Cannonball Run

[pdexta]

I was thinking about this today and trying to come up with the perfect car for the job. The drive from New York to LA is 2,874 miles, the current record was set in 2007 with a 550 Ferrari at 31 hours and 59 minutes. You're looking at an average speed of 89.9mph.

So, what are the ideas? What's your perfect car, how much power, what are you bringing with you? I guess try to keep it as realistic as possible, like you were actually planning to do this (ie you're probably not gonna go out and buy a Saleen S7 anytime soon).


Article from a couple years ago:
31hrs 59 min– New York to LA

Ferrari Chat,
The following is a press release regarding the new Coast-to-Coast record.
The record was broken in a 1999 Ferrari 550 Maranello - Color: Nero Daytona (rumored to be the only one painted that color). Owner: Dennis Collins of Dallas, Texas.

Bullrun 2007 – Richard Rawlings and Dennis Collins Break Coast-to-Coast Record

In the early hours of Monday 14th May 2007, Bullrunners Richard Rawlings and Dennis Collins of Texas broke the almost 30 year old coast-to-coast road trip record of 32 hours and 51 minutes. They decided to attempt the record after taking a bet on the start line of the 2007 Bullrun Rally. They were bet $50,000 by a fellow entrant that this time would never be bettered in the modern era. Abandoning this years route of Montreal to Key West, they drove to New York City and prepared for a night start.

Brock Yates created the idea modern rally when he started the infamous Cannonball Runs. Since then Bullrun has taken on the mantel of the modern navigational rally replacing out and out point to point racing with their version of luxury car rallies including celebrities and drivers from around the world and a huge TV franchise supporting the Bullrun brand.

In 1979, the winning Jaguar XJS achieved an incredible time of 32hrs 51 minutes from New York to the Portofino Inn in Redondo Beach. Many thought this legendary 'Sea to Shining Sea' endurance time would never be beaten and indeed has proved unbreakable until now….

Having already heavily prepared their Ferrari 550 for this years' Bullrun Rally, Montreal to Key West, they felt they had a real chance to challenging the time. With extra fuel cells and an onboard spare tire they left Manhattan on the evening of May 12 th. They phoned their wives, who promptly flew to LA to greet the would be champions.

Having created motoring history, Dennis and Richard are expected to catch up with Rally in time for the celebrations in Key West.

Video from pre-2007 run:
<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/YzgBwoL53lE&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/YzgBwoL53lE&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>


<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden">
<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden">
<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden">

[pdexta]

After thinking about it a lot today, I think I'd probably want a Civic Si or a RSX S. Wouldn't stand out too much, very good gas mileage, plenty of room to carry extra gas.

I'd definitely want a turbo, something around 10psi which should get you +350whp I would think. That would be more than enough to run away from cops. With a standalone tuned to cruise really lean (cat delete so it wouldn't fry), possibly some longer gearing, I could see +30-35 mpg at cruising speeds over 100mph. Then you'd need to rig something up so you could run a larger gas tank. Of course you would need to load the car with radar detectors/jammers and scanners. I'd also want a copilot to help navigate. I think that's the best combination I could come up with.<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden">

[Anthony]

active auto supercharged e46 m3 with smg ofcourse.plenty of low end and tons of room to cruise up top.not bad on gas and nice interior to take long trips in

[bimmershark]

e39 m5 radar detector , police scanner . dark color blue or black . cant go wrong

[Jeepin']

Srt-8 Grand Cherokee with a giant fuel cell in the rear cargo bay and an extra spare
tire.

Fold down the rear seats for food and a cooler, AWD ftw.

[AminalPlanet]

M5 for sure. http://www.wired.com/cars/coolwheels/magazine/15-11/ff_cannonballrun

32 hours and 7 minutes. not as good as the ferrari...buts its quite possible.


a C63 AMG may also be a good choice, its big enough to hold extra fuel and electronics but has the ponies to get up and go. its also not gonna stand out nearly as much as a ferrari.

[bimmershark]

M5 for sure. http://www.wired.com/cars/coolwheels/magazine/15-11/ff_cannonballrun

32 hours and 7 minutes. not as good as the ferrari...buts its quite possible.

yeah the ferrari would be quicker ...if there were no cops around at all even in dark colors a ferrari will get noticed and thats just not what i would want on a high speed run

[pdexta]

My civic is gonna stomp all you guys.
<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden">

[AminalPlanet]

A GT2 or GT3 carrera would be a perfect car as well, they are built for endurance racing like le mans or sebring.

[Jeepin']

^
good point indeed.

Edit, why did Roy quit at Indy? If his average was 82 mph, and he was able to increase it by .4 every hour, I'd re-route a little more southwest, and run wide open through New Mexico, AZ & such. Mind you, with how modded out that M3 was, I'm sure he had his reasons.

[ISMELLRICE]

ford gt...

[tragic]

i think i'd go with an airplane.

[Jeepin']

I think your a godamn cheater.

[AminalPlanet]

Z06 vette properly equipped, another car with proven endurance racing ability at multiple tracks....

[pdexta]

ford gt...

If that's realistic, can I borrow some money?
<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden">

[ISMELLRICE]

well i saw some guys putting up s/c m3's lol and m5's

[AminalPlanet]

well i saw some guys putting up s/c m3's lol and m5's

they are still easily purchases used under 60k lol a ford GT is still over $170k used.

60k isnt "reasonable" but its much more reasonably than a Ford GT in price.
i would argue 60k on a car for a high speed endurance run is reasonable..

[Victor]

A GT2 carrera would be a perfect car as well, they are built for endurance racing like le mans or sebring.

That is why you are cool. Definitly a Porsche of some kind.

[ISMELLRICE]

170k!?!?!? seen some on ebay for 110-120k but some guy put in porshe gt2 lol...
ok ill change it...
04 svt cobra k.b. upgrade...

[Anthony]

lol e46's with blowers and e39 m5's modded go for mid 20's to low 30's,not unreasonable at all.the cobra would be terrible,not great on gas and not exactly a top end monster

[AminalPlanet]

That is why you are cool. Definitly a Porsche of some kind.

i did daily drive my dad's 996 C2 6mt for nearly 6 months :thumbup: I have a special place in my heart for porsche racing, they are about the best bang for your buck quality well rounded race car in my opinion. just cage it and put in a racing harness and you're ready to go.


i dont think a 03/04 cobra could run reliably that far, that fast, for that long....but i could be wrong

[Victor]

170k!?!?!? seen some on ebay for 110-120k but some guy put in porshe gt2 lol...
ok ill change it...
04 svt cobra k.b. upgrade...

Doesnt have to be a GT2, you can pick up a 996 911 Turbo for under $50 grand.

I have owned a Cobra and yeah right at that lol.

[Hawk]

just cage it and put in a racing harness and you're ready to go.


you just described a gt3 did you not?

[AminalPlanet]

Doesnt have to be a GT2, you can pick up a 996 911 Turbo for under $50 grand.

I have owned a Cobra and yeah right at that lol.

and you can get a 996 Carrera for even cheaper than those obviously.

[Jeepin']

Lol, found my Srt8 for under $30,000

Auto Trader Jeep SRT 8 (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=260637648&dealer_id=67568&car_year=2007&rdm=1244415089184&model=JEEPGRAND&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&keywordsrep=&engine=8+Cylinder&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=500&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=y&make=JEEP&keywords_display=srt&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=33928&advanced=y&end_year=2010&doors=&transmission=&max_price=40000&cardist=549&standard=false)

And all that room in the back, I could have an extra 40 gallon fuel tank :rofl1: and 2 full size spares, and all that dash board for radars, gps, cb and scanners. :thumbup: I'd win. Period.

[Victor]

Lol, found my Srt8 for under $30,000

Auto Trader Jeep SRT 8 (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=260637648&dealer_id=67568&car_year=2007&rdm=1244415089184&model=JEEPGRAND&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&keywordsrep=&engine=8+Cylinder&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=500&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=y&make=JEEP&keywords_display=srt&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=33928&advanced=y&end_year=2010&doors=&transmission=&max_price=40000&cardist=549&standard=false)

I thought the plan was to drive it accross the country, not have it towed.

[AminalPlanet]

you just described a gt3 did you not?

you are correct sir, my bad. :thumbup:

[Jeepin']

I thought the plan was to drive it accross the country, not have it towed.

Kinda like the Supra?






















lol, I keed I keed.

[Bumpin' Yota]

GTO with a TVS 1.9L blower w/supporting mods, with a 3.05 rear end gear. (500+rwhp/tq will allow an ultra safe tune and 25+ mpg @ 100mph speeds!) Then all the countermeasures your heart desires. Pull the backseat out and replace with a 50 gallon fuel cell. (You could probably put a larger fuel cell than that too!) Pedders suspension, and some GOOD R-comp tires and yer set.

68gallons of fuel + 25mpg = 1700 mile range!!

edit - in retrospect, probably a 40gallon fuel cell would suffice for a 1450mile range. Refill one time only at halfway point and yer set!

Definately need a navigator.

[Anthony]

i did daily drive my dad's 996 C2 6mt for nearly 6 months :thumbup: I have a special place in my heart for porsche racing, they are about the best bang for your buck quality well rounded race car in my opinion. just cage it and put in a racing harness and you're ready to go.


i dont think a 03/04 cobra could run reliably that far, that fast, for that long....but i could be wrong

cobra would be fine but the gas bill would not be.i honestly wouldnt want to drive a cobra 3k miles in 30 hours

[Jeepin']

GTO with a TVS 1.9L blower w/supporting mods, with a 3.05 rear end gear. (500+rwhp/tq will allow an ultra safe tune and 25+ mpg @ 100mph speeds!) Then all the countermeasures your heart desires. Pull the backseat out and replace with a 50 gallon fuel cell. (You could probably put a larger fuel cell than that too!) Pedders suspension, and some GOOD R-comp tires and yer set.

68gallons of fuel + 25mpg = 1700 mile range!!

edit - in retrospect, probably a 40gallon fuel cell would suffice for a 1450mile range. Refill one time only at halfway point and yer set!

Definately need a navigator.




Youve created the same problem I have.. weight.

I didnt think about it till after I posted, but 1 gallon of gas generally weighs 5.9lbs, depending on temp etc.

So at 40 gallons, we've each added 236 lbs to the car.

Question is, with almost another 250lbs, are you still gonna see 25mpg at 100 mph?

edited for correct math :thumbup:

[Bumpin' Yota]

Ive found that weight has a small impact on the MPG's one can achieve with a vehicle. If it did, just inflate the tires a bit more to compensate.

I think that aforementioned vehicle can get a good bit north of 25mpg at those speeds with that rear end gear on an M6. Keep in mind that 6th gear is 0.57:1 overdrive so with a 3.05 rear end gear, 100mph would have an RPM of 2280!!! This would of course be with a Jeremy Formato tune with a very lean cruise tuned in. :D

but hey if it couldn't, just go back to a 75 gallon tank to make up for it! :D



ps - Having had run from the cops well north of triple digit speeds, getting caught later, but then being let off of the hook, I think Ill just take Southwest Airlines if I ever plan on doing such a run! :D

pps - I wonder if there's a way to re-fuel while driving....hmmmmmmmm

[stevieg]

^ can i ride with u lol

[frank]

Whatever I got I would add a big ass oil, trans, and diff cooler.

[pdexta]

I really like the GTO idea, best idea yet IMO. Probably more reliable than anything else mentioned and with that super long top gear they have it would be perfect for high speed cruising.
<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden">

[aero]

pps - I wonder if there's a way to re-fuel while driving....hmmmmmmmm

If everyone else has to refuel just once during the run... and you could skip the refueling, that would save a LOT of time, especially if you had a secondary tank. Just need to get an SUV that would get in front, and some kind of contraption to pump the fuel in while you are still doing the speed limit. I am sure stopping for gas would take a good 10-20 minutes.... during that time you could cover a lot of ground.

I would definitely like to do one of those cannonball runs though. Unfortunately, I havent hit the lottery yet though, so that isnt going to happen soon.

[bimmershark]

lol lots of good ideas but i stand by my m5 idea ....

http://unikfrek.vox.com/library/post/bmw-e39-m5-vs-cross-country-journey-in-32-hrs.html

[vr_unreality]

You could rig the trunk to open and extend something out like on a jet fighter. Have some sort of re-fuel truck driving behind you that can hook on to it.

[Tanya]

My car. I already did 4,000 miles recently, and averaged around 90/95mph so I could definitely do this :)

[AminalPlanet]

You could rig the trunk to open and extend something out like on a jet fighter. Have some sort of re-fuel truck driving behind you that can hook on to it.

or just have a C130 drive super low ahead of you and have the refueling snorkel thing on the front of a car sticking up like an A6-A prowler :rofl1:

[frank]

Yeah the extra weight of fuel slows you down, but refueling is where you loose the most of everything. You not only loose time but also mileage by changing speed. But what you all seem to have neglected in saying that you'd want to try to go with only one stop, its 32 hours, theres a need for a short break. I think 2-3 stops would be optimal.

[Jeepin']

3 people in the car, rotate driving shifts with room for someone to rest in the back. That person is also the refueler. Have a van pace next to the car at about 60, extend a refueler on a rod, that person does all the refueling from the trunk.

Hard to explain but I worked it all out in my head. It'd probably fail though. Plus you need to calculate where you'll be low on gas, as to setup a crew nearby. Need about 2-3 crews across the country.

[AminalPlanet]

3 people in the car, rotate driving shifts with room for someone to rest in the back. That person is also the refueler. Have a van pace next to the car at about 60, extend a refueler on a rod, that person does all the refueling from the trunk.

Hard to explain but I worked it all out in my head. It'd probably fail though. Plus you need to calculate where you'll be low on gas, as to setup a crew nearby. Need about 2-3 crews across the country.

i do believe thats exactly what the M5 (32 hours 7 minute run) did. they had these special NASA-like bags to urinate in to turn the liquid into a solid odorless gel. they also hired spotters, a plane and a chopper in various areas...

[frank]

3 people in the car, rotate driving shifts with room for someone to rest in the back. That person is also the refueler. Have a van pace next to the car at about 60, extend a refueler on a rod, that person does all the refueling from the trunk.

Hard to explain but I worked it all out in my head. It'd probably fail though. Plus you need to calculate where you'll be low on gas, as to setup a crew nearby. Need about 2-3 crews across the country.

Yeah refueling while driving and a team would be ideal. Refueling could be done but the only problem I see with it is people around you calling the po while you do it.

[blackjti]

audi a4 TDI - 51 mpg . convert it to biodiesel and fill the trunk with fuel ;)

nah keep it diesel, upgrade turbo ~ 275 hp ~ 400 tq and still get 50mpg, take the rear seats out

http://www.mdbtrading.com/images/DSCF0003.JPG

[Jeepin']

Yeah refueling while driving and a team would be ideal. Refueling could be done but the only problem I see with it is people around you calling the po while you do it.


time it, do it at night or plan to do it on a desolate strech of road.

[AminalPlanet]

Yeah refueling while driving and a team would be ideal. Refueling could be done but the only problem I see with it is people around you calling the po while you do it.

thats why you need to hire a Killdozer to draw all the police to him and ignore you and your refueling activities :tongue:

http://www.badassoftheweek.com/heemeyer.jpg
http://www.badassoftheweek.com/heemeyer.html

^this guy was a nut job. but goddamn he could weld!

[Jeepin']

thats why you need to hire a Killdozer to draw all the police to him and ignore you and your refueling activities :tongue:

Actually, set things up so you have spotters around you always, like packs of them that get on ahead and behind you. And if needed, take the heat off.

[AminalPlanet]

Actually, set things up so you have spotters around you always, like packs of them that get on ahead and behind you. And if needed, take the heat off.

just hire a bunch of riced out hondas to cruise ahead or behind and they will draw off the attention.

[Jeepin']

Exactly! lolol. Go to the classifieds section, this might lead to something..

[APPLEJUICE]

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b153/elipatm/Miscellaneous/b16925f5.jpg


the cop doesnt even no its there.:thumbup:

[pdexta]

I think you guys are over-thinking the fueling thing. You could get someone to hand off some 5 gallon cans of gas while driving and easily rig up the tank to be filled from inside the car.
<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden">

[Jeepin']

I think you guys are over-thinking the fueling thing. You could get someone to hand off some 5 gallon cans of gas while driving and easily rig up the tank to be filled from inside the car.
<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden">

No godamnit! It has to be stealthy and sexy!

And lolz at Gus and his giant weener.

[APPLEJUICE]

no one would pull over a weener.all u need is nitrous.

[pdexta]

no one would pull over a weener.all u need is nitrous.

Burt Reynolds thinks you should steal an ambulance, nobody would pull over an ambulance. :D
<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden">

[Jeepin']

+5 to scott for moive reference

[Rossim22]

After thinking about it a lot today, I think I'd probably want a Civic Si or a RSX S. Wouldn't stand out too much, very good gas mileage, plenty of room to carry extra gas.


What kind of an RSX are you looking at? Those things have zero room. You'd be better off in the miata.

[pdexta]

What kind of an RSX are you looking at? Those things have zero room. You'd be better off in the miata.

Well I wasn't trying to put a bed back there or anything. "Room" was defined as having space for extra gas tanks. I had an integra and with the rear seats down that thing had far more storage space than anything I've ever owned (isn't say much really), I guess I just assumed space would be similar.
<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden">

[Acuracy]

I thought the plan was to drive it accross the country, not have it towed.

:rofl1::rofl1:


audi a4 TDI - 51 mpg . convert it to biodiesel and fill the trunk with fuel ;)

nah keep it diesel, upgrade turbo ~ 275 hp ~ 400 tq and still get 50mpg, take the rear seats out

http://www.mdbtrading.com/images/DSCF0003.JPG

Yes, I would love to see you upgrade the turbo to where it makes that much power and still make 50mpg :rolleyes2:

[ISMELLRICE]

just waiting will someone crashes with a 30+ gallong fuel tank in the back lol

[pdexta]

I've got mad tyte driving skillz yo, I don't crash (anymore).
<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden">

[Keith]

Volvo s60r - awd 300 Hp. Add a bigger turbo, and supporting mods with a nice tune. Take the back seat out, fuel cell, and all the good ole gadgets to follow.

Keep a low profile, but keep it classy.

[titter]

Actually the record is 31 hours and 4 minutes set by Alex Roy and his co-pilot David Maher in October 2006. The 32 hours 7 minutes is a documentary about the original record set in 1983 "32:07" by David Diem and Doug Turner, as well as a movie showing their record breaking run of 31:04.

They did it in a M5 loaded with goodies. They also had a spotter plane following them, which I am sure helped a bunch with dealing with cops/traffic.

If I was choosing a car it would be a new G8 GT with a 6 speed auto. The car is big enough for extra fuel cell, and anything else you need ... but still powerful enough to do it.

[02vortec]

I would just take Palmer's turbo GTO and put a massive extra gas tank in the back.

/thread.

[ArsenutsJR]

m5/m3 /thread.

[rotodouche]

that record has been broken twice by team politzi (sp?) in an M5 bmw. i have the book if you want to read it.

i would do it in an LSx powered something. its more a combo of gas mileage and speed than just raw power. thats why ford gts, ferraris, lambos, ect. just dont really do the trick.