Alan,
I've been working on a "sleeper" project for a couple of months (so
not much time for the track). Ever heard of a Subaru Impreza WRX STi V.5? I
bought an Impreza 2.5RS to replace my Corvette (believe it or not). I had a
hard time getting anyone to race me in it.
I'm driving up to Vancouver, B.C. to get the Impreza turbocharged and
all the other jazz (converted over to a Euro-spec market car). My truck's
taken on it's orginal "towing" duties (the reason I bought the R/T) now that
the season is warmer (tows two jet-skiis wonderfully I might add). It would
take me 4 times as much money to modify the Dakota as the Impreza($3500.00)
and run 13.0's (there are several Turbocharged Imprezas running that well
already). And to top it off, it can outhandle my Corvette (by a long shot)
with 17x7 wheels and 215/45-17 Toyo proxes T1's and an 18mm rear bar. Nothing
like 4 wheel drift around a corner at 60+ mph!
I could even spend $2500 and run 13.8's or so in the Subaru. It's
hard to beat 4-wheel drive, 2700 pound turbocharged car. It's just a toy..a
go-cart for the street. Better yet, only 2000 of them even exist....I've only
seen one in two years.
Without the use of nitrous, I didn't see any way of getting my Dakota
into the 13's without spending alot more money. Even guys with Blowers can't
seem to get deep into the 13's with their Dakotas. I like to be a realist.
The Dakota R/T is fast (as trucks go) but IMHO costly to run with the big
dogs. I say "enjoy whatever you drive!"
Do you ever go to the street races in Plano (Parker & Independence)?
I go out there and chit-chat (don't race much though) there are 3-4 Dakota
R/T's (including mine) out there every sat night. If you don't go to the
track every sat, you should come out and say hello.
I've run my truck three times, once at Texas Motorplex, Twice at
Alamo speedway (San Antonio). Best ET was a couple of 15.0's at 92 mph. Not
bad for a RC truck with only an air cleaner and exhaust system.
James Crone
Performance Engineering
9400-321-5865
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