Carl's BRZ Track Build (@SnapOversteer)
 

What's up all! I bought my 2015 WRB Subaru BRZ in December, 2018. I immediately went to a deserted parking lot to have some quality "bonding time" with the car.

My goal is to be FAST, to grow as a driver and build up the car's capabilities over time. I wish I lived closer to 86Cup events or GTA/Gridlife events. I do aspire to compete in solo timed events in the future. I hope to share my progress and experiences here to exchange valuable information on this platform and driving in general! :popcorn:

I really wanted to become comfortable with the platform at the limits first, so I kept the modifications to a bare minimum (supporting mods for track abuse). IT'S INCREDIBLY HARD AND TAKES DISCIPLINE :cry:

Most Current Pictures
https://i.imgur.com/xxuMWvD.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/RQBjmn9.jpg

My Background
2006: 1st gen Honda CR-V (Naples Gold Metallic) Sold
2008: 1993 Mazda FD RX-7 (Vintage Red) Totaled
2010: 1992 Mazda FD RX-7 (Chaste White) Totaled
2013: 2006 BMW E90 330i (Sapphire Black Metallic) Sold
https://i.imgur.com/Dbs7Mfz.jpg
2014: 2013 Lexus XE30 IS250 F-Sport (Ultra White) Sold
https://i.imgur.com/kupWsWE.jpg
2017: 2017 Audi 8V.5 S3 (Nano Grey Metallic) Current Daily
https://i.imgur.com/CxiGM0o.jpg
2017: 1997 Mazda FD RX-7 (Brilliant Black) Sold
https://i.imgur.com/bwCTu0s.jpg
2018: 2002 Honda Civic Si-R (Satin Silver Metallic) Sold
https://i.imgur.com/EhkJiV9.jpg
2018: 2015 Subaru ZC6 BRZ (World Rally Blue) Current Track Car
https://i.imgur.com/PSwsoSu.jpg

Personal Bests (I'll be uploading the PB videos here soon)
Mission Raceway Park: 1:21.44 (2019-07-18)
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YAwGOo8ylc[/ame]

Ridge Motorsports Park: 2:05.57 (2019-07-07)
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3ygvH2yGcE[/ame]


Current Modifications (Updated 2019-06-21)
Engine:
Stock Engine
HKS Oil Cooler (2019-05-11)
Verus Engineering Fuel Starvation Door (2019-06-21)

Suspension:
Stock Suspension
SPC Front Camber Bolts (2019-05-11)

Brakes:
Stock Brake System
Project Mu Club Racer Advance Pads (2019-05-11)
Porsche 997 Brake Ducts (2019-05-11)

Wheels & Tires:
Stock Wheels
GT Radial Champiro SX-2 215/45/17 (2019-04-19)

Interior:
SRC Wide Throttle Pedal (2019-07-28)
East End Raceshop Steering Wheel (2019-08-03)

Upcoming Modifications (Planned)
Greddy T518Z Turbo Kit (Purchased)
Greddy Oil Pan Baffle (Purchased)
CSG EcuTek Tune (Purchased)
Radium Dual Catch Cans (Purchased)
Mishimoto Slim Fan Shroud (Purchased)
Trackspec Hood Vents
17x9 Wheels
245/35/17 Tires
Adjustable Suspension

Update 2019-07-29

1. New Mission PB of 1:21.44, big improvement from previous PB of 1.22.19!
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YAwGOo8ylc[/ame]

2. Installed SRC wide pedal. I haven't had a chance to drive the car yet, but it seems it could much easier to heel toe during heavy braking. I've always had the issue where I lose control of brake modulation when I rotate my foot for a throttle blip. I tend to not be able to maintain threshold braking, and it probably costs me quite a bit of time out on the track. Hopefully this is an improvement, I'll be testing the pedal out in September at the Ridge!
https://i.imgur.com/knrdSrc.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/C8OvgLX.jpg

nice planned purchased list.

I dig the choice of cars you had before. How'd you like the lexus? Also, how could you sell the RX7?

have fun!

Thank you, I just went through your build thread, you've done awesome things to your 86! :clap:

The Lexus is a great mature city car, but boring. I wanted something with a playful side whilst still looking mature, so I opted for the S3.

I had spent a fortune overhauling the engine and suspension on the Financial Disaster. I took the FD to the track for a shakedown shortly after, and the whole car performed admirably. However, there's a constant lingering worry of things failing I couldn't shake, and it was stressing me out. To get the FD to where I really want it as a reliable track car, I had to throw another fortune at it that I didn't have. I decided to cut my losses and sell the car to a local enthusiast, who actually ended up instructing me at The Ridge! He's had some small issues, but overall he's very impressed with the car, and I'm just happy it's being used as Mazda intended.

The BRZ has been a much more "forgiving" platform to modify and track. Especially since I have no idea what I'm doing, yet I insist on doing everything myself :iono:

https://i.imgur.com/XfXPPV1.jpg

Ah I see. That's fair. FD = financial disaster haha that's a good one. a turbo twin is a lot of fun, especially on track it just feels like it needed that power the whole time. I always looked at getting a lexus like that as a DD, but i stuck with my subaru roots and got a 2013 wrx hatch. sometimes i wish i went with the lexus at other times i don't. so thanks on your thoughts! good luck with the build!

Just got the new East End Raceshop steering wheel installed, carbon fiber with red stitching to match the OEM interior pieces!

I haven't had a chance to drive the car yet, but the steering wheel feels firm and very grippy. It's slightly thicker, just the right amount.

I needed to keep the OEM airbag due to both on-road and track restrictions, so this was a really good option. It's similar to my OEM Audi steering wheel, which feels fantastic.

https://i.imgur.com/98VWT54.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/wuYnuPl.jpg

Thank you for your feedback, the steering wheel looks great on your BRZ! :thumbup: Please let me know what you think after driving it!

-Sam

I think we met in mission 7/18. I drove the red FRS.

what gauge do you have in that vent pod?

Yeah I remember, red FRS on TC105N? Lots of fun that day :thumbup:

It is a Banks iDash Data Monster. Versatile gauge that can do almost everything, I've been very happy with it. I'm actually planning to sell it since I have plans to go for the more expensive android route so I can run Ecu Connect with EcuTek.

https://www.bankspower.com/i-2696-ba...s-can-bus.html

Thought that I would post an update. All turbo components were installed over the weekend, but I discovered I had the wrong MAP sensor, so I've ordered one and it's on the way. Radium catch cans are also on the way and should be here this week. I still need to cut up the stock crash bar to fit it over the fmic. I also discovered that the vacuum hose on the intake pipe is touching the oil fitting on the oil pedestal sandwich plate. I'll need to source a longer hose with a formed 90 bend to avoid any issues. I replaced the serpentine belt since I had to remove the AC compressor to gain access to some hoses underneath the intake manifold (this was pretty painful).

Once I have all the parts installed, I just need to fill up the engine oil, prime the turbo, and submit idle and cruising logs to Zach @ CSG. I'll then jack the car back up and do a full inspection on the modified components and fix any issues that arises. Hopefully over a few months of street driving, any issues would be sorted out and I can do a shakedown on a small track next season.

I've learned a ton putting this kit together so if anyone has any questions I'll try my best to answer them!

1. ForceFed Racing got my oil pan welded up
https://i.imgur.com/zXpCm3M.png

2. Greddy oil pan baffle installed
https://i.imgur.com/A1NKgo4.png

3. Greddy turbo installed
https://i.imgur.com/qMd4ElK.png

Well this went places.

Not sure we can be friends tho on account of you totaling two FDs. :(

Thought I'd give an update:

• Turbo is installed
• Car is being tuned by Zach
• Big smiles going for the first drive
• Changed out the spark plugs (rip)
• Dealing with a ticking noise under load
  
• Zach is dealing with big timing pulls at low RPM under load and we are working through a list of elimination Fixed! Found a loose ground from when I installed Radium catch cans (doh!).
• A little stressed that things aren't going smoother

Here's the thread I made on the ticking noise issue:
https://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=137731

Here's a short clip of some spooly noises :bellyroll:
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aD8zHj7WuwM[/ame]

They were life lessons that made me a much safer driver on the streets :thumbsup: