On Thu, 16 Jan 2003, Dick Rasmussen wrote:
> Scott,
>
> First question: Did you know that the car has traction control and the
> default is "On"?
yeah, first thing i switched off.
>
> We own a 97 GT automatic which has a LOT less power and torque in its 4.6
> V8 than my 2001 GT has. Assuming what is wanted is a peppy car for around
> town and highway use, it would be hard to imagine a properly running
> automatic feeling slow off the line . . . assuming you had it in Drive
> rather than starting in second (the "2" position in the shifter). Traction
> is generally the limiting factor. Both my wife and I generally beat just
> about anyone across an intersection. I have to get a holeshot to beat her
> with my 5 spd 2001 (and I'm quick enough off the line to have won a whole
> bunch of Pro Solo's in my Formula Ford). If you left foot brake the
> automatic (not power braking . . . just using the left foot) it is easier
> to launch the auto quickly in normal driving than it is to launch the stick.
>
> I'm not sure what you mean by twitchy throttle response. Both of ours
> respond in a linear manner.
>
started in D the first time, then realized that it was starting in 2nd
gear not first... so next light i threw it down into "1" and romped on it.
Better, but not impressive, and i knew i would be swearing at that damned
automatic every time i drove it if we bought it :) Told my wife if she
really wants a mustang, it *will* be a GT 5-speed, after that test drive
:) (or a cobra...)
> The steering and suspension are what they are . . . Mustangs are not RX7's
> . . . but then RX7's are not Formula Fords <grin>.
>
> The automatic is probably calibrated to be slow to downshift to first gear,
> but generally the car has so much low end torque that you don't need a
> downshift for any reasonable "street" acceleration, especially pulling away
> from corners in town. Again, traction is more likely to be the limiting
>factor.
>
> FYI I just drove a 2002 Nissan Maxima automatic rental for about a 1000
> miles. Even with regular gas (premium is recommended for best performance)
> that car was also quick. I accidently got to smell tire smoke once<grin>.
heh :) thinking about getting my wife an Accord V6. the 2003s have a
240hp V6 with a 5-speed automatic. That plus trailer hitch plus trailer
== once i relearn how to drive competitively I can build a Prepared or Mod
car and compete. Either that or build my Rx7 to SM2 competitive spec...
not sure yet. Right now i just want it back from the body shop. Stupid
tire place backed it into a truck after getting new tires... at least
they're paying for it plus a rental car, and at a good body shop.
THEN I get it back from my mechanic, and it should be making full boost
again (he limits the boost to 6psi for first 1000 miles after a new
rebuild). With the precat removed though it was faster at 6psi than it
was at 10psi on the old motor/old exhaust system, so can't wait to see it
at 10psi now :) esp. if i spring for the power-FC computer...
--------------------------
Scott M. Stone <sstone@foo3.com>
Cisco Certified Network Associate, Sun Solaris Certified Systems Administrator
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