Modaholics:Please step in.....
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From: Bel Air (by way of Fort Worth, TX) Maryland
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Modaholics:Please step in.....
A very interesting article I came across. Most on the CF know HOW to modify their cars, so if the shoe fits......
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...bsubtypeId=216
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...bsubtypeId=216
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From: S.W. Ohio. . . . . . NRA Life Member
that's an interesting article.
OK; that clears up autocross uses of a car; but what about 1/4 mile runs?
Obviously this guy is just writing fodder for a monthly article; but there is a reason why autocross competition has different segments (classes) of competition. For those that know what they're doing (and not just bolting on things they see advertised in a magazine) there's a reason for these different class segments... because the serious and informed can improve the handling and performance characteristics of a stock car.
Any mass produced car - in factory "street" trim - can be improved upon for track use.
I agree that there are too many "bling bolt-ons" available that don't make any real performance improvement... and too many teens that are eager to set their car apart from the others. But if this writers intent was to mock those that mod cars -in general- then he is the one that is mis-informed.
Originally Posted by from that article
Recently, I autocrossed a pair of Subaru WRXs. One was a dead-stock WRX. The other, a tricked-out STi lowered with stiffer springs, shocks and bars and an exhaust kit and air filter. The STi is supposed to have an advantage of some 70 horsepower. ...
The result: The dead-stock WRX was at least as quick as the STi...
The result: The dead-stock WRX was at least as quick as the STi...
OK; that clears up autocross uses of a car; but what about 1/4 mile runs?
Obviously this guy is just writing fodder for a monthly article; but there is a reason why autocross competition has different segments (classes) of competition. For those that know what they're doing (and not just bolting on things they see advertised in a magazine) there's a reason for these different class segments... because the serious and informed can improve the handling and performance characteristics of a stock car.
Any mass produced car - in factory "street" trim - can be improved upon for track use.
I agree that there are too many "bling bolt-ons" available that don't make any real performance improvement... and too many teens that are eager to set their car apart from the others. But if this writers intent was to mock those that mod cars -in general- then he is the one that is mis-informed.
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From: The real question is; When you turn your car on, does it return the favor..
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St. Jude Donor '07-'08
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From: Conejo Valley CA
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From: Bel Air (by way of Fort Worth, TX) Maryland
St. Jude Donor '12 thru '21
Interesting replies so far. I think the writer was referring to "ricer mods" more so than Vette mods or F-body mods. At any rate, I am sure that someone out there has made a mistake or two (not that anyone would admit to) with modifications to a C5. I think some C5 owners (C6 too) won't ever be satisfied with their car until it looked like and sounded like a NASCAR racer. (nothing wrong with that if that is what you want, but not me
)
I do agree with this part of the article to a degree:
On the street, it's almost impossible to accurately assess whether a modification has aided performance. People often judge handling by how the car rides and acceleration by noise: If it's rough and loud, it's got to handle better and be quicker, they think. This is the "Bactine Theory": If the medicine hurts, it must be working. The Placebo Effect also comes into play: If you've just spent a couple of grand to improve something, you will believe it's working.
I think some (I emphasize the word "some") folks buy into certain mods and think they are improving performance when in fact they are not (the overstated CAI claims, the TB bypass, etc, etc....)
) I do agree with this part of the article to a degree:
On the street, it's almost impossible to accurately assess whether a modification has aided performance. People often judge handling by how the car rides and acceleration by noise: If it's rough and loud, it's got to handle better and be quicker, they think. This is the "Bactine Theory": If the medicine hurts, it must be working. The Placebo Effect also comes into play: If you've just spent a couple of grand to improve something, you will believe it's working.
I think some (I emphasize the word "some") folks buy into certain mods and think they are improving performance when in fact they are not (the overstated CAI claims, the TB bypass, etc, etc....)
Last edited by Chemdawg99; Aug 1, 2008 at 05:32 PM.
