Emergency maneuver requires 100 MPH - a record for me. Your record speed?

[jjbuzzman]

I was easing past a semi on the 4-lane the other day when chunks of rubber began sailing off the truck's front, left tire. I wasn't too concerned about the flying rubber but if that tire blew it might have pulled the whole rig over into my lane and there wasn't a clear escape route. With a car not too far behind me, a panic stop wasn't a good idea, and I figured I could accelerate into a safety zone faster than I could brake out anyway.

So I gave the road my best focus and floored it. My old Q dropped down a gear (or two?) and went screaming past that semi like it was standing still. I mean, by the time I could ease off and glance down, I was still at 100 MPH, and I think I got there from 65 to there in less than 3 seconds.

The truck was a half mile back by then, and I couldn't make out if the other car was still back there eating rubber or what. But I know one thing, I was glad to be out of that situation!

And so now I am vindicated. For the last 12 years I've used this line of reasoning to partially justify to my wife all the good sense it makes for me to keep 3 or 4 old Q45's - "Honey, I know they don't get very good gas mileage, but that big motor is really fast, and it could save your life if you ever needed to accelerate out of a dangerous situation."

But now here comes the hard part - the confessional. I've owned 6 Q45's over 12 years, and that's the first time I ever floored any of them, AND the first time I've ever gone over 100 MPH (in any car).

Now, I could be wrong about this, but I suspect that a few of you guys might actually drive your Q's over a 100 not only when you might need to, but also because you merely WANT TO. Am I wrong about this? And is everybody as conservative as me? Or I am the only official (previously) "Sub-Century" Q45 owner in the Forum?

[qship96]

I usually cruise on the highway at 85-90mph but touch 100 at least 1x a week {traffic flows at 80-85 regularly here during non rush hours}. I floor it probobly 1x a week also-usually when entering highway from 40-50mph till 80-90 just for the thrill and to exercise motor .Fastest I have driven the Q is a little over 130. Was in a nice high speed cruise last week with a maxima, me, and brand new altima at 125 mph on empty stretch of I70-antenna no longer retracts completely since then, stops about 6" before fender-guess I need to slightly bend it to fix!!

[pouncer11]

I confess, before i knew anything about the car i took it maybe 135 on a stretch of route 40. Earlier today i floored it from 35 (in a 55 no less) around this car that was weaving way over the white line to around 85-90 got up to around 5-6k rpms and was there in like 2-3 sec, the engine is a beast no lie which is why i dont wanna get rid of it and id love to fix it. But anyhow i go 75-85 sometimes without even realizing it on 70 or just on the back roads on the way home

[konatown]

It gets easier and easier to do every time, just like any vice.

I've had my Q at the speed limiter before. Its exhilarating. I wouldn't even think of doing it now, with a suspension that needs work and with the stock 15" wheels with rubber that isn't rated past 130 or so MPH.

[carfrk666]

i hit 145 couple times, twice racin, once just findin out how quick she is

[maxnix]

.... that big motor is really fast, and it could save your life if you ever needed to accelerate out of a dangerous situation."

But now here comes the hard part - the confessional. I've owned 6 Q45's over 12 years, and that's the first time I ever floored any of them, AND the first time I've ever gone over 100 MPH (in any car).

Never heard 274 Cu In. being called big moter before!

You may be the last century virgin! Or pulling the ton as was once said.

[AZhitman]

My Q saw 100 daily, merging onto I-17 northbound coming home from work... Nice long empty on-ramp with walls on both sides, impossible to clock / pace, no enforcement...

[TBrack]

drive it like you stole it

[d3funct]

I've had my Q45 up to 180*.

Then the speed limiter kicked in...

*Km/h

[qsiguy]

I have to floor it several times every time I drive it whether it needs it or not....

Max was about ~125, done that about 3 times. I like the acceleration more than top speed.

[Q45tech]

Don't fool yourself even my Q requires 7.0+ seconds to accelerate from 65-98 mph in 2nd gear and 800 foot of highway after any downshift delay.

"I was still at 100 MPH, and I think I got there from 65 to there in less than 3 seconds."

The Bigness gives the feel of faster than normal acceleration

[Kiven422]

It seems you've been missing out a lot on what the Q can has. All the torque comes in right after 60mph.

[NightRiderQ45]

Don't fool yourself even my Q requires 7.0+ seconds to accelerate from 65-98 mph in 2nd gear and 800 foot of highway after any downshift delay.

"I was still at 100 MPH, and I think I got there from 65 to there in less than 3 seconds."

The Bigness gives the feel of faster than normal acceleration

If your Q takes 7+ sec. to go from 65-98, I think there may be a problem then. Maybe because yours have well over 300k on motor. Even though he really didn't get from 65-100mph in less than 3 sec, you can accomplish that under 7 seconds. Atleast my Q can.

[maxnix]

If your Q takes 7+ sec. to go from 65-98, I think there may be a problem then. Maybe because yours have well over 300k on motor. Even though he really didn't get from 65-100mph in less than 3 sec, you can accomplish that under 7 seconds. Atleast my Q can.

Might want to check that stop watch and speedometer before you make that trip to Atlanta.

Don't forget the extra Benjis that Dennis will collect from you.
Modified by maxnix at 9:31 AM 4/25/2008

[Q45tech]

Some logic: if most Q do 15.2-15.4 and 92-93 in quarter mile and 7.2-7.4 0>60 if you subtract 7.2 frpm 15.2 that leaves 8.0 seconds for a 60-92 run.

My Q is friskier than most and runs the quarter in 14.7 at 98 mph and a small reduction in 0>60 of 6.7 yields 8.0 seconds.

I was actually giving a little edge since we were locked in 2nd [no shift or loss in ingnition advance recovery after the shift at 53-54 mph.

At 60 mph you are traveling 88 ft/sec and at 100 = 146 ft/sec so average might be ~~ 117 x 8 secs= ~936 feet. or 820 feet if 7 seconds was required.

Acually in 2nd gear [90-93] Q has peak acceleration at 55 mph and declines there after just from engine torque curve. The cube root wind resistance really starts to slow acceleration above 60.

[jimbyjimb]

Did 130 the first night I had it. Best I've ever done on a car was an '06 TL and that was 155+. Add in speedo correction for probably 145-150. Best on a bike was 115 on my Interceptor. The Interceptor's a smooth bike at over 100, real smooth. Not bad for an 84. Same age as me...

[Q45tech]

Miles on an engine are pretty meaningless unless ring or valves are not seating poperly [or exhaust is burned].

Assumming new injectors and a very narrow power balance test rpm deviation [load, normal, and in drive].

As the rings heat up the gap[where leakage occurs] get narrower, at 4,000 rpm the time from TDC to say 30 degrees AFTER is only a few milliseconds or 6 times faster than at idle so miniscule loss of power.

Loose a a goose works great at 6,000 rpm due to even shorter event time.

One totally dead cylinder is only 12.5% loss of peak power that's about 38 lb/ft lost of about 0.4 seconds in a quarter mile or < 0.3 seconds in a 60>100 test. terminal speed will also decline by 4-5 mph. [about the same as a Police Crown Vic running on all 8]

Try it yourself by unplugging the #2 injector connector.

[oldmako]

In 6 months of ownership I've seen 100mph probably 20-25 times. 115mph 3 or 4, and 122(ish) once. That was the fastest I have had the car, but it by no means the fastest the Barbie-Q is capable of, I just ran out of road/safety from the police. It's still accelerating nicely at 120, so I imagine it's top end is 130 or so. It's nice to see how strong the 4.1 pulls as it drops into 4th. I can only imagine what the 4.5s are like. I'd kill to drive one of the turbo charged cars. There is a YouTube vid with one and the car is crazy fast. 0-100 is just a blur, can't be more than 11-12 sec or so.

Unfortunately, the roads I usually drive are not great for sustained high speed runs. Mostly interstate to be sure, but fairly heavily patrolled with TONS of spots in the median for Virginia State troopers. I have found a few "safe" spots, but a ticket in excess of 100 is probably going to mean a ride to jail with the cuffs on, and insane insurance premiums for the next several years. This is not something which my budget can afford and radar detectors are illegal in my fascist state. I'm jealous of those of you who live out west and have ample opportunity to let these dogs eat.

I routinely run my car at WOT (at least every other week or so) to check it's condition. It seems that ignition and fuel problems manifest themselves during maximum acceleration and drag. I figure if it's pulling strong at 80-90 in third gear then it's pretty happy. As nice as the speed is, I am most impressed with the cars ride and poise at that speed. The damn thing has a pleasant whoosh of wind noise and a touch of float. My suspension, tires and brakes are all brand new. zoom-zoom

[maxnix]

... a ticket in excess of 100 is probably going to mean a ride to jail with the cuffs on, and insane insurance premiums for the next several years. This is not something which my budget can afford and radar detectors are illegal in my fascist state.

I routinely run my car at WOT (at least every other week or so) to check it's condition. It seems that ignition and fuel problems manifest themselves during maximum acceleration and drag. I figure if it's pulling strong at 80-90 in third gear then it's pretty happy.

What other state has a nice penalty bonus reserved for its residents?

Every Q45 needs to visit the West on a road trip once in its life. With the owner driving of course. Thinking about flipping off the airlines and driving this summer.

WOT once a week is mimimum.
Modified by maxnix at 11:07 AM 4/27/2008

[mcrews]

Flat country road in the upper corner of CA - near nevada/oregon border.Just started to accelorate and finally cried uncle at 129(on the gps) the beast was still pulling but my nerves had quit. (2002 F50) What surprised me the most was how quiet it was...hardly any wind noise.

mark

[Q45tech]

I used to test my Q with a stop watch on the same level ramp every single week for 5 years 55-80 or 90 in second. It got to the point where I could calculate the barometer reading very accurately depending on 0.1 second differences.

My stopwatch hand got very accurate and repeatable after a few hundred tests.

[Haitian_King]

What other state has a nice penalty bonus reserved for its residents?

Every Q45 needs to visit the West on a road trip once in its life. With the owner driving of course. Thnking about flipping off the airlines and driving this summer.

WOT once a week is mimimum.

I definitely want my Q to rip up one of those empty desert highways.

Fastest I've had mine is 110. But I'm regularly at 85-90.

[oldmako]

I'm shopping for a non detectable detector to keep the Gendarmes at bay and to minimize my chances for getting snagged in one of their idiotic dragnets.I have heard good things about Valentine One, but I am just beginning my search.

I don't know which infraction would be worse. Probably something I ought to know prior to purchase!

[qship96]

While I believe the valentine to be a superior detector {have owned one since they initially hit the market over 15 years ago, upgraded several times } it is not immune to the latest radar detector -detector Virginia police currently use, however there is another brand that claims to be, cant remember if it is Escort,Bell, or another brand. Search http://www.radardetector.net and wade thru many inexperienced posters misinformation to get to the facts.

[maxnix]

Best detector to use in the Socialist Republic of Vriginia would be hidden and undectable, which is not cheap. Neither are laser jammers, but compared to tickets and insurance, probably not a bad investment.

Check out Radar Roy also.

[oldmako]

Getting caught with a detector would amount to a small fine and would virtually guarantee a speeding ticket as opposed to a warning. Getting caught transmitting with a jammer, would be a much more serious offense. No chance I'd try that.

I routinely drive 75-80 on the interstates and have bumbled through several speed traps (cop in median with gun up) without getting a ticket. My last ticket was for 82mph in 2000 and I average 18-2000 miles per month on the highway.

I think that the volume of traffic has as much to do with it as the speed. If the flow is heavy and fast they don't seem to come after you. Late at night when flow is light, they seem to let you go as there is always some gang banger from NY or NJ doing 90plus. The trick is to let those guys get a half a mile or so out in front and then match their speed. I once went through a speed trap with a corvette and the cop pulled him over not me, even though our speeds were identical. The Q is a sleeper in that regard.

I am intrigued by the valentine because I know two guys who swear by them. Both are gear heads with fast cars who know a bit about technology and like to haul ***. The units aren't cheap, but then again if one can avoid an expensive incident (court costs, atty if really fast, time off work for court, insurance premium increase, etc etc) then the price of a detector seems benign. Or, I could just slow down to 70....but that's not in my nature.When on an interstate, in good conditions (dry surface, little to no traffic, excellent visibility, etc) and in a well maintained Q, (or BMW, MB, Lex, Caddy etc etc etc) driving 65 is an insulting, arbitrary and capricious sack of stool.

The rush of hauling *** in one of these things is the reason I bought it and why I go to significant and expensive lengths to maintain it. I do not wish to buzz down the highway in a tin can.

[Q45tech]

My last ticket was in a 1985 300zx turbo in 1985. 22 years and almost 407,000 miles ago. Stealth is best.

[StarPD]

Driving a Corvette is almost cheating against radar. Between the fiberglass body, which reflects radar waves VERY poorly, the small size and shape, and the fact that the radiator/AC coils are slanted, there's little to reflect the radar waves back to the gun. Radar can only snag Corvettes at extremely close range or from a quartering angle, wherein the steel frame can reflect waves back. Even then, range is very short. Any good premium detector in a Corvette is good insurance against getting caught. (BY RADAR)I know, I drove new Corvettes for years and regularly beat radar traps at extremely high speeds. Used to make me giggle when my radar detector went off and I slowed WAY down before where the radar site was placed, even when they were over a hill or behind a curve.

Q45s are a different story though. Between all the metal and the upright positioning of the radiator and A/C coils, it's a radar magnet. Use extreme care if speedoing where Radar is used.

Note that even Corvettes are prey for Lidar (Laser speed measuring), pacing, and timing between predetermined road markings (I forget what it's called, but it has a formal name).

Do come out West if you want to drive fast and have the skills and experience to do so safely. If not, wait until you are REALLY skilled at high-speed driving. Just because you THINK you are good doesn't mean anything unless you have several years of successful experience doing it. A lot of young wannabe hotshoes die from driving beyond their abilities. No offense, just good advice.

Enjoy your Q. It's one of the finest road cars in the business.

[maxnix]

Getting caught transmitting with a jammer, would be a much more serious offense. No chance I'd try that.

FDA, not FCC, control lasers federally. No federal prohibition on trnamittins laser frequencies.

[maxnix]

Driving a Corvette is almost cheating against radar. Between the fiberglass body, which reflects radar waves VERY poorly, the small size and shape, and the fact that the radiator/AC coils are slanted, there's little to reflect the radar waves back to the gun.

All it takes is a license plate, a headlight reflector, even the slanted radiator. Even steel curves are stealth. It metal orthogonal to the plane of transmission that counts along with focused metallic reflectors.