2007 plans...

[gtfour77]

I know the year is not over yet but thought this might be a good place to reveal your 2007 plans....
So fess up everyone! :wink:

[SeanB]

Basically building the spec STS2 CRX. Albeit not being entirely legal with the 89 lower control arms on the rear. (Something I'll probably change depending on the $$$ situation.)

[ShortysTRM]

Fixing April's car, possibly selling it, buying something fun. As for the Grand Am, who knows.

[crobin4]

I know the year is not over yet but thought this might be a good place to reveal your 2007 plans....
So fess up everyone! :wink:

Oh, probably more of the same. 2007 in H/S getting my butt kicked by Jon, again. :lol:

[Brucey]

H6 swap, maybe new struts eventually. Mine dead at 80k oddly. :lol:

[camry3sfe]

I'm going to get KYB gr2's installed on my camry and some Intrax lowering springs... hopefully a strut tower bar.

all that before I autox in 2007(hopefully, but the struts at the very least).

after working hard all summer... I hope to have enough $$ to get my 3sgte swap finally.

[gtfour77]

I'm going to get KYB gr2's installed on my camry and some Intrax lowering springs... hopefully a strut tower bar.

all that before I autox in 2007(hopefully, but the struts at the very least).

after working hard all summer... I hope to have enough $$ to get my 3sgte swap finally.

Andrew, good to hear you are doing all the right mods.... Also don't forget some wheels and tires... (Lots available in the 5x100 bolt pattern) Let me know if you need any toyota related help, especially with the 3sgte swap... ATS in TX has a good selection of ecu's for the 3sgte, now even with the popular 550cc injector mapping...

[evilnissan]

Saving up for a project car and co-driving until I find one.

[administerturbo]

oh i'm paying student loans for '07 :cry:
hopefully i can work in a set of coilovers and more sticky tires

[SentraWV]

Oh, probably more of the same. 2007 in H/S getting my butt kicked by Jon, again. :lol:

Works for me! :P

As usual, I'll keep my eye open for something interesting. I'd kinda like to get back to STS/STS2, eventually.

[gtfour77]

I'd kinda like to get back to STS/STS2, eventually.

You are already addicted to the stickies Jon, it'll be very hard to get back on the hard rubber.... :drive: Maybe a street prepared class???

[SeanB]

Hey Jon... I know of this red CRX that would be perfect for STS2... wanna buy it? :lol:

[lilred]

Plans for 2007?!?!?!?!

Not get last!!!! :lol:

Back to reality I just crossed the 151k mark in da civic.
So I have a rather large (to me) list of maintenance items I should (need) take care of here in the near future. And it starts with the downpipe that continues to disconnect every other month or so.

Basically I need some stickier rubber and lighter wheels (currently working on). My suspension has room for improvement but ill wait till after better tires to work on that. I really would like to get better seats (rsx\si type) and a few nice functional c/f parts :wink: . If god permits maybe I can increase the boost level a little bit. I think the lip kit is going off for good, and my car really could use some body work and a fresh coat of paint.

[Wes]

haha pretty simple for me...First I want to get one of the miata's in autocrossing condition. Second is to go to as many events as possible.

If every thing goes as planned then I would really like to get some new wheels/tires and some koni yellows. That probably wont come till summer though.

[wvphoto]

starting to look at some used lotus' and or mini coopers..
i need another toy.@!!!!!
i have almost given up on the new z.. damn greedy dealers.. still wanting 6-8 thousand over sticker..

not this boy.!

i can wait.
may get the mini and really step up the old z for racing.. cage.. shox .. suspension.. etc.

[wvphoto]

starting to look at some used lotus' and or mini coopers..
i need another toy.@!!!!!
i have almost given up on the new z.. damn greedy dealers.. still wanting 6-8 thousand over sticker..

not this boy.!

i can wait.
may get the mini and really step up the old z for racing.. cage.. shox .. suspension.. etc.

[Jason V]

I'm going to get KYB gr2's installed on my camry and some Intrax lowering springs... hopefully a strut tower bar.

all that before I autox in 2007(hopefully, but the struts at the very least).

after working hard all summer... I hope to have enough $$ to get my 3sgte swap finally.

Forget the strut tower bar and use the money saved on a decent alignment!!... tower bars don't do much other than look nice! (yes yes I know lots of people swear by them... yes they stiffen the unibody.. NO they will not make much difference in times compared to tires or shocks.. or swaybars, or an ALIGNMENT!!)

[SeanB]

A word of caution on Mini and their customer service.

The average Mini dealer sucks and has no interest in helping customers.

Ask me how I know...

Good friend of mine and his wife took their 05 MCS into the dealership complaining of transmission issues. The dealership refused to fix it because they claimed it was a clutch problem. Well the tranny blew up and the dealership refused to replace it under warranty. Their reasons ranged from lets see... customer negligence to racing.

The tranny is a weak point on the MCS, its been noted that there has been numerous tranny failures on the earlier and newer MCS. I won't dissuade anyone from buying a Mini, I love them but just remember that their whole "we want you to race our cars" is a big hypocritical statement.

For a more detailed post included thoughts by our very own Roy Wendell...
http://www.racepa.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=4104

[Jason V]

A word of caution on Mini and their customer service.

The average Mini dealer sucks and has no interest in helping customers.

Ask me how I know...

Good friend of mine and his wife took their 05 MCS into the dealership complaining of transmission issues. The dealership refused to fix it because they claimed it was a clutch problem. Well the tranny blew up and the dealership refused to replace it under warranty. Their reasons ranged from lets see... customer negligence to racing.

The tranny is a weak point on the MCS, its been noted that there has been numerous tranny failures on the earlier and newer MCS. I won't dissuade anyone from buying a Mini, I love them but just remember that their whole "we want you to race our cars" is a big hypocritical statement.

For a more detailed post included thoughts by our very own Roy Wendell...
http://www.racepa.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=4104

FYI I had a clutch replaced under warranty no problem (37K).. like any car you have to research which dealers you wish to deal with... my dealer knew I autocrossed!!! That I have no doubt... MINIs are great but it sucks there are no dealers closer than columbus (not even one of the good ones at that) Classic MINI out of Cincy is supposed to be great and Tim Grubb has had good luck in Pittsburg with my old car...

[SeanB]

Oh my 2007 plans also include going Nationals and getting my butt whipped by everyone.

[RobbieNelson]

A friend of mine is trying to get me to either enter along with him or co-enter his car(STi) in the One Lap of America event.

What to do with vacation time in 2007:
1. Go to Gatlinburg, TN with family.
or
2. Compete in One Lap of America with close friend in his STi?

...hmmm... such a hard decision

I doubt it'll turn into anything, but he keeps bringing it up and I think he's got the cash to enter.

[Luke Zyla]

I have done just about as much as I can with the car and still stay in C stock. Aggressive alignment, Bilstien shocks, and Kumho V710. I need to find a good driving school and go to as many events as I can.

I will have to put in a new timing belt and possibly a clutch in the spring. That should be fun. Other than that, some more cool stickers might help.

[sts 50]

As soon as the Last Chance is over, she's up on jackstands for the winter. On the project list: new front end (control arms, ball joints, bushings, alignment), paint wheel centers, fix heater (now on all the time - another one of those "known problems" with these cars - and I'm having ALL of them), and work my @ss off so I can buy stickies in the spring. Plan to do some PCA stuff next year, too.

[Jason V]

well looks like I will be picking up my ride this weekend!! so once the weather warms up in the spring I will be running a 2005 Vanspeed 125cc shifter chassis with a 125cc SGM ICC Class shifter motor..... ok let me decode that....

the chassis is actually made by a company called CRG in italy. Vanspeed specs the tubing shapes only so all CRG components are used.. brakes, spindles, ect.... while there seems to be thousands of Kart chassis builders most are made by 4 or 5 companies....

http://www.vanspeedkart.com/#

The motor is made by SGM in Italy across the street from the Ferrari F1 complex in Maranello.... it is classed for ICC in europe, icc is a shifter kart class over there ... the motor is a purpose built kart racing motor.

http://www.sgmmotors.com/

I am sure watching me get used to this beast will be fun to watch... :shock:

[administerturbo]

congrats on the purchase, i never would have guessed the italian heritage for karting....but then again it is apparently one of the purest forms of motorsports.

[Jason V]

Modern Kart racing was an invention of US service men stationed in Europe during WWII .... good old yanks figured out it was fun... it was those europeans who took the idea and ran with it!!

nowdays Karting is HUGE in europe!! and about as well know as autocross in the US...

[MJ86GT]

Coming from a karting background, karts are pretty popular in the US and locally. Granted its not asphalt, but there are several dirt oval tracks locally. I raced dirt oval for several years and its a blast. Expensive, time consuming, but fun.

Since I have no ride anymore my time is going to be spent between house doings, racing RC cars locally and in Columbus, and just spending as much time as possible with the family. My weekends will be spent coaching my little girls soccer team.

You guys have fun racing.

[ShortysTRM]

My dad builds Kart engines. He has a dyno for them and everything. However, they're usually based off of a 5hp Briggs and Stratton engine for dirt racing.

[MJ86GT]

Thats what mine was based from a 5hp briggs. After the work was done it dynoed at 19.7 hp. Thats scootin when your but is 2 inches from the ground with 9-10 other karts around you.

[ShortysTRM]

That's a heck of a lot of power for a Briggs. He had a ~50hp (I think, don't quote me) Tecumseh 10hp engine. It wasn't very reliable, though lol. It had extra braces built into the head and block to hold them together under the high compression :shock:

[johnnytavo]

probably some light 16x7 wheels with falken azenis or something similar, and also maybe some eibach lowering springs or whatever i can afford

but that all depends if my parents let me race the car again since they own it lol

if anyone has some ideas for cheap suspension upgrades for the si that would help

-john

[SeanB]

I think your best upgrade would be to take whatever is keeping you in STS and remove it from the car. The EP3 Si can be a top dog locally in HS, it will be a lot cheaper for you to go faster in stock than in STS. Spend the money you would invest on springs, wheels and tires for a set of OTS Konis.

[crobin4]

Yes, Yes listen Yes. The truth he speaks...

[lilred]

probably some light 16x7 wheels with falken azenis or something similar, and also maybe some eibach lowering springs or whatever i can afford

but that all depends if my parents let me race the car again since they own it lol

if anyone has some ideas for cheap suspension upgrades for the si that would help

-john

John, if i could do it all over again, I would remain stock for as long as I could until it was no longer competitive for me, then I would upgrade the various parts. But since I didnt know about our region till this year I didnt. Just my opinion thoe.

[johnnytavo]

alright i could easily put that stock airbox back on, i think i have all the pieces in my garage somewhere

would i stay in h stock with suspension mods? i don't really know the regulations

[evilnissan]

Whats on it right now?


If it is stock just leave it. I can be a hard thing to do becuase everyone on the internet says doing XXXX will make it so much beter...


There is a lot to learn and a lot of fun in the stock classes.

[johnnytavo]

i just have a rigged intake i can easily put the stock airbox on, they just told me to go sts because of the intake, i have some pedals and according to the stock rules i have to take them off too but that doesn't really matter

[evilnissan]

Just put the stock box on and have some fun.

[SeanB]

Put the stock intake back on and take the pedal covers off. You'll be stock legal and having a lot more fun.

Mad tyte JDM blingtastic springs on stock shocks will suck worse than getting a nice set of Konis. In stock you can upgrade your shocks to something like a Koni.

[Jason V]

you will want to go to scca.com ..... go to the solo section and then look at the rules link......

Anyhow here are some basics for allowed stock class mods.... First any DOT approved tire is allowed... rims must remain stock in size (diameter and width)

any cat back exhaust is allowed, shocks can be replaces as long as the new ones do not have more than 2 adjustments...IE no 3 or 4 way adjustables... the front swaybar can be changed. The air filter can be changed as long as the stock airbox and piping are unchanged....

last thing... when looking at the rules... if it does not say you can... you can't!! remember this and live by it!! LOL

Tires will make the biggest change...then the alignment .... then good shocks (at least a single adjustable like a Koni SA)..

welcome to our world .... things are different here!!

[johnnytavo]

could i get something like this http://www.truehonda.com/inventory.php?action=productdetail&id=426

[Jason V]

The shocks in the kit... yes... the springs in the kit... no for stock.. ok for STS and all other Higher classes SP, Prepared, Mod, SM...ect

[SentraWV]

The struts/shocks in that kit are what I have on my car. A set of those and some v710s (along with another set of stock-sized wheels to put them on) and you'll be set. Brake pads are nice, but probably not necessary. From what I remember, nobody makes an exhaust for our cars that is lighter than stock, so there's not much point in swapping that out in Stock.

NP: Roine Stolt, "Dissonata"

[SeanB]

I dunno maybe hold of on the 710s until you get more seat time.

[johnnytavo]

ok i'll go with the koni yellows and i'll try to get some cheap 15x6 wheels with some sticky 205s, do you think 205/50s would work with the 6 inch width

[ShortysTRM]

I think they have to be stock size tires, too...right?

[SeanB]

Tires can be any width as long as they fit the wheel.

John get something wider than a 205, you'll have more rubber to lay down on the surface. Also, isn't your OEM wheel 16x6.5... I could be wrong though.

[johnnytavo]

i think mine are 15 x 6 that is how the 02 and 03s are
i am pretty sure the 04 and 05s have 16 x 6.5, does that mean i can run 16 x 16.5s?? haha

[johnnytavo]

here are stock specs http://www.hondanews.com/CatID2022?mid=2001110753199&mime=asc&archives=2002

[SeanB]

Aaah... 15x6 it is... nah you can't update in stock.

15x6s are easy to find...

Welcome to the addiction. :lol:

[ShortysTRM]

Please remember that stock isn't your only option, too. My car wasn't stock when I started, and the only thing I regret is that I ended up in a class I didn't want to be in. That said, had I built my car according to what class I want to run in, things would be very different now. Stock is definitely a nice starting point, but if you're going to spend the money for wheels, tires, etc. for a particular class, make sure it's the one you want to stay in.

[SentraWV]

Jo[]n get something wider than a 205

215/40/16s on the 6.5 inch wide rim. A tight fit, but doable.

[crobin4]

ok i'll go with the koni yellows and i'll try to get some cheap 15x6 wheels with some sticky 205s, do you think 205/50s would work with the 6 inch width

Yes, that's what I run.

[SentraWV]

Please remember that stock isn't your only option, too. . . . Stock is definitely a nice starting point, but if you're going to spend the money for wheels, tires, etc. for a particular class, make sure it's the one you want to stay in.

Good point, Troy. The other thing to consider is before you plow any real money into the car (unless something needs fixed, obviously), come out and run several times and be sure you enjoy it. Some people are hooked on autocross first time out. Others, not so much. It would suck to sink money into the car and then discover that it's not really your think.

NP: Porcupine Tree, "Russian on Ice"

[johnnytavo]

well i kinda fell in love after my first event, but i am sure i will be running stock tires again next event, becuase i want to do a lot more driving before i make any purchases and when i buy parts for my car i will probably buy for h stock, i don't really have the money to spend to be competitive in sts being a college student

i will probably just get 4 30 dollar 15 x 6 steelies from discount tire direct wrapped with something, i'll figure that out later when i am ready to buy

do you have some 15 x 6 steelies on your wagon chris?

i put the stock airbox back on today and took my pedal covers off so i am hs ready

[johnnytavo]

nvm chris i can't read or see lol

where did you get your steelies and tires?

[SeanB]

John,

Get some cheap 15x6s as you mentioned, you can pick up used stickies for about $100 or so for a set.

Wish I was staying stock next year, but my car has no chance at nationals against those darn Minis.

[johnnytavo]

sean where am i going to get 4 205/50 stickies for around 100 dolllars

[SeanB]

sean where am i going to get 4 205/50 stickies for around 100 dolllars

Places to browse for used tires:

www.sccaforums.com
www.rr-ax.com (Classifieds section)
www.nasaforums.com
www.honda-tech.com (Sticky post on top of the Roadrace/Autox forum)

Typically most road racers/autoxers get rid of their tires around this time, depending on tire brand and number of heat cycles you can get your tires fairly cheap.

[Wes]

haha I got him to come and now he is addicted...now I know what drug dealers feel like.

[crobin4]

nvm chris i can't read or see lol

where did you get your steelies and tires?

The steelies are factory Subaru, the tires are Falken Azenis RT-615s from Discont Tire Direct.

I think your on the right track, and if you can afford them, I'd get stickies you will want them eventually and without them you will be woefully behind Jon. Ask me how i know this! :lol:

[ShortysTRM]

Drug dealers get paid. :lol:

[johnnytavo]

yeah i am sure jon will smoke me if he is beating you lol, in fact i am sure i will be smoked by everyone for a while

i need to ask jon where he got his koni yellows, and thanks for the help sean

[odoprelude]

I will be probably be doing the Cobb Stage II suspension setup (springs, front and rear sway bars and rear strut tower bar) and hopefully swing the Stage II brakes from Cobb as well (Cryo-treated rotors, SS brake lines and better pads). Can't wait to try out my R-Compounds!

[SentraWV]

i need to ask jon where he got his koni yellows

TireRack, IIRC. I've bought from Shox.com before, too.

Another place to get steelies is junkyards - I got a set for my Escort back in the day that way.

[Wes]

Drug dealers get paid. :lol:

True......Johnny, so about that finders fee...

[johnnytavo]

haha yeah wes i didn't know there was a referral award system in autocross

[johnnytavo]

thanks jon

[johnnytavo]

what do you guys think about these tires to put on 15x6 steelies http://www.rr-ax.com/bbs/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=2213&posts=2&start=1
it will only be like a 3 1/2 hour drive, what do you think they are worth, he watns me to give him an offer

[SeanB]

The Hoosiers are good tires... they'll definitely fit on your 15x6.

[SeanB]

I'd offer him $200... even though $280 is not a bad price for the tires.

[johnnytavo]

alright sounds like a plan

[SeanB]

Psst...

Make Wes pay for them... its his fault that he got you addicted. :lol:

[johnnytavo]

i'll make him drive me to hagerstown, maryland to pick them up, what do you think about that?

[SeanB]

I dunno I can't see you fitting four tires in a Miata. :lol:

Although... this one time my friend Dave and I fit 4 tires and 2 people in his MR2. (It was quite a feat and thankfully we were going only 1/2 mile up the road.)

[johnnytavo]

damn what did you do lol, i wish i was only going a 1/2 mile instead of like 230 if i go from elkins, i might just get him to ship them it may be the same price as gas

[SeanB]

Check your PMs foolio! :D

[BlueZ0644]

I have a set of four 15X6 steel wheels that I would be happy to part with. I'm sure we could negotiate a suitable price. Email me at BlueACR44@charter.net