Lonestar High Speed Handling

mark peterson · #1 (**permalink**) 09-02-2003, 01:43 PM

Any one out there have problems with speed over 100MPH and the handling. It feels like the front end gets very light and the steering is not tight. I have a Lonestar with the 351W and the competition frame and standard coil over shocks. I know these cars are not very aero dynamic, but I have read posts from other Lonestar owners that hit 143 MPH.

Someone told me to add some weight to the front end.
I am running Goodyears 7.5" front and 9" rear with a currie 9" rear end.

Thanks, Mark

Clois Harlan · #2 (**permalink**) 09-02-2003, 02:05 PM

Mark,

Post some Pics of your car on flat ground. How tight is your suspension? What is your weight distribution? Are you running a front sway bar and if so how thick is it?

I have a friend that has had his Lone Star well over 125 because I was following him on the track and hitting about 130 on the straight -a-ways.

Clois

flipper35 · #3 (**permalink**) 09-02-2003, 03:20 PM

Mine was solid as a rock at speed until I changed the ride height. I had it re-aligned because it was slightly toed-out after raising the front and it is back to stable. If you are getting front end lift you may be going from a slight toe-in to a slight toe-out. Something easy enough to check.

mark peterson · #4 (**permalink**) 09-03-2003, 08:25 AM

Weight distribution has not been checked. How do you do this? with scales. Shocks are set at medium. I think. No front sway bar. I will send you some pics via email later. too big for clubcobra website.

Excaliber · #5 (**permalink**) 09-04-2003, 10:28 AM

Resize to 640X480 and post in your gallery, which accepts much bigger pics than a thread.

Ernie

mark peterson · #6 (**permalink**) 09-12-2003, 10:41 AM

Feedback from Lonestar is that the back end gets light and starts to rise up at higher speeds. Also, do not take your foot off the gas and try to slow down fast. This causes it to get even lighter as g-forces cause weight transfer forward. I tried this and it helps.

They also mentioned to check ride height. Front and back measurements should be similiar, ie. the frame should be parallel to the floor. Mine was 7 " floor to frame front and 8 1/4" rear.

Any one have feedback on what their measurements are?, Wheel well to floor also yields a similiar difference of about an inch or so.
They said that by lowering the ride height an inch will really help.

Any feedback is appreciated. I also have gabriel shocks. Are Aldan eagles better? HOw about Koni's. ANy one know a good shock supply house? mark

trularin · #7 (**permalink**) 09-12-2003, 11:02 AM

Mark, I am in Oak Park. You really have to wonder about driving on Detroit roads with the low ground clearance.

I have the Aldans. I recommended them, but you might want to shop around as LoneStar is pricey on this part.

kountzecobra · #8 (**permalink**) 09-12-2003, 04:39 PM

I'm not sure this is related, but it may well be. Why do very few Lone Stars have sway bars (or more correctly antisway bars)? Couldn't this help the "Loose" feeling? Even a lowly Ford Pinto came factory-equipped with a front sway bar!

CowtownCobra · #9 (**permalink**) 09-12-2003, 06:07 PM

David,

Yup, you've got a point there about the lack of sway bars. I'll have to work on a remedy for that.

But I think the "lift" he seems to be describing is inherent in all cobras.

My Lone Star goes in for alignment next week. I'll keep you updated.

Also, since I have virtually zero seat time, I really can't relate. But there are several open track days at TMS this fall and I hope to learn a lot more from that time.

David, you gonna make it up here for those?

Excaliber · #10 (**permalink**) 09-12-2003, 09:51 PM

4-4.5 inches frame to floor. It was lower, but I had to raise it some 'cause the speed bumps were killers.

Speeds over 100? Rock solid. Lifting on the gas and heavy on the brakes (for turn one at the track), no problem at all.

Ernie