4Flattires Street Modified RS Build

[4Flattires]

Took the plunge with the 2013 RS Hatch for autocross. Roughly $3,500 in new parts included:

1. WaveTrac
2. Chevy Performance Clutch
3. ZZP Lower Control Arms (heim joints instead of rubber bush)
4. ZZP Lower Transmission Mount
5. Eibach Pro Spring Kit with all new OEM RS Struts
6. Hawk HP+ Front Pads with Centric Rotors from Tire Rack
7. New OEM rear Rotors and Pads
8. Ported the Intake while at it
9. Requested Update to BNR Tune 15 days ago, no file yet.
10. Formerly ZZP Rear Anti-Sway Bar
11. RE-71Rs on Purple Assetto Gara Wheels from Tire Rack (225/50/16)

Firstly my thanks to Preloader's legacy. His build threads were inspirational. Others of us too. Also, the mechanic at my new job who pressed the new carrier bearings onto the Wavetrac. BTW, one of Chevy's best parts counter ladies could not ID the part number. FYI, the carrier bearings are as follows:

[/IMG]

That said, this took me three weeks to complete and more money than I expected. I'll be lucky to keep my marriage of 32 years intact now. "You love your care more than me!" To the good side of the ledger, I now finally own a complete set of metric sockets and wrenches and some other things. Did you all know that a Duralast shop crane is only $200? Well worth it.

A couple of tips to share:

1. This is was a sucky project for a mechanic who is well above average but slower than any other decent mechanic.

2. When it is time to re-install the transmission, hold the motor using a floor jack and use your shop crane and a sling to marry the transmission back to it.

3. You will want to make or buy clutch disc alignment tool for when you install the new clutch.

4. Rear disc breaks require a 2-prong socket-thing to rotate the piston while you apply clamping force. Made mine from an old socket and my bench grinder.

5. You will need Locktite 515 or 518 to re-make the flange seal between the transmission and the differential carrier cover.

Was all this worth it? My wife is skeptical. Next weekend is the Hoosier Challenge SCCA meet at Grissom AFB. I'll let you all know. I sure hope Jerry at BNR sends me and updated tune before then. A few pics are posted below.

[/IMG] Getting ring gear off the old diff.

[/IMG] Hole in trans where diff goes.

[/IMG] Replaced the hydraulic throwout bearing.

[/IMG] OEM 2013 clutch disc compared with Chevy Performance clutch disc. Larger diameter and thicker of course because it does not yet have 110,000 miles.

[/IMG] New LCAs with heim joints instead of rear rubber bush.

[/IMG] Profile view with Eibach Pro lowering kit. The new bump stops are made in Germany.

[/IMG]2 Degrees negative camber.

[/IMG] Small battery saves 23 pounds from high in the front end.

[/IMG]I have worn out one set of these. They are awesome. Best street tire their is right now.

Oops. Now I need to re-learn how to insert the pics. Can somebody help me? Can't locate how-to using "search".

 

[carsNskis]

On the web or using tapatalk app?

Web: upload the photo to a hosting site like Google photos, etc. Copy link.

click Insert image button

Paste link

Tapatalk: much easier because you can upload from your phone gallery, Google photos, or use the camera live

[emoji593][emoji809][emoji472]

 

[carsNskis]

Good luck in the races, looking forward to seeing how you do!

[emoji593][emoji809][emoji472]

 

[cuartz7o]

Good job sir, neeeeed those these pics!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[sw2low]

Which of those mods makes it SM? LSD? I think you'd still be fsp.
Either way have fun. Hope you have better luck than i did.

-RuD

 

[4Flattires]

Which of those mods makes it SM? LSD? I think you'd still be fsp.
Either way have fun. Hope you have better luck than i did.

-RuD

Dear RuD,

My read of the rules suggests that the heim joint in the LCAs put me in Street Modified (SM). Replacement of a bushing with a spherical bearing does not appear to be allowable under Street Prepared. SM is the lowest class that takes basically all limits off suspension, engine, tune, and other things.

Just to be clear, I am in this for fun and enjoy suffering with the other drivers for a whole Sunday. Don't get me wrong, I have 5 regional class championships, a Tire Rack Index top 10 finish, and a trip to nationals (2015) where I did not finish last. I do like to win. SM is not the class for a Sonic though. If I wanted to be clever, I would have left out the Eibach springs and the LCAs and I could have cheated my way as far as possible into H Street. The Wavetrac, stout clutch, and maxed-out BNR tune might make the Sonic competitive-ish in HS and are completely invisible. If I was a top-tier driver it might add up to something. I am upper tier locally, but a bottom feeder on the national level.

 

[4Flattires]

2017 Hoosier Challenge SCCA Autocross, Hosted by the South Bend Region

This is at the historic Grissom AFB every year in recent memory. There were over 200 drivers on Sunday. The Saturday before is just an SBR points event.

[/IMG] Ready-ish for the Hoosier Challenge.

[/IMG] On the grid for three runs.

[/IMG] Also on the grid.

On Saturday there were 4 drivers in SM. A nice young lady from South Bend driving her VW R32 got me by 0.6 seconds on a 60-second course, so it was a 2nd place finish out of four drivers.

On Sunday (the actual Hoosier Challenge) there were 8 drivers. I placed 4th on a power-oriented 55-second course. A tricked-out BRZ shared by two drivers got me by 4 seconds. The nice young lady in her R32 got me by 1.6 sec.

I have a several local regional events left through October and look forward to all of them. The Tire Rack test track is one venue that usually favors a car like the Sonic, and there are two of those left. I think I can get the R32. Two years ago while in HS, I beat her every time. Her driving has improved a lot though.

May the force be with us.