Winter 07/08 Projects and Plans?

[talonTSIDriver]

Hey Andy, what welding setup are you using for the aluminum?

I took it over to a friends shop, he's got a Lincoln 175 square wave tig welder.

 

[Pro3racer]

Your going to need everybit of those mods to try and beat me this year!

 

[talonTSIDriver]

Your going to need everybit of those mods to try and beat me this year!

 

[Slow old poop]

Just bought this 1996 318ti M3 conversion. In BMW parlance, it's a 332ti.

As I understand it, owning two BMWs --this and a 740i--makes me an official "BMW Dude."
It is not nearly as fast as the old Eclipse, but it has air conditioning and, I hope, will be more reliable.

 

[talonTSIDriver]

Just bought this 1996 318ti M3 conversion. In BMW parlance, it's a 332ti.

As I understand it, owning two BMWs --this and a 740i--makes me an official "BMW Dude."
It is not nearly as fast as the old Eclipse, but it has air conditioning and, I hope, will be more reliable.

Sweet, will you be tracking this Bimmer??

 

[AndrewD5418]

The only problem with left foot braking to keep the boost up is that you may not have any brakes for your next turn. This is caused by no vacuum to the brake booster. Its kinda scary when this happens.

Get a bang bang system...

Then have fun replacing turbo after every event. Haha.

 

[Slow old poop]

Sweet, will you be tracking this Bimmer??

Yes, indeed. My crew will be running a DSM and two 3000GTs, and I will go to every event with them to help wrench on their cars. First up is the F-Body event at Road America in April, followed by the NASA event in St Louis.

I'll park the BMW with the Mitsubishi crowd. With luck, it will be the only one that won't require wrenching after every session.

 

[talonTSIDriver]

Get a bang bang system...

Then have fun replacing turbo after every event. Haha.

Thats ok, I like my turbo.

Yes, indeed. My crew will be running a DSM and two 3000GTs, and I will go to every event with them to help wrench on their cars. First up is the F-Body event at Road America in April, followed by the NASA event in St Louis.

I'll park the BMW with the Mitsubishi crowd. With luck, it will be the only one that won't require wrenching after every session.

Sweet, I was considering attending that sunday at RA. You be there both days?

 

[Slow old poop]

Originally Posted by talonTSIDriver
The only problem with left foot braking to keep the boost up is that you may not have any brakes for your next turn. This is caused by no vacuum to the brake booster. Its kinda scary when this happens..

The best way to keep the boost up is to keep the revs up. You don't need big boost through the apex, but you want max boost and max revs at corner out. So just adjust your speed through the corner accordingly. You can carry a lot of speed through a corner by applying the gas immediatley after turn-in, and letting the AWD pull you through the apex.

It's not how fast you enter the corner, it's how fast you exit it that's important. People driving inferior RWD cars like to say, "Slow in, fast out." With an AWD car, it's "Fast in, fast out." Finding the perfect turn-in point and getting back on the gas will let you do both, and keep the boost up at the same time.

You want to be careful, though, about too much boost. I have experienced wheelspin on all four tires at corner out a couple of times, and spun off into the weeds. The car is cornering at the absolute limit of tire traction, and you can upset this delicate balance by applying too much horsepower. In other words, the tire is using all the traction it has just to stay on the track, so if big boost suddenly hits, the tires have no grip left, and they break loose It feels like loose dirt or gravel when AWD wheelspin happens, so you tend to keep your foot in it, which works on gravel. Alas, it doesn't work when all four are spinning and, by the time (about 50 microseconds) you figure out that it's not gravel, you are off the road. At least I did, anyway.

 

[talonTSIDriver]

You want to be careful, though, about too much boost. I have experienced wheelspin on all four tires at corner out a couple of times, and spun off into the weeds. The car is cornering at the absolute limit of tire traction, and you can upset this delicate balance by applying too much horsepower. In other words, the tire is using all the traction it has just to stay on the track, so if big boost suddenly hits, the tires have no grip left, and they break loose It feels like loose dirt or gravel when AWD wheelspin happens, so you tend to keep your foot in it, which works on gravel. Alas, it doesn't work when all four are spinning and, by the time (about 50 microseconds) you figure out that it's not gravel, you are off the road. At least I did, anyway.

Its all about staying at the edge of that traction circle.

Hope to see ya at RA come April. Hopefully my car is ready!

 

[Slow old poop]

Sweet, I was considering attending that sunday at RA. You be there both days?

Should be. Please pit with us. Except for me, we'll make up the Mitsu contingent. We usually drop the cars and trailers at the track on Friday and then do some serious drinking and bar hopping in Elkhart Lake. If you are a single guy, be aware that Elkhart Lake is a very target-rich environment.

 

[talonTSIDriver]

Should be. Please pit with us. Except for me, we'll make up the Mitsu contingent. We usually drop the cars and trailers at the track on Friday and then do some serious drinking and bar hopping in Elkhart Lake. If you are a single guy, be aware that Elkhart Lake is a very target-rich environment.

hehe, MMMMMmmm, maybe I'll have to come over friday night and run the saturday event.

 

[underradar92]

Yeah, the event itself is only part of the fun. Highly recommended.

Hey Rich, I'm replacing pinkcar with blackpinkcar. I picked up a black '98 Legacy GT wagon/5 spd. (hence: blackpinkcar, get it?) I'm in the process of replacing the head gasket (s), and clutch and then she'll be on the road. I'm going to put in a Fidanza flywheel, so it's not such a transition to switch cars during the week.

 

[Slow old poop]

Yeah, the event itself is only part of the fun. Highly recommended.

The F-Body event ( MFBA at Road America in 2007! ) sometimes becomes a mini-gathering of Mitsubishis. There are several ferocious 3000GT/Stealths that show up, including the legendary Jack T. Look for at least a half-dozen 3000GT/Stealths. My crew will be bringing three cars: Jon will be bringing his newly-built blue 3000GT, Mike the Mechanic will have his newly-built Stealth, and Brent is building a 1G DSM. There will be a handful of DSMs: Underradar will have my old black Talon; expect to see the ex-Archer Brothers car; TalonTsi will run either Saturday or Sunday; a 2G out of Chicago usually shows up; and maybe the new owner will bring my Eclipse up from Ohio. So, look for another half-dozen DSMs on the track. That makes a dozen Mitsu participants, almost equal to the number of BMWs and Corvettes that will be there.

Road America is a most intimidating track, what with its three long straights. My Eclipse hit 143 on the front straight, but was hampered by lack of aero. With a wing and a splitter, it could probably top 150. These long straights and the big horsepower of our turbo motors are what puts paid to M3s and Vettes. We may not be able to out-handle those nimbler cars, but we blow them away on the straights. Every road racer should come to Road America at least once in their life. It is, quite possibly, the finest road race track in the world (with apologies to Spa in Belgium).

Many very amusing cars show up. We've seen a 1960s-era Cadillac with a 454 Chevy motor, a Viper-powered pickup, and lots of VERY expensive cars run by ROWGs who bring them in on transporters. It's a vertiable car show of very cool road racing cars, all running in the run-what-you-brung class where there are no rules.

As noted in a previous entry above, we usually get there late Friday afternoon to unload the cars and trailers, then repair to the Victorian Village indoor pool to get a head start on the evening's drinking. We hit a local restuarant for the best Rack of Lamb in the whole world, then cruise the bars in Elkhart Lake until all hours (all walking, no driving, Mom).

With luck, later-arriving 3000GTs and DSMs will pit around our cars and trailers, and we will have a Mitsu Paddock. This is an event that a Mitsu supplier might want to attend, because there will be plenty of potential customers among the participants and local DSMers and 3Sers who come to spectate. We need for somebody to set up a tent and hospitality area, so we can have an honest-to-gawd GATHERING.

Hey Rich, I'm replacing pinkcar with blackpinkcar. I picked up a black '98 Legacy GT wagon/5 spd. (hence: blackpinkcar, get it?) I'm in the process of replacing the head gasket (s), and clutch and then she'll be on the road. I'm going to put in a Fidanza flywheel, so it's not such a transition to switch cars during the week.

Underradar has a unique way of naming his cars. Blackcar is my old Talon, and is in much better shape and much faster than it was when I sold it to Jim. How that sale came about is best told over a brew in Elkhart Lake. Suffice it to say that the deal went down at this very event two years ago, and was liberally lubricated.

Rich

 

[talonTSIDriver]

Well, I shall see you guys there (as long as the car does not break, knock knock). Not sure if I'll be over there friday, but we'll see as it gets closer.

 

[TKW#13]

Well I got the brackets back yesterday for the EVO Brembo rotors and calipers to work on on my car. When I do this project I will take pics and post them.

 

[tsiboosted]

I have slowly started to gather parts for my off-season rebuild of the TSi. Got the new Forced Performance Manifold in on Friday. Already have the new Eagle Rods, ARP Main, Head & Rod Bolts, New Cometic Head Gasket. Ordering new Bronze Valve Guides today as well.

Birthday is in April so fiance' is getting my Brian Crower cams for me 272/272. Family is getting me the BC Valve Springs & Retainer kit & 16G install Kit. So I will have those items in early April.

All that will be left is the 16G Turbo, Rod & Main Bearings, Intake & Exhaust Valves. Should be good to goafter that for the rebuild. Looking forward to it. Only 1 more race in the series in 3 weeks then the car will be down for a while. Loads still to take off & out for weight reduction. Still has all the AC equipment, heater coil etc. Vac lines & assc. that can come out. Misc. nuts and bolts that can go. I am thinking we can get close to another 100 lbs out of it for sure. Then we will go through it and put a wrench on every bolt we can to ensure everything is good to go to start testing/motor break in again by Early July hopefully.

 

[talonTSIDriver]

Well I got the brackets back yesterday for the EVO Brembo rotors and calipers to work on on my car. When I do this project I will take pics and post them.

A good write-up on EVO brakes on a DSM would be awesome. I've read lots of stuff about it, but have never seen a very detailed write-up. Do you have dimensions and info on the brackets?

I have slowly started to gather parts for my off-season rebuild of the TSi. Got the new Forced Performance Manifold in on Friday. Already have the new Eagle Rods, ARP Main, Head & Rod Bolts, New Cometic Head Gasket. Ordering new Bronze Valve Guides today as well.

You should add a FMIC in that list.

 

[tsiboosted]

You should add a FMIC in that list.

I actually had a FMIC on the car and it kept over heating after about 20 minutes on the track almost everytime. I want to try and do the "Y" mount, but that will cost a little more than I can spend right now. I may give it another try after the rebuild and see what happens with the FMIC.

My temps are different being down here in the south in the summer with 110+ temps and 99% humidity most of the time. Water temp stays ok (without FMIC) around 207 - 210 degrees (with Water Wetter) but my oil temps get up there near 250. Talked to several racers and that is not exceedingly high, but getting close. So an external oil cooler is for sure in the mix as well.

Its still a major work in progress, but it will come together slowly and surely the right way. I am in no hurry on this. If it takes 6 months, it takes 6 months. I have the 6 months till the season starts again for the GBRS. I would like to do some testing and what not before then; and I'm sure I will, just depends on the money and the time it takes to get the engine done. Maybe I will get back more than last year on the old tax returns and wont have to spend all of it on tires. We'll see though.

 

[94_eclipse]

Well if i had the money id love to put my turbo on that i have but that isnt gona happen haha. Im a college kid so im broke. But i plan on cleaning my car up with a body kit and a new paint job, also i want to get a pipe bender so i can make my own full exhaust. Any sugestions?

 

[talonTSIDriver]

I actually had a FMIC on the car and it kept over heating after about 20 minutes on the track almost everytime. I want to try and do the "Y" mount, but that will cost a little more than I can spend right now. I may give it another try after the rebuild and see what happens with the FMIC.

My temps are different being down here in the south in the summer with 110+ temps and 99% humidity most of the time. Water temp stays ok (without FMIC) around 207 - 210 degrees (with Water Wetter) but my oil temps get up there near 250. Talked to several racers and that is not exceedingly high, but getting close. So an external oil cooler is for sure in the mix as well.

Its still a major work in progress, but it will come together slowly and surely the right way. I am in no hurry on this. If it takes 6 months, it takes 6 months. I have the 6 months till the season starts again for the GBRS. I would like to do some testing and what not before then; and I'm sure I will, just depends on the money and the time it takes to get the engine done. Maybe I will get back more than last year on the old tax returns and wont have to spend all of it on tires. We'll see though.

Well you said you have not removed any A/C stuff, so getting rid of that A/C condenser will open up more air flow. Also you should add some ducting to guide the airflow through the FMIC and then through the radiator. Do you have a hood vent? if not, GET ONE! With pushing more boost, your going to need something better than that stock Side mount I/C. That thing will heat soak within the first lap.

As for an oil cooler, yeah, you should get one for sure!!! That’s on my list to order yet.

I'll have to take a picture of how I used all the openings on my front bumper (97+ talon) for cooling and airflow.

 

[tsiboosted]

Well you said you have not removed any A/C stuff, so getting rid of that A/C condenser will open up more air flow. Also you should add some ducting to guide the airflow through the FMIC and then through the radiator. Do you have a hood vent? if not, GET ONE! With pushing more boost, your going to need something better than that stock Side mount I/C. That thing will heat soak within the first lap.

As for an oil cooler, yeah, you should get one for sure!!! That’s on my list to order yet.

I'll have to take a picture of how I used all the openings on my front bumper (97+ talon) for cooling and airflow.

Yeah, sounds good Andy. I have a lot of ducting laying around the shop as well as some inlet ducts for it as well. Just shoot me an E-Mail or PM with those pics when you get a minute if you would my friend. Thanks Andy.

p.s. - I would not be sticking with the factory side mount anyway. I was looking at the Supra side mount or Buscher one at least if I do not go back with the FMIC. But time will tell on this project anyway.

 

[talonTSIDriver]

Yeah, sounds good Andy. I have a lot of ducting laying around the shop as well as some inlet ducts for it as well. Just shoot me an E-Mail or PM with those pics when you get a minute if you would my friend. Thanks Andy.

p.s. - I would not be sticking with the factory side mount anyway. I was looking at the Supra side mount or Buscher one at least if I do not go back with the FMIC. But time will tell on this project anyway.

I had a Dejon Side mount on before, and with road-racing, any FMIC i think is better than the best Side Mount (Dejon SMIC is the biggest).

 

[mavisky]

I was hoping to get the bumpers off and do some ducting this winter but I got sidetracked with my new aquarium project and then the garage door broke and won't seal so it's been frozen as hell in there lately. Gonna roll it out tonight so the guy can put the new door in tomorrow then hopefully get back to work on it.

 

[tsiboosted]

I had a Dejon Side mount on before, and with road-racing, any FMIC i think is better than the best Side Mount (Dejon SMIC is the biggest).

I can understand that however, when I had my front mount, the car overheated almost every 20 minutes I was on the track.

I cant remember which one Greg was using before he went to the "Y: mount. I am pretty sure he was running a side mount one until then.

I am not going to put one (FMIC) on until I know for sure it will not cause the car to overheat like that. It would not be worth it to me to overheat the engine and have to start replacing upgrades I just put on knowing full well what was going to happen when I did it you know? Want to take forward moving steps, not reverse steps. So if I have to go with the biggest side mount until we can afford and get the "Y" mount FMIC, so be it. I do not believe the car will be affected in a negative way if we go that route. May have to run less boost for a while, but the car overall will still be faster and better on the track than it is now. Which is the short and long term goals here.

There is a lot more at stake for me here than just ther car or the engine. I HAVE to be on the track and not down all the time. I have to go with something that will not only be better than what I have now, but will also be competetive and trust worthy. I cannot afford to go to the track every month and have DNF's or DNS's all the time. Riliability is #1 on the list right now. And if I do have to sacrifice some boost level or power right now, thats what I have to do. Like I said, it will be better, faster & stronger after these intial upgrades as well.

DNF & DNS = No Money

No Money & No Results = No Sponsors

I cannot have this formula.