Initial Road test
Well once the F1 finished this morn I thought I'd take advantage of the weather and the empty morning roads and took the race car out for her first road test. The benefits of still having tax/insurance
Since Abbeville last year this car's not had a proper 'drive', and recently I've added the following: -
Pirelli 215/45/17 fronts, 245/40/17 rears on ATD DTC Wheels. Full roll cage. TAT H&T pedal, Tillet B5 seat/subframe.
First immediate change was the seating position. I cannot actually see over the steering wheel completely so was worried it was too low. Second thing to change was how light my steering felt. Didn't like it, felt too vague.
So made my way to my 'test roads' through some normal roads. All very tentative as the tyres were all greasy and new.
Once I was there I knocked a little air out of the front to give a little more feel to the steering and gave it some beans. Next observation was how stiff the chassis felt now with the roll cage fitted (a nice bonus).
Gradually built up confidence with the tyres and got some decent temperature in them, stopped and adjusted pressures down to a setting I've been thinking about, and gave them some more punishment.
Overall impressed by the new tyres actually which is another welcome surprise. I'll reserve my final judgement till next weekend when I get my first track test on them, but so far so good!! There is defo a compromise in traction compared to the A048's but the larger size tyres have defo claimed a little traction back. There was a little bit of understeer at one point when I intentional provoked it, but a good dollop of throttle turned it into oversteer which (again) was a nice surprise. Was tough to really test the cornering ability of them as you cannot get anywhere near the limit on public roads (no run off
). It was all pretty tentative compared to how I've been through these roads before on A048's but it's certainly given me some confidence with these new tyres! We'll just see how they perform on the limit next week. I can't wait!!!The TAT H&T pedal.... Great actually, a good buy! Anyone who uses H&T regular should get one of these I think!
The B5 seat. Get one Mr Techie
it was very comfy throughout and supported me in all the right places. I have no padding on my seat and I don't think I need any. I'd happily drive to Le Mans in a B5. As for the seating position... Fine, after a few miles it felt natural and the super low driving position is great!!!Bring on Llandow (hope it doesn't rain).
report dump
Round 1
http://speedhunters....d-one-pt-i.aspx
http://www.racingexp...es/time-attack/
http://www.racecar.c...pener/40723.htm
I'll do Snett for you. I know I can do that one pretty quickly but you're on your own when it comes to Knockhill. 
If you can't see over the steering wheel I am more than happy to use my 6 foot 3 body to solve the issue - what tme do I need to be there 
DG
well 1,3 and 4 booked so far 
