S281

[backfireNL]

Just a quick question to be sure, I was working on my A-class garage and wanted to post about my powerbuild Saleen S281. It runs 623hp on 265-275 sport tires with full aero and weight reduction. I don't think it is, but does anyone consider that a missile-build ?

[Ske]

I would consider that a borderline missile build, but I guess that's all part of the game that is FM2. Then again, anything which doesn't run slicks is leaning towards missiles to me

[backfireNL]

Hmmm I was still working on the build, if I drop the weight reduction and a few hp I have just enough PI left to fit some slicks. That might make it even slightly faster and definitely easier to drive. On to some more testing on 225-265/20 pirelli slicks@587hp 590lb-ft.

[backfireNL]

Even though the stats say otherwise, I get the feeling that 265-295/20 bf goodrich sport tires are about equally fast as 225-265/20 pirelli slicks. Funny thing is that the sport tires are 30 PI "cheaper". Back to the track again for more testing...

[Serial]

In my opinion if it's running Stock Tires it's a missile build.  Street tires are borderline - depends on the car, width and class at that point.

[Detrick]

When I see Saleen S281 I immediately think missle and I think most do.  I've got a couple builds in my A-car garage (one more grip, one more missley....) and usually get a lot of grief when running them in a random online room ....so, I don't.  And it seems to me the same weird aero rules that govern the Charger also seem to apply to the Saleen - maybe not to the same extent but it's still there compared to other "Mustangs"...

[fndrbndr]

Want an acid test?  Turn off TCS.  If you can still control it, then it's at lest arguably OK in my book.  I know there are a few exceptions, but I've also seen the switching of cars that occurs when you ask the host to turn off TCS.

[Spiny Anteater]

I think fender's test is a good one, but to my mind the fact that you have sport tyres on that in A Class suggests to me that it isn't a missile. If you had stock tyres I would say it's definitely a missile, street I would say was borderline. But, 623bhp isn't too bad for A Class - sure it's a lot of power but it's nowhere near the 900+bhp builds we typically think of as missiles.

[fndrbndr]

Good point, Spiny.  I think the A-class Stingray is 900+ hp with sport tires.  I've got one somewhere, though obviously can't get to it right now.  The tires aren't the best litmus test, though, because of the stingray in part.  I guess the fact that you can buy cars that have 500 hp stock is some indication that this isn't terribly missile-y.  The Shelby 'stang weighs about 3800 lbs, but it's packing 500hp.  (Of course, in the real world, it's a bit shy of that, something to do do with some of the hp being eaten up by the blower, I think.  I'm not yet technically skilled enough to understand the details, let alone explain.)  It's hard to tell where the line really is.  I could see that car surviving the real world, though, unlike a 600 hp chevelle on the cheapest rubber 1970 had to offer.

[Serial]

Snyder's A-Class Stingray runs on Street Tires (it's on page 2 in this section), and has 987HP.  I think that 623HP on Sport Tires in A Class is probably borderline, but not quite sure.  I'm certain that my Chevelle has over 600HP on Sport Tires - but that's in B Class, and it's very difficult to control.

[Drift2XL]

.  I guess the fact that you can buy cars that have 500 hp stock is some indication that this isn't terribly missile-y.  The Shelby 'stang weighs about 3800 lbs, but it's packing 500hp.  (Of course, in the real world, it's a bit shy of that, something to do do with some of the hp being eaten up by the blower, I think. 

A Shelby GT-500 regularly rolls a RW dyno to the tune of 450 HP. If you factor in 10% loss through the manual drive line (10 per 100) You end up with 500 crank HP. That's where most manufacturers rate their engines.

[fndrbndr]

Thanks for the clarification!   

[backfireNL]

I checked the leaderboards and watched some replays of the 900hp s281 missile builds, didn't notice them before between all the chargers and boss 'stangs. After reading all the answers to my post I don't consider my build a missile build.. Because:

1. It does fit slicks at 623hp, I just like it better with less weight and wider sport tires (I feel lateral grip of the narrow slicks is better, but acceleration and braking of the wider sport tires is better)
2. Turning traction control off is no problem at all, of course it needs some throttle control in first and the beginning of second but that;s about it.
3. Even the stock z06 has better acceleration and top speed (Which reminds me I should check it out, never even touched it  )

And it seems to me the same weird aero rules that govern the Charger also seem to apply to the Saleen - maybe not to the same extent but it's still there compared to other "Mustangs"...

What exactly do you mean ? I did notice it runs better with full downforce, has that got something to do with it?

I realize now people think off it as a missile car because of the 900hp builds so it might be better to keep it away from online racing then. Any other suggestions for a good A-class power build then ? I liked the m3-GTR and the 997-gt3 so far, just haven't got as much time in it compared to the saleen.

[fndrbndr]

I saw someone with a power (arguably missile) built miata a few weeks ago.  It went like stink in the straights.

[Snyder005]

600 horsepower is wimpy for a missile, the D-Class Chevelle runs more horsepower lol.  So i wouldn't consider it anywhere near missle-ish.