Around Tampa Bay in 60 minutes.
10-11-2005, 10:14 PM
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Around Tampa Bay in 60 minutes.
Tuesday night is vegie/tofu stir-fry night in the Smith household. I cook my world famous stir-fry (lots of garlic) and we usually have another family over. Well tonight the other family came sans-papa. I was feeling kind of left out. So about 20 minutes before sunset I snuck out to the Blue Zoomer.
Two years ago, right after I got my 996, I remember taking her for a drive around the Tampa Bay, literally a circumnavigation of the bay. Tonight was the Zoomer's turn to be initiated into the world of high speed road tripping.
The route is simple: I-375 (spur) west to I-275 south, over the Sunshine Skyway Bridge to I-75 north, up along the relatively unpopulated east shore of the bay to I-4 west, over to I-275 south and back to I-375 east to my neighborhood. Total mileage is about 90 miles. These particular stretches of interstate aren't nearly as booring as one might think.
Fire up the car; Nav map on; PSE on; PASM in sport; spoiler locked up; radio muted; V1 on; xenons on. Mental note to self to stay below 4,200 RPM: check.
Traffic was light tonight most of the way around. I'd say my speed varied from between 85 MPH and 107 MPH. It took me one hour to do the whole trip.
Some observations: PSE is adictive and I absolutely love it; the stock 997S shifter is light years ahead of the 996 shifter in terms of throw distance and smoothness; PASM suspension is incredible, very confidence inspiring in tight on ramps, lane changes and 55 mph sweepers; PASM, at the same time, gives a very pliable ride, expansion joints are absorbed and bumps are softened; the car feels more stable than the 996 on its stock suspension; the xenons seem to do a better job of lighting up the road ahead than the 996 xenons; 4,200 RPM in 6th is about 107 MPH; tapping the brakes at 100 when the radar detector goes off has you going 70 instantly; heel-toe down shifts (no Chrono) seem easier than in the 996-this was a surprise to me given what I've read on the internet; torque, torque, torque; power, power, power; this is the most free reving car I've ever driven; at 90 when you take your foot off the gas in 6th it really doesn't slow down much; the car just plain likes to rev high-it's turbine like; nav map is very cool-it's nice to know exactly where you are when you're moving 100 MPH; I love the gauges; the lower seating position means I can actually see the gauges-this is a very good thing; TPMS is very reasuring; the front tires heat up more than the rears; water temp was 176; oil temp was 210; air temp was in the high 80s; the car has so much more to give; going 107 MPH at 4,200 RPM the whole break in constraint seems rather silly; this car can handle anything!
Two years ago, right after I got my 996, I remember taking her for a drive around the Tampa Bay, literally a circumnavigation of the bay. Tonight was the Zoomer's turn to be initiated into the world of high speed road tripping.
The route is simple: I-375 (spur) west to I-275 south, over the Sunshine Skyway Bridge to I-75 north, up along the relatively unpopulated east shore of the bay to I-4 west, over to I-275 south and back to I-375 east to my neighborhood. Total mileage is about 90 miles. These particular stretches of interstate aren't nearly as booring as one might think.
Fire up the car; Nav map on; PSE on; PASM in sport; spoiler locked up; radio muted; V1 on; xenons on. Mental note to self to stay below 4,200 RPM: check.
Traffic was light tonight most of the way around. I'd say my speed varied from between 85 MPH and 107 MPH. It took me one hour to do the whole trip.
Some observations: PSE is adictive and I absolutely love it; the stock 997S shifter is light years ahead of the 996 shifter in terms of throw distance and smoothness; PASM suspension is incredible, very confidence inspiring in tight on ramps, lane changes and 55 mph sweepers; PASM, at the same time, gives a very pliable ride, expansion joints are absorbed and bumps are softened; the car feels more stable than the 996 on its stock suspension; the xenons seem to do a better job of lighting up the road ahead than the 996 xenons; 4,200 RPM in 6th is about 107 MPH; tapping the brakes at 100 when the radar detector goes off has you going 70 instantly; heel-toe down shifts (no Chrono) seem easier than in the 996-this was a surprise to me given what I've read on the internet; torque, torque, torque; power, power, power; this is the most free reving car I've ever driven; at 90 when you take your foot off the gas in 6th it really doesn't slow down much; the car just plain likes to rev high-it's turbine like; nav map is very cool-it's nice to know exactly where you are when you're moving 100 MPH; I love the gauges; the lower seating position means I can actually see the gauges-this is a very good thing; TPMS is very reasuring; the front tires heat up more than the rears; water temp was 176; oil temp was 210; air temp was in the high 80s; the car has so much more to give; going 107 MPH at 4,200 RPM the whole break in constraint seems rather silly; this car can handle anything!
Last edited by AeroSmith; 10-12-2005 at 10:38 AM.
10-11-2005, 11:14 PM
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Originally Posted by AeroSmith
The route is simple: I-375 (spur) west to I-275 south, over the Sunshine Skyway Bridge to I-75 north, up along the relatively unpopulated east shore of the bay to I-4 west, over to I-275 south and back to I-375 east to my neighborhood. Total mileage is about 90 miles. These particular stretches of interstate aren't nearly as booring as one might think.
Have driven over that bridge going over the century mark, I love the back side as you exit the city of Tampa. Always dreamed of cruising that bridge in the Boxster with the top down, now the dream changes to a 997 with the X-51 engine singing away!
Can't wait to hear more tales of the "Blue Zoomer"
Cheers!
10-12-2005, 08:31 AM
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Aerosmith, I have to see your car in person. How often do you attend any of the suncoast events? I am busy with law school, but should be home over break for more then my traditional 12 hours. My father and I have an 89 930 (purchased new from reeves) and an 86 951 (purchased slightly used 
)
)
10-12-2005, 09:34 AM
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AeroSmith, there is something to be said for delayed gratification. After seeing your new 997, I wish that I had not been so insistant with the dealer on getting the midnight blue I test drove, "today!". Congratulations, your car looks incredible. Enjoy!
10-12-2005, 10:42 AM
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John, if you're ever down here you need to look me up and I'll buy you a drink.
Gator, I'm a member but haven't had much time for the events. That said, I'd love to check out your family's cars some time. I might try to make the DE in November.
Gator, I'm a member but haven't had much time for the events. That said, I'd love to check out your family's cars some time. I might try to make the DE in November.
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10-12-2005, 02:13 PM
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Originally Posted by AeroSmith
Gator, I'm a member but haven't had much time for the events. That said, I'd love to check out your family's cars some time. I might try to make the DE in November.
10-12-2005, 02:50 PM
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Aerosmith, I am glad to see you enjoying the car so much! 4200rpm, i don't know how you managed... Porsches come to life AFTER 4200 rpm!
That has to be harder than waiting for the car to arrive! Oh I would go nuts! I can't wait for the stories...AFTER the break in miles!
That has to be harder than waiting for the car to arrive! Oh I would go nuts! I can't wait for the stories...AFTER the break in miles!
10-13-2005, 01:39 PM
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Originally Posted by sato
That drive sounds excellent. BTW, did you record your average mpg? Just curious if the X51 consumes more fuel than the standard S engine. Enjoy your baby in good health!
I don't really pay much attention to the readings given by the trip computer until the car is broken in. In my experience, mileage tends to get better as the car breaks in. I'll be sure to report on fuel economy in the future though.
