Sports Car Club of Vermont

So I'm getting a sizable income tax return and am looking to throw around some ideas for modifications to my focus (plan to get into some events this year). A couple of things need doing: brakes, suspension, catalytic converter, tires and its about time for a clutch 85,000. Planning on going with stock replacement for the suspension (its good and I can source the shocks and springs for around $300). For the clutch I've been eyeing a Stage 3 or 6 clutch from clutchmasters with a lightened flywheel in the package. Brakes are possibly going to be EBC rotors with Hawk HPS pads.

For other mods I'm thinking a ECU tuner from focussport (sct custom tuning), Front and rear Strut Bars. Not really sure where to go from there. Looking to do Auto X and maybe a hillclimb (if I feel I'm ready) Ideas, tips, tricks are all welcome. Need some direction to go with this along with some sage advice.

Tires!

Go with the maintanance items first.

Tires and suspension next.
Entry fees, entry fees, entry fees.
Power adders last.

It is very common for folks new to the sport to put there money towards increasing horsepower. Often the money is better spent on seat time. There is no replacement for experience. Find as many events as you can afford to enter.
replacing the suspension with stock SVT stuff is a solid strategy for now. I'd suggest one of the popular tires from the street tire class, like the Bridgestone RE11, dunlop star spec, Kumho xs or the like. In my opinion, tires can make the single biggest difference to improving your times(aside from becoming a better driver).

NY03SVT wrote:...maybe a hillclimb...

= maybe a cage

Otherwise what Seth said ^^^ - might have heard that before, though

The order in which I would do things is:

1) Reliablility - fix issues with the the car first - do basic maintenace (belts, ALL fluids, etc.)
2) Brakes
3) Tires
4) Suspension
5) Power

Don't forget, the biggest thing that you can improve upon is the nut behind the wheel!!!
For example, I went to SLMP with my RSX after having it for about 3 weeks. I did OK, but then went back a month later and decreased my time by around 3 seconds. The only change I made was myself and more seat time with the car.

honda8790 wrote:The order in which I would do things is:

1) Reliablility - fix issues with the the car first - do basic maintenace (belts, ALL fluids, etc.)
2) Brakes
3) Tires
4) Suspension
5) Power

Don't forget, the biggest thing that you can improve upon is the nut behind the wheel!!!
For example, I went to SLMP with my RSX after having it for about 3 weeks. I did OK, but then went back a month later and decreased my time by around 3 seconds. The only change I made was myself and more seat time with the car.

We both know you upgraded your Vtec fluid and changed the muffler bearings.

I agree with Peter's list.

Ok so the maintenance issues:

it needs new pads (and probably rotors)

its going to need a new clutch soon (85,000 on the stock one and it hasn't been babied) looking for more power holding while being smooth enough to drive on a daily basis.

85,000 sounds like a good time for a timing belt just to be safe. and a water pump while its apart

tires are a must. my gforce TA KDW's are dead and i'm running on my Blizzaks at the moment (was looking at the star specs or the RE-11's)

while i'm doing brakes i was going to get SS lines from goodrich and upgrade the fluid

Also the suspension does need to be done as maintenance and the stock suspension in the SVTF is quite good. Lots of talk about people trying to "upgrade" it and just making it worse because of how good it is to begin with so. The shocks are done and I've got 2/3 of a coil broken out of one spring at the moment.

Needs a new catalytic converter. Anyone have any experience with high flow cats? I've heard there is still a chance it would throw a CEL for inefficient catalyst.

while doing the clutch i may as well change out the gear oil.

as well as the usual plugs, wires, and air filter.


Just for grins.... how much would a cage run? (just getting an idea of what to expect when that time comes around) <<< ATTN: Joey

Had it on the track today (SLMP) handled well with no issues. Ended up with SS lines, SVT shocks and springs, and Dunlop Star Specs.
Next will be a harness and a seat, or atleast a seat. Never thought it'd be such a distraction just trying to keep my butt in one place. Missed a shift or two and some heel and toeing because I was so all over in the seat.
Thanks for the advice everyone.

edit: To anyone out there seeing me drive, any constructive criticism is welcome.