Andy0323's Back To Basics Build Thread <Long Term Project>

[andy0323]

Hello All,

About a week ago I picked up a silver '13 BRZ, "Brittany". I'm well versed in quick spooling, high torque, and heavy chassis vehicles for quite some time (F30 328i, EvoX, g35cTT), so the 86 twin felt a bit dimwitted to my tastes... however, the more I researched and drove the car, the mantra and driving dynamics won me over: lightweight, low CG, high dexterity, high efficiency, and high affordability summed this car as one of the fastest, quickest, and attainable vehicles I've ever driven and now a pleasure to own. I do miss the torque though...

This thread serves as a long term project diary for Brittany, and how she will get me back on track after being car-less for a year. It's time to get my ass into gear and start from the beginning: Back To Basics.

The initiative starts with the vehicle's primary objective to become a balanced everyday driver, commuter, and tracker. As time moves forward, the vehicle will become a weekend car and/or dedicated track car. My goal is to make this vehicle comparable to a 997 GT3 in overall driving dynamics. High bar of standard? Yes. Possible? Absolutely. Probable? We won't know until we try... Let's go for the marathon.

Not much to see here...

[andy0323]

An accident and an e-gremlin assassination campaign later, I finally took her to the track @ Buttonwillow, config 13 CW. Borked the brakes on the 3rd session... Fail.

Lines and fluid are on the way... Still contemplating on which pads to purchase. TBC.

[midnight23]

Originally Posted by andy0323

An accident and an e-gremlin assassination campaign later, I finally took her to the track @ Buttonwillow, config 13 CW. Borked the brakes on the 3rd session... Fail.

Lines and fluid are on the way... Still contemplating on which pads to purchase. TBC.

I'd suggest Winmax, very consistent, great bite and good longevity!

[andy0323]

Originally Posted by midnight23

I'd suggest Winmax, very consistent, great bite and good longevity!

Thanks for the rec! Reached out to David@CSG who rec'ed the same. Set of W5s are on their way.

[BRZgirl]

Originally Posted by andy0323

An accident and an e-gremlin assassination campaign later, I finally took her to the track @ Buttonwillow, config 13 CW. Borked the brakes on the 3rd session... Fail.

Lines and fluid are on the way... Still contemplating on which pads to purchase. TBC.

Are you upgrading to Stainless Steel brake lines? Just got Mann Engineering Stainless Steel brake lines on mine. I would suggest Hawk brake pads. Looking forward to your build!

[andy0323]

Happy Thanksgiving!

Originally Posted by BRZgirl

Are you upgrading to Stainless Steel brake lines? Just got Mann Engineering Stainless Steel brake lines on mine. I would suggest Hawk brake pads. Looking forward to your build!

Apologies for the late reply. Thanks for the kind words.

Yes, I've added StopTech SS lines as well. Pads, line, and fluid responds very well... I'm super happy with it. Weather has been colder as of late yielding tons of squeal, but I'm OK with that for the time being.

[andy0323]

Another splendid day at Buttonwillow for CW13. Brake setup has not failed me yet... but the stock tires are starting to get greasy after three hot laps (~80%). It looks like my next mods need to address this issue.

Tires or suspension?

[andy0323]

Obligatory transparency...

Double wrapped the friend's 991.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[why?]

Originally Posted by andy0323

Another splendid day at Buttonwillow for CW13. Brake setup has not failed me yet... but the stock tires are starting to get greasy after three hot laps (~80%). It looks like my next mods need to address this issue.

Tires or suspension?

tires. The stock tires are eco friendly and don't have that much grip compared to higher performance tires.

[andy0323]

And tires it is! It's been a good 4 months since my last post as I had too much fun with the car, my life, and everything in between.

I picked up a set of Nexen N'fera Sur4 225/40-17s square setup from Bryan @ BerkTechnology (thanks buddy!) and had 2 more BW CW13 sessions within the time skip. Best decision ever. With stickier tires the car felt more responsive all-around. I was able to shave a good 5 seconds off the quickest lap with the stock tires to the Nexens. Good stuff.

But the arduous journey still presses on and I still have A LOT TO LEARN. Next mods will include a GoPro and camber bolts for the front, and maybe LCAs.

Pics of the event with the aforementioned condom wrapped 911S Cab at the back.

[andy0323]

Pics didn't go thru.

[ApexEight]

How are you liking the SUR4s? I know Nexen just came out with the SUR4G which is is really supposed to give the RE71R a run for its money

[andy0323]

Originally Posted by ApexEight

How are you liking the SUR4s? I know Nexen just came out with the SUR4G which is is really supposed to give the RE71R a run for its money

I have not tried any other tire in its class, thus I can only compare to the stock tires. With that said, I like them a lot. Not only are they affordable, they seem to be very durable (for the time being).

[andy0323]

It's been awhile, so I'll post @ the last day of 2017. Happy New Year, everyone!

After 8 months of streeting and tracking the BRZ, it was time for another set of Sur4s, WinMax W5 pads, and cheapo RockAuto blank rotors. With no-name eBay rear LCAs and rear camber rods, the car was setup with a conservative -3.5F, -2.7 rear. Also added in the IRP shifter (thx FT86SF!) and managed a 2:11.09 @ Buttonwillow CW13. It's time to fine-tune the suspension and more seat time!

I think a 4th gear cruise during truck stop and phil hill may work effectively and shave some time.

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJcz_fsNG5o"]20171217 - Buttonwillow CW13 - YouTube[/ame]