Re: transition to faster cars (long)

[Ghsharp@xxxxxxx]

In a message dated 11/28/98 11:03:40 AM EST, Matt Meakin writes:

> Dave M. writes:
>  
>  << So my question to the digest is how?  How do I make the transition
>   from a quick car to one that is truly fast?  Everyone that drives a fast
>   car has had to make the transition at one time or another. 
>   Whether this was done before track experience (I think) can make a
>   difference.  In my case, I have done ~10 schools with the 318i.>>

and Matt wrote:
        <snip>
>  Well, the easy fix for taking the pitch and roll out of the M3 is to put an
>  aftermarket suspension on it. The _correct_ fix is to learn how to drive
the
>  car smooth with the existing set-up. After smoothness, speed will
>  come..........it always does!

Dave, I'll add a few things to Matt's comments.  I haven't seen anyone
suggest that there might be something amiss with the setup on your friend's
M3.  This might not be the primary cause of your problem, but it could 
certainly be a contributing factor.  Things like worn shocks or suspension
bushings, old springs, or even bad alignment could make the car a handful
for_anyone_to drive, let alone someone not familiar with an E30 M3.  Driving
or riding in another similar car with an experienced driver, or having another
experienced driver drive the car in question might be enlightening (just pick
a suitable place with no curbs <g>).  I don't recall if you mentioned the
mileage of the M3 you drove, but if the suspension_is_well-worn it could be
rolling enough to be hitting the bump stops in the rear in hard corners, and
applying the throttle at that point would likely produce an impressive amount
of oversteer.

then Dave wrote:
> 
>  <<Is my problem only self discipline?  Or can someone
>   give me some advice of making the transition.  It's time for me to move
>   on, the 318i (2.2L) is too slow and the next logical step is an E30 M3.
>   I'd hate to think that I can't handle the M-power. >>

And Matt replied:
>
>  I wouldn't necessarily say that self discipline is what is wrong. You just
>  have to get adjusted........it's not hard. With ten schools under your
belt,
>  you shouldn't have any trouble.

Let me add that lots of folks who start out autocrossing or racing in
relatively
underpowered cars get into a habit of using the throttle as if it were an
on/off
switch.  In a low HP/weight car, this is no big deal; in a higher HP/weight
car,
it can be a Very Bad Thing.  Learning to *squeeze* the throttle on AND off
under all circumstances is a very good habit to pick up, especially in a car
with more power.  And Matt is right about concentrating on smooth 
inputs; remember we're not talking about just the throttle here, we're talking
braking AND steering too.  An abrupt move in only of one those three can
produce bad car behavior, combinations can be really big trouble at speed.

And keep in mind that your 318i, because of lower power and therefore
lower cornering speeds at any given point on a track/course, will probably
tolerate somewhat more abrupt inputs without disastrous consequences than
will the faster M3.  The 318i is likely more forgiving of whatever driving
mistakes you may have been making than the M3 will ever be.

The first thing I would try to do is confirm that there isn't a handling
problem
with the car itself.  If that checks out, then the only thing left to do is,
as Matt
said, practice, practice, practice.

Good luck,
GH Sharp

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