POLL: For how many has LBA180?
 

The forum's motto is "Life Begins at 180 mph", but how many have actually "lived" it? If you have an interesting story to go along with your experience, please post it after you vote in the poll, so you can receive some accolades from your peers . . . :notworthy

I've done it once racing a viper. There just arn't enough good roads around here to do it more than once

guess, I'll go first (btw, this is my all time favorite topic since becoming a members of the ZR-1 Net 10 years ago) . . .

Not only did I go 180 but I did so with dear ol' Mom along for the ride!!!

We did it in a virtually stock 1990 ZR-1 on a lonely rural highway in the Sin State of Nevada. Had a lot of running room, no other cars to worry about and plenty of straight and level pavement to make the attempt. Plenty of cops around but none interested in pulling us over (or able to catch us) and extend an invitation to spend the night in jail. [-X

We had plenty of motivation . . . a cooler full of brewskies, and an in-car camera rolling just for subsequent bragging rights.

I believe the magic number came up about 8 miles into the attempt at about 5000 feet with high desert all around in the cool of a Sunday morn on a nice piece of highway approaching a long straight called the Battle Mountain Gold well known by many for similar perfectly legal speed trials.

Pedal to the metal as we ever so slowly continued to accelerate fast and fast - while still in 6th gear - the ZR-1 did her absolute best to not run out of breathe and rise to the challenge.

The adrenaline was already flowing when "1-7-0" first appeared . . . then "1 7 5" a few moment later. Mom was even starting to stir having been calm as a cucumber up to this point, seemingly half awake. To remind him of what has happening I shouted out the speedo's incremental changes as we sped onward.

As we came out of the hills and leveled off just before the longest of straights we both knew this was the car, the time and the place that does legends make. "1-7-7" . . . "1-7-8" . . . would we run out of straight before seeing the most revered and exhaulted number of all possible numbers in a street legal C4 Corvettte?

Just as I thought we had reached the beginning of the end just two measly miles per hour from seeing the beginning of new life, as if to be willed to go just a bit faster, to our mutual amazement . . . SHAZAM!!! We had finally broken the barrier and arrived to the moment of pure ZR-1 owners' ecstacy . . .

1 8 0 miraculously appeared as I shouted out to MOM as loud as I could, who by this time was fully awaken and noticeably excited.

The movement of glory that all ZR-1 owners seemingly aspire to had been fully achieved and duly witnessed by none other than MOM himself!!!

Mom took it in stride and promptly commeratted the ocassion by officially declaring . . .

It's Miller Time ! ! !


Epilogue: After this sterling achievement and friends had gathered all around, I remember the in-car camera that Mom had set up beforehand, but oddly, Mom did not proudly proclaimed "I got it on VIDEO!" Hum, why would he be reluctant to relive the moment on film in front of all the children? If this post has held your interest this long, I think I'll let Mom finish the story, or perhaps I merely dreamed or imagined this whole story and as we all know Mom will never lie to her children. :hal: :wave: :cheers:

Only been 160 once with my son. :o Worst thing I ever did. 1 year later we found a good deal on a 95 LT1 so I helped him get it. Lasted 3 months and he got a ticket @ 113 did not get to drive for the next year and I sold the Vette. at least he did not hurt anyone or himself, now he drives a Honda :wink:

If I go fast now its just me :mrgreen:

Not sure I'm ready to try those speeds just yet. Of course here in Ohio there aren't enough long straights on the highway with no traffic to try that. I can only imagine the adrenaline rush!!

:worship:

The story you told about your son makes perfect sense. In a way, everything we do and say in front of children is a life lesson, good or bad. If you show him something you think is fun, he will at some level assume that is what he could and should do. Even if you do something like yell at someone who has cut you off, he will probably be inclined to do the same. Obviously you going very fast under the right conditions with your experience and skill is different than your teenage son doing the same, but they dont think that way.

I had a very bad habit of doing something dangerous and didn't even think twice about it. Then one day when I was questioning myself as to why I did it so often, it dawned on me that I remember my father doing it when I was a small boy. When I was doing it, it wasnt as if I had a concience thought that it was ok because he did it. As a matter of fact, until I sat myself down to figure it out, I had actually forgotten that I witnessed him doing it as a small child.

So for all the parents out there, you set the example for your children, and if you have a passion for fast cars, be careful in what you show them because as our stories point out, it can come back to haunt you.

:cheers:

Good Point Z-factor
 

I remember my Dad's stories about going 145 in a Jag on the Kansas Turnpike. And I remember him driving his BMW's in a spirited way. Never did he go triple digits with me in the car ever though. I still got that need 4 speed thing but I can not blame the old man 4 it! After all his fav. passions were golf and sailing! LOLOL I must have just developed the speed thing on my own. Usually when I showing off the ZR-1's performance to friends I shut her down at 100mph. Never have I have a complaint if fact they acted relieved that I didn't go any faster (esp. da wife)! JIMO :nono: :nono: :nono:

I took my cousin for a ride in the Z just before he left for Okinawa in the Marines. We turned onto an entrance ramp and I hammered it up to about 105mph (barked the tires in second hehe). He really really liked it, although I think he was relieved when we slowed down even though he had a HUGE smile on his face. Of course, I did too. :D

I never got up to 180, however I did get up to 162 mph once. I was caughting up to traffic so I had to get off it. That was a couple of years ago, and I never really had enough road to try it agian.

Now about 6 months ago I blew out my front tire going 110 MPH. I got lucky and only damaged the rim along with the tire. At that speed it is not fun when the tire blows. Lucky for me I was on a straight away and had plenty of room to slow down with out hitting the brakes. So now I am a little gun shy and have only taken it up to 120 MPH.

I've had mine a whopping 2 weeks and have yet to drive it. Finally found insurance today as a matter of fact. The prior owner had it 180 with stock gearing, and with the 4.09's saw 160. I'm looking forward to running it down the track soon and at least porting the heads and intake to get "a little more". Haven't really hammered it yet, just ran through the first few gears during my test drive. Felt good, but there's plenty more power in this thing waiting to be unleashed!

LBA 180
 

Had my opportunity recently to join the LBA 180 club... it was a blast ! Captured on video for the fun time that it was... It is most exhilarating when you come to a blind curve in the road and keep the pedal to the metal... :D
Looking forward to doing it again !

Damn...the most I've ever gone is a paltry 126 @ Pocono.

I'll turn in my power key at the desk.
:redface:

I'll turn in my power key at the desk also. Where I live in metro NYC there aren't many places & besides I can't conceive of speeds like that & the skill required. I've only had mine road ready since April 28, 05 but I took our VP's advise on pratical ways to blow out the junk. Thanks Ron! I use steep hills on local highways...111mph came so quick I almost had a seizure...2nd gear and no where near the shift light!!! These cars are too quick for production cars!

I got a laugh when I was driving to BG & I was coasting up hill on the PA pike doing 90+. I was thinking... Jeeze, I'm doing 90 uphill & traffic is going backwards & the guy in the M3 can't even keep up every time I nail it in 4th. These cars are amazing to me, but then I'm a rookie owner.

I think when I get the cash driving school is the first mod for me! The car needs no help!!!

too much fun 4 tt
 

good to see your having so much fun with the new zr-1 there tt!!! 7k rpm's is addicting isn't it? glad to see u posting here tt

Update...played with the Viper club @ Pocono yesterday.

145 mph on the Long Pond straight. :D

Wow, is all I can say to the guys that have been well into the three digits!
I'm not being too forward if I ask if driving school was on your list?

Hi Bryan! Yes in my own way I'm having way too much fun with my Z!! :mrgreen: Go on every cruise I can over at CF with the Northeast guys. You just gotta imagine what 20 or more vettes look like going thru a small town. People stop & stare! We got 40+ doing a run tomorrow. :thumbsup:

Tom

Yes, I've been to a couple DE and car control sessions.

I have a driving school in my future. Just haven't had the time yet.

Re: POLL: For how many has LBA180?
 

My tale is not about Life Begins at 180. Mine begins with the sight of a new Black Itilan Stallion bearing down on me while I was taking a Sunday cruise North on I-15 between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, where I live. A young blond male, with his hat turned backwards, pulled up along side and motioned me by pointing down the road a reving his 12 piston engine. I was in 6th gear at the time and knew I could not do a thing, until my shifting hand found 3rd gear. Well, as all 405 Hp ZR owners know that is the magic gear. When I pushed the pedal to the metal I heard the Black Beauty looking for a gear to match. The next thing I know I'm back in 5th gear and Italy's best is no where to be seen. I think he took an off ramp so he would'nt have to face me any time in the future.

Re: POLL: For how many has LBA180?
 

Good one Ed way to show the pretty boy the way to the exit ramp! LOL

Re: POLL: For how many has LBA180?
 

It's not just 405 hp cars that love third gear.......[-X

Re: POLL: For how many has LBA180?
 

Never got near 180. We don't have those kind of roads in NJ. However, I did get my 93' 40th ZR1 up to 144 on the interstate going through WV on our way to Bowling Green in 1999.

That road in WV is a blast to drive on. I don't think they have cops in WV. I think its I-78 or I-79. Lots of straight aways with no traffic, even some mild bends that make it interesting.

Re: POLL: For how many has LBA180?
 

Taxi, we are lucky out west. In Nevada we have two long distance supervised road races. They are really individual attempts to hold a pre set speed, say 150MPH for a distance of say 30 miles, and the winner is the one who averages his or her pre selected speed. It starts at 100 and goes up to 180. They have had some pretty mean crashes in the 150 to 180 bracket. Most because of tire failure.

Re: POLL: For how many has LBA180?
 

140mph on I-95 with a neighbor. It got there QUICK!!!!! He was bragging about his old Cutlass he used to race back in the 80's. Gave him a "ride" in the Z and afterwords asked him if this was faster than the Cutlass. After he got the perma-grin off of his face, he stated, "I need a beer. I've got to get me one of these...how much did you say you paid for this?" nuff said.

Re: POLL: For how many has LBA180?
 

Being a newbie to the Registry, I though I would share my story. I picked up my Z in Salt Lake City on May 6th. On the way home I hit 127 in Utah. When I hit the border and was in Idaho I let her rip one more time. I was in 4th gear and this baby was pulling HARD, Not sure what RPM's it was at but I smelled clutch so I stuck it in 5th gear and slowed. The GPS had registered 132 as a high speed for that run. I was headed for 150 that day but didn't want to screw the clutch up and be towed home. I don't know about 180 (maybe under the right situaton), but I defintely see 150 in my future someday.

'91 #458 Red/Black Stock except for K & N Filter/Open Cover
(the K&N was not on the car this day)
John Boyd
Nampa Idaho

Re: POLL: For how many has LBA180?
 

Looks like your living up to your name there Mr. "Hammer Down"...I like your plate!

Here is a photo of the "Snake Skinner ZR-1" FYI.....

http://www.hashmarks.com/photos/gath...s/zr1_wing.JPG

Re: POLL: For how many has LBA180?
 

Thanks for the kind words and the great picture. Anymore pictures out there on the net of this car? I thought quite awhile and that plate was the only one I came up with and I just had to have it. I had to wait a month and wasn't even sure if I would get it or not.
Later

Re: POLL: For how many has LBA180?
 

Well I do know of another SS....meet the zr-1 ss vette from HELL

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/1052/zr1hell21od.jpg

with a "black widow" LT-5 this was the "street skinner" aka: ZR-1 SS.....

General Information
Price: $--,---
Miles Per Gallon: --/-- mpg
Curb Weight: ---- lbs
Layout: Front-Engine/RWD
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual

Engine
Type: V-8 DOHC
Displacement: 5.7L
Horsepower: 475 bhp @ ---- rpm
Torque: --- lb-ft @ ---- rpm
Redline: ---- rpm

Performance
0-60 mph: 3.6 sec
0-100 mph: 7.8 sec
Quarter Mile: 11.8 sec @ 123 mph
Skidpad: 1.05g
Top Speed: 190 mph est.
Braking, 60-0 mph: -- ft
Slalom Speed: --.- mph

note that performance was done with Goodyear Eagle GS-CS
tires


Here is the link to a zrwon post who owns a ss and is a member here...

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...8&postcount=15

and here is a post of him on this forum here...

http://www.zr1netregistry.com/forum/...ead.php?t=1466

and here is the article...

http://zr1netregistry.com/ZR1-SS.html

and some more comments

http://www.zr1netregistry.com/forum/...6&postcount=70

hope this gets you up to speed!!

Re: POLL: For how many has LBA180?
 

As much as I'd love to join the club, I can't say I've even come close. Still riding on the original Goodyear skins. Just can't trust tires that old at speed.

Re: POLL: For how many has LBA180?
 

HOLY CRAPPERS U STILL GOT ORIG RUBBER!!! WOW

http://www.rma.org/images/tire_safet...de_diagram.gif

http://www.goodyearaviation.com/img/radiaply.jpg

RADIAL ABOVE

http://www.goodyearaviation.com/img/biasply.jpg

THIS ONE IS A BIAS PLY

http://www.wasp-wwii.org/wasp/images/wwii/tire.jpg

Re: POLL: For how many has LBA180?
 

time to put new tires on that car and DRIVE IT

Re: POLL: For how many has LBA180?
 

eh... not a ZR1 but still a vette.... 160..... the L98 didn't have it in her to go even 161.... lol.... but there was a story to it... lets say Texas to Georgia with an average speed well above the posted limit.... 155-160 most of the way.... not stupid enough to do it again tho...

Re: POLL: For how many has LBA180?
 

did 180 at BBORR 2002. The same year Curtis W. went over 200 mph in his 100k+ mile 1991 Z. :D
BTW, we were both DQ'd.

The pic in my avatar was taken seconds before I hit the magic number...

Re: POLL: For how many has LBA180?
 

I can see 17? in the avitar pic...a bit small to see clearly! How did you hold the camera steady at that speed???

http://www.dustygroove.com/images/pr...isspe_102b.jpg

http://www.clubdicecasino.com/adv2/n...peedometer.JPG

http://www.info.com.ph/~philbert/speedometer.JPG

The new Silva Ski Speedometer is the only product available to measure ground speed and distance for skiers and other snow sport enthusiasts. Its multi-purpose radar sensor is accurate for cross country and downhill skiing. The equipment can be worn as a wrist watch. A lanyard and a carabiner is included to give maximum flexibility. The device will go on sale in January.

Features of the new Speedometer:

• Speed

• Distance

• Heart rate (with optional monitor)

• Wireless coded RF transmission between sensor and receiver (watch)

• 3 speed modes (Downhill, Cross Country, Nordic)

• Calorie counter (Cross Country only)

• Time: second, minute, 12/24 hour, day, date, month, year settings

• Versatile removable strap system allows use as a watch, carabiner or on a lanyard

• Average ground speed (mph/kmh), maximum speed, pace (min per mile), distance (miles), total distance, trip (elapsed) time

• Backlight with 3 second delay

• Alternate time zone setting

• 2 alarms

• Lap counter

• 3 independent timers with alarm

• Stopwatch: intermediate or lap time measurements;

• 50 record storage capacity

•Water resistant: up to 30ft/10m

http://www.gizmowatch.com/images/r_ski_speedometer.jpg

www.gizmowatch.com/.../

Re: POLL: For how many has LBA180?
 

I'd stay away from high speed with older tires just to be safe. That said, if you want to keep the originals for resale/collector sake, then you can buy a separate set of tires and/or rims to do your regular cruising it.

:cheers:

Re: POLL: For how many has LBA180?
 

150+ leading a pack of Vettes one Sunday morning in the rolling hills of VA:eusa_shhh Plenty left in the car just not enough road and driver to take it any higher[-X

Re: POLL: For how many has LBA180?
 

Yes we like the "LEADING A PACK OF VETTES" part! :cheers:

Re: POLL: For how many has LBA180?
 

I DRIVE 55 !!

Re: POLL: For how many has LBA180?
 

You must not like Sammy Hagar then!

http://www.dma.org/~doogie/sammy55.gif

http://www.signguy.com/SEMA/afa0.jpeg

http://www.signguy.com/AAA%20KT%20PAGE/gt40wt.jpg

Re: POLL: For how many has LBA180?
 

130mph....around here, there's too much traffic, neighborhoods, etc. Some years back I did 165 in my stock LT1, in a place more suitable for this duty.....I haven't had the opportunity to take the Z there...yet:mrgreen: