Got a track related question? I'll try to answer.

[jvincent]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

If it's a bit loose, but you're still on throttle, I'd say go with 90

I was talking to a guy about my plans for the car next year and as I like to say, lap times are a function of equipment, skill, and balls.

There are a couple of places on my home track where the car is starting to feel unsettled as my speeds get higher. A really experienced driver would probably be fine, but since I have to drive my car home and there's nothing on the line I just keep it to a speed I'm comfortable at.

That said, I'm running stock suspension with camber bolts on Hankook V12s, so a little loose is not exactly unexpected. Getting use to that feeling at a relatively lower speed compared is, in my mind, a good thing.

I'm planning some mild suspension upgrades for next season so hopefully the car will feel that much more stable and I should get a little faster. At which points the V12s will be worn out.

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by jvincent

I was talking to a guy about my plans for the car next year and as I like to say, lap times are a function of equipment, skill, and balls.

There are a couple of places on my home track where the car is starting to feel unsettled as my speeds get higher. A really experienced driver would probably be fine, but since I have to drive my car home and there's nothing on the line I just keep it to a speed I'm comfortable at.

That said, I'm running stock suspension with camber bolts on Hankook V12s, so a little loose is not exactly unexpected. Getting use to that feeling at a relatively lower speed compared is, in my mind, a good thing.

I'm planning some mild suspension upgrades for next season so hopefully the car will feel that much more stable and I should get a little faster. At which points the V12s will be worn out.

Absolutely that! Too many people have it in their minds that their cars need to be fully decked out before they can even set foot on the track.

Rather than getting a suspension upgrade, I would recommend you upgrade tires first, so that you can 1. get a little more grip but 2. get more quality lap times within each session. Most of the tires in the 200TW range have much more heat tolerance, allowing you to run for longer without having your tires overheat on you.

[jvincent]

@CSG Mike , I hadn't thought of that aspect.

One other variable, I DD my car all year, including the winter, so it sees a fair amount of pot-hole pounding not to mention the insane construction that we've in my neck of the woods since I've had the car.

By next spring I'll be pretty close to 100K km, so my guess is that I might be approaching a good time to change out the suspension anyway. Thoughts?

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by jvincent

@CSG Mike , I hadn't thought of that aspect.

One other variable, I DD my car all year, including the winter, so it sees a fair amount of pot-hole pounding not to mention the insane construction that we've in my neck of the woods since I've had the car.

By next spring I'll be pretty close to 100K km, so my guess is that I might be approaching a good time to change out the suspension anyway. Thoughts?

It's difficult to say; everyone's experience with the dampers varies. If the car starts becoming *unpredictable*, it's time to change out the suspension.

[jvincent]

Thanks for the input.

[Lynxis]

Looking for some input on tire selection next year. I was thinking of getting RS3s but I'm concerned that they may be too much tire for my skill level and maybe I should look at something else if you have any suggestions.

This was my first year ever doing any sort of high performance driving so I spent the year on a bone stock car including the Primacy's. I did 4 track days and 10 autocross throughout the season plus daily driving an average of 4kms/day and I feel like I was just starting to push myself to the limits of the tires when the season ended. The tires were completely wore out after the 9th autocross event and I borrowed a set from a friend for my last event.

I expect to do about the same amount and type of driving next year. The car will remain stock next year except that I've got a set of HKS Hipermax 4 GT coilovers that will go on the car next year but I'm curious if you have any opinions on what tires I should look at given my skill level and amount of driving I do. I'd prefer something that will get me through the entire season.

[Pat]

Were you getting the most out of the stock tires by the last event?

[Lynxis]

It's hard for me to say given my lack of experience but I do feel like I was starting to push the limits of grip on the Primacy's during my last 2 events. Autocross event 9 was the first event where I ever wished I had a bit more grip.

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by Lynxis

Looking for some input on tire selection next year. I was thinking of getting RS3s but I'm concerned that they may be too much tire for my skill level and maybe I should look at something else if you have any suggestions.

This was my first year ever doing any sort of high performance driving so I spent the year on a bone stock car including the Primacy's. I did 4 track days and 10 autocross throughout the season plus daily driving an average of 4kms/day and I feel like I was just starting to push myself to the limits of the tires when the season ended. The tires were completely wore out after the 9th autocross event and I borrowed a set from a friend for my last event.

I expect to do about the same amount and type of driving next year. The car will remain stock next year except that I've got a set of HKS Hipermax 4 GT coilovers that will go on the car next year but I'm curious if you have any opinions on what tires I should look at given my skill level and amount of driving I do. I'd prefer something that will get me through the entire season.

I think with that amount of seat time, you'd be okay on the RS3. You may want an easier tire to drive, like the AD08R though.

[strat61caster]

@Lynxis I was in a very similar boat in January of last year, felt like I could still learn more on the Primacy but felt that I was due for new tires after 30k miles and a handful of events. Ended up buying some ZII SS in OEM size and while they certainly added to the ceiling and I definitely underperformed the tires for awhile they are definitely not 'too much tire' for the car. Once you trust them and find the edges of grip you can certainly explore the limits comfortably, they communicate rather well and once you find a suitable air pressure the consistency throughout a session is nice.

Last I checked ZII and RS3 were both cheaper than the Primacy in OEM size, while it may band-aid your bad habits for awhile you'll get used to them and start learning again soon enough imo.

I'd say either jump up to good street tires like you planned or pick up a set of tires someone is trying to get rid of locally to get some cheap education out of 'em (shipping costs probably not worth it though):

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=96248
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=96115
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=95623

Burn the tires up and sell the wheels to a guy who wants 'em for his Prius or TC.

Edit: @CSGMike AD08R is an 'easier' tire to drive than RS3? I assume the RS3 has a bit more durability to it which explains why you prefer it?

[Icanfaptothis86]

I have a question. Can I remove the airbags from my gutted street car / track toy and still be street legal ?

[Lynxis]

Originally Posted by Icanfaptothis86

I have a question. Can I remove the airbags from my gutted street car / track toy and still be street legal ?

I can answer this. The answer is no. It is illegal to remove or tamper with the vehicles standard safety equipment on a street going car.

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by Icanfaptothis86

I have a question. Can I remove the airbags from my gutted street car / track toy and still be street legal ?

Texas has safety inspection don't they?

According to this site airbags aren't on the inpection list but I can't determine how legitimate/comprehensive it is.

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/RSD/VI/...nCriteria.aspx

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by Icanfaptothis86

I have a question. Can I remove the airbags from my gutted street car / track toy and still be street legal ?

In most states, no.

Even 4/5/6 point harnesses are illegal for street use (and I would NOT recommend you ever do so.