r26372

Way to work on I90 today from Chicago, gut in IS350 flys by on the left and cuts over to the far left lane but hits traffic. I go to the far right lane and proceed on my way. Next thing I know he's riding my ass. So, I downshift to 4th and proceed to the top of 5th, which is around 120 in my car. He is probably 20-30 yards back and falling. This happens two more times with me slowing down, him eventually catching up, him getting spanked by several first downs, me slowing down, until I exit at 53.

I probably got a small jump each time by being the lead car, but I think those cars are all automatics, so other than putting the foot to the floor, if his car was faster he would at least kept the distance rather than faiding like he did.

To all those that think the gearing advantage is only from a stop, perhaps you need to think again. I think the IS350 runs 13.7-13.9 all day in the 1/4. From most people's write ups they have an advantage over the S at higher speeds when weight isn't as much a factor. This was far from the case today.

My theory is that gears help significantly up top. A stock S is geared to go 165, but doesn't have the power or dynamics to make anything over 145-150. In addition it will take all day to reach that speed. The smaller gears create less resistance when needed most, at a stop, and up top when aerodynamics and lack of power become issues.

Funny sidebar, was an old civic hatch that was trying to tail me for a little while. He seemed to keep up better than the IS. Not sure what he had going, but it was red/black and a pretty ugly quick little dart.

Johnny Sack

good runs, but i have to disagree about the gearage issue. i've pull 1/2 on a 4/57'd s2 on the hwy.

maybe is just because i make so much power! hahahahahahahh j/k

RobbieS2000

version, was he in his power band at the same time you were in yours? If you think about it, it would be impossible for both cars to be in their powerband, in the same gear, at the same time. The geared car would be in a higher gear than you, so you should pull him. I hope that makes sense.

Quivers

It doesnt matter, Im sure the guy in the IS was down shifting. It wasnt a short run, 80-120 im guessing.

And yes the IS350 is available in 6 speed manual.

Purple_sky

Only on Mars though!

Johnny Sack

kinda. i was in third about 70ish. dont know what gear he was in. we started even and i pulled ever so slowly on him up to about 110 or so.

derryck

Actually it's not...the IS250 is available in a manual, the 350 is not. I would think an IS350 would pull an S2000 at those speeds given it's higher trap speed.

blessed

This is true.

RobbieS2000

I was referring to versionJDM racing another geared S2000

RobbieS2000

I would be curious to know where he started in terms of gear, and RPM.