Just got back from Mason Dixon Dragway in Maryland were I met up with Ron from Leonard Racing and the guy behind Spydershafts http://www.leonardracingproducts.com/. I was picked to be the local "guinea pig" for his new line of V6 aluminium drive shafts. He asked if I would mind going to the track, doing a run with the stock drive shaft, and then right there doing the swap and doing a couple of more runs to see how much of a difference it made. I said ABSOLUTELY!
So I met hij out there today... a nice sunny 91 degree (HOT) day at the track. I've never been to one before, much less race on one, so this was all a new experience to me. It was a rain makeover day for the Annual Ford Event, so I got to see all manner of cool Fords.
Well, I go and sign up to race, and am crazy nervous. Ron gives me some tips on what I need to do and off I go. Ran a 15.94 on my first pass with the stock drive shaft. Got of the track, got my ticket and under the tent I go to do the install. Ron had the old shaft on and the new one installed in under 30 minutes. Here are some pics:
First ever V6 Spydershaft (Manual)
Close up of the Sydershaft label
Stock drive shaft out of the car. Ick.
Now I gotta say... there was a definite weight difference. Felt like a 15-20 difference.
Install is done and we go out for a quick run up and down the local roads to make sure there aren't any weird vibrations, etc. HOLY CRAP!! Instant I put it in gear and hit the gas I totally felt the difference. Throttle response was smooth, linear and quicker, shifting through the gears was like butter, lifting off the throttle no longer jerked like it did. Smoooooooootheness!!! I was floored to say the least. The car felt like a completely different beast.
So back I go and get in line. This time I ran a 15.66, beating out the late 80's 5.0 in the lane next to me by a second. OMG... what a difference the drive shaft made for me inside the cockpit and on my times. Linear, smooth, easy to shift.
Ran a third time at 15.76... I left the damned traction control on, it kicked in at launch and then again when I went into second gear. Blah.... live and learn!
I can't thank Ron enough for the excellent product, the hospitality, and for my first intro to drag racing. He's a great guy with an amazing product. I had a lot of fun out there today and think I'll be visiting the local tracks from now on.
Here are some pics I took with my cell phone today.http://www.flickr.com/photos/oscarmm/sets/72157601927967272/
I know you guys are going to ask.... "So how much?" I'm not 100% sure myself actually. I was lucky enough to have been picked to be his test mule, so I got it for free. Ron did mention that the Autos should be around the same price as the GT because they are identical. Unfortunately for us V6 manuals, we have a much longer drive shaft and he has to source the part out differently, so there will be a premium because of that fact. How much, I don't know. He did say that if anyone had any questions, to email him or PM spyder7724. If yo have any questions for me, just ask away!!
So I met hij out there today... a nice sunny 91 degree (HOT) day at the track. I've never been to one before, much less race on one, so this was all a new experience to me. It was a rain makeover day for the Annual Ford Event, so I got to see all manner of cool Fords.
Well, I go and sign up to race, and am crazy nervous. Ron gives me some tips on what I need to do and off I go. Ran a 15.94 on my first pass with the stock drive shaft. Got of the track, got my ticket and under the tent I go to do the install. Ron had the old shaft on and the new one installed in under 30 minutes. Here are some pics:
First ever V6 Spydershaft (Manual)
Close up of the Sydershaft label
Stock drive shaft out of the car. Ick.
Now I gotta say... there was a definite weight difference. Felt like a 15-20 difference.
Install is done and we go out for a quick run up and down the local roads to make sure there aren't any weird vibrations, etc. HOLY CRAP!! Instant I put it in gear and hit the gas I totally felt the difference. Throttle response was smooth, linear and quicker, shifting through the gears was like butter, lifting off the throttle no longer jerked like it did. Smoooooooootheness!!! I was floored to say the least. The car felt like a completely different beast.
So back I go and get in line. This time I ran a 15.66, beating out the late 80's 5.0 in the lane next to me by a second. OMG... what a difference the drive shaft made for me inside the cockpit and on my times. Linear, smooth, easy to shift.
Ran a third time at 15.76... I left the damned traction control on, it kicked in at launch and then again when I went into second gear. Blah.... live and learn!
I can't thank Ron enough for the excellent product, the hospitality, and for my first intro to drag racing. He's a great guy with an amazing product. I had a lot of fun out there today and think I'll be visiting the local tracks from now on.
Here are some pics I took with my cell phone today.http://www.flickr.com/photos/oscarmm/sets/72157601927967272/
I know you guys are going to ask.... "So how much?" I'm not 100% sure myself actually. I was lucky enough to have been picked to be his test mule, so I got it for free. Ron did mention that the Autos should be around the same price as the GT because they are identical. Unfortunately for us V6 manuals, we have a much longer drive shaft and he has to source the part out differently, so there will be a premium because of that fact. How much, I don't know. He did say that if anyone had any questions, to email him or PM spyder7724. If yo have any questions for me, just ask away!!
