Plans and projects for the 11-12 offseason? (Related to Road Racing/AutoX/Rally)

[jtmcinder]

Not sure if any of you will care, but I'm starting to collect all the pieces to bump my Evo X from B/Stock and Stock/AWD (for autocrossing and rallycrossing, respectively) to B/SP and Prepared/AWD. The biggest hold-backs (besides the money involved) are rear brakes that will fit inside 15" wheels and a custom hitch/tow-hook in the rear. I've decided on all of the obvious stuff (e.g., coilovers, turbo-back, etc). I'm working with rally fabricators on the rear brakes and hitch/tow-hook right now. Odds are, I will go another season in Stock, however, as I can't see having everything paid for and ready in less than a year. Plus, I ready need another year of seat time before making the car any faster.

 

[D_Eclipse9916]

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've got a lot less on my list than last year, which I'll post up later. It seems this group has grown a lot since last year (in experience and in numbers), so I'm sure some of you have some great ideas in your head!

Will you be making any NASA-MA or NASA-NE events next year? I still miss mine.

 

[snowborder714]

I hope...

Still haven't gotten the oil cooler setup installed yet. Also need to think of what else I can to do keep cooling in check since my temps were ridiculous last time. I'd hate to get out just to have the car overheat in the first 10 minutes again.

 

[knochgoon24]

Holy hell those are heavy, Wes! But for the price compared to a real racing rim, it doesn't look like you can really beat it.

That is a crap load of sensors. I can't even imaging seeing all of those in an engine bay, let alone wiring them all up. I see a mess when I look at that list. But I'm definitely interested in seeing how the VGT setup works for you and what types of good data you get from this

Yeah... It's about 4lbs heavier per corner than I'd like, but I've yet to hear of one cracking, and I read some stories of people hitting large pot holes and curbs with these things without them bending or cracking.

Rota Grids (18x9.5) - 22lbs

So when you compare it to the Grids, it fall right in line weight wise. I sure would love some WedsSport TC 105N's at only 18.4lbs ea, but by that point, I'd be looking at $600/wheel.

Most of the sensors will be installed on the underside of piping. I'm hoping to hide all of them from view. It's still going to be a good bit of wires. I've always been jealous of all the DAQ setups we've put on FSAE cars for testing. I want to get some real world numbers that show the VGT setup is a sweet as I think it will be.

For starters, my small16g still has a sound that I think it surging. Resolution on these sensors should be able to show me if that's the case. And I've always wondered just how well my IC was working since it's a dual pass eBay piece. And I might put a cat back on my car to see how much the post-turbine pressure changes with it.

The pressure sensors are $10 each. The GM stuff is nice, but large and overpriced. The EGT probes are only $20 each. I'm still not sure what I'm going to do for IAT temps, but the GM ones with pigtails are about $30 each. I'm trying to find a cheaper solution there.

 

[snowborder714]

Mmm...WedsSport TC 105N's.

How often do you run over large potholes or curbs that this is something in the forefront of the decision???

For starters, my small16g still has a sound that I think it surging.

Mine does the same darn thing, and as low as 20 psi or so. It really bothers me sometimes as I'm not positive what's going on with it, other than me pushing the crap out of it.

That's pretty reasonable for the sensors. I was expecting them to be in the $40-$60 range and was kind of scared at the number you were running assuming that cost range.

 

[knochgoon24]

I my noise is only before I can feel the cams start to wake up, then it's all fine. I think I have some pretty poor flow until that point and it's surging. I've thought about tapping a second mechanical boost gauge in on the compressor housing to see what kind of pressure ratios I'm getting part throttle. These sensors will make collecting the data and getting an answer much easier.

 

[talonTSIDriver]

I really dont have much of an off season. Winter time brings Ice!

My off(on)- season plans:

GalantVR4: Basic maintenance. maybe some new snow tires soon. Just got this, so my plans are not really sure yet.

WRX: Daily Duty and Ice-Racer.

Evo: Making up a front splitter using alumalite, change to tephraV7 and run dual tune, one high boost, and one lower boost for practice/lapping day. Need to get some fresh race tires come spring. Thinking of a full race slick. Then change all fluids.

 

[knochgoon24]

I'm jealous of the ice racing. I'd love to give that a shot.

 

[cioc]

After my off track excursion I have several repairs to make.
-New front knuckles
-Front passenger arm
-New JIC strut cartridge (Mine bent at the spherical bearing)
-New TE37 (Yup bent one beyond weld repair)
-Realign entire car

As for new mods.
-Trans cooler setup in passenger fenderwell where stock IC was. Fresh air being fed by fender mounted NACA duct that used to feed my brake duct.
-Dedicated track wheels for slicks...RE30's in formula silver.
-Much improved splitter design from alumalite as well. This stuff is cake to work with. Metal jigsaw blade on medium speed cuts like butter. This splitter will now have a dam much like the rochester dsm splitter. The only difference is now I will use the dam to mount intakes for the brake duct, one to flow fresh air to the alternator (I fry these regularly) and a ramp to have air go under the intercooler and up towards the radiator. It will also extend all the way under the oil pan.
-Forced performance exhaust mani with Swaintech white lightning coating.
-Eliminate additional wiring and remount the AEM/MSD box to a more secure shelf where glove box used to be.
Here are some in process splitter pics:

 

[hypergenesis]

Replacing Motor Mounts and entire front suspension with Poly Bushings.

Hopefully going to get front and rear sway bars along with raising my car a bit to stop some of the negative camber.

What tires do you RR'rs recommend? I have yet to go to an event but would really like to. Preferably being more ready than just going in their Gun Hoe'.

Thanks
Armin

 

[snowborder714]

After my off track excursion I have several repairs to make.
-New front knuckles
-Front passenger arm
-New JIC strut cartridge (Mine bent at the spherical bearing)
-New TE37 (Yup bent one beyond weld repair)
-Realign entire car

I don't think I heard/saw anything about your off-track excursion. Doesn't sound like it ended good at all though!!

Very nice splitter

Currently for the next few months.

What types of racing will you be doing with the new setup?

 

[cioc]

@ snowboarder714
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/road-course-autocross/413516-pocono-long-course-video.html
You can't really see in the dust cloud but the car bounced around quite a bit.

 

[MIdsm]

Sensor wise I would look at:

auberins.com, Temperature control solutions for home and industry

Temp and pressure sensors and controllers - I would check all of their sections, not only automotive.

http://www.sparkfun.com/

Multiple degree of freedom motion sensors - accelerators, gyros, distance sensors, displays, etc.

Good luck.

 

[pagosa dsm]

I am working on installing Bilstein HD strut inserts from a 3000gt. I will be making a strut housing to fit the insert. For thr rear I plan on installing a shock with heim joint at both ends. I will have to make an upper mount to mount the upper heim joint. I have the strut inserts orderd,then I can make the strut housings.

Later this winter I will travel to Chamonix and La Grave France for some freeride skiing. I also hope to attend the Geneva car show.
Rick

 

[talonTSIDriver]

@cioc - very nice job on the splitter. what stuff did you use for that front air dam?

I'm jealous of the ice racing. I'd love to give that a shot.

Drive north, buy 700 nuts and bolts, do this:

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

 

[cioc]

@talonTSIdriver - it is also alumalite. The piece in the pic is just scrap I'm experimenting with.
Going to mount two of these in the dam:

https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/bigpicture.asp?RecID=1155

 

[snowborder714]

I am working on installing Bilstein HD strut inserts from a 3000gt. I will be making a strut housing to fit the insert. For thr rear I plan on installing a shock with heim joint at both ends. I will have to make an upper mount to mount the upper heim joint. I have the strut inserts orderd,then I can make the strut housings.

Later this winter I will travel to Chamonix and La Grave France for some freeride skiing. I also hope to attend the Geneva car show.
Rick

I'll be interested to see how that goes, Rick. Post up some pictures/info as you go if you're able to.

Not to get off topic, but do you have any pics/videos of your skiing? I remember you mentioning you do some insane stuff and would love to see it!

 

[pos4g63]

I have never raced in solo but plan to start in 2012 season. My car plans are as follows.

Shift knob, because I dont have one.
New seat so I can fit in my car with a helmet, and because my factory one is worn to hell.
New front sway bar bushings.
FD rims, and new tires.

 

[knochgoon24]

Drive north, buy 700 nuts and bolts, do this:

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

I saw a set of ice racing tires that someone had for sale on EvoM. They used 280 1/4-20 bolts filed down to points. I have a spare set of worn out summer tires. The thought crossed my mind until I started trying to figure out where I'd use them. Nothing local. Maybe some backwoods blasts on some of the Jeep trails around here, but no racing.

I did something similar with my mountain bike tires one year.

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96 self drilling screws in each tires. Add that to the tire chains I made

and it was a force to be reckoned with.

But back on topic, I think I'm going to spend Wednesday with a wire wheel on an angle grinder cleaning up my wheel wells. I need to find a friend to let me in the garage. Forecast of rain. Then truck bed liner.

How many people are still running the front plastic inner fender liners? Mine are pretty beat and I'm not sure I'm going to put them back in.

 

[snowborder714]

How many people are still running the front plastic inner fender liners? Mine are pretty beat and I'm not sure I'm going to put them back in.

Eric and I are.

 

[knochgoon24]

Hmmm...

I was going to cut them and leave the front part in to support the bumper and the engine splash guards. But the section directly over the tires is taking a beating from the studded tires and the car being over lowered. It's already barely attached from the pull I did on the front fenders.

 

[9!'clipseDOHC]

I realize that you guys all have 2gs, but do you have any front factory sway bar end links would you recommend for a 1g FWD? Just stock replacements, Moog, performance (if they even make them?).

 

[snowborder714]

What does a front sway bar end link look like on a 1g? Are you able to possibly make your own adjustable set (if that's something you'd be interested in)?


I've got my ARP extended wheel studs and some Toyota open-ended lug nuts to work with my Evo wheels. Just picked up 2gb rear knuckles, Magnus fuel rail, and Fuelab filter with stainless element. I'll take some measurements with 2ga and 2gb rear knuckles since I don't see any solid numbers.

Next up is probably some OEM parts (2g N/T coolant overflow and front knuckle kit) and new wheel bearings (leaning towards OEM hubs with ceramic bearings). Then I can do a complete refresh of the suspension.

 

[turbosax2]

I'm going to try to find some bolt on ABS plastic 280z fender flares. I'm selling my Evo 8 wheels and almost brand new Star Specs (in the classifieds right now, hint, hint. ) and I'm going wider. Right now, I'm thinking about getting a set of 17x10.5" 03 Cobra wheels. Then I'll run 275 or 285 wide tires. I might get 2 sets of Cobra wheels, since they are 17x9 in the front, and use those for DD tires and the 10.5s for track tires... finally. I have friends in the drift crowd who will be helping me clearance the fenders.

I'm on the hunt for some wide wheels too. Very interested in the flares - keep me posted.

 

[pagosa dsm]

I'll be interested to see how that goes, Rick. Post up some pictures/info as you go if you're able to.

Not to get off topic, but do you have any pics/videos of your skiing? I remember you mentioning you do some insane stuff and would love to see it!

Sorry I just spoted your questions today. The parts house called me today that the strut inserts are in. I will start making the strut housings this weekend.

As far as my skiing, witch is my main interest, I will be in Chamonix and La Grave France late feb-march. I can post some photos. Some old Scott Shmitt and Glenn Plake movies are some of the shots I skied in Valdez Ak and Chamonix. If you check out u-tube,
blizzard aaahhh Chamonix #2
I skiied that 2 years ago. When I skiied it I had to rappel over 120 ft because it was rock. Then we skiied 1" of wind blown snow on ice all the way down. It was much harder than what they skied. I don't have any photos of that. All the big shots we skiied we did't have time to take photos.
Rick