Perceptions of Speed

[Ross]

It's funny how I think differently about speed now than I used to. I've never owned a really fast car before, so the idea of going 100 MPH was something that would rarely enter my mind. Now, when I punch the gas from 60 MPH trying to pass someone, I can hit 100 without thinking much about it. Don't get me wrong, we should never take speed lightly, and we should always realize the potential consequences of speed, but it's so easy to get used to the fact that the speed is right there when I want it. Kind of changes your mindset and perception of what is fast and what is normal.

[merc406]

Kinda like the difference of a 10 second car and a 12 second one, I hear yeah :up:

[Fourth Horseman]

I notice it a lot when going up a freeway on ramp. You don't even have to punch it that hard, really. It's impressive what just a 3000 - 3500 RPM acceleration will do.

[BillyGman]

I know what you mean........when I was just a "little shaver" I had an 11 sec motorcycle for a few years. It was real fun to ride. But because it was like having my own roller coaster, it became an adrenaline rush every single time I got on the thing. I found myself driving it more and more crazy every single time I got on it. Until one day, my skin made contact w/the pavement(NOT fun).

Fortunately I lived to tell about it. But it shouldn't have taken that for me to wake up and realize that I was out of control and that I needed a reality check. So I try to remember that when I drive my Marauder, or my Vette. When I had that motorcycle, I was 23 years old, and had a lot to learn. I still have things to learn, but now that I'm 42, I'm a bit more temperate. Sure, I still like the adrenaline rush, and I still do get a bit crazy sometimes, but it isn't a constant thing, and I don't take the extreme risks while I'm behind the wheel that I used to.

My point is, that most people who buy a car like the Marauder are NOT going to drive slow all the time. But just how crazy you get, and how often you do is something that you need to take a good look at. I know that I do.

[ParkRanger]

Ross:

I agree with you 100% and share the same feelings. The key is making sure your driving skills match your new mindset.

Ride easy

PR

:cool:

[TripleTransAm]

Very interesting thread... I agree 100%.

The 1985 Parisienne I loved so dearly had some good get-up-and-go for a large car, mostly because its 305 4Bbl was a Canadian issued non-PCM engine. Due to the whole line pressure story as well as engine braking in town, I tried to keep the tranny in 'D' around town and during acceleration (ie. 1st, 2nd, 3rd gear only). However, once I got to 60-65 mph and wanted to cease all acceleration, I'd slip it into OD and 4th gear would engage. The car had a factory vacuum gage on the dash, labelled as "Fuel Economy". You could play with the throttle for about 75% of its travel, watching the gage flip from MAX to MIN, and there would be NO notable change in acceleration. For years, 65 mph was pretty much the speed ceiling for me.

Then came my GTA... the first couple of runs up to highway speeds (60-65mph), I'd keep it in 3rd until I reached a steady highway speed, then snick the shifter into OD. WHOA... big surprise! The car would immediately begin accelerating, with no extra throttle opening than what was required for cruising in 3rd! Surely a combination of the Tuned Port Injection induction system's tuning... all of a sudden, it seemed the 65 mph limit was lifted.

Same with the MM... no perceived limit to crusing speed! :up:

[TAF]

It's funny how I think differently about speed now than I used to. I've never owned a really fast car before, so the idea of going 100 MPH was something that would rarely enter my mind. Now, when I punch the gas from 60 MPH trying to pass someone, I can hit 100 without thinking much about it. Don't get me wrong, we should never take speed lightly, and we should always realize the potential consequences of speed, but it's so easy to get used to the fact that the speed is right there when I want it. Kind of changes your mindset and perception of what is fast and what is normal.
This is precisely why THIS thread is important...
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=7601&highlight=brake+upgrade

[Fourth Horseman]

This is precisely why THIS thread is important...
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=7601&highlight=brake+upgrade

Yup, I don't even have a S/C, but I'd love a brake upgrade. I'm just waiting for a kit that replaces rear as well as front. Is there some technical reason why larger rotors couldn't be put on the rear as well as front? I know they don't do anywhere near the work the fronts do, but it'd be nice to have more meat back there.

[TAF]

Yup, I don't even have a S/C, but I'd love a brake upgrade. I'm just waiting for a kit that replaces rear as well as front. Is there some technical reason why larger rotors couldn't be put on the rear as well as front? I know they don't do anywhere near the work the fronts do, but it'd be nice to have more meat back there.The Baer system replaces both the front and rear rotors. Just...there are only front calipers and you re-use the stock rears.