Well, as I promised here is some pics from a lap I did yesterday on the 'Ring.
Based off of this thread...
SRT-4 on Nurburgring!
Nothing spectacular, but not a bad time. I am being overly cautious at certain points, so I lose alot of time in braking. The fact is with all the rear wheel hop I get at certain points...you can hear in the video...I just don't trust standing on the brakes at the last minute. I was chasing a 911 Carrera S convertible for most of the lap, started pushing it a little bit harder near the end to try to catch him, but he let me have it on the last sweeper and straightaway before the finish. Enjoy!
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/4...467FFF219B.htm
I have learned a little more about the car, and as I drive it faster I see more of its weaknesses. The back end is easily upset during trail braking, most likely due to weight transfer, and possibly too much rear brake bias or issues with rear wheel hop, and the less than ideal track surface at certain places. I have had a few close calls with snap oversteer while late braking into corners or mid-corner throttle adjustments...so I try to hold myself to a pace that's more in my comfort level, as well as the cars.
The car also suffers from a bit of understeer due to lift at speeds above 80mph...this can be fixed with a quick squeeze of the brakes, but it's still never a good feeling entering a corner at 90+ mph and not getting much response from the front at initial turn-in.
I am still impressed by the grip of the stock tires, and their durability, 12,000 miles of hard use and they still have some life left in them.
I stand by my prediction that this car is capable of a mid/high 8 minute lap, I just don't know if I'm willing to drive it fast enough to find out, becasue I can almost guarantee failing to do so successfully will result in a fight with the guard rail, which I will lose...and to me it's just not worth it. I am having fun as it is, I have already turned low 9 minute laps within my "comfort" level, and to me that's good enough for a completely stock $20k car.
Any feedback or comments is welcome!
Rodney
