FWIW ...
I can understand your glee and joy at taking curves and bends at speeds
higher than recommended because you have a car that can perform those feats
(given you know how to "drive" your LBC) . It is something that the North
American cars cannot handle as they are not built with the same low centre
of gravity for the most part and thus the stability and handling suffer.
However ....
I don't put my car through those paces beacause
1) It is a 25 year old car and I like to treat it with respect. You never
know (unless it is ALL new and replaced) where the weak points in the car
are. I suppose you can liken it to people as they age. Different parts wear
out quicker than others, but (for example) there is still nothing like
original equipment knees compared to surgically implanted ones to replace
the worn out joints ... ask my Dad!!
2) I would rather have my car working at a slower speed for many years than
push it to it's limit .. and die sooner.
Just MHO
Cheers,
Philip
1975 Spitfire 1500 - Blue
FM 32468U
--------------------------------------
From: "Jeff McNeal" <jmcneal@ohms.com>
Reply-To: "Jeff McNeal" <jmcneal@ohms.com>
Date: Sun, 4 Jun 2000 20:33:28 -0700
To: <spitfires@autox.team.net>
Subject: Gaining confidence / moral dilemma
Greetings all. I just completed an exhilerating early evening rip through
the backroads of Northern San Diego. Narrow, wo lane highways all the way;
barely any traffic in either direction; very little development; lots of
wide open spaces, hairpin turns, mountain roads, valley roads with oak tree
canopies above, the smell of grass, cows, jasmine, etc. (I definitely
preferred the jasmine). As I drive my car more, the more confidence I'm
gaining -- and the harder I push for performance. I was doing 40 MPH on 25
MPH curves, lots of downshifting, heel and toe, revving up to just a bit
past 5,000 RPM -- that sort of thing. Really, REALLY enjoying myself.
I arrived home feeling absolutely energized and relaxed at the same time.
Wonderful feeling. Now, I'm wondering if it's such a wise thing to do -- to
push a 33-year-old car so hard. It sure feels good -- but am I asking for
trouble? Whaddya think?
Best wishes,
Jeff in San Diego
'67 RHD Spitfire Mk3 aka "Mrs. Jones"
Jeff's Classic '67 Spitfire Mk3 site & Vintage Spitfire Webring
http://www.ohms.com/spitfire/spitfire.shtml
home of the NEW, (but STARVING FOR POSTS!!) Totally Triumph Auction
"By Triumph enthusiasts, for Triumph enthusiasts"
http://www.ohms.com/cgi-bin/TRauction.cgi
and... The Triumph Autos/Parts Wanted Listings
http://www.ohms.com/cgi-bin/TRwanted.cgi
....plus a few other surprises!
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