Orthojoe's track build journal
#1576
Nordschleife Master
Thread Starter
It was COLD! LOL!
You should have driven down and hung out with us! It would have been fun! Lots of cool toys today. 488GTB, two ACRs, and GT4. 991GT3 is plain Jane and routine at the track these days. LOL.
Unfortunately, the GT3 had it's first failure on track today. Check engine light came on and car went into limp mode. We got the power reduced but ok to drive message. Reset the code, and the car is totally normal again, but the light always comes back on within a mile. The codes seemed to be related to the ignition system. I'll have to take the car into the dealer. I'm suspicious this has to do with the ignition coil pack and spark plug recall even though my VIN was NOT on the recall list.
Thankfully, my friends were nice enough to let me drive the ACR and GT4 instead today.
Thoughts on the ACR:
1) The power is not as scary as you might think. Gobs of it, but controllable
2) The Kumho tires on the car are AMAZING. They blow away any other R comp I've tried so far (NT01, MPSC2, Dunlop sport maxx race, and TrofeoR). I came no where near to the limits of grip on the car. Lateral Gs were hitting 1.5 (not transient). Everytime I thought I screwed up going in too hot, the car would hold it like I was only driving 5/10ths (which I probably was, LOL).
3) Braking is phenomenal as well. I was constantly over braking into corners at speeds which would normally get me into trouble with the GT3.
4) I CANNOT get into a good driving position in this car. Like the C7, the center console is high, and I have a hard time turning right. For whatever reason in terms of my build and preferred driving position, my elbow hits the center console when turning right. The cockpit is cramped and I can't get into a good position where I can manipulate the car. Instead, I'm constantly adjusting my body in order control the car, and I end up not being able to properly control the car. If I could figure this out, I could do some serious damage with the car. Unfortunately, I ended up getting lap times too embarrassing to share, so I won't. LOL. I will say that I was faster in a GT4 in traffic on my second lap than after a full session in the ACR...
Thoughts on the GT4:
1) It felt like I was driving my spyder again. So easy to control, so playful and fun.
2) The car rotates so much easier than the GT3. Effortless
3) The power is much less than the GT3, and seems only moderately faster than my old spyder, but it's been a while.
4) Doesn't sound as good as a GT3
5) With the GT3, you need to be progressive with the throttle on exit or you'll destabilize the car. With the GT4, there is not enough power with the tall gearing to destabilize the car. On many corners you just go WOT at exit.
6) I didn't drive the car hard enough to judge over/understeer at the limit.
7) I can't wait to get mine so I can really start diving into the car more
Last edited by orthojoe; 12-28-2015 at 01:04 AM.
#1578
Drifting
Ditto as well Joe always great info thanks for the edu
as well unfortunate news on your car , I'm not many miles behind you, Taking mine in early @ 11k Wednesday for 12k service
am eager as you to know what's up with your motor
as well unfortunate news on your car , I'm not many miles behind you, Taking mine in early @ 11k Wednesday for 12k service
am eager as you to know what's up with your motor
Last edited by R.Deacon; 12-27-2015 at 11:14 AM.
#1579
Rennlist Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Mid-Atlantic (on land, not in the middle of the ocean)
Posts: 12,941
Received 4,275 Likes
on
2,439 Posts
Bummer on the CEL with the GT3. Please keep us posted on the diagnosis and fix.
Regarding the ACR, the aero seems to put it in a different league. Here it is at Laguna Seca:
If I was starting from scratch with track cars, I'd consider the ACR.
Regarding the ACR, the aero seems to put it in a different league. Here it is at Laguna Seca:
If I was starting from scratch with track cars, I'd consider the ACR.
#1580
Rennlist Member
Sorry to hear about your CEL. Hope it is something minor. My injector failure took several weeks to get addressed. At least you won't be missing much if it stays cold.
#1581
Drifting
What Is "CEL" ?
is it Check Engine Light,
edit:
not always easy being a Freshman
Note to self : Think a moment before posting
is it Check Engine Light,
edit:
not always easy being a Freshman
Note to self : Think a moment before posting
Last edited by R.Deacon; 12-27-2015 at 12:58 PM.
#1582
Joe
I keep saying it, we just need tires. Our cars are fast but with tires look out..
I keep saying it, we just need tires. Our cars are fast but with tires look out..
#1585
Rennlist Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Mid-Atlantic (on land, not in the middle of the ocean)
Posts: 12,941
Received 4,275 Likes
on
2,439 Posts
And with street-legal tires that are about $1400 a set: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....Ecsta+V720+ACR
I heard that these tires may become available in sizes that fit other cars, including the GT3, but I still think it's mainly the mega aero which enables this thing to crush even other Vipers.
I heard that these tires may become available in sizes that fit other cars, including the GT3, but I still think it's mainly the mega aero which enables this thing to crush even other Vipers.
#1586
Nordschleife Master
Thread Starter
Bummer on the CEL with the GT3. Please keep us posted on the diagnosis and fix.
Regarding the ACR, the aero seems to put it in a different league. Here it is at Laguna Seca:
Track Record Run | 2016 Dodge Viper ACR | Laguna SECA - YouTube
If I was starting from scratch with track cars, I'd consider the ACR.
Regarding the ACR, the aero seems to put it in a different league. Here it is at Laguna Seca:
Track Record Run | 2016 Dodge Viper ACR | Laguna SECA - YouTube
If I was starting from scratch with track cars, I'd consider the ACR.
ACR is a beast. It should be noted that it is a PITA to set up all of the different aero bits and vents on the car beforehand. There were so many parts and pieces, and some didn't even fit right, so they gave up on them. Supposedly the manual says you need 2 hours to get it all together. Then you need to revert before driving back home....
GT3 is louder and sounds much better. Much better seating position and more refined. ACR is tough to beat for value, though.
And with street-legal tires that are about $1400 a set: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....Ecsta+V720+ACR
I heard that these tires may become available in sizes that fit other cars, including the GT3, but I still think it's mainly the mega aero which enables this thing to crush even other Vipers.
I heard that these tires may become available in sizes that fit other cars, including the GT3, but I still think it's mainly the mega aero which enables this thing to crush even other Vipers.
#1587
Burning Brakes
Joe for those of us who haven't experienced the limp mode what actually happens? Are you at full track speed and the ECU suddenly cuts power on you? Could be a bit frightening?
Were you able to drive it home or did the AAA save the day again?
Were you able to drive it home or did the AAA save the day again?
#1588
Nordschleife Master
Thread Starter
Able to drive the car home. Car cuts power and won't go WOT or into high rpm. However, still driveable home at highway speeds and will shift through all the gears.
#1589
Drifting
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Black Sheep Racing World HQ
Posts: 3,278
Likes: 0
Received 25 Likes
on
14 Posts
Had to dig to find it, but here we go...
At Rennsport Reunion V, held in September of this year at Laguna Seca, the winner of the PCA Club race was Patrick Lindsey in a 997.2 R Cup car. His fastest lap of the race was 1:28.7.
So, I wasn't exaggerating. That Viper ACR is FAST!
By the way, I felt totally cheated at RRV, as a few of my fellow "competitors" in the club race group were guys from IMSA's Cup series slumming it with us mere mortals just to get more seat time.
Now I know what the slow cars on track feel like in WEC when the LMP1 cars go whizzing by.
At Rennsport Reunion V, held in September of this year at Laguna Seca, the winner of the PCA Club race was Patrick Lindsey in a 997.2 R Cup car. His fastest lap of the race was 1:28.7.
So, I wasn't exaggerating. That Viper ACR is FAST!
By the way, I felt totally cheated at RRV, as a few of my fellow "competitors" in the club race group were guys from IMSA's Cup series slumming it with us mere mortals just to get more seat time.
Now I know what the slow cars on track feel like in WEC when the LMP1 cars go whizzing by.
Last edited by 24Chromium; 12-27-2015 at 08:13 PM.