Got whooped by an Acura Integra

[HEMI_RT]

I was on my way to my brothers house from downtown San Antonio this evening and some guy in a white Acura Integra pulls up next to me on the highway trying to get me to race him. We were doing about 65-70 when we both hit it and he slowly started to pull away. Once we hit about 85-90 I realized that I had already lost. From what I could see this car was stock but then again you never know. He didn't even have a fart can muffler... I am so sad. :o Where are all of the after-market parts?

[MagnumFreak]

They are slowly but surely starting to come out. Look for an explosion of stuff after SEMA later this year.

[pyssed]

I don't see how a vehicle that runs 0-60 in under 6 seconds would lose to a stock Integra.

[ProfeZZor X]

I agree with Pyssed.... That wouldn't make sense for you to lose so easily... unless you really weren't trying hard enough. Although, I also have a heavily modded Nissan 300zx twin turbo for weekends, and I smoke American muscle all the time. His could have been a sleeper and you just didn't know it.

[HIDRAM]

Maybe it was a 94 Type R weights omost nothing and very fast

[MAGGY]

when you stepped on the gas, did your car downshift, or just speed up from the current gear? Did you have it in D or 3? I have realized the when these cars are in D, they are basically in "econo" mode and a downshift needed for racing either rarely comes, or doesnt at all. These 5 speed auto's drive like they have overdrive, overdrive. I think it needs re-gearing if speed is the need. I am now getting into the habit of autosticking down to 3 when around town or not concerned with gas mileage. sometimes 4, but D is for highway cruising. I got into it with a lx 5.0 yesterday in 3 and my powerband was right where i needed it to pull away from him. True, the Acura could have been a total sleeper, or like HID said a type R.

*seperate topic* HID, what kit do you have on your truck, and do you have any pictures? thanks

[magnuman]

I've noticed that if I nail my RT at 65> it doesn't downshift to second, only to third, and doesn't pull nearly as hard. I'll bet if you started at 60< it would have been a different story. I also know that some of those rice burners hp real well and have a great power to weight ratio.
Even if it was faster, bet he can't put as much stuff in the back as you can, or be as comfortable and quiet riding. Ha!

[MagnumFreak]

Definitely use the autostick. Whenever you get ready to race grab the shifter and hold it to the left. The computer won't let the engine over rev by dropping into a gear that is too low. But it will drop down low enough to get you into the power band needed to pull away.

[HEMI_RT]

Maybe it was a 94 Type R weights omost nothing and very fastI am pretty sure that it was a type R (it had the emblem). I don't think he had any turbo/supercharger/nos since he didn't beat me that bad.


I've noticed that if I nail my RT at 65> it doesn't downshift to second, only to third, and doesn't pull nearly as hard. I'll bet if you started at 60< it would have been a different story.!This is exaclty what happened. I was playing with it today and noticed the same thing.


Definitely use the autostick. Whenever you get ready to race grab the shifter and hold it to the left. The computer won't let the engine over rev by dropping into a gear that is too low. But it will drop down low enough to get you into the power band needed to pull away.I was wondering about this. Thanks for the tip :rck:

I also forgot to mention that I had four adults in the car last night. One of them was really drunk and was making horse sounds in the back seat. Another one (my wife) was in the passengers seat telling me to slow down.

Thanks for the support :

[WumpscuT]

there's nothing worse than a nagging wife telling you to slow down... don't they know that we have to do this.... its in our blood.... we don't complain about their shoe fetishes, so they shouldn't be complaing about our need to race... Coņo...

[kuwhip]

if i got smoked by a stock (naturally aspirated) 4 banger...i wouldn't be able to live with myself. i'd go straight to the shop and get some serious mods...when r they gonna come out with some more performance upgrades!?!?!?! cant they see we have no business gettin smoked by acura integras?

[Tzar007]

I am pretty sure that it was a type R (it had the emblem). I don't think he had any turbo/supercharger/nos since he didn't beat me that bad.


This is exaclty what happened. I was playing with it today and noticed the same thing.


I was wondering about this. Thanks for the tip :rck:

I also forgot to mention that I had four adults in the car last night. One of them was really drunk and was making horse sounds in the back seat. Another one (my wife) was in the passengers seat telling me to slow down.

Thanks for the support :

You had 4 passengers in the car !!!! Man, this was the problem :)

Instead of weighing 4000 lbs, you were probably closer to 5000 lbs, especially if you had some stuff in the trunk. The Type R are around 2500 lbs if I am correct. That's a huge difference ! The Hemi is damn good, but still, you have to give it a fair chance and not overload it, especially since the Magnum is already bulky enough :)

My current Honda Prelude has basically the same engine has the Integra Type R, and believe me, the third gear on these small but high-revving screamers pulls strongly on the highway. He could also have had some sleeper mods under the hood. These days, the "rice burners" are not the pity econoboxes they used to be and some of them can smoke much more powerful cars on a regular basis.

Don't be ashamed of having been left behind. If you would have been alone in the car, you would at least have hold up to him or even pass him slightly (although over 130 MPH, he would have overtaken you because of the damn limiter).

[Honest Al]

Sounds like nothing that 100 shot couldn't cure.

[HEMI_RT]

Sounds like nothing that 100 shot couldn't cure.I would love to put in some NOS but I want to keep my waranty as long as I can. Does anyone know if it is possible to reprogram(once someone figures it out) the chip without killing the warranty?

[kuwhip]

whats a safe nos setup that would not require any other mods? i'm thinkin a single 50 hp (dry EFI manifold) would work. any opinions?

[Honest Al]

whats a safe nos setup that would not require any other mods? i'm thinkin a single 50 hp (dry EFI manifold) would work. any opinions?
A dry NOS system will require the stock injectors to provide the additional fuel, not sure how you are going to do that until someone comes out with a kit specific to this car. I was thinking of a universal wet kit that could be removed easily for any warrantee work.

[WumpscuT]

You're right, with a dry NOS kit the stock injectors provide the additional fuel. The oxygen sensor picks up the additional oxygen reading and then it tells the injectors to apply more fuel in... and if set up correctly, it should work fine even with the mds system. the NOS should only be used under WOT (wide open throttle), and during WOT the engine is using all 8 cylinders. However, i recommend that you wait for someone to come up with a kit specifically for this engine to ensure that all the components of the engine can take the pressure... it may be very possible that you'll have injectors which can not supply enough fuel, or that the piston rods are easily bent, or whatever... just give it some time and let someone else experiment first... learn from their mistakes...

[MSCH2112]

when i drive my girlfriend's parent's audi A6, i can blow away a hemi no problem.

mike

[kuwhip]

i agree to wait for someone else to do the experimenting before installing any type of kit. however, from my understanding, the r/t runs real rich especially at WOT. thats why i was thinking that a low hp jet might work without any fuel delivery enhancements.

[Honest Al]

You're right, with a dry NOS kit the stock injectors provide the additional fuel. The oxygen sensor picks up the additional oxygen reading and then it tells the injectors to apply more fuel in... and if set up correctly, it should work fine even with the mds system. the NOS should only be used under WOT (wide open throttle), and during WOT the engine is using all 8 cylinders. However, i recommend that you wait for someone to come up with a kit specifically for this engine to ensure that all the components of the engine can take the pressure... it may be very possible that you'll have injectors which can not supply enough fuel, or that the piston rods are easily bent, or whatever... just give it some time and let someone else experiment first... learn from their mistakes...

By the time your O2 sensor reacts and supplies additional fuel your engine will be TOAST!! DO NOT TRY A DRY SYSTEM W/O FUEL ENRICHMENT!!

[WumpscuT]

there is also a pressure signal that goes to the pressure regulator to increase the fuel supply...

The engine will not be toast if you run a dry system, unless you lack self-control and you install an excessive jet size on a dry kit for an application that can't handle it. I've run dry and wet systems before on other fuel injected engines and i've never had a problem...

Without the proper installation and proper care, any engine will be "TOAST". The engines that end up getting blown up are typically from younger drivers who are too impulsive and they do half ass jobs in installing a setup. But a person who takes the time to READ and UNDERSTAND a proper setup will have little difficulties in their experiences...

Different dry kits use slightly different methods to increase the power on engines... but ALL OF THEM will work if they are done right.

And to be on the safer safe sife, you might want to get an Air/fuel Ratio Meter so you'll know exactly whats going on...

[Herb Jenssen]

Please tell me where you've seen that a Magnum goes 0 to 60 under 6 seconds!!

[mikespy]

Herb why don't you just trade in the damn magnum in since it bothers you so much. Don't take it the wrong way man, but all i have seen you do is complain about the car since you bought it. You are correct though in saying there are no official mags out that have it under 6 secs because no one has tested it yet. Although i do believe it will be under 6.2 like dodge states. I have no proof, but i did trade my 99 Trans Am in for it, and by just driving it, it feels around 5.8 to 6.2 ish.

[MagnumFreak]

Using an accelerometer I tested my car yesterday and achieved 0-60 times of 6.17 seconds. One run was actually less but I did not count it because the road was slightly downhill. Accelerometer showed 338 hp (calculated at the crank). Pretty close to factory stated performance results. Plan on using the accelerometer to test mods to see if they work or they are junk. I will post results as they become available.

[kuwhip]

where can i get one of these accelerometer thingys your talkin about? sounds like a good way to test stuff without a dyno!

[MagnumFreak]

The one that I am using is a Beltronics FX2. It stores the last 10 runs and you can download the results to a computer (with the optional link cable and software which doesn't cost much). Gtech also makes one. The best place to find the best price is a web site called pricegrabber. Click here (http://www.pricegrabber.com) to visit their site. Just type in accelerometer to find the beltronics. Paid about 160 with shipping. A whole lot cheaper than a dyno if you plan on testing a bunch. You have to enter the cars weight with you in it, calculate aerodynamic efficiency (easy to do they show you how) and a few other parameters then you are ready to go. Easy to use. Lots of fun.

[Herb Jenssen]

Mikespy, I did take it the wrong way!

I didn't see a complaint. I asked a question.

You can't handle the truth!!

It won't go under 6 seconds

Your right about me complaining and I'm not going to stop until this low life company called Daimler Chrysler has The common courtesy to answer a letter or return a phone call.

You can rant and rave about this company all you want but I don't have to.

Herb Jenssen
504-834-9206

[mikespy]

Personally i could give a shit if it takes 7 seconds to go from 0-60. I bought the magnum for the potential also. You did have a chance not to buy it when you test drove it. Now im afraid its too late. Bitching at others for what many believe is a good car is useless. Venting is ok, but it gets old real fast.

[kuwhip]

Please tell me where you've seen that a Magnum goes 0 to 60 under 6 seconds!!

not to get technical but ur statement above isn't a question. its a command. u forgot the ? mark :D. it also isnt a complaint for that matter.

the mags might not have posted a 0-60 under 6 seconds (factory), but u can't deny it has the potential for some serious numbers if one were so inclined to do the mods.

btw, im sorry to hear that ur having problems with daimler-chrysler. this is my first chrysler, i was pretty skeptical when purchasing it. i just hope i dont run into any problems with them down the line. i also had a disappointing experience at the service department today. i already vented about it on another forum and don't wanna get into it again...

[pyssed]

I'm not absolutely sure where I heard that but if the 300c runs 5.6 seconds 0-60 I would think the hemi equipped magnum wouldn't be that far behind. Not to mention I over heard some guys talking about a 300c at a dragstrip somewhere in Northern Georgia that ran a 13.6 completely stock in the quarter. I don't think a stock 4 banger is going to put that kind of numbers without the aid of some juice or a turbo.

[MagnumFreak]

I never saw anything from DC that stated the Magnum would do 0-60 in less than 6 seconds. Everything I have seen said 6.2 or low 6 second range. The new SRT-8 300 is only rated at low 5 second range with nearly 100 additional hp. You may have read data on the SRT-8 Magnum prototype which had much more hp than the production units.

It is obvious that Herb is dis-satisfied with his car. That's unfortunate but I don't care if you made the most perfect car in the world some people would not like it. The key is to find out what Herb wants that would make him a satisfied customer and if it is a reasonable request DC should step up and do it. The key is that it should be a reasonable request.

From what I am driving and testing the car has lived up to the claims I have seen DC make. 340 hp and 0-60 in about 6.2 seconds.

The potential of these cars is undeniable. It is up to us and the many aftermarket companies out there to fully realize what this wonderful car is capable of. I have been talking with an engineer that has worked on these cars and he says that with a few tweaks of the computer you can expect "massive" gains. Give it some time.

Herb... have you tried the accelerator calibration procedure that has been talked about on several forums?

[MagnumFreak]

I'm not absolutely sure where I heard that but if the 300c runs 5.6 seconds 0-60 I would think the hemi equipped magnum wouldn't be that far behind. Not to mention I over heard some guys talking about a 300c at a dragstrip somewhere in Northern Georgia that ran a 13.6 completely stock in the quarter. I don't think a stock 4 banger is going to put that kind of numbers without the aid of some juice or a turbo.

This is from the official press release for the 300. Listed below is the specifications for the 300C.

CHRYSLER 300C STANDARD FEATURES
In addition to Chrysler 300 Limited standard features (listed above), the 300C model adds:

ˇ 5.7-liter HEMIŽ V-8 engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStickŽ

ˇ Multi-displacement System (MDS)

ˇ 6.3-second 0-60 mph

ˇ 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels

ˇ Dual exhaust

ˇ Performance brakes

ˇ Premium leather interior trim

[Honest Al]

there is also a pressure signal that goes to the pressure regulator to increase the fuel supply...

The engine will not be toast if you run a dry system, unless you lack self-control and you install an excessive jet size on a dry kit for an application that can't handle it. I've run dry and wet systems before on other fuel injected engines and i've never had a problem...

Without the proper installation and proper care, any engine will be "TOAST". The engines that end up getting blown up are typically from younger drivers who are too impulsive and they do half ass jobs in installing a setup. But a person who takes the time to READ and UNDERSTAND a proper setup will have little difficulties in their experiences...

Different dry kits use slightly different methods to increase the power on engines... but ALL OF THEM will work if they are done right.

And to be on the safer safe sife, you might want to get an Air/fuel Ratio Meter so you'll know exactly whats going on...
and which dry system are you talking about? I said " do not run w/o fuel enrichment" If you think that you can get anything but melted aluminum W/O ADDITIONAL FUEL good luck

[pyssed]

I remember hearing on the TV 5.6 seconds being advertised.

[Moneh]

there's nothing worse than a nagging wife telling you to slow down... don't they know that we have to do this.... its in our blood.... we don't complain about their shoe fetishes, so they shouldn't be complaing about our need to race... Coņo...


theres plenty worse than a nagging wife. its called a nagging mother in your ear all the time sorta like mine grrrrrrr, thats why i love my Hemi Ram casue when she starts to bitch in my ear from the back seat i floor it and BAM she's right back into her seat without even relizing what happened lol. god i love all the power under my foot.

[Herb Jenssen]

Magnumfreak,
Thanks for the tip on the throttle calibration.
I haven't been up the Dodge forums in quite a while.
Let me clear a few things up. I DO NOT have a problem with the Magnum!
I enjoy driving the car. I've even given on my battle with the 0 to 60 issue.

My beef is I can't get anyone with any authority at DM to contact me.
I was told my vehicle had a tow package. It does not.
No, it wasn't on the sticker but I was lead to believe it came on the RT by the salesman and when I came up on the Dodge web site it has check marks on what the RT comes with and there was a check mark next to GVWR, Towing, suspension so I believed him.
When I found out different, I've been getting no communication from anyone at Dodge.

I have been to the vehicle commision and the dealer, Kentwood Auto Plaza, just won't talk to them.
I've sent certified letters to everyone concerned including The President of DM, Dieter Zetsche without any response.
I am now communicating with an attorney.

DM is by far, the worst company I've ever dealt with!

When a service manager tells you he can't work on your car because "Chrysler" told him not to, I think that says it all!
Herb
P.S. I've got a passport timer. I'll have to see if any gains are achieved with the calabration issue although when I finally got the car on a Star computer I was told everything was checked and found ok.

[Nerves]

Hey Hemi_rt did you by any chance have your a/c on when you tried to race that integra? Alot of people make the mistake of not turning it off when they race, ur a/c kills about 60% of ur torque.

[MyRT]

Hey Hemi_rt did you by any chance have your a/c on when you tried to race that integra? Alot of people make the mistake of not turning it off when they race, ur a/c kills about 60% of ur torque.

The A/C will shut off at WOT. 60%, that seems real high!

[Nerves]

It wont shut off, it just bogs down ur engine,

Go to a backroad, and from a complete stop nail the gas with your a/c off.
Then do the same thing with your a/c on. you'll notice it'll take you alot longer to get up to speed.

And 60% is a very rough guess, i'm sure it doesn't bog down that much, but I know you won't win any races with your airconditoner on

[MagnumFreak]

The pcm DOES shut off the ac under WOT. I would reference the service manual but I am at work. Most modern cars do this now to gain the extra HP. WOT is one of the modes the PCM operates under. In this mode it disables the ac clutch.

[Nerves]

Hmm I didn't know that. Guess you learn something new everyday

[MyRT]

Hmm I didn't know that. Guess you learn something new everyday

Thats one of the great benefits of the forums.

[kuwhip]

what is this accelerator recalibration ur talking about? am i missing out on something?

[WumpscuT]

and which dry system are you talking about? I said " do not run w/o fuel enrichment" If you think that you can get anything but melted aluminum W/O ADDITIONAL FUEL good luck


Honest Al, maybe i hit a nerve with you or something, but regardless, i never said you can get the nitrous to work without additional fuel....

the line that goes to the fuel pressure regulator provides the additional fuel needed in a dry kit....

dude, take a chill pill, and have a coke....relax, no ones attacking you. why do people always try to get so macho on these forums....

[magnum mak]

:drivingz: I raced a RX8 yesterday, He had nothig for the RT. Not saying he was slow but starting the race already rolling we were both able to get up to higher speeds very quickly. I ended the race with this Mazda about 3 to 4 car lengths behind me. I got to give the car props though, it was really fast. The bumble bee mufler had to go though. Thought I was racing a friggin under powered Civic.

[MagnumFreak]

what is this accelerator recalibration ur talking about? am i missing out on something?

I originally read about it on another forum. I haven't tested it myself, but here is the procedure along with some quotes from people who have done it. From what I understand the rate at which you press the gas pedal during this procedure determines the result. Better or worse:

- Turn on your key, wait for the lights to go out (on the dash)

- Press you throttle all the way down, just do it at a normal speed, dont stomp it, but dont baby it.

- Let it up, as soon as you touch bottom

- Turn off your ignition. crank it up and drive.

__________________________________

Here are some additional quotes from the posting:

i did it today and my throttle felt worse then normal.

after i drove it for a while i stopped and did it again. except i pressed the peddle down faster.

after i cranked it, it idle alot higher then normal and it was like i had a cable attached to the intake.

i drove for a sec and the idle came down to normal. but the throttle responce was awsome. it felt like a early/mid 90's chevy v8, if i breathed on the throttle it responded.

i bearly touched the gas to stay at 70. i loved it, so i figured i might do better. LOL so i stopped and did it again. except i moved it in and out 3 or so times, and when i started it, it idled normal, but i had to give it atleast half throttle to get moving, and if i stomped it, it ran like half throttle.

so i stopped and did it again, except like before (once down, kinda fast) and bam, it is back. feels like there is NO electronics.

AND MY TRANNY SHIFTS BETTER, downshifts ALOT faster, and hangs the gears longer then before. it also shifts a lil harder, it is actually noticeable.

on my way home, i have a stretch of road that i have marked off, it is around 1/4 mile.

from a guys drive way to a culvert.

before, i could run right at 97-98mph over and over and over. I even checked the overhead temp, before and after each run.

i did it tonight, checked the temp and it was about 12deg hotter then the previous times.

same stretch of road, i hit the speed limiter................i was like no way. so i turn around and do it 4 times.
same thing every time.

[MyRT]

Not to say it is not true but I find it hard to believe that this really does anything. It just does not make sense that they would have this as a way to adjust the throttle. I have tried it several times at different speeds and feel no difference in the response. Maybe it has something to do with the different software versions. Just another mystery in DC's programming.

[MagWagon]

The sad fact is that it will take some time for a parts bin for this car to develop.:grum:

If you look at the economics of it, the aftermarket needs to see how the car sells and what kind of interest there will be in performance parts. So far it is really all hipe because there just aren't that many owners yet.

I am sure there are things in the works right now, but they have to have a car to test it on! If I owned an aftermarket parts company I wouldn't release anything until DC got out of the backorder situation with the RT's.

Someone said wait for Sema and I agree. But since that is not even a month away I think it will be next year before we get any real options.

[inferno mag]

Has anyone gone light to light with a 5.0 yet? I tried to get one to go on an open stretch of highway and after 30seconds or so of riding beside him I realized he wasn't intersted so I nailed it and never saw him again..by the way I was already in 3rd got to get the rpms up Drive will get your doors blown in.

[rps232]

Audi A6 4.2 Quatro 0-60 6.9 1/4 in 15 at 96.2
Magnum 0-60 6.2 1/4 in 14.4 at 98.2

it could be all in the driver......

[sgbofav]

Originally Posted by WumpscuT
there's nothing worse than a nagging wife telling you to slow down... don't they know that we have to do this.... its in our blood.... we don't complain about their shoe fetishes, so they shouldn't be complaing about our need to race... Coņo...




theres plenty worse than a nagging wife. its called a nagging mother in your ear all the time sorta like mine grrrrrrr, thats why i love my Hemi Ram casue when she starts to bitch in my ear from the back seat i floor it and BAM she's right back into her seat without even relizing what happened lol. god i love all the power under my foot.

There is one thing worse than what you both described. It's living with yourselves after you kill an innocent family on the road, while driving like a reckless buffoon.

Try explaining to judge why you don't deserve "25 to life" for killing innocent people, because you wanted to prove your bravado on the streets.

Legal racetracks are the only place where you should be getting "kills".
__________________

[grinner]

sooo
smoked anybody lately, sgbofav?
I mean on a legal race track, of course.
Hit 128 yet?

[sgbofav]

sooo
smoked anybody lately, sgbofav?
I mean on a legal race track, of course.
Hit 128 yet?


I have never been on the track. once my titan finishes breaking in, I might take it to LA county Raceway and give it a try.

I have been up to 125 before once and only once about 7 years ago. Now that I have kids, I have become more conservative and don't drive like my old teenager self.

[w5blt]

there's nothing worse than a nagging wife telling you to slow down... don't they know that we have to do this.... its in our blood.... we don't complain about their shoe fetishes, so they shouldn't be complaing about our need to race... Coņo...

How true! But, we gotta keep peace in the tribe as best we can. On the other hand, sometimes, it's not like we have any control over the matter.

[BlanchMan]

sbgofav,

Will you cut with this "save the world" crap. This is the second time that I know that you've done this on this board.

This is generally an "enthusiasts" board. As such, people here like to enjoy their vehicle, however that may be. I haven't really read too much about people getting killed here yet.

Just getting into that car daily is probably the most dangerous thing you will ever do in your life. And it most likely has absolutely nothing to do with racing. It probably has alot more to do with people not paying attention to what they are doing. And, in a street race scenario, people definitely are paying attention to what they are doing !!

So lay off the sermonizing, and go out and enjoy your car. And, let others do the same....

[sgbofav]

sbgofav,

Will you cut with this "save the world" crap. This is the second time that I know that you've done this on this board.

This is generally an "enthusiasts" board. As such, people here like to enjoy their vehicle, however that may be. I haven't really read too much about people getting killed here yet.

http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=street+race+%2B+fatality&fr=FP-tab-web-t&toggle=1&ei=UTF-8

Just getting into that car daily is probably the most dangerous thing you will ever do in your life. And it most likely has absolutely nothing to do with racing. It probably has alot more to do with people not paying attention to what they are doing. And, in a street race scenario, people definitely are paying attention to what they are doing !!

So young drivers who are trying to prove there "in control" pay better attention and have more experience maintaining control of their vehicles at excess speeds? Thats absurd!

http://www.nhra.com/streetlegal/stats.html
ILLEGAL RACING STATS
Consider the following stats, compiled from a variety of national and state transportation agencies, and it's easy to see the answer is to take it to the track.

In 2001, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that police listed street racing as a factor in 135 fatal crashes. The total was up from 72 street-racing-related fatalities reported in 2000.
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, more than 800 citations for illegal street racing were issued in 2001.
In San Diego, where the street racing problem has been termed "epidemic," 16 deaths and 31 injuries were directly related to illegal street racing in 2001. The city's attorney's office prosecuted 147 illegal street racing cases in 1999, 161 in 2000, and 290 in 2001.
In Florida in 2001, 7,216 citations were issued for racing on the highway.
In 1999, the Florida Department of Highway and Safety for Motor Vehicles reported 28 accidents related to illegal street racing, with 2 fatalities and 27 injuries. In 2000, the agency reported 39 racing accidents, with 1 fatality and 55 injuries. In 2002, there were 48 racing accidents, 1 fatality, and 60 injuries.
According to the NHTSA, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 16 and 20.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says 5,749 teens died in the United States from motor vehicle crash injuries in 1999.
Nationwide statistics show that 49 people are injured for every 1,000 who participate in illegal street racing.
As a result, city and state ordinances have been issued regarding illegal street racing. Though laws vary, here are some penalties faced by street racers:


You can be arrested and have your car impounded for 30 days.
If convicted of street racing or aiding and abetting a street race, you can be imprisoned for up to three months and fined up to $1,000. Spectators are subject to penalties as well.
Your driver's license can be revoked.
Your car insurance may be cancelled or the rates dramatically increased.
Cars in and around illegal street races are often issued equipment violations.

Another site: http://www.keepingkidsalive.com/articles.html

The numbers don’t lie. Street racing is growing in popularity, and so is the death count.

In 2001, the number of fatal crashes as a result of street racing increased 87% according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).



I assume you have professional driver training (EVOC type training) to make such an assumption?

[BlanchMan]

Wow, looks like you've done your research. Alot more effort that I am willing to put out, but kudo's to you.

Alas, this diatribe is still not going to change anyone's driving style, you can take my word on that !!

I just don't see a way of changing the way the youth act. They have always acted this way since man was put on this earth, and will continue to do so for the future. Just try and reason with my 11-year old son, and you'll get a good example of why things are not going to change.

[sgbofav]

I was a crazy driver when I was a teen. Forunately, I had a grossly underpowered 4 cyl Ford Ranger that couldn't get out of it's own way. I didn't engage in many street races due to the crappy truck.

My stance on this issue has gotten stronger since I became a father. Hearing stories from Patrol Deputies (that I know) arriving on fatal wrecks (street race induced) where small kids were crushed in their car seats, has changed my way off thinking. I have more to worry about now and I don't want to get a phone call that my family was killed due to someone emulating "Too Fast and Too Furious".

Just my two cents.

[BlanchMan]

Well, I sympathize, that's for sure.

I grew up as a teenager with a 1969 Dodge SuperBee. (Yeap, i saved up and bought it!) This was not underpowered by any stretch of the imagination, for christ's sake, it didn't even come with seat-belts and had DRUM brakes!!!! And, it truly handled like crap, not even close to anything like todays cars. And you know, what you are saying is EXACTLY the same thing they said to me ! Did I stop, I think not.

I loved to street race with this machine. That was what we did on weekends. I don't recall anyone of my friends or acquaintances dying. That is truly remarkable! But, I survived. And, so do the majority of our nations youth, in spite of themselves.

It appears I'm as much oriented against doomsayers and pessimists as you are against illegal street racers. People will survive, and so will you, as long as your not in the wrong place at the wrong time, which is a VERY HIGH probability. Please don't buy into the media induced hysteria.

I'm not condoning illegal street-racing. I'm just not too sure what we can do about it.

Now, I do think I can do something about cell-phone usage while driving. I can vote on that, and get some common-sense legislation passed that will reduce this more serious problem with our driving public. I'm sure there are many more deaths per year attributed to cell-phone usage while driving that illegal street racing, but i don't know the facts.

[Badpenny]

All the preachin' in the world isn't going to change the way some people drive. I had a 1936 Cord back in the 40s and used to run it up to 120 just for the fun of it. Had one of the first 1955 V8 Corvettes and would open it up on the new So Cal Freeways in the days before they became parking lots. And yes, I'm that old and I still like to open up my Magnum RT when I get the chance. BUT I do not street race or challange anyone because I know the RT will smoke most of them anyway.

[sikpuppy]

Before I start, another little factoid. There are more people killed on our highways EACH YEAR than the total number of deaths from the Viet Nam War. What is the number one cause of vehicle deaths?? ALCOHOL related!!!!! NOT TESTS OF SPEED OR STREET RACING!!

Now,

Personally, I'm just sick and tired of people coming on the boards and trying to be "Joan of Arc" on the forum. That is NOT what this venue is for. Come on and give it a rest, stop trying to change the world, at least THIS world. I mean, your name ain't Jimminy Cricket (REALLY dating myself with that one! LOL)

Lighten up, relax, you'll live longer. With how you keep preaching to everyone on DodgeTalk, your blood pressure must be sky high and I would be more worried about having a heart attack, stroke, or aneurism than getting killed in an auto accident. Relax and enjoy life and relish in the fact that YOU are a safer driver than most but you will never be able to change the recklessness of youth, of which most of us here at DodgeTalk are not. So, just relax!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[sgbofav]

Before I start, another little factoid. There are more people killed on our highways EACH YEAR than the total number of deaths from the Viet Nam War. What is the number one cause of vehicle deaths?? ALCOHOL related!!!!! NOT TESTS OF SPEED OR STREET RACING!!

Now,

Personally, I'm just sick and tired of people coming on the boards and trying to be "Joan of Arc" on the forum. That is NOT what this venue is for.

It's the your your type of pervasive attitude that is what's wrong with the USA.

In the past, when someone screwed up, they heard about by their family and their neighbors. People where shamed for acting like fools. Now people are so used to living in a "if it feels good, who gives a S$%# what anyone else thinks" type of dreamworld. Now when a good samaritan calls someone else on their assanine behavior, they piss and moan about being called out.

Illegal street racing is dangerous, so are drunk drivers. I bet if someone typed a thread about how they drove home "plastered" someone would chime in about them being an idiot for driving drunk. It's no different, when I chime in about others bragging about driving like fools on the internet.



[quote]Lighten up, relax, you'll live longer. With how you keep preaching to everyone on DodgeTalk, your blood pressure must be sky high and I would be more worried about having a heart attack, stroke, or aneurism than getting killed in an auto accident. Relax and enjoy life and relish in the fact that YOU are a safer driver than most but you will never be able to change the recklessness of youth, of which most of us here at DodgeTalk are not. So, just relax!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You have got me all wrong, my blood pressure never once rose up when I post on these threads. I don't lose any sleep about it either. I'm very calm and collective when I type my posts.

I call a Spade a Spade though when I see someone bragging about their illegal activities.

[grinner]

tell me about your flowmaster/catback setup, sgbofav.
Cool sound?
See a difference in hp?
overall, how happy are ya with it?

[sgbofav]

tell me about your flowmaster/catback setup, sgbofav.
Cool sound?
See a difference in hp?
overall, how happy are ya with it?

Well I never dynoed before and after, so I can't tell you there was, or was not HP and torque differences. I can say that the truck was much louder. When I hit the gas, it makes a nice roar. My mileage may have gone up a little bit, provided I keep my foot out of gas peddle. I have no complaints about the combo.

[MikeEast]

So, if I pulled up to a deserted country intersection, 4 way stop, the only thing within 150' is an old gas station (1920's?) that is now a knick-knack yuppie store, closed for the weekend, a barn (empty) about 300' off another corner, a pasture on the right hand side, both corners, and if I grinned evilly and pressed the 'ESP' buttone once, lighting the dash indicator, powerbraked it a bit to put the drivetrain under tension and holding a bit of brake, ROASTED it, and left 100' or better of twin trails of rubber before letting it have it's head for 3-4 seconds and backing down and then turning around to go look..

Would that make me a bad person? Should I seek therapy for my nefarious outburst of wasted resources (and possible startling a cow or two)?

This car rocks, and to -not- try out it's capabilities, or use them on certain given occasions is just wasteful. I bought this thing to -use-, not to drive meekly about saving gas and letting 'safely done' challenges go unanswered.

With a few minor tweaks (CAI, Borla, Eibach 1.6") this thing will be pretty much what I've always thought would be cool.

A Muscular Wagon, with some Attitude... I just love it..

Here's what a 'oops' in reverse looks like on cement :-)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v619/MikeEast/P1010120-oops.jpg

Mike
"Be who you are, say what you feel, because the people who mind don't matter, and the people who matter don't mind. - (Dr. Suess)

[flhthemi]

I see your second? car is a Monte Carlo....The wife has a 2003 Victory Red. Hung a real nice silver 1/4" underlined in black 1/16 down the side of hers to bust up that big chunck of red....looks a lot more better with the stripe.

[MikeEast]

Actually, that's Linette's car, a 2003 Monte Carlo SS, she loves that car - a very capable road car, once you get it moving.

the Magnum is ~400 lbs heavier (~3700-~4100) and has 140 more horsepower - (~200 - ~340) Sweeet!

How about a picture of two of your Monte with the stripes? Think the forum-police would slap your hand?

My 'other' vehicle is the 96 Dodge Ram 2500 Conversion Van, with only 3 seats in it now. It's my 'covered pickup truck'. 3.9L V6 K&N-n-flowmaster 40.

Mike
"Grow Up? What For?"

[grinner]

Yer driveway looks familiar. Mine are still black though.
man, it's fun to drive aint it?