Hey everyone,

I've started a blog on MySpace that covers all the action that's going on in getting the ESX Subaru STi ready for the 2007 round of the Long Beach GP. I'll be updating the MySpace.com/GarySheehan (http://myspace.com/garysheehan) blog often and I'll try and copy that info over hear in NASIOC as often as I can.

The first two entries are below, with more to follow tomorrow.

If you've got a MySpace account, feel free to add me as a friend. You can subscribe to the blog and get the updates as I post them.

Gary
Sheehan Motor Racing
www.garysheehan.com
www.myspace.com/garysheehan

This is the 3rd time in four week I'm flying down to socal to help work on the ESX STi. This weekend is the BIG push to get most of the outstanding items finished on the race car before testing next weekend. The goal is to get set up so next week the little things can be tidied up before we hit our super secret testing location to shake the upgraded beast down and start refining the handling.

The first weekend I came down was basically a fitting session. With the addition of the floor mount Tilton pedal box, my driving location had to be moved back considerably. Jamie from ESX and Nick from Red Zone (http://www.redzoneracefabrication.com) put together a beautiful footwell that not only looks amazing, but will provide a high level of safety for my legs in the event of a side impact. Here's a preliminary shot of the work. Since this photo was taken, they've added a dead pedal and footrest to finish it off.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/189/441650151_bbafa09bab_m.jpg (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/189/441650151_7d869e2ff6_o.jpg)

Because the pedal position was moved so far back, the shift lever, seat and steering wheel needed to be moved back as well. In moving the seat rearward we managed to get it down lower as well. So now, when I'm seated in the car and turn my head to the left, all I see is B-pillar. Looking forward, the top of the old gauge cluster pod is right about at eye level. The seat has a bit more rake to it now as well. With the heel stop in place and the pedals hinged at the foor, everything feels just right. Honestly, this is the most comfortable I have felt in a race car aside from an open wheel formula car. I feel tucked away, slung back and uncompromised. I can't wait to guide this car out on track for that reason alone.

My new seating postion puts me out of reach of the stock dash console, so Red Zone's (http://www.redzoneracefabrication.com) Nick "whipped up" a new one. It uses the stock shifter boot, which you can't see in the photo. The red knob behind the shifter opening is the brake bias controller. Some of the main controls have been added to the face of the console with quite a few more to be added, like ignition, start, fire and kill switches. The switch gear on top are the lesser used accessories, like headlights, wipers, rain lights, a red light switch for night racing and and overhead light for driver changes at night (hint, hint). There are also a bunch of critical breakers up top instead of fuses so I can just push the breaker back in and continue, or at worst try and get back to the pits rather than be stranded out on track with a blown fuse.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/173/441649937_a7eea275ef_m.jpg (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/173/441649937_e1d05fc46f_o.jpg)

Lots of other stuff was going on that weekend and last weekend. Check out the new arrangement of the rad and intercooler. The 07 bodywork is really tight up front and this design was the only way the components could be packaged, which is ultimately a good thing because both rad and IC should have clean airflow. The shroud that Nick made to seal between the bodywork and heat exchangers is a work of art!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/181/441650398_981abf22ab_m.jpg (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/181/441650398_981abf22ab_b.jpg)

Jamie and Barney put in a lot of effort on the exhaust. It's still under construction, but it already looks very impressive from below and inside the cockpit. The exhaust now exits the right side of the car. To prevent the exhaust from being the lowest point on the car, they cut a path through the chassis that the oval cross-section piping sits in. When finished, it will exit out through the right side skirt.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/205/441650071_d5557c336a_m.jpg (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/205/441650071_ca26641f5f_o.jpg)

There was lots of other stuff going on as well, but I've got to cut it short as my flight is boarding. I'll try and get another update out tomorrow at the end of the day.

Everyone, check out the video he has up there!!! All the people in that video post on here, even Ali.

That video is indeed bad-ass!!!

It's late, it's been a long day at the shop, and there's another big day coming up tomorrow, so I've got to keep this short.

Front suspension geometry is figured out. 6Gun's (http://www.6gunracing.com) ball joint relocation kit is now on the car and they are very nicely turned out pieces. In addition, TC Design (http://tcdesignfab.com) just handed us freshly finished steering tie-rod relocators that are very trick. We've still got something very cool in the works for the rear. I'll keep quiet on that until it actually happens, because this may be one of those last minute deals that doesn't make it on the car.

We spent a lot of time working on ducting for the brakes today. Nick from Red Zone (http://www.redzoneracefabrication.com) as just about got the wheel end ducts figured out and they are going to be amazing. And just WAIT until you see how we're getting the air back to the hub. It's going to blow your mind!

Lance Boicelli, a fellow racer that came down to lend a hand, finished outfitting the footwell with the high density padding to protect my legs if I should get in a side impact.

I got the newly revalved Ohlin struts back on the car today so we could do the mocking up of brake ducting. Ford at Stasis Engineering (http://www.stasisengineering.com) did the revalving for us, increasing the rebound for us as requested. Oh, just remembered, I ended up not engaging the ratchet mechanism on the torque wrench all the way and it let go when I was trying to apply 100ft-lb of torque, which immediately transferred to my face. Yes. I punched myself in the face today. :rolleyes:

Nick is almost done with the airbox. The new layout in the engine bay gets rid of about 70% of the intercooler piping over last year. We've got a nice clean cold feed to the intake and much less volume to pressurize. The airbox is going to have people talking as well.

Let's see, cracked windshield was replaced, Jamie got most of the hardlines in the cockpit for fuel, brakes and extinguisher plumbed VERY cleanly. New fuel pump is in, fire bottle mounted, rear door body work faired in, hood and front facia had some body work done to it. I'm sure I'm missing a bunch of stuff.

No photos tonight. I'll try to get them up tomorrow.

you're one of my hero's gary./ I might join myspaceforfreeks so I can follow this day to day.
The new rig sounds like it has ironed out some growing pains.
\Hunter

that is so sweet..some details on the car are coming forward....

Lots of other stuff was going on that weekend and last weekend. Check out the new arrangement of the rad and intercooler. The 07 bodywork is really tight up front and this design was the only way the components could be packaged, which is ultimately a good thing because both rad and IC should have clean airflow. The shroud that Nick made to seal between the bodywork and heat exchangers is a work of art!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/181/441650398_981abf22ab_m.jpg (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/181/441650398_981abf22ab_b.jpg)


I had always wondered what V-mount might end up looking like in the tight space of an impreza front end. Do you have any pics of the shroud? It's looking great so far guys. Way to go!

Chris Lock

Car appears to be coming along great, Gary!

Finally, a damn Myspace I can read!


I want that background.

Nice work guys. I'm really hopeful that whatever you have planed for the rear makes it, as I'm very curious.

Very nice indeed, I really like the side exhaust channel and the interior trim work.

I hope that you guys bring that thing east of the Mississippi one day so that I can look at it in person.

Cheers,
Jose

Did anyone catch Ali Afshar saying that the car was 4 cylinder turbo competing with "10 cylinder V8s" in the video on Gary's myspace page. It's about 3/4 to 7/8 into the video.

I just watched the Barber Motorsports video.....simply amazing. If only they allowed ride-alongs..

Maybe we can set up a trackday and he can come out for some lessons.

Awesome updates Gary!!!! :cool:

Did anyone catch Ali Afshar saying that the car was 4 cylinder turbo competing with "10 cylinder V8s" in the video on Gary's myspace page. It's about 3/4 to 7/8 into the video.

Yeah i caught that too but i think he ment "10 cylinders and V8s"

Favorite movies: The Fast and the Furious?

Just kidding, awesome updates!


- Andrew

awesome gary! i will definately check that out and add ya as a new friend!

I can't wait for the 15th! do you know if you and marshall will need any help or do you guys think you have it covered?

In the pic of the side exit exhaust...do I spy tubular control arms?

awesome gary! i will definately check that out and add ya as a new friend!

I can't wait for the 15th! do you know if you and marshall will need any help or do you guys think you have it covered?

Thanks Justin--as I mentioned in my PM last week, we're at maximum capacity for crew, but please stop by and say hello.

Mad Props to ESX, Marsahll, RedZone, Gary and the team! This looks to be a fantastic car with tremendous potential. You guys have put in so much effort to take Subaru to the next level!

I wish you guys the best of luck at LB. I think I speak for many here, that this effort has a bright future in the series with a lot of return for all the effort that has gone into it.

btw, Ive been secretly working on that EMP and have found a way to mount it on the car with just enough power and focus to zap anything thats about 10-20ft in front of you and nowhere else. It wont make anything go haywire, but enough to cause any A to D's to get screwy... :devil:

We need t-shirts to geek out with.

Every enthusiast tracking this team should be wearing it on event days.

If nobody steps up and tells me otherwise, I will make one and sell it through one of the online t-shirt creation shops. Let me know before 4/6!

i want to see pics of the cage work, is that possible?

We need t-shirts to geek out with.

Every enthusiast tracking this team should be wearing it on event days.

If nobody steps up and tells me otherwise, I will make one and sell it through one of the online t-shirt creation shops. Let me know before 4/6!

Great idea. PM me (marshall@marshallpruett.com)with design ideas. I know we WON'T have time to get such things handled ourselves...

We hopefully have a small NASIOC logo on the front of the car to give some love back to everyone...

i want to see pics of the cage work, is that possible?

The TC Design (http://www.tcdesignfab.com)Cage hasn't changed, barring removing one of the original tubes. Pics of the original cage are here:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/46/114012293_fd45a9e1d2_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/41/88724786_c935418e00_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/12/88723211_6c8fb8eb84_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/38/88722622_2c0f575182_b.jpg

cool, thanks

Looking at the cage and reading Gary's description of the new seating position, I have to ask about side impact protection. The NASCAR door bars are designed to protect someone in the normal front seat area, but that's not where Gary is now. Does the B-pillar structure itself provide enough protection that extending the NASCAR door bars farther back isn't necessary?

Just something I've never thought of before when I see production-based sedan race cars with the seats moved back like that.

Pat Olsen
'97 Legacy 2.5GT sedan

Thanks Justin--as I mentioned in my PM last week, we're at maximum capacity for crew, but please stop by and say hello.

ahh ok.. I never got the PM so i was just wondering... I'll definately stop by and introduce myself though! JUST BOUGHT THE TICKETS THIS MORNING! :devil: :banana: :disco:

I guess the best way would be to see how the caddy's do it..they sit that far back too..

but aren't the impreza b-pillars really really strong? i seem to remember an article about how the jaws of life can't even cut through them and they are very stiff (but i guess that's not the same as a collapsable energy absorbing crash structure like the nascar bars)

I guess the best way would be to see how the caddy's do it..they sit that far back too..

but aren't the impreza b-pillars really really strong? i seem to remember an article about how the jaws of life can't even cut through them and they are very stiff (but i guess that's not the same as a collapsable energy absorbing crash structure like the nascar bars)

yes the B-Pillars on the impreza are TOP notch.... in that article, I don't know if you saw the pictures, but you could see where they tried to cut the pilar multiple times and it wouldn't cut. its awesome.

Gary- The car looks great! Best of luck at Long Beach, I will definitely be watching on Speed.

-Matt

Looking at the cage and reading Gary's description of the new seating position, I have to ask about side impact protection. The NASCAR door bars are designed to protect someone in the normal front seat area, but that's not where Gary is now. Does the B-pillar structure itself provide enough protection that extending the NASCAR door bars farther back isn't necessary?

Just something I've never thought of before when I see production-based sedan race cars with the seats moved back like that.

Pat Olsen
'97 Legacy 2.5GT sedan

Good point, Pat--TC Design tied the left side cage tubing into the B Pillar (gussets) both with the main B pillar hoop and the forward down tubes.

hopefully wont get bitched at for posting this

this is what we did on a customers cage.
http://homepage.mac.com/tomdeadrick/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2007-04-02%2016.47.41%20-0700/Image-9C7A99EAE17311DB.jpg

We cut holes through the B pillar and ran the tubes all the way back to the main hoop.

Tom

hopefully wont get bitched at for posting this

this is what we did on a customers cage.
http://homepage.mac.com/tomdeadrick/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2007-04-02%2016.47.41%20-0700/Image-9C7A99EAE17311DB.jpg

We cut holes through the B pillar and ran the tubes all the way back to the main hoop.

Tom

What class or form of racing is that for?

Time Attack Unlimited class

you using a suby also? I also see you are out of san diego.. where is your garage at?

Time Attack Unlimited class
COBB's carbon fiber car?

you using a suby also? I also see you are out of san diego.. where is your garage at?

Hi
i dont want to Hi jack garys post
Hi Gary!

were located off miramar. we make a few subaru parts that people seem to enjoy:)

Tom

Tom,

I was planning on calling you this weekend, but got sidetracked. I'll try and give you a shout tomorrow.

Gary
Sheehan Motor Racing
www.garysheehan.com
www.myspace.com/garysheehan

Tom,

I was planning on calling you this weekend, but got sidetracked. I'll try and give you a shout tomorrow.

Gary
Sheehan Motor Racing
www.garysheehan.com
www.myspace.com/garysheehan

sounds good. if you guys need anything for the car just let me know. :)

my cell numbers the same. email me if you dont have it anymore

tom

hopefully wont get bitched at for posting this
Hey!! WTF?!? Tom, please see me after class. ;)

Good luck Gary, you know I'll be cheering for ya! Likewise Marshall, Ali, Jamie, and the entire team.

Please, EVERYONE go out and support these guys. Maybe if enough enthusiasts get behind them, we can see Subaru represented at more WC events!

Cheers,
Trey @ COBB

hopefully wont get bitched at for posting this

this is what we did on a customers cage.
http://homepage.mac.com/tomdeadrick/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2007-04-02%2016.47.41%20-0700/Image-9C7A99EAE17311DB.jpg

We cut holes through the B pillar and ran the tubes all the way back to the main hoop.

Tom

Holy crap! The seat base is almost in the back seats! :lol: :lol:

Hey!! WTF?!? Tom, please see me after class. ;)

Good luck Gary, you know I'll be cheering for ya! Likewise Marshall, Ali, Jamie, and the entire team.

Please, EVERYONE go out and support these guys. Maybe if enough enthusiasts get behind them, we can see Subaru represented at more WC events!

Cheers,
Trey @ COBB

I am way ahead of ya Trey! :banana: :disco:

Holy crap! The seat base is almost in the back seats! :lol: :lol:

its right at the legal limit for pushing the driver back



Uhoh i've been busted! Hi Trey:p

its right at the legal limit for pushing the driver back



Uhoh i've been busted! Hi Trey:p

how will it feel for the driver? probably better for a taller driver vs. a short driver

Cool, too bad I'm probably not going to the LBGP. I did see last year's car when it was at my school though.

how will it feel for the driver? probably better for a taller driver vs. a short driver

shouldnt matter. everything was pushed back. we grabbed everyone we could find and put them in the car to see what they liked.

Gary
got your message. i'll try and call you later today.

Gary the car looks great !! Cant wait to see it next week. See you then.

Myles

hows the car comming? any new progress, pictures or do we have to wait untill the race?!?! haha

Badical!!!!!!
I added youuuu!

wow amazing!!

OK, I've finally updated the Saturday Night post with some photos. Sorry for the delay!

Front suspension geometry is figured out. 6Gun's (http;//6gunracing.com) ball joint relocation kit is now on the car and they are very nicely turned out pieces. In addition, TC Design (www.tcdesignfab.com) just handed us freshly finished steering tie-rod relocators that are very trick. I've misplaced the photo for this so I'll find it and get it up later. We've still got something very cool in the works for the rear. I'll keep quiet on that until it actually happens, because this may be one of those last minute deals that doesn't make it on the car.

We spent a lot of time working on ducting for the brakes today. Nick from Red Zone (http://www.redzoneracefabrication.com) as just about got the wheel end ducts figured out and they are going to be amazing. And just WAIT until you see how we're getting the air back to the hub. It's going to blow your mind! This will stay top secret for a little longer.

Lance finished outfitting the footwell with the high density padding to protect my legs if I should get in a side impact.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/231/444488272_e7261e1356_m.jpg (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/231/444488272_e7261e1356_b.jpg)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/205/444488116_b80ee70a82_m.jpg (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/205/444488116_b80ee70a82_b.jpg)

I got the newly revalved Ohlin struts back on the car today so we could do the mocking up of brake ducting. Ford at Stasis Engineering (http://www.stasisengineering.com) did the revalving for us, increasing the rebound for us as requested. This shot also shows the nice work that Red Zone did on the wheel well arch.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/201/444489086_341bfdc478_m.jpg (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/201/444489086_341bfdc478_b.jpg)

Nick is almost done with the airbox. The new layout in the engine bay gets rid of about 70% of the intercooler piping over last year. We've got a nice clean cold feed to the intake and much less volume to pressurize. The airbox is going to have people talking as well.

Let's see, cracked windshield was replaced, Jamie got most of the hardlines in the cockpit for fuel, brakes and extinguisher plumbed VERY cleanly. The first photo below also shows how much the shift knob has been moved rearward.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/175/444487698_bd99e3b974_m.jpg (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/175/444487698_bd99e3b974_b.jpg)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/194/444496483_336edb36b2_m.jpg (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/194/444496483_336edb36b2_b.jpg)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/247/444496649_75801bb65d_m.jpg (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/247/444496649_75801bb65d_b.jpg)

New fuel pump is in, fire bottle mounted, rear door body work faired in, hood and front facia had some body work done to it.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/253/444487906_2544a38041_m.jpg (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/253/444487906_2544a38041_b.jpg)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/195/444489354_ae9c9026f1_m.jpg (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/195/444489354_ae9c9026f1_b.jpg)

More to come shortly...

Yay, update!

Is it just me, or are you guys cutting it awful close? Isn't the race in like... 9 days or so? :confused:

Are you going to get a few test laps this week before going to LB

Gary, car looks great. Look forward to seeing you next week!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/175/444487698_bd99e3b974_m.jpg (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/175/444487698_bd99e3b974_b.jpg)


Just curious, is some kind of shroud or firewall required when running fuel lines through the cockpit?


http://farm1.static.flickr.com/253/444487906_2544a38041_m.jpg (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/253/444487906_2544a38041_b.jpg)


Who knew Kevin Smith was a fabricator?



Good looking stuff.

Things are closer than we'd like them to be, but we'll definitely be hitting the track for shake-down and set-up testing prior to Long Beach. Also consider that these photos are nearly a week old now. There's a lot more that's been done.

Gary
Sheehan Motor Racing
www.garysheehan.com
www.myspace.com/garysheehan

Are you guys stiffing the front bumper any to keep from crushing the radiator if you make some contact with another car

There is a crash structure between the bumper cover and the heat exchangers.

Gary
Sheehan Motor Racing
www.garysheehan.com
www.myspace.com/garysheehan

Wow, how exciting. I'm really starting to get pumped for the festivities. It is great to see how much more development you guys are able to do over last year. I really look forward to meeting the team. What type of finish are you hoping for? Obviously, being the champion is the ultimate goal, but let's say you took 3rd, or 10th, or 20th...and what place would you feel that you did well?

you guys are still running the stock u subframe? why not opt for a lighter weight one?

you guys are still running the stock u subframe? why not opt for a lighter weight one?

It has been modified and is doing more than it was originally designed for.

Gary
Sheehan Motor Racing
www.garysheehan.com
www.myspace.com/garysheehan

Is it just me, or are you guys cutting it awful close? Isn't the race in like... 9 days or so? :confused:

In Gary timing, he has YEARS of time left :lol:

looking good guys

i left you a message earlier.
Tom

you guys are still running the stock u subframe? why not opt for a lighter weight one?

PM me and I'll give you the address where to send yours to.

Any chance this race is going to be broadcast live?? (I know it won't be a bunch of tube framed fiberglass shells doing roundy rounds, but one can hope...)

(I know it won't be a bunch of tube framed fiberglass shells doing roundy rounds, but one can hope...)
Fiberglass shells? What series is that? :confused:

trans am perhaps?

Looking good Gary!

Good luck with all the remaining prep and test day prior to getting out there and mixing it up with big dogs at Long Beach.

Mike

Things are closer than we'd like them to be, but we'll definitely be hitting the track for shake-down and set-up testing prior to Long Beach. Also consider that these photos are nearly a week old now. There's a lot more that's been done.

Gary
Sheehan Motor Racing
www.garysheehan.com
www.myspace.com/garysheehan

Thats awesome Gary. i am glad to hear all is going well. Good luck with the testing and see you next weekend!

Fiberglass shells? What series is that? :confused:

Awwww man I'm so busted! I meant NASCAR but I must be retarded cause I guess it's really sheet-metal not fiberglass.

I am SUCH an idiot thanks for pointing it out to me!!!!!! :)

I must have confused everybody with what I was saying!!!!!!

Awwww man I'm so busted! I meant NASCAR but I must be retarded cause I guess it's really sheet-metal not fiberglass.

I am SUCH an idiot thanks for pointing it out to me!!!!!! :)

I must have confused everybody with what I was saying!!!!!!

I thought they used fiberglass too.

left...

I thought they used fiberglass too.

left...

they use kevlar front and rear bumpers the rest of the "body" is steel.

i know. i used to build the front and rear bumpers at Roush racing. that jerb ranked only slightly higher than guy that cleans the grease traps at the taco shop.

Gary,
whats it like to use non power brakes? i noticed that the tiltons are not vacuum assisted (of it least it does not look like it).

-Ross

Any chance this race is going to be broadcast live??

Speed Channel
Saturday, April 21
GT - 3:00 p.m.
Eastern Time

Just hit up your myspace Gary..."Gary Sheehan has 34 billion friends"

:lol:

Just hit up your myspace Gary..."Gary Sheehan has 34 billion friends"

:lol:

yup, garys a pimp :disco:

Gary,
whats it like to use non power brakes? i noticed that the tiltons are not vacuum assisted (of it least it does not look like it).

-Ross
Tends to be a more firm, linear pedal. The key is that everything in the system has to be taken into account. You size the master cylinders based on pedal ratio of the pedal box, piston area and rotor diameter.

Gary
Sheehan Motor Racing
www.garysheehan.com
www.myspace.com/garysheehan

Speed Channel
Saturday, April 21
GT - 3:00 p.m.
Eastern Time

Thank you! :)

Sadly, it appears according to www.world-challenge.com that the actual race takes place on April 13-15. April 15 also happens to be the "Samsung 500 NASCAR" event, so that would probably explain why Speed will be showing the race on the following Saturday, April 21.

Thank you! :)

Sadly, it appears according to www.world-challenge.com that the actual race takes place on April 13-15. April 15 also happens to be the "Samsung 500 NASCAR" event, so that would probably explain why Speed will be showing the race on the following Saturday, April 21.
The Speed GT and Touring have typically been shown a week late.

Tends to be a more firm, linear pedal. The key is that everything in the system has to be taken into account. You size the master cylinders based on pedal ratio of the pedal box, piston area and rotor diameter.

Gary
Sheehan Motor Racing
www.garysheehan.com
www.myspace.com/garysheehan

wow, sounds complicated... lol

good luck

Thank you! :)

Sadly, it appears according to www.world-challenge.com that the actual race takes place on April 13-15. April 15 also happens to be the "Samsung 500 NASCAR" event, so that would probably explain why Speed will be showing the race on the following Saturday, April 21.

Yeah, that's where I got the info from. It's a shame we don't get to see these things live, and there's not more road racing... but alas, we all knew it was coming when they moved the Speed TV headquarters to Charlotte so they'd be closer to our NASCAR Mecca here in NC :(

Sitting in an airport getting ready to fly home on Easter Sunday. I spent the day with the team working on the car all day yesterday. Things are coming along nicely, the work is top notch, but there is still quite a bit of critical work to do.

The team has become more reserved about what info and pictures can be shared about the car as we approach race day. We definitely don't want to show all of our cards to the competition. So I will be releasing photos as they are approved for public release.

So here's one of the photos I can release. This is how we are getting one air duct to the rotor. The frame rails' outside wall was cut from the car, leaving a fairly large "C" channel. A 3" tube was inserted into the channel, then the channel was reboxed to secure the duct and return the frame to it's previous strength. This gives the duct a nice clean shot from the front of the car into the wheel well. It's beautiful work and looks fantastic painted. As you can imagine, finding room past a 305mm wide tire is tricky, this solution will work very well!

The Brembo brakes have been installed on the car front and rear. 355mm 78 vane front and 328mm 48 vane rear rotors, 4-piston monoblocks up front, 4 piston rears. In order to get the rear rotors and calipers on, the stock backing plate (and e-brake hardware, of course) had to be removed. Brembo fabricated a new bracket that bolts into the same location that the backing plate did. A very nice touch is that the bracket also has a mount for the stock wheel speed sensor.

Along with the new brakes, the new master cylinders came in and were installed. I've still got a bit of tweaking to do with the pedal assembly. Since everything is adjustable, it takes a bit of effort to position everything where you think you want them. And with a brand new system like this, it's not necessarily as easy as turning an adjustment screw. The threaded shafts on the new master cylinders are too long and position the brake pedal too close to me, so those shafts will have to be cut down. The linkage from the Tilton throttle pedal to the stock/modified electronic throttle is also a bit too long, so that will require modification as well.

The Motec chassis and engine wiring looms are in the car and those things are works of art. Every connector is right where it's supposed to be with no extraneous connectors or wiring anywhere. That harness itself must have saved 35 pounds and makes the engine bay and interior look so clean! Motec also finished wiring the center console and got that back to us. It reminds me of the cockpit of an airplane. Switches, knobs, levers, relays, breakers, etc. it's all there. To me, this center console screams racecar louder than anything else in the interior. It's all business. The ADL and M800 are also mounted and ready to go. Motec has the steering wheel and is building the loom for that right now.

Jamie got the final structure of the side exhaust complete late in the week so Nick finished up the last touches on it last night. The exhaust exits through the side skirt at about a 45 degree angle. Nick fabricated an aluminum heat shield to protect the skirt that looks like it came out of the same mold that the fiberglass did. It's gorgeous! Beware to any that get to see this car at speed on the passenger side of the car. You will get an earful!

Most of the bodywork has been painted and installed. Still have some work to do on the nose and splitter. Last year's wing structure has been scrapped. The new aluminum wing stanchions pass through slits in the rear fenders either side of the trunk lid and go all the way to the floor of the trunk, where they are bolted to transmit downforce directly to the frame rails.

I can't tell you how different the car is this year. There's not a single bolt that passes through sheetmetal in the interior to secure anything. Everything has its own custom pedestal, platform or pad welded into the floor with threaded bungs to bolt to. Every factory hole in the sheetmetal has had a plug made for it that's been welded into place. I can't wait for everyone to see it.

So, one more Herculean push to get the car nearly completed today. The car goes to Motec tomorrow to configure the M800. From there it will go to the chassis dyno for gross tuning and initial engine break in. Then the car is on track Tuesday for the chassis shakedown and fine tuning the engine maps and making sure all the systems are programmed correctly. Wednesday will be another test day focusing on chassis tuning. Then the car goes back to the shop for some clean-up and final prep. We load into the Long Beach paddock Thursday morning. If everything goes according to plan, the SCCA will have an area set up on Pine street Thursday evening where several of the WCGT cars will be on public display, including ours.

A police escort will lead the racecars from the paddock area through the city streets to the display area on Pine. Should be a hoot!

More photos and info soon.

Gary,

Good luck! I'll be cheering you guys on from the sidelines!

Thanks,
Phil
www.elementtuning.com

That's like reading a car enthusiast erotica story. Can't wait to plop myself in front of the TV on race day. It would be nice to have a good finish, but... just finish :)

Great post, Gary, glad to hear that everything is coming along well and things are on target even though the schedule is tight. :)

gary good luck.. and thanks for all the great info. MPME if i had a extra ligthened subframe and alot of money i would donate one to you guys hahah.

12345

+1 for more pictures..

good luck with the race!

r u guys going to take incar video footage again? I enjoyed watching last years

amazing transformation from last years car.

it's obvious you guys are making more of a race car this season, did funding go up or was it just time spent petitioning the ruling committee into letting you guys do more?

Mike

Hi Gary,

Best of luck.

Can you share a picture of the 'backing plate' you are using for brake cooling?

TIA

Ray

Good luck to Gary and all of the ESX GT team!

Make us proud.

Javid
6Gun Racing

I am on a plane tomorrow night Gary. I land at midnight in LA. Cya soon. Adam

gary good luck.. and thanks for all the great info. MPME if i had a extra ligthened subframe and alot of money i would donate one to you guys hahah.

Are you guys in need of a subframe replacement? I would be able to source either for you.

hope everything is going according to your timeline. I assume youve all been extremely busy this week, I just hope all your hard work pays off. Good luck you guys!

Practice session begins soon!

I better see daliy updates with pictures on here from you guys that are out there. :p

Practice session begins soon!

Not till 5:35pm PST

Not till 5:35pm PST

Is there a website that will have live timing?

-Mike

Hello,

Mike, click on the session you want to see (ie, Practice 1), here:
http://www.world-challenge.com/events/index.php?base=25&story=2007%20Toyota%20Grand%20Prix%20of%20Long%20B each#

Joel

Hello,

Mike, click on the session you want to see (ie, Practice 1), here:
http://www.world-challenge.com/events/index.php?base=25&story=2007%20Toyota%20Grand%20Prix%20of%20Long%20B each#

Joel

Thanks! Got it up and ready to go. Woot!

Is this a combined TC and GT practice? I see Eric Curran on the list...

-Mike

GT only at LBGP
TC is off

Times are starting to come in!

-Mike

EDIT: "7:39:10pm No. 27 Sheehan is slow on the front straight, with smoke coming from the back of the car. "

Goat damnit >_<

damn

maybe they can get it fixed.

"Car 27 needs to be removed from the front straight..."

Well, that didn't last long. Looks like it's going to be a long night in the pits.

Not to mention:

7:40:52pm Car No. 27 needs to be removed from the front straight.
7:40:30pm RED FLAG


*sigh*

-Mike

hope things get worked out.

Here's to hoping it's something small... :(

friday the 13th... sucks to happen in the second lap.

Joel, any info on what happen?

Not new to SCCA SPEED World Challenge, but making his first appearance since Long Beach last year is the No. 27 Subaru WRX STi of Gary Sheehan. The ESX Motorsports team endured engine problems before the car even arrived at the track, but is hoping for better luck once the rubber hits the road.

any updates?

hope it can be sorted out quickly.

looking forward to see this car beat up on some vettes and vipers. practice tomorrow at 9:35 am, I cannot wait.

Here a photo from the Speed GT's Website.

http://www.world-challenge.com/files/photos/DSC_6963-720.jpg

damn the car looks so good! i can't wait for sunday! good luck Gary. I look forward to saying hi to ya again in the garage!

Justin

Car is not out for the 2nd practice! Was it forced to retire for the race?

I guess they didn't get the car fixed. He's not showing up on T&S on the second practice right now.

I know how rumors can fly on NASIOC, but I really hope they can race on Sunday. Any updates?

Here's hoping they get the car running for the race.

Do they have to be at all the practice/Qual sessions in order in order to race?

Nope.

Nope.

sweet. prolly best to wait till more official news at this point rather than throw gas on the rumor fire.

sweet. prolly best to wait till more official news at this point rather than throw gas on the rumor fire.

what?! the car had a gas fire? ;) :lol:

yea agreed... i wonder if the turbo blew out! that would be my guess

I headed down and checked out the GP today, and talked to Ali a bit in the World Challenge pit area. He said that there was some issue with the catch cans, and the motor hydrolocked on oil yesterday, killing the motor.

They stayed up pretty much all night last night getting the car back together, and he said it's not 100% sure that they'll run the car tomorrow- he said "we may have to wait for laguna seca." Tough luck, but it would be cool to see the car at seca for sure! I took a TON of pics, which are uploading now.

There are some really neat bits on the car- especially the airbox, rotated manifold, intercooler setup, etc etc etc... the car looked GREAT. I was by the car for maybe 15 minutes, talking to Ali and taking pictures, and it was fun to hear people walk by and say "whoa, a subaru!" :lol: Must have happened three or four times in that 15 minute span.

http://jcald.com/pics/lbgp/IMG_4687.JPG
http://jcald.com/pics/lbgp/IMG_4690.JPG
http://jcald.com/pics/lbgp/IMG_4693.JPG

Check this out! The custom aluminum airbox mounts right to the turbine inlet. Super cool!!!
http://jcald.com/pics/lbgp/IMG_4696.JPG
http://jcald.com/pics/lbgp/IMG_4699.JPG
http://jcald.com/pics/lbgp/IMG_4701.JPG
http://jcald.com/pics/lbgp/IMG_4704.JPG

All the pics are here: http://picasaweb.google.com/trigeek/LongBeachGrandPrix

Whoa, nice fabrication. I'm digging the pin striping, nice touch. I'll be heading up there tomorrow.

Man, I really hope they run tomorrow...

I hope so too! So the engine was completely rebuilt?

So I guess they aren't televising this event this weekend? I checked speed channels schedule on the TV guide and didn't see a listing. Weird they would do that with their own series...:rolleyes:

-Jason

I think it's scheduled for next weekend.

I hope so too! So the engine was completely rebuilt?

I didn't get specifics but from the sound of it they changed the longblock, at least.

I was standing on the bridge looking onto turn 5 as the speed gt cars took their first lap thismorning. I had my video camera on and really excited to see that sti coming shooting down that straight.... it didn't happen. I thought it will be out soon.....nope, didn't run. I was dissappointed but I hope it's fixed for race day.

How well does it hang with those vettes,caddy,porsche, and vipers? Just curious, because those cars were hauling! Does that sti really compete with those beasts in that speed gt class?

last year. the others just pulled in the straights, but where the sti lacked in speed, it made up in turning... lets just say that in every turn he was right there! on launch at start, he almost ran into the back of the corvette infront of him because he got a better jump than everyone else! haha

nice! that is so awesome. I wish I could of seen that.

it was awesome!!!! what was even better is he finished the race with no brakes and some other problem... in some interviews, drivers were giving gary mad props for finishing the race!

He is a top notch guy. really nice to talk to, and answer questions. I lookforward to chatting with him tomrrow!

i really hope the car gets up and running tomarrow.. showing representing for the subie and import fans.

Here are a couple of quick pix from Friday practice - just before the gremlins got him.

http://picasaweb.google.com/cbvalle/LBGP07

I'll have more pics up from the other races (mostly ALMS) soon.

Hey saw the car today before the ALMS race. It was just sitting there and no one was really around, so was it all ready to go? Hopefully my friend gets me a ticket again for tomorrow because it was a lot of fun. And I'm glad I bought ear plugs.

I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking to Gary... He's an awesome guy and I'm sure that the car would have done well had it been up and running...

Goodluck for next year!

uh, is there something wrong with nasioc or did a bunch of posts just disappear from this thread?

So anyway what happened?

yes what happaned???

Also, can someone post a link to this sti running with the other spped gt cars, id like to see that. The one on the website doesn't work.

uh, is there something wrong with nasioc or did a bunch of posts just disappear from this thread?uh, yes, and yes. (http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/announcement.php?f=22)

Car looks awesome. Something I noticed: the front end looks a LOT like a mexican wrestler mask :)

http://picasaweb.google.com/cbvalle/LBGP07/photo#5053861631766103202

Even though it didnt make it on track for the race, they were there, and thats a start. I'm sure the ESX team will get the car running 100% again in time for another race (and not make us wait another year to see the car). This car is still in its infancy and will continue to grow into a tried and true race car :)

My thanks goes out to all the people that worked on that car to get it so far. Its really no small feat to take a subaru and make it into one of the fastest race cars in the world.

Ya know... I'm all for being positive, but come on. Let's not overdo it ;)

The car failed to even make the start of the race. A proper start and then a serious problem before the middle lap would have been 100x more palatable.

I am REALLY bummed, personally, and FOR the team. I am sure they're pretty disappointed with all of that effort, on too tight a schedule(!!!), with this result.

Here's looking forward to the next opportunity... without painting THIS catastrophe as anything other than what it was.

Two brand new motors were lost in the span of 4 days, and both failures were completey unrelated. The unexpected need for funds to buy a 2nd engine, and then go for a third was never allowed for.

A third, used engine was sourced, but upon immediate inspection, it was found to have enough internal warning signs to warrant not running it.

Beyond hopes of glory and flying the Subaru flag, driver safety is the highest concern and value to uphold; with an unsuitable 3rd engine, I wasn't willing to risk another failure and thus risk potential injury to our driver. Oiling one's tires on a concrete-lined track is a recipe for mechanical and physical damage.

While everyone is sad, the team is more than excited about the potential of the car in its new specification, and with more testing time and a proper teardown and diagnosis from our engine builder, we hope to come back and fight another day.

Sorry to hear of the engine troubles. I guess that's racing sometimes. Please try and make a race this year, I am really psyched to see you guys get out there again and see what the new spec is capable of laying down.

BTW Question: If you don't mind sharing...what caliper piston and MC bores are you running with the twin tilton setup? I have a twin wilwood MC and calipers on the race car I'm building and would like a baseline to start from for choosing some MC's. Thanks for the help.

Stuff like that happens.....and with a limited budget...and a tight time schedule...it just wasn't meant to be....this time..

Good luck on the next one..:)

Bill

Two brand new motors were lost in the span of 4 days, and both failures were completey unrelated. The unexpected need for funds to buy a 2nd engine, and then go for a third was never allowed for.

A third, used engine was sourced, but upon immediate inspection, it was found to have enough internal warning signs to warrant not running it.

Beyond hopes of glory and flying the Subaru flag, driver safety is the highest concern and value to uphold; with an unsuitable 3rd engine, I wasn't willing to risk another failure and thus risk potential injury to our driver. Oiling one's tires on a concrete-lined track is a recipe for mechanical and physical damage.

While everyone is sad, the team is more than excited about the potential of the car in its new specification, and with more testing time and a proper teardown and diagnosis from our engine builder, we hope to come back and fight another day.

Damn Marshall sorry to hear about all your troubles, let me know if there is anything we can do to help.

Mike

I attended this event and was shooting video for Marshall Pruett of SpeedTv.com and for ESX. I watched the effort that went into this weekend. These guys worked hard. I have seen alot of efforts over the years and it showed that each person on the team had the inner drive thats needed to make something like this happen , especially under the circumstances.

From my point of view( the 2nd longest straight on the track) I witnessed the ESX World Challenge STi come on the back straight behind a mid pack Viper and STi gave up nothing in speed ALL the way down the straight. Power wont be an issue with this set up once the bugs are worked out. This car pulled STRONG down that straight, if anything Gary was maybe held up on this straight, as he came off the corner HARD. Car sounded unlike any Subaru I have EVAR heard.

My heart goes out to these guys for their efforts.

I am also glad to have meet the people behind the effort.

Myles( Racecomp Engineering)

RCE Vision.

well cant wait to see the car up and running. good luck.

If you guys need a waterboy or anything IM YOUR MAN

hahaha... anything to help out!

I attended this event and was shooting video for Marshall Pruett of SpeedTv.com and for ESX.

Ha that was you? I might be in some of that video although I mostly tried to stay out of the frame.

btw, i must add... good job on repping HELLA NORCAL!!

Ha that was you? I might be in some of that video although I mostly tried to stay out of the frame.
yep that was me. No worries, some times you actually want people in the frame........

Myles

One of the messages that disappeared was asking whether it was an ESX or Crawford built engine?

If anyone has Suby bucks it should be ESX, for their drag racing effort. Too bad there isn't enough for a proper season long road racing effort.

I was up there on Sunday. Myself as well as my buddy who is also on the forum went to the race had a great chat with Gary about the car! he was very nice and was glad to answer any of our questions. I also really enjoyed him telling us about the car and what the did to it! Thank you for taking 30 minutes of your time to talk to us! it was especially crazy with one of the major sponsors wanting to talk to Gary!

Marshall. I enjoyed finally meeting you! you were so busy last year we didn't get a chance to say Hi! Good luck with the team and the future races! I also wanted to thank you for taking time to have a little chat! I enjoyed it...

SO in all, even though they didn't run this weekend, I still give mad props for all their hard work and their dedication to the Subaru fans like myself!

BTW: the pics of the car, don't do it any justice! it is absolutely unbelieveable in person. we probably spent an hour checking the car out and getting ideas! hehe :P

THANKS AGAIN GUYS! I enjoyed it.. good luck at the next race and see you next year at Long Beach!

One of the messages that disappeared was asking whether it was an ESX or Crawford built engine?

If anyone has Suby bucks it should be ESX, for their drag racing effort. Too bad there isn't enough for a proper season long road racing effort.

Both engines were by Cosworth, not by ESX or Crawford. I would not interpret that to infer that Cosworth is at fault or to assign blame--teardowns and further data analysis is required. After the 2nd failure, I decided it would be unsafe to continue running as the reason for the failures couldn't be pinpointed.

btw, i must add... good job on repping HELLA NORCAL!!

Frank, please find another forum to pollute.

Is there anyway to support this effort like through the purchase of any souvenirs, t-shirts, etc?

SOMEONE (me)... was going to do t-shirts. There's not a chance in hell I can get around to it for another week or more. I emailed Marshall about it but didn't hear back on a question I had (not surprising given his schedule right before the LB event).

I think the general consensus is that we'd all love to see Subaru compete next year and a good amount of us are willing to contribute in any possible manner toward the effort.... I know I sure as hell would.

SOMEONE (me)... was going to do t-shirts. There's not a chance in hell I can get around to it for another week or more. I emailed Marshall about it but didn't hear back on a question I had (not surprising given his schedule right before the LB event).

That's not out of the question--just decompressing from a long couple of weeks, but I will get back to you on this! If anyone has any other questions/ideas on things, don't hesitate to PM me (marshall@marshallpruett.com).

Good call to err on the side of safety. It was great to finally meet everyone. Despite the long weekend and lack of sleep, everyone from the top of the organization down were more than willing to take time out of their day to talk, and it was more than just a 'smiling face.' I appreciated their sincerity. Props to everyone at and involved with ESX. Marshall and Ali are both great guys. Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to meet Gary, but I'm confident that I will.

I am glad that this is being viewed as a learning opportunity, shows the true potential of the team to build an excellent program with the car.

Damn Marshall sorry to hear about all your troubles, let me know if there is anything we can do to help.

Mike

Thanks Mike--my Accord Super Tourer will be on your doorstep on Thursday, so at least that's something positive to look forward to!

Two brand new motors were lost in the span of 4 days, and both failures were completey unrelated. The unexpected need for funds to buy a 2nd engine, and then go for a third was never allowed for.

A third, used engine was sourced, but upon immediate inspection, it was found to have enough internal warning signs to warrant not running it.

Beyond hopes of glory and flying the Subaru flag, driver safety is the highest concern and value to uphold; with an unsuitable 3rd engine, I wasn't willing to risk another failure and thus risk potential injury to our driver. Oiling one's tires on a concrete-lined track is a recipe for mechanical and physical damage.

While everyone is sad, the team is more than excited about the potential of the car in its new specification, and with more testing time and a proper teardown and diagnosis from our engine builder, we hope to come back and fight another day.


I'm sorry to hear engine failures prevented the team from putting on a good show. You would think at this power level (based on what I think it is), engine reliability really wouldn't be an issue. If you don't mind sharing, how much power is the typical Speed GT car putting to the ground?

I wish you guys the best of luck at the next event! You guys deserve better!

Thanks,
Phil
www.elementtuning.com

My semi-educated guess would be about 475 + or - 25 at the crank. It might be even less depending on the weights SCCA has as mins. Of course different drivetrains would vary power to wheels.

Shenanigans...


I walked into the garage when someone was filming Gary while the GT's were staging. I wanted to talk to Marshall and Gary! But I just had to walk around and snap some photos of the car and then check everything else out.

I was sad the car didn't run...

Like this: :(

My semi-educated guess would be about 475 + or - 25 at the crank. It might be even less depending on the weights SCCA has as mins. Of course different drivetrains would vary power to wheels.

I hope you're wrong. I would think this car would need 475+ wheel HP to be competative on the straights but I would like to know for certain. The Z06s they race against have 500 crank HP from the factory and are likely near that at the wheels in race trim.

An OEM motor can handle 475 crank HP without breaking a sweat even in Gary's hands with proper tuning and race fuel . When the term "engine failure" is used it can be so many things so I won't bother to speculate. I'm just curious about the HP because with the level of detail and dedication that went into this car I'm in disbelief they had two unrelated engine failures.

Thanks,
Phil
www.elementtuning.com

My semi-educated guess would be about 475 + or - 25 at the crank. It might be even less depending on the weights SCCA has as mins. Of course different drivetrains would vary power to wheels.

Add about 100WHP to that figure for the big dogs.

http://jcald.com/pics/lbgp/IMG_4699.JPG
Is it just me or is the Arceo Wheels sponsorship still not quite working out? Oh, and you guys totally need to get the black valve stems for those wheels, I have 'em on my bronze TE-37s and it looks way better. Won't clash with the red so much! :p

On a more serious note, it is really unfortunate things didn't pan out for this event. I'm sure we'll all be interested to hear what the diagonsis is on the engines. Is this year's engine setup drastically different from last year's? I know you didn't have the opportunity to run much last year, but from what I remember there weren't any engine issues, just the brake issues.

Pat Olsen
'97 Legacy 2.5GT sedan

I'm just curious about the HP because with the level of detail and dedication that went into this car I'm in disbelief they had two unrelated engine failures.

Thanks,
Phil
www.elementtuning.com

We had two unrelated engine failures, pretty simple, and not the least expected.

We had two unrelated engine failures, pretty simple, and not the least expected.

I'm really sorry again to hear that. If you have to run at 600 whp that's a big number to keep reliable under such extreme conditions. Let's see a 7 liter 600 HP Z06 has an output of 86 HP per liter and a 2.5 liter Subaru with 600 HP has to be reliable at 240 HP per liter. I wish you the best of luck on a package that can withstand that punishment.

Thanks,
Phil
www.elementtuning.com

someone posted that ali said the motor ingested a lot of oil and done blowed up?
maybe high G cornering pushed all the oil out of the breather valves?

sorry to speculate..but we are all fans that love racing, subaru, and seeing racing subarus succeed...and we like to stick our noses where they shouldn't be :P

I don't think this has been asked already but did you guys change the gearing on the car at all for better top end mph or is 155 fast enough for these tracks?

Does the higher rpm on the engine make the gearing not an issue?

Mike

I don't think this has been asked already but did you guys change the gearing on the car at all for better top end mph or is 155 fast enough for these tracks?

Does the higher rpm on the engine make the gearing not an issue?

Mike

Stock tranny is required.

someone posted that ali said the motor ingested a lot of oil and done blowed up?
maybe high G cornering pushed all the oil out of the breather valves?

sorry to speculate..but we are all fans that love racing, subaru, and seeing racing subarus succeed...and we like to stick our noses where they shouldn't be :P

pio--makes sense under normal conditions, but we barely got up to speed and were taking it easy on those 2 laps. There weren't much in the way of G's to encounter.

I'm really sorry again to hear that. If you have to run at 600 whp that's a big number to keep reliable under such extreme conditions. Let's see a 7 liter 600 HP Z06 has an output of 86 HP per liter and a 2.5 liter Subaru with 600 HP has to be reliable at 240 HP per liter. I wish you the best of luck on a package that can withstand that punishment.

Thanks,
Phil
www.elementtuning.com

Yes, it's a good thing we aren't making 600whp.