Maxing it out
 

If I was to get a 1984 or 1985 GSL-SE what are the best parts to max it out for SCCA Solo 2 Stock class. Can you tell me brands and prices.

There isn't much you can do in stock. All you're looking for are shocks, a catback and perhaps a front sway bar.

Shocks: Tokico Illuminas

Catback exhaust: Racing Beat

Front sway bar: STOCK

Tires: the best you can buy (hoosier or kumho)

Those are the only things you can modify in stock.

Replace all the old rotten suspension bushings with fresh bushings.

Set camber to all the rules will allow.

Do NOT replace the rear bushings. Leave those old.

The rear suspension has a bit of a design flaw that causes it to bind when the body rolls in a turn. This sends the roll stiffness to infinity and therefore the weight transfer goes way up. This will cause a snap oversteer.

The softer the bushings in the rear the better the axle will be able to articulate and that is what you want.

Yes, good point. I was reading an old article and it talked about drilling little holes in the rear suspension bushings to make them softer.

Fresh rubber bushings might be a good idea. Ideally, they would be more compliant than twenty year old bushings.

First, get a copy of the rules so you know what's legal. I can't find that link at the moment. But here's some companies that have been around for decades:

www.racingbeat.com

www.mazdatrix.com

groundcontrol oops lost that link too

Also a cool used cars/parts site:

www.thepartstrader.com

Do you own research on such details and you will be better informed.

Also use the search function over in the 1st gen section, which is an immensely helpful place.

Oops, sorry about saying replace all suspension bushings. Yes, you want to leave the rear upper control arm bushings in their orignal condition to minimize rear suspension binding.

But, all the other suspension bushings are in pretty sorry shape after 20 years, and they will not maintain wheel alignment under cornering loads.

I would suggest a stiffer front sway bar. A K&N stock replacement air filter would be nice too (if allowed by the rules).