[Steve1968LS2]

Ok.. I had a nice long talk with Kyle at DSE.. here is the jist of it..

DSE did test through a 420 foot set of cones and they were 70 ft apart (like us out west). I sounds like they tried to replicate conditions as closely as possible, even going through the expense of getting new tires for the second test so the comparo would be fair (had new tires in the first test).

The only realy difference is in how we both optain our data. DSE used a VBOX data logging system that employs GPS and lateral accelerometers to determine speed. This is the same sort of system used by companies like GM and I think maybe even Motor Trend. They used the EXACT same spot to test with the cones in the exact same spots.

We use a set of timing lights. A car trips the first light going in and the second set going out. the distance between the lights is 420 feet and there are cones 70 ft apart. This system is widely used in racing and in events like autocross. We test in the exact same spot and we have spray painted marks so the cones and lights are in the exact same spot.

So what does this mean? Hell if I know, but I do belive that DSE was honest in reporting what they came up with and Kyle was very adamant that he stands by his number and would run the car again for any doubters. I've know DSE longer than I've worked here and have zero reason to doubt thier integrity.

Even if there was some flaw with thier equipment the testing would still be consistant and show an almost 3mph gain in the cones. That is a huge gain for such a short distance. When we tested the air ride stuff we got a .4 mph gain and we were happy. A 3mph gain is huge.

I think we just have to chalk up the differences to how the data was obtained (scientific methodology)..

Their skidpad numbers seem dead on given the tires they were running and I confirmed that a 125ft skidpad is quite possible although they most likely could have done bigger with a larger radius. They ran 125 ft since that's all the room they had a Maxton (it's a converted airport)

So, no drama.. just a difference in testing methods. I was very satisfied with Kyles explanation and I know that if he wasn't 2400 miles away he would be happy to run his car through our testing equipment and that shows a LOT.