Dangerous driving - tips for a newbie to muscle cars

[ShadesOfBloo]

Just don’t disrupt the “balance” of the chassis (no hammering around corners, slamming on brakes mid turns, etc.) and keep out of peak torque.

^ This, too.

"Slow hands are smooth, and smooth is fast."
and I suspect that, compared to the average European car, a 1700kg car with a 5L engine is even less forgiving of jerky inputs.

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[SdoubleW]

Remember to check your ego at the door. I know it. Many of us think we are better drivers than we are. And, especially when you are dealing with a new car to you, you won't know what will happen when things get hairy suddenly on you.

There is no real way to test the limits on the street, although I know you want to. The real limits are way above what is safe on a public road. I do understand where you're coming from. Have fun with it, but don't be focused on finding the limit.

That’s good. Changed my perspective, thanks. So much excellent advice here, it should be summarized and handed out to new Mustang drivers

 

[OH3Cobra]

Many drivers new to performance vehicles don't have the courage to ask or the patience to learn. Asking good questions is a sign of intelligence, not the opposite. Taking the time to learn is an investment in oneself.

 

[Bluemustang]

That’s good. Changed my perspective, thanks. So much excellent advice here, it should be summarized and handed out to new Mustang drivers

Thanks, I know it my friend. Trying to test the limits would give me this urge, which if unchecked, could be dangerous or costly to the wallet. Lol

After going to the road course that urge went away. It's the not knowing where the limit is, I think, that drives it. But, I will still have fun in it on the street. That's what it's for. But I do not have the same urge to "cross the line" anymore. For me it was an ego check.

 

[raptor17GT]

6000rpm is loud. I'd be surprised if the police haven't noticed you yet.
Where the manual tells you what speeds to shift, it keeps you at 2200rpm and below.
My GT can go uphill in 6th at 1800rpm.


Well... It will survive. A few times. With the Tremec transmission and 7500rpm redline, the car can go 70mph+ in 2nd gear.
But that's got to be a very noisy downshift.

Oh aye it'll survive a good many downshifts at those revs but one mis judged shift and it's disassembly time or a spin into the barriers / oncoming traffic. Each to their own.

 

[zenwhipper]

There’s a lot you can do to keep it sane. Lots of suggestions here already. Maybe get a track day (or several) learning experience under your belt. Build on your skills.

 

[MACHtobers Very Own]

I've told many people you don't have to be WOT to enjoy a fast car. Take your time. I'm shocked at how many people I've ridden with and seen in videos where they only think a car can go fast is by mashing the gas to the floor. I often do a nice push to get car moving to make sure we've got no surprises then work my way to WOT.

take it easy. Gas/brake in straight lines

 

[2morrow]

1. Take a driving and/or car control class
2. After that enroll in an auto-x day
3. Try to not get addicted

This platform has a lot to teach if one has the right mindset (also fun AF).

I’ve always coached/counseled folks to start their learnings off of public roads, hence the above comment(s).

 

[kellyreno]

I got surprised the other day. Had all nannies off like I normally do, went to pass a garbage truck, floored it, it pulled hard, hit the power band and snapped sideways. I still have good reflexes.

Called my Son and told him the old man can still drive.

Pulled out turning right into a blind spot with an oncoming speeding truck. Nailed it and my A10 went instantly sideways. All nannies were on. Scared the shit out of me and the truck driver. Hit the paddle shift sawing the wheel and the car wouldn't up shift. Things happen fast in these cars for sure. More weight on the rear in my new ride. Enjoy!

 

[kellyreno]

I am not sure I have ever downshifted to the 2nd on the public road "for fun". And I believe the reason is exactly what you described - the car is very direct in the 2nd.

On the other hand, there is a small track nearby, where I drive almost the whole lap in the 2nd gear as the speed is limited and to stay in high RPM the 2nd gear is just right.

For me the "fun gears" on the road are the 3rd, 4th and 5th. With lower gears more used on the country roads, and the higher gears on the highway (or when cruising in the city in the laid back mode).

When doing the

Charlotte Roval at Track Attack we only used second and third the entire track. Second for the hairpin and third all through the high speed banking +120 mph. You only shifted twice, off the banking and backstretch 3rd to 2nd into the hairpin and 2nd to 3rd exiting the infield and into the 33% banking. These cars are amazing.

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