New to DSM but not new to rally

[kainam00]

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Just picked this up from a couple days ago from a buddy I crewed for at Black River stages. I've been doing autoX, rallyX, and track events for ages... I figure it's time to go to the next step. First event will be the Sand Blast rally, February 2010

The car is pretty well put together, but does need a bit of work. The rear suspension is shot (DMS all around) from a jump... I may be replacing the DMS's with Hotbits, since $400+ rebuilds are not fun.

As far as modifications go, it's pretty much stock besides the suspension, exhaust, and rally bits.

I will be posting some more pictures soon!

 

[338vr4]

again from the rs25 board nice ride and good luck

 

[cardot33]

we need more pictures, a lot more pictures. (please?)

 

[kainam00]

How about this one from the rallyX this weekend:

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[cyclonekid77]

That looks like a blast!

 

[kainam00]

Hell yeah, it was awesome. I was surprised how well the car handled.

 

[cardot33]

Dammit that's cooler than hell. looks like something I want to get involved in. so the shocks aren't as bad as you anticipated?

 

[kainam00]

Yep, it really wasn't that bad, but I am definitely curious to see what the car handles like with good stuff all the way around.

Do get involved! Check out detroit-scca.org or your local SCCA region for events near you We actually get a few people from Illinois all the time.

 

[Ludachris]

Welcome Dmitriy! We need some more rally enthusiasts in here. Looking forward to more contributions from you to inspire others to try out some rallying.

 

[kainam00]

Welcome Dmitriy! We need some more rally enthusiasts in here. Looking forward to more contributions from you to inspire others to try out some rallying.

Thanks!

I am definitely one of those people who bug other in the manner of "Hey, cool car! You should bring it out to an autocross/rallycross/trackday...etc". I'm really an all around racing enthusiast.

I'm bummed that fall now, I won't really have time to take this car to a track day before winter... hope to make the last autocross of the year though!

 

[2tone1g517]

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

Just picked this up from a couple days ago from a buddy I crewed for at Black River stages. I've been doing autoX, rallyX, and track events for ages... I figure it's time to go to the next step. First event will be the Sand Blast rally, February 2010

The car is pretty well put together, but does need a bit of work. The rear suspension is shot (DMS all around) from a jump... I may be replacing the DMS's with Hotbits, since $400+ rebuilds are not fun.

As far as modifications go, it's pretty much stock besides the suspension, exhaust, and rally bits.

I will be posting some more pictures soon!

seeing as you know you're way around the world of rally i was wondering if you could give me some recommendations on parts for my almost stock 1g TSI. i recently bought an Evo as my DD so i've set my sights on building the talon for rally but i need to know what would be sufficient as far as suspension etc., also do you have an online vendor other than DSMparts.com for parts? i know it would be easier to buy a used rally car or shell but i have this talon thats just starting to collect rust and i want to do something with it. i'd appreciate any feedback, thanks.

 

[kainam00]

Hey, cool to see more rally enthusiasts out there!

My suggestion to you, before you do anything at all to your car, is to get out and get seat time at RallyX's and TSD's. A stock car is totally fine (and preferable) at these events. When you think of racing you need to primarily focus on yourself, not your car. Anyone can build a fast car, all it takes is money... but being able to drive it takes years of reading, learning, practice, and experience - which also costs money - so if you come to a decision of running an event vs. buying something for your car, the first should always win.

Anyway...

In the world of rally (or any racing really) there are generally three categories of parts:
* Things you must have - Parts that let you start the race. Cage, seats, belts, suit, helmet, extinguishers...etc safety equipment. This is mandated by the rules and you will not be allowed to race without it. Note that you don't need any of this for rallyX.
* Things that are good to have - Parts that let you finish the race. Suspension bits, tires, skid plates. Most of this is done with a mix of durability and performance in mind.
* Things that are cool to have - Parts that can help you win the race. These are fancy tires, fancy suspension bits, fancy diffs, and go-fast parts.

To answer your question more specifically - Most DSM rally parts are either one-of or have to be special ordered from a distributor. Typical suspension choices for stage rally are DMS or HotBits, both run $500-$1000 per corner... this should be treated as an investment that will save you money in the long run, as cheap stuff (such as Ksport Rally stuff) will break quickly and need to be replaced. If you are running rallyX for now, stock struts and springs are fine... go with AGX's and stock springs if you desperately want to upgrade. The biggest bang-for-the-buck will come from proper tires, Paul @ Team Illuminata Motorsport is the only person in the US that sells gravel tires to the general public at a decent price that I know of, mention my name (Dmitriy) and you may get a discount He pretty well versed in all things rally and a cool guy to talk to in general.

Let me know if you have any other questions!

 

[-TunedDSM-]

Welcome, I'd love to come check out some events. Have you given any thought of attending Sno*Drift? Its up in the Atlanta, MI area (near Gaylord), there are always a ton of Subarus and some Evo's but very few DSMs. Check it out:

Sno*Drift 2009

Also check out our local forum, www.midsm.com . Team Illuminata is a forum sponsor there as well

 

[kainam00]

I've been up at Sno*Drift (as a spectator and crew) for the past 3 years. I'm definitely planning on running it, but not next year

Check out http://www.detroit-scca.org for local rallyX events, most of them are just a short drive from where you're at!

 

[xleonx]

Interesting thread considering my situation. Ive been in the DSM thing for quite a while, and recently got into rally. Ive been running my MKII GTI for the past 2 seasons, and have recently sold it to pick up a TSI AWD. Going for a maaajor overhaul of course. I personally am going with HotBits, as the cost vs. function factor.

Building a rally car... you will quickly learn that the cost of Safety components will triple the cost of performance parts . A good cage will cost you 4-5 grand alone.

Before you spend any major money, go to some rallyx events and run your car hard, hard enough to break stuff. Go to empty fields and just HAVE FUN, and break stuff. After all is said in done, if you can appreciate the 30 minutes of seat time vs. 10 hours of wrench time, this is the sport for you!

BTW, whoever says DSMs cant handle as well as Subies, need to learn that the bushings of these cars are absolute garbage, and once theyre replaced, theyre completely different cars.

 

[Dallas J]

Out of curiosity, how to Pro rally cars get sideways so easily before the corner? Is it all in the differentials, suspension set up, or more technique than anything?

Im thinking about swapping in the stock springs on my koni's and going to a Rally-x for the hell of it. Itll definately be a new experience since Ive been auto-xing for a good while now, but never tried my hand at dirt.

 

[xleonx]

It's technique. Mostly leftfoot braking, and enough trail braking to transfer the weight of the car before the turn.

 

[mindset]

Oh man DSMtuners has something interesting to read! That is possibly the coolest picture I've ever seen.

 

[xleonx]

Kainam, any interior shots showing how your cage is designed? Im trying to find a RA legal setup that doesn't make the visibility of our Talons even worse. Its obvious Chrysler designed the body of these things, because Visibility is complete garbage.