Oh it's been a bit since I updated! The 1LE turned over 4000 miles, and was part of it's first big car show at Rodgers annual Camaro event. It was a really fantastic turnout. I have to admit I wasn't sure what kind of demographic would be there; it was a pleasant surprise that pretty much everyone I talked to was very down to Earth and friendly. It was really great to get about 5 minutes with Al O. and pick his brain about some of the intricacies of the ABS and PTM calibrations. He's still skeptical that some of us are already heat-checking the brake rotors; so either the production iron isn't what they specified or we're harder on brakes than they test for. Given we're running high-mu track pads, I'm inclined to believe the latter.
Rodgers Chevrolet 2017 Camaro car show. by
Ryephile, on Flickr
Rodgers Chevrolet 2017 Camaro car show. by
Ryephile, on Flickr
And my car was way back in the "back 40" since I arrived a bit late.
Rodgers Chevrolet 2017 Camaro car show by
Ryephile, on Flickr
I also went back to Grattan, but this time with the Miata. I have fresh Hoosier R7's (225/45-15) for that car, and wanted to see how it would compare lap-time wise with the stock 1LE. On one hand, I set a personal best with the Miata, at 1:27.3. That's 3.2 seconds quicker than the NASA Spec Miata lap record!
On the other hand, it's 0.7 seconds slower than the 1LE.
So, to keep it all in perspective, the Miata has a power-to-weight of 8.5 pounds per HP, and the 1LE is 8.2, pretty similar. The datalogged end-of-straight speeds were 128 and 140 respectively, indicating a massive difference in power (260 vs. 455). Where the 1LE uses it's power, magic LSD and dampers to put power down cleanly, the Miata's main advantages are it doesn't have to slow as much for the corners, and it's brakes are also much better. Once the brake temps are improved on the 1LE and stickier tires are added, it'll decimate.
Something that's often overlooked, is the Miata is *much* more physical to drive. With sticky Hoosiers and a de-powered steering rack, it requires a significant amount of physical strength to turn the car. As an example, I let a long time good friend take the Miata out for a session, and as he reversed out of my paddock space, he said "the steering is stuck, it won't turn!". In fact, he didn't realize the steering needed *that* much effort, even with the tires rolling. To counter-point that, I keep the Camaro on "touring" steering, which is easy and light, and frees up the mental processing that's otherwise fairly distracted by physical exertion. After 5 sessions in one day with the Miata, I'm physically exhausted. After 5 sessions in the 1LE, I'm still fresh and ready for more....all while going quicker. It's really a testament to how incredible the 1LE is.
Grattan May 2017 by
Ryephile, on Flickr
Grattan May 2017 by
Ryephile, on Flickr
Cheers,
Ryan