flier129

iTrader: (7)

Autocross is racing, so this is the right place. If not, curly please forgive me? Also tired of reading on M.net


I've got a 94 R-package that I'm currently playing around with locally in STR. I have a goal of prepping the car the best I can legally for the class. I picked STR for a few reasons...

1. The R-package isn't legal for STS (torsen LSD)
2. The 15x9s and 225 RS3s are REALLY fun on the street and look cool
3. There's quite a few cars running STR locally
4. Being the underdog is fun sometimes.


So my current plan for prep is...

-Driver SEAT TIME SEAT TIME & SEAT TIME! Fixing the nut behind the wheel every chance I get.
-15x9 6ULs Check!
-225/45/15 RS3s Check, I REALLY wish they would make a 245/40/15 though.
-Timing bump ~14 degrees Check, it helped mid-range quite a bit. Put a little intake on at the same time, made it sound a tad meaner.
-R&R radiator Check, put in my 52mm Mishimoto, took all the A/C parts off at the same time, probably saved 50lbs, lol.
-RB hollow FARB Check, actually went with the race. Bigass bar feels funky with my stock shock/springs I'll be needing the brace for it soon.
-End-links Currently running RB end-links on the front, thinking about moving to 949 front and even with the stock rear bar
-Shocks & Springs... I had a long debate with myself over the XIDA Clubsports or a Fatcatmotorsports setup. It basically came down to money and partially availability. Going with the FCM setup #700f/#450r, should be placing my order soon (somebody buy my MS3!)
-Alignment/corner balance... I'll probably have a local guy do this for me, he has a few ProSolo and National events under his belt in a miata, I definitely trust his judgement.
-Exhaust... Talked to Jason about making the XR lightweight for the NA, power gains will be minimal, doing it mostly for weight savings and a better sound. Some sort of high-flow cat and most likely a raceland or something cheap wrapped with heat-wrap.
-ECU... No current plans of a MS in a stock box. Although I have thought about it. Maybe you guys can talk me into it
-Engine... This will probably have to be a necessity for my car, sitting at 182k miles and going up daily. I'd love to source a well built SM motor for a decent price, put it in, be good for another strong 200k miles.
-Seats... Not a priority, don't want Kirkey because I DO daily this car. Haven't researched the weight savings if I were to get a comfy/fancy/expensive seat.
-That's all I can think of right now


The Underdog!
The NA is at a pretty big disadvantage going against the s2ks,NCs, NBs, and such. Under-powered, max of a 225 tire (255 limit). It does have the advantage of weight though! I don't have the results pulled up right now but I do remember from last years Nationals that the top STS time was faster than the top STR time. Of course they run at different times of day, different conditions, etc etc. BUT overall the top part of STS was deep into the STR trophies.

I don't really have the intentions of going to a national event and dominating. I would just go for the booze and good times. It is interesting to see where the car could end up if prepped and driven correctly.


Feedback is welcome, thoughts, concerns, advice, BOOST OR GTFO?

Rennkafer

iTrader: (3)

Not much to contribute but FCM does make a great quality product. I think you'll be happy with them, I definitely am.

As for your a/c... I removed the a/c compressor, condenser, and p/s pump (and all brackets on the engine for same from my '97. Weighed the lot of it on our corner weight scales... 36lbs. Felt a lot heavier than it actually was.

PatrickG

I know you said seats are not a priority, but you won't be able to go with kirkeys. I believe STR requires a fully upholstered reclining seat.

Just a heads up.

flier129

iTrader: (7)

I see kirkeys with covers on them in STS cars though. Not going kirkey's anyhow lol.

I'm curious to hear the results for STR from nationals this week!

Shahab

iTrader: (2)

I thought NA's were going to be excluded from STR next year?

flier129

iTrader: (7)

What for?

I guess I need to research that.

Shahab

iTrader: (2)

Because SCCA is lame? I don't know, I think it was in a fastrack a few months ago. I could be wrong, but you might want to check.

joyrider

iTrader: (8)

On my NB, I run 800lbs front and 510lbs rear. RB front swaybar 1 1/8" but no rear bar as it make the car a little too tail happy even on 275/35/15 Hossier.

Tim Irwin

iTrader: (1)

ST* classes are going through a major rework right now. Have a look at the last few month's worth of FastTracks. I can't remember exactly where things ended up as I'm going CSP in our local street tire class (if I ever get my car back together).