[Bart]

Well I've really only raced once... on a stretch of road outside of town (I live out in the country). My brother has a '91 or '92 chevy blazer 4.3L V6. Anyways, we were driving home in my car and I jokingly asked him if he wanted to race once we got home. At first I didn't want to because of the difference in car classes... his being a truck and mine being a (large) car. I didn't think it would be worth it. I was thinking he'd beat me off the line easy and then I would have taken over after about 20 to 30 mph when he'd have to shift out of 1st. Well, his front end was at my rear doors shortly after the start. We kinda had a messed up start since there was no one to signal a start outside the car. There was also some wet patches on the road so I spun my tires at first. After that I was gone but not completely because I let off the gas every now and then to see if he would pass me. I would keep it in low so it would stay in 2nd up to 75mph and when he would whip around me I would step on it. I would have to say it was about the stupidest thing I did though (even though it was fun) because instead of stopping at the 1/4 mile mark, we kept going around the (sharp) corners. If it wasn't for the time being 3am, we probably would have had some company on the roads. Anyways, yes, that was a win for me... me and my little 2.7L. Of course, it was a truck... with a lot more torque though. The only other time was with some honda civic... not really riced out though. Just tinted windows and fake "hid" headlights and of course some chick driving. We were at a light where everyone knows her lane has to merge into mine less than 100 yards from the intersection. She was behind me but purposely went into the lane that soon ends. She was probably thinking that like everyone else, I was going to start off slow. I stood on it once the light turned green and so did she. Sometimes those are peppy little cars because at first she jumped ahead because the low end power on my car sucks, but after 25mph I took it and she had to merge behind me. One thing I learned... don't underestimate chicks in civics because they're just as agressive as the guys are. That's why I hate it when they get lower insurance rates. Of the two times I've raced, I've won... only because I won't race anything else because I know I'll lose... until I get the 5.7 hemi intrepid

 

[TehKing]

Good kills.

I've never had the pleasure of driving a second gen Intrepid, so I can't really comment on them. All I know is my car is a little sluggish until around 3k and then its like a turbo kicks in. Your gone!

I'm sure your car would be competition for quite a few things on the road.

(There is this high pitched whistle/whoosh at around 3k too.. I have never figured out what it is.)

 

[Mopar4U]

LHSER,
Do you notice a HUGE difference in acceleration when the engine motor is completely cold versus when the engine is up to temperature? Would this be the same as having "RAM" air, or in other words always having cold air put into the motor? I guess what i'm asking is, would the car accelerate the same with "RAM" air as when the engine is completely cold?

 

[brianw99]

I've got the 2.7L too. As soon as you pass about 3000RPM the power really starts to kick in. I usually two foot it at the start of a race and put the revs up to about 1500 (I know its not good to do but I don't do it very often). I few people that I've talked to with the 2.7 don't like the power that it has but I like it. I smoke all of the ricers here. When I drive my moms van (2000 Windstar) I can really put on a show for them because they aren't expecting anything from a van. It has so juch torque that I can spin the tires for a lot longer than I can in the trep.
I have too many kills to mention.
I've only really lost twice in an "organized race" (sit at a light and give someone a nod kind of thing). One was with a 92 (I think) Lumina Z34 (3.4L, 200hp, 225 lb-ft) I kept up with him until I hit 3rd gear, that gear is so long that he just went right by me as soon as I shifted into that gear.
The second was a 97 Ford Contour (2.5L V6 5spd, not sure of the specs) I was rolling up to a light and I knew it was going to change so I kept rolling at idle, when it changed I stood on it, I wasnt expecting him to do them same but he did. He beat me up to next light and he turned. I think if I had been at a dead stop and been able to start properly I might have beaten him.
Thats all I have.....for now.

Brian
'99 Inferno Red, 2.7L

 

[TehKing]

Actually my car seems to accelerate a bit better when the engine has been running for a few moments...don't ask me why.

"Ram Air" would be effective as it allows a denser, colder air charge into the engine.

 

[Bart]

LHSer, I think most if not all the LH engines all of the sudden get a burst of power about 3k rpm... I really notice that too. I don't know a whole lot about engines, but I'm guessing it's the camshaft (or camshafts, in my case) timing? low end torque sucks but then it kicks in like a turbo like you said... someone correct me if I'm wrong tho. It'd be nice if dodge could get their hands on the patents to honda's vtec technology... if the 2.7 puts out 200 now, think of how much it could put out with variable valve timing. Although there are many, many variables, the 2.7 could possibly achieve 270hp naturally aspirated since the current integra puts out 190hp out of a 1.8L, and the new rsx has 200hp out of a 2.0L. I'd hate to say this but I'm impressed. What I don't understand is why they stop at the small engines to put out 100+ hp per liter. Why don't they add a couple cylinders onto the current 1.8 liter block to make a 6 cyl like dodge did with the viper to make it a V10. Acura's 1.8 liter made into a 6 cyl with the same bore/stroke would make it exactly 2.7L... hrmmm... interesting. Of course this is all theory... and I'm no engine engineer.

 

[1mz-fe]

do you guys ever consider that racing whoops your car's ass? i know mine is fast and i've done a lot of rice-roasting but my car always seems angry after i beat someone and then quiet back down to normal driving. i'm just wondering because mine only has 59k on it but it's been run pretty soft - will the 3.5s really go that hard for a long time?

 

[Mopar4U]

My theory...They make new parts everday! So drive em hard.

 

[Si]

I dont know about 3.5`s but the 3.3`s go for at least 200k if not more without major repairs.. Driving hard?!?! Well I do drive mine like I just stole it, but here is an intresting thing... My wife owns a Ford Escort (No flames, wasnt my choice!) anyway she was bitching to me that it shifts hard... Last week I had to borrow it for a day cos its a Wagon and I needed the space, I gave it back to her and she wondered what I did to it cos the shifting wasnt bad anymore, I drove it like I usually drive, as though I stole it.... Go figure !!!!! Next car that woman is getting is an Avenger!

 

[Bart]

I don't drive mine terribly hard that often. I do drive it harder than the average person though because I like to take advantage of the higher than average power for a base model car like that.

 

[TehKing]

Contary to what you all think, I only drive it hard when the need arrises. Those times would be when a punk needs a lesson, merging onto insane freeways and when I am in a hurry, which is hardly ever since I am a stickler for punctuality. I'd say 95% of the time I drive it like most people's grandfather would.

 

[Mopar4U]

Originally posted by LHSer:
I'd say 95% of the time I drive it like most people's grandfather would.

You keep refering to your car as a "grandfather car". To be honest with you I don't see it that way. I think the LHS's are upper class Intrepids. Grandfather cars would be the Lincolns or Cadilacs. I'll trade you straight up for my Intrepid any day. I'd take one in a heartbeat, I think they are great looking cars.

 

[TehKing]

Well, I've only ever seen older gentlemen drive LHS' so that is why I refer to them as a "grandfather" car.

AS for the trade...how many miles, 3.5 or 3.3? Does the AC work?

 

[DMAG]

I also think they are good looking cars, and I really like the new LHS's...they are very slick and classy....too bad they got rid of them...

Well, the live on in the Concorde LXi, but the name LHS has a ring to it.

 

[Intrepid98]

I saw a new LHS a month or so ago that had a custom spoiler on the back. It looked a little out of place, but not too bad

 

[TehKing]

In my opinion the Concorde is a gussied up Intrepid. (Not that there is anything wrong with that.) For an anology, it would be like having leather seats in a Honda Civic. (Wait, in Canada they do have that..its called the Acura 1.6EL.)

I always thought the LHS was a marquee car for Chrysler, sort of at a higher level than the COncorde, but not so high to make it snooty. Luxury, but with a sporty attitude. As close to a German sports sedan as any NA manufacturer has ever come.

Of course for 5 years it was Chrysler's top of the line luxury car. It now shares that distinction with the 300M.

 

[DMAG]

Unfortunately, 2001 was the last year for the LHS...the front end is still there, but the name is gone. It's now known as the Concorde LXi.

 

[Intrepid98]

Doesn't sound like a big deal to me. Rarely ever see an LHS in the first place. I see a lot more Concorde's and 300m's.

 

[DMAG]

I'll probably get flak for this, but out of all the 2nd Gen LH cars, I always thought the LHS was the best looking. For everything you get on the car (I have a brochure and I test drove one) it's actually a pretty good deal compared to other luxury cars out there.

I really like the front end on it...classy, yet aggressive...

 

[Intrepid98]

It's not a bad looking car, but I really do not like the look of the big grill on the front