Hey,

I'm looking to build up a project car for autocross. My question is this: is a non GSL-SE car suitable? I know the engines are different but I'm hoping to put a T2 engine into whatever I get. The main thing I'm concerned about is the lack of Limited Slip Differentials (LSD) and brakes on the base models. Are there after-marked units readily available for the base models? I just can't find GSL-SE's and the parts from them. So is it possible to bring a base model FB to speed (within reasonable budget)? Thanks folks.

Will

 

Just curious,
what class do you hope to be in this car? Wouldn't a T2 swap put you in the mod class, where you'd be horribly outclassed? Or would that fall under the catagory of swapping within trim levels? which brings up the question why swap if you are not going to up the boost, which would put you in mod? You could get 200+ usable autocross HP from a GSL-SE 13b and still be in the prepared class could you not?

I guess I just am trying to figure out what kind of car / class / ect you are thinking of building.

THanks

 

Also,
IF you are going to race it with T2 power levels you may not even want the 20 year LSD as they are probably going or gone. I would probably go with an older SA car as they are lighter and put a race diff of some sort in it.

Just my $.02

 

Hehe,

I was really shooting for any class, I just want to go racing with a sweet car. Are there aftermarket LSD's and brake kits for the FB? The T2 thing is just something I'm hoping for. Thanks.

Will

 

Just shooting for any class is not the best idea, a turbo engine will put you in to the hotly contested mod class.Not the best class to start in.But you will have fun.As far as a lsd I would go with a torsen from a 94-02 miata, the center section will bolt in with some minor trimming of the case to clear the watts links .For brakes I would upgrade to hawk pads and braided s.s hoses ,If your car has the rear drums you can swap it for the disk gsl 4x110 pattern rear just make sure to install the 4 wheel disc master cyl. and proportioning valve,perfect for any autocross or light track use.

 

waitaminute..... i swapped my open diff and drums for discs and LSD, bolted straight up. why do you need the 4 wheel disc master cyl and proportioning valve? i've been driving it for 2 years and have loved every second of it! did i miss something?

 

No, you havent missed anything. In fact, using the drum mast cyl and valve is an old go fast trick .

 

Given that most racers are 12A powered (13Bs usually have a rather hefty weight penalty) I don't see why you'd want to start with an -SE in the first place.

 

Quite frankly I would not even recomend a turbo for auto X,

Yah I know that it would be a blast to drive but its not going to help you all that much on the auto X circuit.

Just to give you an idea, there is a local driver that installed a turbo on his impresa 2.5 RS, and during a short conversation with the fella, he confessed that he was slower than when he did not have a turbo. Now he puts the boost very low to compensate.

For auto X you want a wide torque band wich the GSL-SE provides with ~133 @ 2700 rpm

but I like the GSL-SE better (where I live the index is the same for 12a and 13b powered cars)

Point beeing?????

1) Turbo is not a good investment for auto X
2) Just get any car to start off, get experience (you will learn faster with
a stock car)
3)Do some reaserche to figure out which models are in wich classes and what mods are allowed in your area
(even tough you think you dont care about the index or class, when it comes down to it, you will be pissed off)
4) save yourself the hassle and get a GSL-SE