200 mph? What does it take?
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 37,017
Likes: 68
From: This city NEVER sleeps! Frank's back yard!
Getting up to this speed takes some serious horsepower - as I don't really want to be trying to pull up to this speed for extended periods of time (should something go awry). With 585 rwhp, it is gonna take a solid two miles to get past 200, but with 725 rwhp it is easily done in under a mile.
If you want to stay at speeds like this (or even cruise over 175 mph for any length of time), get the aero diffuser on the camaro above to keep the rear straight behind you (or buy a Callaway aerobody for your C4).
Pro
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 658
Likes: 7
From: Perth Amboy New Jersey
I thought I would start a new thread:
I have never been 200 mph in a C4, but I have gone 195 mph in a C4 ZR1 (stroker) as a passenger. I have also been 200 mph in a Viper TT, and a C5 TT. I have to admit it was something else, and I have always wondered if my C4 would be capable of such a speed, and just how long it would take to get there (more important). I remember the first time going 200 mph years ago (I was the passenger), and after we slowed down, and got out of the car to do a walk around, the driver states "you have just experienced life", "you have just went 200mph". I started to think that not many ppl have ever experienced this.
That airport strip has lone been shutdown for such events, and I would have to travel states side to try such an event. But what would it take for my car to do 200 mph? (550chp/530tq, 421sbc).
Well my build is getting close to the end. A little more time, and she will be starting up.
Let's say it rev's to 6300 rpm's, and it's equipped with a ZF6, and still has the factory D44 (3.07's) from the general from 1988. Using the gear calculator, this seems like the perfect gear for top speed compared to the 3.45's that I recently purchased.
Tire 315/30/18 "W" speed rated to 168mph.
3.45's
5th gear 6000 rpms =176mph
5th gear 6100 rpms= 178mph
5th gear 6200 rpms= 181mph
5th gear 6300 rpms= 184mph
3.33's
5th gear 6000 rpms= 182mph
5th gear 6100 rpms= 185mph
5th gear 6200 rpms= 188mph
5th gear 6300 rpms= 191mph (getting closer!)
3.07's
5th gear 6000 rpms= 197mph
5th gear 6100 rpms= 201mph
5th gear 6200 rpms= 204mph
5th gear 6300 rpms= 207mph
I am sure I wouldnt have enough power to get to 207mph, but kinda interesting, but 6100 rpms is do-able.
With a 3.73 gear you would have to rev to 7400 rpm's in 5th to reach 200 mph. Hence why the LT5's have such a good top speed with there long legs.
Who here has gone over 185 mph in the C4's, and what mods?
I have never been 200 mph in a C4, but I have gone 195 mph in a C4 ZR1 (stroker) as a passenger. I have also been 200 mph in a Viper TT, and a C5 TT. I have to admit it was something else, and I have always wondered if my C4 would be capable of such a speed, and just how long it would take to get there (more important). I remember the first time going 200 mph years ago (I was the passenger), and after we slowed down, and got out of the car to do a walk around, the driver states "you have just experienced life", "you have just went 200mph". I started to think that not many ppl have ever experienced this.
That airport strip has lone been shutdown for such events, and I would have to travel states side to try such an event. But what would it take for my car to do 200 mph? (550chp/530tq, 421sbc).
Well my build is getting close to the end. A little more time, and she will be starting up.
Let's say it rev's to 6300 rpm's, and it's equipped with a ZF6, and still has the factory D44 (3.07's) from the general from 1988. Using the gear calculator, this seems like the perfect gear for top speed compared to the 3.45's that I recently purchased.
Tire 315/30/18 "W" speed rated to 168mph.
3.45's
5th gear 6000 rpms =176mph
5th gear 6100 rpms= 178mph
5th gear 6200 rpms= 181mph
5th gear 6300 rpms= 184mph
3.33's
5th gear 6000 rpms= 182mph
5th gear 6100 rpms= 185mph
5th gear 6200 rpms= 188mph
5th gear 6300 rpms= 191mph (getting closer!)
3.07's
5th gear 6000 rpms= 197mph
5th gear 6100 rpms= 201mph
5th gear 6200 rpms= 204mph
5th gear 6300 rpms= 207mph
I am sure I wouldnt have enough power to get to 207mph, but kinda interesting, but 6100 rpms is do-able.
With a 3.73 gear you would have to rev to 7400 rpm's in 5th to reach 200 mph. Hence why the LT5's have such a good top speed with there long legs.
Who here has gone over 185 mph in the C4's, and what mods?
you have to improve the car aerodynamics first, lowering the stance, using painters tape to reduce / change how air flows around your car. Your tires, the valve stems/cap has to be different because it at a certain speed the valve stem plunger can be pulled in by vaccuum and air will be leaving your tires. Now the most important part is how are you going to stop? Brakes improvement is needed and other safety gear. SAFETY FIRST. I recommend wearing a racing suit with a adult diper, just in case.
Last edited by yedister; Aug 15, 2011 at 10:29 AM.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 658
Likes: 7
From: Perth Amboy New Jersey
Its not suppost to, wind resistance will change all the time. If you know your car constant in a perfect no wind condition, then calculating wind resistance at the time of the run will be easier. The calculation is used to determine car aerodynamic wall.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 944
Likes: 0
From: Mesa Az
edited: oh nm, I reread authors statement, horsepower required in one mile.... yea maybe it is then.
best I can tell that original graph that was post up with the coefficient of air frictions in it is probably spot on. ... at least at unlimited distance to get there.
Last edited by mistaben; Aug 15, 2011 at 01:28 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 944
Likes: 0
From: Mesa Az
also, speed rated tires for 200mph. yea you could probably get away with it for tires "only" rated for 170... but seriously, do you want to find out? also, it is only like 1000 or so for new tires rated for that speed.
the aero body kit isn't a bad idea, but I wouldn't think necessary. the firebird and the corvette are designed differently. and I don't know if taping up the cars body lines are going to make a bit of difference. (though, honestly, it's not a bad idea...)
I take it back. experience tested. tape the car.
/in4resultsbeforethisalloverwith
the aero body kit isn't a bad idea, but I wouldn't think necessary. the firebird and the corvette are designed differently. and I don't know if taping up the cars body lines are going to make a bit of difference. (though, honestly, it's not a bad idea...)
On the dyno I hit 7900 rpm in 5th. 3.73 gears. 26.2 tire. Sure sounded cool. On the street ( i mean Racetrack ) I datalogged 7400 max it wouldnt pull any higher. taped signal lights and hood around the headlights. side mirrors removed. A lot of the underbody around the tire tray was taped off as well since I couldnt figure out anything for a diffuser at that time. That really helped the rear stabilize at higher speeds. Think I have the the dyno in 5th on my laptop somewhere maybe I'll post it up. 
/in4resultsbeforethisalloverwith
Last edited by mistaben; Aug 15, 2011 at 01:24 PM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 14,673
Likes: 750
From: NEwhere Ohio
working as an engineer for a tire manufacturer...
I will tell you what you need to do...
First off, most UHP tires fail high speed test in the preferred - tread chunking fashion. The tire is still holding air (thank God).
Basically, the tread generates so much heat that the rubber reverts and little pieces fly out. It sounds like you hit a bunch of rocks and they are flying up and hitting your fender wells.
Thats the penalty of wanting a great tread for traction (it heats up) and a great tread for sustained high speed traction.
Of course, at those high speeds, its a catch 22. You want traction, but dont want to lose your tread.
New, full tread depth tires, are actually going to be at their worse for high speed tread chunking resistance.
The solution:
SHAVE your tread down to 2/32nds or so.
This will allow you to sustain speeds (provided you dont hit anything in the road) provided the rest of the tire is built well (i recommend x-raying it or taking it to a tire retreader and have them shearograph it to look for internal separations).
I will tell you what you need to do...
First off, most UHP tires fail high speed test in the preferred - tread chunking fashion. The tire is still holding air (thank God).
Basically, the tread generates so much heat that the rubber reverts and little pieces fly out. It sounds like you hit a bunch of rocks and they are flying up and hitting your fender wells.
Thats the penalty of wanting a great tread for traction (it heats up) and a great tread for sustained high speed traction.
Of course, at those high speeds, its a catch 22. You want traction, but dont want to lose your tread.
New, full tread depth tires, are actually going to be at their worse for high speed tread chunking resistance.
The solution:
SHAVE your tread down to 2/32nds or so.
This will allow you to sustain speeds (provided you dont hit anything in the road) provided the rest of the tire is built well (i recommend x-raying it or taking it to a tire retreader and have them shearograph it to look for internal separations).
4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
200 mph? Tallest tire, torquiest motor?
Just hadnt seen mentioned the huge difference the tire diameter makes.
3.08 in high gear
25.1" tire (235/60/r14)
5500 133
6000 145
6500 157
7000 169
30.8" tire (285/70/r15)
5500 163
6000 178
6500 193
7000 208
34.7" tire (35x12.5x15)
5500 184
6000 201
6500 217
7000 234
Chances are you wont want to be going 200mph every day. Might work to have a special set of tires to put on when you want to. If your motor has the Kahuna's to turn them. Just takes a few minutes. Have a set of racing tires that would be semi-safe at that speed. What are the largest tires that will fit in a Vette without modifications?
3.08 in high gear
25.1" tire (235/60/r14)
5500 133
6000 145
6500 157
7000 169
30.8" tire (285/70/r15)
5500 163
6000 178
6500 193
7000 208
34.7" tire (35x12.5x15)
5500 184
6000 201
6500 217
7000 234
Chances are you wont want to be going 200mph every day. Might work to have a special set of tires to put on when you want to. If your motor has the Kahuna's to turn them. Just takes a few minutes. Have a set of racing tires that would be semi-safe at that speed. What are the largest tires that will fit in a Vette without modifications?
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,348
Likes: 233
From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
