After Laguna Seca, I started thinking about replacing the Lightning and getting a Z06 or AMGC32. So, I went to the local Chevy Dealer and they have a new Silver Z06. As expected, I couldn't drive it but didn't care since I rode with Dreamin in his at LC. I test drove a used Corvette (only 4036 miles) that had a six speed just to find out what it was like around town and in traffic, etc.

Impressions? Too much road noise. Maybe switching from the run flat tires would help. Also, I had to tilt the seat back to fit with the Helmet on (I'm more comfortable on the track sitting upright). The salemans was a bit surprised that I drove it like an old lady (except for one sweeping corner). I explained that 99% of my driving would be street/highway, so I drove it like I would daily. I think the shifting would get old, especially in traffic and around town.

Then I drove over to the Mercedes dealer. The salesman knew I was interested in the AMGC32 and I explained that I just drove the Corvette and would like a back to back comparison to the C32. I drove the regular C32, not the AMG (they didn't have any). My thoughts? Much, much nicer around town and on the highway. Plus, I fit with the helmet without problems. Yet, the AMG would be about $4000 more than the Z06 and the financing wouldn't be as good. In my book, a dead even comparison.

Outcome?

I called Ruslow on the drive home and ordered his BIG brake kit for the Lightning. It's a much less expensive upgrade than buying a Z06 or AMGC32. The brakes should be ready and installed prior to the next track day at Laguna Seca in April. I guess I'll be keeping this thing for a short time.

Spike

 

I would have loved to see the look on the salesmans face when you got in the car for a test drive, and put your racing helmet on!

haha

I say you stick with the Lightning, i've seen your video's..it really handles nicely.

Jon

 

no

 

absolutely not, how you gonna haul the log splitterand cherry picker, behind one of those rides??....JR

 

Spike,

I understand your need to cut a faster lap around the tracks. I used to live in the mountains and found that faster was never quite good enough. I loved the corners and would continually look for ways to cut my time down. Another car was always an option, but for a married guy with two kids, not a viable one.
Long story short, I had to move off o fthe mountain because it was just a matter oftime before it wins and I lose.

Good Luck with your racing, I am enjoying watching your videos and deaming of what I would love to do again someday.

As long as you have the L, you will have a faithful following, at least from one.

 

That would have been funny if I had done it that way! Actually, when I returned from the test drive, the Lightning was parked nearby, so I got my helmet then.
Trade vehicles with my wife (her 250SD V10) or haul it with my '67 CJ5:



Spike

BTW, here's a larger size video (smaller file size) of Laguna Seca:
Laguna Seca - Track Only video (400 x 300), 25 mb

 

Spike - just for kicks go to a different Chevy dealership, walk in with your helmet and ask for a test drive of a Z06

 

Spike, I purchased my Lightning thinking I would use it as a track vehicle and sell my mustang. But not sure what to do now. One of the big drawbacks to the Lightning on the track is the brake issue. I have gotten used to the Brembo kit on my mustang, with not an ounce of fade or trouble for two years. I am interested in the big brake kit you mentioned, is it a system that can be used on a daily driver also? I can't even seem to find better pads for the lightnings. Do you know of any other company making an upgraded kit for the trucks?

 

captainoblivious wrote:

Spike - just for kicks go to a different Chevy dealership, walk in with your helmet and ask for a test drive of a Z06

Spike- yeah that would have to be one funny thing to do. What would be great is to have someone video it and you have a hidden mike. I would love to hear and see how the salesman reacts to this.

 

Brembo makes both front and rear kits for the L... You can buy them through one of the distributors helping them with fitment...

http://www.performanceresearchonline.com

 

I never knew you had a cj-7,, thats a great jeep, a good friend of mine has one and we are always tooling around under the hood

I'll have to say though spike,,, i enjoy your story of how you got your screan name and have come to respect the mod aproach you have made on your truck, i've got to think of how nice it would be to drive a truck that must handle that much like a car. It seems you have taken much care to get your truck running the way you love it. Great work on your videos as well.

My opinion though,,,, save up and buy an F1 car, and tow your woodsplitter with your jeep

~Toast

 

don't do it!

George, I know you have an active ego. No one would be surprised at you cutting a quicker lap with either of those 'cars'. They have to be bug-eyed when you stay with and pass those other modded sports cars.

Oh, and btw, I callled and 'spoke' to Blazer and he said he would forgive you(you can do no wriong in his eyes) but he would be pi$$ed!

Dan

 

Stan:
The brakes are a problem at tracks like Laguna Seca, but I think I still ran decent laps without good braking power. It forced me to drive the corners better! Since there was no timing equipment, I had to check my videos for approximate times and I ran (best) low 1:50's. With the big brakes and good in-car instruction, maybe I'll break into the high 1:40's. To be honest though, I don't know how it compares to the rest, but I think it's good for a truck. Brakes won't be as big of an issue at Thunderhill. I ran Performance Friction pads that weren't bedded in on Ruslows slotted and dimpled rotors and they worked OK.

Regarding the Brembo's, they're nice but expensive (about $3000 for the fronts). Then, there is the $300 for pad cost. That's probably the biggest reason why I'll get Ruslow's BIG brakes. Send him an email or talk with him on the phone. I get info for you regarding brakes pads and send it by email later. There are lots available as long as you know who to talk with and the part numbers. I could also give Steve a list so he can service Lightnings for the track at his shop.

Captainoblivious/nostreetracing:
I did go to a different dealership (about 5 miles away) to ask one simple question: "What do you sell the Z06's for?" Their answer was MSRP which was better than the first one which was $5000 over MSRP, for a savings of $1000 per mile. I didn't do the helmet thing though. Maybe later this week at the Dublin Dealership for fun!

whitetoast11:
CJ-5 (the shorter, little machine). Regarding the Screenname, if the original Spike (Lynette) knew, she'd get a good laugh!

LIGHTNINROD:
You right about that. It's one thing to turn a good lap in a Z06. It's another to drive a truck and hang with the "big boys" for an entire session! I got passed and waved people by, but I don't think they'll have problems allowing me to drive with them in the advanced run group in future sessions. BTW, Blazer likes trucks!

Spike

 

Have you considered a Supercharged S-2000? I like the idea of taking the truck to the track myself. If I couldn't justify the two vehicles you mentioned, I would look into the Honda. The blower is a dealer option. Do you think you could get into one of them with a helmet on.