Scrambling

A whole bunch of changes and new parts installed since the last autox nearly 6 weeks ago.  CalClub runs this autox on the low grip asphalt parking lot outside AutoClub Speedway.  Weather was sunny and mild. I ran first run group PAX class and the course is very simple with several sweepers and straights and a slalom or two.

The new bucket seat suits me well and gives me much needed headroom.  Comfortable for the 3+ hour round trip to Fontana and back.  Cruise control lets me move around a little and stretch my legs.

Power has made a big jump with the addition of the KPro ECU, header, and exhaust.  Currently only using the "stock" Hondata tune which lowers the vtec engagement point and increases the rpm limiter to 8600.  More power is available with a proper dyno tune.

The smaller front EM2 swaybar has shifted the balance just enough to get my attention, but with so many other changes at the same time I cannot be sure what to think yet.

The rear swaybar, now correct side up, does not interfere with the control arms at this ride height, but still rubs on the exhaust pipe.  I have detected some side-to-side bar movement.

Dialed in more negative rear camber with the upper adjustable camber arms which may or may not have messed up my rear toe.

The biggest change for this event was the 15" Rota wheels and Hankook tires.  The front wheel balancing weights interfered with the brake caliper so I peeled them off.  No other clearance issues. Mostly due to limited availability, I am using different sized tires front and rear; 225/45 front tires and 195/50 rear tires.  My thinking is that the wider front tires will help put power down to the ground and the shorter and smaller rear tires will lower the rear COG, increase front caster, and build heat faster. Set air pressures to 44 front and 27 rear.  No ABS interference or problems with the half inch diameter difference front to rear.  Gearing is good for about 62 mph in second gear.

On course the car was a little challenging.  Corner entry was very loose for the first few corners but the car seemed to settle down on the back half of the course.  I am guessing cold rear tires are the problem. Mid-corner throttle lift seemed to be too sensitive and breakaway characteristics were not smooth or predictable.  Again, cold rear tires may be partially to blame, but uncertain rear toe could exhibit the sketchy feeling I was getting. Corner exit was all about straightening the steering wheel as soon as possible so the front tires could hook up.

Results

Video

The only problem I had with the car was an occasional banging noise coming from the bottom of the car.  With the increased gearing, power, and grip, I think it may be wheel hop or engine movement related.  The front swaybar is just a couple millimeters away from the header and the rear motor mount is still the oem piece.