Chuckdoc & Bruce0146 ~ Thanks guys. Drove 150 miles through a foot of snow ( the Pacific Northwest got hit big time overnight and this AM ) to see #112 in Anacortes, WA at Frontier Ford. ( the NEW Saleen White F150 in the Show Room is not bad either !!! and they have 6 2006 Saleens on sale at or near Dealer Invoice if anybody wants one ) First impressions, WOW, WOW, WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!UNREAL. Great Job Steve Saleen !!! Hats off to you and Parnelli Jones. What a Car !!! The Muscle Car is really back in town. Sorry new Shelby GT500 guys, move over, this is the Cats Meow. The SOUND, the SOUND, the SOUND !!!!!!!!!!!! Closest thing I've heard to the Shelby 427 AC Cobra S/C I drove one of those beauties. The car carrier should be delivering my PJ at High Noon tomorrow, weather pending ( going down to 18 or 20 here overnight ) but it should be clear and sunny with a high of 28. So, no rocket rides yet but she will be ready to go when I get back from the dessert at the end of the month. Photos then if I can figure out how to do that.
Ahhh.........I like to pop into this thread every now and then and slap on a good coat of jealousy. One of you HAS to get a video or audio file of the exhaust note on that PJ.
Either way, once again....nice ride. It's gonna be a sweet spring for you guys.
Hi all, Well, Tulsa is under a few inches of ice so I thought I'd post up a ride report. With almost 1000 miles into the break-in, I have a better feel for the handling of this car. First, let me say I haven't had it on a road course yet - stress the word yet, because that's what its going to take to explore the edge of handling for this car in any safe condition. There's a little back-road near my house and the Port of Catoosa that I often take my -motorcycles on. I'm use to the road and it's not busy during mid-day so I decided to tool around on it a bit to get the feel of the PJ. I'm use to a lighter front-wheel drive car (97 Prelude) which I've autocrossed for years, so I know the feel of exploring a vehicles limits. Also my CBR1000 and Honda 919 have been on the road many times, so I'm pretty knowledgeable about the curves and cambers of this particular stretch. It takes a LOT more concentration riding this road on a speedbike than driving it.
First impressions - I can go a LOT faster and be nowhere near what I feel is 'the edge' of handling for this car. The avg speed in my prelude (which I'm totally comfortable with) was around mid 40's in the curves and up to mid 50s in the straights with noticeable understeer and loss of grip in negative camber or hill crest areas. The PJ feels alot more nimble, and closer to what I'm use to on my motorcycles while on the same stretch. I'm in NO way comparing a 3k plus pound vehicle to a 400 lb cycle, but the cornering and handling is there - in spades. With all the talk about no IRS on the S197 platform, It just isn't an issue for this car. The Watt's link made the car feel planted, even in areas where I was just daring the back end to lose stability. The ride, which seemed harsh on highway bumps, feels right at home in the twisties. The front end is planted and turn-in is a joy - actually forcing my body against the heavily bolstered bucket seats (good thing they're like that!)
I maintained a higher avg corner speed and had no trouble transferring torque in the straights in third gear without having to go past 5k rpms anywhere. I'm sure I'd push it more given a closed course situation, but there wasn't a need - much like I feel when I'm on my motorcycle. I could go just fast enough to have an awesome ride and not push safety to the edge.
Did I mention the braking? These huge front Saleen disks allow cornering deep into the turn without a concern. Let's just say that for this first time out, this car outdid my meager driving abilities. Much like I'd feel with a super model when she says, "Is that all?" - while I'm hosing myself down with GatorAid... lol. Take that last image however you'd like. I need to take this thing to Hallett this spring!
Congrats to all Saleen owners and lovers out there. I'm likely preaching to the choir when I say this is an awesome ride.
Chuckdoc
< Message edited by Chuckdoc -- 1/15/2007 5:10:26 PM >
Hi all, Well, Tulsa is under a few inches of ice so I thought I'd post up a ride report. With almost 1000 miles into the break-in, I have a better feel for the handling of this car. First, let me say I haven't had it on a road course yet - stress the word yet, because that's what its going to take to explore the edge of handling for this car in any safe condition. There's a little back-road near my house and the Port of Catoosa that I often take my -motorcycles on. I'm use to the road and it's not busy during mid-day so I decided to tool around on it a bit to get the feel of the PJ. I'm use to a lighter front-wheel drive car (97 Prelude) which I've autocrossed for years, so I know the feel of exploring a vehicles limits. Also my CBR1000 and Honda 919 have been on the road many times, so I'm pretty knowledgeable about the curves and cambers of this particular stretch. It takes a LOT more concentration riding this road on a speedbike than driving it.
First impressions - I can go a LOT faster and be nowhere near what I feel is 'the edge' of handling for this car. The avg speed in my prelude (which I'm totally comfortable with) was around mid 40's in the curves and up to mid 50s in the straights with noticeable understeer and loss of grip in negative camber or hill crest areas. The PJ feels alot more nimble, and closer to what I'm use to on my motorcycles while on the same stretch. I'm in NO way comparing a 3k plus pound vehicle to a 400 lb cycle, but the cornering and handling is there - in spades. With all the talk about no IRS on the S197 platform, It just isn't an issue for this car. The Watt's link made the car feel planted, even in areas where I was just daring the back end to lose stability. The ride, which seemed harsh on highway bumps, feels right at home in the twisties. The front end is planted and turn-in is a joy - actually forcing my body against the heavily bolstered bucket seats (good thing they're like that!)
I maintained a higher avg corner speed and had no trouble transferring torque in the straights in third gear without having to go past 5k rpms anywhere. I'm sure I'd push it more given a closed course situation, but there wasn't a need - much like I feel when I'm on my motorcycle. I could go just fast enough to have an awesome ride and not push safety to the edge.
Did I mention the braking? These huge front Saleen disks allow cornering deep into the turn without a concern. Let's just say that for this first time out, this car outdid my meager driving abilities. Much like I'd feel with a super model when she says, "Is that all?" - while I'm hosing myself down with GatorAid... lol. Take that last image however you'd like. I need to take this thing to Hallett this spring!
Congrats to all Saleen owners and lovers out there. I'm likely preaching to the choir when I say this is an awesome ride.
Chuckdoc
Sweet review. I can only hope to get my car close those cornering capabilities once everything is done. And then I'm still short on the bigger brakes........that'll have to wait. Wish I knew someone around here that was taking possession of a new PJ.....I'd settle for just being given a spirited ride in one after reading this. Just the kind of car enthusiasts want........uncomprising performance.
Chuck, Chuck, Chuck - Picked up my PJ on the way home from the airport last night. Drove her home in a driving rain storm here in Vancouver. Got home, washed and dried her. Can't go on as I'm up to my ass in work after being away for 2 weeks. Sunny here tomorrow and a riding we will go. The drive home was 35 miles and all I can say is LOOK OUT after the Break-In period is over. This car leaves me SPEACHLESS !!!
after months of waiting, finally got my pj in last week #038 better than i had anticipated. typical saleen--no way to open the trunk unless you use the key fob i hope i never lose the fob, or my fob goes dead. another biggy--do not drive these with the static "15"--they blow right off the car bottom line--very impressive !!! sam 05 gt(40)--------#1451 06 extreme------#003 (bought back by saleen(lemon) 07 parnelli jones--#038 etc--etc--etc
got these from saleen while #038 was being built i have every picture for every step of its birth sam 05 gt(40)--------#1451 06 extreme------#003 (bought back by saleen(lemon) 07 parnelli jones--#038 etc--etc--etc
Posts: 2746
Joined: 6/8/2006 From: SF Bay Area Status: offline
quote:
ORIGINAL: Chuckdoc
Hi all, Well, Tulsa is under a few inches of ice so I thought I'd post up a ride report. With almost 1000 miles into the break-in, I have a better feel for the handling of this car. First, let me say I haven't had it on a road course yet - stress the word yet, because that's what its going to take to explore the edge of handling for this car in any safe condition. There's a little back-road near my house and the Port of Catoosa that I often take my -motorcycles on. I'm use to the road and it's not busy during mid-day so I decided to tool around on it a bit to get the feel of the PJ. I'm use to a lighter front-wheel drive car (97 Prelude) which I've autocrossed for years, so I know the feel of exploring a vehicles limits. Also my CBR1000 and Honda 919 have been on the road many times, so I'm pretty knowledgeable about the curves and cambers of this particular stretch. It takes a LOT more concentration riding this road on a speedbike than driving it.
First impressions - I can go a LOT faster and be nowhere near what I feel is 'the edge' of handling for this car. The avg speed in my prelude (which I'm totally comfortable with) was around mid 40's in the curves and up to mid 50s in the straights with noticeable understeer and loss of grip in negative camber or hill crest areas. The PJ feels alot more nimble, and closer to what I'm use to on my motorcycles while on the same stretch. I'm in NO way comparing a 3k plus pound vehicle to a 400 lb cycle, but the cornering and handling is there - in spades. With all the talk about no IRS on the S197 platform, It just isn't an issue for this car. The Watt's link made the car feel planted, even in areas where I was just daring the back end to lose stability. The ride, which seemed harsh on highway bumps, feels right at home in the twisties. The front end is planted and turn-in is a joy - actually forcing my body against the heavily bolstered bucket seats (good thing they're like that!)
I maintained a higher avg corner speed and had no trouble transferring torque in the straights in third gear without having to go past 5k rpms anywhere. I'm sure I'd push it more given a closed course situation, but there wasn't a need - much like I feel when I'm on my motorcycle. I could go just fast enough to have an awesome ride and not push safety to the edge.
Did I mention the braking? These huge front Saleen disks allow cornering deep into the turn without a concern. Let's just say that for this first time out, this car outdid my meager driving abilities. Much like I'd feel with a super model when she says, "Is that all?" - while I'm hosing myself down with GatorAid... lol. Take that last image however you'd like. I need to take this thing to Hallett this spring!
Congrats to all Saleen owners and lovers out there. I'm likely preaching to the choir when I say this is an awesome ride.
Chuckdoc
Ok, Chuck. Can you type this a little S-L-O-W-E-R please? and can everybody else leave, I need to be alone!
thx chuck she is in hibernation now until the spring everytime i walk into the garage my face cracks from smiling in the ice cold weather--lol good luck with yours as well
Chuck ~ My PJ saw the sun in Vancouver for the first time today and off we went a riding. Gas station 1st stop, 3 guys all over the car. First stop light two young guys who would normally be into Jap. Drifter Cars, he dude, what model of Mustang is that ? Parnelli. What does it cost ?, Lots. What's the HP, 400. WOW ! First Cop did a double take. First Mustang GT driving down the street stopped in the middle of the street, double take + . Close friend dropped over whith his new Grey Porsche S4, we spent al the time looking at the PJ, there's a dozen Grey Porches within 10 blocks of me. No big deal any more. My garage door is getting worn out from showing the PJ to eveyone on the block. The weekend will be sunny with 500 miles in sight by next weekend. NICE CAR, eh !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sam, I am right outside Newport, Rhode Island. Looks like our PJ were pretty close in the production line. I bought my PJ through a dealer in MI and it arrived on at my door on 12/2. When did you get yours?
_____________________________
Bruce '03 Thunderbird Torch Red '05 Thunderbird Inca Gold 1 of 82 '07 Saleen / Parnelli Jones 302 Mustang #39
rhode island--not bad we will have to get something going this year for a get together one of my other buddies in my gt(40) club should be getting his pj sometime in march. i ordered mine in oct met with steve saleen and he convinced me to buy it--hehehe i should have had it back in dec, but i ended up going after saleen for my lemon 06 #003 extreme with 800 miles. that seemed to hold up all the works. when we finally came to agreements, the saleen left irvine and got stuck in colorado(snow storms) for 3 weeks. long and short, the peice of junk extreme is owned by them again and my #038 in in my garage, since last saturday.
Nice Pic Edge! I see you went with the Frosted Grabber Orange option!!
Let's see some pics Kenardo!!
Go to www.photobucket.com and register for free - upload pics from your computer to the site, then come back and insert thm using the direct link method explained at the photobucket site.
Chuck ~ Thanks for the Photo assist. I will be taking pics this weekend as the sun is here to stay on the Canadian Riviera. Went a crusin the afternoon, heads a turnin. I haven't had tis many looks since 1970 when I used to take my 55 Candy Apple Red T-Bird Show Car for a cruse. I'm lovin this beauty more and more each day. Even the wife likes it with the numbers on no less and the daughter is begging for a ride to University on Monday.
Printable Version
RE: PART II (pics) - 
. One of you HAS to get a video or audio file of the exhaust note on that PJ. 
RE: Ride Update - 
