I've topped the speedo on my Mach (120mph), headed down hill. Guessing the speedo error, it was probably around 110 (the car was equipped with a 302 2v, FMX, and 3.0 gears). This was well before I rebuilt the
suspension, but the car never felt squirelly or sketchy (though maybe a bit detached), and there was another 1500rpm left in the motor.
I know most frown on street driving at speeds like this, but I do think there are times when it is not only ok, but necessary. For example, the time I topped out the Mach was on a major trucking route in the Poconos. Anyone who knows those roads and those truckers know that they use the technique of barrelling down one hill to gain enough momentum to get up the next, often exceeding 100mph to do so. The roads are very straight, and go up then down repeatedly for miles, so everyone just falls into rhythm.
This was the first time I'd ever driven these roads and I was completely unprepared for the experience. So the first down hill comes and I let off the gas to maintain a reasonable 70mph, and suddenly there is this huge rig bearing down on me about to run me over. I change lanes only to find another rig in that lane coming up super fast too. Now realize, my mother is sitting in the passenger seat, I'm 16, we're both a bit concerned, and I'm thinking this is some bad trucker horror movie hazing session. Next thing I know, I'm laying on the throttle trying to get away and suddenly I'm doing 120mph on the speedo.
We get to the bottom of the hill and start heading up the next and I realize I'm pulling away from the rigs no problem. Watching those rigs slow down coming up the hill turned the light bulb on over my head... I understood. So the next 10-20 miles were spent in this dance of staying ahead of the rigs, and only passing on the up hills. Mom didn't give me any crap, and actually ended up complimenting me on how calm I was about the whole thing (she admitted she was much more freaked than she showed, and she's hardcore career soldier's wife :worship: ).
Moral of the story... I'm not sure there is one. I don't condone street racing, but I do condone using the appropriate driving skills and practices for each situation (no I'm not talking about running from the cops). There are certainly times when being a slow poke or "letter of the law follower" can be more dangerous than fitting into traffic or going with the character of the road.
I think 0.65 is way too much, the back on the thing should help it slip, I suppose the front wouldn't be that aerodynamic, but once you're up to speed, and there is some pressure built up in the radiator area, the CD should decrease. That's just my opinion though.
I don't remember where I got the info from and I certainly don't know if its right. .6 seems awfully high tho. .42 does seem a bit low yes, but I believe its correct. The more I think about it, the .4/.39 may have been for the mach body style.
Must ... find... cD of classic stang....
