Totaled Release Series FRS to a DD Track Car

[ozafar]

Had my first and only turbo issue, boiling down to one part failing. The bracket that holds the front pipe up broke-the welds were only on one side.

If you have a SBD 500X turbo, ensure both sides are welded!

That put pressure on the downpipe, and loosened it from the turbo. This was also due to no thread locker on the studs and low-quality bolts and studs form that kit.

I replaced them all with grade 8, used thread locker, and replaced my rusted headers-this time i had it ceramic coated before installing!

[ozafar]

First two track days after the turbo. Great lap times, but in hindsight, I skimped on the tires.

Sure, they were lightly used 200 treadwear tires, but i didn't realize at the time they were 5 years old. After that much time, the compound hardens and you dont get that soft rubber giving you proper grip.

Later on I will invest in proper tires, and my lap time at Waterford Hills will go from 1:22 to 1:17

In essence, don't buy used tires for the track

[ozafar]

DipYourCar comes with its yearly 25% off sale, so i buy Electric Lime dip.

Goes on Avalanche Gray base. Taping the car took the most time.

[ozafar]

Winter is coming back, so new snow tires! Time to try out Blizzaks new WS90

Also upgraded to Bilstein B8 shocks. Love the feel, still have the old shocks for sale.

[ozafar]

A true DD can get groceries for a big party. Test passed!

[ozafar]

Also here is a decent angle of the wing brace. Since the bolts that go into the back edge of the trunk are already stable, (and very inaccessible) you only need to worry about the front bolts.

I attached the ends of the bolts to an L-shaped brace, and that brace is connected to the center trunk structure, which is very strong.

[ozafar]

The green stands out more than you'd think in a parking lot.

[ozafar]

Finally got some serious rubber for this year's track season.

RE71Rs on 17x9 RPF1s. New tires on used rims. Painted them black asap.

[ozafar]

Since all the track days were cancelled due to corona, I had some time to install some more goodies.

Here is a custom phone bracket that had hold my phone for track temp viewing.

[ozafar]

I also ripped my inner fender liner, so instead of getting a new one, i introduced an air-exit "vent" made of cardboard and duct tape.

I used around 15 zip ties to "stitch" it to the fender liner hole I made.

Yes, there is some dip overspray there, I ended up cleaning it later

[ozafar]

Finally, track day comes. First time with proper rubber. New wheels fit nicely.

End result was a 5 second lap time improvement to last year.

[ozafar]

Took the dip off after 8 months of keeping it on. Refreshing to see the yellow again.

So I realized after 4 track days, my front rotors were long overdue for a replacement. Here is a comparison.

Also added a JDL cooling shroud, since my coolant temps were not ideal last track day. Wiring was not too bad, just ordered new connectors and used butt connectors for the cut wires. No need to sauter.

[ozafar]

BTW, cooling fan replacement with a turbo is NOT FUN.

[ozafar]

I also added underbody panels before the next TD. A little harder than expected, especially since a lot of bolts were rusted.

Here are my temps after the cool down lap, 15 min session @ 88 degrees outside temp