Driving in Parade
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Sulphur Louisiana
Asked to drive car in parade and concerned with the standard and rather large camshaft as if gonna have problems. Anyone out there do this with standards and large cams? Also let me add that I am not a standard guy. First standard car in 30 years!
Trucker
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 134
Likes: 10
From: Oklahoma City OK
Having done a few parades on my bike I'll say this, if you're the least bit worried about it would politely decline to participate. You don't need the liability. I have been in a parade situation with people on bikes that were less than sure of themselves and it was scary dangerous. You need to know your car and your ability to control that car before lining up for a parade. Good luck and be safe!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,488
Likes: 1,743
From: Knoxville Tn
It sort of depends on the length of the parade. Driving a stick shift in any kind of stop and go traffic is a pain in the a$$. Your left legs might get cramps, your clutch will likely get hot, and the engine could "load up". I'd decline.
Race Director
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 15,768
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From: Phoenix area, AZ
An hour-long parade is a bad idea. Your clutch and engine are going to get very hot and your legs are going to get worn out, especially your knees. I wouldn't even drive my mostly stock coupe in a parade that long.
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I drove my '94 6 speed Vette in a parade once - it lasted about an hour and the car was stock. I will say that having to constantly operate the clutch was a PITA - legs got very tired. Car did fine temp wise, but again it was stock and the outside temps were not bad.
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Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,623
Likes: 316
From: Sparks, Nevada
As to the wimps remark, I'll just speak for myself and say that I'm 71 years old and chances are I've driven and raced as many or more racecars/gassers/altereds/fast cars than you have, so you might want to turn it down a bit with your motor mouth name calling, at least to me. As it doesn't add any credibility to your posts.
Now, back to the adult conversation for the constructive replies.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 4,346
Likes: 755
From: Greensboro Nc
Out of curiosity, what exactly does it mean to have the engine "wound up"
My statement was entirely a joke, and I apologize if I offend, I just think that the whole "clutch is too much effort" excuse is a pretty lame one.
My statement was entirely a joke, and I apologize if I offend, I just think that the whole "clutch is too much effort" excuse is a pretty lame one.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,623
Likes: 316
From: Sparks, Nevada
I missed where someone mentioned "wound up" , but I've heard the term before. My thinking is they would mean, as in reved up, raised r.p.m.'s I would guess.
Thanks for the apology, let's just chalk it up to bad communications.
Thanks for the apology, let's just chalk it up to bad communications.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 537
Likes: 2
From: Whitesboro Texas
Automatics are better served for parade duty.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 646
Likes: 17
From: Hendersonville NC
If you do a parade with a stick make sure the parade route is flat or starts on a hill so you can coast for most of the route. If you can fine one get a cartoon character and put it in the car so the kids can see it. I had my grandson's stuffed dog Clifford the big red dog and the kids really liked it.
Race Director
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 15,768
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From: Phoenix area, AZ
