Newbie New Build Question

[cozog1548534733]

I have finally had a break in Real Life to work on my CMC-x car the past couple months. I replaced the front suspension, most of the rear suspension and plumbed the front 1/2 of the brake lines. You can see the progression in the website link in my sig.

 

My question is, what do I start on next? Please don't say "the driver"... that's an ongoing issue I'm already working on.

 

I was thinking of some little things like removal of the skip shift, steering lockout, etc. Maybe steering wheel change too.

 

My issue is that I:

A) Don't have the $2k needed for roll cage, seat, safety equip. right now.

B) Need to drive the car to/from track 2009/2010 to get comp license and before I can afford a trailer.

 

Any thoughts to help a rookie out?

[mitchntx1548534714]

 

I was thinking of some little things like removal of the skip shift, steering lockout, etc. Maybe steering wheel change too.

 

Any thoughts to help a rookie out?

 

Skip-a-shift is an easy one. Just unplug the solenoid on the trans.

 

But getting the steering wheel lock removed is important. So, you are on track.

 

Not knowing what all you've done, HVAC removal and building the block-off panel is time consuming.

 

Ducting air to the radiator and sealing it off, removing all the "junk" infront of the radiator, hood pin installation ... its all important and time sonsuming.

[roadracerwhite]

Mitch is right on track, get the steerng lock removed.

 

Get it to be reliable and safe for yourself and the instructor for track days.

 

I don't know how far you want to take it if it is going to be driven on the street for a while.

 

Then the next step is to plan to attend Hallet, OK in 2010 to have a blast hanging out with a ton of CMC and AI cars.

[DrC]

cozog

Keep up the good work. I am doing the same with a 95 Mustang and plan to have my comp lic the late part of 2010 and be ready to race 2011.

I should see you some time during the HPDE events.

Dan from Dayton.

[bsim]

Where are you in getting your license? While safety is majorly important, you don't really want to drive a caged car on the street.

 

If you're still in GP 1 or 2, focus on getting the car ready for those, and try and break down what you'll need at each step along the way.

[Trevor571548534737]

I have been building my 95 Mustang for the last 2 years, all the while doing NASA TT. You can buy a prefab roll bar, and have the front section custom built down the road. Just keep taking crap out. It's free!

[cozog1548534733]

@mitch: Thanks, that was the kind of ideas I'm looking for.

 

@rrw: I don't know about traveling to Halett in '10, but '11 would be great!

 

@DrC: I'll look for you at the HPDEs.

 

@bsim: I'm in HPDE2 and can't wait to move on!

 

@Trevor: I know, I've thought about TT, but I gotta get out of HPDE first.

[bsim]

OK, if I were you, no more changes to the car (i.e. shocks / springs / etc.).

 

If you're bored, and want stuff to do, get the little time consuming things as mentioned (hood pins, cutoff, wheel lock, seat, etc) and get the wheels / tires you'll be racing with.

 

Then run the car, a lot, in GP 2 and 3. A little trailer for your track wheels and toolbox will help nicely. When you're ready for GP 4 / TT (according to NASA) add the cage and related items.

 

When you get your license, race the car for at least a few weekends as is (as you've been running in earlier groups). You need to be at a point where you can honestly say what the car's doing (or not) before you spend any $$ on go fast goodies.

 

The WORST thing you can do is say "I want to be faster" so "I'll buy the thing that guy has". My driving style is 180 degrees from some others. I finish better in the rain than I do in the dry. I'm slow and methodical. Other guys like to throw the car around, me not so much. So you need to know what you want the car do, then build around that.

 

and as many here will point out, racing is a lot different than HPDE. During the first few laps (at least) you'll spend much time "off-line". You'll need to know how your car responds (in relation to your style) and make your $$ expenditures accordingly.

[DrC]

Cozog

You plan to be at Putnam? If so, look for us #74.

[Keith]

Have you done the LS1 brake upgrade yet?

 

Actually, like stated above, focusing on the safety equipment will get you through tech first. I would do this stuff ASAP and leave the track upgrades for later.

 

As far as driving on the street is concerned, as a relative newbie you will find that the weight and experience level will put you at a serious disadvantage and it will be hard to separate the two in your mind. I have done this myself:

 

Once the car ceased to be street legal and I could get rid of some more weight, then I realized that I was the slow part in the equation, not the car.

 

As far as driving a caged car on the street is concerned, if you are using the harness and have padding on the cage, your two risks are an impact where your head hits the car and the fact that every Honda boy thinks it's race time.