So, I attended two more track days at DCTC in the last two weeks...one on May 23, one this past Friday June 6th. I have changed nothing with the car for these two events, just working on myself/driver mod and I am having an absolute BLAST doing it!
All loaded up for track day:
Pics from parade lap:
Unedited, spectator-view cameraphone vid from the May 23 event:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puFfxDagq-k&hd=1
Went home for memorial day, and my parents dropped this off on me for an early b-day present. Small tear came to my eye, it's so awesome! I've been wanting a garage clock for a looooong time and now I have one I wanna keep forever!
After that first event, I drove the car a few times, checked for leaks, checked the tie rods...I can make long lists of thigns to do to this thing but the budget just isn't there! So nice and slow with safety being my #1 concern. Turbo drain line is still leaking and cannot tell if the rear yolk on the xfer case is too or if its just oil from the turbo drain spraying back. Keeping a close eye on fluid levels and all is good so I ordered a few gaskets/seals just in case and will be putting them on shortly.
3rd event was last friday and I am really getting a good feel for the car. Starting to get a little aggressive and more confident but trying really hard to not push too far/take it easy. My #1 priority with these events is to have fun...going fast / faster is part of that but I have been focusing more and more on just enjoying myself, using this as a time to getaway from work and other things in life...absolutely love it.
Check out my sawwwwheeeeat gopro mount:
I ordered an extension to lower it down about 8" to improve the view out the front of the car. I love the view of driver input and I can pick up on the conversation in the cabin....keeping all of these videos and reviewing them for my own personal notes on improvement.
This video sucks and is very long. Enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGgmXbCkAzc&hd=1
Still trying to not go nuts with mods on this car, budget is too tight right now after paying for the motor/trans/clutch etc from the get go, but the most obvious thing right now is TIRES...I'm pushing (and loving) everything else....new brake pads are doing AWESOME, suspension is so-so but definitely works.
I realized friday night that the 3 weeks I thought I had to get ready for proving grounds was actually only TWO WEEKS! So, I"m in semi-mild freak-out mode, going to do my best to button up a few loose ends before heading up there:
-b̶u̶y̶ ̶n̶e̶w̶ ̶t̶i̶r̶e̶s̶ ̶+̶ ̶m̶o̶u̶n̶t̶/̶b̶a̶l̶a̶n̶c̶e̶
-rotate existing, just fine fuzion ZRi tires
-remove front bumper, install brake duct air scoops
-drain oil, replace turbo drain gasket with nice new one
-oil change
-purchase more fuel containers (no e85 near the track anymore)
-fix gopro mount
-track insurance
Whimsical purchase of the week:
-SpoolinUp COP - still only running 25psi, ready for more! I'm getting misfires here and there at 25psi and I'll get some drag runs in TTS so I splurged and bought the DIY kit since I still have a set of coils that I used to test on beaterX a few years back. In the name of reliability....I can turn the boost down if its too much.
Other than that, I freaking LOVE driving this car, even on the street! The race brake pads are SQUEEKY but goddamn STS is SO MUCH FUN! The track time is fun and riding with more experienced drivers/instructors after they have rode with me is generally a very wide-eyed experience...makes me realize that I need a few more suspension mods but at the same time tires and experience are my #1 goals right now. Proving Grounds will mark event #4 of the summer, starting to look forward to what's next.
Last but not least, in the back of my mind I have wish list growing...depending on budget, I'd love to:
-tires--probably BFG Rivals--best price and great dry handling, game on.
-rear sway bar (need to decide on whiteline 22mm or 24mm)
-front sway bar endlink mod while I...
-replace front tie rods, inner and outer
-whiteline FLCA rear bushing/same as Perrin PSRS
-whiteline bumpsteer kit
-whiteline FLCA front bushing
-new alignment
Hoping to do this stuff sometime this summer but I won't push it. Note that a turbo is not on this list yet...I'll do an ef3 & tubular manifold when the time comes but not yet.
See you honkeys at Proving Grounds!