Driving observations

[ogrowup]

Got my FRS in Oct, sent it to PTuning in December, just wrapped up the mods and have been driving it a lot the last week or so... A few things I've noticed:

1.Although I've been driving cars with clutches for more than 40 years, I can't seem to get a good feel in first gear with that weird gas pedal. I have an ACT HDSS clutch and Flywheel, which really doesn't feel that much different than stock. I haven't stalled a car at a traffic light for a long as i can remember, but in the FRS, I've done it a bunch of times... I guess i'll get used to it soon.

2. This car feels small on the highway. And really low. I'm amazed at drivers who tailgate, pass really close and in general act like idiots in their Ford Annihilators. My other vehicle is a Dodge Promaster which has a 139" wheel base and is really tall, and no one messes with that. This thing, it's almost as if people can't see it... ( Asphalt color may be part of the issue).

3. I have a PTuning Stage 1 Turbo (325hp at the wheel) and PTuning catless headers and 3" turbo back exhaust. When I picked it up I could not believe how loud it was and how much drone there was between 3000-4000 rpm. I tried the Dynatech Vortex Insert Cones http://www.summitracing.com/parts/dtc-772-32520 and they made a significant difference. In addition, I installed RAAM Audio insulation in the spare tire compartment and the doors, and that made a huge difference. It's still loud as hell, but it's a good loud. The drone is almost completely gone...At 6500 rpm this thing is wailing with all kinds of great noise coming the turbo whistle and wastegate and the exhaust...
WaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEPSSSSSTTTT
Epic sound. A totally visceral experience.

4. Most modern cars have no Elvis. They're too quiet and too smooth.They are competent for sure, they just lack soul, kind of like listening to Musak covers of Jimi Hendrix in the supermarket. The FR-S is an insanely great car. I get up really early and blast around my favorite roads just for the joy of driving. Any db can buy a BMW, but it takes a crazy person to buy one of the things, tune the crap out of it, and have an absolute beast for less money.

[Teseo]

Welcome

[Agent 86]

Bought in October and already souped-up. Sounds like a real beast! Do you have a forum journal?

1.) I have about 30 years of experience driving manual. I haven't stalled it yet, but I find that I rev a little to high when taking off.

2.) Asphalt on asphalt. What was that bump in the road. The small size doesn't bother me as much as other driver's poor driving skills. There seems to be an overwhelming number of bad and aggressive drivers in the MD/DC/VA area. I also find that I have to be especially watchful as visibility to the left and right in this car is a challenge for me.

3.) I installed RAAM Mat in my Forester XT. Great product.

4.) "Musak covers of Jimi Hendrix"

[swarb]

Did you get your car tuned? Did you ever tune with the vortex cones before/after? I am wondering if it changed anything other than the sound levels.

[ogrowup]

Originally Posted by swarb

Did you get your car tuned? Did you ever tune with the vortex cones before/after? I am wondering if it changed anything other than the sound levels.

yes Dyno tuned by Ptuning- I will post build notes when i get a chance. No effect on the tune at all...it's a perforated cone that breaks up the airflow

[mav1178]

Adjust your brake pedals if you stall or otherwise overrev for routine launches from a standstill.

-alex

[Tenament05]

Have you tried the (mostly) free clutch adjustments/mods?

Try this one if you are indeed a clutch vet and want that biting point closer to the floor

Easy clutch pedal biting point adjustment DIY - http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8040

Try this one if you hate how vague the pedal feels

Ultra's Slave Cylinder swap DIY - http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=77390

Try this one if you want a firmer pedal

Clutch helper spring removal DIY - http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35621

[Deep Six]

Where did you place the cone(s)?

[ogrowup]

Originally Posted by Tenament05

Have you tried the (mostly) free clutch adjustments/mods?

Try this one if you are indeed a clutch vet and want that biting point closer to the floor

Easy clutch pedal biting point adjustment DIY - http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8040

Try this one if you hate how vague the pedal feels

Ultra's Slave Cylinder swap DIY - http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=77390

Try this one if you want a firmer pedal

Clutch helper spring removal DIY - http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35621

wow, this is great thank you- I will look into thsese

[ShawnsRedBRZ]

Originally Posted by ogrowup

This thing, it's almost as if people can't see it... ( Asphalt color may be part of the issue).

This actually is one of the reasons I bought a red one. I was tired of almost being hit all the time in my last car. The asphalt is sexy though.

I have noticed that other drivers tend to engage idiot mode when seeing a sports car.

[ogrowup]

I've never owned a car that is such a magnet for tards. Maybe because I'm practically sitting on the road, but it feels like people are passing me or riding my bumper super close. BTW I am NOT a slow driver which is even more disturbing. Maybe i should install the Tron Tape so I'm more visible. Or in the Top Gear style put a big orange flag on the roof that says Country Music is Rubbish, and Hillary for President

[babydriver]

Originally Posted by ogrowup

I've never owned a car that is such a magnet for tards. Maybe because I'm practically sitting on the road, but it feels like people are passing me or riding my bumper super close. BTW I am NOT a slow driver which is even more disturbing. Maybe i should install the Tron Tape so I'm more visible. Or in the Top Gear style put a big orange flag on the roof that says Country Music is Rubbish, and Hillary for President

If you did that in Texas, the monster pickups would run OVER you in demolition derby style.

[Defuser]

Originally Posted by ogrowup

I've never owned a car that is such a magnet for tards.

I had a guy in a Ford Focus ST circle speed matching, going in front, behind and all-around me while I was maintaining the same speed on the freeway. He had a huge sticker in his rear window that read "F*CK JDM". I ignored him.

I suspected the driver would be a teenager, but he looked to be in his late 20's with a full neck-beard. (Not even Canadian plates!)

[Scenic Driver]

Originally Posted by ogrowup

Or in the Top Gear style put a big orange flag on the roof that says Country Music is Rubbish, and Hillary for President

Watch the episode again, things didn't go very well for them when they did that