TravisJB Journal

MightyBobo · 12-03-2009, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisSlicks

Not to hijack Travis's journal here but that was oversteer all the way, he just didn't catch the warning signs early enough. Certainly could have been some oil on the track or something else that initiated it though.

I really hate guardrails

It was overstear, and it was also my first time out. Definitely a noob mistake, for sure. Entered too hot, realized it too late.

travisjb · 12-03-2009, 11:12 PM

I learned to manage situations like this by doing a bunch of autocross events... great way to learn car control and gives you a lot better feel and reaction instincts when back on a road course at higher speeds... if you haven't already, suggest you try it!

MightyBobo · 12-04-2009, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by travisjb

I learned to manage situations like this by doing a bunch of autocross events... great way to learn car control and gives you a lot better feel and reaction instincts when back on a road course at higher speeds... if you haven't already, suggest you try it!

Just getting it out to the track this year was a scramble really, and the local Auto-x happens Saturdays...I work almost every Saturday right now

When the situation presents itself, I FULLY intend to go, however.

imag · 12-04-2009, 01:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by travisjb

I learned to manage situations like this by doing a bunch of autocross events... great way to learn car control and gives you a lot better feel and reaction instincts when back on a road course at higher speeds... if you haven't already, suggest you try it!

Good call - I may take that advice too. I've put 4 track days on the car so far, but I think some low(er) speed car control is in order.

On weight - I don't think they have an alum. oil pan for the car yet, but you could always go billet ;-)

Mike · 12-04-2009, 09:33 AM

if its like the oil pan on the VQ-35, and I think it is, its just pretty much a flat steel plate. You might save a couple ounces, but nothing more.

ChrisSlicks · 12-04-2009, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MightyBobo

Just getting it out to the track this year was a scramble really, and the local Auto-x happens Saturdays...I work almost every Saturday right now

When the situation presents itself, I FULLY intend to go, however.

We have a fantastic auto-x site up here in northern MA. The course designers often set up some challenging mid-high speed elements of slaloms and sweepers and high speed corners. Typical course size is 1.5 miles and takes over 2 minutes to complete, and by the end of it you are breathing hard. I thought I knew what I was doing before, and I kind of did, but after 3 years of auto-x I can make the back end hang out at the precise angle I want and catch any slide. In the last 2 years I only spun once, and it was in heavy rain, despite being one of the faster cars out there.

travisjb · 12-04-2009, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisSlicks

We have a fantastic auto-x site up here in northern MA. The course designers often set up some challenging mid-high speed elements of slaloms and sweepers and high speed corners. Typical course size is 1.5 miles and takes over 2 minutes to complete, and by the end of it you are breathing hard. I thought I knew what I was doing before, and I kind of did, but after 3 years of auto-x I can make the back end hang out at the precise angle I want and catch any slide. In the last 2 years I only spun once, and it was in heavy rain, despite being one of the faster cars out there.

I fully agree, Chris. I think the only thing autocross doesn't prep you for on a road course is when you get loose at 100+ mph... at those speeds, aerodynamic effects can be just as much in play as tire and momentum angles.

This reminds me that I need to get my ars back into autocross! It's been a year or so...

Bluemeanie · 12-04-2009, 07:09 PM

Hey Travis, I just read your post that you're going to use Robi's splitter. Cool! I can't wait to read your impressions, hope you like it.

We picked up our Rotrex SC and we'll start that phase of the project soon. The holidays will slow things down a bit but in Jan or Feb we'll have that thing spinning... Oh yeah!

Post some pics as soon as you get 'em

You get that gremlin figured out yet?

Z06stan

Bluemeanie · 12-04-2009, 07:18 PM

Travis, on a different subject, you hear about the new track opening next year here in Cali north of Palm Springs? Chuckawalla Raceway. I'm going to be talking with the owner about putting on some events. You think some of your AZ guys would make the trek if it was worth your while? I'm going to try and set up a corvette event with cash prizes possibly. Maybe I could work something out for the import crowd with cash prizes as well. What do you think? Any ideas would be great. Maybe a new thread so as not to take away from your thread here.

Let me know

PM me if you want

Z06Stan

Bluemeanie · 12-04-2009, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by travisjb

Update... Little progress on the installs today, but I've decided on wheels / tires (I THINK !)... going with old style Advan RS + Toyo R888s... here's a pic I grabbed off the photoshop thread of what it should look like

I have a few requests out for quotes, any vendors that read this are welcome to drop me a quote... 18x9, 18x10 with 29 and 25 offsets... 265 and 285 Toyos

I like it!

Z06STAN

travisjb · 12-04-2009, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluemeanie

Hey Travis, I just read your post that you're going to use Robi's splitter. Cool! I can't wait to read your impressions, hope you like it.

We picked up our Rotrex SC and we'll start that phase of the project soon. The holidays will slow things down a bit but in Jan or Feb we'll have that thing spinning... Oh yeah!

Post some pics as soon as you get 'em

You get that gremlin figured out yet?

Z06stan

I will definitely update here with pics and impressions once I have Robi's front splitter installed. Mine will look a bit more utilitarian considering I'm going with plastic instead of CF for the splitter itself. But should function about the same. The other thing I will try to do different is to make it so I can pull it on/off quickly with quick releases - that way I can drive to the track w/o fear of trashing it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluemeanie

Travis, on a different subject, you hear about the new track opening next year here in Cali north of Palm Springs? Chuckawalla Raceway. I'm going to be talking with the owner about putting on some events. You think some of your AZ guys would make the trek if it was worth your while? I'm going to try and set up a corvette event with cash prizes possibly. Maybe I could work something out for the import crowd with cash prizes as well. What do you think? Any ideas would be great. Maybe a new thread so as not to take away from your thread here.

Let me know

PM me if you want

Z06Stan

It's a great idea. I don't know a lot of corvette guys out here, but there are plenty of course. I think they have their own club too that you can check in with. Be sure to also check in with NASA Arizona... once you get the event figured out, I can help you announce it on the NASA forum.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluemeanie

I like it!

Z06STAN

That's an old post... I ended up going with matte black 18" forgestars, that look rather similar to those advans. But thanks.

ChrisSlicks · 12-04-2009, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by travisjb

I fully agree, Chris. I think the only thing autocross doesn't prep you for on a road course is when you get loose at 100+ mph... at those speeds, aerodynamic effects can be just as much in play as tire and momentum angles.

This reminds me that I need to get my ars back into autocross! It's been a year or so...

True, we max out at about 70 mph, occasionally 80 on our course. It teaches you to have fast hands and reactions, drive by the seat of your pants style. When you get to the track you have to unlearn the fast steering inputs and aggressive throttle inputs but first time track drivers that have auto-x experience almost always do better their first time out because they are comfortable with their vehicle.

I love both auto-x and track but for different reasons. Both ultimately make you a better driver.

travisjb · 12-04-2009, 09:43 PM

On a separate note, a new vendor from this forum that has decided to become an official part of my build... I will share details over the next few days... very excited about it! More later.

travisjb · 12-04-2009, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisSlicks

True, we max out at about 70 mph, occasionally 80 on our course. It teaches you to have fast hands and reactions, drive by the seat of your pants style. When you get to the track you have to unlearn the fast steering inputs and aggressive throttle inputs but first time track drivers that have auto-x experience almost always do better their first time out because they are comfortable with their vehicle.

I love both auto-x and track but for different reasons. Both ultimately make you a better driver.

... I remember doing some autocross and road courses back to back a few years ago and getting literally yelled out by my instructor for the excessive steering inputs on the road course!... he was right of course

Bluemeanie · 12-05-2009, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by travisjb

On a separate note, a new vendor from this forum that has decided to become an official part of my build... I will share details over the next few days... very excited about it! More later.

Big tease

12-03-2009, 11:12 PM	#572 (permalink)
travisjb A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: GSO Posts: 2,803 Drives: VIR Rep Power: 188	I learned to manage situations like this by doing a bunch of autocross events... great way to learn car control and gives you a lot better feel and reaction instincts when back on a road course at higher speeds... if you haven't already, suggest you try it! __________________ 2009 370Z #104 For Sale

12-04-2009, 09:33 AM	#575 (permalink)
Mike The370Z.com Sponsor Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Loganville, GA Posts: 5,944 Drives: 370z Rep Power: 2185	if its like the oil pan on the VQ-35, and I think it is, its just pretty much a flat steel plate. You might save a couple ounces, but nothing more. __________________ NISSAN: 75 280Z / 86 300ZX GLL /87 Sentra SE / 03 350Z / 23 Z Porsche: 93 968 / 23 Macan GTS / 93 968

12-04-2009, 09:43 PM	#583 (permalink)
travisjb A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: GSO Posts: 2,803 Drives: VIR Rep Power: 188	On a separate note, a new vendor from this forum that has decided to become an official part of my build... I will share details over the next few days... very excited about it! More later. __________________ 2009 370Z #104 For Sale

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12-04-2009, 07:09 PM	#578 (permalink)
Bluemeanie Base Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: same as it always was.. Posts: 81 Drives: '09 370Z Rep Power: 15	Hey Travis, I just read your post that you're going to use Robi's splitter. Cool! I can't wait to read your impressions, hope you like it. We picked up our Rotrex SC and we'll start that phase of the project soon. The holidays will slow things down a bit but in Jan or Feb we'll have that thing spinning... Oh yeah! Post some pics as soon as you get 'em You get that gremlin figured out yet? Z06stan

12-04-2009, 07:18 PM	#579 (permalink)
Bluemeanie Base Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: same as it always was.. Posts: 81 Drives: '09 370Z Rep Power: 15	Travis, on a different subject, you hear about the new track opening next year here in Cali north of Palm Springs? Chuckawalla Raceway. I'm going to be talking with the owner about putting on some events. You think some of your AZ guys would make the trek if it was worth your while? I'm going to try and set up a corvette event with cash prizes possibly. Maybe I could work something out for the import crowd with cash prizes as well. What do you think? Any ideas would be great. Maybe a new thread so as not to take away from your thread here. Let me know PM me if you want Z06Stan