How fast have you driven your shark?
12-01-2003, 08:33 PM
#76
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For anyone who questions the safety or the purpose of driving these speeds on the streets, you have to remember that these cars were designed to be driven at these speeds. Why design a car that can do 170MPH, if you are not planning on selling it to people who intend to drive it that fast? My bet is that the car is safe to drive at those speeds, if everything is in good condition. It is not assumed that these cars would be on the autobahn, with no other cars, no hazards, perfect conditions, etc... It was assumed that these cars would be driven on the autobahn at high speeds, *with* other cars, in traffic. So if someone out in Texas wants to top their car out, that seems pretty reasonable, and pretty normal, given what these cars were designed to do. For all the talk about these cars not being made for the dragstrip, and not supported as racecars, but designed for high highway speeds only, then these cars seem perfectly suited for high speeds. Anyone who putts around at 65, is not really using the car as intended. It's like a Ferarri or a Hummer in LA traffic. It may look beautiful and people may know it is well designed, built for speed, off-road, or whatever... But it is not being *used* as intended. And neither is your 928, if you are not opening it up from time to time, when the road seems fairly clear and safe...
12-01-2003, 09:20 PM
#77
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Slightly off topic perhaps, but funny.
After the war my father was the owner of a '32 ford roadster which was somewhat known in the northwest. Many people were suprised that he survived owning this car, but in fact he never had any accidents, and only one ticket. At the time he got the ticket Oregon had no maximum speed limit on highways but did have a law requiring drivers to pass cars one at a time. So he got a ticket for passing something like 12 cars at once. In court the judge asked "son, why did you pass those 12 cars at once?". My father replied "Your Honor, I was going 120 miles per hour faster than they were.". The ticket was dismissed.
After the war my father was the owner of a '32 ford roadster which was somewhat known in the northwest. Many people were suprised that he survived owning this car, but in fact he never had any accidents, and only one ticket. At the time he got the ticket Oregon had no maximum speed limit on highways but did have a law requiring drivers to pass cars one at a time. So he got a ticket for passing something like 12 cars at once. In court the judge asked "son, why did you pass those 12 cars at once?". My father replied "Your Honor, I was going 120 miles per hour faster than they were.". The ticket was dismissed.
12-01-2003, 09:39 PM
#78
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BCDavis:
Well said.
Karl:
I remember my OSU days and the "basic speed law" in Oregon. I remember passing Oregon State Police on I-5 well over the posted 70 mph limit and getting a casual glance and nothing else. Of course, the roads and weather were clear. I understand all that has changed since Oregon is experiencing a financial crisis. That's not all I know about the current situation in Oregon, but that is another matter.
Well said.
Karl:
I remember my OSU days and the "basic speed law" in Oregon. I remember passing Oregon State Police on I-5 well over the posted 70 mph limit and getting a casual glance and nothing else. Of course, the roads and weather were clear. I understand all that has changed since Oregon is experiencing a financial crisis. That's not all I know about the current situation in Oregon, but that is another matter.
12-01-2003, 09:47 PM
#79
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How fast have you driven your shark?
~154 on front straight of Spokane Raceway (Spokane, Washington). Getting to 135-140 is easy. Getting above that takes more time. Car felt very solid at that speed.
12-01-2003, 10:55 PM
#80
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Might as well jump in too. Two weeks ago Sunday I reached a personal top speed record of 163 to 165MPH in my '87 928s4 Automatic. It pulled smooth and strong all the way. Not bad for a 75,600 car. It was spur of the moment, full tank of gas and tires at 36psi. The first and probably the last time I'll try that foolishness. But it was fun.
12-02-2003, 06:09 AM
#81
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I fully and totally agree with bcdavis. Because speed alone does not kill. It's poor driving skills, lack of attention, testosterone or alcohol/drug overdoes, poor equipment, or poor weather / road conditions. One of those combined with too much speed CAN be deadly.
Yes, the 928 is built for speeds in excess of 150mph. Properly maintained this is nothing for the car. Hey, the real fun does not start until you hit 90!!! Just kidding...
Are we all going to get arrested for posting our top speeds?
Yes, the 928 is built for speeds in excess of 150mph. Properly maintained this is nothing for the car. Hey, the real fun does not start until you hit 90!!! Just kidding...
Are we all going to get arrested for posting our top speeds?
12-02-2003, 08:38 AM
#82
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270 KMH indicated on speedo of my 81s, did not check the rev counter. (near enough 170mph indicated). This was on the german autobahn at Euro 928 2003. I was following Andy in his S4 who also was showing 270 on his digital speedo.
About speed kills.... Did you know that after the US stopped the compulsory nation wide 50mph limit - Montana introduced "unlimited" in daylight hours - road deaths went down in Montana after this decision.
see http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pdf/nrd...8/Speedlim.pdf
Marton
About speed kills.... Did you know that after the US stopped the compulsory nation wide 50mph limit - Montana introduced "unlimited" in daylight hours - road deaths went down in Montana after this decision.
see http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pdf/nrd...8/Speedlim.pdf
Marton
12-02-2003, 01:21 PM
#83
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Yes Martin at 55 MPH perhaps people were falling asleep in Montana !! 
If you jump out of an airplane you freefall at about 120 mph how many of you would jump with out a parachute ? The 928 is a very safe capable auto obviously intended to be driven at speed with as much safety as possible . That same level of comfort , stability perhaps makes it seem too safe , too easy . Would any of you agree to ride a bicycle into a tree at 30 mph ? try that in your 928 at 130 MPH the car stops but you do not . Choose your "race track" well minimize all the potential risks by checking equipment , tires and be safe and it is far better to do it alone and not risk anyone else's life , if you kill yourself you can live with that ?...kill or injure someone else !! The recent NEWS about vehicular manslaughter is sobering enough . Seems it does not matter "who" you are ....Governor .. For those who can , take your car to a Drivers Education event preferably with other Porsches what you may learn is that you are not really as good a driver as you thought ! you will also learn how much more the 928 is capable of doing . Sunday I plan to be at Willow Springs short track should hit a bit over 100 mph just before a 35 mph 180 degree turn ...very hard on the brakes down shift turn feed in the gas .... 1.1 mile track 11 turns get about one and 1/4 hours of driving as hard as you can/wish for $125 .....that is a lot less than a speeding ticket .
If you jump out of an airplane you freefall at about 120 mph how many of you would jump with out a parachute ? The 928 is a very safe capable auto obviously intended to be driven at speed with as much safety as possible . That same level of comfort , stability perhaps makes it seem too safe , too easy . Would any of you agree to ride a bicycle into a tree at 30 mph ? try that in your 928 at 130 MPH the car stops but you do not . Choose your "race track" well minimize all the potential risks by checking equipment , tires and be safe and it is far better to do it alone and not risk anyone else's life , if you kill yourself you can live with that ?...kill or injure someone else !! The recent NEWS about vehicular manslaughter is sobering enough . Seems it does not matter "who" you are ....Governor .. For those who can , take your car to a Drivers Education event preferably with other Porsches what you may learn is that you are not really as good a driver as you thought ! you will also learn how much more the 928 is capable of doing . Sunday I plan to be at Willow Springs short track should hit a bit over 100 mph just before a 35 mph 180 degree turn ...very hard on the brakes down shift turn feed in the gas .... 1.1 mile track 11 turns get about one and 1/4 hours of driving as hard as you can/wish for $125 .....that is a lot less than a speeding ticket .
12-02-2003, 02:17 PM
#84
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I know the consequences of an auto crash at high speeds.
Even in a great car like the 928, there can be serious injury or death.
But my point is that in a place like Texas, or Montana, where the roads are flat,
open, and empty, the 928 is at home at speeds well in excess of 100mph...
And that is what it was made for.
It seems like people look at speeding as something you do once, furtively,
and then shut it down, and thank your lucky stars you did not crash.
Or that the 928 should only be "used" to it's full potential on a racetrack.
Which is excessive paranoia about the ability of our cars.
The 928 was built to be able to cruise all the way across
Texas, Montana, flat farm country, or the deserts of Arizona,
at those speeds, and have no serious risk, or problems...
Yes, accidents happen.
Yes, cars can be deadly.
But we have chosen to drive a car capable of extreme speeds.
If you buy any exotic car, it was meant to be driven fast.
The 928 was meant to be driven fast over long distances...
On the highway. On the autobahn...
They weren't built for the racetrack.
If you feel the need to install a full cage, fire system, fuel cel, and all that stuff,
that's fine. But if it is all in the name of safety, you might as well be driving a Volvo.
Fast cars *are* inherently dangerous, and most of us know that, and accept that risk.
If someone is unwilling to accept that risk, then they should stick to a Volvo on
the street, and a 928 with a full cage on the racetrack. But most of us drive these
cars on the street 95% of the time. And we have purchased a car that was meant
to be driven fast, and built to handle it...
I see no problem with speeding responsibly.
I picked a car that is well-suited for that purpose.
There is a balance between safety, and restricting your speed excessively.
Even in a great car like the 928, there can be serious injury or death.
But my point is that in a place like Texas, or Montana, where the roads are flat,
open, and empty, the 928 is at home at speeds well in excess of 100mph...
And that is what it was made for.
It seems like people look at speeding as something you do once, furtively,
and then shut it down, and thank your lucky stars you did not crash.
Or that the 928 should only be "used" to it's full potential on a racetrack.
Which is excessive paranoia about the ability of our cars.
The 928 was built to be able to cruise all the way across
Texas, Montana, flat farm country, or the deserts of Arizona,
at those speeds, and have no serious risk, or problems...
Yes, accidents happen.
Yes, cars can be deadly.
But we have chosen to drive a car capable of extreme speeds.
If you buy any exotic car, it was meant to be driven fast.
The 928 was meant to be driven fast over long distances...
On the highway. On the autobahn...
They weren't built for the racetrack.
If you feel the need to install a full cage, fire system, fuel cel, and all that stuff,
that's fine. But if it is all in the name of safety, you might as well be driving a Volvo.
Fast cars *are* inherently dangerous, and most of us know that, and accept that risk.
If someone is unwilling to accept that risk, then they should stick to a Volvo on
the street, and a 928 with a full cage on the racetrack. But most of us drive these
cars on the street 95% of the time. And we have purchased a car that was meant
to be driven fast, and built to handle it...
I see no problem with speeding responsibly.
I picked a car that is well-suited for that purpose.
There is a balance between safety, and restricting your speed excessively.
12-02-2003, 03:04 PM
#85
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B C if you wish to go play Sunday at Streets of Willow the only safety equipment needed is a helmet.....period .... nothing else just $125 and a car helmet 1995 snell rating (which you may be able to borrow ) no cage , no fire system , not even a hand held ....... cotton shirt long pants closed toe shoes ...... spin off track three times and you go home ! Students must do a ride and drive with an "instructor" to be checked out before being turned loose . And yes I feel very safe at 70 mph on the freeway in a car designed to do 140 plus . Call Laurie Taylor POC (949)-360-6475 for more info ...they are running both Saturday and Sunday POC members get both days for $175 . None members pay $125 per day ....... B C your only 95 miles away from the track .....you should be able to get there in about one hour
12-02-2003, 03:28 PM
#86
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I race...
I have no problem with racing.
I race my car and my bike.
Racing is fun, and indeed safer than racing on the streets.
I just hear a lot of voices in the 928 community, saying that it is unsafe to drive the 928
at the speeds it was intended to drive. Even the people who *do* drive these cars that
fast, sound like they are worried about the safety of doing so... Then you have the people
who say you should only drive that fast on a racetrack, and never on the street...
My only point is that these cars were meant to be driven fast, on the *street*.
Not just on a racetrack.
And yes, it is not 100% safe. Nothing is 100% safe.
But these cars were meant to be driven on public highways,
at those speeds... With other cars around...
The only difference is that in the USA, there are laws against
those kinds of velocities. But in other countries, and in some
states, higher velocities are accepted, and our cars are
perfectly capable of handing those speeds.
These cars do not need to be kept exclusively on a racetrack,
in order to extract their true potential...
They can be driven fast on the street, safely...
I have no problem with racing.
I race my car and my bike.
Racing is fun, and indeed safer than racing on the streets.
I just hear a lot of voices in the 928 community, saying that it is unsafe to drive the 928
at the speeds it was intended to drive. Even the people who *do* drive these cars that
fast, sound like they are worried about the safety of doing so... Then you have the people
who say you should only drive that fast on a racetrack, and never on the street...
My only point is that these cars were meant to be driven fast, on the *street*.
Not just on a racetrack.
And yes, it is not 100% safe. Nothing is 100% safe.
But these cars were meant to be driven on public highways,
at those speeds... With other cars around...
The only difference is that in the USA, there are laws against
those kinds of velocities. But in other countries, and in some
states, higher velocities are accepted, and our cars are
perfectly capable of handing those speeds.
These cars do not need to be kept exclusively on a racetrack,
in order to extract their true potential...
They can be driven fast on the street, safely...
12-02-2003, 04:47 PM
#87
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The governor now about to stand trial for vehicular manslaughter in a prior press conference admitted on camera that he often exceeded the speed limits and paid the fines when "caught" some 16 tickets since 1990 . He is now "at risk" of being imprisoned for violating the laws and causing the death of a motorcycle rider . In California now, if you get caught "racing" the officer can immediately have the car towed (it will probably not be a flat bed) and hauled to an outdoor storage impound where it will stay for 30 days @ $25 or so per day plus the tow ..... while in lock down anything not welded on MAY just grow legs and walk away ....tools , radio , spare tire , speakers . The guys moving cars around in the impound lot (often with a fork lift ) seem to have issues with depth perception and park by feel ! Get caught at over 100 MPH and they are supposed to take you straight to jail for an overnighter with some new friends . The cost of tickets is now very high , impact on insurance even higher . So the risks are some small chance of physical injury , a much greater likelyhood of the financial risks of getting caught . It is fun to go fast , it is not fun to get caught . So with that , I will let go of this thread .......... Besides Marc Thomas @ 210 MPH pretty much "won" this one .........for now .
12-02-2003, 04:58 PM
#88
Race Director
I just came to think that I've actually crashed a Porsche at high speed. I bumped my 944S2 quite violently into the sidebarriers of a highway three times with an impact speed of about 65-70 mph while violently spinning the car on black ice.
These cars are pretty well built, after having gotten out of the car I examined it and decided to drive it to the side of the road - if I had only had a hammer with me to jerk the rear right wheel free I probably could've driven it home. Both the doors opened and closed easily and the hatch was openable, it did stick when I closed it again though.
I have no doubt that the 928 is an even sturdier build than the 944.
These cars are pretty well built, after having gotten out of the car I examined it and decided to drive it to the side of the road - if I had only had a hammer with me to jerk the rear right wheel free I probably could've driven it home. Both the doors opened and closed easily and the hatch was openable, it did stick when I closed it again though.
I have no doubt that the 928 is an even sturdier build than the 944.
12-02-2003, 05:08 PM
#89
Nordschleife Master
The car that got me intersted in the 928 was in my neibors barn.
He bought it as a fixer up. It was wrecked, clearly, T-boned on the passangers side.
I looked up the formor owner, a freind of my mother. I found out the 928 was hit by a truck that ran a red light. A 1 ton truck, moveing between 45 and 55. The truck never hit the brakes. I was impressed.
The driver of the 928 walked away with out a scratch. There were no passangers. However, from examining the wreck, the passanger would have survived, but probably had some broken ribs, and other bones. And a concussion.
What more can you ask for?
The frame was still straite. Amazeing. It then did 130 in the wrecked conditon. Crazy yes, but amazeing.
This was a Euro car, w/o the steel bars in the door. It was poorly federalized.
He bought it as a fixer up. It was wrecked, clearly, T-boned on the passangers side.
I looked up the formor owner, a freind of my mother. I found out the 928 was hit by a truck that ran a red light. A 1 ton truck, moveing between 45 and 55. The truck never hit the brakes. I was impressed.
The driver of the 928 walked away with out a scratch. There were no passangers. However, from examining the wreck, the passanger would have survived, but probably had some broken ribs, and other bones. And a concussion.
What more can you ask for?
The frame was still straite. Amazeing. It then did 130 in the wrecked conditon. Crazy yes, but amazeing.
This was a Euro car, w/o the steel bars in the door. It was poorly federalized.
12-02-2003, 05:18 PM
#90
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