| Author | Message | ||
| Michael Fennell (Mfennell70)
New member Username: Mfennell70 Post Number: 34 Registered: 7-2001 |
Hey Bill, for what you have in that Vette, you could be driving a 348 too! | ||
| Bill Martinson (Billy2kfrc)
New member Username: Billy2kfrc Post Number: 8 Registered: 3-2002 |
Jjstecher, if you stroke a Z06 you'll get amazing power. A friend of mine has a motor stroked to 408ci in his Vette and is making 500rwhp! Very impressive, he hasn't run it yet, but it should run consistant 10s in the 1/4. I just saw the picture of your 348 in your profile, very sweet, incredable looking car! | ||
| John J Stecher (Jjstecher)
Junior Member Username: Jjstecher Post Number: 72 Registered: 1-2002 |
It was a hell of a car...just the inside was to damn plastic filled and cheesey! The new Z06 405hp version that I drove a few months back was light years beyond what my ZR had as far as ride quality, and interior. I was thinking here the other day of buying a 2000 Z06 385hp model and stroking it out a little....I would be nice to take a stock car that runs the 0-60 in 4.3 ticks and push in a 100 more horse! Congrats on your vette kicking that much ass cause I know what its like to have that kinda power and it is tons of fun. As long as you dont drive it in the rain! One of the worst things I ever did was take the ZR out in the rain once.....way to much power! The 335 tires in the back turn into slicks with just touching the throttle. Nothing beats a unmuffled America v-8....take your mufflers off sometime and have some fun! | ||
| Bill Martinson (Billy2kfrc)
New member Username: Billy2kfrc Post Number: 7 Registered: 3-2002 |
Jjstecher, I can hardly believe it myself, but it's true. Heads/cam cars using the Z06 heads have made as much as 450rwhp with stock cubic in. motor. The tuners are really getting astounding power from the LS1/LS6 motor. The key seems to be in the programming, using a new program called LS1 Edit, and dyno tuning the cars, the tuners are getting awesome numbers. Check out this link for details: http://www.cartek.net/ramos99m6c5.html I drop the car off Saturday to have the work done, but I should make about 430rwhp on the dyno when it's done. BTW, your ZR1 sounds like it was quite a beast, bet the sound it made was incredable. TomD, I'm waiting too!  | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 368 Registered: 9-2001 |
I don't know about you but I keep looking at this post to see if the guy with the yellow F-40 shows up on the chat | ||
| Frederick Klorczyk (Fjk)
New member Username: Fjk Post Number: 29 Registered: 12-2001 |
Excuse me...lowly Bricklin. | ||
| Frederick Klorczyk (Fjk)
New member Username: Fjk Post Number: 28 Registered: 12-2001 |
Alois Ruf is recognized as a true car manufacturer not as a tuner. The title on his cars read Ruf not Porsche. All of his cars are impressive in their own unique ways - interestingly he usually uses the narrow body 911 versus the wide body for his projects due to the reduced resistance at high speeds. Getting a car to and past 200 is a big deal as any engineer will tell you - ask Alois. The resistance at that speed is like pushing a barn door. To get there and past takes big money especially if you still want a streetable car. The F40 is a spectacular car as are all the others spoken about here and I'd imagine any of us would take any of those happily. My point is simply to recall that McLaren built a street car about ten years ago that was 20% faster on the top end than the F40 and maybe 10% faster than anything else. But, to do so takes an unlimited budget and McLaren lost money on every one they sold at a mil each. Reiterating, if Ferrari wanted to, they could build a car that would be in that league. Tney choose to spend their money in other ways for reasons known to them and their marketing staff and not to chase the top speed stuff. Other companies have other goals...I think Bugatti's new concept car makes 1,000 hp - I would expect that will eclipse the McLaren's top end performance at 600+ hp. To get an F40 or F50 there and be reliable would take alot of investment on someone's part. Porsche's new V10 GT is now at 500K and from what I read yesterday, they need to sell 2000 to just break even...do you think their ••••••• is puckered a bit? That is alot of cars to sell in two years production, eh? Do you think Ferrari/Fiat could sell 2000 F60s of F50s? I suspect that Ferrari/Fiat is completely different than Porsche though as Porsche really doesn't factory support any race efforts. All those 360's at high margin help keep Jean Todt on the podium instead of chasing 250 mph with the F60. Will the 333SP ever be replaced? I also thought the 959 Sport was the first car past 200, but who cares...don't feel lkike digging through decades of literature to research. Love to talk intelligently about cars though and no childishly...need to go change plugs on my Bricklin now. Sorry to ramble. Just remember that opinions are like assholes, everyone has one. | ||
| John J Stecher (Jjstecher)
Junior Member Username: Jjstecher Post Number: 70 Registered: 1-2002 |
ahhh what I wouldnt give to have all those cars in my garage!! | ||
| Tenney (Tenney)
Junior Member Username: Tenney Post Number: 91 Registered: 2-2001 |
From 7/87 R&T: Ferrari GTO: 179 mph Isdera Imperator: 176 mph Countach: 179 mph AMG Hammer: 183 mph Testarossa: 185 mph 959: 198 mph (sport) 197 mph (Deluxe) Koenig/RS (911): 201 mph Ruf Twin Turbo (Yellowbird): 211 mph From 9/91 R&T: Diablo: 202.2 mph F40: 196.1 mph Ruf TR2: 196.1 mph Callaway TT Vette: 183.9 mph BMW Alpina (5 series): 179.2 mph ZR-1 Vette: 178.2 mph Opel Lotus Omega: 173.6 mph BTW - F40 was quickest/fastest quarter mile with a run of 11.7 at 126.5 mph | ||
| John J Stecher (Jjstecher)
Junior Member Username: Jjstecher Post Number: 69 Registered: 1-2002 |
I'd be interested if you have some extra time on your hands to look the numbers up. Dont go out of your way its just always cool stuff to talk about!! :0) Man 183 in 1984 that is insane.....just think of the brakes those cars had! Man that would be scary! | ||
| James Dixon (Omnadren250)
Junior Member Username: Omnadren250 Post Number: 112 Registered: 7-2001 |
John, I cannot remember the exact numbers, but I know they only got the sport version of the 959 going 198 mph. It was a few weeks later that they got an official 200mph run. I know in the 1984 test, the RUF won with 183mph top speed, the 512BB was a close second. I think the Ferrari was up around 189 mph for that test in 1987. I can't remember now if it was a testatrossa or a GTO. I seem to remember it being a GTO though, so that could explain the higher top speed. I will look in the pile of magazines to get the exact numbers if anybody is interested in them. | ||
| John J Stecher (Jjstecher)
Junior Member Username: Jjstecher Post Number: 68 Registered: 1-2002 |
Magoo - Thanks a lot my man! Its just my insight into things I'm not that old that I know everything but I have been working on American sports cars since I was 10 with my father. To me certain cars just move you. My father sold his ZR-1 just a few months back to get a Boss Mustang cause it was the car he always wanted. Same with my Ferrari, I loved my ZR-1 and really loved the sound of the American V-8 with nothing bottling it in but everyday when I walk by my 348 in my garage I am so happy I have it cause its the one that moved me the most. I am sure you feel the same way about your car cause I know how passionate you are about it. If you ever decide to sell let me know cause I would for sure be interested in it! James - I didnt know they did one in '84 as well....when I was little I use to go to the library and just check them out just to read about the fastest Ferrari and all the other cool stuff. I think I have read that 1990 one like 40 times....I read it so much I use to be able to quote what they said about the ZR-1!! If you ever go to get rid of those old road and tracks just dont throw them out cause I would love to buy them off you! I have been subscribed for 10 years now and look forward to each issue! Man Ruf does make one bad machine 218 in 1987 that is insane heck no one was close I think the TR probably topped out at like 180 or so am I right? What about the 959?? John | ||
| James Dixon (Omnadren250)
Junior Member Username: Omnadren250 Post Number: 111 Registered: 7-2001 |
John, It is the one from 1987. From what I can remember, there was an AMG Hammer, 2 959 Porsches, Testarossa, Countach, RUF Yellowbird, and a 962 factory Porsche race car. I also have the top speed shoot out from 1984, which the RUF won again. The other cars were a 911 turbo, countach and a 512BB. James I think the RUF did 212 or 213 which was a top speed at the time. | ||
| magoo (Magoo)
Intermediate Member Username: Magoo Post Number: 2129 Registered: 2-2001 |
John, I think your post about, "I got a couple of questions here" makes more sense than a lot of posts I have heard on the F.C.. Nicely said. | ||
| John J Stecher (Jjstecher)
Junior Member Username: Jjstecher Post Number: 67 Registered: 1-2002 |
James, Is that Road and Tracks worlds fastest car magazine from 1987? I have the....I want to say 1990 one with the F40 which hit 196, the Diablo 202, Ruf BlueBird which hit like 185. Then the last one circa 1998 which has the Ferrari 456GT 187mph I think, Bugatti EB110, Jag XJ220 in it. Both are great reads I love to look at them and read through them and imagine being rich enough to own all of them, so I can fly around a track in them! | ||
| James Dixon (Omnadren250)
Junior Member Username: Omnadren250 Post Number: 110 Registered: 7-2001 |
John, I was just reading that Worlds Fastest car magazine a few weeks ago. I was just a wee lad when I bought it in 1987. That RUF certainly did rock'n roll the competition, including both factory entered 959's. A comfort edition and a light weight sport edition. | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Junior Member Username: Whart Post Number: 142 Registered: 12-2001 |
Since the debate now seems centered on cars designed to pass the 200mph mark, i commend to all of you, CAR Magazine's book, "History of the Supercar." It addresses most of these as a continuing evolution, using different approaches and technologies, has the original reviews of each, some excellent photography, and retrospective commentary putting each into perspective. | ||
| John J Stecher (Jjstecher)
Junior Member Username: Jjstecher Post Number: 66 Registered: 1-2002 |
Ohhh good call James I forgot all about that car but you are correct. I think it was around 86-87 that thing crossed 200mph....also if you consider Ruf a car manufactor their yellow bird production car crossed 211 in 1987 as well | ||
| James Dixon (Omnadren250)
Junior Member Username: Omnadren250 Post Number: 109 Registered: 7-2001 |
I thought the 959 was the first 200mph supercar. | ||
| John J Stecher (Jjstecher)
Junior Member Username: Jjstecher Post Number: 65 Registered: 1-2002 |
A stock C5 maybe will beat me by a nose....if the driver knows what he/she is doing but not a stock SS I have taken on a few before on the highway never 0-60 stuff cause thats not what ferraris are cut out for. They cant hang anything above about 120....I know I have driven one hard more than once, things start to shake, the front end starts to lift, windows come apart from their seals, etc....heck I still have my 450bhp 1987 Trans Am GTA that I rebuilt the whole engine on, trickflow heads, Crane Cam, Paxton supercharge and it'll blow the doors of my 348 0-60, 1/4 mile cause it hooks up better of the line and makes almost twice the amount of torque my 348 does.....but when it gets up above 120 my car will easily out run it. I've had my TA on the oval at the Milwaukee mile and can tell you it wont due more than 160-162 because of aerodynamics, and it just gets plain loose in the front end at that speed (damn valance underneath that is suppose to push air into the radiator makes the nose lift at high speeds). I'm not saying they arent great drag cars cause they are, they just arent as special to me. There is nothing better than modifying a American V-8 there is so much room to improve and work on it its amazing. Also jsut to let you know a Vortec isnt that hard to install on a SS or a Trans Am....an average person can do it in about a day following their directions. They are an awesome company and make the install easy. Its a much easier upgrade than a cam and heads, thats why I stated a slight modifcation! I've installed both trust me the s-charger is much easier. Also Tim if you ever get a chance take a Z06 out for a spin....I did before I bought my 348, and it is by far the best sports car to ever come out of Chevy!! :0) | ||
| BretM (Bretm)
Intermediate Member Username: Bretm Post Number: 1994 Registered: 2-2001 |
Adam, the F40 was the first true 200mph car, just looked it up to double check. I can't find it anywhere, but I'm pretty sure the TR tops out at like 180-190, the successors each come a little closer to 200mph, but never quite there. | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
Member Username: Timn88 Post Number: 527 Registered: 6-2001 |
Sorry to day it but i think your 348 will get dusted by a stock ss or C5, andi dont consider a supercharger a slight modification. I love 348's, thats just the truth. The camaro is a piece of ••••, its just fast in a straight line. With the LS1 engine in C5's and camaros, its easy to get alot of power out of them. Theres alot of potential to be had with a heads and cam switch. Just a cam will put u over 400lb/ft of torque (G5 cam). | ||
| John J Stecher (Jjstecher)
Junior Member Username: Jjstecher Post Number: 63 Registered: 1-2002 |
I got a couple questions here: 1st: Billy2kfrc you say you have 430rwhp in your C5 vette?? I have been working with vettes for a long time now and cant even begin to imagine that you could get that much power out of it with just headers, cams, heads, and cold air intake. Before my ferrari I had a ZR-1 with racing cams, headers, ECU, no cats, straight pipes, K&N filter, Linginfelter head port and polish, bore and stroked to 368ci, and cold air induction though the licence plate area.....this car made 416.5 rwhp which translates to 520bhp. If you are getting that outta your C5 with just what you have in it I am amazed....have you ever dynoed it or is this just your best guess at what it makes....not to be rude but it sounds a little high to me. Fred and Tim - I have to agree with you Fred that there is really no lowly car....heck i love my 348 but in all reality it will get dusted by a slightly modified C5 or Camero SS with a supercharger. I sold a wicked ZR-1 that I am sure could have ran with any car on the road (including the F40, but excluding the F1) not because I was buying a faster car but because I was buying one that whenever I look at it makes me feel lucky to own it, and makes me feel proud to drive it. Heck if you own a old Chevette and it makes your heart jump when you start the car then awesome for you. I dont think there are really any lowly cars.......just ones that dont have such an emotional hold on us. | ||
| Adam Goldman '86 TR (Icnsltmfg)
Member Username: Icnsltmfg Post Number: 271 Registered: 8-2001 |
Bret; I thought the TR was the first Production 200MPH car. It started the Super Car class. | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
Member Username: Timn88 Post Number: 523 Registered: 6-2001 |
First of all, this is a Ferrari web site, so you should expect things like that. I respect 911tt's, they are fast and look good. I cant wait till my friend pulls up to the 911tt again once he gets his heads and cam, it will be him that gets beat. The F40 and Mclaren F1 were both in the same league, they were both built to be the fastest car around. Price shouldnt make them be in different leagues. Stop bringing in other cars too. Just try and tell me you would get more of a thrill from racing a 911tt than an F40, because thats what i said. Another thing, people around here always jokingly talk about other cars like that, but they still have respect for them and they arent serious. Every now and then some guy who takes everything seriously and has to have the last word and has to be right always makes a big deal out of it. Im not going to waste my time defending my opinion on this thread anymore because none of us are going to change our minds anyway. | ||
| BretM (Bretm)
Intermediate Member Username: Bretm Post Number: 1972 Registered: 2-2001 |
The F40 being the first production car to break 200mph was more of a milestone. | ||
| Frederick Klorczyk (Fjk)
New member Username: Fjk Post Number: 27 Registered: 12-2001 |
F40 intro - 1989 McLaren intro - 1993 "different time periods"? McLaren set new record - 240.1 mph ! In April 1998, McLaren took its 5-year old F1 to Germany's Ehra-Leissen test track, after 3 runs, it set a new top speed record as 240.1mph (386.7kph) two-way average. That F1 is identical to any production F1, with the same side mirrors, same tyres, standard tyre pressure, same suspensions setting.... the only difference is - the 7500rpm rev limiter was disabled. After two runs, racing driver Andy Wallace tried seriously in the final run. The V12 rev to 7800rpm while oil temperature was still acceptable, two-way run was performed for eliminating the effect by wind and the average speed is calculated to be 240.1 mph. A new record was set ! | ||
| Frederick Klorczyk (Fjk)
New member Username: Fjk Post Number: 26 Registered: 12-2001 |
TimN, Your words: "the 996tt is a lowly car compared to an F40" Is a 250GTO or SWB lowly as well to you as they hardly compare to the F40 in any aspect? Oh, btw, the F40 and McLaren F1 are in the same "era" but not the same league. The F1 was detuned from the street version configuration to run at LeMans against the Porsches, BMWs and Mercedes which were all production cars available at $1M each. I am certain that Ferrari, as the dominant Formula 1 team, has all the components necessary to develop, manufacture and sell street cars in the league of those I just mentioned (they half-heartedly tried with the F50GT but droppped the project and focused on the world championship). It appears they would rather stay in the $300K to $500K "league" with their super-exotics in lieu of the $1M+ range. Their perogative. The last used McLaren price I saw was $2.3M without race history which is almost an order of magnitude greater than the current F40 price. I also can't wait to race againt the next Camaro I run across in any of my cars. Vroom, vroom! | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
Member Username: Timn88 Post Number: 516 Registered: 6-2001 |
Fred, you are getting worked up over nothing, i guess you cant handle sarcasm. The 996tt does have strong points over the F40, some of these are that u can actually use it every day and that u could actually drive over a speed bump. Did i ever say it was in the same league as the F40? I didnt compare them either! I simply compared the excitement of racing against them, so i was right. It is definately more fun to race against a near race car than against a 4 seat street car. Well i guess i shouldnt send that letter to road and track suggesting a test between the F40 and 996tt because they wouldnt consider doing it. It i was planning on actually comparing the cars why would i describe it as lowly? Me describing it as lowly clearly implies that i wouldnt compare them. Im sorry if i offended you in any way, but if theres one thing we learned recently its that meanings of messages can be wrongly interpreted on boards such as these. Just for the record the F40 and McLaren F1 are in the same leagues, just in different time periods. They were both built to epitomize performance and be the top performing cars in their day. | ||
| Richelson (Richelson)
Member Username: Richelson Post Number: 574 Registered: 12-2001 |
I agree. | ||
| Frederick Thomas (Fred)
Member Username: Fred Post Number: 359 Registered: 2-2001 |
Fred, Good point. Fred | ||
| Frederick Klorczyk (Fjk)
New member Username: Fjk Post Number: 25 Registered: 12-2001 |
The 996tt is not even in the same league as an F40, F50, F550, Diablo, etc. I would say that a 996tt (I own one) has NO strong points over an F40. You are comparing a near race car to a street car with four seats. Your comparison is invalid. And I'd imagine that no car magazine would even dare compare the two cars. If your logic uses an F40 as a frame of reference then most every car except other 200 mph supercars would become "lowly" and that is hardly the case. Is the F40 "lowly" compared to a McLaren F1? Hardly, but they are in different leagues altogether. Plus, we all know that the driver makes the difference anyway. Those of us lucky enough to own an F40, F50, 360, 308, 996tt, M5, AMG, big block Corvette, Z06, etc. certainly do not think they are lowly cars just because something is faster, better, more expensive or has a certain name. | ||
| Bill Martinson (Billy2kfrc)
New member Username: Billy2kfrc Post Number: 6 Registered: 3-2002 |
Tim N, I'm going with the Cartek heads/cam setup, should be about 430rwhp when it's done. My best 1/4 time is 12.2 at 115mph. This was with headers, exhaust, cold air intake, and drag radials. | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
Member Username: Timn88 Post Number: 511 Registered: 6-2001 |
Fred, the 996tt is a lowly car compared to an F40, but otherwise its a great car. It does have its strong points over the F40, such as that it is much more useable. Bill, my friend runs his Camaro SS there all the time. He ran a 12.8 at 110 this summer. We are looking forward to going back this summer. He is also looking at a heads and cam package. What package are you going with? Whats ur best time there? | ||
| BretM (Bretm)
Intermediate Member Username: Bretm Post Number: 1950 Registered: 2-2001 |
I haven't been to either of them with the Ferrari, I've been to Englishtown for dirtbike racing though. I too would be interested to know what 0-60 and 1/4 I'm running when it's all back together and modified. Maybe a trip is order this summer... | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
Intermediate Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 1567 Registered: 5-2001 |
William, was that you????  | ||
| Frederick Klorczyk (Fjk)
New member Username: Fjk Post Number: 23 Registered: 12-2001 |
Tim, A 996tt is hardly a "lowly" car. Also, forget playing on route 1 and go somewhere safe - Lime Rock maybe? Fred | ||
| Bill Martinson (Billy2kfrc)
New member Username: Billy2kfrc Post Number: 4 Registered: 3-2002 |
James, I'm honestly not sure which it was. I originally thought it was a BOV, since it sounded like a highly modified Supra with an aftermarked BOV when it shifted. But, after reading the comments from cmparrF40, I then figured it must've been the wastegate dumping that I was hearing. I'm not sure what type of valve the F40 uses, somebody else here will probably know about that. | ||
| James Dixon (Omnadren250)
Junior Member Username: Omnadren250 Post Number: 107 Registered: 7-2001 |
Bill, Was that the wastegate you heard dumping at every shift or was it, perhaps, a blow off valve?? Do F40's use blow off valves or do they use a re-circulation valve?? James | ||
| Bill Martinson (Billy2kfrc)
New member Username: Billy2kfrc Post Number: 3 Registered: 3-2002 |
Thanks BretM. I see you live in NJ, have you ever raced your car at Englishtown or Atco? I know Ferrari's aren't drag cars, but I'd be curious what it runs in the 1/4 just for fun. | ||
| BretM (Bretm)
Intermediate Member Username: Bretm Post Number: 1946 Registered: 2-2001 |
Very cool story Bill. I go down those roads all the time. I love Corvettes, have fun with it, you have to get a lot of car to top it. | ||
| Cmparrf40 (Cmparrf40)
Junior Member Username: Cmparrf40 Post Number: 54 Registered: 3-2002 |
Driving the F40 is like nothing I can describe. When I bought mine I took my Ferrari tech with me and he drove it first as I sat in the passenger seat. I have to admit my hands were very sweaty! I was nervous! My first impression was that we were out of control, as in, how can you control this thing? If you are on the hiway and you want to get on it, two things come to mind, 1 is there enough traction to keep the wheels from spinning? (at any speed between 10 mph and 100mph) and am I going to over take the cars in front of me in a safe manner? Everything happens so much faster, your responces have to be very quick to keep from getting in very serious trouble. It is not a problem with the car, it is the driver who is not accustomed to having make decisions that fast, that is the weak link. Art (Art355) seems to have a lot of race experience, he can probably descibe this sensation better than I. Yeah the waste gate noise is really coooooooooooool! Its like opening a can of hot beer, whoooooooosh! Then it makes a thunk I can not descibe. This car has so many noises that it can be overwhelming, but wonderful. I probably have the only F40 with a radio, (previous owner) but for the life of me, I can not imagine what you could listen to that is more beautiful than twin sequential turbos blowing a V8 Ferrari motor! | ||
| Bill Martinson (Billy2kfrc)
New member Username: Billy2kfrc Post Number: 2 Registered: 3-2002 |
Tim N, I heard that wastegate dumping on every shift... it sounded awesome. Very loud whoosing sound, very cool. Also, the car made very loud exhaust popping sound on deceleration, sounded sweet. I should mention, I will be on the look out for this F40 in a couple of weeks, I'm having a heads/cam kit installed, should put me over 500hp. I think it would be a really close race at that point. | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
Member Username: Timn88 Post Number: 508 Registered: 6-2001 |
C5's are faster than quite a few Ferraris, Chris. Have fun with it, it should hold u over till u get that ferrari. Chris, whats it like driving the F40. What is the engine like? Ive been told that the best sound on the car is when the wastegate dumps, whats that like? | ||
| Cmparrf40 (Cmparrf40)
Junior Member Username: Cmparrf40 Post Number: 52 Registered: 3-2002 |
Like a 288 GTO, they all left the factory red, but there are several Fly yellow F40's running around. I have a friend , Jim Fuchs in Wisconsin, that has a Fly Yellow F40 (maintained by Wayne Obrey at Motion Products) that he tracks, it was at Cavallino this year. Jim also has a 166 Barchetta, he has to be the funniest man alive. Your C5 'vette is a great car, your very close to Ferrari territory! | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
Member Username: Timn88 Post Number: 507 Registered: 6-2001 |
I wish i saw and heard that thing. I was at Miller Motorcars this weekend and they had one in the shop area they showed me. It was the first time i saw one in person. It was like you said, so low and wide. By looking inside u can see that it was made for the track. From the looks of the seats you practically wear the car. Its my dream car too (which is a pretty realistic dream too). Chris on the board has one, he could answer any questions you would have. It must have been so fun. I was driving my friends 99 Camaro SS in greenwhich one night and i raced some guy in a 996 turbo right on rt 1 in front of all the dealerships, what a blast. I had a smile on my face all night. If thats what happens from racing a lowly porsche i can only imaging the excitement from racing a ferrari. It must be the most exciting thing there is, except for racing a ferrari in a ferrari. | ||
| Bill Martinson (Billy2kfrc)
New member Username: Billy2kfrc Post Number: 1 Registered: 3-2002 |
Hi all, I don't own a Ferrari, but am a huge fan of all exotic cars, especially Ferraris. Ferrari posters in my room, models, etc. I would love to own a Ferrari eventually, although I am living beyond my means to own my current C5 Corvette, so it might be awhile. But, when I see one on the road, it's a very big deal for me, I always give a thumbs up and wave to a Ferrari. Usually the owners are friendly and reciprocate, and that makes my day. But... a few months ago, a Ferrari encounter that would've made my day... made my year, and gave me a memory that will stay with me for the rest of my life. It was a Friday morning, around 9:30am, and I was just minding my own business driving to work. Well, right as I pass exit 3 in Greenwich, CT on I95, I see a YELLOW F40 about 2 inches from my rear bumper!!! This is my honest to god dream car, something I've never even seen in person before in my life, right behind me on the highway. Well, being a courteous driver, I believe in slower cars moving to the right, so I move over the middle lane, and the F40 just SCREAMS past me. I have never heard such an amazing, blood curdling sound in my life. That classic Ferrari scream, with the loud sound of spooling turbos on top of it! It no doubt had an aftermarket exhaust, perhaps a Tubi Competition, but I'm not sure. The F40 weaved through traffic like it was overtaking at Monza, I've never seen anything like it, the car was so low and wide, it appeared to be floating across the lanes. Of course... I tried to keep up, and managed to stay within sight, and then luck was on my side... he was getting on 287, heading the same direction as me! At this point, I'm right behind him as we take the on-ramp. He is closely, and I mean CLOSELY following a slow car in the left lane. The slower car signals to change lanes, and ahead of this car is nothing but straight, clear road as far as I can see. At this point, I downshift to 3rd, and prepare myself, I know we're 2 seconds from going WOT. The car moves over, I hear turbos spool up, and we're off! We went from 60mph to around 140mph before we approached traffic, what a rush!!! I was pretty impressed with my car, I managed to stay within 5 or 6 carlenths of the F40(my car is modified, and it putting out close to 400hp). We both slowed down and I pulled next to the F40, we exchanged thumbs up, seemed like a very cool guy. Hell, anybody with an F40 willing to drive it like that on the street is cool in my book! lol Unfortunately, my exit was coming up, and my fun was over. I got off the highway, and stared as the F40 just took off again into the distance. Man, my heart still gets pumping just thinking about this race. I only found out about this forum a couple of days ago, and figured I'd share my story. And, hopefully, to see if the car's owner is on this forum, or maybe if someone here knows who he is. I know all F40s left the factory in red, so I figure it's a very rare car. It was definately true Ferrari Yellow, so I'm guessing it was some sort of factory re-paint. I would love an opportunity to see that car again. Thanks for reading my story, hopefully it wasn't too long. This seems like very nice forum, I'll be sure to stop by often to read about your awesome cars. Bill '00 Corvette Hardtop |