This question assumed our new Z has been broken in. With the look of the new Z, I'd think there will be many eager to challenge us at the stop light or even when we're cruising on the highway. Which one we should just ignore and which one we should take up the challenge?

 

As I've posted before: the best don't have to prove it.

And in my state "exhibition of speed" is either a real bad ticket or jail time.

If a race is in order, then race something close in potential. Ignore all Hondas (including S2000, it really aint that quick), all new Toyotas (Supras & Turbo MR2 are fair game), any Korean car, and ANY car with front-wheel-drive.

Maybe try: Z28, V8 Mustang, all Porsches (except 914, 916, 959, 917, etc.), Ferrari 308, 328 (ignore old ones like the 250 & new ones like the 560 etc.) BMW 330, 540, etc. All Jaguars.

Forget Lamborghinis, Vectors, Lolas & McLaren's.

But the number 1 car you GOTTA race is the 300ZX TT.

 

let me c...
chellenges-
modified wrx
turbocharged civic si's (note: if tuned propertly dem si's run 12s easily)
not 03 cobras but older models
stock vr4s
stock 300zx tts
ws6
camaro ss and z28s ls1s
s2000s

dont waste ur gas on-
mustang gts
any am. cars with v6s or 4 cylinder n/a engines
modified hondas w/o FI excluding s2000s


cars that will bllow our doors off:
supra tts
vr4s modified
300zx tts modified
vipers
new cobras 03
vettes

 

i'll be eating my lunch..................

 

I would think many Vettes (especially a couple of years old...obviously not Z6) might provide a good challenge...

 

I also live in So Cal, but I'd be more worried about getting shot at, then the tickets or jail time. Just glancing over at a car next to you can be considered a challenge, more than a race challenge. Personally, I won't ever do green light race. If I do get the bug to really understand and utilize my car's performance capabilities, then I'm going to go to one of these schools that I've heard Jay and Ethan (and others) post about.

With that experience, I could possibly see myself racing someone I know.

Just a couple months ago, I exchanged rude hand gestures with another driver, and this wildebeast followed me around town for the next 20 minutes. Closing scene from Electra-Glide in Blue going through my mind. (Robert Blake reference...shame on me)

I understand that gangs probably don't tool around in race cars, but it's that first glance that would concern me.

 

And Dats da name ah dat tune!

 

I hear yeah. I get a lot of the same static out here in the San Gabriel Valley. There is so much testosterone around here you can't even sneeze without someone challenging you to a fight. My problem is I aint real good at backing down.

I think the question is more hypothetical than practical, because from a practical stand-point I don't race anybody because the best don't have to prove it.

And its not just the car when it comes to racing. A lot of it is the driver. There's a famous rally racing story about a great driver (he's real famous, but I forgot his name) who started racing, but because he was new he didn't have any money or backing. He had a completely crappy car with bald tires, etc. etc. and blew everybody else away because: its the driver not the car.

 

Jeff,

Sorry about the driving hazard in So. Cal. That will definitely take some fun out of owning a new Z. Gee, can't even make eye contact. Look like you need some dark tint and forget about looking side way in your brand new Z. With your recent Z sighting, I am a little jealous about where you live, but now you just fixed that. I am glad I live in Austin.

To clarify my original question, what I have in mind here is selectively take on the challenge from other "sport" car for a little fun and within the scope of the traffic law and safety, like going 0-70 MPH in a 70 MPH speed limit highway, or pulling away from someone rapidly on the highway while going 55-60 MPH. Anything more than that should be reserved for the track, after taking a performance driving and/or racing class ofcourse.

I put the "sport" car in quote because the definition varied widely depend on who you asked.

The car I'd ignore include those driven by youngster (e.g. Mustang GT, Z28, TransAm, etc. or whatever car they are driving). Those that the Z don't have much chance with: big block V8, V10 (Corvette, Viper, etc.), European Exotic car, etc.

The cars worth consider having a little fun with include those driven by more mature driver and in the same league as the Z (6 cylinders, non turbo, or small 8): Boxster/S, older model of non turbo 911 (need some sharp eyes here), S2000 (4 cylinder but same price range), most ultimate driving machines (except some M3/5), SLK, SL, XK8, etc. It is always fun to beat a car that cost more than the Z. Well, some of these car drivers may not want to bother to challenge the Z.

 

It's probably not as bad as my original post made it seem. I think it is more along the lines of 'non-confrontational driving'. Where I live (and probably in 99% of the large So Cal Area) we don't worry about shootings while we drive. It's not in the forefront of our minds. But I think we have changed out mindset a bit to where we try and avoid situations that could go sour.

In a safe situation, it sounds like alot of fun. And I do admire you guys who know so much about the various cars out there, that you can pretty much know who would win a quick race even before it starts (based on car ability). It's a whole area I have never got into before, but with my new Z, I may be more interested in learning about performance cars.

 

Jeff,

I used to live in upstate NY. Occasionally when I visit New York City, seem like nobody is willing to give an inch on the road or wait one nano second after the traffic light turn green. So, I do understand what you're talking about. Well, look like you just have to take your new Z out of the city and visit some smaller town on the week end. People in smaller town in general are more courteous. If you're willing to relocate, Austin is a very nice small and High Tech. city.

Knowledge about car are relative. Nobody know them all. I know many car capabilities by reading Road & Track or Car and Driver monthly as a hobby for the last 20+ years. Also, my background in Engineering also help understand technical issue quicker. Even with that, I also learn a lot from others in these forum.

With so much information on the Internet and some home work, you can catch up in no time.

 

camaro ss's?? idk guys, ss's are damn fast.
not saying that the Z is weak or anything, but i honestly dont think the Z can beat an ss. has any1 here test drove a new ss (yr. 2000 or above)? u step on that pedal from a red to a green light, and i swear it feels like the car is gonna slip of the road because it cant handle its own power...that might not make any sense, but for you that drove an ss or a vet, and steppedd on it all the way from 0 mph, would know what i am talking about.

idk, maybe i shouldnt even be saying this not knowing the exact stats of the Z...just an opinion i guess...what do u think my Z fans??...

If the Z is as fast or faster then an ss, that would be soo sweet.

opinions?

 

Touring,

Chill out would you? You are not endearing yourself to the other members here with ******** posts like this. You've been called on it a couple of times already and don't seem to get it. You say you don't want to get kicked off the board...well then I think it's time for you to clean up your act.

P.S. I will report this post to a moderator, as there is no reason for you to insult other forum members.

 

Yeah man, take it easy. This isn't zcar ya know!

 

Scafremon,
What are you dong making small talk on this board...go out and get us some Silverstone pics. Hahahaha. Just kidding around. Thanks for all the pics and look forward to more (no pressure .

 

After the break-in period( how long does that last???) i'm going to race my GS400. I've beat a couple of mustangs and ricers with that car.

More than likely i'll just keep my racing on the track(autocross). There's no need for me to wreak my car in the first months of ownership. Plus, i have nothing to prove. We have a bad *** looking car and they don't. Unless it's an exotic.

 

Thanks Tim, RainmanZ and Jay for keeping this forum clean, mature, professional, and courteous. I started this thread looking for constructive, friendly, technically and socially sounded discussion. I am glad the flaming was deleted by the time I logged on this morning, so I don't have to be upsetted by it.