TTO: a force to be reckoned with.

[WardL]

Something else to consider. I have Michelin tires and they have a reputation for being a little unpredictable. Maybe they hold the road well, but then unexpectedly they brake loose when you don't expect it. What about the operating temperature of the tires? Seems like even in autocross you start off with cold tires and with such a short track with no warm-up lap, you will always be on cold tires! I think it is another variable, if you start hot rodding around when your engine get's warmed up that's ok for the engine, but who remembers to warm up their tires?

[patrickt]

John, what is the status of your car? Last I remember there was a problem with the trans spacer and starter motor, but that seems like ages ago. Is delivery scheduled?

[tin-man]

Originally Posted by patrickt

John, what is the status of your car? Last I remember there was a problem with the trans spacer and starter motor, but that seems like ages ago. Is delivery scheduled?

Eventually got the parts for the tranny, but the power steering motor had a fitment issue with the side of the body and the body had to be modified[cut]to allow the motor to fit. Then there was an issue with the steering mechnism that needed some part of the frame modified, [cut]. While I have been worried about the body and frame modifications I have been assured there is no affect on the structural integrity of the body or frame.

Unfortunately, there is now some issue with the tranny linkage that needs sorting out but other than that is should be ready I am guessing some time in June. I have asked for a list of what else has to be done and that is forthcoming. Not sure if this is beacuse I am in China, but it sure is taking a long time.

Cheers, John, AKA, tin-man

[xb-60]

Originally Posted by tin-man

Eventually got the parts for the tranny, but the power steering motor had a fitment issue with the side of the body and the body had to be modified[cut]to allow the motor to fit. Then there was an issue with the steering mechnism that needed some part of the frame modified, [cut]. While I have been worried about the body and frame modifications I have been assured there is no affect on the structural integrity of the body or frame.

Unfortunately, there is now some issue with the tranny linkage that needs sorting out but other than that is should be ready I am guessing some time in June. I have asked for a list of what else has to be done and that is forthcoming. Not sure if this is beacuse I am in China, but it sure is taking a long time.

Cheers, John, AKA, tin-man

Hi John. A couple of questions or comments....
1. Looking at your engine description - Roush 511IR with 572HP - I suspect you may be able to comment significantly on my 'How much power is enough' question when yours is on the road....
2. Is your auto to be setup conventionally with throttle actuated kickdown? Even with quite low powered cars, a mid corner change down that might not have been fully expected can easily unsettle the rear end (of the car). And then you're at high speed in reverse. Or getting giddy.
3. Are you really in China?

Cheers,
Glen

[tin-man]

Originally Posted by xb-60

Hi John. A couple of questions or comments....
1. Looking at your engine description - Roush 511IR with 572HP - I suspect you may be able to comment significantly on my 'How much power is enough' question when yours is on the road....
2. Is your auto to be setup conventionally with throttle actuated kickdown? Even with quite low powered cars, a mid corner change down that might not have been fully expected can easily unsettle the rear end (of the car). And then you're at high speed in reverse. Or getting giddy.
3. Are you really in China?

Cheers,
Glen

Glen, been here for over twenty years building and ramping up factories for whoever wants to have a footprint here.

I will certainly comment on the power factor when I finally get my car and will find out if the auto transmission does or does not do an autodownshift.

Cheers, John, AKA, tin-man

[Barnsnake]

Tin-Man,
Your desires to understand the dynamics of these vehicles are well founded, but I think you may be stressing a bit too much over this issue.
Here's the bottom line:
If you charge into a corner faster than the vehicle is capable of taking the corner (let's call that 105%), you're going off. This applies to a mini-van, a Prius, a Peterbilt, or a Cobra. Some may go off forwards with understeer, some sideways in a drift, and some backwards with oversteer.
Now let's say you went into the corner at 98% (which you should never even approach outside of a racetrack), you can theoretically make the corner. The key is to give the vehicle what it needs to maximize its cornering ability. With the mini-van or the Prius, which inherently understeer, if you lift off the throttle it will improve the vehicle's front wheels ability to turn and you'll likely make it. With the Cobra, apply enough power to maintain your speed and steer. Exactly how much power YOUR car will want applied can only be known through practice in a controlled environment.

The bottom line:
A properly set up Cobra replica will have much higher cornering limits than most anything else you'll drive. You are unlikely to enter a corner at anything approaching 90% unless you are racing or just being stupid. Public roads might have water, oil, or gravel at a blind apex, so driving at 90% is foolhardy.
It's my guess that you are about 500 times more likely to scare yourself with an ill-timed application of the throttle pedal than with an occurerence of lift-throttle oversteer. It's just good to be aware of the dynamics when a layer of dirt in a blind apex turns 70% into 90%.
"Slow in, fast out" unless you're Bob Bondurant (and he had plenty of practice).

[tin-man]

Originally Posted by Barnsnake

Tin-Man,
Your desires to understand the dynamics of these vehicles are well founded, but I think you may be stressing a bit too much over this issue.
Here's the bottom line:
If you charge into a corner faster than the vehicle is capable of taking the corner (let's call that 105%), you're going off. This applies to a mini-van, a Prius, a Peterbilt, or a Cobra. Some may go off forwards with understeer, some sideways in a drift, and some backwards with oversteer.
Now let's say you went into the corner at 98% (which you should never even approach outside of a racetrack), you can theoretically make the corner. The key is to give the vehicle what it needs to maximize its cornering ability. With the mini-van or the Prius, which inherently understeer, if you lift off the throttle it will improve the vehicle's front wheels ability to turn and you'll likely make it. With the Cobra, apply enough power to maintain your speed and steer. Exactly how much power YOUR car will want applied can only be known through practice in a controlled environment.

The bottom line:
A properly set up Cobra replica will have much higher cornering limits than most anything else you'll drive. You are unlikely to enter a corner at anything approaching 90% unless you are racing or just being stupid. Public roads might have water, oil, or gravel at a blind apex, so driving at 90% is foolhardy.
It's my guess that you are about 500 times more likely to scare yourself with an ill-timed application of the throttle pedal than with an occurerence of lift-throttle oversteer. It's just good to be aware of the dynamics when a layer of dirt in a blind apex turns 70% into 90%.
"Slow in, fast out" unless you're Bob Bondurant (and he had plenty of practice).

Yep, I may be over reacting, but I would rather do that than get creamed because I did not ask the right questions.

Remember guys, I have no teachers but those who are on this site. Bondurant's downstream aways, so in the meantime, you are all I got.

Cheers, John, AKA, tin-man

[mdross1]

Growing up on dirt roads in the country and loving to drive fast had to learn how to power steer in order to stay on the road.After building my big block Cobra had to learn where the breaking point was on asphalt.When conditions are right it is a blast,the smell of burning rubber is addicting.No doubt things can get out of hand in a hurry,just have to be prepared and drive through it.In todays world you really need to be on a track or even a parking lot way after hours.Remember the law will never understand if you get caught.