Thread: 40 lb of #%$&
View Single Post
Old May 16th, 2004, 06:27 AM   #16
CurtP
MINI2 Master
 
CurtP's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Local Time: 03:08 PM
Posts: 951
Offline
Quote: Originally Posted by TonyB
Ok Curt, I have to ask... what to you have with those type of numbers? Does it handle as well as the MINI? I ask because oddly enough I will take my dune buggy (street legal) out of my mom's garage today for some summer fun, and to put a for sale sign on it. It has only 100hp, but at 1,000 lbs, it is fast, when tuned. I could very easily make it 150hp to get me in the 6:1 ratio range, but I just don't see spending a couple grand on this as desirable. Without IRS ('68 VW chassis, modified), it already corners like crap, and for me, that is where the fun is at on my canyon roads...

I have another kit car modeled after the BMW M1 called an Aquila that is not done, and I will probably never finish it due to the realization that I can probably never realistically make it into a true performance sports car, regardless of the raw power (weight to hp) it might have. Just not the ideal platform... So, I'm really curious to know what you have Curt...

It's a '95 Pontiac Formula, LT1 stroked to 396ci. It's sitting at 500fwhp right now and I'm taking it to my tuner this coming Friday for its final tune. We're hoping for 550 ~ 570 fwhp on motor and I'm not sure how much nitrous we'll end up spraying into it, but it will be a minimum 150 shot unless we run into fuel delivery issues. If that happens then it'll get a fuel system upgrade to -8 supply lines, external fuel pump and sump the tank.

As far as handling as well as the MINI - probably not. I did build it with the idea that handling would be top priority, but there's only so much you can do with a car that has a solid rear axle (although it will surprise you). Couple the solid axle with a Eaton HD limited slip differential (600# preload) and it can (and has) get hairy. I'm hoping to get a few auto-x events in this summer to get familiar with the car and to get suspension dialed in. Next year I'm hoping to participate in some RR events as well. The car is suprisingly well mannered for a vehicle with its size and girth.

It's a blast to drive, as is my MCS, but for obviously completely different reasons. As I like to say, you don't drive the Formula, you experience it

There are a few of us domestic guys that think there is more to life than straight lines
United States View CurtP's Pepper White & Black 1st Gen MINI Cooper S Profile   Reply With Quote