Global Time Attack Winning Lap Video at Road Atlanta..Momentum!

[Element Tuning]

So I ran this race back in May but was just so busy getting the FRS into boosted trim I never put it together. It's was really fun because I don't normally race low power NA setup nor do I race on street tires.

So the car basically had only a few mods at the time. This was my first race full race with the Hydra EMS as we really had just dialed it the week prior to this race so I was eager to torture test it.

Element Tuning Hydra EMS Full Stand-Alone EMS, plug and play (direct injection, port injection, and full CAN support)
Element Tuning Custom Valved BC BR Coilovers
Tanabe front pipe and Muffler delete (OEM midpipe, and headers)
Hankook RS3 275/35-18
Brembo STi front brakes

I had dynoed the car after the race at 168 whp, with my baseline at 153 whp. I was able to get dialed into the track and set the winning time and new class lap record of 1:43.92 in Enthusiast RWD.

[ame]http://youtu.be/QlEX2a6jf-M[/ame]

What I enjoyed most was the challenge and difficulty that comes from not having excessive HP. You have to use every inch of the track and more as you can see in the video. Being aggressive is absolutely required but at the same time you can't slide and scrub your speed!

Anyways I really enjoyed the few times I raced this car in NA trim!

Thanks,
Phil Grabow

[u/Josh]

Any thoughts on rear lift at high speed with the muffler delete?

[Element Tuning]

It's more about the lack of rear weight more than anything else. Removing the muffler while saving weight overall, unbalances the car so it's very hard to work heat into the rear tires. Junk out of the trunk and no muffler drops a ton of weight which helps your lap time if you can hang onto the rear end.

I'm sure replacing the gap with even a basic homemade diffuser would help rear DF. Cornering at 110 mph + is the only time I felt the rear had some high speed lift but I can't say it was worse without the muffler as I didn't do enough testing before putting a wing on.

[DarkSunrise]

Did you feel there were any significant weak points in that state of tune? Other than power of course.

[Element Tuning]

Originally Posted by DarkSunrise

Did you feel there were any significant weak points in that state of tune? Other than power of course.

Can you clarify a little? Do mean all aspects such as chassis and engine tuning?

[DarkSunrise]

Originally Posted by Element Tuning

Can you clarify a little? Do mean all aspects such as chassis and engine tuning?

Yep. If you were going to keep going with a NA build, what would your next steps have been? Speaking hypothetically of course

[Element Tuning]

My wheel and tire package is too large for NA. A smaller rolling diameter and a little less width would save weight and improve acceleration.

I forgot to add I don't run a rear sway bar so that's more weight off the rear end. It's a struggle to get heat back there if you're only running 3 qualifying laps.

With the Hydra EMS I wasn't having the issues my competitors in his FRS had, which was the traction and stability control turning back on. Now more power is good so if staying NA a header and intake is something I would add. I would also make an air damn up front to block more air going under the car and I would also build a diffuser.

I also had race brake pads and a fuel pump in the saddle tank to prevent fuel starvation at low fuel levels.

[DarkSunrise]

Interesting point about running without the RSB (presumeably because of the Torsen LSD), and not the first time I've heard that. Do you have to run much higher rear spring rates to compensate?

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by Element Tuning

It's more about the lack of rear weight more than anything else. Removing the muffler while saving weight overall, unbalances the car so it's very hard to work heat into the rear tires. Junk out of the trunk and no muffler drops a ton of weight which helps your lap time if you can hang onto the rear end.

I'm sure replacing the gap with even a basic homemade diffuser would help rear DF. Cornering at 110 mph + is the only time I felt the rear had some high speed lift but I can't say it was worse without the muffler as I didn't do enough testing before putting a wing on.

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by Element Tuning

With the Hydra EMS I wasn't having the issues my competitors in his FRS had, which was the traction and stability control turning back on. Now more power is good so if staying NA a header and intake is something I would add. I would also make an air damn up front to block more air going under the car and I would also build a diffuser.

I also had race brake pads and a fuel pump in the saddle tank to prevent fuel starvation at low fuel levels.

I'm assuming the certain red FRS didn't use the pedal dance?

[Element Tuning]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

I'm assuming the certain red FRS didn't use the pedal dance?

I think he did or he did and had brake issues...not sure

[Element Tuning]

Originally Posted by DarkSunrise

Interesting point about running without the RSB (presumeably because of the Torsen LSD), and not the first time I've heard that. Do you have to run much higher rear spring rates to compensate?

Yeah if you have enough grip the bar picks up/unloads the inside. So I can get on throttle way earlier since the diff doesn't unload. There is also more grip and use the front bar and spring rate to fight roll. Also more front roll stiffness digs rear in more.