This is an encounter with a buddy of mine from back in the summer, but I figured I would repost it here. Enjoy.
First, a comparison of the cars:
Reidonly:
2002 Z28 Camaro 6-spd with the following mods...
- Air lid
- Magnaflow 3" catback
- Pro 5.0 shifter
- 315whp/330wtq
tsi91dsm:
2005 Cobalt SS supercharged with an Intense Stage 5 package which includes...
- ported blower
- machined SC snout
- 2.50" SC pulley
- 60lb fuel injectors
- custom tune
- 275whp/275wtq (estimated)
It was cool and quiet on this particular evening. The two challengers were itching for a quick fix for their speed addiction, but no opportunities presented themselves around here. There was a stillness and anticipation in the air as they ventured south-bound into the night. By the time they crossed the Mexican border, the Federales were in the process of switching shifts. They needed to do this... and fast.
The dark, menacing black stallion and the glowing, bold orange behemoth blasted forth into the desert calm, in a sort of yin and yang melding of Chevrolets. These racers were finally ready. All the preparation was thrown out the window at a moments notice. No amount of mental notes can help them at this point. The years of training on the Autobahn, and killer instincts take over their emotionless bodies. This will be a night to remember.
As these steel chariots blast down the road, they find the mark. It all happens... now. The gladiators slow down to 30mph. The driver of the Camaro places the shifter into 1st gear as the LS1's rpms roar. He holds the throttle steady without flinching as its driver takes one final look across at his competition. His glance is met by two deep, glowing eyes, with a fire that is fueled by speed. The drivers return their attention to the endless pavement in front of them. The Camaro's driver initiates the starting sequence as if it were a countdown to destiny. First beep... he keeps his throttle fixed on the spot. Second beep... his foot does not budge. But wait, the Cobalt lunges forward just before the third beep! The battle is now on.
The Cobalt is showing no mercy as its ported M62 blower screams ahead like a banshee. The Camaro is already down over a half a car. As the V8 roars to the 6200rpm shift point, the driver pulls the shifter back into second gear with a ferocity of a Spartan soldier, taking no prisoners. The tires break loose sending the rear of the car briefly off its set path, but they soon regain their composure as the mammoth 315/35-17's dig into the pavement once again, and the race continues.
By the top of second gear, the Camaro is closing the gap on the Cobalt, which sounds like it is going into warp drive. At 6200rpms, the shifter is thrust forward into third gear with great vigor. The solid click of the Pro 5.0 shifter into position assures the driver that the shift is complete. The tires releasing a solid bark into the quiet darkness is just a fringe benefit, causing a smug grin to appear on the driver's face. This is where the LS1 awakens like a dormant creature. As the rpms climb in third gear, the engine inhales the cool air as if there were a never ending supply. The 5.7 liter power plant cannot get enough of it, and begins to steadily pull past the competitor. The needle swiftly flies past 100mph, and 6200rpm is again reached. Like a flash, the gearshift is cast into fourth gear with the realization that this challenge is nearing its finish.
After holding off the Camaro for long enough, the Cobalt's Gen V supercharger whine transforms into more of a wheeze, as if it were struggling to regain its breath, like a runner in the cold winter air. The 2.0 liter Ecotec held Goliath off for a while, but it just could not go on. The Cobalt falls back even more by the time the Camaro reaches peak rpms in fourth gear.
Without regard to outcome of this event, both competitors experience a brief moment of true nirvana, as if they could fly above the clouds. This is truly what it is all about. The racers go their separate ways, and reflect upon the evenings festivities. As time goes on, they will analyze their faults and mistakes during the encounter, but in this moment, they just take it all in like a drug.
Cliff notes:
- 30mph pull
- Cobalt jumps the 3rd beep, gaining a half car lead
- by 130mph, Camaro comes back and beats Cobalt by 1.5 to 2 cars
But I think the story is worth the read.
Originally Posted by mlambert
