Road to Optima 2021

[phantomjock]

Thinking of my post on your other thread -- made me wonder if there might be any advantages of "extra" flow from a 2x2 exhaust with the cut outs... Another item to put in my "to do some research" file.

Where I'm going - you mentioned you are seeing a "cap" on your HP at higher RPM: Is it air in - or Is it air out? Hmmm... I'll need to do some looking.

I do like the blown aero options that that dual system could open up too. [But you knew that.]

Cheers - Jim

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

Hmmmm...




add that to the 5-6 inches is enough to drop 16 db... time to get some metal and play

 

[rtj]

We had a big “discussion” on another forum over perf plate cones. People didn’t believe me when I bolted in the off-the-shelf vortex cones.

There is actually a lot of literature on the acoustic impedance of perf plate.

Last time I priced it, it wasn’t cheap.

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

We had a big “discussion” on another forum over perf plate cones. People didn’t believe me when I bolted in the off-the-shelf vortex cones.

There is actually a lot of literature on the acoustic impedance of perf plate.

Last time I priced it, it wasn’t cheap.

I'd love off-the-shelf but 4x$80 for $20 worth of stainless is a bit much for me... I'm headed to my favorite metal supplier in a bit to buy perf stainless...

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

Seriously considering using the Suburban as the tow vehicle.... I think it'd be a lot more comfortable there (even though it gets worse mileage and a touch less powah)

In other news, the painting crew will be here on the week I'm gone, gutters will go on the house, and the rails for the deck will be at the powder coater

Why do you care? well, I got the hall pass predicated on getting the house painted while I was gone.... checked that box too... I know, I know, no one else has to complete their honey-do list to go racing.... it's okay, I can handle it

 

[rtj]

I'd love off-the-shelf but 4x$80 for $20 worth of stainless is a bit much for me... I'm headed to my favorite metal supplier in a bit to buy perf stainless...

Wow, they are really pricey now. I think I paid $30 or $35 each and used 2 (12 or 13 yrs ago). I seem to remember buying perf plate wasn’t cheap.

Hope they get you what you need for noise levels.

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

Talk to me about track pooches.

Buick is coming with me - he's okay in warm weather and I have a special tarp that guarantees he'll be the coolest thing there...

but what do I need to know?

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

sweetness, I'm in for UMC July 18,19.... 2x the Optima

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

Willow Springs weather.... is it true that it doesn't get above 70 degrees in May/June?

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

I got my sparco onsie. now a neck brace and I'm safe!




*and yes, I get being safe and all of that - but still, I look ridiculous in it so there will be no pictures :bestwishes:

 

[phantomjock]

You might have a favorite vendor for the HANS - or check out some gear for sale over at; https://www.apexspeed.com/forums/search.php?searchid=7171006

There are a number of HANS systems showing up as guys are "aging-out." Run around $400. Worth a quick look.

Picture in the suit and in the car would be OK?

Cheers - Jim

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

Picture in the suit and in the car would be OK?

Cheers - Jim

lol... you know that my entire goal for these two Optima Challenges is to not be picture-worthy? After all, if a Newb is getting his picture taken - it's rarely flattering....

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

You might have a favorite vendor for the HANS

Cheers - Jim

If I'm reading this correctly, there's the brand I buy first then I buy a HANS or I simply spring the 'little bit' extra and get a lifetime product.

What makes the HANS better? (so glad I'm a newb and can ask these questions)...

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

I bought a one-size-fits all (Z-tech) because I'm going to change seats - probably sooner than later, thus if I spend for a specific restraint, it may not be good with the new seat...

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

motorhomes at the track? what do I need to know?

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

who knew? the most important tool for racing is a tailor's tape measure?

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

"safety stuff"edited

now with hooks

 

[phantomjock]

motorhomes at the track? what do I need to know?

AFAIK - some tracks yes - some no. The "Nos" are usually inside an airport's security area and therefore no overnight. Roebling Road and The FIRM both come to mind (as "Nos"). Road Atlanta and Sebring - yes. Sebring has started an extra charge though.
Folks running the event ought to have up-to-date intel.

Same goes for Dogs at the track - might check with the hosts.

Will you require a window net - and center cockpit net? Shouldn't need arm restraints. The Monster inside - Great touch! I may steel that cool idea.

Cheers - Jim

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

motorhomes at the track? what do I need to know?

Will you require a window net - and center cockpit net? Shouldn't need arm restraints. The Monster inside - Great touch! I may steel that cool idea.

Cheers - Jim

for Optima, no nets or arm restraints.

remember to have your heat gun available when you peel the sticker off its backing and start to adhere it to the helmet.... if anyone asks, it was intentional (after all 'monster'), but really, I couldn't find my heat gun....

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

And dog stuff...
I called, they're okay with dogs and they have an RV park
both race tracks (Utah too)

Buick (the dog) won't be going on this trip.

 

[phantomjock]

Hope Buick recovers and can make a future trip. If your wife is staying home - have you sourced a crew/assist - or planning on going to be a one-man-show?

Cheers - Jim

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

Hope Buick recovers and can make a future trip. If your wife is staying home - have you sourced a crew/assist - or planning on going to be a one-man-show?

Cheers - Jim

One man show. A friend was going, but he's on time out because his wife is not happy with the fence he built... I have no words :amused:

I love my wife to pieces, but that would not be a good thing for her to come.... it's not her deal

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

conundrum.... realizing now that I can show up at noon on Thursday... I'll be there - without major problem by about noon, but I'm so well versed in driving to LA that I now wonder if I should go even earlier, stay at a hotel Wednesday night then arrive at the track pretty rested. Thursday is setup and tech, you can tech Friday morning but that's a huge rush that I'm done doing in my very limited experiences so far.

the conundrum isn't so much whether I can get there 'early' as it were but where to stay on the way.... or go with plan A, make it to the Weed Airport by 2 am, sleep until 5, be at the track at 1 ish (after food, and fuel stops). I've also done the Weed until 4, then a rest area either side of Sacramento for a quick nap...

I think, coming back, I'm taking the longer route (east side of the mountains) and enjoy the trip maybe even stretch to get back on Monday.... (usually I drop the hammer at 7 am and roll into my house at 1 am)...

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

47 hours to lift off.

 

[rtj]

Good luck!

 

[phantomjock]

Looking forward to seeing the results of your hard work.
Enjoy the experience.

Success occurs when opportunity meets preparation​

Have a safe trip.

Cheers - Jim

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

It's been nearly 2 days and wow.edited Lots happened.edited Buick has been sick for a few weeks, and the night before I'm to leave - we had to do what was necessary.edited I'll do something about Buick's memory when I get back, how this really affects things is the night before I'm leaving, I get no sleep.edited zero zilch nada.editededited
He was also supposed to go with me... anyway, who said life is easy?edited (and then my wife's dog escaped and I find out when I'm in California - big shout out to my friends, they rallied big time)
I load in the morning and leave at 9 am.

mental note center the car, that isn't good enough (well it was, but it wasn't)

the drive itself is unadventurous except rather then making it in one day, I stopped in the town of Westley and stayed the night
and arrived to the dead smack middle of nowhere at 11 am today.

no, seriously... no where'

but the Corvettes are fully represented...edited

and I may be the only novice in GTV class

but now my car is FAR faster

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

More pictures of who was there (I left at 3)

I love that color

this is someone from my neck of the woods... we tested the theory that stickers make you faster... I think it's true, I didn't have stickers on my car and it took me longer to get to Willow Springs (the pendant might mention I left from Seattle and he left from Portland but science, I say that that silly detail!)



dad and son team

the owners of this car are some of the nicest people I hate.... they leave their house in March to go racing then get home in October.edited Sweet car, though. Different class, otherwise I'm sure she'd thoroughly spank my C3

a couple C4s, a Porsche GT3, a Lambo something or another..... every one a cool car.


I also heard a lot of people dropped out - so it's possible that you could drive in and run

 

[phantomjock]

Fasssst Stickers!
You had mentioned adding "the Skull" at one point. I've played around with a few and these are "different." May need some work before commiting to "sticker status" but a few ideas. {could be done in ghost style too - but haven't worked out that transparency issue - yet}


Cheers - Jim
Great pick BTW! Thanks!

 

[BBShark]

Sorry to hear about your dog, that a tough one.

Lots of nice cars there. I think I have seen that truck at other events.