送交者: PhonyDoctorPhD 于 2005-6-13, 13:28:22:
Road cars, though are *capable* of going high
speed at rare occassions, are not suitable to
running high speed at extended period of time.
There are many components that need upgrade
for a "sporty" road car, even if one wants to
run as amateurs on the track. These included
brakes, tires, and aero-dynamic (rear spoilers,
side skirts, under-car air flow directors, etc.).
Without them, yes, you can let your car go
120mph for several minutes, but after just a
few turns in just one or two laps, your tire will
be without usable threads, your brakes will be
burning/fading to have zero stopping power, and your
car will be flying like a hubble-craft.
Plus, most engines are better kept reving at
around 3000rpm, many have around 6000-7000rpm
red-line. Some, like Honda 2000, have higher rpm
red-line. You don't want to run your car red-line
for two long. Please remember, your car can
"tolerate" running highspeed, but definitely not
"built-for" such high stress.
Lastly, street car's lubrication system is not
built for high speed, high G either. If you
cut a corner with 90mph+, many of the components
are deprived of oils.
On the other hand, car built for enduring
high speed may not be comfortable and/or
practical enough for street. BMW once build
with the legendary Mclaren F1 racing team a car
called "Mclaren F1" with a "recommended" speed
of 120mph. A Texas rich guy bought one but
had the engine damaged by overheating because
the car was kept running at "low speed" (70mph)
for too long (not enough air-flow:) Beast like
these are born to be wild.
Of course, some street cars are closer to high
speed machines to another. That's why you
pay good money for machines such as Ferrari,
Porsche, and Corvette. However, even with the high
end racer type machines, it still takes a skilled
driver with the right upgrades to make your
car suitable for the speed of the track.
If you want a real life experience, take your
car to some of the "track day" events. Many
tracks around America (such as Indy-500 in Indiana)
has open track days. Run your ordinary Civic
or Camry against some rich kid's modified
Porsche, then you can tell what's so difference
about the design of cars.