Here's the deal. I purchased a 2008 GT back in November, 2007. Since that time, the car has remained completely stock, minus a set of Flowmaster 40 Series mufflers. Two weeks ago, I hit the 5000 mile mark and changed the oil (second time) w/ the Royal Purple treament and a K&N filter. Even before the oil change and at around the 5000 mile mark, the throttle response seemed to chang drastically. I assumed it was natural 'break-in' of the motor, plus computer changes to my air/fuel mixture based on my driving style; aggressive, but constantly ***** to the wall. This is even as the temperature in the area is actually getting warmer and by warmer, I mean hot (west Texas).

What has me completely and utterly baffled, is the (street[sm=smiley9.gif]) races I've been involved in and how I've been able to compete with a completely, otherwise, stock car. A month ago.. I'm not sure of the year model, but from a roll, I was able to stay a car length behind a late model Corvette. Two weeks ago, I was able to keep up with a 1997 Camaro SS and even pulled on him near the end. Last night.. and this is the hard one to swallow. Two races, both from a roll with a 2004, Screaming Yellow, Mustang Cobra. The first time, he punched first and I kept about 3/4 to 1/2 car length behind him and the second time; I punched first and he couldn't gain on me(!) What the f**k? Now I'm completely aware of the stock numbers for 2004 cast-iron, supercharge, 32V 4.6L.. mathmatically and technically, this isn't possible. When he pulled up to me at the light, the look on his face was complete disbelief; but mine was even more ridiculous. We just stared at each other with our mouth's open. The only thing I can think of is that it wasn't actually a 2004 Cobra and was a clone instead. However, from the emblems, to the bumper plate, to that unmistakble sound (didn't hear the SC), I can't explain it otherwise. Now he DID have a shaker hood.. which could indicate a 2004 Mach I, that was a Cobra clone, but why go to the trouble to have it painted Screaming Yellow?

As if I needed any further confirmation of possible mental illness, I was proved wrong again just today. From a roll, high in 2nd gear, (he was 3/4 car length back and I punched first) pulled on a 2002 Collector's Edition (another yellow car!) Pontiac Trans Am Firebird.. uh, which I just discovered has a LS1 5.7L V8 churning out 325 horsepower at 350 lb-ft. of torque.

I haven't taken the car to the track yet, as I wanted to wait for my CAI/Intake to come in later this month.. but hell, maybe I should check my times before I put it on. It would be easy to call BS on some of my claims, but I honestly don't know how else to explain them. Unless, I just have a hot engine from the factory! Sorry for the long rant and rave, but I'm just chuffed at the performance results I've been getting and the behavior of the motor after the 5000 mile mark. I'll post E/T's here once I get them. This could all actually be a very coincidental... but if it's not. WHOPPEEEEE!

 

It would be interesting to see what stock times you run at the track.
Manufacturing toleranceswill vary the power output of identical engines. I've seen dyno sheets that run from 255to 280 whp formanual S197 GT's(autos are slightly less).
BTW, no S/C whine and a shaker hood reveal the true identity of that 04 "Cobra".

 

Wow, 280 would be wild for a stock block. Even so, that still doesn't calculate with some of my experiences. I'm with you on assuming the Cobra was a 'clone' or a Cobra w/ the S/C removed. Even so, the experience today with the 2002 Trans AM and that LS1 certainly has my curiousity peaked. He should have 25-30 more hp than me and up to 80-90 more ft. lbs. of torque. Even from a roll and being a little behind me, it should have pulled and passed me before 100 mph.

The Vette, the Cobra(?), and the Trans Am were all yellow. I mean, who the hell not only buys a yellow car, but three out of four of my race were with yellow cars.. I feel like I'm in some bizarre movie.

 

Those 5.7L Cow-maros and FireFairies should be parked in the grass so the can feed. Even the Camaro SS ran 13.6 stock, so a regular f-body (Camaro or Firebird) should get smoked by a S197 Stang. A bone-stock 5-speed GT runs 13.5 quarters, so I'm not surprised you spanked them. The Cobra was probably a clone. Real Cobras that year not only had more power, but we almost 150 lbs. lighter than an S197 GT.

I raced a 6.0L GTO when I first got my car and it was bone stock. He got in front of me at the take off, but by the time I was half-way through 3rd gear, I was lifting my foot off the throttle and hitting it again to avoid driving into his trunk. I was not impressed by the GTO; and any f-body that has stepped to me has gone home crying to mommy.

Still haven't raced a Vette......I don't think I'm ready for that just yet.

 

Never underestimate a S197!

 

Not trying to be a thread stealer! But Rugedraw, your limer looks amazing! Are you on the legend lime registry? If not you should definitely join, its a great community with a lot of experience flyin around devoted to LL's. Lot's of great guys on there too. Okay, I'm done, thanks for listening.

 

+1

 

Where in West Texas are you?

I see a yellow collectors Trans around here all the time...

 

Sometimes a new car leaves the assembly line and by chance everthing is "just right" and it is faster than it is supposed to be. Maybe you have one. In 87I bought a new Dodge "CS" Daytona.This wasbasically a stripped down Shelby Daytona turbo. I bought itbecause It was much cheaper than the Mustang Gt that I really wanted. Anyway, the thing was a ringer. I smoked my buddy who got around the same time a 5.0 LX hatch. After swapping to 3.55 gears, CAI, bumping up the timing and changing the exhaust he was able to get me by bout two car lengths in a race to 100. Year later dodge came out with an intercooled version of my car with I think like 30 more horsepower. So another friend of mine went and bought one. You guessed it .My car was faster. Onlyexplanation I have for my car is the factory boost gauge showed about 2 pounds moreboost than it was supposed to have. Never did any mods.

 

Very true......some cars come off of the assembly line a little better than the next. Maybe you got one of those.....I had a '90 Mustang LX 5.0 that with nothing but a K&N and some FlowMasters; that car punished many Stangs out there that had a lot more done to it.......

By the way, thanks for the comments on my ride.....I'm a check out that Legend Lime website right now........the color is what made me fall for her.