is there a way to safetly test the limits of the car without going to the race track? like when going around a curve, how do u know how fast it can be done safely? is there a feeling or noise in the 04/05 before it's about to slip? obviously experience is king, but any quick lessons?

thnx

 

Ha ha ha... dude, you're going post-CRAZY

But I'll answer your question in one word:

NO.

 

One way would be to find a large open parking lot or equivalent, and hope that the copss don't mess with you.

The best way is to try out Auto Cross. Its MUCH safer than a closed track, and typically very affordable.

Craig

 

Since you live in SoCal, you have a great opportunity to get to a track for a driving school. If for some reason that doesn't appeal to you, go to an autocross. People there are friendly and will be more than happy to help a novice.

It sounds like this might be your first RWD car. If so, it is even more important to get your car on a track or some event where there are experienced people to assist you.

 

thank you. just boring and curious.

 

Don't be so harsh on yourself... I think you meant "just BORED and curious"

 

The best place to do this is not really a race track or an auto-x course. The best place is a skid pad.

As someone mentioned, a large open parking lot can make a fine skid pad. But you should get permission, or you may get in trouble.

Don't just go in random circles. Use a chalked-out circle to give you a good reference.

 

Make sure your skidpad/g-circle is large enough to give you lots of room for run off.

 

skid pad doesn't really show you the limits of a car though..just how fast you can go in a set diameter circle...doesn't show the transition capability etc. I know a lot of cars don't pull good skidpad numbers at all but handle amazingly well. Hit up an auto-x if you are looking to do it cheap and see the handling characteristics in the 50-60mph range on tight corners/slaloms which would most likely simulate around town and tight canyon roads but not big sweeping canyons.

 

That's exactly what it does show you. Everything else mentioned here is more about the limits of the driver than the limits of the car.

If you want to include transition, then put out some cones and do a slalom along with the skidpad.