Track Car Setup - Advice Needed!

[arz]

I've had good results getting my racing equipment through Driftmotion, Porterfield http://porterfield-brakes.com/keySearch.php?search=supra&manufId=&_pge=2&_sby=&_ord=and IO Port Racing http://www.ioportracing.com/index.html.
With regard to radiator choice, I picked a Koyo Racing and added a surge tank to add another gallon capacity to the cooling system. For heat removal, I still run an engine undercover, then have the rear of the hood lifted with a few washers on the hood hinges. I used not to run a fan as most of the time I was going fast enough not to need one... I was running a 18 pound radiator cap and 16 pound surge tank cap. The 7MGTE was typically kept above 3500 RPM and mostly in the 4 - 6K RPM range where the engine I had built was designed to run. The engine uses Amsoil 10-30 100% synthetic oil. This August on a 90 degree day I noticed the temp rose to mid way on the gauge. So our engines can get quite hot! I needed to run with short shifting for about five minutes before the temps returned to normal. The engine I run also has a seven quart sump. Sounds like you and the guys have a well built start on a track Supra.
I'm finding RSR racing springs and KYB GR2 are a good set up for endurance racing on a budget. When you can afford it, get the Koni yellow. I also find that the Porterfield R4-1 in front works well with the stock brakes. I use the TRD pads for the rear. I'm finding the stock brake bias adequate for the speeds I'm able to drive. I had to bleed all the stock brake fluid and switched to Castrol SRF, 100% synthetic fluid. A great improvement in reducing brake fade, even on very hot days. Well worth the extra cost. Van

Hey guys, with all this talk about brakes, please don't forget I am having a sale right now.

Also I wanted you guys to know that I hold a special place in my heart for people that actually race their cars. If you guys have results, and photos of your car on the track, I would really like to try to talk you guys into a set of our brakes.

I am very surprised anyone can run the stock sized brakes on the track. Then again maybe you guys don't have 17 inch wheels, and that's why you haven't looked into our front brakes.

If that's the case, Mustang wheels off of the first generation that came with the 4.6 liter in it, had some 17" wheels that fit on a MKIII and are pretty cheap. Plus there were tons of aftermarket wheels that were 17x9 that fit that same vehicle. I have seen plenty for around the $100 per wheel range.

 

[dahughes]

Van,

From my limited research I would agree that RSR racing springs and KYB GR2's are a good setup. Only problem......I can't find RSR's anywhere! Some vendors still have them shown online but when I try to buy them I get an out of stock notice. Aparently they haven't been made since about 2010. I am also looking at the H&R race springs but didn't want a 2" drop as I have a full 3" exhaust. Keeping just a bit more room under the car for the occasional dropped tire seemed like a good idea.

Any idea where I can still find a set of RSR's?

 

[Van]

Van,

From my limited research I would agree that RSR racing springs and KYB GR2's are a good setup. Only problem......I can't find RSR's anywhere! Some vendors still have them shown online but when I try to buy them I get an out of stock notice. Aparently they haven't been made since about 2010. I am also looking at the H&R race springs but didn't want a 2" drop as I have a full 3" exhaust. Keeping just a bit more room under the car for the occasional dropped tire seemed like a good idea.

Any idea where I can still find a set of RSR's?

Hi,
I wasn't aware that Tanabe's, RSR Racing springs weren't available. I'd place an ad in the Supramania Classifieds and Supra Forum. Van

 

[Another MkIII]

I found the front and rear strut tower race was a cheap and did improve feedback as well.

No you didn't. Strut braces are a waste of money on these cars. Dual wishbone suspension negates the need for them.
-AM3

 

[scottiedawg66]

No you didn't. Strut braces are a waste of money on these cars. Dual wishbone suspension negates the need for them.
-AM3

Oh ok. Thanks for setting me straight on what I felt.

 

[hvyman]

I had one. Took it off and then forgot I took it off. They don't do a damn thing.

 

[scottiedawg66]

Did you have hinged or solid bars?

 

[hvyman]

Bolt on. Doesn't matter tho. Our suspension has upper ball joints.

The reason for strut bars like on Hondas and such is because the struts are the upper load bearing points and the push in on the chassis. Strut bars stop the chassis from flexing.

We have upper ball joints so out chassis doesn't flex like that making them useless.

Drive the car. Take it off and drive again. You won't notice a difference. If you do you have other issues.

 

[scottiedawg66]

Solid and hinged bars both are bolt on and they are very different designs in regards to stiffness. Either way I felt an improvement with my solid bars and others did not, so take it for what it is. An opinion.

Let's see some pics of this race car already!

 

[Backlash2032]

What you're feeling is a placebo effect.

Brought to you by my incredible MS paint skills....


Edit: Thinking about it.. I think the arrows should have gone in the same direction.. Not opposites. But thats irrelevant.

 

[Turbo Habanero]

The reason for strut bars like on Hondas and such is because the struts are the upper load bearing points and the push in on the chassis. Strut bars stop the chassis from flexing.

We have upper ball joints so out chassis doesn't flex like that making them useless. .

That's what they are for! I always thought they where for pretty girls to grab onto when I take pictures of them bent over my car.

 

[scottiedawg66]

Is the difference I feel with the targa off also placebo effect? I swear my car feels different with the targa off as well.

 

[Poodles]

Is the difference I feel with the targa off also placebo effect? I swear my car feels different with the targa off as well.

Definately not placebo. That one is actually easy to measure...

 

[josbeat]

hi!
supousing the mayor work is done here are some tips if you need it
Extra saving weight:
At the rear subframe , remove the limiters, they weight a lot and do nothing
Leave the front light up and remove the electric motors
Remove all engine holders on top, also the engine mounting cups
Remove all side strips and cover the space with vinyl stickers
If you can afford it , change the mirrors
Bumper reinforcements cutting it or replacing with alu ones.
If dont have it , alu driveshaft ( you can get a good and cheap one)
Strip out the doors and use a safety nets,
At the rear , remove the metal piece beetwing the towers


Vent
try to see in my built thread where I have mines and copy the vent holes, they lower the temp a lot and dont thouch the hood reinforcements, also improve the air flow lowering the underhood pressure also the aerodynamics

Aerodynamics:
If the rues allow you to put a front splitter .. do it ( aluminize is cheap) if not I plain under cover instead the stock twisted one help a lot.
Some washer at the rear wing or add a custom gurney flap

Suspension.
Try to use a harder springs you can, 18kg 10kg minimum, 20 kg 10 kg is better but they need´s a good quality dampers adjustable Koni yellows will be your choice , on Ebay , Suprastore... they are cheap, also arround there are a kit to use those like a coilovers.
With a harder springs, the use of a tower bars are not a bad idea.

Tyres
245 all arround will be your choice with the RX rims
All negative camber you can.... but like the supra adjustment dosnt allow to go further try to buy the harder sideway tyres you can (R888 if you can) hankook have a hard sideways aswell

Brakes.
If is not possible (money) to upgrade the brakes for a big ones ( ligters also) yes the R4-1 are a very good pads but on a 8 hr endurance Ill prefer to go with PFC or Porterfield E1 (if remember well)
The wees brake master cylinder limiter (or stopper) will be nice
Castrol SRF fluid like other saed

Driver .
jajaja you will need to be in a good shape!

dont forget to have a confortable driver position.

 

[josbeat]

the engine temperature will be a problem....
here are some tips
remove the metalic pipes going urder the exhaust manifold, instead use a rubber pipes and rute it throw the turbo cooling holes and the exit of it route it to the back of the thermostat housing directly to the radiator line
dont use the closed loop turbo water cooling system like the factory desing it

a good radiator double rows are the best

double electric fans 14" with out fan shroud Spal 102009 , they can coold down the engine is 3 second only!!

high flow thermostat or without it

big coolers for Steering and oil

5 or 5,5 liter of oil if dont have the oil pan upgraded

10w60 Castro or Shell

hood vents but not the washer mods (hot gases enter into the car)

use any under cover

 

[scottiedawg66]

Definately not placebo. That one is actually easy to measure...

how is chassis stiffness easily measured?

Unless there is a way to get data, rather than make claims based on empirical evidence of which the source and context of information is unknown, this conversation is going no where and we continue to derail this thread as I stupidly respond to people telling me what I can and cannot feel.

If the teams that raced Supras at the highest level (JGTC) were using strut tower bars on their cars wouldn't you at least try them considering the low cost and ease of installation?

if it is good enough for the Tom's JGTC supra (dual wishbone) its good enough for me.

 

[Backlash2032]

Probably more of a safety thing, as it does next to nothing for chassis stiffness.

And saying we're making claims based on empirical evidence of which the source and context of information is unknown is just false. Hvyman and I have both given you factual reasons why they do next to nothing for chassis stiffness. Now, you can keep on believing that they make your whip so much faster 'round the track, or you can take them off, and shed some useless (besides the bling factor) weight off of your car.

Also, does anyone see the irony in his rebuttal?

 

[te72]

As for the hood venting, FM came up with a pretty good solution, albeit for a different application:

http://www.flyinmiata.com/index.php?deptid=4544&parentid=0&stocknumber=29-40000

Another thing to get rid of (or at least pull off the car) considering your lack of a windshield... your washer fluid reservoir/pumps.

 

[Poodles]

how is chassis stiffness easily measured?

Unless there is a way to get data, rather than make claims based on empirical evidence of which the source and context of information is unknown, this conversation is going no where and we continue to derail this thread as I stupidly respond to people telling me what I can and cannot feel.

If the teams that raced Supras at the highest level (JGTC) were using strut tower bars on their cars wouldn't you at least try them considering the low cost and ease of installation?

if it is good enough for the Tom's JGTC supra (dual wishbone) its good enough for me.

Notice that it's acting as a motor mount...

 

[dahughes]

I have gotten a couple request for pics of our budget racer. She was white when we picked her up but decided to go gun metal and black in order to make her our own. One 8 hour race started one 8 hour race finished! With 4 rookie drivers we are calling that a win.