What did you do to your car today?

[Mr Ree]

Yeah, I think you guys have done extremely well with it, and given how much more potential it will have left in it with future chassis development, it sure is a recipe for success for those of us with budgets (most of us)

Cheers I'm pleased with how my stuff has gone, and that stuff has been doable because Adrian has picked and put together well a bunch of the right parts in the right ways. Very clever and talented chap, he is.

All the way home on Saturday, I was thinking to myself..."I wonder how much nicer to drive my whale would be if it could shed a third of its mass?"

My tyres and brakes would work better/last alot longer, thats for certain lol

1/3rd of the mass, hahahaha that's crazy talk - but even a couple hundred kg would make a big difference to braking, cornering, acceleration, parts durability and general fun-to-drive factor Your (or similar) drivetrain in a Silvia would work well

Days like that, and the impending Road & Track outing do nothing for my "lack of fun car" situation - I'm going to have to do something about that at some point I think.

1/3rd was more in jest of getting it down to the Silvias weight territory, not so much that I thoughtt I would be able to lose that much lol

I am a regular visitor to Steve Theodores Supra hardtop registry, as weight loss is the best mod any Supra owner can try to achieve, and while I have removed quite a bit of weight from mine, I do want my car to remain reasonably refined inside, which unfortunately means that sound proofing, carpets, head linings, interior trims, sound system etc must stay put.

If I win the lotto and get the thing caged, then I will commit to a full weight loss regime where everything possible will be removed apart from the AC, but until then, Lard arse I am, forever destined to languish in the high teens at Manfield (one day soon hehe)

[2jayzgte]

Quickest improvement to that Silvia will be tires tell him to splash out on some new slicks if you want a a couple of seconds thats where you start.

If you want development go talk to Al @ Macbilt Engineering they had Tony Olivers S15 in the 10s at Manfield before it was sold.That Silvia was a development project built by them from scratch.

I'm sure he would splash out on new tyres if he had the money to, the fact he's managed to do 17s on his first Manfeild outing with it with how limited the budget it has been built on definitely indicates to me he has a fairly good idea of how to effectively spend his racecar development budget Its a shame that both the money and the ability to use it effectively to build a fast car/driver don't often end up with the same person.

There's 2 ways to look at it you can waste alot of time with so called development or spend the money which guarantees you speed.Sure brand new slicks aren't cheap but if he's looking for time and is serious about going faster I'd be finding the money as you no for sure you'll improve.

There aren't to many sure things when looking for lap time but brand new slicks is one that is a guaranteed prospect.

[Lith]

There's 2 ways to look at it you can waste alot of time with so called development or spend the money which guarantees you speed.Sure brand new slicks aren't cheap but if he's looking for time and is serious about going faster I'd be finding the money as you no for sure you'll improve.

There aren't to many sure things when looking for lap time but brand new slicks is one that is a guaranteed prospect.

I'll put it clearer - are you offering to buy them? If not, then you're beating a dead horse. I'm sure he'd buy some new slicks if he had that money sitting there to, knowing what you need to do to go quicker is one thing... having the means to do so is another

There are a lot of people who have the money to throw lots of money at their cars (which includes buying expensive tyres, etc) and pat their own back for being track heroes because they have had the money to do so, and done it. I assure you a lot of the guys that aren't as fast because of 'inferior' cars aren't driving lower spec cars and setups because they don't know that throwing money they don't have at them will help them do quicker times.

[Mr Ree]

Im itching for the day I can justify buying a new set of slicks for my car, as Ive been beating on my current set for the past 4 years lol

But at $2k for a set, I cant justify it, as Im not entering anything that the slicks would reap a reward with. The way I see it, the longer I keep my current set on, the more rewarding the new set will be as driver mod would have benefitted substantially more, just though having more seat time.

Speaking of which, does anyone on TS have any hook ups for Dunlop D11 slicks? I emailed Dunlop a few days ago enquiring about what a new set would cost, in the hope that they have dropped in price HAHHAHAHAHAHAHAH

[2jayzgte]

There's 2 ways to look at it you can waste alot of time with so called development or spend the money which guarantees you speed.Sure brand new slicks aren't cheap but if he's looking for time and is serious about going faster I'd be finding the money as you no for sure you'll improve.

There aren't to many sure things when looking for lap time but brand new slicks is one that is a guaranteed prospect.

I'll put it clearer - are you offering to buy them? If not, then you're beating a dead horse. I'm sure he'd buy some new slicks if he had that money sitting there to, knowing what you need to do to go quicker is one thing... having the means to do so is another

There are a lot of people who have the money to throw lots of money at their cars (which includes buying expensive tyres, etc) and pat their own back for being track heroes because they have had the money to do so, and done it. I assure you a lot of the guys that aren't as fast because of 'inferior' cars aren't driving lower spec cars and setups because they don't know that throwing money they don't have at them will help them do quicker times.

Save the eye roll your talking development what are you pulling all this out of fresh air are you.You actually think development cost nothing do you

Man all I'm saying is save it borrow it if you want the quickest results with the least hassle spend the $2k and be done that will get you the result your after.

Jeeezzz I'm trying to help you out and you run into I can't do this I can't do that.What back to the Dyno again is it oh thats right thats free aswell is it.

[2jayzgte]

Im itching for the day I can justify buying a new set of slicks for my car, as Ive been beating on my current set for the past 4 years lol

But at $2k for a set, I cant justify it, as Im not entering anything that the slicks would reap a reward with. The way I see it, the longer I keep my current set on, the more rewarding the new set will be as driver mod would have benefitted substantially more, just though having more seat time.

Speaking of which, does anyone on TS have any hook ups for Dunlop D11 slicks? I emailed Dunlop a few days ago enquiring about what a new set would cost, in the hope that they have dropped in price HAHHAHAHAHAHAHAH

$2080 I got quoted and thats not going through Dunlop either for D11 x 4 265/625/R17's.These are available with about a weeks notice once ordered though.

[Lith]

Im itching for the day I can justify buying a new set of slicks for my car, as Ive been beating on my current set for the past 4 years lol

But at $2k for a set, I cant justify it, as Im not entering anything that the slicks would reap a reward with.

Yeah definitely - most of us are just into having fun and driving fast, that is a hell of a regular outlay for if you aren't going to be winning things when you can still go fast and have fun. Would be totally the way to go if you can afford and justify it though! I'd love to be well off enough to not be able to tell the difference in significance between spending $50 and spending $2000

Me personally, I wouldn't be spending that kind of money on tyres for a while as my money would be better spent getting the driver mod fully sorted

[Mr Ree]

$2080 I got quoted and thats not going through Dunlop either for D11 x 4 265/625/R17's.These are available with about a weeks notice once ordered though.

Thanks, Coryn, thats the price I expected TBH. $500 a corner has always been the ballpark figure

Im itching for the day I can justify buying a new set of slicks for my car, as Ive been beating on my current set for the past 4 years lol

But at $2k for a set, I cant justify it, as Im not entering anything that the slicks would reap a reward with.

Yeah definitely - most of us are just into having fun and driving fast, that is a hell of a regular outlay for if you aren't going to be winning things when you can still go fast and have fun. Would be totally the way to go if you can afford and justify it though! I'd love to be well off enough to not be able to tell the difference in significance between spending $50 and spending $2000

Me personally, I wouldn't be spending that kind of money on tyres for a while as my money would be better spent getting the driver mod fully sorted

When it comes to competitive racing, there is no doubt at all that without a solid budget for rubber, you may as well pack up and go home. Watching the teams set up for WTAC makes me feel like its a sport reserved solely for the extremely rich, and well backed teams. The possibility of some Joe Average rocking up and causing an upset through sheer driving skill alone is zero nowadays which is a bit of a shame...even the bottom tier costs bazillions to be competitive.

Ive got lots of driver mod left (as have most people) so will just focus on that until my fortunes turn and then Ill start with developing the car some more

[Lith]

Are you going to check out WTAC this year? Going for the first time this year and can't wait... Might motivate to do stuff of my own car haha

[Mr Ree]

Would love to, but alas, no. It will be awesome, make sure to take terraflops of pics

Back on topic...Received my billet dissy cap, ordered a new set of iridium spark plugs and ignition loom for a 7MGTE that I will use in the COP conversion.

Picking up my intake manifold tomorrow.

Possibly pulling car apart on Sunday, but more likely the following weekend.

[2jayzgte]

Im itching for the day I can justify buying a new set of slicks for my car, as Ive been beating on my current set for the past 4 years lol

But at $2k for a set, I cant justify it, as Im not entering anything that the slicks would reap a reward with.

Yeah definitely - most of us are just into having fun and driving fast, that is a hell of a regular outlay for if you aren't going to be winning things when you can still go fast and have fun. Would be totally the way to go if you can afford and justify it though! I'd love to be well off enough to not be able to tell the difference in significance between spending $50 and spending $2000

Me personally, I wouldn't be spending that kind of money on tyres for a while as my money would be better spent getting the driver mod fully sorted

I hear you nothing beats seat time and its something thats gone MIA for myself over the last 2-3 years.

It is a significant outlay I have no dispute with your worries about spending that sought of cash but once you reach a certain point and there is a tipping point where you'll have nothing but to spend cash to go quicker.

I to was into it for fun but its a slippery slope for me I chose to spend money on tyres than say go single turbo and a fuel system and what not.I guess at the end of the day choice's need to be made and it seems you and Adrian have made yours.

[Lith]

I hear you nothing beats seat time and its something thats gone MIA for myself over the last 2-3 years.

I've noticed, is that going to change?

I to was into it for fun but its a slippery slope for me I chose to spend money on tyres than say go single turbo and a fuel system and what not.I guess at the end of the day choice's need to be made and it seems you and Adrian have made yours.

I'm actually not sure why you think there has been $2000 he could have spent on tyres. Strictly speaking tyres are probably going to get trumped by the next big spend, as I believe he intends on getting a cage and with the speed he is going as is already I think that is a better idea for some of the things he may use the car for.

He bought the car essentially as a rolling shell, bought a random unknown condition SR20DET (with out a turbo), managed to get an average condition turbo for free which came from a bin of unwanted parts which lasted about 3 track days before it failed at GTR Elite, at which point the car was again off the road while he saved up for the cheapest replacement which wouldn't be a grenade (less than half the price of tyres, and tyres are no good if the car doesn't move under it's own power) and getting it on. Aside from money to actually get the car running with a healthy base I think the spending has been kept efficient and well considered, again as I believe was probably evidenced by doing 1:17s on his first time and Manfeild in ages, and the cars first outing there.

There aren't that many Silvias going that quick there, especially so lightly modified, and especially not on their first go. Someone going quicker than that for equal money on a maiden trip are doing VERY well.

[2jayzgte]

I hear you nothing beats seat time and its something thats gone MIA for myself over the last 2-3 years.

I've noticed, is that going to change?

I to was into it for fun but its a slippery slope for me I chose to spend money on tyres than say go single turbo and a fuel system and what not.I guess at the end of the day choice's need to be made and it seems you and Adrian have made yours.

I'm actually not sure why you think there has been $2000 he could have spent on tyres. Strictly speaking tyres are probably going to get trumped by the next big spend, as I believe he intends on getting a cage and with the speed he is going as is already I think that is a better idea for some of the things he may use the car for.

He bought the car essentially as a rolling shell, bought a random unknown condition SR20DET (with out a turbo), managed to get an average condition turbo for free which came from a bin of unwanted parts which lasted about 3 track days before it failed at GTR Elite, at which point the car was again off the road while he saved up for the cheapest replacement which wouldn't be a grenade (less than half the price of tyres, and tyres are no good if the car doesn't move under it's own power) and getting it on. Aside from money to actually get the car running with a healthy base I think the spending has been kept efficient and well considered, again as I believe was probably evidenced by doing 1:17s on his first time and Manfeild in ages, and the cars first outing there.

There aren't that many Silvias going that quick there, especially so lightly modified, and especially not on their first go. Someone going quicker than that for equal money on a maiden trip are doing VERY well.

Its all dependant on what happens at work and I been trying to get on top of a credit card bill aswell.

You will find though there will be a tipping point where you will have to outlay the $$$$ though to go quicker there's just no escaping it I was at that stage about 5 years ago.While $2 K sounds expensive its not for what you are getting and it is cheap performance without re-engineering the whole car.

It will also give the driver whoever it is more confidence.I think new to well worn slicks you could see as much as 1-2.5 seconds over your quickest lap on an old set well thats what I found anyway.

[Mr Ree]

Thats my worry, that buying a set of $2k slicks might not net me much lap time, even though Im convinced beyond any doubt that my current set are WELL past their best by date lol

I wonder if they offer discounts if you buy two sets at once? That could save us some clams...

EDIT: What other 17" slicks are commonly sold in NZ, if any? I havent really looked any further given how popular the D11 is(was) in motorsport circles.

[Lith]

You will find though there will be a tipping point where you will have to outlay the $$$$ though to go quicker there's just no escaping it I was at that stage about 5 years ago.While $2 K sounds expensive its not for what you are getting and it is cheap performance without re-engineering the whole car.

OHhh I see, I thought you were saying "do it immediately, you're silly if you don't". Be sure it is something he will have on the list, and it will become much higher priority when he knows everything is going to be working well enough to eat $2000 tyres with and has the $2000 to spend on them

THAT will be the time when I start thinking <1:15 times could be in the near future

[2jayzgte]

The last time I bought brand new slicks they pretty much were good for 8-9 track-days I think that's what most are worried about how quickly you use them up.

If your pretty smooth and your car's alignment is setup correctly you'll be fine.Thats 1 thing I always do though after a track day I take them out to Macbilt and get Al to check them over he tells me when we need to rotate or tweak the alignment.That sought of info can't be bought.

I mark the tyres front and rear and he just looks them over and tells me where I need to go with pressures how the heat is affecting a certain tyre and stuff like that.If I'm honest he loses me most of the time.

[Mr Ree]

Just picked up my intake manifold from Bams, out in the Hutt.

The surfaces look alot nicer that they did when he picked it up from me.

Now I just need to cut away a small section of the TB flange as the Q45 throttle body has a small arm that fouls on it when the throttle is opened.

Does anybody know who makes good custom length throttle cables in the Welly area? Thanks

[DeeCee]

I got my TB cable shortened at a motorcycle shop.
They brazed on the pin at the end of the cable. I trust brazing more than those screw on one's, but you will have to figure your routes and cable length with open and closed throttle in proportion to the pedal travel.

I ended up at motomoart, but TSS red baron was going to do it for free, but they didn't have the right sized pin. Take the TB into TSS Red Baron and see if they have a suitable pin first, otherwise they have to order which may take a couple of weeks.

[Lith]

Just picked up my intake manifold from Bams, out in the Hutt.

The surfaces look alot nicer that they did when he picked it up from me.

Pix0rs? Look forward to seeing how it goes

[STR]

Dropped my rooted turbo at Alltech, nervously awaiting the verdict on Monday to see if it can be saved (recored)