Went testing at a local road course this past Mon to do some testing with a couple new parts that consist of a torsion beam brace, and some chassis bracing to help stiffen it up. I was so impressed by the addition of the prototype parts that I couldn't believe it was the same car I was in, a few months ago, at this exact track. The car was unflappable no matter when I braked, or where I turned in. Mid corner adjustments were no problem either.
I had a buddy who has far more track experience than I(he's actually a test driver) get in the car for a few sessions and he was shocked at how well the car did. When I asked him what he thought, he praised the handling. He really liked it's ability to hold a line without the front washing out, and commented on how rock solid the chassis felt. He was wishing it had more power(very soon
), and that the brakes were more capable(working on that too).
One of the coolest things is that in my run group was a fellow with an NSX. Completely stock mind you, but still touted as one of the best handling cars ever built. Every session, I caught up to him, overtook him , and continued to put distance on him. After the fourth session, he asked "What in the hell is that, and what's done to it??" He was quite surprised to find out it was a Sonic.
In a later session, I had my buddy, who is 220lbs, in the car. We caught up to the NSX and started putting on the pressure. He tried to pick up the pace as we entered a decreasing radius right hander, but overcooked it and went off course as we dove to the inside and went past. The NSX was just a bit dusty and returned to the track to finish the session.
To be fair, I had also installed a set of the ZZP tubular lower control arms before this event. I had a customer who decided not to install them and sold them to me at a ridiculously low price. I'm certain the control arms were a contributing factor. They are BEEFY, and very high quality. The car does not squirm around under heavy breaking as it used to, which is a huge confidence booster on track, and turn in is more immediate. They are barely heavier than stock at 7lbs per corner, whereas the stock stamped arms are 6.8lb per corner, and the ride is only marginally effected. I even launched the car to see if they helped diminish wheel hop, and I'm pleased to say that they seem to have neutralized it. Very pleased with this product.
I'm hoping to have the beam brace and frame bracing ready to go soon. I'll keep everyone updated as progress continues.
I had a buddy who has far more track experience than I(he's actually a test driver) get in the car for a few sessions and he was shocked at how well the car did. When I asked him what he thought, he praised the handling. He really liked it's ability to hold a line without the front washing out, and commented on how rock solid the chassis felt. He was wishing it had more power(very soon
), and that the brakes were more capable(working on that too).One of the coolest things is that in my run group was a fellow with an NSX. Completely stock mind you, but still touted as one of the best handling cars ever built. Every session, I caught up to him, overtook him , and continued to put distance on him. After the fourth session, he asked "What in the hell is that, and what's done to it??" He was quite surprised to find out it was a Sonic.
In a later session, I had my buddy, who is 220lbs, in the car. We caught up to the NSX and started putting on the pressure. He tried to pick up the pace as we entered a decreasing radius right hander, but overcooked it and went off course as we dove to the inside and went past. The NSX was just a bit dusty and returned to the track to finish the session.
To be fair, I had also installed a set of the ZZP tubular lower control arms before this event. I had a customer who decided not to install them and sold them to me at a ridiculously low price. I'm certain the control arms were a contributing factor. They are BEEFY, and very high quality. The car does not squirm around under heavy breaking as it used to, which is a huge confidence booster on track, and turn in is more immediate. They are barely heavier than stock at 7lbs per corner, whereas the stock stamped arms are 6.8lb per corner, and the ride is only marginally effected. I even launched the car to see if they helped diminish wheel hop, and I'm pleased to say that they seem to have neutralized it. Very pleased with this product.
I'm hoping to have the beam brace and frame bracing ready to go soon. I'll keep everyone updated as progress continues.
