS: SVT rear sway bar
WTB: Very cheap beater
CEG Dragon Run - October 13-15
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5,600
Addicted CEG\'er
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Addicted CEG\'er
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5,600 |
#4559 of 6535 born on Feb 17, 1998
Black 1998.5 CSVT
FOR SALE [cleaning house]: SVT rear swaybar. Reasonable offer and its yours!
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 7,100
Addicted CEG\'er
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Addicted CEG\'er
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 7,100 |
Someone post info on how/what it takes to get involved and be "allowed" to use your car on a roadcourse.
'99 CSVT - Silver #222/276
In a constant state of blow-off euphoria.
Originally posted by Kremitthefrog:
I like to wear dresses and use binoculars to watch grandmas across the street.
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,194
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,194 |
Originally posted by Kremithefrog:
roebling
I was watching a video of the guy I worked for take his car around Roebling and it seems like a pretty technical track. He said it's pretty fun though.
You guys can watch it if you want. I think his best time was around 1:15-1:16.
Corvette at Roebling
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