ba#97
Well-Known Member
FYI, I'm driving a '95 GT 5-speed now. I got rid of the V6 about 4 years ago. The GT is a recreational vehicle as I have a truck for a DD.
Running Nitto 555's at the moment, but getting new rears in the summer (screw got lodged in the right rear towards the end of the summer). Thinking about switching to Hankook Ventus R-S3 tires. I'll be doing more research in the Spring when it's closer to taking it out of storage.
The big reason I felt the need for more power is the track is a 3.1 mile course that incorporates a drag strip. BIR Donnybrook Course (http://brainerdraceway.com/wp_lib/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/09RoadCourseMap.jpg). It's pretty much wide open from the last straight (runs along B Gate), 50-60mph final corner, power down the front straight, 100+ through turn 1 and 2, and finally brake for turn 3. The rest of the corners are relatively quick, but I didn't feel like I was lacking power or grip (granted I wasn't pushing as hard as I could due to it not being an actual track day) through this section of track. The straights just leave a lot to be desired.
I do plan on attending the school this coming summer. It was my intention to do so this past summer, but they run the school on Mondays. So I need to be able to get off of work and stuff. I plan to attend when they are running the shorter Competition course since it's tighter, more technical. The open cruise (Powercruise USA) I attended helped build up some confidence and get me hooked on road course driving.
I run out at thunderhill with quite a long straightaway (120+) and trust me, my stock gt power was just fine. even with a long straight, most of the time you're spending is in corners. I really do recommend you focus on weight reduction (which will do more for you lap times wise and will be more noticeable than power....and it's free!). getting more seat time is key to going faster. I will say this to even an experienced guy...more power is the last thing you need. I recommend some racing seats for sure and putting the car on a diet and just keep getting out there. especially if you've only been out there a few times. in the grand scheme of things, more power will net you what....a couple mph at the end of the straight? that's not a lot of time saved over that long of a course. now think of it the other way, less weight, car can handle through the corners with more ease, which ultimately gives you a few things....braking later and harder into the corners, carrying more speed into the corners, getting back to the gas sooner, which ultimately means you get off the corner faster, and then bam...at the end of the straight you just got onto...you have the same amount of speed or close to it that you would have had by adding that hp. and all....for free! and....that money you didn't spend on motor mods, you just spent on another track day...where you shaved even more time off your laps with that extra seat time.