Racecomp Engineering Tarmac Springs
 

This is the preliminary review for the new RCE Tarmac Springs.

As most know, RCE has been in the Subaru game for years. They make fantastic products and I was honored to be able to test this new spring they are offering from the standpoint of autocross.

Differences from the Yellows:
Yellows spring rates are 250/250
Tarmac spring rates are 280/290

Yellows are very compatible with the stock dampers
Tarmacs are intended for use with Koni's or up and coming Bilsteins.

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...psd78eff07.jpg

Upon installing the springs, I also installed Whiteline Com-C top hats for some added camber. Before the install, the car had Koni struts and a Cusco front bar (SCCA Stock setup)

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...pse0014e30.jpg

Installation was straightforward as with most springs.

Ride height:
The Tarmacs lower the car a little over an inch. I went from stock springs to the Tarmacs so it seemed a bit more dramatic. They are slightly lower than the Yellows.

Before
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...psc616b8ba.jpg
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps2ca3356d.jpghttp://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...psb8bd3f20.jpg
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...psb005b0f2.jpg

After
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps358e0ebc.jpghttp://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps36f888fa.jpg

Different wheels but same tires/size

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...psca41ea30.jpghttp://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps3e74a466.jpghttp://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps4462e285.jpg

Initial driving impressions:

Stiff. But not a bad stiff. This car isn't my daily driver but I drive it alot. I haven't rode in a BRZ with Yellows but I used to own an STi with FEAL revalved struts and RCE Yellows and its VERY comparable to it. I think they work well with the Koni's and the car feels very solid on the street. I want to say it feels like its on coilovers, but that experience is different for everyone so it could be a bad example. The car feels like it corners flatter than it did with the Koni's but thats only a backroad quick and dirty test.

The first autocross I will be running with the springs is in less than a week. I will follow up with competition impressions thoughout the season starting next week, complete with video and pictures.

This bumps the car to STX, which the fastest cars are equiped with high-end coilovers. It will be interesting to see the comparison.

More to come
Stay tuned.

Hope those brake pads are holding up to your beastly skills! :thumbsup:

Those pads are one of the best investments I've ever made!

To bad these didn't come out a few months back.

First event down. Went pretty well. 2nd in STX, half second behind an FRS with KW's, 245 RS3's and I think EcuTek (Basically a spec STX 86 car). My car still has old 225 Dunlop Z1's, and stock tune.

At first, the car oversteered insanely due to the Koni's still being set very stiff for the stock springs that were on it before. Once we got the Koni's dialed in the car responded very well. I felt like I could push harder though corners than before. Very confidence inspiring.

Koni Settings:
REAR: 1/4 turn from full soft
FRONT: 1/2-3/4 turn from full soft

I think that the new found grip will make better use of new, wider tires which I will be getting next (245 RS3 or Rival)
The biggest indicator of the springs functionality is the closeness to the KW clad FRS's time.

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...pse29cb0c8.jpg
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps1450eabf.jpg
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps0b29f7aa.jpg
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps0b524da4.jpg
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps2b69b1aa.jpg
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...psb14979df.jpg


My fastest run

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KW-7NOj3cMA"]WNY SCCA Autocross BRZ 6/23/13 NK - YouTube[/ame]

My co-drivers fastest run

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFgcYZlFiPk"]WNY SCCA Autocross BRZ 6/23/13 LF - YouTube[/ame]


Further testing will be conducted both this coming weekend and subsequent events after. Yesterday I went to a "TrackCross" at Pitt Race, which was basically an autox on part of a race track. Pics from that are coming soon, and the springs performed just as good on the track as the autocross. The car is a little more aggressive coming out of corners than before, but in a good way. There is just enough oversteer to where you can just slightly countersteer at WOT without getting into trouble.

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps284ca4cd.jpg
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...psc0d3d05c.jpg

More pics of the track coming soon.

More info?

@forwallblakmail have you had any issues yet with the koni yellows and the whiteline top hats?

I have been running Koni yellows whiteline top hats and rce yellow springs since April. On my 2nd set of top hats since the bearings seized and my 2nd set is also having issues.

Saturday my Koni exploded at the point where the top hat sits.

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...00554411_n.jpg

I just finished the press release for these. Gonna yell at Myles to post it. :)

- andy

I have to say.. on my setup before the shock blew the car felt so good. I could drive it at 100% when I autocross and had no issues as the car felt perfect. Even took FTDI on the event before they broke. I hear these new springs were tailored for autocross I can't wait to try a set.

It is stated this koni/tarmac combo is for autocross. What are your thoughts for using it at the track?

Oh they are intended for any performance driving, not specifically auto-x. Just as good on the track for sure.

It will be similar to your RCE Yellows, just another notch of body roll removed. Similar tossable feeling while still being confidence inspiring.

- Andy

Racecomp Engineering Tarmac Performance Lowering Springs for Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S

Severn, MD
July 22nd, 2013

Racecomp Engineering is thrilled to add a new lowering spring option to the Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S chassis with the RCE Tarmac performance springs. Designed to be used only with upgraded shocks, the Tarmac springs are an option for those looking for coilover level performance from a simple spring and strut package.

Spring rates of 280 lbs/in front and 290 lbs/in rear (approximately 5 kg/mm) offer a serious level of roll resistance for more sporting drivers. Designed to be used with Koni Yellow or an upcoming GTWORX/BILSTEIN shock absorbers, the RCE Tarmac springs combine an aggressive handling spring upgrade with the durability, ease of use, and quality valving of a fixed perch damper.

Like the popular RCE Yellow springs, replacement bumpstops are included for a complete upgrade. Combined with the more advanced valving of a Koni or Bilstein damper, the package offers superior control and driving performance without breaking the bank.

Finished in a new “Steel Grey” color, the RCE Tarmac lowering springs are an excellent option for those looking for the performance of a quality coilover in a simple spring and strut package.


Spring specifications:
280 lbs/in front
290 lbs/rear
20mm lowering front and rear
Replacement bumpstops included
Steel grey finish
To be used with Koni Yellow or the upcoming GTWORX/BILSTEIN shock absorbers

How long until the Bilsteins are released?

6month-ish.....with emphasis on "ISH"...

Myles