Max's BRZ STX Build

[Wepeel]

Hmmm... maybe that last section covers it, although I'm not sure what that is actually saying .

FWIW, structurally I don't think the mounts benefit much from those stiffeners, at least not with the loads that the small-ish BRZ bars will exert on them. The STI requires a much larger rear bar and a larger bar/spring roll stiffness ratio, and I never had any issues with the mounts. I believe those braces came about on the legacy that initially had that multilink rear design, and with that chassis the swaybar mounts were much thinner and did tend to bend (according to Myles at @Racecomp Engineering). But I think when Subaru adapted that suspension to the Imprezas they strengthened them quite a bit.

(and not trying to be a pain just wanted to bring it up since you plan to run national events with it - definitely would not want to run into issues over something small like that )

[blkwrxwag]

No, I really appreciate you bringing it up. I notice that Hotchkiss makes a stiffener as well for their bar, although a slightly different design, so maybe they think it is weak as well.

I believe I'm covered with the rules, but I'll double check with Brian Harmer when I see him in Utah.

[2superblus]

Those are braces. I don't think they are legal.

pg82 section G/H

G. Strut bars per Section 12 are permitted with all types of suspension,
subject to the following constraints:
1. a 2-point strut bar may be added, removed, modified, or substituted,
but only with another 2-point strut bar.
2. A triangulated (3-point) strut bar may be removed, modified, or
substituted; substitution may be with either a triangulated or a
2-point strut bar. The connection to the chassis (i.e., firewall, bulkhead,
etc) must be in the standard location.
3. Lower suspension braces must be attached to the lower suspension
pickup point locations on the chassis within 2” (50.8mm) in
any direction of the actual suspension attachment to the chassis.
4. Except for standard parts, no connections to other components
are permitted.
Additional holes may be drilled for mounting bolts. Only bolt-on attachment
is permitted. Interior trim panels may be modified to allow
installation of strut bars. Holes or slots may be no larger than necessary
and may serve no other purpose. This does not permit any
modifications to the frame or unibody beyond the allowed mounting
holes.
H. Longitudinal (fore-aft) subframe connectors (“SFCs”) are permitted
with the following restrictions:
1. They must only connect previously unconnected boxed frame rails
on unibody vehicles.
2. Each SFC must attach at no more than 3 points on the unibody
(e.g., front, rear, and 1 point in between such as a seat mount
brace or rocker box brace).
3. SFCs must be bolted in place and not welded.
4. No cutting of OE subframes or floorpan stampings is permitted.
Drilling is permitted for mounting bolts only.
5. No cross-car/lateral/triangulated connections directly between the
driver’s side and passenger’s side SFCs are permitted. Connections
to OE components such as tunnel braces or closure panels
via bolts are allowed and count as the third point of attachment.
No alteration to the OE components is permitted.
6. SFCs may not be used to attach other components (including but
not limited to torque arm front mounts or driveshaft loops) and
may serve no other purpose.

[blkwrxwag]

I've emailed Brian - I'll report back.

[blkwrxwag]

And the verdict is.....

ILLEGAL!

I'll take them off which luckily is a 5 minute job. Thanks for the heads up, guys.

[blkwrxwag]

JDL header arriving tomorrow, so tonight I pulled the stock header and overpipe. I have a Perrin overpipe which will be going back in with the JDL header. So far, so good, although I can't imagine getting the overpipe out with the header still in the car!

[Eric1855]

Originally Posted by blkwrxwag

JDL header arriving tomorrow, so tonight I pulled the stock header and overpipe. I have a Perrin overpipe which will be going back in with the JDL header. So far, so good, although I can't imagine getting the overpipe out with the header still in the car!

Really easy if you just unbolt the engine mount by the overpipe, take a pillow or something and put it between the engine and a jack and jack the engine up slightly. Only need a couple inches and the overpipe will pull right out.

[blkwrxwag]

Yeah, they say you can get it out by just removing all the heat shields, but they are tough to get off as well. Once the header was off, I could get to the other heat shield bolt much easier.

Had the header stayed on, I think the engine jack method would be easier as you say.

[MeFryRice]

I love reading builds where the car is being used for what it was intended for. Good luck next year and look forward to your feedback.

[blkwrxwag]

Thanks - actually the car will make its official National debut at the SCCA Match Tour in St. George, Utah next weekend. Another well known STX driver (and one of this years National Championship course designers, Elliot Speidell) will be codriving with me.

[Iam not]

Elliot is a great driver. He drove his usual co-driver's STX build this week at AMP and then ran in my RTR FRS. I won't tell you which car he ran a better time in.

Look forward to talking to him about his impressions when he returns.

Good luck!

[blkwrxwag]

Oh, I know that answer to that Kevin... I have desert insiders

Guess what I'm doing tonight... @JDLAutoDesign

[blkwrxwag]

Holy hell - this thing sounds absolutely amazing. Combined with an updated tune from Moto East, it feels really good as well.

I'll be doing some data logging to help perfect the tune and taking some video over the weekend.

[brz7400]

That looks very juicy.
Hope to hear it run on Nov 2 practice.
Looking forward to vid of your winning Utah runs before then.