Another Day at Thunderhill in the RSA - 4/7/06

[StanAE86]

I didn't buy any pics this time around, but here are the proofs of the ones that were shot...more details later, when I have more time. JW "shot outs" were added after the first session:

http://gotbluemilk.com/web060407/bp/imagepages/image5.html
http://gotbluemilk.com/web060407/bp/imagepages/image6.html

http://gotbluemilk.com/web060407/bp/imagepages/image32.html
http://gotbluemilk.com/web060407/bp/imagepages/image33.html
http://gotbluemilk.com/web060407/bp/imagepages/image34.html
http://gotbluemilk.com/web060407/bp/imagepages/image59.html
http://gotbluemilk.com/web060407/bp/imagepages/image62.html
http://gotbluemilk.com/web060407/bp/imagepages/image63.html
http://gotbluemilk.com/web060407/bp/imagepages/image64.html

[No.1]

i like the JW sign on the back of the car - nice touch!

I bet that car is some fun on track - thanks for sharing with us :D

[TransAm]

i like the JW sign on the back of the car - nice touch!

I bet that car is some fun on track - thanks for sharing with us :D

You missed the JW logos covering his headlamps :wink:

Cheers for the pics, Stan. When will we see some vids? Please? :lol:

[StanAE86]

I forgot to charge my video camera. But it's a Hi-8 and I dunno if I could get it on to the computer...I'm thinking about a digital camera though....we'll see.

Welp, the second time out with the RSA was just as fun as the first. Now that I'm past the utter amazment part and can really start to critique the car, I feel that making a steering wheel spacer is more important than ever...or going with an aftermarket wheel. With the seat perfect, that damn wheel is just too far away from me. It wears out my arms before the end of one full session because I'm using so much arm strength to steer...because I'm too far away and don't have leverage. I'm going to make that my top concern.

Secondly are my Yokohama AVS Sport tires, they're good and decent tires, but they are well under the capabilities of the car and don't do the car justice. Not one to waste, I'll wait until I wear these out, but the next set that goes on the car will be something a lot better...I may even consider from R compound tires, but for street, like Toyo RA-1 or Pilot Sport Cups. But cost being an issue, I may just end up with standard Pilot Sports.

I took a ride in my friend's GT3:

http://gotbluemilk.com/web060407/sp/imagepages/image1.html
http://gotbluemilk.com/web060407/sp/imagepages/image2.html
http://gotbluemilk.com/web060407/sp/imagepages/image3.html
http://gotbluemilk.com/web060407/sp/imagepages/image4.html
http://gotbluemilk.com/web060407/sp/imagepages/image13.html
http://gotbluemilk.com/web060407/sp/imagepages/image14.html
http://gotbluemilk.com/web060407/sp/imagepages/image15.html
http://gotbluemilk.com/web060407/sp/imagepages/image18.html
http://gotbluemilk.com/web060407/sp/imagepages/image19.html
http://gotbluemilk.com/web060407/sp/imagepages/image20.html
http://gotbluemilk.com/web060407/sp/imagepages/image21.html
http://gotbluemilk.com/web060407/sp/imagepages/image22.html
http://gotbluemilk.com/web060407/sp/imagepages/image23.html
http://gotbluemilk.com/web060407/sp/imagepages/image30.html
http://gotbluemilk.com/web060407/sp/imagepages/image31.html
http://gotbluemilk.com/web060407/sp/imagepages/image32.html
http://gotbluemilk.com/web060407/sp/imagepages/image33.html
http://gotbluemilk.com/web060407/sp/imagepages/image34.html
http://gotbluemilk.com/web060407/sp/imagepages/image35.html
http://gotbluemilk.com/web060407/sp/imagepages/image36.html
http://gotbluemilk.com/web060407/sp/imagepages/image37.html
http://gotbluemilk.com/web060407/sp/imagepages/image54.html
http://gotbluemilk.com/web060407/sp/imagepages/image55.html
http://gotbluemilk.com/web060407/sp/imagepages/image56.html
http://gotbluemilk.com/web060407/sp/imagepages/image57.html

That GT3 is reeeeeaaaaally nice. With Pilot Sport tires, the thing had incredible amounts of grip...and he didn't even get to the limits of adhesion from what I could tell...because he didn't squeal the tires. The power comes on very linear and simply never stops pulling. It just pulls and pulls and pulls. Granted, even on the main straight, he only had enough room to get up to 130mph, but the power of the car is evident.

I'm going to try to get back up to the track later this month...maybe with some video. If I shoot some stuff on tape...anyone got the ability to put a little something together...or can provide some software for me to make a little something? I only have 400mhz computer though. But I do have an RCA to USB converter thing that I was going to try to convert some video with...I haven't tried it though...but am patient...because I know my computer is less than optimal for this type of capture...BTW...I'm not all that proficient at computer stuff...I could not figure out how to rip a few DVDs and VCDs to Uload here. :cry: But, if someone can work with me, I'm willing to give it a try.... :D

Thanks! Rock on!

[Mattk]

Nice car!

[sikx5]

Good work mate, I cant wait till i hit the track. Must be an awesome feeling to let it open up like that :P

Have you looked through the Dunlop or Falken azenis range of tyres? Some bang for buck there defintley, but depends on the size your after?

[StanAE86]

Yeah it is...that GT3 is awesome....

I have looked at the Dunlop offerings before, but I haven't liked a tire they've made since they phased out the SP8000. Good bang for the buck, but for the 911, I'm not going to cut corners on it. I'm going to be looking for a higher line tire, where tire life will not be a major factor as opposed to my daily driver.

BTW, for someone looking at a daily driver tire, the BF Goodrich T/A KDW is a terrific bargain. For my S4 with 17" tires....they were $135 each and stick very very well for the price. I HIGHLY recommend them for a daily driver tire. Treadwear is in the 300s too. Only thing that I've noticed is they are on the higher side for road noise...but the trade-off for the grip was worth it for me. As my daily driver, wet grip is noted to be very good as well (Tire Rack)...a great bargain.

Here you go...photos of the other cars there:

http://community.webshots.com/album/549323991nbcGlk

[TransAm]

I have Yoko AVS tires on the S2000, so I know what you mean. Great for powerslides though hehe

[RC45]

Looking good Stan. Buy a Digital8 Camcorder - very decent spec ones are dirt cheap now, and they can read all your old 8mm tapes. :)

Getting the video to PC is as simple as plugging a Firewire cable.

Try avoid USB, the data rate is just to low and you end up with dropped frames.

Or just pop the tapes in the mail and I will capture them for you. ;)

[ae86_16v]

Cool pics. Looks like excellent fun!!!

I am not that confident anymore about Yokohama tires. I have the ES100 on my M3 and they suck ass. Bad feedback, no grip, lots of noise, but the previous owner put them on because they were cheap.

Anyways, the regular Pilot Sports are good, I don't think you could use the Cup tires in rain though. Bridgestone Pole Position S03s are good too.

[StanAE86]

Thanks everyone.

RC, I might take you up on sending you out the tapes. I'll see what kind of footage I get at the next trackday on April 28th...I haven't used the camcorder in a while since I sold my Corolla, so I don't remember to pack it for the track anymore. I'll try to make sure I charge those batteries up for the next trip. Thank you for your offer!

=)

[Pehtren]

Nice track car you got. i kinda like it :P

And your mates GT3 is to die for. 8)

dude we need some vids! :D

[Wutputt]

Looks like you had a great time on the track. The JW logos on the front head lights and the rear license plate are cool :D