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This past weekend at Texas World Speedway.....(long) Posted by mike TX [Email]  (#1409) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from mike TX) on Wed, 16 Oct 2002 18:29:24
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was a blast. When I arrived on Friday night, I noticed I would not be the only Saab at the Track. Andy from Galveston was also there in his red Viggen convertible. I had my '96 900SE Conv with sport exhaust, MBC, 3" intake, TB ported, K&N filter, ATE Power (atomic groove) brakes, Greenstuff pads, and Motul brake fluid. Having boiled the fluid in a TT I was seriously worried about my heavier Saab being able to stop, especially after the front straight.
My overall impression is that a Conv is not the best idea for the track. I realize I don't have suspension mods, but the chasis flex is pretty significant. There is also the mental game- I want to push it a bit harder, but I'm not willing to go off roading.
Front wheel drive also has some limitations. You must time your braking and steering more precisely than rear wheel or four wheel drive cars. The front wheels can only do so much. If you ask them to steer and accelerate at the same time, you only get a little of both. However, I loved coming out of a fast turn and then used the gas peddle to drift the car to the edge of the track. I also loved staying on the brakes while beggining a turn in order to rotate the back of the car. My instructor had me adjust the tire pressure in order to increase rotating the rear. By Sunday I had (hot) 35lbs up front and 44lbs in the rear.
The real joy came when it started raining on Sun. The Ferrari in front of me quickly slowed down, while I was able to sustain speed and pass him. My instructor races Hondas, so he was showing me how to adjust my line in the rain. He had me stay one car width outside the normal line in order to avoid the "polished" line and to use the rubber marbles discarded from earlier tires. I could hardly believe how much traction I had. Andy and I did not have any off road experiences. Unfortunitaley 8 other people cannot say the same.
The Saab held up incredibly well. I more than held my own on the twisty parts, but often had to allow others by on the straights. By Sunday afternoon, my instructor allowed me to solo. Unfortunitaly I cannot advance to a higher level unless I have a roll bar, so now I have to decide if I want to stay at this level, or rethink my transportation options.
Mike
posted by 24.27....
_______________________________________ 1996 900 Turbo Convertible- Sold 1986 9000- Sold 1995 9000 Aero- Current
, Wed, 16 Oct 2002 18:29:24 <-- Viewing This Message, Thu, 17 Oct 2002 17:28:04, Thu, 17 Oct 2002 10:41:07
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