First real drivers outing. EB PP

[Dirtleg]

So yesterday after work I was able to go on a short parkway and other winding roads drive. About a 60 mile trip during which I was able to really get a thorough test of the cars suspension.

For those unfamiliar I'm driving an EB with PP manual transmission.

First thing I noticed was how sedate the chassis is. Nice job Ford. I was really able to relax and just focus on the road and how the suspension handled it. Zero drama.

Not sure how accurate the accelerometer in the car is but my max to the right was .96g and to the left .91g. Based on the road layout and conditions it makes sense it was higher to the right. I was not expecting it to go that high especially considering how easy it was to get there.

First complaint, and really almost the only one, is that this car needs a matched set of springs and shocks when you're pushing it hard. I could feel the rear getting out of sync with the front near the limit. Wasn't unsettling but it definitely lowered the overall grip available. If felt almost as if the rear tires contact patch was changing in an undesirable way as the forces on the suspension went higher. I wonder if it was bushing compliance in conjunction with insufficient suspenders. I have springs on order already so I'm interested to see what influence that has on the overall feel at the limit. Now just waiting on someone to release some decent shocks.

I was pleased with how well the seats held me in place. I never felt like I was struggling to stay in place behind the wheel. In fact I never thought about it once. Seamless is a good way to describe it. Some days I've regretted not getting the Recaros but after yesterday I'm fine with the stock premium seats. Plus I love my seat heaters. Lame I know.

The engine was more than enough for the road I was on. Could have easily overcooked every corner if that was my intention. I've had a hard time heel/toeing in this car until yesterday. If you're getting on the brakes hard enough the heel toe is nicely laid out. If you're just cruising and trying to heel/toe the brake pedal is too high. So thanks Ford for making it work in the situation where you appreciate it most.

So that's my observation after the first time I've really been able to push this car.

It should be noted that my plan has been to turn my S197 into a track car and DD this one. After yesterday though I really want to get this one on the track. Hmmmm. May be an 07' on the market soon if I don't come to my senses.

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[Wblv17]

So yesterday after work I was able to go on a short parkway and other winding roads drive. About a 60 mile trip during which I was able to really get a thorough test of the cars suspension.

For those unfamiliar I'm driving an EB with PP manual transmission.

First thing I noticed was how sedate the chassis is. Nice job Ford. I was really able to relax and just focus on the road and how the suspension handled it. Zero drama.

Not sure how accurate the accelerometer in the car is but my max to the right was .96g and to the left .91g. Based on the road layout and conditions it makes sense it was higher to the right. I was not expecting it to go that high especially considering how easy it was to get there.

First complaint, and really almost the only one, is that this car needs a matched set of springs and shocks when you're pushing it hard. I could feel the rear getting out of sync with the front near the limit. Wasn't unsettling but it definitely lowered the overall grip available. If felt almost as if the rear tires contact patch was changing in an undesirable way as the forces on the suspension went higher. I wonder if it was bushing compliance in conjunction with insufficient suspenders. I have springs on order already so I'm interested to see what influence that has on the overall feel at the limit. Now just waiting on someone to release some decent shocks.

I was pleased with how well the seats held me in place. I never felt like I was struggling to stay in place behind the wheel. In fact I never thought about it once. Seamless is a good way to describe it. Some days I've regretted not getting the Recaros but after yesterday I'm fine with the stock premium seats. Plus I love my seat heaters. Lame I know.

The engine was more than enough for the road I was on. Could have easily overcooked every corner if that was my intention. I've had a hard time heel/toeing in this car until yesterday. If you're getting on the brakes hard enough the heel toe is nicely laid out. If you're just cruising and trying to heel/toe the brake pedal is too high. So thanks Ford for making it work in the situation where you appreciate it most.

So that's my observation after the first time I've really been able to push this car.

It should be noted that my plan has been to turn my S197 into a track car and DD this one. After yesterday though I really want to get this one on the track. Hmmmm. May be an 07' on the market soon if I don't come to my senses.

Mine is .98G right and .92G left, interesting enough my 14,000 dollar curb hit didn't out register my best left turn G's. I'm still like WTF

 

[doulos4jc]

I've been waiting all winter long and 4500 basically straight line miles to see what this thing can really do. Ready to push mine too, nice write up.

 

[Wblv17]

I've been waiting all winter long and 4500 basically straight line miles to see what this thing can really do. Ready to push mine too, nice write up.

don't do on a back road without room. Trust me.

 

[doulos4jc]

don't do on a back road without room. Trust me.

I hear ya. Don't want to push it too hard not knowing where the limits are and without room for error.

 

[JimmyTwoTimes]

I was running winter tires until last weekend, and my accelerometer scores are 0.66-0.72 in all four direction, with driving as spirited as I'm ever going to get. Maybe it'll be higher on all-seasons.

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