Plans for the 08-09 offseason?

[Ludachris]

It's about that time again. Time to start thinking of plans for the offseason. What are your goals and plans for next season? What type of events are you planning on prepping for - road racing, TT, autoX, rallyX? What projects will you be working on in the cooler weather?

I'll be doing more Time Trials stuff. My plans include:

1. Fuel surge tank.

2. Oil filter relocation.

3. Solid motor mount bushing(s) and suspension bushings, as well as some fabricated tubular rear control arms.

4. Some minor body work and possibly paint.

5. More weight removal.

6. Tubular front and rear crash beams (bumpers).

7. Maybe some custom exhaust work for the O2 sensor housing/dump tube/downpipe connections. I'd like to recirc my dump tube into the downpipe and rearrange some of the connections to make more room in that area and cut down on the heat.

8. Ducting for brakes and radiator cooling, and probably another hood vent.

9. Scrape up some cash for an aluminum drive shaft and a 6-8 point roll bar/cage.

10. Larger injectors to run E85.


That's a pretty long list. Let's see if I can keep the garage warm enough to get half of it done.

 

[tsiboosted]

Well as I am backwards to most people on here living in Florida, I am actually right in the begining of my racing season. But I have been upgrading certain areas of the car lately. Ordered some Ground Control coilovers and they shoud be in and on any day now.

Also looking into the RM rear sway bar. In my off-season (after April) I am going to be flaring the fenders to accomodate some wider tires. More suspension stuff is always in the works as well.

Chris - When you are ready for that cage check out IO Port racing supplies. That is where I got my cage and they do really good work building them. Its an AutoPower cage and it fit right into the car no problems at all. Good price as well. I think it was around $700 or so for the whole 6 point cage with 2 door bars on each door.

 

[Eagle 5]

- Still need to get camber plates and bolts for the front, then I can get an alignment.
- New intercooler and piping. Already have the piping just need the intercooler.
- FP18G-6SL2, figure this will be good for my "all around" purposes.
- Redoing the gauges in my car. Using stock gauge cluster but replacing the fuel, oil press, and water temp with boost, oil pressure and water temp gauges in the arrangement I would like.
- Start fixing stupid little minor things on the car that have been put off.
- Hopefully get it ready to have body work done / repainted etc.
- Clean up the wiring and what not while having the body fixed.

Knowing me, I will probably get half of that completed over winter. Need motivation but just been too busy with too many things going on this summer.

 

[D_Eclipse9916]

6-point cage
New harnesses
Evo rear brembos
oil pressure gauge
Fabricate DGs spherical top mounts
Enkei RPF1s


Oh and just for you ludachris.....
Kenwood DNX8120 Navi unit.

 

[talonTSIDriver]

I'm thinking about selling my evo VIII for a IX.

I think in the next year or 2 I will be back in the DSM game and build a pure track 2g. I'd like to get into more wheel to wheel racing.

 

[housegsx]

Race seats, poly suspension, good alignment, roll fenders, rip out more weight, etc, etc, etc.

 

[Ludachris]

Hey guys, what type of racing will you all be prepping for? This being the road race/autox/rallyx forum, let's mention that when listing projects and mods so we can see what those builds will be used for.

 

[housegsx]

I'm preparing to do a full season of autocross in the Steel Cities region SCCA. I entered 4 or 5 this year + 1 small time trial. I'll be in SM or SMT if I'm in the street tire class.

Mods have already been listed above.

 

[tsiboosted]

Hey guys, what type of racing will you all be prepping for? This being the road race/autox/rallyx forum, let's mention that when listing projects and mods so we can see what those builds will be used for.

Well as I have stated earlier in this thread, my season/series has just begun. This will be me 2nd full year in the Grand Bayou Race Series. I finished 2nd overall in my class last season and I look to try and contend for the overall this year. I am always pushing and planning ahead to try and get a pro ride some day in the future. Over the summer I got my competetive license through NASA and will continue to work towards getting my name out there to maybe get a testing session with a pro team in either the Koni Challenge Series, SCCA Touring Car Series, the United States Touring Car Championships or even the MX5 Cup Miata Series. So thats what I am planning and working towards.

 

[xi Talon ix]

Are you going to be road racing that? What class you shooting for with 600hp?

i plan on it being a 1/4 mile weekend car with the occasional daily drive. ive heard nothing but good this about the hx40 but borg warner is starting to get proven in the DSM community. still not to sure where to go with a turbo. id like to get a 10 second pass out of the car or 135+ traps

 

[Ludachris]

i plan on it being a 1/4 mile weekend car with the occasional daily drive. ive heard nothing but good this about the hx40 but borg warner is starting to get proven in the DSM community. still not to sure where to go with a turbo. id like to get a 10 second pass out of the car or 135+ traps

You might want to try the Drag Strip forum for help with drag racing, as people in this forum/thread are focused on road racing and autocross.

 

[Ludachris]

Come on people, this is the Road Racing and Autocross forum. This discussion, if you read the original post, was directed towards those who are going to be prepping their cars for road racing and/or autocross next season. This isn't a general discussion about what mods you'll be doing to your car, this is specific to the road racers, the autocrossers, and even the rallycross guys.

Now please, when listing your projects, tell us about the type of racing you're planning on doing and what your goals are. If you're just building up a daily driver, a drag car, or something that doesn't apply, then please, don't reply to this thread.

I just deleted a bunch of posts in hopes of keeping this thing on topic and relevant to road racing and autocross.

Thank you.

 

[snowborder714]

My plans are as follows:
-adjust clutch
-fix Autometer water temp gauge (reading too high)
-replace starter plate and install an ACT 2600/Southbend disc with Fidanza flywheel
-SPC upper control arms
-relocate battery to trunk
-catch cans with -10 line from valve cover breather
-replace some timing belt components
-air filter heat shield and radiator/FMIC ducting
-Carbontrix hood vent

I'll be doing some of what's on this list, pending funding and time. I only need to buy the clutch disc and OEM parts and that project will be ready to go.

What size Carbontrix vent does everyone run? I noticed in the 2g road race tech article that it is linked to the 18x10 vent.

And then, probably the biggest 'mod' of all - I'm looking to get a truck and trailer so I can tow the car Anyone have any recommendations as to what to look for or certain vehicles/trailers people like?

I'll be looking to compete in autox (did one event this past summer - SM class) and bring it back to the drag strip. I'm really looking forward to getting started in HPDE though!!

 

[housegsx]

And then, probably the biggest 'mod' of all - I'm looking to get a truck and trailer so I can tow the car Anyone have any recommendations as to what to look for or certain vehicles/trailers people like?

Not a Ford. I know of a couple people who have had this problem...

Spark plug ejection Consumer complaints about Ford Engines - Spark Plug Defect

 

[Ludachris]

My plans are as follows:
-adjust clutch
-fix Autometer water temp gauge (reading too high)
-replace starter plate and install an ACT 2600/Southbend disc with Fidanza flywheel
-SPC upper control arms
-relocate battery to trunk
-catch cans with -10 line from valve cover breather
-replace some timing belt components
-air filter heat shield and radiator/FMIC ducting
-Carbontrix hood vent

I'll be doing some of what's on this list, pending funding and time. I only need to buy the clutch disc and OEM parts and that project will be ready to go.

What size Carbontrix vent does everyone run? I noticed in the 2g road race tech article that it is linked to the 18x10 vent.

And then, probably the biggest 'mod' of all - I'm looking to get a truck and trailer so I can tow the car Anyone have any recommendations as to what to look for or certain vehicles/trailers people like?

I'll be looking to compete in autox (did one event this past summer - SM class) and bring it back to the drag strip. I'm really looking forward to getting started in HPDE though!!

I have the 18x10" hood vent and will likely be adding another smaller vent at some point.

We actually bought an 05 Sequoia earlier this year and I've used it to tow my car to a couple events with no problems so far - one event was a good 8 hours away and crossed over part of the Rockies. It's a Toyota and it has a warranty, tough to beat that.

 

[D_Eclipse9916]

Snowboarder,
I use the 18x10 on my 2g eclipse.

Now why do you want to move the battery to the trunk? I always thought of doing that till I realized im just adding weight with all the length of wire and the safety equipment you MUST have for having abattery in the back. Why not just get a smaller battery and mount it on the subframe in front. Best of both worlds, relocates it farther back behind the front wheels and also reduces TOTAL weight. Thats my next step.

Also search on Ebay for the SPC upper control arms, I got them 200 dollars cheaper than any vendor I could find.

I too have struggled to find a catch can solution that I like... let me know what you come up with.

Oh and me: Compete in Autox SM and just HPDE work for now. Maybe one time trial next year if the car is all figured out.

 

[cioc]

And then, probably the biggest 'mod' of all - I'm looking to get a truck and trailer so I can tow the car Anyone have any recommendations as to what to look for or certain vehicles/trailers people like?

I got this "biggest mod" this year and can't tell you how happy/comfortable it made me feel at my last track day. When gas prices were at their peak I sought out to buy a big gas guzzling pig and settled on an 05 Sierra 2500HD with the 6.0 L V8. This literally fell in my lap but I was looking at either the Chevy or the GMC 1500 with the 5.3L. I read on some truck forums that the 4.6L didn't do the trick for hauling. I also queried a bunch of people who own trucks and even a guy who owns a shop that deals primarily with truck accessories and his advice was that if you're going gas...get a chevy/gmc...if going diesel...get a ford/dodge. To each his own though. As for the trailer, I noticed you're in PA and lucky for you there's a company out there that makes great trailers. Check them out at Home I purchased their 15' closed deck with additional side pockets welded on and a spare tire for around $2300. I have another friend with their open deck and loves it as well. He likes the open deck more so he can work under it if need be but I needed something that was more multi-purpose. Good Luck!

 

[housegsx]

I got this "biggest mod" this year and can't tell you how happy/comfortable it made me feel at my last track day. When gas prices were at their peak I sought out to buy a big gas guzzling pig and settled on an 05 Sierra 2500HD with the 6.0 L V8. This literally fell in my lap but I was looking at either the Chevy or the GMC 1500 with the 5.3L. I read on some truck forums that the 4.6L didn't do the trick for hauling. I also queried a bunch of people who own trucks and even a guy who owns a shop that deals primarily with truck accessories and his advice was that if you're going gas...get a chevy/gmc...if going diesel...get a ford/dodge. To each his own though. As for the trailer, I noticed you're in PA and lucky for you there's a company out there that makes great trailers. Check them out at Home I purchased their 15' closed deck with additional side pockets welded on and a spare tire for around $2300. I have another friend with their open deck and loves it as well. He likes the open deck more so he can work under it if need be but I needed something that was more multi-purpose. Good Luck!

The 05 6.0 has cylinder deactivation correct? I think the best of the new full size truck engines actually get better gas mileage than the smaller engines in a lot of circumstances.

As for diesel, I think they're all pretty decent especially Dodge. Unfortunately they often use the worst transmissions.

I don't have a truck, this is just what I gather from listening to friends and neighbors talk about them.

 

[awdfun]

Nice choice, cioc! I've got a 2500 HD as well, 2001 crew cab with the 6.0L gas motor. I've driven it from Ontario, Canada to San Carlos, Mexico. I absolutely love it, as have all of my passengers.

I've yet to pull my car to an event with it, but I've really babied the talon in DE1 and DE2, and most of my autocrosses this year were only 6 miles from my garage door.

Next year will be a different story, as I'd like to move up to DE3/TT and run at Buttonwillow, Arroyo Seco, and a few Colorado tracks as well.

 

[awdfun]

I went a bit off topic there, sorry.

My goals for 2008: fun autocross car, reliable daily driver. (check, done!)

My goals for 2009: more track days, and a competitive SM autocross car.

Bit ticket items for me: Cooling!
Coolant temps are #1, gotta get those down.
Then front brake temp control.
Then an external oil cooler and ducting.

Other than that just minor stuff. Squeaky belts, little rattles, alignments, brake pad and rotor choices, etc.

 

[Ludachris]

Nice choice, cioc! I've got a 2500 HD as well, 2001 crew cab with the 6.0L gas motor. I've driven it from Ontario, Canada to San Carlos, Mexico. I absolutely love it, as have all of my passengers.

I've yet to pull my car to an event with it, but I've really babied the talon in DE1 and DE2, and most of my autocrosses this year were only 6 miles from my garage door.

Next year will be a different story, as I'd like to move up to DE3/TT and run at Buttonwillow, Arroyo Seco, and a few Colorado tracks as well.

Hope to see you at the Colorado events. I'm almost always there. We have a new track here in the Denver area that is almost complete. Should be a fun track.

 

[Ludachris]

Here's a project I think I'm going to take on this winter as well... custom fiberglass fender flares. I've taken a photo that was posted by a member who has flares and did some photoshop work to show how I'll customize the flares to look more like they're made for my car....

Before:

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

After:

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I'll just have to start learning some fiberglassing skills.

 

[snowborder714]

Not a Ford. I know of a couple people who have had this problem...

Spark plug ejection Consumer complaints about Ford Engines - Spark Plug Defect

Hmm, thanks for the heads up. I can't say I've ever heard about that and my dad's been driving Ford trucks since I was a little kid. His current truck has between 100k and 120k miles on it without any major problems (and he hauls a 21' boat up to the Finger Lakes region a lot).

I have the 18x10" hood vent and will likely be adding another smaller vent at some point.

We actually bought an 05 Sequoia earlier this year and I've used it to tow my car to a couple events with no problems so far - one event was a good 8 hours away and crossed over part of the Rockies. It's a Toyota and it has a warranty, tough to beat that.

Well, it sounds like the 18x10 is the way to go. Where do you plan on putting the smaller hood vent Chris?

I'll have to look into the Toyota vehicles as I've heard some pretty good stuff on them. I think I would want a 4 door truck or a longer SUV. I'm not 100% convinced either way yet though.

Snowboarder,
I use the 18x10 on my 2g eclipse.

Now why do you want to move the battery to the trunk? I always thought of doing that till I realized im just adding weight with all the length of wire and the safety equipment you MUST have for having abattery in the back. Why not just get a smaller battery and mount it on the subframe in front. Best of both worlds, relocates it farther back behind the front wheels and also reduces TOTAL weight. Thats my next step.

Also search on Ebay for the SPC upper control arms, I got them 200 dollars cheaper than any vendor I could find.

I too have struggled to find a catch can solution that I like... let me know what you come up with.

Oh and me: Compete in Autox SM and just HPDE work for now. Maybe one time trial next year if the car is all figured out.

I want to move the battery to clean up the engine bay. I figure there won't be too much added weight with all of the things that need to be installed. The only real safety equipment would be a vented box, a circuit breaker, and a cut off switch (which Eric and I are having a hell of a time trying to figure out a stealthy but clean installation location). I am not a big fan of the smaller batteries - I never have been. I'm not sure why, but I'm a sucker for a clean and empty engine bay

I was going to look on eBay as I did see them for very cheap over the summer. Thanks for the heads up. What all did you have to do clearancing wise for the arms? I've read you can either dent the fender well yourself or let the arm do it's own thing. Any suggestions?

Eric and I were just working out the catch can solution the other night. I'll post up when we've got a good layout down. We were thinking of going with these catch cans, but with some AN fittings.

I got this "biggest mod" this year and can't tell you how happy/comfortable it made me feel at my last track day. When gas prices were at their peak I sought out to buy a big gas guzzling pig and settled on an 05 Sierra 2500HD with the 6.0 L V8. This literally fell in my lap but I was looking at either the Chevy or the GMC 1500 with the 5.3L. I read on some truck forums that the 4.6L didn't do the trick for hauling. I also queried a bunch of people who own trucks and even a guy who owns a shop that deals primarily with truck accessories and his advice was that if you're going gas...get a chevy/gmc...if going diesel...get a ford/dodge. To each his own though. As for the trailer, I noticed you're in PA and lucky for you there's a company out there that makes great trailers. Check them out at Home I purchased their 15' closed deck with additional side pockets welded on and a spare tire for around $2300. I have another friend with their open deck and loves it as well. He likes the open deck more so he can work under it if need be but I needed something that was more multi-purpose. Good Luck!

Thanks for the info. I'll have to do some research on the best towing trucks and see what I can find. I'm not sure if I'm going gas/diesel yet, but I haven't given that much thought.

Thanks for the link for the trailer company. I'll have to compare them to All Pro. My friend just got a full wood floor trailer from them and it's pretty nice. I don't think I'd go wood floor, but they also have a diamond plate floor. I think I would go with a full/closed deck as well so I could use it for more than just hauling the car.

 

[tsiboosted]

I'm with Luda in the trying to figure a way to flare my fenders in my off-season. Greg had some nice ones and I like the looks of the ones on that 1G Ludachris posted up above. It would be very nice to be able to run something other than 225 tires. More rubber is always better

And I see people talking about catch can solutions etc. To me that was one of the easiest mods I have done to my car. Took all of 30 minutes to put one on that effectivley works. And that was with making a bracket for it.

 

[drivemusicnow]

So I have the shortest winter project list of all time:

1) Replace the stupid water pump to water pipe seal.
2) route exhaust through the interior and out the drivers side.
3) buff the paint a bit
4) through the new lateral head support net in...

Yeah, that's about it... I'm thinking the control arms will take too long.