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Posted by: grantsfo Jun 21 2011, 04:53 PM

Hey who else is coming for the fun at Nationals this year? This is my first one! whoo hoo! I have NRF ....Nationals Rookie Fever!

I see J is signed up. Is Brit still planning to go? Any other teeners going to attend?

https://www.motorsportreg.com/index.cfm/event/event.status/uidEvent/4B6B8256-EA57-49F2-2A2D9F971EB7FA2B

Posted by: BMXerror Jun 21 2011, 07:26 PM

I will be there in Tom Berry's STX BMW (That's my ride this whole year). My teener is not ready for Nationals yet. I'll find out this weekend at the SoPac Divisional if I'm anywhere close to ready as a driver. See ya there, Grant!
Mark D.

Posted by: grantsfo Jun 22 2011, 10:00 AM

Very cool! That should be fun!

Posted by: Joe Ricard Jun 27 2011, 09:07 AM

Went last year, skipping this year. Maybe if in a stock car, You know get in turn the key and go.

In race cars and karts the level of work is so much that I never had much time enjoy the social festivities. 4 Square, bar B que, beer drinking.

Posted by: J P Stein Jun 27 2011, 10:14 AM

Last I spoke with Brit about the Nats he was running the numbers for going. They are substantial.....glad it's his money & not mine.

Posted by: grantsfo Jun 27 2011, 02:06 PM

Im hoping he will go! However its much more cost effective to grab a co driving seat. I'm psych'd to be driving the Boxster at an event of this caliber! As you indicate JP I will likely get trounced but I have always wanted to go to this event.

Posted by: jjackson Jul 13 2011, 07:36 AM

Where are all of the autocrossers?

Leeds signed up yesterday-Don't know if Greg can make trip this year-

Early registration ends July 29th-Doubles in price after this date.

I see beautiful, well prepared cars all over this site.Any post that has setup or suspension questions is jumped all over with responses -Where are the cars?
Where are the drivers?
I know economy sucketh-this might be as good as it gets.
JJackson

Posted by: Joe Ricard Jul 13 2011, 09:46 AM

Maybe we can take up a collection to send Britt and JJ to Nationals in a 914.

Or since I see HAM Inc lurking there could be a sponsorship. even thou there is nothing type IV about these 2 cars.

Posted by: J P Stein Jul 13 2011, 10:58 AM

Good God no. Take a knife to a gun fight?????

Posted by: Joe Ricard Jul 13 2011, 01:13 PM

Without a doubt JP. The only fast 914 is a HIGHLY modified 914.

Posted by: jjackson Jul 13 2011, 06:29 PM

We started the install tonight of our sway bar with bearings.(Thanks Bruce)
The bar was made by speedway engineering.Sweet setup.Always ran weltmeister bars.Done all the math on the differences between the bars.
Through all of the years, yes the car did end up Highly modified. JJackson


Sure hope Brit finds the finances to make the trip.

Posted by: BMXerror Jul 13 2011, 07:01 PM

Why can't it be a highly modified T4 914? Can anybody say D Prepared?
BTW, I like my Speedway bar. I completely bypassed the Weltmeister option and saved money in the process. Mine is a 1" hollow bar. What size are you running.


Mark D.

Posted by: jjackson Jul 13 2011, 07:54 PM

.876" -Speedway
.866 Welt

Twist length 30" speedway
35" welt

Good looking bar.
Look forward to seeeing DP car.
JJackson

Posted by: grantsfo Jul 15 2011, 01:49 PM

Im with you JJ lets get some 914's out there! We arent going to see people develop cars to a national level if they dont show up. Half the battle is just learning to drive at national level regardless of what car is under you. It will become abundtly clear to you when you run at this level that car is a small piece of the puzzle. Yeah you arent going to run a sooped up T4 competitively in XP or EMod but you could potentially place well and learn a little bit about high level AX comptition.

If I wasnt running the Boxster I'd be game to drive a 914 in any class. I dont know why 914 drivers are so shy about high level competition. A guess all the BS goes out the window when you run at a well attended national level SCCA event.

And bottom line for me I'm looking for either a 914 or a Boxster to go after that Datsun in FP this year. I honestly dont care who beats him! We need a Porsche to win FP this year. Wish we had more help!

The Boxster did well at Pro Solo in CO. Top of womans class and 2nd in Race tire class off first by tenths. Less than 2 seconds of Zust Lotus in another class. Not bad for stock powered 2.5 boxster.

Posted by: PeeGreen 914 Jul 15 2011, 03:16 PM

I think it has something to do with time and money
I'm doing my best to get there next year with a 914 but it is going to be close.

If I had the time this year I would fly out and drive but I will be at a trade show during this

Posted by: jjackson Jul 16 2011, 06:02 AM

Hope you make it next year.
Saw progress posts-looking good.
I'm just trying to get somebody to attend Nationals that might be on the fence-just a shove in the right direction.
In recent years-our numbers have really dwindled.
Our cars can still be competitive in SCCA competition.In the good old days, we were competitive with a good setup,a few tricks,minimal bolt on performance enhancers, and a half ass driver.Those days are gone at the higher end of National competition-
I personnally like competin' more than polishin'
I recommend a trip to nationals to everybody that enjoys autocrossing.JJackson

Posted by: J P Stein Jul 16 2011, 07:52 AM

The toughest part of most any SCCA AX is gettin' er' done in 3. That is one reason PCA/Porsche folks stay away and why national level SCCA guys excel at these events. At our local SCCA events, we'll get 4-6 runs but only the first 3 count....."Only 3 runs" the Porsche guys complain and never learn to deal with it.

National events are actually easy as they are so well organized.....just make damn sure you show up for run/work assignments ahead of time....and follow orders. A friend once got lost at the Nationals on the pit return road... bout 3/4 mile she said..... and got her fastest run thrown out. She is a past National champ in her class. Taint much slack there, eh?

Working the cones takes a bit of re-learning. Cones are numbered and reported to the station boss (who records them) by the runners. The runners have to be on their toes as the cars come every 20-25 sec (or less ).

I ran for cone #150 (among others) at Packwood one year. That SOB musta got whacked 30 times & got wiggled twice that much......tough on an old fart in 90 deg weather.
One thing I learned: Running a sneaker cone is to be avoided.

BTW, the Packwood NT is on this weekend & it's raining. Brit borrowed some 4 year old Hoosier rains but dosen't run tiil the first afternoon group. 286 folks entered this year...a good turnout ....just 1 less than the best I've seen. WTF is up with the Colorado NT?

Posted by: Randal Jul 16 2011, 11:13 AM

Some of us Porsche guys have branched out and are now running SCCA type formats. Actually it's fun to challenge yourself to learn a course and then start attacking the course, corner by corner, all within 4 runs.

A great example of this was the WCR at Medford, where all the 914 folks had to run a 5 lap Enduro without practice using new parts added to the track. It ws fun to look at the split times to see where progress was made.

Challenging part about running with SCCA, AAS, UFO or others is finding the right class where you can compete without a total rebuild of your car.

Actually it's hard not to really like these groups. Nice people and lots of competition.

Posted by: J P Stein Jul 16 2011, 12:10 PM

Story of my AX life. My 4th run was my quickest 90% of the time.
By the 5th I was over driving. Did that again at Medford. Some things never change.

Posted by: grantsfo Jul 16 2011, 12:23 PM

National tour events are not expensive to attend. I didn't see a single 914 this year at San Diego.

What's Brit doing showing up to NT on old tires? He should still beat cars that have shown up his pax likely won't be good however. Was listening to event earlier today.

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/SCCASolo

Posted by: Randal Jul 16 2011, 03:12 PM

Knocking 5 seconds off your time with only 5 runs, in an unfamiliar/new car on a new course is pretty good IMHO.

Posted by: Randal Jul 16 2011, 03:18 PM

Can't see anything on that link. Just a black screen with an uploading circle going around.

Posted by: J P Stein Jul 16 2011, 03:41 PM

It's audio only & breaking up...pretty stable right now

Posted by: J P Stein Jul 16 2011, 09:12 PM

OK, day 1 Packwood NT. 914s in 1 , 3......and only seperated by 2 tenths.

Posted by: J P Stein Jul 17 2011, 08:28 AM

Brit said he struggled a bit with a mostly dry track yesterday.
It's raining like a cow pissin' on a flat rock in Vancouver this morning.
That dosen't bode well for Packwood.....anything can happen. I was gonna go up & watch but the house is nice, warm, & dry......color me wussie.

Posted by: J P Stein Jul 17 2011, 08:28 PM

I drove up to Packwood anyway. It rained on the first 2 run groups. Drying for the third. 914s were 1,2 & 4 in XP. The track had dried out for the 4th group & the DP Miatas kicked booty.

Posted by: Joe Ricard Jul 18 2011, 07:42 AM

Yep, That's why Autocross is such a bitch. Either really hot, Really cold, could be both in the same day with rain in between.

and you still only get 3 shots at the course each day.

Posted by: J P Stein Jul 18 2011, 08:52 AM

A mostly dry track makes things a tad tricky.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDdbKH2lzso

Posted by: PeeGreen 914 Jul 18 2011, 09:27 AM

The second day lay out was much better than the first. The finish was awesome. It was off camber so you could drift all the way to the finish. If you got a little too have you would be spinning. I was in the first rungroup so we got rained on both days and had slicks or dead rains. We ended up using the rains but they were bad. The final run for the owner of the car I was driving he decided to take out all the rebound in his suspension and was 2 seconds faster than he had run before. Wish he would have done that before With the cars in our class and not having good tires we were expecting to go DFL but we ended up 8 and 9 of 11 I want my 914 back.

Brit drove very well. Leeds seems to not be pushing it hard. His car was certainly capable of more. Good showing for the 914s though.

Jeff Kiesel was there and his car is amazing. He was a very awesome guy to meet and he has a great family. I hope to be able to do the same with my family as he is with his.

Posted by: Randal Jul 18 2011, 01:11 PM

Congratulations to Britain on some great runs.

The Where2Race Special does it again.

Posted by: grantsfo Jul 18 2011, 01:37 PM

Congrats to Brit. Sounds like he has the beast under control now.

Glad you guys got to see the "point and shoot" SPrite. LOL! Was he running in the rain? Must have been as his times usually are much faster compared to CP cars. SSM must have been in the wet as well? Mkees car usually is much faster compared to some of the cars running there as well.

CP cars must have been in dry because they were way too fast compared to EM and XP. I can usually hold that CP Mustang to a couple seconds in the street going Z.

Posted by: PeeGreen 914 Jul 18 2011, 02:41 PM

Why would anyone call Jeff's car a point and shoot car? That thing corners very fast in the wet. Jeff had one dry run all weekend. The amount of rubber he has on there for his dry tires is crazy.

The CP cars ran in the dry. Not one was even close to that "Shelby" Mustang. The rear tires on that car are 27.5" wide They have over 4 feet of rubber under the rear of that car.

Posted by: J P Stein Jul 18 2011, 03:54 PM

I felt bad for the fist 2 run groups. It was sloppy wet.
Kesiel was fast in the rain. His Goodyears had AVON A15 moulded into the sidewall. I would have liked to see that car run in the dry.

Brit & Adam were loose as a goose all both days.......something about getin' the power down. Not much heat in the front & blowing off the rears.....all new ones. In their 12 runs they used some interesting angles. Adam locked up on a cone stopped sideways just after the finish lights.....with no reverse. Bigger rear tiars are in the works.Why not?, they won 3 freebies from Hoosier. It sounds like an experiment is in the making.

Posted by: PeeGreen 914 Jul 18 2011, 04:12 PM

He had one run on them the first day. He said he hates those tires but Goodyear was out of the tires he needs. So that was all he had for the dry. I guess it is a good thing for him he didn't have to use them again.

Posted by: jjackson Jul 18 2011, 06:02 PM

Congrats to Brit,Adam, and Leeds.Fantastic results! JJackson

Posted by: grantsfo Jul 18 2011, 07:25 PM

Yeah I go to same tire shop that mustang goes to. It's depressing to see how big those tire are. Had my Boxster slicks sitting next to his once and made my 11 slicks look small. However I'm glad I don't have that tire budget! That's some expensive rubber!

Posted by: Randal Jul 18 2011, 08:25 PM

Hey Britain - Now you need a national tire contract, so that you always have available what you need to make you competitive. Need someone to help you negotiate?

Posted by: grantsfo Jul 18 2011, 08:54 PM

You usually have to commit to nationals for that and even then it's thin pickings for full sponsorhip in SCCA Autocross. Perhaps local tire shop with partial sponsorship is an idea? Its not like this is F1. Lol!

Posted by: J P Stein Jul 28 2011, 12:53 PM

I duuno about day 1, I wasn't there. I was there day 2 and that is when I saw those AVONS on his car.....between his 2 & 3rd passes. You got any more factual reporting like the above?

Posted by: Randal Jul 28 2011, 01:51 PM

The A15 compound is a soft rain compound, but built into a slick.

Posted by: Randal Jul 28 2011, 01:52 PM

What Goodyear tires does he use?

Posted by: Joe Ricard Jul 29 2011, 08:51 AM

Great big fat slicks. Not the new DOT-R

Posted by: PeeGreen 914 Jul 29 2011, 11:07 AM

He had the Goodyears on when I was there at the start of heat 2 and it was never dry enough for him to switch. If he did switch I didn't see it as I was busy putting our stuff away, but if you say you saw them on there that doesn't change how he feels about them or how he did.

Do you have anything else you'd like to say to make you sound any more assholeish

Posted by: J P Stein Jul 29 2011, 06:13 PM

I call em' like I see em'. If that leads you to name calling for a defense, so be it.
I never engage in a battle of wits with someone who is unarmed.

Posted by: PeeGreen 914 Jul 29 2011, 09:43 PM

Classy as usual

Posted by: SirAndy Jul 29 2011, 11:27 PM

Geeeze, you two sound like my ex-wife(s).


Get a room already ...

Posted by: SirAndy Jul 30 2011, 12:40 AM

Fuck, talk about curve-ball ... An hour after i posted this my (last) ex wife sends me an email telling me she was just diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Fucking Murphy always gets the last word. And that's the one of the two i actually like! Damn it ...

Posted by: PeeGreen 914 Jul 30 2011, 09:24 AM

Damn, sorry to hear that Andy. My mom was just diagnosed with that as well. I hope they are able to set it into remission quickly.

And yes, sorry about getting carried away with JP. He is like nails on a chalkboard to me..

Posted by: BMXerror Jul 31 2011, 09:27 PM

Now that that unpleasantness is behind us...
I have a choice of 4 different tires that I can run at the big show. I'm already 90% sure which direction I'm gonna go, and some back-to-back testing in two weeks will be the final determination. However, I'm just curious as to everybody's opinions.

*Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec (what a mouth full!)

*Kumho Ecsta XS

*Hankook Ventus R-S3

*Bridgestone Potenza RE-11

BTW, this is for an STX BMW 325i. Make your picks.
Mark D.

Posted by: Joe Ricard Aug 1 2011, 08:12 AM

I just bought a set of the RS3's in 225/45-17 for our Mini Cooper S. 99% daily driver. But within 3 hours of mounting the tires we were at an autocross.
grip was terrible until the flames wore off the tread. then it was like flicking a switch. Street tires should not have that much grip. Awesome tires. Remember to spray them between runs. It was easy to get over 150 degrees and that is too much.

Posted by: grantsfo Aug 4 2011, 02:03 PM

Pretty sure he uses Formula Atlantic Radials in a 175 compound. 20x9.5x13 (Front) 23.5x13x13 (Back) I was looking at similar tire for the Boxster but couldnt justify the $450 a tire price tag.

Posted by: grantsfo Aug 4 2011, 02:13 PM

Hey Brit is signed up for XP! Who hoo! Thats Awesome!

http://www.motorsportreg.com/index.cfm/event/event.status/uidEvent/4B6B8256-EA57-49F2-2A2D9F971EB7FA2B#class-570D7CCE-D404-E3D6-7795D0028B10C159

Man its depressing looking at the FP field. I'm going to battle to stay out of dead last! Got my ticket and will be flying in Sunday Aug 28. Testing Monday and racin Tuesday and Wed. Then head out on red eye Wed eve. I'm psych'd. And to be supported by a National champion like Erik is really cool. I'm sure I will learn tons from him.

Hey need to get a fast lady in the FP 914 JJ. FP Ladies is going to be a real race!

Posted by: PeeGreen 914 Aug 4 2011, 02:38 PM

Good luck Grant. I hope you do well out there,

Posted by: grantsfo Aug 4 2011, 04:02 PM

Thanks I'm going to need as much luck as I can get!

Posted by: jjackson Aug 5 2011, 06:35 AM

My wife Tricia has not been in car since last years nationals-had our third child in May.We'll see if we can get her some seat time for next year.FP ladies has been a strong small class several years-Jodi Fordahl,Pilar Miranda,Beverlee Larson, and now Strelnicks and Pedroza- looks like it will be fun to watch.
Our 25 car FP field looks awesome.
Good luck Grant.
Nationals can be a humbling event.
My first Nationals was won by Jeff Reitmeir.My fastest times in the teener never approached Stacy Reitmeirs' slowest times for the week.I thought that I was there to win it!You know-local fast and all.........
JJackson

Posted by: ottox914 Aug 5 2011, 08:07 AM

Cool, that car will be something else to see in person.

I'll be there as tire warmer for my friends SM miata. Supercharged, mega squirted, intercooled, it puts 240 to the wheels and a torque curve that is really more of a line than a curve from idle to 7k. We're for sure bringing a knife to a gun fight, but at least its a sharp steak knife and not a butter knife.

I've driven it 2x. I fully expect to suck.

But. This year I turn 50, and Nancy said to do something a little crazy. Since I already own a turbo 914 and a hooker is out of the question, a trip to nats seemed like a nice little compromise vacation splurge.

Posted by: Joe Ricard Aug 5 2011, 09:20 AM

I've been to several National events haveing never driven the car before.
1st was a CSP Miata, backed it off the trailer, drove to Tech and back and then from grid to start line. Only thing on my mind was "don't kill it".

2nd was Mod moto shifter kart, at Nationals last year. spun it in the 1st set of slaloms Whoops.

3rd was C-mod Formula Ford. drove it 2 runs @ test and tune. Right away I knew I was in trouble. That was a hard car to drive.

Just as long as the gas is on the right and it goes to the floor I am usually a mid pack driver.

Posted by: Randal Aug 5 2011, 02:13 PM

Good Luck at the Nationals. No way it will be anything but fun.

Posted by: Randal Aug 5 2011, 02:15 PM

Was that the year Jeff was driving the supercharged BMW? He ran that car at LPR events down at the Marina and it was very fast.

His shop is just down the street from my place.

Good Luck at the Nationals. We'll all be pulling for you.

Posted by: jjackson Aug 5 2011, 04:32 PM

Nope-Talking about the year that Jeff and Stacy both won in their teener.Hadn't looked back but I think it was '92 ish.
Looking forward to meeting people from this forum.I'll be able to find Brit,Grant (next to in grid),Leeds, and Jim Murphy.I hope that the others (from this forum) will find us.
JJackson
PS- We will be fast-the car is really good.

Posted by: PeeGreen 914 Aug 5 2011, 07:39 PM

Best of luck Jay. Hope to be out there next year to race with you . Can't wait to see how you do

Posted by: jjackson Aug 5 2011, 08:20 PM

Thanks!
Hope to see you (and others) next year.
JJackson

Posted by: hot_shoe914 Aug 6 2011, 11:34 AM

You are going to have to drive faster than you did in Blytheville Jay, I was right on your ass both days in our weak little Type IV. Well, at least til you left the starting line and I was still sitting there waiting my turn to take off. Oh yeah, make sure all your parts are secured so the guy behind you doesn't have to duck like I did when you took off. And tell the starter dude not to pick them up, they are hot.

Posted by: jjackson Aug 6 2011, 02:26 PM

Those pesky noise meters!!!
Third muffler (all 3 GUARANTEED to meet the most stringent blah ..blah...blah)
Grant will be at the line behind me at nationals.All I can say is be prepared to duck if necessary.
and yes -we will have to be faster at nats if we want to outrun autox royalty.
JJackson

Posted by: Joe Ricard Aug 6 2011, 06:39 PM

Someone forgot to tell Sports car mag that Britt and JJ are coming to Nats. Looks like they already gave the jacket to JT and Fred Zust. Heck of nice guys but it's time beat them.

Posted by: J P Stein Aug 6 2011, 07:55 PM

The race is not always to the fast, nor the fight to the strong.....but that's the way to bet.

Posted by: BMXerror Aug 7 2011, 12:37 AM

I'm not sure what everybody else is running, but I think this just may be Toby's year in FP. He's got more grunt under the hood this year, has been doing a ton of tire testing all season, and this is his last year to prove something before going off to do hill climbs. Sorry 914 guys, but Toby is a great guy and an amazing driver, and I've gotta root for the fellow BMW driver.
Mark D.

Posted by: Randal Aug 7 2011, 11:01 PM

Best of luck to The Where2Race sponsored 914 yellow machine. Go Britain.

Posted by: J P Stein Aug 8 2011, 07:26 AM

Brit is thrashin' (it's good for him ) to get more wheel/tiar under the car for the Nats. The old shitbox is gonna look a bit tacky.....but expediency counts for sumthin'. He'll get just a little practice on em'.

Here's a preview.


Attached image(s)

Posted by: Randal Aug 8 2011, 08:55 AM

Whatever it takes IMHO.

Is it my imagination or is the suspension setup on that 911 somewhat off?

Posted by: J P Stein Aug 8 2011, 10:30 AM

That suspension set-up don't look too shinny, does it.
IIRC, the guy was running XP at the Nats a couple years back and was none too quick......but, he was there & trying.

Posted by: Britain Smith Aug 8 2011, 04:21 PM

I will never forget that picture! I saw it a couple of years ago and thought it was fake.

Mine won't stick out that far...

-Britain

Posted by: Britain Smith Aug 8 2011, 04:24 PM

Run/Work order published. Looks like XP runs Heat 3 and works Heat 5...very nice.

-Britain

Posted by: jjackson Aug 8 2011, 05:19 PM

Britain-We'll be running third heat also-just the other course.Last year we were running with XP-was hoping that it would be the same this year.
While looking at increasing your width-have you looked at options for 18 X 10's or 18 X 12's.Hoosier A6 in the 24.9 inch tire is a nice setup-a full inch more rubber on the ground compared to bias ply 23 X 10 X 16 that we are running-I'm just assuming that this is the tire that you were running in back.
Thinking about the radial in the 18 with the required camber,gears, etc...
Thoughts ?
(Have a fere source to test wheels and tires-Sponsors 944 just went to this setup)
JJackson

Posted by: Britain Smith Aug 8 2011, 09:25 PM

I was running the 22.0x16.10's Bias Ply in the rear, the new set-up will be 23.5x16x12's Radials.

The mass of the 18's are a bit of a deterrent.

-Britain

Posted by: J P Stein Aug 8 2011, 10:08 PM

Some time back I had the opportunity to weigh a friends 275 X 40 X 17 A6s on 11 inch Kinessis (sp?). 44 lbs each. Our 16s with slicks were 32lbs.
The fronts had an 8 lb difference each over our fronts.
I suspect the 18 inch W/T combo weighs even more. Who needs 40 extra lbs of unsprung weight?

Brit, weigh them 12" suckers after you get them mounted.

Posted by: Joe Ricard Aug 9 2011, 10:47 AM

And for all us poor bastards not going at least we can listen in here.
www.ustream.tv/channel/sccasolo

Posted by: 7275914911 Aug 9 2011, 01:51 PM

That 911 ran SSM in B'ville this year.....I was faster that him, well at least his co-driver with my T4. maybe a tenth off the owner...So JP remembers correctly that he ain't that Quick!!

Good Luck Jay, Britain....
Get those 914s to the top spot on the podium...

Good luck to Grant and Mark too....And thanks for the link Joe!

Posted by: grantsfo Aug 9 2011, 02:43 PM

I wont be hard to find. Just look for 6'4 300 lb goofy looking guy wondering around like he is lost. Thats me! I resemble that in the car too but I'm sitting down and going a little faster.

Hey did you see Sports Car and their picks for FP? He he he.

And having been to very strongly driven BSP and FP events with drivers like Toby, Arron and Tom Berry in San Diego I have no delusions of winning. Its more like hoping for mid pack finish. I'd like to keep my co-driver under 2 seconds too. I figure if I can go after his times and not focus on anything else he may drag me to a decent finish.

Posted by: grantsfo Aug 9 2011, 02:49 PM

I put money on Brit placing 3rd this year if the car doesnt break. XP field always seems weak once you get past Zust.

Posted by: jjackson Aug 9 2011, 03:11 PM

Brit,Definitely pulling for you but my money is on Collett-Substantially faster than Zust.Just has to get a clean run both days.
Agree that the 18's will add 40lbs of unsprung weight with the radial.To me that is the downfall to the equation.
Sportscar picked JT (autoX royalty)to win FP-He does have the most open championships period.He did outrun every prepared car last year.When we outrun him, I hope its at Nats.
Good luck to all!
JJackson

Posted by: BMXerror Aug 9 2011, 03:27 PM

A little confused at absolutely no mention of Britain for XP contention in Sportcar.
Mark D.

Posted by: jjackson Aug 9 2011, 05:01 PM

Articles for this issue were written before the current west coast swing of national events.
JJackson

Posted by: Britain Smith Aug 9 2011, 05:26 PM

I will happily take 3rd behind the Lotus and the S2000...

-Britain

Posted by: grantsfo Aug 9 2011, 06:22 PM

Heck I'd be happy with 6th in FP but I know that aint happening! LOL! My goal is top 10 and even that is a huge stretch given FP field.

Posted by: BMXerror Aug 9 2011, 07:33 PM

I'd be ecstatic with anything in the trophies in my first outing... and with the current STX field that looks like it's gonna be the top 12 positions. My Divisional performance was pretty depressing, so I'd better step it up! Final practice and shakedown is this Saturday.
Mark D.

Posted by: PeeGreen 914 Aug 9 2011, 10:23 PM

With how many are signed up and who all is driving yeah. It's crazy to see all the drivers that are well known in these classes all signed up for the same even. I can wait to go experience this for myself. I don't care what place I get. I just want to see what it is like to drive against this level.

Posted by: Joe Ricard Aug 10 2011, 01:31 PM

It's pretty humbling to go to Nationals. I drove my best which normally puts me top 2 or 3 locally. was good enough for 26th out of 29 at last years Nationals. Mid pack in PAX is my goal.

Posted by: grantsfo Aug 11 2011, 03:46 PM

One thing I hold onto is I beat Toby in BSP in San Diego this year. lol! Ok if I can beat him in a BSP car that I had no seat time in maybe I have a chance. ...not

Hey! here are the SCCA Forum votes on who will win each class. Fun little contest. Niether Brit or I are up there?

http://www.sccaforums.com/pick-the-winners/2011-solo-nationals/results-and-voting

Posted by: BMXerror Aug 11 2011, 10:07 PM

lol... some idiot actually voted for me.
Mark D.

Posted by: BMXerror Aug 13 2011, 10:22 PM

To anybody interested, keep an eye out for Jeff Stuart in STX. This will be his first trip back to Nationals. He has less than two years autocross experience and I have worked with him since day one. But that's not to take any credit for how brutally fast he is. Anyways, I picked him up to codrive with me in Lincoln, and his pace at our final practice today shows that he could be a contender. Go Jeff! ... me on the other hand . hahaha.
Mark D.

Posted by: hot_shoe914 Aug 13 2011, 11:22 PM

Britan, watch out for Richard Holden AND his co-driver(who is probably faster) in the red Z car. Really courious to see how you guys match up.

Posted by: grantsfo Aug 15 2011, 11:08 AM

Boxster has ended up on 18x12 with a 315 rear and 18x10 with 295 front. Dang! thats what I run on the Z now, but I have 315 WHP in the Z. I have plans to move the Z to 335 R and 315 front next season. I'm sure those big wheels and tires make that wimpy little stock 2480 cc 175 WHP engine scream for mercy. But no denying national level results with that tire setup.

Posted by: Joe Ricard Aug 15 2011, 12:10 PM

The real question is how many seconds will Beth beat Grant?
I say two seconds per day.

Posted by: J P Stein Aug 16 2011, 10:09 AM

My method of comparing AX performance is to bounce times off SS times. NTs usually have a good turnout of SS cars & drivers. A top XP car should have a 2 day time around 2 sec quicker than the SS winner.....no weather factored in. The venue surface also needs to be factored into this. Slicks work better on concrete than anything else.
In looking at AX results from all over the country for several years this has been a good *indicator*......not to be taken as gosple.

If anyone has a another/better method...which is likely, let's hear it.

Posted by: grantsfo Aug 16 2011, 12:30 PM

Why would a national level female driver be any slower than a national level male driver like Vivek or Erik? Look at their times and they are all very close. Beth beat all male competitors in XP at her last event.

I suspect Beth is a good two seconds faster than me in first 3 runs and at least 4 seconds faster than you Joe. I'm pretty sure they would let you run ladies if you want to find out.

Anyone who knows me understands I cant put it together in 3 runs. I'm too slow to figure things out in AX as my brain has never been able to see through cones well for some reason. Guys and gals in PCA know I'm dangerous as you give me enough runs I will be 2 seconds faster than my first 3. Its sort of sadistic that I like going to national level SCCA events but figure thats only way I will get better!

Wish me luck as I will need it against these very fast guys and gals.

...better bet will be how many seconds will the XP 914 be beaten by Beth in a FP Boxster? I'm an easy mark. Brit is faster than me with far more capable car than the wimpy Boxster

Posted by: grantsfo Aug 16 2011, 12:37 PM

I tend to look at NT and Divisional PAX over several events. If somone in your class consistently is in top 10 pax overall at NT and top 5 in DIvision you are likely looking at a nationals podium level driver. Tough to consistently be at the top of PAX at big events unless you are a national level driver in a well setup car.

Posted by: PeeGreen 914 Aug 16 2011, 01:17 PM

At the National level I would have to agree. Jodi Fordahl will likely win her class and beat the owner of the car she is driving and his wife. She is one fast lady.

Posted by: grantsfo Aug 16 2011, 02:29 PM

JJ I think this is Toby's car post mods. Looks like its moving well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4o1FdMFlvFw

Posted by: jjackson Aug 16 2011, 08:21 PM

Looks like a great course!
They were both fast last year-we were fortunate enough to split em.
We will bring all we got.....and see how good of a drive that we can put on it.
Really looking forward to the opportunity.
We have three FP cars going up.Goal is to put all four drivers in all three cars in the trophies .Last year we had two in the trophies.
JJackson

Posted by: grantsfo Aug 16 2011, 08:55 PM

El Toro is premier venue in So Cal. 70 to 80 second courses at 65 mph. Nice weather 10 months out of the year. Im convinced its why so many fast drivers come from that region.

I think us West Coast drivers might think differently about allowing your 3 cars into all trophies. where's that Southern hospitality? Can't y all share a couple trophies with us?

Hint. If you want into the trophies build an FP Boxster.

Honestly I'm more interested in margarita parties than winning a trophy. Lol!

Posted by: BMXerror Aug 17 2011, 07:54 PM

That was a Berry course, and yes, it was awesome! My second favorite of the year, next to Mike Simanyi's course a couple months earlier.
I believe (don't quote me on this) that this video was taken pre-new motor, but during/after some extensive tire and suspension tuning. Toby's been working really hard on the car this year and the results are showing. He managed third in overall PAX last weekend between Buetzer and Simanyi. Don't let your guard down, guys.
Mark D.

Posted by: jjackson Aug 17 2011, 08:45 PM

One would be foolish to overlook the Larson team.They are fast.

It takes a really fast ,clean lap .....on each day,to trophy at nats!

Can't imagine running a boxter Grant-I've always run 914s-

JJackson

Posted by: grantsfo Aug 17 2011, 10:27 PM

Yeah I don't blame you. Bigger bloated Boxster is a handfull compared to the more agile 914. 914 offers much more raw race car feel and is much smaller. I have never driven a dedicated 914 ax car but suspect they are a hoot. My 914/6was more of a road racer with low torque peaky 2.5 it really never could pull 2nd gear out of turns like the Boxster can. However boxster still isnt making power of the BMW or Z. Even Erik admits the car needs more motor but this is a good test before motor upgrade next year.

Posted by: BMXerror Aug 21 2011, 09:34 PM

Less than a week before I leave. I'm finally ready. Getting a bit nervous, now. Good luck, everybody!
Mark D.

Posted by: PeeGreen 914 Aug 21 2011, 09:36 PM

Getting close. Three of my friends are heading out tomorrow and a few are heading out in a couple days. Good luck to you all

Posted by: grantsfo Aug 23 2011, 11:03 AM

I fly out of SFO Sunday Morning. Will be staying downtown in Marriot. Then head out for test day early Monday morning. Man I havent driven the Boxster in about half a year. Hope I can remeber how to drive the thing.

Posted by: ottox914 Aug 29 2011, 09:08 PM

At nats. Met Britt today. Super nice guy. Super cool car. Can't wait for tomorrow in the SSM miata. Supercharged, 240 whp, 200 tq from about 2k rpm to red line. Should be fuuuuunnnnnn. Don't expect to rule the world, but looking to rule the other miatas in the grid.

Posted by: Joe Ricard Aug 30 2011, 06:41 AM

Good luck Y'all I'll be watching and listening as much as I can. About an hour to go. I wish I was walking the course right now with ya.

It is a real special moment when you can smell the race gas from the cars warming up. http://www.ustream.tv/channel/SCCASolo


Also look at SCCA Solo live.

Posted by: PeeGreen 914 Aug 30 2011, 02:08 PM

Tough day for 914s. Britain is 5 seconds off 1st in XP and Leeds Gullick is 2 seconds of 1st in FP.

Looks like Grant's codriver is 1.3 seconds off 1st in FP in the Boxster.

Jay is sitting 3.3 seconds back of 1st in FP in his 914.

Good job out there guys. Thanks for representing the 914 community. I hope tomorrow goes better for you all.

Posted by: Joe Ricard Aug 30 2011, 03:43 PM

Yup what Jon said.

I am sitting here thinking WTF is going on. Need to have a good day tomorrow.

BTW Grant the gas is on the right, it goes to the floor.

Posted by: PeeGreen 914 Aug 30 2011, 04:12 PM

I am guessing something happened with two DNFs

I have to admit I am a little surprised how far off Britain is from the leader.

Posted by: grantsfo Aug 30 2011, 08:20 PM

Lol! My first run I found throttle a little too much at the end and did a major tank slapper across the line backwards at 66 flat. That run was likely low 65 .not fast but mid pack. More embarrassing was when I came to a stop my hot tires stuck to timing cables and yanked all the timing gear in the trailer causing a 15 minute delay. All 2wd guys should be thanking me as it gave track a chance to completly dry out. My next two runs I got lost and went slow route with times not worth mentioning. Overall one of my worst ax days.

...however It does appear Boxster was fastest FP class Porsche. Like I have said don't judge Boxster by my times at SCCA events as it takes me a minimum of 5 runs before I start moving fast. However my co driver is national level driver. Clearly platform is good it just needs more power. The car is virtually unchanged from where I left off. If anything it has less lateral grip than when it was on slicks. But car still feels rock solid.

So guess there might be something to modern chassis in prepared class?

Met JJ and like him. Good guy. Talked with Leeds too. He is having a Boxster done and was very intersted in the FP Boxster. The Boxster with 250 hp 2.7 will be a car to watch next year. All the FP guys are great talked to a lot of them today and it's great learning more about cars etc.

Brad is here too! Feels a little like old times!

Tomorrows course for FP should be even more Boxster friendly. The slow sections of today's course put us at a disadvantage against the more powerful cars. Tomorrow has more slaloms. Pretty much slalom till you puke!

Posted by: Joe Ricard Aug 31 2011, 05:54 AM

Grant same thing happened to me 1st day @ Nats last year.
Kart died on 1st run = DNF Jumped in a loaner kart and spun it on my 2nd run. 3rd run was keep it clean and between the cones. I was sunk with no hope. My goal quikly became Don't be last.

Posted by: 7275914911 Aug 31 2011, 08:19 AM

Good Luck to all you guy's on Day 2....Nice showing on the Boxster, Grant!

Posted by: PeeGreen 914 Aug 31 2011, 12:28 PM

Well, I would think it is safe to say the XP and FP are not good for a 914

To be fair for the 914s in FP I really don't know how good of a bench mark Leeds car is anymore with as little as he has done to it and his inconsistent driving. Greg very well have been able to get up there if the car was running well and set up a little better had he been in the seat.

But even so, the 914s were not even close

Looks like the Boxster did very well for its first time there. Grant must be proud.

It will be interesting to hear what Jay thinks

Thank you to all the 914 guys that went and gave it a shot. I hope I will be able to do so next year. It's great to have a presence even if the outcome isn't perfect

Posted by: Joe Ricard Aug 31 2011, 12:36 PM

I am pretty much speachless JJ and I were talking about this 2 months ago sitting by the pool.
All hail the new king of the hill.

Class standings for FP [25 Cars] (8/31/2011 1:31:43 PM)

---------------------------------------------------------
T 1 193 Toby Larsson 1998 BMW 328is Orange Hoosier
63.146 64.747(1) 61.341 125.923
72.651(4) 64.582 65.397
---------------------------------------------------------
T 2 123 John Thomas 1971 Nissan 240 Z Blue Hoosier
65.186(1) 62.074 61.387 126.439
69.340(2) 65.803 65.052 (0.516)
---------------------------------------------------------
T 3 111 Vivek Goel 1999 Porsche Boxster Bl Hoosier
65.127(1) 63.246 62.657 126.892
64.394 66.296(1) 64.235 (0.453)

Posted by: grantsfo Aug 31 2011, 01:50 PM

Not bad for a chick car...hey? Fast FP car of the day was my co driver. I actually put in a clean run today but could not salvage yesterdays diaster. Vivek is awesome driver. He beat the best today. He had overall after first runs but Toby got him run two and John got him run 3. But Boxster was fastest car by 1/2 second today. So Boxster has officially served notice. It's the car to beat. It's only going to get faster it's still on stock rubber shock tops and built 2.7 will add 70 hp over the stock 2.5. We weighed in at 2100 lbs so bigger motor is almost free.

I'm not happy with my driving but had a blast! Fun seeing national level prepared cars all together.

Posted by: ChrisNPDrider Aug 31 2011, 02:22 PM

Posted by: Randal Sep 1 2011, 09:43 AM

So what were the configurations of the FP and XP cars? Any ideas on RWHP?

Posted by: Joe Ricard Sep 1 2011, 10:20 AM

FP = Porsche 6 cylinder prolly close to 300 HP Maybe JJ will tell once he gets home.

XP = WRX STI 4 Banger What wa Britt saying about HP Near 300 ish. but lighter than FP

Posted by: Randal Sep 1 2011, 10:31 AM

thanks... how about the cars that finished at the top of those classes?

Posted by: brilliantrot Sep 1 2011, 12:31 PM

Toby's FP BMW is right around 280hp and 2150lb with suspension more akin to a DTM car as all of the pickup points have been moved with expensive shocks etc.

The XP Lotus is somewhere in the 400+HP range and quite light and has spent big money on aero.

Posted by: PeeGreen 914 Sep 1 2011, 02:51 PM

Dp and GP ran close together today so I thought I would look and see what I will have to do. Looks like GP is about 1.5 seconds off our local DP drivers. That's limited prep?

I just think I may actually be able to do this

Then again, this is likely a pipe dream but I am going to give it a shot.

Posted by: grantsfo Sep 1 2011, 04:11 PM

In talking with Toby and John they are likely around 275 WHP. Third place FP car makes about 180 WHP ...less when its hot. LOL! I was talking with Leeds but didnt ask about HP but it must make at least 250 WHP. It scoots when he hits the go pedal. The Honda S2000 had very nice motor with big intake horns. He was fast but on technical course I was even keeping pace with him. Most of the cars are around 2000 to 2300 lbs with 2.4 to 2.8 naturally aspirated motors or 2.0 to 2.5 turbos with restrictors. The EVO is around 2500 lbs and I'd guess they are 320 WHP? Like Evan said both Toby and Johns cars are works of art. no detail left untouched. Pretty much like fully on lightweight touring race cars. John said he has squeezed all potential he can out of the Z platform I dont doubt him after looking at the car. Canister shocks, plexi windows, etc. Similar to prep in the Beast just more!

I'm pretty sure my car (ex car) was only stock powered FP car. It suffered on the more open East course but you could just see how much better the boxster handled. It looked glued to the pavement compared to all the other cars in the class. We also showed you can get it done on DOT R's which was kind of cool. I had my doubts but after running them I'm really a huge A6 fan.

Here are pictures of a few cars FP class. The Blue car is the 6 time FP title holder the Boxster snuck by on Sunday's course




Attached image(s)

Posted by: grantsfo Sep 1 2011, 07:32 PM

I just looked all West course times and even my slow butt finished 7th in the Boxster yesterday with a 66.2. Boxster with the fast driver even beat certain 914 in XP that ran same heats just on different course by 7 seconds overall? JP I'll be nice as I know all the 914 guys are licking their wounds.

I will say it aint that 914's are going slow. The Boxster has just raised the bar. We know Toby worked hard on improving the BMW from last year and we still beat him on Sundays course. Boxster with the fast dude would have trophied in 5th in XP with its overall times as well. Not bad for a car with a little stock 2.5 liter motor!

Im pretty sure the Boxster is coming back to next years event with a bigger built 2.7 that makes 75 more HP and actually makes power over 5900 RPM all the way to 7500. I think we would have seen FP national championship if the Boxster had power to weight ratio of the cars in podium spots with us. It will weigh the same with bigger motor as we were 140 lbs over weight at 2100 lbs.

Posted by: Randal Sep 1 2011, 07:39 PM

Sounds like a great time back at Nationals. Always fun to compete at a national event.

Also glad to see that your Boxster did so well. Pretty impressive considering it's running a stock motor. All the development tricks you built in worked well.

So I see that Brad Roberts was back there as well. He said something about running a Boxster??? Tell us more.

Posted by: PeeGreen 914 Sep 1 2011, 09:31 PM

I wish Leeds would either finish his Boxster or do something with his 914. His Boxster has a Cup car engine in it but they have had some issues with fuel delivery or something to that degree. I think Greg just hasn't had the time to do anything on it. Leeds 914 hasn't really had anything done on it since I started autocrossing

You drove well the second day Grant. If you had done that the first day who knows what would have happened. You may have even trophied.

JJ's car sure looks good

Posted by: jjackson Sep 2 2011, 09:03 AM

Just got back guys-MISERABLE handling week.Missed the setup, never found the handling with the adjustments we made.
Modern suspension designs dominated the class this year.Except for JT.
Grants Boxster did fantastic on the West course-all transitions and slaloms-no place to use power.Congrats Grant! It was a pleasure to meet you.
Going to unload car now and find what we missed.
JJackson

Posted by: grantsfo Sep 2 2011, 10:26 AM

Thanks Randal! Brad was apparently there to support Brit? No prepped or mod Boxsters there other than mine. Brad has supported a SSM Boxster in Texas but the owner didnt make it out to Nationals.

On another note: Carl V set fastest AS run yesterday in a Cayman S! Steve and Monty are running this afternoon with Carl on East course. I have been working with headset since yesterday! Fun listening to action live.

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/solo-nationals-east

Posted by: PeeGreen 914 Sep 2 2011, 10:28 AM

There is always next time

So after this year what changes do you feel would benefit you in FP?

Posted by: grantsfo Sep 2 2011, 11:49 AM

For Boxster its bigger displacement and race built motor time. The car looks sad when that little 2480cc motor accelerates but you can see it holds speed through turns better than anything. It looks like a slot car on that grippy flat surface in Lincoln. I think we had data logger that captured G's. It will be intersting to see what I hit in a few places.

For 914's I'd say focus everything on suspension. Suspension dynamics of the stockish rear arms just dont hold tires to pavement like more modern suspensions. I was talking with J and said that ideal would be a narrow 914 with Boxster suspension! But you cant practically do that in FP.

Posted by: PeeGreen 914 Sep 2 2011, 12:34 PM

Okay, looking today at the times I see one of our local guys won STU. On the same course the GP cars are runing the same times as he is.

This is making me rethink things here

Oh well, I am too far into this to stop now

Posted by: Randal Sep 2 2011, 01:02 PM

When I was at the Cascade Lakes Hill Climb they put me in SPU.

Wonder what modifications you can make and still be legal in SPU?

Posted by: grantsfo Sep 2 2011, 01:44 PM

STU is an AX class with street tires. Little differnt than Hill Climb specific SPU class.

Posted by: grantsfo Sep 2 2011, 01:49 PM

Power cars had a definite advantage on East course. Couple of drag race straights and some slow sections that benifited more powerful cars. Seeing GP cars at Nats they are really narrow compared to 914. However I still think a very well perpared 914 could give those cars a run for their money.

Posted by: Joe Ricard Sep 2 2011, 02:07 PM

I called it last week and now I just went and looked. Yes the Boxster was fast with fast driver.

Props to Beth for a 132 total
compared to our pirate's 138.

Around here we call that getting skirted.

Posted by: grantsfo Sep 2 2011, 04:26 PM

I know I know I choked on Tuesday and had to carry a time with 3 cones that included a spin! Scratch for that run was 66.1 You figure out how much a hundred foot tank slapping spin was worth that had me crawl across the line backwards. but I did beat her time on Wed. when I was clean by over a second. So looks like I was faster when I was clean but slower when you add in my 6 second penalty for 3 cones. Honestly I thought I DNF'd that run too. Video will tell. I shouldnt have had any time for Tuesday.

I recall you saying 2 seconds a day? With me carrying a six second penalty lots of Mens, Ladies, Girls and Boys beat my overall time. I know what I did wrong first day and will learn from that expereince.

Joe, You'd be wearing lots of skirts in Cali if you drove here but I hear thats how you roll in the South too with all that cross dressing you do

Posted by: Joe Ricard Sep 3 2011, 05:33 AM

Pretty funny. You know I just had to take a shot at you since JP ain't been around for a few days.

Posted by: grantsfo Sep 3 2011, 11:18 AM

I read on other forum that Leeds rig rolled on the way home due to winds. Is he OK?

Posted by: PeeGreen 914 Sep 3 2011, 01:34 PM

Word is he is okay. The 914 looks a little beat up but not too bad. His Suburban and tailor don't look good.

Posted by: PeeGreen 914 Sep 3 2011, 09:00 PM

So turns out Leeds didn't get a scratch on him . Looks like the trailer lost a wheel and with the wind it made the trailer fish tail all over and took him for a ride .


Attached image(s)

Posted by: grantsfo Sep 3 2011, 09:17 PM

Wow! scary. Glad he is ok and from picture in good spirits.

Posted by: grantsfo Sep 4 2011, 07:03 PM

Tons o picks! Including one damn sexy Boxster

http://www.gotcone.com/pgallery/2011_scca_tirerack_solo_nationals/

Posted by: jhadler Sep 6 2011, 10:41 AM

I agree that suspension is the key, but unless I haven't been keeping up on my Solo rules, there's really nothing that can't be done in FP to the suspension of the 914. My understanding is that the car has to retain independent suspension, but that's it. So why not build an SLA front and rear suspension for the car? Wenzel's champion EP rabbit had SLA suspension, and it sure didn't come from the factory that way.

-Josh

Posted by: jhadler Sep 6 2011, 10:42 AM

Wow! Glad Leeds is okay. That had to be a "Depends" moment for sure.

-Josh2

Posted by: grantsfo Sep 6 2011, 12:54 PM

I just dont know how you get a FP 914 to compete with this?


Boxster just holds tires down very well compared to 914's and in FP where Boxster runs at the same weight there isnt much a 914 has in the way of an advantage other than being a little more narrow.

I was looking at results and the Boxster was the fastest Porsche at Nationals both PAX and raw time. Scary thing is the suspension on my car isnt all that great. It still has stock shock top with rubber bushings with cheap $1700 KW Variant 2 shocks. Nothing nice like a JRZ or Moton that top cars use. With monoball on top with a good shock the car would handle even better.

Somone needs to be thinking about what can be done to improve 914 suspension so they can compete in these Prepared classes again.

I think my next car build will be XP Boxster to go after the Zust car. The 175 WHP FP boxster wasnt too far off his times. With a 450 HP 2.5 liter subi motor in a Boxster he might be in for some trouble with the right driver at the wheel. Actually 3rd place FP Boxster times would have have been 5th in XP! How about shattering myth that you need expensive HP win trophy in XP?

Posted by: Joe Ricard Sep 6 2011, 01:03 PM

There is a huge difference in times. what might not be obvious to some is Jason Collett had a faster scratch time than Zust.

Posted by: grantsfo Sep 6 2011, 01:08 PM

Not given the huge power and weight differntial between the FP Boxster and the Zust car. Drop a few more pounds out of the boxster with Subi motor and add 250 HP and that gap would close up real quick. Trust me.

I have been watching the Zust car for a while and I see its vunrabilities and the S200o isnt anything special just has a better driver.

Posted by: Randal Sep 9 2011, 12:21 PM

Glad Leeds came out of that one OK.

Wonder how fast he was going when that fishtailing started?

Seeing that carnage I think I'm going to be checking my trailer and trailer brakes before the trip up to Medford.

We are always working on our cars, but it seems the trailers take a back seat.

Posted by: jhadler Sep 12 2011, 10:14 AM

Out of the box, without heroic engineering and investment, the Boxter has a better suspension design. But there's nothing time, effort and a cr*p load of money can't resolve if someone really wanted to make a killer 914 for the prepared classes.

Even still, it's not like the Boxter has a formula car suspension under it. It's still struts, replete with all the short-comings that a strut suspension brings with it.

-Josh

Posted by: J P Stein Sep 12 2011, 10:29 AM

Brit just got a complete F&R (minus a few bent bits) Lotus Elise suspension. A good winter project.

Posted by: jhadler Sep 12 2011, 10:45 AM

Now we're talkin!!!

-Josh2

Posted by: Andyrew Sep 12 2011, 10:49 AM

/\ Very much going to be watching the progress on Britts suspension. I know BrettW has custom front and rear suspension and he likes it, and there is one other that that posted a long time ago about his custom suspension setup..

Personally, coming from autox'ing my Audi which pretty much has 4 links f/r, the way it grips the road is MUCH MUCH better than the 914 or even the 944. On WAY less tire.

Posted by: grantsfo Sep 12 2011, 11:13 AM

Agreed however its one of the best strut based suspension designs out there and way ahead of 914 design. While not an F! suspension GT3 race cars seem to do OK with strut based suspenions

Having lots of seat time in both stock and race versions of the cars the Boxster when built as a lightweight race car feels invincible when you go into turns. I can just drive into turns and do crazy stuff and get away with it. 914 suspension is not as forgiving.

Hey JP,

How can he use Lotus suspension in XP legally? I guess I have to read rules closer? He'd have to add differnt pickup points for that suspension or has Brit given up on XP and just going for unlimited build now that he see's what it takes to be competitive in XP?

Hey at least with E Mod fast cars at Nationals are almost non existent after about first 3 or 4 cars. Heck podium level FP cars would have trophied in E Mod this year! Then you have a car that cant be beat easily in local events. He should at least be able to hold off the ES miatas with Lotus suspension under the car.

Let me see ....so he has got rid of the Porsche motor, replacing porsche suspension ....Now he just needs to get rid of that flexi flyer vintage Porsche chassis and he will be set!

After all that Brit just might beat a fast driver in the stock chassis, motor and Porsche suspension of the FP Boxster if he has a good day.

Posted by: grantsfo Sep 12 2011, 11:14 AM

A4 suspension used to amaze me! Its better than Boxster suspension just connected to a pig of a car!

Posted by: jhadler Sep 12 2011, 11:20 AM

I think it's still the same basic rules structure which requires independent suspension to remain independent and live axle to remain live axle. But there's where it ends. Doesn't matter if it's mac struts or SLA, it's still independent.

(not touching the commentary though...)

-Josh2

Posted by: grantsfo Sep 12 2011, 11:30 AM

Looks like front can be converted and I was mistaken you can change pickup points so thats a cool mod for the front. Cant wait to see how Brit does this mod. SOunds like great project!

However looks like rear has to retain original design? or maybe I'm not understanding intent of this rule which is often the case with SCCA.

4. The manufacturer’s original basic type of rear suspension (e.g.
independent, live axle, swing axle, MacPherson strut, A-arm, etc.)
shall be retained, unless otherwise stated in Appendix A. Rocker
arms and push-pull rods may be used to augment the rear suspension
members.

Posted by: jhadler Sep 12 2011, 02:39 PM

Hmm, that seems to limit what one can do the rear. Still, there's a lot that can be done to improve the camber and toe curves and still retain a semi-trailing arm rear suspension.

-Josh2

Posted by: J P Stein Sep 12 2011, 05:09 PM

5. SUSPENSION CONTROL
Any front and rear suspension system type (MacPherson/Chapman
strut, double A-arm, live axle, etc.) may be used.

RTFB. Hint: XP section.

Posted by: ChrisNPDrider Sep 12 2011, 06:15 PM

The "X" Factor

Posted by: grantsfo Sep 12 2011, 07:44 PM

SCCA has given retired people something to do! Well that should do it he has got rid of the crappy bits of 914. ....suspension and motor!

Makes me wonder why no one else has done this? 914 with real suspension would be killer car! maybe Brit will spawn lotus suspension revolution!

Posted by: jhadler Sep 12 2011, 09:00 PM

JP,

I was going on the premise that we were still talking about FP, not XP. XP is pretty much an E-Mod lite class. FP still has restrictions.

I'm excited to see what becomes of the sh*tbox with a modern suspension package underneath.

-Josh2

Posted by: PeeGreen 914 Sep 12 2011, 09:29 PM

After Mark Snell lost his suspension on his Lotus and I have heard of similar issues I wonder why Brit chose the Lotus to use the suspension from.

Posted by: Britain Smith Sep 13 2011, 10:02 AM

I didn't hear about Mark's suspension failure, do you know what happened? I would venture to guess that it was the rear toe link which is a common failure due to it's mounting point in single shear. I have a fix for that.

-Britain

Posted by: jhadler Sep 13 2011, 10:28 AM

Brit,

Is there a reason you went with a Lotus setup as opposed to that from a miatoid? Both are SLA setups.

Just curious, as I would think the Mazda stuff would be a lot cheaper to replace and would also have more aftermarket support...

-Josh

Posted by: PeeGreen 914 Sep 13 2011, 10:55 AM

Mark said it was something that Lotus had sent out a safety bulletin on to all the owners to change something in the front. I don't recall what it was but Mark said he changed it out every year and still had the failure in the front that took his car out of comission for this year. I have heard of similar stories from other Lotus owners about that same failure as well. Since I don't own one I haven't look into this any more than that but you may want to do so before you go too far.

Posted by: Britain Smith Sep 13 2011, 05:32 PM

As per Mark Snell, his failure was a right rear wheel stud issue. I have done a lot of research and have seen no systematic issues with the front suspension. The rear suffers from toe link failures as I mentioned above.

-Britain

Posted by: PeeGreen 914 Sep 13 2011, 08:09 PM

Okay, it was rear. Like I said, I didn't pay much attention since I don't have one but was surprised to hear of it. Then when I saw you decided to use one I was hoping you knew of the issue.

Posted by: BMXerror Oct 15 2011, 11:59 AM

Speedway Motorsports video, with clips of Britain Smith, Beth McClure Strelnieks, and yours truly.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6yNejk7MwI
Mark D.

Posted by: Joe Ricard Oct 28 2011, 07:12 PM

Reading November Sports car. Some how Grant gets a mention because he shared the car with. Vivek

Grant can I have your autograph?????

Posted by: grantsfo Nov 1 2011, 03:18 PM

I charge for that now. Not sure a 914 guy like you could afford it.

Could have been because writer knew it was my car. I was introduced as orignal builder of the Boxster. Everyone knows that car was fast so nice plug on where the car came from I think.

Hey you see the other passage about the guy who disabled timer to delight of everyone in FP? That was me! LOL!

Posted by: Joe Ricard Nov 2 2011, 05:37 PM

Yep read that too.
and something about got caught sniffing the seat of the car after FPL runs.

I would.

Posted by: grantsfo Nov 3 2011, 12:22 PM

You should have seen my umbrella girl. Just ask the 914 guy that was parked next to me.

Posted by: grantsfo Nov 8 2011, 03:44 PM

Hey we made it into one of the Nationals highlight videos.

http://youtu.be/n6yNejk7MwI

Posted by: BMXerror Nov 8 2011, 08:55 PM

What am I? Invisible?
Mark D.