Stomped by a Corvette, and I did not get a chance to bite

[ausie]

Yester day was a fine day, it was perfect clear dry 74 degrees. The barometric pressure was just right and the exhaust sounded fuller than it ever has. It was time to upgrade the PCV so I had this bright idea to replace the stock plastic with a different style. It was a bit late so I attempted to go to the parts store but they were closed so back home I went. That did not bother me at all, just a great day to get out and about. The fan was kicking in several times so I decided to turn on the AC to keep the fan running even though I had both windows open. On my way back home I passed a red Corvette waiting at a traffic light. I thought it looked familiar. Turns out it was the guy who wanted to race the highway a few weeks back (2001 Corvette, not sure of the model, but I know it is not stock since we talked about both cars that one night). He caught up to me and was driving along side in the passing lane. He gave me a wave and I waved back, yep it was the same person. Here are we are cruising down Hamilton Blvd (rt 222) through Allentown. Not the road anyone should race on due to high traffic and slew of daily accidents. Once we cleared the crest of the one hill which is the usual spot for the locals to sit and where most of the accidents happen. Hmmm, the road is clear which lead to temptation of throttle playing. We were going very slow to start (he must have been in 1st gear, I was dogging it in second). BAM! the race is on. By the time he shifted into second we were neck and neck. I was still riding out 2nd gear. We almost shifted into third about the same time. That is when he started to walk away but I kept up. He was only 1/4 of a car in the lead. By the time I realized the AC was still on it was too late. That would explain why my car seemed a bit slow, but yet it was a good race anyway even though I lost. :thumbsup: perhaps another day it will be different. It was my first loss and did not expect much out of it either. I guess I did a good job even thought the AC was slowing me down. Now I know how some of those ricers feel, I wanted another try at it since I realized I had a handicap in his favor. We may yet meet up at the same track this summer which would be cool since I will not have the thoughts of other traffic entering the road at the wrong moment. The bow tie gets the win this time around. :(

[cobracrazy]

Oh well... A/C or not there is always a faster car to keep us in check.
No stock Vette could do that to you, unless it is a Z06.

When you see him next time don't make excuses about the A/C, simply request another try. This time be sure the A/C is off and give it a go. It will probably still be a very close race. :thumbsup:

[Firme]

Just an FYI, :) the PCM cuts the A/C off if you are full throttle. Try it on a hot day. Turn the A/C on do a nice long full throttle blast, and you will notice the air through the vents isn't cold while on the throttle.

I guess its a little bit more noticeable down here during the Texas summers :D .

BUT, you were probably heat soaked, you won't believe how much power that drains on the 03/04's, thats probably why the power didn't feel up to par. Have you upgraded your heat exchanger?

Nice race though :thumbsup: I wonder what mods the vette had.

[dewone]

Sounded like you also let him get a lower gear start. You may have gotten a better launch on him from first gear.
No harm. I'll bet he would go again especially since he got the skinny on ya that time.

[nckissfan]

There's AC in the Cobras? Ha, I have never turned mine on.

[ausie]

I was not paying attention to the AC at the time, but the car was lagging a bit. I also have to learn to place my foot higher on the throttle too. I was still in cruise mode. I won't tell about the AC, but dang it, 2nd gear seemed a bit sluggish and it reminded me of my 01 Cobra. Oh yeah, one more excuse, sort of the cause and effect sinario, I had the thoughts of a trooper pulling me over and asking where I was going in such a hurry. On the street that thought always lingers since I have been pulled over once or twice in that area long ago. It would have been a better run if we started from a stop instead of a 20-30mph crawl and the second you hesitate forget about catching up. :baby: I have no idea how fast we were going but I am sure it was far beyond the posted speed limit. I do think it is a Z06 and it surely does not look like your typical vette either. When I met him the first time we wound up talking a bit on the side of the road. His claim was that he had never came across a modified Cobra yet and he thought mine was at the time (the SLP makes you think it is). He claimed his best track time was 12.2 seconds on the quarter. Sooner or later mine will be. At this moment I am looking into pullies from billetflow and a predator tuner either from Amazon racing or wherever. Looks like I need more research before I decide what to do. It is not that I don't mind loosing, however when my car starts felling like it is slow I get that need for more speed. I am not ready for a whipple or Kenn Bell at this moment but it is tempting to just bite the bullet and just go for it.

[InfamousSVT]

I say go for it! Kenne Bell or Whipple that is....

It's a nice upgrade for the pulleys, but once you have that "other" blower on there:eek: . You can start off at a nice low 13psi and then work your way up to the 22psi:D !

Just my .02!