New GT3 owner
 

Hi.

I have recently bought myself a 2004 GT3 with 7k miles. The car is great.

However, somethings bugging me. When I get to over 110 mph, the car feels unstable (its fine getting upto the speed and even accelerating quickly) the only way i can describe the feeling, is that its like a heavy cross wind hitting the car. It happend driving on Friday for the 1st time at this speed, I'm not sure if it was the weather, but it happend every 15-20 sec, the car would feel like its was going to pull to one side. Driving at any other speed is perfect and the car doesn't feel like its pulling to one side.

I'm used to owning an Elise previously, am I just being paraniod or has anyone experienced this before?
thanks
Paul.

RE: New GT3 owner
 

I don't mean to insult your intelligence, but you said the car felt like it was being hit by a crosswind @ 110mph (nice you have a place you can drive that fast safely!?). Then you said you wondered if it might have been the weather that day. So.... were there strong crosswinds? If so, there's your reason for the pull. High speed driving can be risky with unpredictable strong crosswinds. I've seen vehicles crashed in the ditch after going under an overpass during strong crosswinds. The drivers weren't prepared for the sudden lack of wind while in the protected area of the overpass embankments.

If you had no crosswinds, then first thing I'd check would be tire pressures all around. Adjust to factory specs if needed. While you are at it, check for uneven wear on all tires with a tread depth gauge. If you don't have one, get one. It's a cheap, lifelong investment. Take at least 3 measurements per tire. Outside tread groove, middle and inner. Write down the results. Check 'em again in 4 or 5K miles. This should give you a good idea if you have any pressure or alignment issues.

Next, especially if you have uneven tire wear, have the alignment checked and adjusted if necessary.

If your experience @ 110 included any vibration at the steering wheel, have the wheels balanced by a good shop. Balance on the far side of 100 is much more touchy than at the speeds typical Americans drive. I've seen balance problems that didn't show up until 125mph. They can be caused by as small an imbalance as ½ ounce.