'14 AGM 1SS/1LE Track build [COTW 11/17/14]

[X25]

Originally Posted by jamestown

I have a 60 row setrab and driving to work today it got up to 250 in 80 degree ambient on an aftermarket guage and fairly normal driving.

I have had similar experience. When I tried to stress it on the highway (staying at a very low gear, 4-5K RPMs for a long period), it got to 250s. I am looking forward to testing it out at the track. I would normally test it already, but with the OEM Z/28 wheels, I wanted to install fender flares, and there was a part missing to do the install - until TODAY!

My friend at the body shop will install the aero kit during the week of June 15th. I can't wait!

In the meantime, I will attend track days with my now-supercharged Miata tomorrow, on Saturday, and the following week's Sunday. I will be testing 35%/65% coolant and water wetter with my new hood louvers for increased air flow to the radiator. I suppose I'd go nuts if that was not ready for track, either; the season is short here : (

[X25]

Powered Recaro: SUCCESS!!!!

As I have expected, with the Powered Recaro (with SS logo), I got my lost 1" headroom back! It is now back to 37" from bottom of the seat to the ceiling when the seat is all the way back. FYI, all the power buttons also work just fine.



I also installed the Schroth Rallye 3 ASM harness, and it felt pretty good during my tests. The installation was not without issues, though. The ring of the lap belt by the door was a tiny bit too small to fit into the stock bolt. I enlarged the ring tiny bit (+0.5mm diameter?), and then it worked!

I am using the loop that normally holds the stock belt to keep the race harness away during the daily driving. Overall, I am very glad that my gamble paid off

Let me put the summary as a warning message:
For those who would like to buy Recaro seats for track use (with helmet), you should buy the full powered version! With the manual seat, I lost about 1" headroom (36" vs. 37"). I measured from the bottom of the seat to the ceiling when seat is at farthest back.

I would also highly recommend a harness like what I got (or the more expensive way; harness bar + 5/6 point).

[Dropspeed]

Did you weigh the new power Recaro seat?

[X25]

Originally Posted by Dropspeed

Did you weigh the new power Recaro seat?

I haven't. It didn't feel too heavy, though. I think this is the exact seat that comes with SS cars when you order with Recaro option.

[Gruby2k]

Originally Posted by X25

Powered Recaro: SUCCESS!!!!

As I have expected, with the Powered Recaro (with SS logo), I got my lost 1" headroom back! It is now back to 37" from bottom of the seat to the ceiling when the seat is all the way back. FYI, all the power buttons also work just fine.



I also installed the Schroth Rallye 3 ASM harness, and it felt pretty good during my tests. The installation was not without issues, though. The ring of the lap belt by the door was a tiny bit too small to fit into the stock bolt. I enlarged the ring tiny bit (+0.5mm diameter?), and then it worked!

I am using the loop that normally holds the stock belt to keep the race harness away during the daily driving. Overall, I am very glad that my gamble paid off

Let me put the summary as a warning message:
For those who would like to buy Recaro seats for track use (with helmet), you should buy the full powered version! With the manual seat, I lost about 1" headroom (36" vs. 37"). I measured from the bottom of the seat to the ceiling when seat is at farthest back.

I would also highly recommend a harness like what I got (or the more expensive way; harness bar + 5/6 point).

Glad your seat worked out. I also just completed my scroth rallye 3 install. Mine too was a bit of a headache. I was curious where you anchord your tail trap. I tried to go to the C pillar but got discourage after I was taking plastic trim piece after plastic trim piece off just to get access. I ended up using the left rear passenger buckle point, down low. Only one of the bolts supplied with the harness was usable. I can't wait to really test it. I think I'll just take the straps apart so I don't have to mess with it between track days but your solution isn't bad either.

[X25]

Originally Posted by Gruby2k

Glad your seat worked out. I also just completed my scroth rallye 3 install. Mine too was a bit of a headache. I was curious where you anchord your tail trap. I tried to go to the C pillar but got discourage after I was taking plastic trim piece after plastic trim piece off just to get access. I ended up using the left rear passenger buckle point, down low. Only one of the bolts supplied with the harness was usable. I can't wait to really test it. I think I'll just take the straps apart so I don't have to mess with it between track days but your solution isn't bad either.

That plastic covering the C pillar was indeed a bit of a trouble. I had a hard time removing the little bolt that holds the plastic on place since none of my rachets was small enough to fit. I didn't remove everything, though. Once the main cover was popped and the bolt I mentioned removed, I just flexed the plastic to give me the access.

I don't think using a bottom anchor would be a good idea. Try the C pillar again : )

[STONE SS]

X25,

You have a track day coming up after your aero is installed this week? Curious what your track oil temps run now.

Also I haven't seen your name on any of the lists for Camaro Fest so I assume you won't be making it out this year?

[X25]

Originally Posted by STONE SS

X25,

You have a track day coming up after your aero is installed this week? Curious what your track oil temps run now.

Also I haven't seen your name on any of the lists for Camaro Fest so I assume you won't be making it out this year?

Well, unfortunately Camaro fest is pretty far away, so I never considered it.

I just talked to my friend at the body shop for the aero install, and he said it should be ready next Wednesday. The track day is on Saturday, so I should have more than enough time to change the fluids, tires, and brake pads before going. In short, I'll hopefully be trying the car in full swing on weekend of 27th! I did 1:57.2 with the RS-3s. I can't wait to see what I can do with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires mounted on Z/28 wheels!

Regarding the oil cooler: I am wondering if I should give the 212 degrees F thermostat one last chance, or if I should switch to 180 degrees F unit (already have it in the garage). Theoretically, 212 degrees F unit should perform identical since the oil temps at the track are well over both of the thermostats' thresholds, but I wonder if the 212 degrees F unit could inhibit the flow more in practice; I really have no idea.

[Demon War Horse]

Sick ride man!

[X25]

Originally Posted by Demon War Horse

Sick ride man!

Thanks! Looking forward to taking pics next week with the aero improvements complete : ))

[X25]

The car is almost finished! Unfortunately, it turns out I need the rear Z/28 splitter as well for the fender flares to work, so I will need to wait for that part to complete the car. Well, the front and sides (rocker panels) are finished!

[jamestown]

1/28? Z/LE?

Looks.good man!

[wakespeak]

Originally Posted by X25

Change of plans! Canceled the XXR wheel order, and bought the following for daily driving:
http://www.apexraceparts.com/apex-pr...l#.VCXICmTF-0w

These wheels are spin-forged just like Forgestars, and come in 19x10.5 ET22 size, perfect for the front, though it should stick out a little bit at the rear. I already received my street tires (Hankook R-S3s) today, and I should hopefully receive these wheels in a few weeks.

A good side benefit is that these wheels are very light (22.95 lbs), are built strong, and are good for track duty. I could go to a track day with these wheels. So, if it rains, I could switch to these with the Hankooks on for a track day.

These wheels have a promotional intro pricing until Sep 30th, which is $200 off and free shipping. The total cost was only $1376.
Specifications

Diameter: 19"
Width: 10.5"
Offset: 22mm
Lug Pattern: 5x120mm
Centerbore: 72.56mm
Weight: 22.95lbs

How did you handle the bore center difference? The stock hub is 66.9 mm correct?

[X25]

Originally Posted by wakespeak

How did you handle the bore center difference? The stock hub is 66.9 mm correct?

It's not an issue at all, as long as you tighten the lug nuts evenly. If you don't work on your car, but rather have it done at a shop, just tell them your wheels are not hub-centric, so they will also avoid ramming in all the nuts with a high speed air impact-wrench. Well, I never want my lug nuts being rammed regardless of hub size anyway : )

In racing, 99% of the time, the best wheels for the job will have bigger bore. There are hub ring adapters to make it hub-centric, but people found that they are not necessary at all, and the safety is not compromised by any means as long as you don't get it mounted by a Jiffy Lube crew. If you care, you can find those hub ring adapters (usually plastic, sometimes metal) for very cheap.