Z/28 at Thunderhill 5-Mile

[ZL1-V]

That is such an important point about braking effectively and being relaxed and not having to brace yourself. I myself have removed the stock seats hence no more side airbags. I too was concerned about the side impact. I then started to recall all of the accidents I responded on in the 29 years of being a Firefighter/Paramedic and realized how many were before airbags and the types of injuries they received. The airbags do help with protecting your head, however your upper torso (where your ribs, heart, and lungs all reside) can and will suffer damage, at times serious damage. Let's not leave out lower extremities being crushed. Not anti airbag just bringing up a point. Did you know they were developed in the late 1960's?

[brt3]

Originally Posted by ZL1-V

That is such an important point about braking effectively and being relaxed and not having to brace yourself. I myself have removed the stock seats hence no more side airbags. I too was concerned about the side impact. I then started to recall all of the accidents I responded on in the 29 years of being a Firefighter/Paramedic and realized how many were before airbags and the types of injuries they received. The airbags do help with protecting your head, however your upper torso (where your ribs, heart, and lungs all reside) can and will suffer damage, at times serious damage. Let's not leave out lower extremities being crushed. Not anti airbag just bringing up a point. Did you know they were developed in the late 1960's?

Agreed. I've always thought about leg injuries; at 6'7" I've owned many cars where my folded-up legs meant my knees were practically touching the dashboard. Any severe crash in that situation would have been nasty. I guess it's logical to prioritize brain and vital organs, and there's only so much that can be done. Since I would prefer cars that are lighter, I am far from being a "Safety Nazi".

The first airbag patents were in the 1950s, but they couldn't come up with a system that would inflate quickly enough -- so it took 20 years to come up with a reliable system that actually delivered. Even then, I remember a lot of controversy surrounding the early airbag systems...

[90503]

The seat and harness won't happen for me....I can't stay strapped to the back of the seat, my knees on/near the dash, and still reach the steering wheel comfortably...

....The stock belt at least lets me get up on the steering wheel somewhat....

I'm 6'3" and have resigned to having the stock set-up be as good as it gets...

...Just not enough head-room, leg-room to be harnessed in and also up on the steering wheel....

[brt3]

Originally Posted by 90503

The seat and harness won't happen for me....I can't stay strapped to the back of the seat, my knees on/near the dash, and still reach the steering wheel comfortably...

....The stock belt at least lets me get up on the steering wheel somewhat....

I'm 6'3" and have resigned to having the stock set-up be as good as it gets...

...Just not enough head-room, leg-room to be harnessed in and also up on the steering wheel....

That's a good point. I wish the steering wheel would telescope an additional 1-2 inches, as I have to move my seat forward to not drive straight-armed. This really compromises my legroom, and makes the pedal work a little more awkward.

FWP (First World Problem), but definitely on the list for "Things They Should Fix in Generation Six"...

[90503]

Just for fun...

http://www.imsa.com/camera/sportscar...che=1401455047

[brt3]

Originally Posted by 90503

Just for fun...

http://www.imsa.com/camera/sportscar...che=1401455047

Ouch. Tough ending...

[90503]

Originally Posted by brt3

Ouch. Tough ending...

Ouch for sure...lol....oh well, get 'em next year.....

[brt3]

Originally Posted by 90503

Ouch for sure...lol....oh well, get 'em next year.....

I realize we're OT, but does anyone know how much reward weight the Z/28 was carrying? I assume they imposed something to even out the field...

[camarolover2]

I have a 2013 zl1 that ive been road coursing for about 6 months just learning. ive been considering trading it in on a 2014 z 28. ive drag raced for years but really fallen in love with this type of racing. what u said about a dance is so true. what are your thoughts on my decision thanks

[brt3]

Originally Posted by camarolover2

I have a 2013 zl1 that ive been road coursing for about 6 months just learning. ive been considering trading it in on a 2014 z 28. ive drag raced for years but really fallen in love with this type of racing. what u said about a dance is so true. what are your thoughts on my decision thanks

I would encourage you to drive a Z/28 and, if tracking it on road circuits is really what you want to do, trade for it. The ZL1 does a great job on a road course, but the Z/28 was purpose-built for the job. It's the right tool for the job, if:

1. You really have the jones for tracking the car
2. You don't care about the relative discomfort of the Z/28, as compared to the ZL1
3. You can afford to make the trade, and also afford the running costs of frequent tracking...

[camarolover2]

thank you brt3, good info. I will take in all in to help me make my decision.

[Bobbyrage14SS]

Awesome video, loved how you chased them all down

[brt3]

Originally Posted by Bobbyrage14SS

Awesome video, loved how you chased them all down

Thanks. I'm getting the hang of that track and starting to have fun. I still don't have it all figured out -- for that you have to watch the videos Werks posted of his Z06. Those guys are much closer to the edges of the envelope, whereas I'm still learning the limits of the car and the track...

[Jdeastty]

Nice videos, glad to see you enjoying the car as it was intended