Hi Guys
I posted a couple weeks ago in regards to setting up a FD for track use. I have a very low mileage FD 15k miles. I made a few changes to the car before my first
track day this year. Before I had a WRX that was close to bullet proof.
Funny thing with all the changes I still had a problem and it was a $20 part that caused it. I lost boost coming out of a turn and did not notice it for a couple laps.
When I pulled into the pits I notice a small oil spray. Turned out to be the Vacuum
check line came undone. Fixed it but still no boost on the second turbo. Clogged
check gauge Afternoon done! Drove the car home but still had a couple good hours at the track. My question to you is what steps should I take next to make the car reliable?? Here is the current set up.

-AST elimination
-HKS downpipe
-HKS mid pipe
-Racing Beat cat back
-Greddy intake kit
-Walbro 255lph hp fuel pump
-NGK Spark plugs
-Magnacor 10mm plug wires
-Diff and tranny fluids changes to Redline MT-90
-Rad flush & fill
-ARC SMIC with piping
-Koyo Rad soon to come!
-OMP steering wheel
-Greddy Boost and Oil Temp gauge
-Vacuum line replaced
-Slave cylinder rebuild
-Stainless steel Clutch lines
-Apexi Power FC (Tuned to 13PSI) 290whp Soon to detuned to 11 PSI
-Volk CE28N'S 17X8.5 w/Advan AO32'S

What should I do next to preserve the engine. New injectors? Pulleys?
I know with power upgrade I am going to need a new clutch. I am stuck on what else to do??
John

 

more oil cooling, and some good ducting for that koyo.

 

oil cooling is on the list of things to do.
Thanks

 

How important is extra oil cooling (I have a touring) for HPDEl type events (25 minute sessions) at VIR or Summit Point? Also, I just installed a Koyo, what sort of ducting is required? Just plugging up the area around it so air can't escape or something more involved?

 

It is important^^ check your Oil temps(gauge) and see if you are running hot enough to
need the mod.
John

 

New bushings in the suspension.

 

I'd add a Regular temp gauge to that, also the pulleys are a good idea for cooling as well.

 

I would definetly get a water temp gauge. The stock one is ****. Oil cooling is just as important as water cooling, so check your gauge next time your at the track. Also, if your PFC is already tuned for 13psi you dont need to de-tune it for 11. Its already set to go, just turn your boost down.

When people say theyre tuned to X-Psi, it means theyre tuned for everything up to and including X. Hope that made sense.

But for track use, I would also add track pads and better brake fluid. Better brake ducting. And possible big brake kit. That is only if you were getting some brake fade during your last event. If not, I would just get some good pads and fluid in there and call it good.

If you want, you can get a set of extra stock rims, and get some track tires. Kuhmo Victo racers are a good cheap, long lasting R compound. This will make your car much more track worthy. Be advised though, once upgraded to R compound tires the stock brake system will sometimes be over loaded due to the new amound of stick.

You can also look into coilover suspension. Or you can go the easier route (which is still a great improvement over stock) and just get upgraded springs, and some adjustable struts. People love the Eibach spring/Tokico pair.

The list goes on and on of the possible improvements to the car. Just research for what your goals are for the car, and mod carefully.

 

Fubawu,

With the age of these cars, unless you just go through and replace EVERYTHING, something is going to break at the track. Not every time, but expect to break a few things that are just flat out 'old'.

Your first 2-3 or so DE's are just basically fact finding sessions to locate problem areas in the car. By about the 4th DE you should have most things in place to just have fun.

In other words, just take them as they come as you already have the basics from your other thread.

 

Alot depends on your power/boost level, but I wouldnt dream of road racing an FD flat out for 25 mins with a single oil cooler, especially without an oil temp gauge.

 

thanks for the help, brake pads and fluid is at the top of the list. I would like to lower the boost to error on the side of caution.
John

 

As others have mentioned water and oil temp gauges are a must. If you're running r comp tires with those mods, you'll want to get some better oil cooling as well.

Also, look into replacing the stock swaybar mounts if you're going to upgrade the radiator, and some SS brake lines.

 

I don't have an oil temp gauge, but in april my water temps at VIR with my new fluidyne and some half-*** ducting never went over 210F.

VIR is kind of hard on brakes, you've got two long straights with heavy braking zones, so keep that into consideration.

 

Well taking your car to a track your engine is going to wear down fairly quickly regardless of outside mods. You're on a great track though to stop it from premature failure, but if you push it constantly, it will fail sooner than if you would drive it like on the highway. The subbie could take the beating, the 13bTT is a different setup, so don't expect it to last nearly as long.

From what I've read, focus on cooling, cooling, cooling. Get gauges and monitor everything closely so you know how things are looking. Other than that man, have fun!

 

Keep in mind that the temps were very cold that weekend. Ambient temps were in the low 40degF range. Summer temps in the 90's will be the real test. Dual oil coolers IMO are necessary, either that or you'll have to back off to allow temps to come under control.

 

Arrgh, I don't have an oil temp gauge either, just a water temp... Oh well, just another thing to add to the to-do list. Is it easier just to upgrade the single oil cooler to a larger unit instead of running a second one?

 

Yes, this is a good point. I believe air temps were in the mid 70s in April. Oil temp and pressure gauges are next on my list of track prep items before my next event.

 

Oh right, mid April. I was thinking of the Mazda event in late March where it was downright cold. Temps of 210F for mid 70's ambient are fine.

 

Thanks for the info, keep in mind that I am not a track "****" 5-6 laps and out. I might be on the track for 10 min sessions.
John