[DeTomaso] C6 vs Pantera?

[JDeRyke at aol.com]

In a message dated 10/18/08 11:13:09 AM, kenn_green at yahoo.com writes:

> There may be other advantages in having the engine nearer the center, maybe 
> some gyroscopic effects of the rotating crank, flywheel, etc., or even the 
> effects on oiling etc. that are minimized when the motor is in the center 
> (just guessing here).  Also, putting the transmission in the back to somewhat 
> balance the front engine increases the moment of inertia.  I suspect you want as 
> much of the mass near the center as possible to optimize handling.
> 
I haven't driven a C-6 hard, but the earlier Corvettes show the diferences 
between the two chassis lay-outs. Typically, if you have experience in a Pantera 
or Lotus at speed, you'll turn the wheel on a 'Vette and nothing much seems 
to happens for a finite period before the car responds. Its almost like a 
delay-loop in the steering. In contrast, doing the same maneuver with any 
mid-engine car, it   will instantly respond; matter of fact if you're jerky, you better 
have an armful of counter-steering real handy or you'll spin! 'Vette drivers 
are often appalled at the steering sensitivity when they first try driving a 
well-set up Pantera. And some that buy a Pantera after long experience with 
'Vettes never do get used to it. Judy used to beat one ex-Vette owner regularly 
autocrossing, who was forever spinning his higher-horsepower Pantera on our 
courses. He finally sold the car.... 
I've heard the Z-06 is even better than the 'regular' 'Vette, but I cannot 
understand how an aluminum-framed, carbon-fiber-floor two-seater comes from the 
factory weighing 3100 lbs! 2600 lbs (wet) should be more like it. FWIW- J 
Deryke


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