Spec Boxster Build

[steved0x]

I've always wondered, how do you shift when you are in one of those long banked sweepers? It seems like lifting off the throttle to shift would upset the car. Is it because there is so much grip due to the banking that the car is nowhere near the limit and so a brief lift to shift is ok?

Steve

[stephen wilson]

You can shift mid-corner, you just have to be aware of the results, which will vary depending on the car and corner (speed). At Summit Point in my Formula Ford I pull 2nd in the middle of 5A /5B, which actually helps rotate the car for the exit.

[Eric523]

I was the car that came second in qualifying and I wasn't put on the dyno. It was supposed to be random selection. I had rented a car for the race and I think the rental has about 191-193 in it. Give the competitive field of drivers and the full second that the lead car pulled on us, I was interested in the dyno results.

After seeing the results. I was also the one that protested car #1, simply because no legal spec car has ever posted over 200. I also had to write a check for $3500...

At first, car #1 was going to comply with the inspection and insisted the car was stock and I'd lose my $$. The next day... decided to go home instead.

Last weekend a lil birdie told me car #1 has since purchased a new engine. Decided not to go through with the inspection so we didn't find out what was making the additional power on the dyno.

Anyway...I don't have a lot of patience for that kind of stuff. I've been DQ'd before for removing my immobilizer but that was another issue and not performance enhancing at all (never over 186 on the dyno)

[thstone]

Originally Posted by Eric523

I was the car that came second in qualifying and I wasn't put on the dyno. It was supposed to be random selection. I had rented a car for the race and I think the rental has about 191-193 in it. Give the competitive field of drivers and the full second that the lead car pulled on us, I was interested in the dyno results.

After seeing the results. I was also the one that protested car #1, simply because no legal spec car has ever posted over 200. I also had to write a check for $3500...

At first, car #1 was going to comply with the inspection and insisted the car was stock and I'd lose my $$. The next day... decided to go home instead.

Last weekend a lil birdie told me car #1 has since purchased a new engine. Decided not to go through with the inspection so we didn't find out what was making the additional power on the dyno.

Anyway...I don't have a lot of patience for that kind of stuff. I've been DQ'd before for removing my immobilizer but that was another issue and not performance enhancing at all (never over 186 on the dyno)

Eric, thanks for the clarification on several points. Also to be consistent - the car that you protested was what I called Car 3. See you at Buttonwillow.

[JEDD]

Originally Posted by Eric523

I was the car that came second in qualifying and I wasn't put on the dyno. It was supposed to be random selection. I had rented a car for the race and I think the rental has about 191-193 in it. Give the competitive field of drivers and the full second that the lead car pulled on us, I was interested in the dyno results.

After seeing the results. I was also the one that protested car #1, simply because no legal spec car has ever posted over 200. I also had to write a check for $3500...

At first, car #1 was going to comply with the inspection and insisted the car was stock and I'd lose my $$. The next day... decided to go home instead.

Last weekend a lil birdie told me car #1 has since purchased a new engine. Decided not to go through with the inspection so we didn't find out what was making the additional power on the dyno.

Anyway...I don't have a lot of patience for that kind of stuff. I've been DQ'd before for removing my immobilizer but that was another issue and not performance enhancing at all (never over 186 on the dyno)

Nice job Eric and Tom! I'm glad we have you guys looking out for us.

[Topless]

Lots of variables between motors, Dynos, weather etc. that said, 203rwhp smells like fish. Car in question may have had a very valid reason for refusing inspection. #2.7L??


Careful Scrutiny of the podium cars is wise in Spec racing.

[Eric523]

Originally Posted by Topless

Lots of variables between motors, Dynos, weather etc. that said, 203rwhp smells like fish. Car in question may have had a very valid reason for refusing inspection. #2.7L??


Careful Scrutiny of the podium cars is wise in Spec racing.

It was questionable to some competitors as to why someone would rebuild a motor that didn't have any apparent issues. Once new motor was in, car set the track record and pole at the next two attended events. There was a competitive field full of multiple race winners all within a few tenths of each other and then one car a full second ahead. Then it popped high on the dyno, 5% higher than the rest. Then declined inspection and went home instead. Maybe he was frustrated and felt unfairly criticized, but some will draw their own conclusions.

[thstone]

Originally Posted by steved0x

I've always wondered, how do you shift when you are in one of those long banked sweepers? It seems like lifting off the throttle to shift would upset the car. Is it because there is so much grip due to the banking that the car is nowhere near the limit and so a brief lift to shift is ok?

Steve

On this track, there is a very long straight before the fairly steep banking, so a Spec Boxster will run flat out the entire way. Faster cars will typically brake and downshift prior to entering the banking and then carry a near constant speed through the banking - so no need for an upshift.

In the upcoming Sunday race video, I had to lift mid-corner and the change in balance pushed the car up the track towards the wall and I had an "oh crap!!!" kind of moment. I got back onto the throttle and kept everything under control.

I wouldn't want to try shifting mid-corner on the banking unless I was an experienced NASCAR driver.