[Lear35A]

They compress when the exhaust manifold is torqued down. I did not mic a new one, so I can't tell you how much they "crush". In any case the seal would be less with a used one.

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[Cloud9...68]

Thanks; add it to my list of things to order...

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[tamathumper]

"If I won a race knowing it was because I did something to give my car a slight edge, it would make it a hollow victory."



You're a better man than me. Or, you're a better liar than me. Look at it this way, either way, you're better than me. <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/biggrin.png" class="smilie" alt="" />

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[Cloud9...68]

Well, I don't know about that. I think the key is that we're talking about amateur racing. The whole point is supposed to be to have fun, and to exercise your driving skill, so I just don't understand the mindset of cheating or bending the rules so you can out-maneuver the next guy out of a cute little trophy. Now, if there's something tangible at stake, such as money, I can understand, and even get behind, doing everything possible up to the bleeding edge of the rule book to eek out an advantage. Or, in some sort of unlimited class, where car preparation is as big a part of the challenge as the driving. But we're getting pretty far afield from thermal exhaust wrap, aren't we? <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/unsure.png" class="smilie" alt="" />

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[pmcrespo]

[quote name='94SilverCab' timestamp='1316109387' post='115484']

...Ben and Crespo could beat me in Yugos...[/quote]



Maybe only if the entire car is ceramic coated.... <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/wink.png" class="smilie" alt="" />

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[Cloud9...68]

"...it's still 90% driver ability..."



My thoughts on this have evolved. It's definitely VERY true in the early stages on one's track driving "career." A skilled driver in a VW Golf or the like could crush a beginner in a 458. But as you gain more experience, the car becomes more and more the dominant factor, although the driver never becomes insignificant - witness the consistently superior performance of the top F1 drivers - Vettel, Schumacher, Senna, etc., relative to their respective teammates. But I'll also say that more than any other activity I've ever tried, it's amazing how much you can improve with just a lot of seat time, and some good advice.



Sorry to stay so far off topic.



"Maybe only if the entire car is ceramic coated.... <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/wink.png" class="smilie" alt="" /> "



<img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/biggrin.png" class="smilie" alt="" /> Now that's funny!

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