Another 302 in the Garage, #30
4/23/11, 12:54 PM
#23
4/24/11, 12:19 AM
#24
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First off, the "sportiest" car I've ever driven is my SUV so excuse my laymen terms.
I have an old '70s FJ40 and have driven that manual transmission for 10+ years.
With that said, you can understand my lack of expertise. The first thing I did was stall the Boss because the clutch releases quickly with a very soft touch. Shifting a short throw threw me as well since my FJ40 has about 1.5 foot shift length. These are my faults of course. The car is supposed to be that precise but it took me a few miles to get used to it.
I've also botched the shift several instances. A couple times going from 1st to 4th embarrassingly enough. After 300 miles over the last couple days I've learned the shift will go where it's supposed to most of the time without me purposefully directing it. 5th and 6th require a nudge to the right.
It wants to go. At certain RPM's (2nd, 3000rpm), if I'm not applying steady throttle the boss will remind me by kicking forward gently as if stating put down the gas you dolt. The first time I did was a shock, I mean I've read about the response and speed I just didn't prepare myself. There was no sideways action and I only got to about 5K rpm but I wish I could've taken a picture of my grin. I really want to push it to redline but will wait for 1000 mile break-in.
I've spent a few hours on the highway. I was alternating RPM's as I've read. Going 70 mph the car is at about 2K RPM and behaves well. Shock settings were factory and I could definitely feel the road - still very comfortable. I have a couple S turns in my backroad commute that I usually take at 35-40mph. With little effort I tried them at 50+ and easily could have gone faster. Still getting the feel.
The Recaros hold you in place and are form fitting, maybe a bit tight at the outer thighs. The seats are all manual but can be adjusted several ways to fit a 6'4" frame. Just don't expect anyone to sit behind you since only about 1 inch clearance remains.
I found a local track and hope to get some training and experience soon. High Plains Raceway.
I have an old '70s FJ40 and have driven that manual transmission for 10+ years.With that said, you can understand my lack of expertise. The first thing I did was stall the Boss because the clutch releases quickly with a very soft touch. Shifting a short throw threw me as well since my FJ40 has about 1.5 foot shift length. These are my faults of course. The car is supposed to be that precise but it took me a few miles to get used to it.
I've also botched the shift several instances. A couple times going from 1st to 4th embarrassingly enough. After 300 miles over the last couple days I've learned the shift will go where it's supposed to most of the time without me purposefully directing it. 5th and 6th require a nudge to the right.
It wants to go. At certain RPM's (2nd, 3000rpm), if I'm not applying steady throttle the boss will remind me by kicking forward gently as if stating put down the gas you dolt. The first time I did was a shock, I mean I've read about the response and speed I just didn't prepare myself. There was no sideways action and I only got to about 5K rpm but I wish I could've taken a picture of my grin. I really want to push it to redline but will wait for 1000 mile break-in.
I've spent a few hours on the highway. I was alternating RPM's as I've read. Going 70 mph the car is at about 2K RPM and behaves well. Shock settings were factory and I could definitely feel the road - still very comfortable. I have a couple S turns in my backroad commute that I usually take at 35-40mph. With little effort I tried them at 50+ and easily could have gone faster. Still getting the feel.
The Recaros hold you in place and are form fitting, maybe a bit tight at the outer thighs. The seats are all manual but can be adjusted several ways to fit a 6'4" frame. Just don't expect anyone to sit behind you since only about 1 inch clearance remains.
I found a local track and hope to get some training and experience soon. High Plains Raceway.
Last edited by Motor220122; 4/24/11 at 02:34 AM.
4/24/11, 12:27 AM
#25
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Chris. Thanks for sharing and being honest. Not everyone buying a Boss is a seasoned track rat including me. You do know your car has this nifty thing called skip shift don't you? If you are loafing along in first the skip shift forces you into fourth instead of second. Anyway have fun with your Boss.
4/24/11, 12:46 AM
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4/24/11, 02:26 AM
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4/24/11, 04:35 AM
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4/24/11, 06:52 AM
#30
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Just....beautiful. I don't know why but I love seeing it with all the plastic on in the interior.
And I have to say, I loved your driving impressions.
Especially this line:
It wants to go. At certain RPM's (2nd, 3000rpm), if I'm not applying steady throttle the boss will remind me by kicking forward gently as if stating put down the gas you dolt.
4/24/11, 09:42 AM
#31
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I've read the same thing. Do a search in the 2010+ forum for instructions.
4/24/11, 01:49 PM
#33
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Very very nice!
The dove gray Boss 302 stitching is on all the non-Laguna Seca Bosses. I missed a couple of shifts early on despite having plenty of experience with sports cars of all types.
The dove gray Boss 302 stitching is on all the non-Laguna Seca Bosses. I missed a couple of shifts early on despite having plenty of experience with sports cars of all types.
4/24/11, 06:57 PM
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4/24/11, 07:04 PM
#35
4/24/11, 07:06 PM
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4/24/11, 07:33 PM
#39
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Originally Posted by Motor220122
A few more at the dealer. Two off the truck and lots of dirt. One after the dealers detailing.
KB looks sharp
Last edited by Big Vito; 4/24/11 at 07:35 PM.
4/24/11, 08:56 PM
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A great opportunity
When the boss was offloaded the service tech (Juan) brought it straight to the shop. I watched as he prep'd the car. Several mechanics came to check out the new addition since it was the dealers first. Details about horsepower, suspension, quad exhaust, redline were discussed.
Juan was topping off the tires and asked if I had a preference for pressure. I think I mumbled something like, whatever you think is right. Really I was just too wide eyed checking it all out.
He asked if I wanted to go on the test loop they do for all delivered cars. YES!
It was about two miles with a slow start to 3K rpm, then shifting through to 4th with harder acceleration. Next was a fairly firm break from ~40mph to stop. His impressions - the clutch was one of the best he's felt and he explained all mustangs, ford gt's and anything else has gone through him (been at the same job for 8 years). He really didn't push it over 4K rpm but mentioned he knew the power was there and ready for use since he was barely touching the pedal. I asked about automatic engine restrictions below certain miles that keep the car gutless and he said that's the deal for engines with superchargers.
I took delivery of the car at 13.3 miles and sure enough first launch onto the freeway opened my eyes.
Juan was topping off the tires and asked if I had a preference for pressure. I think I mumbled something like, whatever you think is right. Really I was just too wide eyed checking it all out.
He asked if I wanted to go on the test loop they do for all delivered cars. YES!
It was about two miles with a slow start to 3K rpm, then shifting through to 4th with harder acceleration. Next was a fairly firm break from ~40mph to stop. His impressions - the clutch was one of the best he's felt and he explained all mustangs, ford gt's and anything else has gone through him (been at the same job for 8 years). He really didn't push it over 4K rpm but mentioned he knew the power was there and ready for use since he was barely touching the pedal. I asked about automatic engine restrictions below certain miles that keep the car gutless and he said that's the deal for engines with superchargers.
I took delivery of the car at 13.3 miles and sure enough first launch onto the freeway opened my eyes.