Who's driving my car? [Archive]

Steve1968LS2

08-28-2008, 12:15 PM

And driving it better than I could.. lol

We had a pretty big event the other day involving a bunch of really cool rides. Can't go into details here, but it will be featured in the Junuary issue of Super Chevy.

When we needed a driver for the autocross portion I immediatly thought of our very own Mary Pozzi. For one she's a great driver and the other reason is that she can keep a secret. :)

This wasn't a competition, but more of a way for various companies to come out and have fun letting us beat on thier cars. I was very impressed with how many showed up to play and all the cars did very well in the different events.

Anyways, my legs are sore from getting down and shooting pics and I'm sure Mary's arms are still tired. All of the companies were extreemly impressed with Mary. Not only for how she pushed thier cars but for the great feedback her and Dave gave them about changes they could make to thier set-ups. Some of these car had only been completed days before.

Again, I think you will all find this story very interesting when it comes out.

It was free track time so I brought Penny out to play. It wasn't part of the event, but I figured Mary could use a car to warm up in and I wanted to try out my new bigger front rubber.

Here's a little video for you all: (volume is low so crank your speakers)

AUG0oxytaCI

MuscleRodz

08-28-2008, 12:20 PM

You can't mention it but Bret already did via Larry https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=46886

Tyler Beauregard

08-28-2008, 12:21 PM

Awesome driving! She is quite well controlled. I wish I could have made it to that one.

Tyler

vp23271

08-28-2008, 12:26 PM

Steve1968LS2

08-28-2008, 12:26 PM

Awesome driving! She is quite well controlled. I wish I could have made it to that one.

Tyler

Can we ink you down for next year?

Steve1968LS2

08-28-2008, 12:28 PM

Being able to hear the engine and having a camera mounted outside added to the video. Very cool!

Hmmm ... did you just roll down the windows and temporarily mount the video camera to the roll bar?

Look forward to reading the article too.

It's one of those little GO cameras. It's suction cupped to the rear quarter glass. Can mount it just about anywhere and it takes great video.. just bad volume.

New shoes and real driver behind the wheel:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

DJW32

08-28-2008, 12:39 PM

That is a cool pic, Steve. El toro is a fun place.

JustinB

08-28-2008, 01:01 PM

god I would love to get out one of those run-ways and burn through a set of tires. Hell with the "Great Park" put in a 1/4 mile and autocross track.

mpozzi

08-28-2008, 02:08 PM

While I can't tell anyone specifics about this event, the January issue will be one of the best yet. Those cars were amazing and there were definitely no duds in the bunch.

And driving Penny was another highlight as I've seen this car being cyber-built, at SEMA, and now from behind the steering wheel at speed. Very solid and well-built car that's perfectly suited for a career navigating an autocross or track.

As for me, I had the most unique experience visiting with the various companies that provided their products for me to enjoy. Great people and the data/information we gathered can only help enthusiasts choose the right parts and systems for their cars. Unfortunately, we'll have to wait until the issue is out but it'll be worth it.

I'll take one for the team anyday ... rough job but someone's gotta do it!!

Cheers and thanks to Steve Rupp,
Mary Pozzi

buickfunnycar.com

08-28-2008, 02:22 PM

Man I'll say she & Dave can keep a secret,I knew they were in LA but they wouldn't say why...now I know.

Mary,you are one lucky little devil:drive: ...I'm calling you now.

Steve1968LS2

08-28-2008, 02:25 PM

Let's just say that if you want the ever loving snot beat out of your car just hand it over to Mary.. lol

I've never made it do this:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

buickfunnycar.com

08-28-2008, 02:36 PM

Wow that car is stiff...inside rear's almost coming off the ground.
On the phone w/Mary now,she says she had a BLAST!But her lips are still sealed,drat!:guilty:

gordonquixote

08-28-2008, 02:52 PM

Hittin' three wheel motion - sweet!

Way to go Mary!!!!! Beautiful build, Steve.

Steve1968LS2

08-28-2008, 02:55 PM

Wow that car is stiff...inside rear's almost coming off the ground.
On the phone w/Mary now,she says she had a BLAST!But her lips are still sealed,drat!:guilty:

What's funny is that it doesn't do that through the cones. I think it's because that's such a hard transition and the car is going so fast.

Anyways, very happy with how Penny did. :)

dropit69

08-28-2008, 03:19 PM

thats awesome Steve..my new backgorund..and love the labeling of the pics when you go to save them..lol..

Mean 69

08-28-2008, 03:45 PM

That is a very, very cool shot of the car, Steve. Looks like another rough day at the office.

Southern California, sunny weather, not too hot? Check.
Hanging out with a bunch of cool cars during the work week? Check.
Driving the poop out of them too? Check.
Yep, pretty cool there young man.

But as cool as it is taking pic's, clearly Mary had the most fun (Hopefully David got a run or two as well?!). I look forward to the print.

Cool,
Mark

jerome

08-28-2008, 04:13 PM

It looks like the mounting point for the lower control arm is lower than the ball joint pivot. This would move the bottom of the spindle in during cornering (decreasing negative camber gain). I think it's usually recommended that the mounting point be about an inch higher than the ball joint so that you get a little extra negative camber gain during bump.

Is this something you've considered and decided against in order to get the stance right?

ProdigyCustoms

08-28-2008, 04:32 PM

I was noticing that also in that picture. It looks really drooped and the tie rod looks like it is already at 15 degrees. Is it sitting to low?

class67

08-28-2008, 04:42 PM

Steve1968LS2

08-28-2008, 04:47 PM

I was noticing that also in that picture. It looks really drooped and the tie rod looks like it is already at 15 degrees. Is it sitting to low?

Yep... but the tie rod angle doesn't effect bumpsteer at all.. I have almost none.

From a technical angle the car should be raised until the lower Control Arms are more level. But it doesn't look good that way. I have a place developing a 1-inch C5 drop spindle and that should solve that.

However, given my testing times it doesn't seem to hurt much. The main item I need is a rear bar to reduce roll. Then watch out.. lol

Stuff like this is a game of tenths.

Vegas69

08-28-2008, 04:47 PM

Damn Mary can wheel a car! That three wheel is really impressive Steve.

hotwheels

08-28-2008, 04:56 PM

Steve,

Nice video and really nice photos of Penny in her element! That's the great thing about that car, she's no "no go show boat". Mary can really drive. I've been hearing a lot abut her lately.

Restomod

08-28-2008, 04:57 PM

Great stuff Steve...Penny is lookin badder and badder!!!

zbugger

08-28-2008, 05:01 PM

Watching Mary drive in person can be frightening. I can't wait to take a ride with her, but I haven't been able to clear my calendar for that. She's just that damn good. I also can't wait to one day see Penny in person. Steve, November Goodguys up here in Pleasanton. It'll be a good show, I swear.

Chevrolaine

08-28-2008, 06:00 PM

HOLY CRAP! One of the coolest pics I've seen!:eek: Someone needs to start selling posters of that one.:yeah:

72NovaSS

08-28-2008, 06:38 PM

Steve1968LS2

08-28-2008, 06:42 PM

I'll make one and post it next week..

And for the record it was shot by Mike Harrington of Super Chevy while I was hooking up the cars for video :)

There are sharper pics but none that that have the same vibe.

November Good Guys huh? hmmm... it's only 400 miles

Do they have autocross?

zbugger

08-28-2008, 06:55 PM

Sorry, no autocross. But lots of cars, usually.

buickfunnycar.com

08-28-2008, 07:43 PM

I have had the pleasure of sitting in the passenger seat of a few of Mary's rides while she make them scream and most times,we just burst out laughing...but she is that good and she has very excellent car command.
I just knew she had the time of her life driving these cars but she won't say a darn thing.She's making me wait for the issue...which is the Jan '09 Super Chevy,correct Steve?

LMDGUY

08-28-2008, 08:52 PM

that 2nd pic is sweet Steve!!

monza

08-28-2008, 09:06 PM

Great shot!!!

Motown 454

08-28-2008, 10:31 PM

Great picture Just one question Does Mary give driving lessons??

Rick Dorion

08-29-2008, 04:03 AM

Great shot, Steven. What agreat thread too! Now to wait for the issue .

Did you make any adjustments to the setup that day or is that fodder for the article?

Steve1968LS2

08-29-2008, 05:57 AM

Great shot, Steven. What agreat thread too! Now to wait for the issue .

Did you make any adjustments to the setup that day or is that fodder for the article?

no adjustments.. and my car isn't in the story.

All I did was air the tires down to 32psi per DSE's suggestions.

One thing I will say is that all the companies were really great guys. They were there to have fun and hang out with each other.

protour73

08-29-2008, 08:18 AM

thanks Mary!!!...............I've suddenly discovered how boring my life is...................:pat:
.
.
.
.
.
.hey John...........want some cheese with that whine??...........of course Mary won't spill the beans!! LOL

buickfunnycar.com

08-29-2008, 08:22 AM

I'll try plying her with alcohol...:Alchy:

sik68

08-29-2008, 08:24 AM

Such an awesome pic; I need that in at least 1920x1200 please!!

Did you end up installing the stiffer front springs since that slalom run a while back?

Great driving Ms. Pozzi!

Payton King

08-29-2008, 08:56 AM

Lou at LG Motorsports have 1 inch drop spindles for C5/6...they are pricey.

Steve1968LS2

08-29-2008, 08:59 AM

Such an awesome pic; I need that in at least 1920x1200 please!!

Did you end up installing the stiffer front springs since that slalom run a while back?

Great driving Ms. Pozzi!

Yea, went from 450 to 600.. I would have gone to 550 but I already owned a set of 600s.

It did improve my slalom time quite a bit. I don't remember what is was but my new one is better but a few tenths.

I will work on the bigger picture :)

Steve1968LS2

08-29-2008, 08:59 AM

Lou at LG Motorsports have 1 inch drop spindles for C5/6...they are pricey.

Hmm.. I will have to check into those.

silver69camaro

08-29-2008, 09:06 AM

Hmm.. I will have to check into those.

You'll be in for a surprise! If I remember right, they're somewhere around $5k/pair.

Steve1968LS2

08-29-2008, 09:11 AM

You'll be in for a surprise! If I remember right, they're somewhere around $5k/pair.\

That's a stupid price..

I have another place developing some and the price isn't anywhere NEAR that.

MuscleRodz

08-29-2008, 09:27 AM

Rybar

08-29-2008, 09:48 AM

Awesome shots Steve, love your car :worship:

Mean 69

08-29-2008, 10:28 AM

That's a stupid price..

As I understand things from communication with Louis (Lou's son and crew chief), the weak link in the 'vette spindles is the bearing pack that is used, not usually an issue for most folks in atuocross/open track (with normal maintenance), but not suitable for the punishment of Speed World Challenge GT (which LG ran last year), nor American LeMans Series, where this year they were running in the GT2 class. Real race parts are typically real expensive.

I'd continue to sort the car until it won't go any faster, then think about other physical mods such as this. I'm guessing it still has a lot in it.

Mark

Steve1968LS2

08-29-2008, 05:12 PM

I was analysing the high res video and at the trasition where the tire lifted there seems to be a bump in the tarmac. It's right at 25 seconds and I think it's the spot where the still was shot.

John McIntire

08-30-2008, 09:42 AM

wow thats a great pic, and Mary can sure drive the snot out of a car!

Gandalf

08-30-2008, 10:45 PM

Yep... but the tie rod angle doesn't effect bumpsteer at all.. I have almost none.

From a technical angle the car should be raised until the lower Control Arms are more level. But it doesn't look good that way. I have a place developing a 1-inch C5 drop spindle and that should solve that.

Hey Steve,

I'm guessing this won't help but figure it was worth a mention: AME claim "Through use of a specially modified C5 spindle with lowered steering arm mounting, the AGR power rack & pinion steering unit is mounted some 2" lower in the frame, which allows for a lower CG and improved handling". So maybe they have a spindle you could use? I have an AME setup here but I do not have a standard C5 spindle to compare. Maybe Frank has one of each "floating" around the shop? :) however, if your goal is more level LCA's then these won't help unless they have some drop built in also.

Sounds like and excellent day had by all - I cannot wait for the article to come out. Awesome pic too! i'll take a large-format one for sure!

G.

Steve1968LS2

08-31-2008, 06:47 AM

I would just like a spindle that gives some drop so I don't have to lower the COs as much. To be honest the more important thing is to lower my roll so a rear bar is on the top of the list.

Might go to a 250 rear spring as well and mess with the Watts linkage.

Steve1968LS2

08-31-2008, 04:24 PM

Steve do you have bigger picture of this!?!?!?! :headbang:

Here's a HIGH-RES version of the picture.. should be good for a screen saver or something.

http://picsorban.com/upload/highliftpenny.jpg

Steve1968LS2

08-31-2008, 04:55 PM

Couple more pics...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

protouring70

08-31-2008, 05:02 PM

I have always heard that women are great welders, so there are some that are great drivers as well.

Great Job Mary:drive1: :drive:

bwhinnen

08-31-2008, 07:10 PM

Fantastic! Mary can really steer a car! So smooth and controlled, well done. And Penny looks very well balanced (specially in Mary's hands).

I'd love to be in an opportunity to see it in real life and have camera in hand :)

mpozzi

11-13-2008, 09:47 PM

Here's a new idea for testing the next batch ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rs-jAImScms

Cheers,
Mary Pozzi

69Nova

11-13-2008, 10:01 PM

Here's a new idea for testing the next batch ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rs-jAImScms

Cheers,
Mary Pozzi

I knew Ken Block was the man but holy crap! What a awesome video.

dipren443

11-14-2008, 01:49 AM

I knew Ken Block was the man but holy crap! What a awesome video.

Sort of unrelated... But if you enjoyed that Ken Block vid, well here he is with his Subaru at a Snow Park in New Zealand...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Av0VsTxJd78

BMF Machine

11-14-2008, 02:55 AM

Let's just say that if you want the ever loving snot beat out of your car just hand it over to Mary.. lol

I've never made it do this:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Holy Three wheelin BatmaN! You should have parked Penny Next to the hoppers at the lowrider truck? When did you put hydraulics on the car Steve?lolol

Insane driving Mary; as you would say.....Cheers!

BMF Machine

11-14-2008, 03:00 AM

Here's a new idea for testing the next batch ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rs-jAImScms

Cheers,
Mary Pozzi

That video still gives me goose bumps! It looks so fun!

Ron S

11-14-2008, 05:12 AM

It's one of those little GO cameras. It's suction cupped to the rear quarter glass. Can mount it just about anywhere and it takes great video.. just bad volume.

New shoes and real driver behind the wheel:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gifThat thing is bad looking Steve{it always helps having a blond in the drivers seat}Yeah Steetfighter,definitley LOL.Your photography skills are awsome,by the way,makes an already sexy peice look even sexier.Ron