Altered Mental Status (1G AWD 5spd)

[DreamChaser7]

Thanks brotha. I swear we gotta find a good midway point to meet with the DSMs one day. Or if I honestly ever get a truck, I'll tow it down there and whether yours is done or not we can cruise. Isn't there a nice 1/4mile track near you?

No doubt. I think the closest one to me is Bradenton, which is about 45-60 mins south of here depending on traffic.

 

[CrackedDSM]

Besides practicing and getting used to launch, from my experience, better tires and lightweight rims was the easiest mods to lower the time. You would be surprised if you put drag radials or slicks. Even if you drive the same way with the same tuning and setup, 1/4 mile ET would be lowered a lot, like easily cut down half a sec or more from cheap street tires.

So, tricky question...what would be the best tire option for traction for a 17" wheel? I've got 235/45's right now but could comfortably fit a 245/45 I think. Does it have to be specifically a "drag radial" or do the circuit racing/circle track tires do the job too?


So far I've only really found the Nitto NT555RII's. I'm contemplating putting the 18" wheels from the parts talon on this car for daily/street duties, and changing these wheels to the "max traction" setup.


I never thought I would ever need sticky tires or drag radials of any kind so all help is needed. Lol. No idea where to even begin. Is there a sticky non "drag radial" tire you guys like?

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

Get one of these, and the granny shifting should transform into ripping the f***ing shifter off the floor

I've been asked if I were drunk when I got this. While I don't remember that being the case, I was a teenager, so it's likely and honestly indifferent .

Seriously though, in your case it's better to treat the drivetrain gently. If you're not competitively chasing a number or racing, there's no reason for that added stress. I've lived the days of no lift shifting and half clutching. While fun and much faster, I was chewing through synchronizers and bearings constantly.

 

[CrackedDSM]

Get one of these, and the granny shifting should transform into ripping the f***ing shifter off the floor

View attachment 765678

I've been asked if I were drunk when I got this. While I don't remember that being the case, I was a teenager, so it's likely and honestly indifferent .

Seriously though, in your case it's better to treat the drivetrain gently. If you're not competitively chasing a number or racing, there's no reason for that added stress. I've lived the days of no lift shifting and half clutching. While fun and much faster, I was chewing through synchronizers and bearings constantly.

That's great, I love it.

But to the last part, you're not the only one to tell me that and one of those guys is a really competitive racer. Another one was Rob at Forced Performance as well. So that's honestly why I'm not trying like crazy to just RIP to the next gear. Everyone who is fast tells me the same thing. "Just run a little more boost out the back, and keep shifting slow."

I just think it's funny to poke fun at myself where it applies. I'm proud of my granny shifting 12 second pass. I'd like to get a granny shifted LOW 12 second pass. Getting the launch dialed in whether it's traction or perfected technique is next on the priority list.

 

[DSMPT]

So, tricky question...what would be the best tire option for traction for a 17" wheel? I've got 235/45's right now but could comfortably fit a 245/45 I think. Does it have to be specifically a "drag radial" or do the circuit racing/circle track tires do the job too?


So far I've only really found the Nitto NT555RII's. I'm contemplating putting the 18" wheels from the parts talon on this car for daily/street duties, and changing these wheels to the "max traction" setup.


I never thought I would ever need sticky tires or drag radials of any kind so all help is needed. Lol. No idea where to even begin. Is there a sticky non "drag radial" tire you guys like?

I was using Hoosier drag radial P225/50R16 on factory rims and FD rims for both on streets and track. Because at that time I was still using the 1g on streets as weekend car, probably not good on wet condition but I live in middle of desert, so it was not a big deal. Slicks were not convenient since I don't have a trailer to bring the car to the track.

The Hoosier drag radial has much softer sidewall than road racing high grip tires. That's actually what I liked, drivability in curves was kinda terrible, but it's more friendly with drivetrain components at launching and made the 1/4 time much better.

 

[MindBlowin03]

So, tricky question...what would be the best tire option for traction for a 17" wheel? I've got 235/45's right now but could comfortably fit a 245/45 I think. Does it have to be specifically a "drag radial" or do the circuit racing/circle track tires do the job too?


So far I've only really found the Nitto NT555RII's. I'm contemplating putting the 18" wheels from the parts talon on this car for daily/street duties, and changing these wheels to the "max traction" setup.


I never thought I would ever need sticky tires or drag radials of any kind so all help is needed. Lol. No idea where to even begin. Is there a sticky non "drag radial" tire you guys like?

17" is tough for a tire with drag racing purposes. You want a tire with high traction but with a softer sidewall to absorb any shock. Those circuit racing tires are way too stiff for drag racing, but great for everything else.

To be honest, if your stuck with a 17" you can get a drag radial or just go with a soft winter tire. Although not ideal because of the lack of sidewall. The latter being an old school trick for DSMs back in the day.

Ideally you would get a 15" or 16" wheel and use an appropriate drag radial. The wheel size usually depends on your brake setup.

 

[CrackedDSM]

17" is tough for a tire with drag racing purposes. You want a tire with high traction but with a softer sidewall to absorb any shock. Those circuit racing tires are way too stiff for drag racing, but great for everything else.

To be honest, if your stuck with a 17" you can get a drag radial or just go with a soft winter tire. Although not ideal because of the lack of sidewall. The latter being an old school trick for DSMs back in the day.

Ideally you would get a 15" or 16" wheel and use an appropriate drag radial. The wheel size usually depends on your brake setup.

I have outlander brakes. I think a 16 would fit.


What’s a good soft winter tire? That intrigues me to no end.

 

[MindBlowin03]

I have outlander brakes. I think a 16 would fit.


What’s a good soft winter tire? That intrigues me to no end.

I would be lying if I said I knew. I just remember back in the day a bunch of the DSM guys were running really fast with stock wheels and winter tires. It was a nice cheap way to not spend real money and not break things .

 

[CrackedDSM]

I would be lying if I said I knew. I just remember back in the day a bunch of the DSM guys were running really fast with stock wheels and winter tires. It was a nice cheap way to not spend real money and not break things .

I know! I'm gonna have to look into that and do some digging.

Plus I'm not gonna lie to you, I really want those weird looks I'm going to get for having snow tires underinflated on my car in Satan's Burning Asshole, FL.

 

[CrackedDSM]

Slight simple update: I ordered some replacement brand new topline lifters after @curt-s posted up part numbers in the 'what did you do to your dsm' thread. I also ordered the OEM tool that the FSM uses for like $37 so I can do it without removing my cams and timing belt/etc. I'm tired of hearing these, and coming from BogusSVO they were probably just used ones that were laying around in his shop. I helped a guy work on his DSM, and when he started his it was perfectly quiet with no lifter tick just that 4G63 "whirr" they make, and that cemented it. Is it weird that I'm kind of excited for that?


Other than that, no real plans. Gonna save pennies and buy a vacuum pump for A/C work. I have a manifold/gauge set already, just need the pump. Once that comes in, I'm gonna install A/C in this bird and then honestly...it'll be done until it blows up or I get tired of the FP Green. I need another project now, man...

 

[colbyc]

Slight simple update: I ordered some replacement brand new topline lifters after @curt-s posted up part numbers in the 'what did you do to your dsm' thread. I also ordered the OEM tool that the FSM uses for like $37 so I can do it without removing my cams and timing belt/etc. I'm tired of hearing these, and coming from BogusSVO they were probably just used ones that were laying around in his shop. I helped a guy work on his DSM, and when he started his it was perfectly quiet with no lifter tick just that 4G63 "whirr" they make, and that cemented it. Is it weird that I'm kind of excited for that?


Other than that, no real plans. Gonna save pennies and buy a vacuum pump for A/C work. I have a manifold/gauge set already, just need the pump. Once that comes in, I'm gonna install A/C in this bird and then honestly...it'll be done until it blows up or I get tired of the FP Green. I need another project now, man...

Maybe you're already aware, but if not, you can rent vacuum pumps from Autozone/oriellys if you don't want to invest in one to use 1 or 2 times.

 

[curt-s]

Slight simple update: I ordered some replacement brand new topline lifters after @curt-s posted up part numbers in the 'what did you do to your dsm' thread. I also ordered the OEM tool that the FSM uses for like $37 so I can do it without removing my cams and timing belt/etc. I'm tired of hearing these, and coming from BogusSVO they were probably just used ones that were laying around in his shop. I helped a guy work on his DSM, and when he started his it was perfectly quiet with no lifter tick just that 4G63 "whirr" they make, and that cemented it. Is it weird that I'm kind of excited for that?


Other than that, no real plans. Gonna save pennies and buy a vacuum pump for A/C work. I have a manifold/gauge set already, just need the pump. Once that comes in, I'm gonna install A/C in this bird and then honestly...it'll be done until it blows up or I get tired of the FP Green. I need another project now, man...

I didn't want to steer anybody specifically to RockAuto unless they didn't need all 16.. Since RA sells in groups of 4 (or 1), if you only needed 8 like I did since I bought 8 on RTM's GoB sale, it was cheaper for me being up in the north. Extreme and STM sells sets of 16 for cheaper than four sets of 4 from RA if you don't get raked over the coals for shipping like we up here do.

It just didn't make sense for me specifically.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

That's great, I love it.

But to the last part, you're not the only one to tell me that and one of those guys is a really competitive racer. Another one was Rob at Forced Performance as well. So that's honestly why I'm not trying like crazy to just RIP to the next gear. Everyone who is fast tells me the same thing. "Just run a little more boost out the back, and keep shifting slow."

I just think it's funny to poke fun at myself where it applies. I'm proud of my granny shifting 12 second pass. I'd like to get a granny shifted LOW 12 second pass. Getting the launch dialed in whether it's traction or perfected technique is next on the priority list.

12 on the street via a mobile app is far different than a 12 after the tree flashes while on edge... However I still don't recommend chasing that extra time through your shifting. I've already said what I meant about being "gentle", so as not to damage things. I was metaphorically "there" when and while you chased down that transmission. Almost literally, but virtually. I don't want to see you going through that or anything similar again soon, or threatening to sell your car again because a synchro gave up. And I mean that both jokingly and seriously. I'll throw that idea around, but shit could get really tough at that time and you may feel done.

Regardless, I'm sure both of my points are taken. Dragy time is quite a bit different than true track time, and Cory does NOT need to grenade a transmission
Relatable tattoo or not, I'm speaking facts. Best listen up or stay quiet

Love ya, Cory. If I haven't been around long enough to lay tough jokes on ya, that's at no fault besides your own belief
Or the influence of alcohol, which hasn't caused me to do stupid shit in years.

Simple takeaways:
- don't break your transmission
-don't think Solomon is an asshole for pointing out the obvious (or hilarious)

 

[CrackedDSM]

12 on the street via a mobile app is far different than a 12 after the tree flashes while on edge... However I still don't recommend chasing that extra time through your shifting. I've already said what I meant about being "gentle", so as not to damage things. I was metaphorically "there" when and while you chased down that transmission. Almost literally, but virtually. I don't want to see you going through that or anything similar again soon, or threatening to sell your car again because a synchro gave up. And I mean that both jokingly and seriously. I'll throw that idea around, but shit could get really tough at that time and you may feel done.

Regardless, I'm sure both of my points are taken. Dragy time is quite a bit different than true track time, and Cory does NOT need to grenade a transmission
Relatable tattoo or not, I'm speaking facts. Best listen up or stay quiet

Love ya, Cory. If I haven't been around long enough to lay tough jokes on ya, that's at no fault besides your own belief
Or the influence of alcohol, which hasn't caused me to do stupid shit in years.

Simple takeaways:
- don't break your transmission
-don't think Solomon is an asshole for pointing out the obvious (or hilarious)

Eh, I've tested the Dragy while at the track and the results were extremely close. The only thing that was fuzzy was the 60' time, but the rest like the 330', 1/8th mile and etc were all within hundreds/thousandths of what the slip said. I've been to the track before. Even when I'm at the track, I feel zero pressure at the tree. I'm not there to race, I'm there to get numbers so I just let the other guy go and I launch when I'm ready. I guess if I were competitively racing and there for a prize, it'd be different? IDK, I'm just not a competitive guy. Even at work I feel zero pressure when shit hits the fan, because either I can help...or I can't. Either way I know my role and what I need to do, no sense feeling the pressure.

Dragy numbers are valid to me and I have a baseline to compare it to. If others don't like it or don't think it's valid then that is their right. I'm still gonna tout it as a 12 second car though. If it ever manages to click off an 11 with my horrible driving, then I'll celebrate that too. This is all for my benefit so I'm not really here to take it personally if someone doesn't feel it's valid. The only thing I have ever had issues with, I've already highlighted in a previous post and I'm not gonna dredge it up again. It's not criticism that bothers me. Criticize, critique, or otherwise deconstruct away.

So no worries or sweat off my back. I appreciate the input.

As always, I will continue to granny shift and not push things to the ragged edge. I'll get to my number in the end though. I'm nothing, if not determined.

 

[CrackedDSM]

98 pages. Jesus Christ. I'd like to shoutout an apology to @Ludachris for using so much bandwidth.


Anyway, not much to update. I haven't done much but drive the car here and there. However hopefully this weekend I'll have some A/C related updates. If I'm going to drive this car any time of the year aside from the 2 months we laughably call winter here, it needs A/C. I still don't think even with A/C I'm gonna put the strain on the car driving it in the 106* summer we get now, but it's the legit last thing the car needs. It's the last thing on the list, then it's 100% complete.


I hope the next DSM project I get(not selling this one, don't worry) isn't quite this much of an adventure.


Speaking of adventures, I think I'm gonna set a goal for myself. With this car, I'm going to do a drag and drive event. Goal is low 12's/high 11's all week, driving with the A/C on to and from each track and to make it the full week. Might do Sick Week, or whatever works out. Huge bucket list for me, and honestly I won't be anywhere near the fastest guy there...but I think it might garner some attention being a DSM with A/C.


Edit - I completely forgot the entire point of this thread was to update with the fact that I ordered a flexfuel sensor and harness. So it’ll be flex fuel. I also bought new lifters just waiting on them to arrive. When they do I’ll use my special tool and pop em in! No more ticky lifters!

 

[CrackedDSM]

Lifters came in today, and after I napped after I work, I got to installing them.

The tool allowed me to install them without removing anything to do with the timing components, but it wasn't as "easy" as walkthroughs made it seem. However, upon removing them I think I found a smoking gun. Or at least something that wasn't good.

One of the lifters was shorter and visibly different than the rest. It also had a little rust on it. BogusSVO strikes again with his used parts bin.

Both lifters in the picture are fully pumped up. I dunno if the camera caught it, but it's a significant height difference.

Upon first start up, I let it warm up and idled it up and down and the lifters quieted down a lot....but alas there is still a ticking/valve-train noise. I drove it for about 15-20 minutes, so maybe it just takes more time.

But...the good news, going for a rip....IDK if it's just me or not but it feels like this thing has a noticeable bump in mid range/top end power. It pulls SO good. Maybe it just feels fast after driving the Edge, but in a day or so when I get more time I'm gonna go get some Dragy numbers and see what it says.

Hopefully the lifters will eventually quiet all the way down and I won't hear anything. Any input on how long your lifters took to quiet?

 

[DogWhistle]

I know! I'm gonna have to look into that and do some digging.

Plus I'm not gonna lie to you, I really want those weird looks I'm going to get for having snow tires underinflated on my car in Satan's Burning Asshole, FL.

You wouldn’t be alone having nice, grippy snow tires on you FL car. I bought my FL ride (not DSM) from someone who lived in Nevada and planned to retire in WY. They heard there would be snow there in the winter time, so they bought a brand new set of top end snow tires. The daughter moved to FL shortly afterward and they sent the car with her.

When she got to FL, she met a doctor and he insisted she have a brand new sports car, so he sold hers. The tires are virtually new, so I’m not going to replace them. I occassionally get funny looks or comments so I just tell them it’s for driving on the beach. I love watching their puzzled faces trying to picture that in SW FL.

Fast forward to this winter. My wife is driving and we pull off into a sandy nook to watch a fantastical sunset. We get in the car to leave, and instead or backing out into possible traffic, she figured she’d do a u-turn! When I realized what she was doing I started yelling, “Go, go, go! Don’t stop. Build up speed and swing wide!” Those tires were slinging impressive rooster tails 6 feet in the air, but we made it!

So now the beach driving excuse is a true story.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

That was indeed a problem. I had a similar problem. I noticed what seemed like knocking from the top end. Turns out the "OEM" lifters I bought were a mixed batch, with some having a different total height. I once again ordered new lifters and the engine finally shut the hell up. I don't know how many were different but I replaced all 16 and the problem was gone. These engines are supposed to have 0 valve lash regardless of rotating assembly position. I was getting measurable lash on multiple valves because if those odd lifters. With a new installment, yet again, everything was fine. I hate that this problem goes beyond me, but it does indeed exist. I think part of the problem is the 420A and 4g63 lifters getting accidently (or unknowingly) interchanged. They are the same diameter, but different total heights. Sorry that you had to do that job, but I feel a little better about not being alone at least.

 

[CrackedDSM]

Met up with Mr. @Dericsh today and showed off my POS. Had a great time, gave him a ride in the bouncy castle and enjoyed good company. Also got the hook up on some Freon for my A/C system. Was a good time. Had some random dude stop and talk with us about "my friend used to have one of these.." and all the usual stuff. Good times, man.


On the way home, I decided to test out the car and see if it runs better at all. The results absolutely floored me.

I can't BELIEVE these results, man!! The car feels so much stronger now, and these numbers prove it's making more power than before.

With this run, it was 81* outside, it has a slap full tank of E85, and as you can see the launch SUCKED. I did a burnout but stayed in it anyway. Shifted normally. Like, absolutely gobsmacked.

The previous runs I made where I did 0-60 in 4.6 and 1/8th mile in 8.3 was done on a 61* morning, with half a tank of E85, and a much better launch. I am so happy with this setup, and changing the lifters definitely helped. I wonder changing absolutely nothing, what would happen if I got my 60 foot time down to 1.7 or 1.6!! This is still only on like 22-23lbs. It's got 30lbs in it.

But, as always I thought this was hilarious too. Coasted to this 1/4 mile time.

But yeah. That's wild to me. Thing is a beast. It definitely needs more traction, but IDK if I'm gonna do that. I think I'm just gonna leave it like it is until I get bored or get a stronger driveline for it.

That was indeed a problem. I had a similar problem. I noticed what seemed like knocking from the top end. Turns out the "OEM" lifters I bought were a mixed batch, with some having a different total height. I once again ordered new lifters and the engine finally shut the hell up. I don't know how many were different but I replaced all 16 and the problem was gone. These engines are supposed to have 0 valve lash regardless of rotating assembly position. I was getting measurable lash on multiple valves because if those odd lifters. With a new installment, yet again, everything was fine. I hate that this problem goes beyond me, but it does indeed exist. I think part of the problem is the 420A and 4g63 lifters getting accidently (or unknowingly) interchanged. They are the same diameter, but different total heights. Sorry that you had to do that job, but I feel a little better about not being alone at least.

That's crazy, but I believe it! Thankfully I'm not sorry I had to do it, because the tool I had made it a relatively simple job. No removing the timing belt or cams or anything but the VC!

You wouldn’t be alone having nice, grippy snow tires on you FL car. I bought my FL ride (not DSM) from someone who lived in Nevada and planned to retire in WY. They heard there would be snow there in the winter time, so they bought a brand new set of top end snow tires. The daughter moved to FL shortly afterward and they sent the car with her.

When she got to FL, she met a doctor and he insisted she have a brand new sports car, so he sold hers. The tires are virtually new, so I’m not going to replace them. I occassionally get funny looks or comments so I just tell them it’s for driving on the beach. I love watching their puzzled faces trying to picture that in SW FL.

Fast forward to this winter. My wife is driving and we pull off into a sandy nook to watch a fantastical sunset. We get in the car to leave, and instead or backing out into possible traffic, she figured she’d do a u-turn! When I realized what she was doing I started yelling, “Go, go, go! Don’t stop. Build up speed and swing wide!” Those tires were slinging impressive rooster tails 6 feet in the air, but we made it!

So now the beach driving excuse is a true story.

That's hilarious. What car was it that had the snow tires?

 

[Dericsh]

Had a blast, good day today. Thanks for entertaining me with a ride in the Talon!

 

[CrackedDSM]

Sold the parts talon today for a really good price. I made so much money on this car man, and it went to an awesome father son duo who really seemed genuinely excited to build it up. I have a good feeling about where it went.


Now I used some of the profit to buy a 91+ cruise control system. So it’s gonna have A/C and Cruise Control. I may try to drive this car the 16+ hours to get to the shootout. Next year. Not this one.

 

[CrackedDSM]

Decided to bite the bullet and ordered a vacuum + manifold kit for A/C work. It's good to have even if I don't need it, and if/when the Edge needs another condenser replaced, this time I can do all the work myself. Might do some A/C work for other friends/people who need it near me too just to make it feel paid off.

I don't usually talk finances here, but decided to use a little credit for it. $10 a month for a year is nothing. But yeah, excited. This was the last piece to the puzzle, now I just need to do all the work and stop screwing off with other things.


I can’t believe I’m actually doing this. It feels surreal to think about actually having A/C.

 

[CrackedDSM]

Not gonna lie to you guys, I've been eyeballing an FP Red hard. I know I haven't pushed this Green hard at all, but man. Super tempting.


We'll see.

 

[DogWhistle]

That's hilarious. What car was it that had the snow tires?

The ultimate SW Florida ride: A full-sized Buick.

 

[Anfurnyy]

Not gonna lie to you guys, I've been eyeballing an FP Red hard. I know I haven't pushed this Green hard at all, but man. Super tempting.


We'll see.

Straight to FP Black and call it a day