Hello all! After a semi-disappointing 4th Year-End in STS2 in the ProSolo National Series, time to switch classes. Picked up a 1998 Subaru Impreza L sedan (2.2L AWD) to serve as a family car, discovered it may have some potential in HS as well. MSN Autos lists the car at 2690lbs (vs 2730 for the L coupe and 2800-2825 for the 2.5RS), no sunroof or wing, rear drums.

We ran the car bone-stock with M/S tires in San Diego, finished 3rd against a Mazda 3 and (believe it or not) a Honda Insight, both on V710's.....back 0.06X seconds. Picked up some very used 205/50-15 Falken Azenis from Leslie Cohen's STS Civic, ran in a local region's Street Tire Stock class (indexed Stock class with no race rubber), finished 3rd again, less than 0.04X back from a very well set-up Civic with dedicated Azenis (sticky and in plastic bags). Still running all-stock 160K mile struts/bushings.

Started replacing parts, found the spark plugs to be worn down to the ceramic insulators-- measured at 0.081 gap! New plugs and wires and paper air filter made the car much more responsive. Porterfield R4-S pads and shoes added as well, and Gruppe-S front sway bar end links. Tried to install the Whiteline 22mm FSB, but couldn't remove some bolts. Same deal on the struts, got ahold of a set of new KYB-AGX's but did not install.

Ran again in San Diego this past weekend, this time with the new lightweight race wheels and 225/50-15 Hankook Z211 C-50 tires, a road-race compound, but I figured good for testing and practices as they can take a little heat. First run group in the morning, first lap put me ahead of HS by over 8 seconds. Ended up winning on my first lap, by a margin of nearly 3 seconds on a 65-sec course. I coned away a lap that was 1 second faster than that, and then did some practice runs in the next run group and ran faster still. Ran faster raw times than ES, GS, and would have been top 3 in CS! All while still on stock old suspension!

Got video of the event, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzKy7IisQpc , forgot to set the video quality higher-- YouTube reduces resolution anyway.

I plan on running at most of the ProSolos and Tours in the western US next year as work and family time allows. With the Mazda 3's and Civics sneaking in on the MINIs, I think it's nice to have a little variety in the class. I have been impressed overall so far with the Subaru, I like the torque and drivability, and a ton of rubber fits on the stock size wheel and tires are cheap in the 15" size.

If any guys used to run HS/GS in the Impreza, I would love some input!

Thanks,

JW

Congrats James:D

-Max.

Hey James, hope you make it out this sunday to run SK2.

Later Tom. #965

Awesome! It would be nice to see a 2.2L Impreza shaking things up in H-Stock!!! :cool:

Hey James, hope you make it out this sunday to run SK2.

Later Tom. #965

Nope, I am "out" of SK2 tires (the old ones I ran last time are now toast). I will also be in Kansas this weekend for the Runoffs. There is a slight chance I will be back before Sunday, but not likely. Next event will be the SCNAX Cup, depends on the tire situation as well.

Have fun at the runoffs.:)

Good to see more non-turbo Subarus doing well.

I just started solo and I'm driving a 1998 2.5RS here in Atlanta. I've still got a lot to learn, but I'm slowly improving.

James, you will find a ton of good info in this thread.

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=587449

Though, I'm completely revamping my setup for this season.

I'm currently prepping a 96 Brighton for FSP. So far, so good.....

The EJ22 is a nice little torque monster!!!


Jay Storm

ratt_finkel, thanks for the thread...basically followed my line of thinking for the past month. Here is what I will initially be running:

K&N drop-in filter
Subaru/OEM tune-up parts (plugs, wires, O2sensors, fuel filter)
Motul 5w-40 Biosynthese diester engine oil, K&N Gold oil filter, UOA.
Motul MotylGear 75w-90 gearbox and diff oil
Future- Remus axle-back or similar exhaust....very far down on the list of To Do's
May need a clutch and OEM engine/trans mounts as well before too deep into the ProSolo season.
Timing belt, rollers/tensioners, seals for sure....at 162K miles with unsure maintenance history.

Whiteline 22mm FSB
KYB AGX struts, OEM upper mounts/bearings.
Subaru/OEM RSB bushings and end links
Alignment

15x6" +50mm 13lb wheels
225/50-15 Hankook Z211 C-50 tires (wet/practice/local)
225/50-15 Hankook Z214 C-70 tires (ProSolo/Tour)

FWIW, I had been running 39-40psi hot Front and 48-50psi hot rear on fairly grippy asphalt in San Diego. Very little push, great transition, and decent in the sweepers....video should show it.


It's so nice to have such a short list! Lots of seat time and testing will be my priority this year, I think in years past we had focused too much on trying to change the car, when often all that was needed is a Driver Tweak. Worked for us in a very "basic" STS Civic setup, good for many Tour trophies and a solid trophy at Nationals in 2004.....driver was more important than $$ and parts.

might want to throw on a half-way decent brake pad as well.

Do you have a deal with Hankook or something? There's a 225/50 15 710.

might want to throw on a half-way decent brake pad as well.

Do you have a deal with Hankook or something? There's a 225/50 15 710.

D'oh-- yes, I have installed Porterfield R4-S pads in the front and had them make me a set of R4-S shoes for the rear, and replaced all hardware and hydraulic pieces (calipers, wheel cylinders, hardware, etc.) to eliminate a possible problem area later.

Yes, deal with Hankook Motorsports :-P

James, the L springs are even softer than my RS springs. And while my upgrade to the 22mm bar was a great benefit. The car's really need as much spring in the front as possible. I would highly recommend upgrading the bar to a 25mm Addco bar made for the legacy.

I have the Part numbers if you're interested. That is one of the changes I'm making in the off-season. Also, for air pressures, I typically run between 32-35 all around on my 225 V710's. Not sure how the hankooks are. But very rarely did I have to run a huge pressure difference in the rear for rotation.

In addition, copius amounts of toe out in the front will do wonders for turn-in. I run at the minimum 1/8, usually 1/4" though. I've yet to tacke the rear-toe, cause like I've mentioned in the past, I've never had a real problem with rotation, trail braking is your friend!

I would actually put an exhaust higher on the list. The entire stock system from the heads back is a giant bottle-neck. You will see appreciable gains with a high-flow system.
And lastly eek out every tenth of negative camber in the front as you can.

True. Maybe I will have an asphalt and a concrete setup. I really wanted the Whiteline blade-adjustable bar. I had a similar design on my Porsche 931, really versatile. Shoot me that Addco part number, and I will do a little research. It's my birthday today, maybe I can con someone to get it for me :-P

A very good "feel" mod is the tranny mount. Replace it with a new one or a new car take-off (if that's allowed). Makes the car feel more solid and mathematically you are putting more power to the wheels and this will cut down on mis-shifts.

Yes, deal with Hankook Motorsports :-P
Awesome :D

Like Jeremy mentioned, you'll start playing with toe quite a bit. You can get about 3/4" out in the rear, making it one of the few broad adjustments allowed. Running a 1/4" out in the rear is not uncommon. Obviously alot depends on your driving style and tires.

Pressure wise, I did run alot of pressure and alot of stagger (with usually 5-9 psi more in the rear) with the S03s, E700s, and Avons. I hopped cars before the 710 was available in a usable size but they do seem to run low pressure wise, at least on a SP car.

oh, happy birthday :D

I'm having problems finding the pm I had with the part numbers, etc. It is listed on their site though. Under 98-04 Legacy AWD. And Happy Birthday!

Got the Whiteline 22mm FSB, KYB AGX struts, gearbox and engine oils, and brake fluid all changed out today....practice day at California Speedway tomorrow.

Last event I was 10th on the PAX/Index, very difficult in SoCal....using all-stock stuff. I hope to God that I haven't ruined a Good Thing!

-JW
ChaseCam.com
Hankook Motorsports

Man I suck...but still ran about a second faster than the other HS cars there. Good video, but only a few...left my larger CF card at home. Mako got a few shots, I will post them later. Much flatter cornering, but I am not sure the added stiffness is helping the crappy steady-state cornering.

-JW

JW,
If the added stiffness isn't helping steady-state and you remain the same there, how is the car through transition? If you gain time in one area without losing time in another, I'd call that a net gain for sure. :)

-Biggly

Like he said, the big gains are going to be had in transitonal elements. Also, try taking a tighter line. I know that I had to adjust my driving stlye when I added the FSB. Less Trail-braking, less late-apexing, etc. Course dependent of course.

Also, what type of air pressures are you running? Have you adjusted the alignment yet? Camber is going to be the most important on this car. Toe next.

Like he said, the big gains are going to be had in transitonal elements. Also, try taking a tighter line. I know that I had to adjust my driving stlye when I added the FSB. Less Trail-braking, less late-apexing, etc. Course dependent of course.

Also, what type of air pressures are you running? Have you adjusted the alignment yet? Camber is going to be the most important on this car. Toe next.

I maxed out the camber with the stock eccentric bolt, did not check toe....car needs to be aligned with a new set of tires, as mine are all not necessarily the same shape :-) True, my line has now changed as well. Car is still fast nonetheless, just need more seat time and testing. Tire pressures started at 35F and 37R, then heated up to 39-40psi F and 40psi rear, bled down to 35-37psi rear and 36psi front, all with no change in lap time (like 10 laps within 0.05X sec). Final lap I did set the front struts to #2 and it felt better all over, but was 0.3 slower....wish I could have done more adjustments, but the practice layout did not allow for changes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQkMRzvP--k

JW,
Have you tried making the rear loose somehow? (i.e. high pressure, toe-out, etc)?

"Loose is fast"

-Biggly

Well defintely work on getting that alignment. To give you any indicator. I run %99.9 run 32psi all the way around. Occasionally I'll run 35 in the front. Though, I've found in my RS, the steering input will be somewhat slower with lower air pressures. You can defintely tell a loss of grip going above 32. So I usually run more toe-out in the front to gain the steering response back.

This is on 225/50/16 V710's, FYI.

I'm still amazed at the courses you guys have there. Minus the slalom, it looks like more of a road course than auto-x, lol.

The car looked good on course though.

Shoot me that Addco part number, and I will do a little research. It's my birthday today, maybe I can con someone to get it for me :-PCheck out this thread:25mm sway bar... TOO BIG? (http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=874578)

Well, things "look better" with the KYB's and Whiteline 22mm FSB...
http://images14.fotki.com/v361/photos/4/43793/4311348/JW2-vi.jpg

Versus all stock (and Gruppe-S end links, 160K mile struts)--
http://www.solo2.com/photos/original/First%20Time%20Out%20Sept%2006.jpg


Mako is the awesome photographer behind those, thanks! I have more with all-stock suspension and Hankook race tires (the bottom photo is with Falken Azenis street tires), but my photographer in San Diego has not extended me a license to use them :-)

-JW

Looks like the first two photos didn't make it....all of my free hosting is too full to allow it.....hrrrmmmmm......I will fix it.

-JW

More updates, great testing day with the Porsche Club in San Diego last Friday, running about 1.5-3 seconds behind the NASA 944Spec guys (used to have one, like to compare hehe). Car felt fantastic, despite the largely 3rd gear course. Got to drive a Noble M400 as well, can't complain. Struts at #2 front, #8 rear, air pressures 35psi cold front and rear (gaining to about 39 when really hot), laps run back-to-back. Drum brakes no likey multiple 75mph stops!

Sunday's SCCA autocross was a different story. I had to flip the Hankook Z211's to get some outside edge rubber, and the car just didn't like it at all! My first lap was the quickest, next lap about 0.3XX slower. Made a shock adjsutment change (down to #1 in the front), not enough transitional resistance...car felt like crap and lost another 0.1XX. The intent was to have a little bit more weight transfer and initial bite in the sweepers, but ended up sacrificing way too much transitional control in the slolams.

Still, won by 1.6 seconds to a 2nd place Mazda3 and over 5 seconds faster than the rest of the field....PAX results not up yet, but looks like another good Overall position. Still feel good about the car , I think I have run the course on this set of tires...full tread road-race compound tires were not a good choice, and I edge-wore them to death when I still had the old/stock suspension on there.

Time to try the Hankook Z214 C70's !!

-JW

Awesome update. Good luck in '07! :cool:

Awesome update. Good luck in '07! :cool:

Thanks!

One more, just got my Oil Analysis back from Blackstone Labs....

My Car----(Average)
Aluminum 3 (3)
Chromium 0 (1)
Iron 3 (6)
Copper 2 (4)
Lead 1 (4)
Tin 0 (1)
Molybdenum 80 (60)
Nickel 0 (0)
Manganese 1 (1)
Silver 0 (0)
Titanium 0 (0)
Potassium 2 (0) --- the only one that worries me, but far too low to be problematic.
Boron 17 (49)
Silicon 11 (7) --- an anti-foam agent in Motul oils
Sodium 3 (4) --- would be higher if the Potassium was a problem...coolant!
Calcium 2415 (2142) --- mmmm anti-wear!
Magnesium 521 (79) --- mmmm anti-wear!
Phosphorus 1073 (707) ---- did I say anti-wear?
Zinc 1252 (833) --- yup, I said anti-wear!
Barium 0 (0)

This was about 3700 miles of autocrossing and hard street use on Motul 300v biosynthese 5w-40 oil and K&N Gold oil filter.

Car had 162,815 unknown-use miles at the time of this Analysis, now has 165K+ and using German Castrol 0w-30 ("GC Gold 06" on the street).


-JW
'98 Impreza L, H-Stock

So what causes higher levels of Potassium, James?

-Max.

One possible item is coolant in the oil. Which is why he later notes that Sodium would be higher if it was coolant in the oil in large enough quantities to damage the engine.

So what causes higher levels of Potassium, James?

-Max.

Excessive banana consumption, especially via the tailpipe ala Beverly Hills Cop. Also important for muscle motor function. :D

Yes, typically Potassium and Sodium traces in larger numbers are indicative of a possible coolant contamination. These elements exist in higher or lower numbers depending on the brand and type of oil RedLine, for example, tends to show a little more Silicon and Sodium than other oils, and when combined with other elements may act as an anti-foam agent (prevents bubbles). I wouldn't start to even hint at a problem until about 15-17ppm, and I would plan a head gasket change at 20-30ppm.

Best $20 spent, www.blackstone-labs.com

-JW

Good stuff - thanks James.

-Max.

Hey James! It's nice to see your HS project is off to a good start. The idea sounded like a good one when you explained it to me at the Pro Finale.

As far as setup tips go, I don't know much about Subarus... Maybe fold the side mirrors in if possible? Gotta lower that drag coefficient and polar moment of inertia. :)

Interestingly, I bumped into your thread here while researching future JenMobile/FamilyMobile options - practical/reliable/fun cars as manufactured by Subaru...

Looking forward to seeing you and the Impreza next season - we'll be attending some west-coast events.

Aaron

Hey James! It's nice to see your HS project is off to a good start. The idea sounded like a good one when you explained it to me at the Pro Finale.

As far as setup tips go, I don't know much about Subarus... Maybe fold the side mirrors in if possible? Gotta lower that drag coefficient and polar moment of inertia. :)

Interestingly, I bumped into your thread here while researching future JenMobile/FamilyMobile options - practical/reliable/fun cars as manufactured by Subaru...

Looking forward to seeing you and the Impreza next season - we'll be attending some west-coast events.

Aaron

Family, huh? That's what you get for fooling around in tents at Nationals!! hehe

We're planning on being at all of the Western events, as the Subaru has plenty of room for tires, tools, and has air conditioning!!

I recommend any Subaru-- I think they can be extremely practical and remain fairly competitive no matter what class they are run in. Pete Loney here in California has a Forester that he runs in ESP that absolutely murders the Camaros from time to time!

I'll give you a call when the '07 official schedule comes out, had a lot of fun racing with you and Jen this past year....just don't get me drunk again before the last day of the Pro Finale like this year, okay?!

-JW

Ran an excellent Practice on Black Friday with my wife, 12+ laps. Good video.
http://images14.fotki.com/v361/photos/4/43793/4311348/JW2-vi.jpg

Sunday's Championship saw cold temperatures, but a really good field of early Civic Si's, RSX's, and MINI's. Unfortunately they all had codrivers and sticker V710's...dangit! I lost by almost a second, very very tough to get heat in the C50-compound (road-race) Z211's without a codriver and so much time between runs. Forgot my Blackwatch Racing tire bags, so I could not keep heat in. Now an even bigger push for the new Z214's to come in!!

Ordered a new stock clutch, trans mounts, axles, stock shifter bushings, and a Borla exhaust system (that is now MIA, eBay auction that has no response but paid 7 days ago--crap). Getting ready for the '07 season the right way!

Nice! Car looks like it's cornering much flatter!

Question, since your 2.2L Impreza is in H-Stock, you should seriously look into a 2nd set of wheels and used r-comps (even if they're RA-1's or Victoracers they'll make a huge difference.

How much -ve camber do you have upfront?

I'm sorry but I just read the first post that an Insight was out throwing down with some cones and found it funny.

Awesome picture of the car. Hope you do well in '07.

Jose

Nice! Car looks like it's cornering much flatter!

Question, since your 2.2L Impreza is in H-Stock, you should seriously look into a 2nd set of wheels and used r-comps (even if they're RA-1's or Victoracers they'll make a huge difference.

How much -ve camber do you have upfront?

Camber: I refuse to look at the Alignment sheet from the shop so that I do not have the urge to hang myself :) 3/8" toe out front, 3/8" toe out rear.

I do have a second set of wheels, 15x6" +50mm (5mm wider offset than stock) that weigh 13lbs. The OEM wheels are veeery heavy steel wheels at +55 offset that are pictured above with the old Azenis.

I am now running r-compounds, the Hankook Z211 tire (Spec Miata) in 225/50-15, but in the road-race compound.....I will be getting a set of Z214, the R-compound Hankook version of the Kumho V710 or Hoosier A6. I am only running the road race tires because we knew there was to be a lot of seat-time-only tuning of the driver, and desperately did not want to blow a set of $700 tires just for seat time.

-JW

I am now running r-compounds, the Hankook Z211 tire (Spec Miata) in 225/50-15, but in the road-race compound.....I will be getting a set of Z214, the R-compound Hankook version of the Kumho V710 or Hoosier A6. I am only running the road race tires because we knew there was to be a lot of seat-time-only tuning of the driver, and desperately did not want to blow a set of $700 tires just for seat time.

-JW
Gotcha. Didn't realize Hankook had an r-comp out.

Btw, how much camber are you running (you only mentioned toe)?

Purposefully not knowing how little negative camber I have is a pretty good anti-depressant. I am guessing somewhere around 0.5-deg negative, with the OEM camber bolts up front.....if Subaru has a TSB that allows for more neg camber for the L models, I am all ears!

Purposefully not knowing how little negative camber I have is a pretty good anti-depressant. I am guessing somewhere around 0.5-deg negative, with the OEM camber bolts up front.....if Subaru has a TSB that allows for more neg camber for the L models, I am all ears!
Ouch! I didn't realize it was that little. I'd take it to an alignment shop and slip the technician a $20 bill and get him to bang on those bolts a little! :lol: Seriously I dind't relaize it was that little.... :eek:

Ouch! I didn't realize it was that little. I'd take it to an alignment shop and slip the technician a $20 bill and get him to bang on those bolts a little! :lol: Seriously I dind't relaize it was that little.... :eek:

In Stock, I can only legally run as much negative camber as Subaru will allow. Add wider tires on a narrow rim, and the numbers look even worse. Oh well. Just need to drive better!

I just found out that our plan's medical insurance will cost $1,150.00 per month :eek: for my wife and I and our baby daughter. Maybe racing will be put on the back burner this year.....that's half my salary!!

-JW

Holy crap, why is your insurance so much? My insurance at my small company (3 employees) is much cheaper than that.

I have to get out to Qualcomm to try out Auto-X, haven't done it since the Mazda Rev-It-Up event where I did pretty well.

Holy crap, why is your insurance so much? My insurance at my small company (3 employees) is much cheaper than that.

I have to get out to Qualcomm to try out Auto-X, haven't done it since the Mazda Rev-It-Up event where I did pretty well.

My wife is a private/Christian school teacher and is considered by the State to be "self-employed clergy", screws up our tax situation. The school has an insurance plan that is required for total participation or they don't have enough policy holders to make it happen, problem is there is not much benefit to do it for us. The other teachers get paid 10-50% more and the insurance policy also pays in a certain percentage to a retirement fund based on the Premium paid and the teacher's salary. Fine for others, but my wife is a 3rd year teacher with all of the new California credentials (most of the other teachers do not have them!) and still makes nearly 30% less than the current California Minimum for our Lutheran School system....that's less than $24K/yr for 80hrs+/week. Don't ever think that elementary school teachers are paid too much or don't do enough!! Insurance comes to over half of her gross pay.

I am a self-employed consultant for a Motorsports video and acquisition manufacturer, so no company-wide insurance available.

Rant off, this has really gotten me upset over the last few days....when does it get easier?? :(

Another autocross today in San Diego, win by over 4 seconds against a pair of Acura RSX's. Was also running competitive E-Stock and G-Stock times. No other changes except for getting rid of the rustbucket exhaust and installing my new Borla stainless cat-back (17.5 minutes, from raise to lower of jack...they did a good job with the system, bolts right up). Noticable increase in power and torque all over, car felt much better out on course. Quiet on idle, very pleasant on the drive home. I may add a resonator, but my catalytic converters are dead as well, maybe replacing them will help quiet down the interior resonance.

Rainy race tomorrow at California Speedway, better competition. We'll see if the Subaru AWD is enough to conquer the MINI's on Azenis in the cold and wet.

-James

I feel your pain on the insurance thing, mine is nearly $700 for myself and daughter with my wife as an employee. $1150 is a serious bite.

Racing unfortuantly is not a priority so you may have to drop it. You might look at other options. We split myself and my wife because it saved us $200.

Good luck James

James, sorry to hear about the insurance rapist. Have you considered looking at 3rd party coverage?

Also, if you are in the consulting business and working for one client. You might seek other clients to make extra cash.

But no, it doesn't get any better. I'm currently unemployed with $1,300 in bills left for the month. AND X-mas on top of that. I wish you the best of luck though!

Thanks for the insurance input, I guess ignoring it is not a good plan...work is busy, tought to catch up on personal/family stuff.

Wet but drying autcross this morning, two RSX's, two MINIs, '89 Civic Si, and an AE86 Corolla. Most of us were in wet or drying conditions, all within less than 0.1XX of eachother-- crazy. Two drivers sandbag the crap out of the run group, and complete the rest of their runs nearly 30 minutes after ours, with a healthy 3 SECOND lead in the now full-dry condiditons. *****ty, but our event chair looked the other way.

-JW

From Sunday (thanks Mako), titled "Fastest Slow Suby"-
http://images16.fotki.com/v372/photos/4/43793/4372070/FastestSlowSubyNoneTB-vi.jpg

Looking good! Hope you get to do at least a few events next season...

Update--

Had a new OEM Subaru clutch, two front CV axles (complete), OEM Subaru shifter bushings, remanufactured (checked identical to Subaru) flywheel, NTK Oxygen sensors, new rear drum hardware and Porterfield R4S brake shoes (!) and Subaru catalytic converters installed today at a local shop......$1040 for labor (including part costs on axles, flywheel, and brake work). Not bad, waaaay overdue. Not being able to utilize the Subaru AWD launch at our long-start events was really killing me, as was just slipping the clutch coming out of low-speed corners. New rear shoes should help the rear bite a bit (trailbraking).

Car feels good on the 4 mile trip home, will break everything in properly over the next two weeks until our first '07 autocross event. Also coming in are a set of 225/45-15 Hankook Z214 C-70 compound autocross tires along with a new set of 225/50-15 Hankook RS-2 Z212 street tires/rains.

Now I really need to track down that TSB to allow for more negative camber up front :)

Gotta catch those MINIs!!

-James Wilson
'98 Impreza AWD, H-Stock

^^
Good luck James. That much needed maintenance should really help out on course. Best of luck in '07!

Update-

New parts seemed to have helped.

2nd of 12 solid drivers in H-Stock, lots of MINIs. 29th of 214 overall PAX. New Hankook Z214 C-70 compound autocross tires, albeit in the narrower 205/50-15, were fantastic-- far better than I ever could have hoped! We SNAPPED the GruppeS aluminum sway bar end links, right at the bearing...I will have to post photos-- not good for a Stock class car, still managed fastest lap with the bar effectively disconnected.....might make me rethink this whole gigantic front bar thing, as I knew the car "felt" like it had more mechanical grip overall and was more controllable with the stock front bar and the struts cranked up.

http://lcachola.smugmug.com/photos/123697367-M.jpg

Results at http://www.solo2.com/results/2007-01-14r.pdf , click on HS. Tom Smith had a great run in Don Green's MINI, couldn't be caught (nor repeated!).

Good feeling for the upcoming Tours and Pros, nice to be right in the mix with an "uncompetitive car" with excellent National drivers.

-James

Nice results, good luck as it progresses... sounds like a pretty fun project :D

Results at http://www.solo2.com/results/2007-01-14r.pdf , click on HS. Tom Smith had a great run in Don Green's MINI, couldn't be caught (nor repeated!).

Good feeling for the upcoming Tours and Pros, nice to be right in the mix with an "uncompetitive car" with excellent National drivers.

-James
Awesome result James! I saw the PAX class listed at the top, but do you have a link to the overall PAX standings (I know you finished 29th, but I wanted to see where Max Hayter stacked up as I know he's a nat'l level STU driver who won the '06 Pro Solo Finale in Topeka).

Good lucking working out the FSB issue. A big bar definitely has it's benefits - but not if it's snapping endlinks. Can your stock endlinks work with the Gruppe-S bar?

I wanted to see where Max Hayter stacked up as I know he's a nat'l level STU driver who won the '06 Pro Solo Finale in Topeka).

See the Indexed results link...

http://www.solo2.com/EventPage.asp?eid={AB2044D1-6452-43F8-9B12-4BFDFE274AE1}

-Max.

See the Indexed results link...

http://www.solo2.com/EventPage.asp?eid={AB2044D1-6452-43F8-9B12-4BFDFE274AE1}

-Max.
Unable to open up the link Max. Congrats on another solid performance. :cool:

Try this...

http://www.solo2.com/results/2007-01-14i.pdf

Try this...

http://www.solo2.com/results/2007-01-14i.pdf
Perfect! Congrats on a Top 10 Pax in such a competitive field!

Btw, did you catch this thread: http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1178538

When I saw the title, I ended up posting a few pics of your car that you had on the 2006 SCCA Solo Nationals thread on clubwrx.

Thanks Chike - it was a fun weekend for sure.

-Max.

Max has to use the big 10" front wheels to compensate.....

















...for his lovely smile and sparkling personality.

Good job Max!

Chris H.

Max has to use the big 10" front wheels to compensate.....

Genital size is in direct proportion to wheel width!:disco:

Any new updates James? :)

Signed my '07 tire sponsorship contract with Hankook :)

Running a RallyCross this weekend, got the new Hankook R202 rallye tyres (G70 compound) in about 2 hours ago, junkyard run found a cheap set of 15x6 Subaru alloy wheels that will function for now.

Next weekend is another autocross in San Diego (conflicts with another RallyCross, I will decide after this weekend).

I may be running the 225/45-15 Hankook Z214 C70 after next weekend, we'll see who shows up in SD to run.

Thanks!

Signed my '07 tire sponsorship contract with Hankook :)

Running a RallyCross this weekend, got the new Hankook R202 rallye tyres (G70 compound) in about 2 hours ago, junkyard run found a cheap set of 15x6 Subaru alloy wheels that will function for now.

Next weekend is another autocross in San Diego (conflicts with another RallyCross, I will decide after this weekend).

I may be running the 225/45-15 Hankook Z214 C70 after next weekend, we'll see who shows up in SD to run.

Thanks!
Awesome James! So you're moving up to 225/45/15's from your practically brand new 205/50/15 Z214's. Nice. Should provide much more mechanical grip in the turns.

Keep this thread updated often! :devil:

Running a RallyCross this weekend, got the new Hankook R202 rallye tyres (G70 compound) in about 2 hours ago, junkyard run found a cheap set of 15x6 Subaru alloy wheels that will function for now.

Next weekend is another autocross in San Diego (conflicts with another RallyCross, I will decide after this weekend).
So what's the word James? How did the rallyX go (got pics?) and are you doing the autoX this weekend in SD? :)

Photos and video are under "Shock Settings for RallyX" on the second page, for some reason I cannot link to the thread. I was also just sent a great CD of original images, I will have to do something to them.

I think I will be at the CSCC event, I do not have rain tires for this weekend, we will see :)

-JW

Nice! Here's the pic of your car from that thread:

http://clavoberg.smugmug.com/photos/128366596-L.jpg

And here's a link to the 2nd page of that thread: http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1192979&page=2

Man, that is one tight slalom :devil:

Man, that is one tight slalom :devil:

Why do you think I was leaning so hard??!:D

Why do you think I was leaning so hard??!:D


You were giving you co-driver the hummer. :devil:

You dropped your map. :lol:

Shift knob fell off and you were looking for it. :(

You were giving you co-driver the hummer. :devil:

You dropped your map. :lol:

Shift knob fell off and you were looking for it. :(

I'm going with option #1:p

For really cheap, especially since you already have endlinks....you should try the B9 Tribecca front sway bar. Its 25MM, and $80 from a SUBARU dealership.

Check this thread out:
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=973884

Rainy autocross in San Diego, 12 drivers in HS signed up for the California Speedway event up north, cancelled due to poor weather....noone showed up in San Diego to run H-Stock, lonely win. Still ran faster than CS, GS, and whoever else was in my run group....good to reference.

Video here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evjlwK3zQiQ

Thanks!

EDIT-- dry setup had been Hankook Z214 at 40-42psi front, 40-45psi rear, KYB AGX set at 1 or 2 up front and 6-8 rear depending on the course.

Wet setup to create a bit of safe push was same Hankook Z214 tires (still great in anything but heavy standing water), 37 psi front / 35 psi rear, struts set at 1 front and 3 rear, no sway bar changes. Seemed to work, we might be running in the wet again for the San Diego National Tour in a few weeks :(

Nice vid James, you took nice lines. Made me realize that I early apexed waaay too many of those corners.
You should have run PAX, it dried out nicely after the course was put back together.

Car is spooky-fast, I cannot wait until the National Tour in San Diego in a few weeks.....need a few more drivers signed up for the ProSolo at El Toro, but we have 5 right now for the NT......dang MINIs :)

-JW

Car is spooky-fast, I cannot wait until the National Tour in San Diego in a few weeks.....need a few more drivers signed up for the ProSolo at El Toro, but we have 5 right now for the NT......dang MINIs :)

-JW
That's awesome news! Good luck at the SD National Tour! :devil:

I'll be eagerly awaing your results James, so don't **** up.

I'll be eagerly awaing your results James, so don't **** up.

No pressure! I'll be at Houston and Mineral Wells, ringside seat to me not ******* it up :D

No pressure! I'll be at Houston and Mineral Wells, ringside seat to me not ******* it up :D

Aw man, don't tell me that. I'll be running BS this year :(

New project car for the non-autocross stuff, a tad faster than the H-Stock car.......

http://www.chasecam.com/forum/showthread.php?t=511

I wish I could find something inexpensive and Subaru-powered, but just not in the cards :)

On another note, we now have 7 entries in HS at the San Diego National Tour and 3 for the ProSolo, this should get interesting.

-JW

^
That's awesome James. Good luck at the SD Tour and Pro Solo!!! :banana: :banana: :banana:

Congrats on your latest result James!

http://www.solo2.com/results/2007-03-11i.pdf

2nd in HS, and 38th out of 230 in PAX is a pretty darn good day in my book! Good luck at the SD Tour!!! :cool:

Congrats on your latest result James!

http://www.solo2.com/results/2007-03-11i.pdf

2nd in HS, and 38th out of 230 in PAX is a pretty darn good day in my book! Good luck at the SD Tour!!! :cool:

Yes, I DIG the 225/45-15 Hankook Z214......finished 0.036 back, d'oh!

I got great video also, I need to upload them to YouTube.

More grip FTW!!! Upload those vids ASAP! :lol:

P.S. Post pics if any were taken of your car. I'd like to see how the 225's look on your stock wheels...

James, please don't take this the wrong way. First of all, I wasn't at the event so I have no clue if it was a power course or if your car was unfavored because of course design. But I would wager to guess based on some other names and times there, you're atleast 1 second off of where you should be, raw time that is. How is everything coming with the car btw?

James, please don't take this the wrong way. First of all, I wasn't at the event so I have no clue if it was a power course or if your car was unfavored because of course design. But I would wager to guess based on some other names and times there, you're atleast 1 second off of where you should be, raw time that is. How is everything coming with the car btw?


I will post the video, I would say that it was indeed a horsepower course....I think whoever could pull hardest off of the corners was going to win, and the Subaru definitely had a good advantage. There were spots where I just couldn't force myself to look far enough ahead, and it cost me some time. Cal Club Region has some very big names to race against, and I would like to see more of those in the Stock classes for comparision (most are in SP). Watch out for Tom Berry's BSP Evolution, that car was rediculously fast over the weekend.

I drove by Qualcomm Stadium tonight after dinner, course looks good for the Tour!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjB-Lyu7q28

Quickest lap, but not by much....I tend to be fairly consistent between a spread, unfortunately if I think I run hard and the time just isn't there, it is tough for me to improve....time for an Evolution School? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1phB_a_ttZk

Nice video James! Yeah, an Evo school is a great investment regardless of what level you've reached in autoX. I'm doing a Phase 1 this April!

Video looked good. Nice and smooth everywhere. Though I'd say you could've been more aggressive in a few spots. I would defintely consider that a power course, or depending how you look at it, a speed maintenence course. I'd just aim for Butezer in CS. 4 seconds off is a little much, even for HS though.

Wish I could make it out there for the tour, looks like a great site. Maybe someday when I'm rich, lol.

http://www.scca.com/_FileLibrary/File/San%20Diego%20Sat.pdf

I have a 0.337 lead in H-Stock going into Sunday, we run first run group (cold and dirty).....here goes nothing! I have good 2-camera video from the day, I will post on YouTube on Sunday night when I am not so tired :)

-James

Congrats James!!!! Great job out there putting the Subaru on top!!!! :devil:

Good luck tomorrow.

I was hoping Keith would come down with his Mini, but he must be focusing his attentions on his XP car. Maybe Atwater will have some stronger competition. I wouldn't think HS should be more than 0.5 to 0.75 seconds off of GS...let alone 2.6 :eek: Perhaps the first heat run group was part of that too. But then again, some of the fast GS boys from last year aren't there either.

I think the most interesting results are Ron and Jim in Ron's new gen Miata, out ahead of a top class CSP field. That, and the fact that the top couple of positions in BSP, CSP, and DSP are essentially within tenths. Good thing there are so many SP classes...running the same times.

Chris H.

Congrats on winning HS by over 0.8 seconds James! :cool:

I was hoping Keith would come down with his Mini, but he must be focusing his attentions on his XP car. Maybe Atwater will have some stronger competition. I wouldn't think HS should be more than 0.5 to 0.75 seconds off of GS...let alone 2.6 :eek: Perhaps the first heat run group was part of that too. But then again, some of the fast GS boys from last year aren't there either.

I think the most interesting results are Ron and Jim in Ron's new gen Miata, out ahead of a top class CSP field. That, and the fact that the top couple of positions in BSP, CSP, and DSP are essentially within tenths. Good thing there are so many SP classes...running the same times.

Chris H.

HS ran first thing in the morning, Qualcomm Stadium is well known for being very dusty and quite slippery before rubber is layed down. We also saw temps in the 50's-low 60's during HS, while GS ran 4th group at 3-4pm (!!) in temps of 80+, with a well swept track and good rubber, not to mention a Course Change to fix some chunking issues. Sunday was an hour earlier, same deal, but not as warm overall, with GS running in 4th group at about 65-deg temps and cloudcover (we were much colder).....track kept getting better and better even throughout the first run group, as we got that terrible dust blown away (especially the beginning part of the course). And for more legitimate excuses, it was a good mix of technical and HP elements, where the GS Coopers would definitely pull away (all else being equal with an HS Cooper).

I will post video from both days, YouTube is being retarded and uploading incorrect files for some reason.

-James W.

(Please Right Click and Save As!!)

Saturday, Heat 1, H-Stock Subaru Impreza L. 61.695 seconds.
ftp://chasecam.com/incoming/HS%20Run%202%20Saturday.MPG

Sunday, Heat 1, same car. 60.877 seconds.
ftp://chasecam.com/incoming/HS%20Run%203%20Sunday.MPG

Taken with ChaseCam PDR100, SS1000 PIP processor, and 520-line cameras.

Nicely done James! I'm impressed man! Way to prove me wrong! lol

Also, what's the cost on your video setup? I can't believe how clear that video is and how clear the sound is as well.

I think the most interesting results are Ron and Jim in Ron's new gen Miata, out ahead of a top class CSP field.

The Miata is dead sexy. 285's make Miatas look goooooood. The scoop is SP suspension, stock engine. That will change, however. The car is Ron's, however Jim and Tami were at IceBreaker with it. Jim was 2nd quick (coned away TTOD) and Tami was 4th quick for the day.

The SCCA did a nice little write-up on your win in HS James:

H Stock
Why is HS not just a Mini class? Because local driver James Wilson drove his ChaseCam.com/Hankook Motors Subaru Impreza on Hankook tires to first place by 0.834-second over the Mini's of Mark Ferguson, from Lafayette, Colo., and Donald Green, of Bellflower, Calif., in the eight car class.

http://www.scca.org/Solo/Solo.asp?IdS=0C805E-138B210&x=050|010&~=#

Nice press for you and your sponsors!!! :banana: :banana: :banana:

I also had the chance to weigh the Impreza on the scales, not sure if they are 100% accurate, but give a good idea of where everything sits:

Race-Ready, without Driver.

2671lbs

819----757

526----568



Race Ready, with Driver (JW)

2871lbs

898----783

596----595


I do admit, the scales were blocked and we had to drive up onto them backwards (tech guy parked his truck in front of the scales), so this is transposed from the correct scale pad locations.

This is with 3/8-tank fuel (ended up starving on Saturday, filled to just over 1/2 with no problems), Borla exhaust, 22mm Whiteline FSB, no spare/tools/jack, and 13.5lbs cheapo TireRack clearance sale wheels and the Hankooks.....maybe a couple of pounds of dirt from the last rallycross, and my video equipment (~1.5lb total).

-James W.

Think you can lose 20lbs by Natl's James?! :D

That's a pretty svelte weight racing weight. I think RSX's are around 2,600lbs in race trim w/o driver. Minis are 100-150lbs lighter though, IIRC...

that's 100+lbs lighter than a GS RS. Very nice.

Think you can lose 20lbs by Natl's James?! :D

That's a pretty svelte weight racing weight. I think RSX's are around 2,600lbs in race trim w/o driver. Minis are 100-150lbs lighter though, IIRC...

Ugh, I should lose 20lbs by September! I have actually gained about 35lbs in the last 5 years, since getting married and quit running competitive cross-country and track in college...I am a lot less tired when I "race" now, though!

We got a dog last weekend, an Australian Shepherd, that needs to be walked constantly--maybe she can help me lose the weight!

Pull off that exhaust for easy weight loss. Turndown FTW.

Of course use that as a 30lb "ace in the hole" for nationals :)

-Tom

Report from the El Toro ProSolo:

Dusty and cooler running Heat 1 once again, launching conservatively at ~4500-5000 rpm with zero wheelspin, 2.2-2.3 second 60' times to make sure the car would live through the weekend with two drivers. Maintained nearly a 4.4 second lead from Saturday morning. Afternoon runs greatly improved the condition of the courses, but the advantage of the Impreza being better in the dirt went away as well, with the lead dwindling to less than 0.9XX seconds thanks to a 0.8XX improvement (but RL) on the Left and another 0.7XX or so improvement on the right, but coned.

Sunday morning, good conditions again, this time better launching at 5500-6000rpm with definite front wheelspin, and 60' as low as 2.137, right in line with the "other" ChaseCam car, the ASP and FP winning (and eventual Super Challenge winning) Lotus Elise. The MINIs fought back up, with minimal improvements on my end. Still, enough for a 0.9XX or so win in H-Stock.

Here's where it gets tricky: I am gridded against Gary Thomason for the Super Challenge (Qualified 10th). We line up, I am on the Right first...I come back with a 0.071 advantage. Switch sides after an unknown delay, and Gary gets me overall in raw time, piss-poor driving on my part. Come back in, and they say that Gary is eliminated because he DNF'd the finish! Gary says No, he did not, all of the spectators say (later) that he clearly DNF'd.....Gary requests a re-match, and of course with now-warm tires on the SS Z06 (and my now-overheated tires), he trounces me....I also happened to catch, on video, me putting the Subie into 1st gear instead of 3rd, sounded like a grenade went off!! Gary moves on, only to RL against Randy Chase later. To his credit, Gary sought me out later and admitted that he did indeed DNF, but the SCCA had already ruled me out....Gary hinted that he RL to prevent any future issues if he won the overall Challenge, but he apologized nonetheless, I hold no real grudges.

So that's the story.....unknown if the Impreza will live, ton of gear whine in 1st now, motor seems to hold up but dies when started (hot or cold), will do a compression/leakdown as well as oil analysis to make sure I did not destroy the car early. I am still planning on being at the Atwater National Tour in 3 weeks, if the contingency money comes in soon ($400 from the NT, $700 from the ProSolo), I might be able to have the car checked out first, but we'll see :(

-James W.

Sorry to hear about the car James. I'll keep my fingers crossed for ya! :)

$1,100 in two weekends is nice! :cool:

Wow, I didn't know that Gary was arguing against the DNF, which I also saw clearly. I figured he was arguing that it was lame to disqualify him for missing the exit lane since it was so far after the finish. Interestingly, I think McCormick also missed the lane later, but made a quick U-turn to go through it.

Hope the car isn't too bad. I like how it's killing the Minis.

More fun stuff--

http://www.hankooktireusa.com/press/press_press_view.asp?pid=163

Cut-n-paste for the lazy:

Hankook-Sponsored Driver Wins Two In A Row

James Wilson makes clean sweep SCCA National Solo Event in San Diego in his ChaseCam.com Subaru Impreza fitted with Ventus Z214’s

SAN DIEGO, CA (March 28, 2007) – This week, Hankook Tires made a clean sweep of Southern California SCCA National Solo events, with driver James Wilson, in his ChaseCam.com Subaru Impreza, winning the H-Stock class in both San Diego and El Toro.

The Solo National Tour made its second stop for 2007 at San Diego’s Qualcomm Stadium. Taking full advantage of the Ventus Z214’s advanced construction and grip, Wilson quickly became the car to beat, starting the morning with early lap times despite the typical fresh course hurdles that often plague the “sweep cars”.

“As soon as I hit the first corner, I knew we were onto something good,” said Wilson of the San Diego event. “The C70-compound Z214 had a distinct advantage over the other competitor’s tires by requiring very little heat buildup to work effectively. The rest of the class struggled to get near our lap times even as the course was swept clean and tires warmed up. We could focus on being consistent and fast.”

History would repeat itself the following weekend as the SCCA ProSolo National Series began its first round of dragstrip-start autocross at the AMCI facility in El Toro, California.

“We had a bit of a disadvantage going into the ProSolo, with the courses favoring the sprightly BMW MINIs that would potentially be faster through the higher-speed sections of both courses,” noted Wilson. “We relied heavily on the much lower 60’ times that Subaru’s AWD and tenacious launching grip of the Ventus Z214, as well as the ability of the C70-compound to outperform in cooler and dirtier conditions, to make up for the Subaru’s weight penalty.”

Wilson once again took home the win in H-Stock, setting the bar for the rest of the ’07 ProSolo Series.

Despite being knocked out later in the first round of Super Challenge competition due to a technicality, Wilson remains positive. “We have surprised a lot of people very early on this year, no doubt thanks to the tremendous grip and consistency of the Z214 tire. I hope that we continue to show that Hankook is committed to providing excellent products and support for the Motorsports market that are not only affordable, but are proven to WIN as well.”

James Wilson and the ChaseCam.com Subaru Impreza will be at the next stop of the SCCA Solo National Tour at Castle Airport in Atwater, California April 14th and 15th. The series’ National Championships will take place at Heartland Park in Topeka, Kansas in September.

About Hankook Tire America Corp.
Headquartered in Wayne, N.J., Hankook Tire America Corp. is a technology-focused, market-driven company that supports motorsports enthusiasts and racers at all levels. Hankook is known and respected around the world for its superior competition tires that outlast the toughest opposition. Hankook remains at the forefront of performance tire development to achieve cutting-edge results. As Hankook expands its motorsports activities, the focus will remain on technology that will keep Hankook-equipped vehicles in the winners circle. Hankook is one of the largest tire manufacturers in the world, manufacturing a wide range of tires for almost any vehicle. For more information please visit Hankook Tires on the web at www.hankooktireusa.com.

That's awesome press James! :banana: :banana: :banana:

Question: What's the update on the condition of your engine and/or trans after the Pro?

No offense, but holy propaganda.

We relied heavily on the much lower 60’ times that Subaru’s AWD and tenacious launching grip of the Ventus Z214

When you start cutting sub 2.0 second 60ft times then you have something to write about.

No offense, but holy propaganda.



When you start cutting sub 2.0 second 60ft times then you have something to write about.

I don't think the 2.2L has enough life in it to cut sub-2.0, we were doing 2.137 best on Sunday....not enough oomph, and not very grippy conditions at the starting line all weekend. Still, my 2.1 versus the Mini's 2.5-2.7 I would call an advantage!

Engine/trans is unknown, we have been so busy during the week that I haven't even changed the gearbox and diff fluids to see what sparklies come out. I am staying local this weekend and doing the SD event, too bad-- Cal Club has been seeing 10-12 quality entrants in HS lately. Too much time away from home the past few weeks, we do have a newborn in the house!

Engine/trans is unknown, we have been so busy during the week that I haven't even changed the gearbox and diff fluids to see what sparklies come out. I am staying local this weekend and doing the SD event, too bad-- Cal Club has been seeing 10-12 quality entrants in HS lately. Too much time away from home the past few weeks, we do have a newborn in the house!
Do you drive the car during the week at all? Let us know the update.

Chiketkd-

I always drive the Subaru, it is my DD.....tons of gear whine in 1st (like you are going in Reverse very quickly), but does not feel different shifting between gears. Engine would die every time I started it until Wednesday, when I replaced the spark plugs...old ones were only about 12K miles old and not very rounded/gap was okay.

I will have an oil analysis done on the engine and gearbox/diff oils when I change them out tonight or tomorrow.....

Indexed results up from the El Toro ProSolo:

http://sccaforums.com/forums/storage/16/239064/El%20Toro%20Pro%20Index.pdf

49th of 196, I have done a lot worse!

I was going to post those. Not bad at all - your paxed higher than Andy Hollis!

your paxed higher than Andy Hollis!

Those are not PAX numbers.

They use the Pro Solo Index (PSI?) numbers for those.
The index for HS is a lot easier in Pro Solo than in PAX (.769 vs .789 PAX)

Thanks for that clarification Shawn!

u are one hell of a driver man!

Update--

Changed out the Motul Motylgear 75w-90 diff oil (about 12K miles), no excessive metal sharding, just a little normal "fuzz" on the magnet. Replaced with some LubroMoly 75w-90 Vollsynthese that I had laying around from my Porsche days.

Changed out the no-name bulk gearbox oil from the clutch changeover, a lot more metal and fuzz than I would expect--actually, way more than when I changed out the original Subaru fill at 160K miles! I will have to keep an eye on it, especially with that 1st gear whine. Replaced with a mix of 3 x ltr Motul Gear 300 Synthetic 75w-90, 0.5 x ltr Motul MotylGear, and 0.25 x ltr LubroMoly Vollsynthese. I hope it is a happy blend :)

Autocross in the morning, we'll see if it holds up. I might just run my street tires (Hankook RS-2 Z212 225/50-15) if I feel that the race tires might put too much strain on the gears.

^
Good luck James. Hope all is well... Good luck in the autoX tomorrow.

I'll be up at the Atwater National Tour this weekend with a codriver, hopefully he won't kick my @ss. :)

Got my new tire trailer and Hidden Hitch system, never wired it up, so we are just going to throw the tires in the back seats and Blackwatch Racing tire bags, like always. California has a trailer speed limit of 55 anyway.

Sourced a pair of new/sticker 225/45-15 C70 Hankook Z214 tires for the front, if the car is still too pushy I am not above running the 225/50-15 Z212 (street tire) on the rear.

No other changes from the other races, not enough time, very busy with ChaseCam.

I did pick up a nice 1988 Toyota MR2 N/A hardtop with cooold a/c as a scoot-around car, and potentially an STS2 car for next year if I choose.

Win at Atwater, over 3 seconds over my codriver and 5 sec + over the next car, gotta love AWD and Hankook Z212 street tires in the rain-- still showed over 1g continuous cornering in the wet.

Videos here:

Saturday-- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaKjxQj05o0 , my codriver was a lot smoother and always had more cornering force than I was, but I was on the gas a lot more. Net effect was a difference of 0.095 between us.

Sunday-- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9K8sQ3RbeM not the fastest lap, but the most entertaining...especially the first right hander...whoops!

Alas, got my @ss handed to me at a local event this past weekend by an '07 Civic, albiet driven by SPEED World Challenge driver and multi-time SCCA Club Racing National Champion Paul Bonaccorsi. Oh, well. :)

My car at the local event--- look at that hp squat! (yeah, right!) http://www.miataspeed.com/images/aprilautox/aprilautox_213.jpg

And Paul's Civic, as driven by the car owner--
http://www.miataspeed.com/images/aprilautox/aprilautox_235.jpg

No photos from Atwater, I guess no one is posting them.

I'll be at the Houston NT next month, maybe the car will be fixed. We broke another front axle at the NT, and again at the local event...maybe too much force and travel up front?

Need to get the trailer wired as well.

Oh, there is a photo of my car (well, the roof and my bullet camera/mount) in the current issue of SportsCar magazine in the Stock Class article, above my buddy's red Porsche 968. This was from the San Diego National Tour. The MINI that we beat is also on the cover, drat. Too bad my car is so ugly.

-JW

Alas, got my @ss handed to me at a local event this past weekend by an '07 Civic, albiet driven by SPEED World Challenge driver and multi-time SCCA Club Racing National Champion Paul Bonaccorsi. Oh, well. :)
-JW

What did you find out about the civic (other than Paul's really fast)? Tire size? Was it prepped by Shenefield at Redshift? Koni's? FSB?

James, check your motor mounts and pitch stop. Either way, flimsy motor mounts will eat axles faster than, well, you get the idea.

Are there any good recommended NASIOC-friendly vendors that tailor to OEM Subaru components? I can always look at a list, but if there is a standout, please let me know.

We have two more local events before the Houston NT, I need to get the car sorted.

Thanks!

-JamesW

I've always used SubieGal/Jamie @ www.subarugenuineparts.com when I needed OEM parts.

See the huge review thread: SubieGal/Jamie @ SubaruGenuineParts.com (merged thread) (http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=737330)

Axles replaced under warranty, ALL of the boots were cracking and the inboard passenger joint was destroyed. Need to look at replacing parts before the Houston NT, it's a 1500+ mile trip one way, can't get stuck.

Congrats - glad it was fixed under warranty. Did you have an extended warranty on the car? Or were the axles replacement items which had their own separate warranty?

Congrats - glad it was fixed under warranty. Did you have an extended warranty on the car? Or were the axles replacement items which had their own separate warranty?

New lifetime warranty axles with the clutch install at the shop, I knew they were going to be problematic (the old ones had split boots as well).

I snapped the timing belt on my STS2 MR2 last night, I know I am overdue for a belt set on the Subaru as well....I might have them just do it as well while they have the car for the week!

OKAY, new issues....well not new, but need to be resolved fairly quickly.

The front axle angle is unacceptable, there is too much bind and misalignment on the front inner CV joints even at static rest. This is overstraining the joint, to the point of breaking axles.

Subaru published specs:

1998 Impreza 2200cc sedan, coupe

Hub center to arch--
Wheel arch height front: 15.39" + or minus 0.47-0.84"
Wheel arch height rear: 14.92" + or minus 0.39"

My HS car-- front: 16.3"
rear: 14.5"

The rear springs are way sagged, excessively lowering the rear as well as exaggerating the lift up front. I can try new springs, but I am not sure if it will get me within spec to create a decent alignment and not keep breaking axles.

This is with one-eighth tank fuel, KYB AGX on race settings, and the new trailer hitch installed. I usually run with an additional 7 more gallons of gas. Front ride height does not significantly change when I get in it.

I took some photos tonight because it has been bothering me, especially as I cannot get more than 0-deg neg camber up front, and about 0.6-deg neg in the rear. I will try to upload them somewhere.

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u265/jamesnwilson1982/P1010053.jpg
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u265/jamesnwilson1982/P1010057.jpg
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u265/jamesnwilson1982/P1010059.jpg

All that lift up front = BARF! http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u265/jamesnwilson1982/P1010021.jpg

lol, well it doesn't help that you're parked on a hill. But I would suggest getting some new springs, but even then, I don't think they can sag that much. Possibly your caster is way off as well?

You either have the wrong springs or the wrong front struts for your body style.

-Tom

You should also have -1.5 front camber.

-Tom

Tom--

The struts are only one part number for the 93-01 (I believe) KYB-AGX, they were identical in dimensions (including shaft stroke length) to the OEM KYB's that came off the car...albiet, these ones work :)

The driveway does not really affect the rake, it is like this always...even more severe when running race fuel levels.

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u265/jamesnwilson1982/P1010060-1.jpg

And under acceleration--

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u265/jamesnwilson1982/P1010066.jpg


I will replace the front springs and have a "proper" alignment (per Tom's email also) if I can before the Houston NT. God, if I can get even close to -1.0 deg camber that would be fantastic!!

Edit-- sorry for the gigantic photos.

Sweet pics James. If you can indeed get as much as -1.5 deg of camber upfront, then you WILL be faster as the season progresses. Good luck. :)

Yea, its goofy for you to have such a huge front ride height, not sure. Then again, the camber numbers I'm quoting are from a 2.5RS, so not sure if thats different then the non "RS" version, but I'm pretty sure they are not.

-Tom

Springs are what gives a car its static ride height, so perhaps the rear springs should be replaced too.

Springs are what gives a car its static ride height, so perhaps the rear springs should be replaced too.

Not entirely, when I replaced my 60k mile oem shocks with new AGX's the right height increased atleast an inch.

Update-

Good local autocross this past weekend, another win, faster than ES and GS :) Car actually felt really good, even with the tow hitch installed. I will post video tonight if I can get to it. Major clunking up front, though, not sure what it is. I have been told that the FSB's can walk around, so I had placed one lonely hose clamp and rubber on one side. I recently added a two-piece aluminum collar around the bar (7/8") on the otherside, what might be happening is the bar walks all the way over and tags the collar on the chassis-to-FSB bushing bracket. Grease slide is consistent with this. Could be a lot of other things, who knows :)

Got a borrowed set of SSR Competition 15x7" wheels for the STS2 MR2 as well, and my Hankook Z212 in 225/45-15 showed up this morning as well. Might be fun for next year, considering selling or de-tuning the Subaru and keeping it as a Family-Only car for 2008 while I race the MR2 in STS2.

Just took delivery of the new HS car:

http://www.subrew.com/library/accent/index.html

2,295# with 1/4 tank gas on the cement scales (+-5 pounds.) 24mm front bar already on order ;)

Chris H.

Not entirely, when I replaced my 60k mile oem shocks with new AGX's the right height increased atleast an inch.

That's true. I know if shocks are de-gassed (bad because cavitation occurs), it lowers the car slightly. But most of the static height for a car is contributed by the springs.

Just took delivery of the new HS car:

http://www.subrew.com/library/accent/index.html

2,295# with 1/4 tank gas on the cement scales (+-5 pounds.) 24mm front bar already on order ;)

Chris H.


Haha, I had been talking about the new Accent GT/Sport, they come with 16" wheels and "sport suspension" also. Niiice.

I'm joking about running in H-stock, as this is just Susan's daily driver, but...part of me considered the SE just in case! ha.

I actually drove an SE, which comes with the performance pack. Something like 17% stiffer front springs, 12% stiffer rear, re-valve struts, 24mm front bar, and the 16x6.5 wheels with 205/45-16 tires. The SE is listed at something like 2340 pounds, and it could run the 215/40-16 V710s that the Minis run. 110hp doesn't sound like much, but it is suprisingly punchy. But then again, my race car makes 80hp ;)

Chris H.

Yea, its goofy for you to have such a huge front ride height, not sure. Then again, the camber numbers I'm quoting are from a 2.5RS, so not sure if thats different then the non "RS" version, but I'm pretty sure they are not.

-Tom

I would imagine the struts are the same dimension and the camber bolts are probably the same PN, though I could never get more than -1.3* out of mine. There does seem to be several tenths of a degree worth of variation from one car to the next.

I got the last couple tenths by loosening the control arm bolts and "taking out the slack" by pulling the hub outward, then tightening the bolts.

Chris H.

Chris-

Yes, that is what Hoppe had recommended to me also. I haven't done it becaus a lot of the fasteners had started to rust (NY car), and didn't want to get stuck! I will try it this week or next, I am leaving for Houston on Wed. night 5/16.

Got a borrowed set of SSR Competition 15x7" wheels for the STS2 MR2 as well, and my Hankook Z212 in 225/45-15 showed up this morning as well. Might be fun for next year, considering selling or de-tuning the Subaru and keeping it as a Family-Only car for 2008 while I race the MR2 in STS2.

STS2 - Now that's a class! :cool:

There is chatter about the "new" series of Hankook Z214 (C31/C51/C71) tires not making the April 30 cutoff, effectively ENDING all users of the tire effective immediately, as the "old series" (C30/C50/C70) is no longer being manufactured/phased out. I don't see it that way, but talk around the SEB is suggesting it. Visit SCCAForums.com for more info-- http://sccaforums.com/forums/8/244419/ShowThread.aspx#244419

My C51's have a production date of 0307-- third week of 2007, but I have not mounted them...I was going to run them at the Houston NT. They were totally available well before the cutoff, but some dealers could not get them from certain distributors, as they did not want to purchase new stock when so much old stock remained. Did that make them "unavailable" to the general public, or did the Distributors just not want to order them? Confusing, and it will take an official word from Hankook as to whether or not the tires made the cutoff. I personally do, because I've had mine for a very long time sitting in my garage, straight from the California warehouse. They have not been advertised much, but have been in the US since at least January.

Time to finish the STS2 project and let someone else drive the Subie at Nationals in HS on a Kumho or Hoosier??

If they do that....it'll shine a bright light over the subject of fine tuning the tire model mid year (aka Hoosier). In the past, as long as the model (Z214) was approved before the cutoff, all was well unless they made major changes.

Jay Storm

Getting ready for the Utah ProSolo (single course), going to pull the trigger on all new springs, control arms/bushings, engine/trans mounts, etc etc etc to get ready for Topeka. No more excuses!

Now I just need to figure out of the Optima Group 35 Red Top is legit for Stock class....weighs the same as most Group 35's (I have weighed many, most are 30-35lbs on my scale, the Optima is 32-33lbs). No performance benefit other than not exploding on me, and being able to hang in there during a RallyCross. Thoughts? I need a battery badly, I would rather buy one good one than three lousy ones.

Have you gotten the car aligned? The older GC imprezas should definitely be able to get some -ve camber upfront.

The Optima red top battery is technically an OE replacement (unlike the braille batteries). How much does the factory Subaru battery weigh?

Have you gotten the car aligned? The older GC imprezas should definitely be able to get some -ve camber upfront.

The Optima red top battery is technically an OE replacement (unlike the braille batteries). How much does the factory Subaru battery weigh?

I can answer the factory part of that...:)....Subaru Stock Battery: 35.5 lbs according to the trusy UPS scales...:):eek: I didn't realize it was that much...

Thanks Bill. I also didn't think the factory battery weighed that much!!! :eek:

G
Now I just need to figure out of the Optima Group 35 Red Top is legit for Stock class....weighs the same as most Group 35's (I have weighed many, most are 30-35lbs on my scale, the Optima is 32-33lbs). No performance benefit other than not exploding on me, and being able to hang in there during a RallyCross. Thoughts? I need a battery badly, I would rather buy one good one than three lousy ones.

If I looked under the hood and saw an Optima i would assume it was lighter than the factory battery...

If I looked under the hood and saw an Optima i would assume it was lighter than the factory battery...

Not I, they are some big boys. If anything I would think they would be heavier than stock. Also, I don't believe the battery can be any lighter than stock. It has to be stock weight atleast.

Get an alignment dude! You should be able to at least get -1 degrees in the front!

-1 deg? that would be friggin fantastic :)

Yeah, I figure I will get a lot of raised eyebrows about the battery, but as it will be LEGAL, no one would pony up any protest dough to have their question answered :)

lovely free stuff.............................

I used to bolt the rotors down with lugnuts and then put blocks under them (with wood) and lower the car to stress the knuckles before tightening them back up. The weight of the car will wring out the most camber that those eccentric bolts will allow. It's never been a problem for me to get -1* or more from the stock bolts.

Jay Storm

Getting ready for the Utah ProSolo (single course), going to pull the trigger on all new springs, control arms/bushings, engine/trans mounts, etc etc etc to get ready for Topeka. No more excuses!
Let us know if the ride height is fixed with the new factory springs. In that pic you posted earlier:

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u265/jamesnwilson1982/P1010060-1.jpg

Your car sits like a monster truck! :lol:

haha yeah I sure hope so! People honk and flash their lights at me, they think my high beams are on because of the angle :)

Just ordered new Kartboy front sway bar end links, the Gruppe-S ones kept breaking (solid aluminum + spherical bearing) as did the Stock ones. They should arrive tomorrow, they are local to me.

New battery should arrive within the hour, Optima has sent me a document supporting that it meets all Group 35 specs including a listed "minimum weight" for their product, which falls directly in the middle of most other battery ranges. Sweet. Maybe I can start my car with the headlights on now :)

Awesome. Good luck at the Salt Lake Pro Solo!!! :cool:

Hope some good pics are taken of your car - would be nice to see how it looks with -1 deg of camber up front! :)

Btw, I'm SERIOUSLY considering running Hankooks next season. I'm thinking about running 245/40/17 C70/71 Z214's on my 2.5L '06 WRX. I know they have stiff sidewalls, do you think my tire guy will have any issues mounting them on my 17x7" wheels? Also, how many competitive runs do you get out of a set of C70/C71 Z214's before they cord or heat cycle out? Btw, have you corded any Z214's?

Chike
#70 DS

Yes I have corded them, but only on the outside...they can be flipped with a little thinking ahead, and probably get 100 runs on the C7 compound if taken care of. Your tire guy shouldn't have a problem if he knows what he is doing, my guy leaves mine out in the sun for a few minutes to make sure they will be pliable enough-- 225's on a 6" rim :)

If you are really concerned about tire life, pick the C5 compound to try out first. It is still a great tire, and you will probably be seeing me on the C5's anyway because I tend to not wish to focus on tire life--just drive fast to WIN!

-JW

Yes I have corded them, but only on the outside...they can be flipped with a little thinking ahead, and probably get 100 runs on the C7 compound if taken care of. Your tire guy shouldn't have a problem if he knows what he is doing, my guy leaves mine out in the sun for a few minutes to make sure they will be pliable enough-- 225's on a 6" rim :)

If you are really concerned about tire life, pick the C5 compound to try out first. It is still a great tire, and you will probably be seeing me on the C5's anyway because I tend to not wish to focus on tire life--just drive fast to WIN!

-JW
Thanks James. Not too concern about tire life and I really want to give the C7 compound a try first. I plan on attending the first NT in '08 which should be the Dixie NT in Georgia (organizers have confirmed it'll be back in '08, just not sure of when). By then I should be on konis and will hopefully be able to make a dent in the class. After that my plans are to do three Pro Solos (or whatever replaces Pro Solo in '08) and attend the Pro Finale only in Topeka.

Btw, how many runs did you get out of your C7's before they corded (w/o flipping)? I'm sure you could have gotten another 20+ runs out of them if you had more than 0 deg of camber upfront! :lol:

Chike
#70 DS

Btw, how many runs did you get out of your C7's before they corded (w/o flipping)? I'm sure you could have gotten another 20+ runs out of them if you had more than 0 deg of camber upfront! :lol:

Chike
#70 DS

I get 50-75 runs, depending on the surface, how many drivers, etc. I do PCA events where we will run blistering 10 laps back-to-back, and then slow SCCA events with up to 30 minutes between runs, some on asphalt (San Diego, California Speedway, etc.) or very abrasive concrete (El Toro). Who knows, too many variables. I will get 27 runs with my 3 drivers at the SLC ProSolo next weekend (plus Challenges) and this new set will have 6 runs on them (sticker now, we have a Night event this Saturday), so we'll see.

I get 50-75 runs, depending on the surface, how many drivers, etc. I do PCA events where we will run blistering 10 laps back-to-back, and then slow SCCA events with up to 30 minutes between runs, some on asphalt (San Diego, California Speedway, etc.) or very abrasive concrete (El Toro). Who knows, too many variables. I will get 27 runs with my 3 drivers at the SLC ProSolo next weekend (plus Challenges) and this new set will have 6 runs on them (sticker now, we have a Night event this Saturday), so we'll see.
Thanks James. I'll start off next season on fresh C7 Z214's and decide where to go from there. The Hankook contingency is sweet and as long as they prove competitive and remain reasonable in price, they'll be my tire of choice.

P.S. Is the car ready for the Salt Lake Pro?

Car was at StickItStore.com this morning to get prepped for the full Hankook graphics package, should be showing it off at SLC! Got my battery in, as well as my new Kartboy front end links (they are nice!). Fresh sticker tires on as well. I'll be ready as ever, except for the new springs and any real alignment.

If you can take a pic of the car with the new graphics.

The car will be graphic'd up probably next week, but it should be identical to Matthew Johnson's RallyAmerica PGT WRX (Hankook-Mobile) - 2007 spec (last year was all Orange, kindof boring).

No graphics yet, sorry, ran out of time. Nice time at the SLC ProSolo, won HS and my codriver was 2nd, and my other codriver was 2nd in L1, neither had ever driven the car...not even on the drive up! :)

New springs are now on order, probably will not arrive for the Packwood ProSolo. Oh well.

Trashed another set of Whiteline 22mm FSB chassis bushings, does anyone make a Delrin rather than urethane bushing for this?? Roller Bearing? Mine end up more oval than round after a few autocrosses. Global wants $16 for a new set, plus another $15 for shipping!! Stupid.

Hey James,

Quick question... My DS WRX TR is 3,020lbs in racing trim, I'm running -1.5 deg camber upfront, -1.2 rear. I just got some C51 245/40/17 Z214's mounted on my racing wheels. What are some good pressures to start out at front and rear?

With Hoosiers, I ran 46F, 37R due to the soft sidewalls.

Thanks.

merciiiiiiiiiiiiii

Same deal with the Hankooks....high pressures. Their sidewalls are super-stiff, and in autcross situations the tire has actually been known to "rip" on the shoulder---sidewall stays put, tread grips so hard against the pavement that something has to give. Bump up the pressure, and that tendency goes away.

I have settled on 48psi F and 51-55psi R, but my car is 2670lbs and has less camber than yours. Experiment as necessary. I run it so that I do not get (or barely get) any tread scuff on the little wearbar triangles on the shoulder edge.

Good luck, I think you will like them as much as I have!!

Thanks a million James! I actually read your response on Shawn's (moxnix) palm pilot just before the driver's meeting at this morning's autocross event. I decided to go with the last pressures Karen Kraus and I used on the car with my former Hoosier R5's - 46psi F, 37psi R.

Today's event wasn't the best to truly 'feel' the grip of these C51 tires as it was drizzling steadily for the first 2 runs of my Heat, and then 'drying' slowly for the last two. The conditions definitely favored an awd car.

With this caveat mentioned, I did win DS today by ~0.1 sconds over moxnix in his MSP. At the last DC SCCA event (took place last Sunday - dry conditions) moxnix won DS by 0.16 seconds ahead of my co-driver Karen Kraus (I was 1.8 seconds back from moxnix in 8th place - large 20 person class).

So my initial thoughts about these tires...

1) Lateral grip is noticeably better than my former Hoosier R5's (but this is based on the C51's grip on a less than ideal wet surface w/ no standing water).
2) The sidewall stiffness allows me to better 'sense' when my car is approaching peak lateral grip. The steering feels much more responsive.
3) Braking and acceleration grip feels the same as the R5's.

I can't wait to try out the C71's next season! :devil:

This is good news. I should be ordering my set this week. Hopefully the contingency check from the Toledo Pro comes this week as well to help offset the price.

Chicketkd: Did you notice running into ABS any more than usual? My only concern is the reports that these tires are slightly more prone to spinning on launch and skidding under braking. I don't have ABS on my car but am pretty used to finding and holding the threshold.

Jay Storm

Jay,

I ran into no issues with the factory abs on my '06 WRX. It never cut on once today and I never found my car sliding under braking - it always felt controlled.

Good luck with the C71's you're ordering. These tires definitely seem to be the real deal (after my brief experience with them) - and the stiff sidewall is perfect for Subarus as we lose camber under suspension compression.

Chike

Glad to hear you like them Chike.
Now James can you use your influence with the company to have them introduce a 255/35/19 size. ;) I am stuck using Hoosier rears and Kuhmo fronts for now until someone else comes out with a 19 inch race tire. Since I won't be running my car again till after nationals I have a fresh set of Hoosiers that will be on my car at the beginning of next year that I won as contingency from the DC Prosolo. Either way the fronts only last 30 runs on the front of my car. Kuhmos last longer but are probably the most difficult tire to mount I have ever dealt with.:lol: Hope to see you go kick some butt in HS in Topeka. I will be there in the #95 99 Miata in CS.

Thanks Keith. I definitely like these tires on my camber challenged rally pig! :lol:

The feel/feedback at the limit is just amazing - kinda similar to the V710 in many ways. I drove Will's AS S2000 on fresh Hoosier A6's, and they felt just like R5/R6's do at the limit - numb and grip gives away with little to no warning. Here's hoping Hankook does develop more 18" sizes as well as some 19" sizes. Many feel these could be the tire to have at the Runoffs.

Would also love to see James kick butt in HS in Topeka. A Subie in the trophies would be awesome!! Good luck fighting the good fight against those Solstices in CS with Peterson.

Replaced the FSB chassis bushings (thanks Global!) that were ovaled out and popping, replaced the manifold-to-cat gasket that has blown (thanks for NOTHING Express Tire, reusing old parts even when I bring in new gaskets...crooks!), I have the Subie next door now getting the CV boots replaced on the third set of axles in the last 8 months....and now come to find out that the listed inner CV's are not the correct size, and none are available. Poop. We're leaving in 37 hours for the Packwood Pro...aaaaaaaah! Nothing like 2600 miles to make you question your gear.

Don't forget to vote for me in HS for the "SCCAForums Pick The Winners Contest" - http://sccaforums.com/pickthewinners/default-solo.aspx and all the other Subie drivers that stand a chance in their classes!

^
Already voted for ya! Go get 'em James! :devil:

Thanks for everything Chike!

New CV boots are installed, they were a tight fit and may end up sliding off the retainer, I will bring an extra for the trip.

New springs from Subaru come in tomorrow at some point, I think I will be closing my shop early to have time to install them before heading up to WA. Or, the other option is to not worry about it at all and just head up on the current setup, and then put the springs in when I return....I think I have a 3-day practice event where we can do a little tuning.

Thoughts?

Don't forget to vote for me in HS for the "SCCAForums Pick The Winners Contest" - http://sccaforums.com/pickthewinners/default-solo.aspx and all the other Subie drivers that stand a chance in their classes!

done....good luck..:)

New springs from Subaru come in tomorrow at some point, I think I will be closing my shop early to have time to install them before heading up to WA. Or, the other option is to not worry about it at all and just head up on the current setup, and then put the springs in when I return....I think I have a 3-day practice event where we can do a little tuning.

Thoughts?
If there's no time to do an alignment after installing the springs, leave as is -- if there's time for proper alignment, then get that monster truck lowered! :lol: :lol: :lol:

If there's no time to do an alignment after installing the springs, leave as is -- if there's time for proper alignment, then get that monster truck lowered! :lol: :lol: :lol:

Springs are still on the UPS truck as of 10am, still waiting.....

This car hardly sees an alignment rack, so why start now? :D

When the CV boots were changed yesterday, the guys brought me over and said "Amigo, mira....you are only getting about a half a degree of camber on the front. You want for us to make more for your racing car?" as he hefted an 8lb sledge hammer. YIKES! I'll just check the toe and go from there.

LOL @ 8lb sledge hammer! :D :D :D

Yeah, toe was what I was most concerned about - would want one side to be toe'd in while the other was toe'd out. Could make for some fun times out on course!!! :p

Why didn't you do that? Its kind of like "accidentally hitting a curb". LEGAL!

-Tom

Don't tempt me....but with a 1300 mile drive ahead of me tonight, I don't want to risk anything.

Hey, check this out--

http://www.hankooktireusa.com/press/press_press_view.asp?pid=192

Sopping with self-promotion and a few inaccuracies, but it was nice of them to post our progress :)

James,

What math are they using to arrive at this statement?

"With a total of 10 trophies thus far, Hankook has edged out all other competition in SCCA. "

-Paul

ps: grats on kicking butt. =)

^
I saw that as well - LOL! :D Either way, at the start of this season, Hankook wasn't even on my radar as a possible tire choice for my DS WRX - it was lumped in the same category as Avon r-comps in my mind (i.e. cheap but not much faster than a V700 Victoracer). As a direct result of James' performance on these tires, it's my race rubber of choice! :devil:

Here's a cut-n-paste of the article for the lazy -- good read despite the propoganda. :p Good luck this weekend James!

Hankook Drivers Earn Top Positions at SCCA ProSolo National Series

WAYNE, NJ (Aug. 20, 2007) – The SCCA ProSolo National Series felt the power of Hankook Motorsports as four Hankook drivers took podium finishes at the first SCCA ProSolo race at Miller Motorsports Park on August 15. Hankook driver James Wilson took the H-Stock division win in his AffordableRacingData.com Subaru Impreza and teammate Morgan Trotter finished close behind in second place. Newcomer Tyson Newman locked in third place in his Hankook Ventus Z214 equipped Mazda3. After moving from "Brand-K" to Hankook tires, multi-time national trophy winner Barbara Leroy-Boehme also claimed 2nd place in the indexed Ladies class (L1).

Wilson’s first place finish marks the fourth major National Solo/ProSolo win for Hankook Motorsports in 2007. With a total of 10 trophies thus far, Hankook has edged out all other competition in SCCA. Hankook’s Ventus Z214 race tires continue to rise in the ranks of professional and amateur motorsports as the one of the fastest and most affordable tires for winning teams.

The next and final round of the SCCA ProSolo National Series will beheld August 25-26 in Packwood, Washington, where Wilson and Leroy-Boehme look to lock up the series’ points race, leading the charge as always with Hankook tires.

About Hankook Tire America Corp.
Headquartered in Wayne, N.J., Hankook Tire America Corp. is a technology-focused, market-driven company that supports motorsports enthusiasts and racers at all levels. Hankook is known and respected around the world for its superior competition tires that outlast the toughest opposition. Hankook remains at the forefront of performance tire development to achieve cutting-edge results. As Hankook expands its motorsports activities, the focus will remain on technology that will keep Hankook-equipped vehicles in the winners circle. Hankook is one of the largest tire manufacturers in the world, manufacturing a wide range of tires for almost any vehicle. For more information please visit Hankook Tires on the web at www.hankooktireusa.com.

Cool write up James! I'm tellin you....make a bar that has 2 holes to engage your studs on one end and tie a ratchet strap around the strut body so you can squeeze more camber into that front end.....

Frisby hasn't called me back about 225-45-13s yet. I was hoping to hit a T&T this saturday but will have to try again on 9/1. Hopefully I have my set by then.....

Call up Joe Jordan at the WheelStore in Oceanside, CA...they can ship to you as well. 760-967-1336 , tell him I sent you! Alternatively, up in NorCal AIM Tire is another distributor and carries crazy amounts of Hankook inventory. Don't have their number (their web site sucks, but great company), check the Hankook Motorsports distributor page.


SPPPPRRRIIIIIINGGGSSS arrived just now, do I put them in or not?? Who wants to leave work early? I do! I do!

Put them in - since you have the ability to check your toe in your garage. Btw, take before and after pics! :p :cool:

Don't forget to vote for me in HS for the "SCCAForums Pick The Winners Contest" - http://sccaforums.com/pickthewinners/default-solo.aspx and all the other Subie drivers that stand a chance in their classes!

I just did today...and I, too, am now seriously considering C7 Z214s for my next set of D-Stock tires (I'm running C50 Z211s currently and ran V710s on my previous autocross car (99 2.5RS)).

WHEW, got the new springs installed tonight, went a lot faster than I anticipated! Bled the brakes, checked alignment, packed up the car.

I took photos of the old springs unmounted vs new springs unmounted--- they were about right, the fronts were ~2.5" too tall (uncompressed), which is about how too tall they were on the car. The rears were pretty much dead in the middle of the spec, but unmounted/uncompressed were about 1/2" taller than the new Subaru pieces.

The car is loaded up so I can't tell if it dropped the ride height....my "gauge used to be if I could stick my head between the front tire and fender (no kidding!) with the race tires installed....we'll see on Saturday.

We're leaving early (11pm Pacific time) for Packwood, hopefully we can arrive for a late dinner.

Thanks all!

Awesome, James!!!! Best take the packing slip/receipt for those springs with you, lest some *sshat questions your car suddenly being lower.

Good luck in Packwood!!!!

Jay Storm

Awesome, James!!!! Best take the packing slip/receipt for those springs with you, lest some *sshat questions your car suddenly being lower.
Agreed - have your bases covered.

Good luck in Packwood James!!!! :devil: :devil: :devil:

Another win at Packwood, sorry for the lack of update, family issues at home (too much autocrossing??).

The Impreza gets a box of Yum-Yums before Kansas....thanks MOTUL!!
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u265/jamesnwilson1982/P1010005-1.jpg

So James, how much differently does the L handle now that you've swapped in the new OE springs?

HOLY CRAP much "better", but no data to back that up. I need more experience in the car now, as it is not as loose on corner exit, but we have not touched the alignment yet (tape measure is about 1/4" toe out in the front, eye-ball is about 0.75-deg neg camber).

Thanks to Motul & Speed Dynamics for supplying lubricants for the car at Topeka.

Dude, what springs did you have on there? Forester springs?

Glad you finally got that sorted out. You should've followed your amigos advice on the alignment though. ;)

Dude, what springs did you have on there? Forester springs?

Glad you finally got that sorted out. You should've followed your amigos advice on the alignment though. ;)

haha, yeah I have no idea what the heck was going on with that. I will wait until next week to get the final alignment before Topeka, probably when I have the final set(s) of race tires mounted up.

Okay, planning ahead for next year...seems I have acquired a permanent codriver or three.

What is a good rough estimate of the following--

- Rebuild existing engine to stock specs, no performance helpers at all (for durability/longevity purposes...my RX-7 GTUs was built all within factory spec but in the right ways, and lasted all of 3K miles...poop), just a good solid rebuild/refresh.

OR

- Good lower-mileage 2.2L, mine is a single-exhaust-port....any benefits of the later dual-port 2.2's, and could they be installed in my '98?

- Rebuild transmission bearings, synchros, diffs, etc.

OR

- Good lower-mileage transmission

- Used diff....my studs that come out (facing towards the rear of the car) are completely rusted out and cannot be removed...if I ever had to do anything with the rear end, they would have to be cut out and replaced. Cost for a good used diff/carrier/mounts these days?


Thanks, just preparing for the off season, and to see what $$ my codrivers want to get in to :)

-JW

I would suspect that the rebuild would last much longer than 3k miles despite being blueprinted. Rotaries are finicky enough as it is....you should know that. I would figure close to $1000 for a good rebuild.

All EJ22s after 1996 got single port. 99 and newer got different heads (very similar to the SOHC EJ25) but still have singleport exhaust. A '00-01 would be best if you can run one in HS.

A trans could go from $400-600 depending on milage, condition and location. You CA peeps seem to add value for some reason (and must have 1 way mail...in only) :)

The diff shouldn't be anymore than $150. They don't go bad, and those studs are just screwed into the rear cover. Put a jackstand under the diff and horse them off....either the nut will come off or the whole stud will. Replace as necessary.

I would think that with $2-2.5k ponied up between all of you....the car could be freshened up in just about every possible way. If you wanted to go to SP, multiply by 4 (or even 5).

Jay Storm

Are there any Subaru-specific (or prolific) engine shops in Southern California that are of positive note?

Are there any Subaru-specific (or prolific) engine shops in Southern California that are of positive note?

Suby Specialties in Monrovia - ask for Steve.

With your track record, James....you might be able to work some kind of deal with CCR. Worth a shot anyway, as I don't think there is another Subaru specific rebuilder with more experience.

Jay Storm

Barbara kept trying to force the shifter into 6th gear on the road trip to Packwood (uh, that would be REVERSE for you non-STi guys). That, and she kept starting the car while it was already running in grid...now the car makes crazy mechanical clatter on startup, probably from my nice new flywheel getting trashed by the starter one too many times. *sigh*

She might not do that if you ran a straight pipe..... ;)

sorry....had to poke! See you in Topeka!

Jay

Anyone know of where I can get a good usable file for making my own NASIOC decal, other than from the top of the page? Thanks!

Anyone know of where I can get a good usable file for making my own NASIOC decal, other than from the top of the page? Thanks!
This is a cool one I came across a little while ago (not sure about copyrights, etc.):

http://www.cis.rit.edu/~gaf1551/Misc/nasioc.gif
http://www.cis.rit.edu/~gaf1551/Misc/nasioc.gif

Update--

2nd at the ProSolo Finale, if points were happening this year it would have been an Overall Class win (3 x 1st and 2nd at Finale). Poopie. Clutch finally starting to slip again at the Finale, got nearly 30K miles out of it! :)

6th at Solo Nationals, good for a solid trophy spot.

Need to improve my braking in the offseason, I think that personally it caused a lot of my time loss. Anyone know if I can use the ABS system from the Impreza Outback on my sedan legally in HS? At minimum I might do the rear disc conversion, or go back to Porterfield and discuss a custom shoe option (using the R4S shoe now).

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u265/jamesnwilson1982/JWsolonationals.jpg

It was great to see you run the car finally. I was running my friend's CS 99 Miata so I didn't get to watch you too much. I was going to come by and introduce myself on Tuesday evening but I ended up getting called over to do something else and you had left for the evening by the time I got finished. Either way best of luck in getting the car ready for next year.

Shot with a new HD 720p (1280 x 720 @ 30fps, H.264 compression, 16:9, saved in .MOV format) camcorder that records to SD cards. The suction camera mount was too shakey, I will try a different one next time, not to mention the surface was bumpy as hell.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTi_1a6hQ-I

Gearbox is making a little bit of noise when shifting on the street, might be time to look into a spare to have around. Otherwise no changes from Solo Nationals, same set of tires (up to 60 laps now on this set).

Not sure when the next SCCA autocross is, lots of PCA and BMWCCA events that we'll do in the 924S or the 911 targa (scarey and NOT fun).

I think that course needs more cones :huh:

I think it is interesting how quickly you go through clutches, anti-roll bar bushings etc. I had 90,000 miles on my 2.5RS, which included about 3-4 years of solid autocrossing and rallycross events, including many two-driver Pros. And I know for a fact it lasted the next owner another 40,000 miles before she changed it.

Likewise, I never had issues with anti-roll bar bushings. I ran the 22mm whiteline front bar with urethane bushings for 2+ years. Bone stock in the rear of course.

With regard to the rear disc swap and abs swap. Remember, no ud/bd in stock. So unless a 2.2L Coupe came equipped with both those factory installed items/options that year, you can't do it.


Chris H.

Chris-

It's always a Culture Shock to come back to local events from Nationals, spoiled by decent-looking courses :)

Yeah, the car was pretty beat when I got it, put the clutch in at ~150K and now it's at 190K nearly a year later. I think further adjustments of the clutch will help. That, and 3-7 drivers per event who are not kind on equipment didn't help either. I think I have the axle-boots under control, found an aftermarket brand for the boots-only and that first set has lasted much longer than the ones that keep coming on the "new" and "reman" axles.

If I have some time and feel like wasting more $$ in shipping, maybe I will send the Whiteline bar back, or find someone locally with the same bar and make some comparative measurements. We checked out the mounts and sheetmetal in Kansas with some other Subie guys, and everything looked good (more head-scratching on the bushing and end link issue).

I know there is no UD/BD in stock. My sedan (not coupe) appeared to come with rear disks at some point (I always get asked that at the parts counter, and I have seen '98s in the junkyard with them), unsure as to the availability of ABS though. I sure would love to tear out the drums, they are making Bad Noises again :(

Cheers,

JW

Based on my research the only way to get ABS in 1997-2000 was to either have the outback sport (Wagon only) or the 2.5RS (GS Car)

The only way to get full discs in 1998-2000 was with the 2.5RS (GS Car)

Note: 97-00 seems to be the only years that have 15" wheels stock other years have 14" as stock on the AWD models.

1996 : You could get ABS/rear discs with the sedan LX model but not the manual transmission. (you could get a manual LX coupe with ABS/rear discs in 1996)

1995 : No 2.2L engines with Manual. Either 2.2L with Auto or 1.8L with manual.

93-94 : Only available with 1.8L engine.

Most of my information came from.
http://www.cars101.com/impreza_archive93_96.html
http://www.cars101.com/impreza_archive.html
I have not double checked with other sources so it could all be wrong.

Thanks for the research!

FYI - My 1996 OBS Wagon has rear discs stock & ABS.

--JOsh

Yeah I skipped over most of the outback stuff since the last thing you want to do for an autox impreza is raise it even more just to get a little better? brakes.

Do you think the ABS makes the car any better for autox or would it have problems with Ice mode like the WRX?

Funny you mention that. I usually end up pulling the ABS fuse for autox b/c the ice mode pisses me off too much. Then again, I'm on AGX's/P1 springs, so it's lower than a std OBS.

--JOsh

I usually end up pulling the ABS fuse for autox b/c the ice mode pisses me off too much.--JOsh

Liar. First you have to actually enter the wagon in an autox to say you're autoxing it :p

Liar. First you have to actually enter the wagon in an autox to say you're autoxing it :p

Ok, so I should have said when I was autocrossing it, I would pull the fuse most the time because it pissed me off w/ the ice mode.

There, happy now? :p :p

--JOsh

Car is for sale, taxes/young baby/bills/wife force sale :(

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/car/446431910.html

Sorry to hear James. G'luck with the sale.

Hummmm $175 for a one way flight 2,672 mile drive home....
2,672 miles / 36 MPG = 74.22 Gallons so about an extra $200 for gas... $400 or so to pick up I wonder what shipping would be to Va...

A little more expensive than I would like and a little higher mileage... But it includes so many extra's that you would need to buy anyway moxnix... Yeah I know it is so temping as a beater/autox/rallyx car...

Umm why is everybody staring at me??? Pay no attention to the man mumbling behind the keyboard just thinking online here...

Hummmm $175 for a one way flight 2,672 mile drive home....
2,672 miles / 36 MPG = 74.22 Gallons so about an extra $200 for gas... $400 or so to pick up I wonder what shipping would be to Va...

A little more expensive than I would like and a little higher mileage... But it includes so many extra's that you would need to buy anyway moxnix... Yeah I know it is so temping as a beater/autox/rallyx car...

Umm why is everybody staring at me??? Pay no attention to the man mumbling behind the keyboard just thinking online here...

Business trip to San Diego office in November: Flight & hotel = paid for.
Drive car back to DC area (4+ days on the road)
Wife asks why I came back from the airport in a different car and then kills me when I tell her I bought an AX car.
Someone want to hide it for me at their place? :lol:

oh well - I did e-mail the craig's list link to one of our San Diego guys who used to rally his modified Mazda 323GX.

Good luck with the sale!

- Harry

Someone want to hide it for me at their place? :lol:

Will hide for co-drives. :D

Bummer.......Nice to meet you James. Good luck with the sale!

Jay Storm

I am open to "deals", especially if you have to travel. New business taxes and stuff caught us WAY off guard, not really offset by having a new baby this year (dang!), so the wife wants me to sell the car to pay for taxes. I will probably just drive the MR2 around (~60 miles r/t commute now), I am seriously bummed because I really wanted to go into the '08 season full-tilt, now that I KNOW that the car is definitely capable of taking a National title. I did get an offer to drive a local Mazda3 next year, but driving it back to back with my Subaru, it's just not as fast :(

Offers to jamesnwilson@hotmail.com

Thanks guys, this has definitely been VERY fun this year. Maybe a miracle will happen and I can take care of the taxes without having to lose the Subaru (anyone want an '88 MR2 hardtop with cold A/C, non-rust California car? hehe).

EDIT-- Reminder, these Kosei wheels have been discontinued and I have the last 8 of them, ONE more is holed away in a warehouse as a display but I am trying to get ahold of it. Alternately, for about $650, Rota will build a custom set of +49mm 15x6...if you want to buy 10 sets :)

-JW

UPDATE--

New A/C belt, adjust compressor clutch pickup, and recharged A/C today (10-15-2007), now works better and quieter A/C operation.

-James

Sale Pending

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u265/jamesnwilson1982/SANY0020.jpg
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u265/jamesnwilson1982/SANY0021.jpg
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u265/jamesnwilson1982/SANY0022.jpg
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http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u265/jamesnwilson1982/SANY0024.jpg
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http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u265/jamesnwilson1982/SANY0027.jpg
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http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u265/jamesnwilson1982/SANY0029.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u265/jamesnwilson1982/SANY0030.jpg
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u265/jamesnwilson1982/SANY0031.jpg
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http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u265/jamesnwilson1982/SANY0033.jpg
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http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u265/jamesnwilson1982/SANY0035.jpg
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u265/jamesnwilson1982/SANY0036.jpg
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u265/jamesnwilson1982/SANY0037.jpg

Looking forward to seeing that MR2 in action next year. :)

Looking forward to seeing that MR2 in action next year. :)

You and Jen going road racing, or keeping the Miata in STS2?

You and Jen going road racing, or keeping the Miata in STS2?
I think they're going to Rally-x a Civic. You did trade some nice metal for your new rally machine. ;)

I think they're going to Rally-x a Civic. You did trade some nice metal for your new rally machine. ;)

Ugh, that thing is BEAT. It's a good thing they cook such a damn fine meal, or else the entire neighborhood would drag that Honda outta there :)

I think they're going to Rally-x a Civic. You did trade some nice metal for your new rally machine. ;)

Yep, we swapped 33lbs of precise "semi-solid forged" aluminum for 2100lbs of slightly bent "show the dirt no mercy" steel. A fair trade if you ask me. :)

The Miata will see some action next year, but it's fun mixing it up. AutoX for us was starting to feel a bit repetitive, like a racing version of the movie Groundhog Day.

Ugh, that thing is BEAT. It's a good thing they cook such a damn fine meal, or else the entire neighborhood would drag that Honda outta there :)

The neighbors appreciate the numbered/stickered Miata, trailer, and big truck in our driveway so much that they happily accept the Civic. :lol:

Spending a little attention on the Tow Rig, my 1990 Chevy G30HD 1-ton cargo van. Set of Bilsteins, diff (Royal Purple) and AT service (Mobil 1), engine oil change, replaced FSB bushings. Gets 14-17mpg, which is not bad for an 8700#GVW cargo van with a 3-spd auto and 262K miles! Business paid for the repairs, which is nice.

The family and I have decided to move to Austin, TX where my wife's folks live, in July of 2008, so we are planning on taking the van (used for business right now) and the Subaru if it does not sell. The MR2 will likely stay here in CA, as a friend needs a good economical car with A/C.

The next autocross on Sunday I will be helping a friend set up his new Mazda3 for HS, I will not be running the Subaru for comparison unless I can come up wit some extra $$ for more runs. There is one more autocross after that, and then the Subaru Of America event in December at California Speedway.

-JW

UPDATE--

Installed new SpeedBleeders in the rear, bled all four.

Installed the spare Hawk HPS brake pads in the front, Porterfield R4S pads are 2/3 worn and are now "spare".....lasted nearly 40K miles and many many 3-driver National Tours and ProSolos.

Installed new Subaru exhaust manifold gaskets, the shop that did the clutch never put new ones on (stupid!), $15 takes care of that.

Also put Subaru Cooling System Conditioner in the radiator. Just because. :)

What a friggin' long season, and there are still 3 more to go this year! I will finish out '07 in the Subaru, as the buyers are dawdling. I am listening to the rain outside tonight, glad that at least for a little while longer I have an AWD car :)

17 Regional Solo Events (11 x San Diego, 6 x Cal Club)
4 National Solo (incl. Championships)
4 ProSolos (incl. Finale)
1 RallyCross
1 Subaru of America Challenge autocross
4 Porsche Club of America autocrosses

Total = 31 races this year!

Edit-- That's ~400 total laps in the Subaru (including practices), 133 ProSolo laps (plus another couple of practice starts), 10 RallyCross laps, and 60 laps in Other People's Porsches ("OPP"). Hurray for free Hankook tires! :)

Edit #2-- That's going to be darn near 50K miles from October '06 (when I bought it) through December '07 as well. Maybe I should start trailering the car to events?

I admire you passion for racing James.

Whoohoo, got my Hankook check from the ProSolo Finale!!!

Bit the bullet, ordered another set of engine mounts, upper torque strut, and stock/OE brake lines.

Engine Mounts (Napa)- $105 each, special order.
Brake Lines (Kragen) - $29 each, special order.
Upper torque mount (Napa) - $65, special order.
Total = Expensive.

RockAuto.com prices, done!--

Engine Mounts - $53 each (basically two for one!)
Torque Strut - $18 (wholesale blowout price)
Brake lines - $9 each front, $11 each rear (wholesale blowout price).
Couple bucks for shipping = Awesome!

I did have to order the transmission mount from Subaru of Kearny Mesa, it will be in by special order in two weeks....maybe I should just order it from SubieGal and get it in a few days? Probably a better price as well.

Got the engine mounts installed with minimal blood loss (but much cursing....thank God for the Goodyear 24V Impact from Pep Boys!!) right before the Subaru Of America Autocross Challenge at the California Speedway.

I think I won the combined GS/HS class by like 7 seconds, and was over 1 second faster than all of the Stock classes (including a large A-Stock and D-Stock field). I was 2nd in PAX overall after the first run group, but slipped to 10th as the track dried out and go warmer (it had rained overnight, leaving the surface slick and dirty).

63.6XX was my quickest run, I think I had a 66.XXX. 64.9XX, 64.6XX, then the 63.6XX


http://public.fotki.com/makofoto/2007-solo-solo-2-au/subaru-of-america--/img3053.html

http://public.fotki.com/makofoto/2007-solo-solo-2-au/subaru-of-america--/img3054.html

Got a nice model from Subaru for a trophy, had Ken Block sign the case :) I helped SOA with shooting footage on the new '08 STi and some other technical stuff, got a nice personal phone call this afternoon thanking me.....classy all the way.

+1 for SOA Challenge events and Team Blew for an awesome autocross!

I have video, lost my dang CF Card Reader, need to get a new one :(

Nice going James!

You always look like you're having a ball out there every time I see pics of your car in action! :D

Got the engine mounts installed with minimal blood loss (but much cursing....thank God for the Goodyear 24V Impact from Pep Boys!!) right before the Subaru Of America Autocross Challenge at the California Speedway.

I think I won the combined GS/HS class by like 7 seconds, and was over 1 second faster than all of the Stock classes (including a large A-Stock and D-Stock field). I was 2nd in PAX overall after the first run group, but slipped to 10th as the track dried out and go warmer (it had rained overnight, leaving the surface slick and dirty).

63.6XX was my quickest run, I think I had a 66.XXX. 64.9XX, 64.6XX, then the 63.6XX


http://public.fotki.com/makofoto/2007-solo-solo-2-au/subaru-of-america--/img3053.html

http://public.fotki.com/makofoto/2007-solo-solo-2-au/subaru-of-america--/img3054.html

Got a nice model from Subaru for a trophy, had Ken Block sign the case :) I helped SOA with shooting footage on the new '08 STi and some other technical stuff, got a nice personal phone call this afternoon thanking me.....classy all the way.

+1 for SOA Challenge events and Team Blew for an awesome autocross!

I have video, lost my dang CF Card Reader, need to get a new one :(

NICE!
sure u showed them an NA stock SUBIE can be fast too:devil:
I chickened out at the end...:unamused: I knew it was gonna be good:diaf:

can't wait for the next one, heard rumors of another one in summer of 08'...

In-Car Video is finally up from the SOA/TeamBlew Challenge Dec 8, notice the drying conditions and it was coooold!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HX-2KlSDUYQ

And higher-res here: http://blip.tv/file/570368/

Enjoy!

-JW

Had to put in another transmission mount, man those things are weak! The original one lasted over 180K miles including most of last season, and then the new one from Subaru only lasted between Nationals and December. New one went in yesterday, Subaru of Kearny Mesa had one but for $135+ (I think I paid like $80 for the last one, those guys are super-inconsistent....buy from SubieGal instead!!).

First autocross of the year is in Nevada at Primm/Stateline this Saturday, and then the local California Speedway event on Sunday. Still running on the tires from Nationals, tire $$ got eaten up covering travel costs and the family trip to Texas for my daughter's first Christmas...worth every penny, she's a cutie! :)