STX setup sharing thread (2022)

[renfield90]

I'm always puzzled by some of the controversy around header wrapping. Yes, there's several ways it can go wrong.
- too much wrap and the header can overheat
- rust issues if moisture is retained under the wrap and shitty metal was used
- fire risk if oil leaks and gets inside the wrap (especially salient for boxer motors)

However, the wrap definitely helps your heat issues. The benefit is very real and many people across the car enthusiast world run wraps with no problem. Personally, these risks seem lower to me than the risks associated with regularly running track days. If you're interested in a wrap, you should definitely read up and do your own cost/benefit analysis.

[Kelse92]

Number 3 on your list is my number 1 concern with header wrapping.
This company has me considering it again, but sooo pricey...https://headershield.com/

[DocWalt]

I've seen sealant products to help mitigate the oil leak issue, but that's still a pretty valid concern IMO.


Number 1 is easy to avoid and number 2 is as well (buy a quality header like JDL or ACE)

[renfield90]

Originally Posted by DocWalt

I've seen sealant products to help mitigate the oil leak issue, but that's still a pretty valid concern IMO.


Number 1 is easy to avoid and number 2 is as well (buy a quality header like JDL or ACE)

I actually bought high temp flue tape to DIY this. The idea is the flue tape would be hot enough to burn off the oil before it seeps into the wrap.

I'm not really much of an arts/crafts type, and the wrap was frustrating and time consuming, so I skipped it. Idk, seems to be working out ok for me. Maybe I'll feel differently if I have to write the car off later, but it's had a good run.

[smg1138]

This is gonna sound super noobish but I really don't know the answer. How do you guys usually remove preload from your swaybars? My FRS is dropped about 1.5" so getting under there to adjust the endlinks with the wheels on under compression is obviously impossible. Do you guys use ramps or blocks to actually get under the car?

[racingfool]

Remember to add some weight to the drivers seat.

[smg1138]

Originally Posted by Locust

What transmission fluid do you all recommend for replacing on an STX car?

I've always had good results with Motul Gear 300. A 4 pack is enough to replace transmission and differential fluid.

[smg1138]

Originally Posted by racingfool

Remember to add some weight to the drivers seat.

If only I had access to one of those

[steverife]

Originally Posted by smg1138

This is gonna sound super noobish but I really don't know the answer. How do you guys usually remove preload from your swaybars? My FRS is dropped about 1.5" so getting under there to adjust the endlinks with the wheels on under compression is obviously impossible. Do you guys use ramps or blocks to actually get under the car?

I just reach under the car with it on the ground.

[BarryOtt]

Originally Posted by smg1138

This is gonna sound super noobish but I really don't know the answer. How do you guys usually remove preload from your swaybars? My FRS is dropped about 1.5" so getting under there to adjust the endlinks with the wheels on under compression is obviously impossible. Do you guys use ramps or blocks to actually get under the car?

I think removing preload should be done while your car is aligned and corner weighted, on properly leveled setup scales. In other words, disconnect the endlinks, align and corner weight, reattach end links with no preload. "Removing" preload on ramps or jackstands is probably going to add preload....
Just my 2 cents..
Barry Ott

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by smg1138

This is gonna sound super noobish but I really don't know the answer. How do you guys usually remove preload from your swaybars? My FRS is dropped about 1.5" so getting under there to adjust the endlinks with the wheels on under compression is obviously impossible. Do you guys use ramps or blocks to actually get under the car?

I found that doing it in the air was spot on to doing it on level ground so now I take the shortcut. I used blocks/pads to corner weight for the extra space to check at first.

Ymmv, this sport isn’t launching rockets into space, you’re not going to notice the difference if you’re not perfect.

[Kelse92]

I’m in desperate need of a shifter. I could rebuild the stock one that wobbles and has tons of play even with a poly support bushing but would prefer something different. I haven’t had time to dig through the history… is a CAE shifter legal? I’ve seen them on a couple of STU cars, but the install on the 86 looks like requires cutting some stuff to make it fit so I’m thinking not? IRP seems to be the go-to alternative but curious if there’s any others I should be looking at?

[DocWalt]

I read the IRP as legal and the CAE is grey area because of the interior plastics trimming. Personally, I wouldn't care at all about the plastics being trimmed, but whatever.

[steverife]

I'm with Ken. One could make the argument that the CAE isn't legal because the trimming and there are limited places in the rules where trimming to allow legal parts is specified (rear strut bar, shock adjustments, etc).

...but I can't really see anybody caring about it if you put a boot on the shifter. I certainly don't care.