rosscarlson Posted March 12, 2009 Share Posted March 12, 2009 Everyone, I'm getting my new 09 Spec.B ready for this season's track events. First a little about me and what I'd like to do. I've been doing track work for a few years now. I've probably got about 10 days total at the track, including 3 BMW schools and a Lotus racing school. I'm doing another Lotus school in April this year. So I'm doing a lot to tune myself so to speak. On to the car. So far I've ordered the following upgrades: - Wilwood BBK (4 piston up front, slotted rotors/lines all around, Hawk street and track pads) - 17x8 MB Gear rims (19lbs so not light but lighter than stock) - Bridgestone Potenza RE-01r tires for the 17's (245/45/17) - K-Sport adjustable coilovers (front/rear) What I'm ordering next - Front/rear adjustable sway bars - CAI - Down pipe - Custom tune I think this should give me a very good balance between power and handling, with handling more important to me (I do only roar course work, no drag/autocross). In my group of car friends I'll be driving with this season we have: Audi R8, 911 Turbo, many e46 M3's, Audi S4, Porsche Caymen, Mazda Rx8, etc. My goal is to be competitive with them. My previous car was a 2007 350z and with it stock I was able to hang with, if not be faster than most of them. My questions are: - Do you think with those mods I'll be able to hold my own? - What other/different mods would you suggest? - I'm very new to all this, especially the motor mods so any help there is VERY appreciated. Thanks everyone!!! -Ross Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legend Posted March 12, 2009 Share Posted March 12, 2009 I'd skip the CAI since I don't believe it will add power and will complicate the tune. I think you'd get more benefit and less hassle with an aftermarket exhaust. Sounds like you will have a very nice setup! My '05 LGT My '07 Supercharged Shelby Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rosscarlson Posted March 12, 2009 Author Share Posted March 12, 2009 Thanks Legend. I'm really torn on the exhaust as I don't want to spend quite that much right now. Thanks for the advice on the CAI - I couldn't really find any concrete reports there of what that would add. I think I'll skip that then and just do a good K&N drop in filter. Any other input? Man these forums are just great.... -Ross Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legend Posted March 12, 2009 Share Posted March 12, 2009 I'd pass on the drop-in filter too. Every time I've replaced my OEM drop-in ($15.60 from KOP) I get the itch to put in an aftermarket drop-in. I spend an hour looking at all the drop-in options, then I ask myself these questions and buy another OEM paper filter. - Will it filter better than stock? Probably not. - If it flows better than stock, can my car at it's current power level and altitude take advantage of this increased flow capacity and make more power? Probably not. My '05 LGT My '07 Supercharged Shelby Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
enthusiast Posted March 13, 2009 Share Posted March 13, 2009 I would like to see the fitment of your 245's on those wheels. I am going wider but only to 235. From the Xenonk FAQ: 235/40/17 (good autocross performance tire size for torque, more acceleration) 245/40/17 (good autocross performance tire size for traction, will need to have a flatter alignment to make use of the grip) So you will definitely want to get a good alignment. My mod list Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rosscarlson Posted March 13, 2009 Author Share Posted March 13, 2009 I'll definitely post up some pics and thoughts - the rims are being installed right now and my 215/45 snow tires are going on them for the moment. My 245/45's should be here next week for my track weekends (I'll have them mounted in about a month). BTW Tirerack has the Potenza RE-01r's for $78 each in 245/45/17 - I ordered 2 sets actually! -Ross Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caramall2 Posted April 26, 2009 Share Posted April 26, 2009 Wow, 245/45/17 fit? That's a nice wide tire. Does the 2009 have more space than the 2005? Would be cool to see pics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rosscarlson Posted April 27, 2009 Author Share Posted April 27, 2009 I'll get some pictures up soon. They are supposed to fit fine without rubbing but I don't actually have them on yet. I still have my winters on and will get them swapped this weekend. I've got one set in my garage and the other set is waiting at Tire Source for install. Pics soon... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bsdzine Posted April 29, 2009 Share Posted April 29, 2009 245/45 seems big to me, but I'm not sure if the 09 has more room. brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rosscarlson Posted April 29, 2009 Author Share Posted April 29, 2009 I'm hoping it won't be an issue, going to have them installed this week so I'll know by Friday - I'll post back when they're on... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grocery getter Posted May 4, 2009 Share Posted May 4, 2009 Ross how did the rest of the brake / suspension upgrade go this weekend? Also send me info on the track insurance thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2006Specb122 Posted May 7, 2009 Share Posted May 7, 2009 Sounds fun! Send me some info on the track insurance too! Have fun! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rosscarlson Posted May 9, 2009 Author Share Posted May 9, 2009 I'll post up a full review with pictures soon but I got her back from Super Rupair last night. I'm a thrilled with the outcome. I'm getting 231whp on E85 now (up from 180 stock) and the suspension changes are enormous. They did a full corner balance and alignment (I knew they were doing it right when they called to ask what I weigh!) Oh, and the Cobb STS is the best $300 I've spent on the car, WOW what a difference over the stock shifter! Pictures soon... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grocery getter Posted May 9, 2009 Share Posted May 9, 2009 Ross That is a nice setup can't wait to see her on the track this month! I'm glad you like the Cobb, I agree that the sts it the best upgrade for a manual. You will have to take me for a ride! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rosscarlson Posted May 9, 2009 Author Share Posted May 9, 2009 Anytime Jae, although mine doesn't even come close to pulling as hard as yours does. I think I'd take ya in the corners though ;-) BTW what group did you sign up for B? C? You going to head down on Friday the 29th for the open day? I think 2-5 of us will probably be down there, we usually meet for breakfast on the south end of town and get to the track around 11 or so... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MKUltra Posted May 10, 2009 Share Posted May 10, 2009 I'll post up a full review with pictures soon but I got her back from Super Rupair last night. I'm a thrilled with the outcome. I'm getting 231whp on E85 now (up from 180 stock) and the suspension changes are enormous. They did a full corner balance and alignment (I knew they were doing it right when they called to ask what I weigh!) Oh, and the Cobb STS is the best $300 I've spent on the car, WOW what a difference over the stock shifter! Pictures soon... Hey Ross you car sounds like it's coming along nicely you'll have to tell me how you car and those coilovers are on the track... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caramall2 Posted May 10, 2009 Share Posted May 10, 2009 Pics of the wheels (side and from the rear)! ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rosscarlson Posted May 10, 2009 Author Share Posted May 10, 2009 Guys, I got her back from the shop on Friday and she's now basically done for the track. I'll post up pictures very soon (gloomy day today). I'm getting 235whp now on E85 and stage 2, 290 ft-lbs of torque is amazing! -Ross Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.