My race helmet is no longer valid after the 2004 season since it only conforms to Snell 1995 safety levels and there is a 10 year safety limit. I've always liked Arai since I never liked the fit of other helmets I've on and will probably end up ordering a new Arai (unfortunately Snell 2005 helmets don't come out until next October).

Although it doesn't matter much to me, my teammates have been giving me a hard time all year about having a simple white helmet. Still, it would be really cool to have a painted. Perhaps not as outrageous as Scotty's ;).

I found a few different companies that paint helmets:

• Blowsion
• Kuzzins Kustoms
• Helmet Graphics
• ...and the mother of all lists

Probably makes sense to run a short helmet design contest and give away something (an Amazon gift certificate?) to the winner.

Helmet designs I like:

Posted by ryans at 01:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Finally launched my racing site this week. Took a little over 15 hours total to build, most of which was selecting content, sizing/fixing photos, and integrating w/ the third party tools. Building the site itself in Dreamweaver was trivial as was hacking around to get Movable Type and Gallery integrated.

Plus, it's super easy for me to update/add content, particularly news and photos while I'm at races.

Posted by ryans at 11:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

From Rennlist discussion forums from NJ-GT:

One thing I don't like on the E-gas Porsches is the engine response to the throttle, it is way slow. When you drive a 993 you know what I'm talking about. The RS flywheel took care of that specific issue, and it reduced my car weight. I installed the Euro GT3RS flywheel for weight reduction purpose (20 lbs) and rotating mass reduction.

Idle sounds like I have a bag of marbles jumping in the engine compartment, but you get used to that. The car stalls easier, but you get to used to apply more throttle on take off.

You also need the GT3RS clutch disc, bearing and flywheel bolts (shorter).

The factory flywheel on the US GT3 is the heaviest flywheel I have seen in my life: 30lbs.

6-10 hours labor depending on the shop working on this plus $1600 on parts.

GT3 RS Conversion Bill of Materials:

QTY FR-NUMBER DESCRIPTION UNIT PRICE TOTAL
20 999-507-427-40 PLASTIC R 0 $0.57 $11.40
1 964-102-239-31 FLYWHEEL 0 $494.45 $494.45
1 964-114-143-31 RING GEAR 0 $170.59 $170.59
9 928-102-151-01 SOCKET SC 0 $6.63 $59.67
1 996-116-015-32 AS CLUTCH 0 $463.78 $463.78
9 N-014-715-3 SCKT SCRE 0 $1.31 $11.79
1 931-102-111-00 BALL BEAR 1 $34.32 $34.32
1 950-116-813-30 CLUTCH GU 0 $80.06 $80.06
1 944-116-080-01 RELEASE B 0 $252.71 $252.71
1 000-043-203-33 ORMD-PENT 6 $26.18 $26.18

TOTAL $1,604.95

Posted by ryans at 09:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A while back I stumbled across garage "clubs" where several enthusiasts got together to share garage and shop space. Bridgehampton Motoring Club is a great example (for camera user=visitor, pw=bmc). Their facility is one shared open space as opposed to individual units like the others I've looked at. A basic summary is:

* 24 hour key code access for all members via highly secure gated entrance
* Temperature and humidity controlled environment
* year-round Individual access to power for battery trickle charging
* Member access to full suite of Pan/Tilt/Zoom cameras at the facility which may be viewed over the internet
* Bi-weekly mechanical integrity routines
* Selected facility areas, lounge and picnic area available to members for personal events

Apparently it took about $1.2 million in capital to build the facility and seed the business. Fees start around $300/month. I just looked at storage spaces yesterday at Infineon Raceway (cost was $.75 per sq.ft., 1300 sq.ft. was smallest unit).

Another useful set of resources is the Storage & Transportation site list.

Posted by ryans at 12:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Apparently Europipe has a Stainless Steel Sport Exhausts for the GT3, dyno results +12hp which seems a little suspect to get that much out of a system that has already been heavily tuned by Porsche Motorsports. Also saves 8lbs.

Heavily debated on Rennlist along with the Fabspeed GT3 exhaust+headers which have an even more outrageous claimed increase.

Posted by ryans at 03:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

KarlS posted his DIY install instructions for the GT3 intake screens. Would really help keep out all the damn bugs and other things that seem to always end up blocking the air coolers.

Part numbers from Porsche Motorsports NA (which also has excellent information on Porsche's partition with racing in the US):

• 996.505.323.91 (Left) $140.20
• 996.505.324.91 (Right) $140.20
• 996.505.321.92 (Center) $96.70

On another note here is the current GT3 sales data, prediction is under 500 cars for NA at this point.

May: 1, 1
June: 1, 2
July: 59, 61
Aug: 89, 150
Sept: 21, 171
Oct: 30, 201
Nov: 28, 229

Posted by ryans at 01:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Open Track Challenge runs a "full season" of racing at 5 tracks in a single week: Willow Springs, Thunderhill, Sears Point/Infineon, California Speedway, and Arizona Motosports Park.. Two division are run, Touring and Unlimited, and a stock production car can be run with nothing more than a mounted fire extinguisher, two drivers, and the $1700-$2100 entry fee. For Touring the car MUST be driven from track to track between races, up to 450 miles distance in a day.

Posted by ryans at 12:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I was recently reading postings on how Quaife and TORSEN diffs worked and ran across links to How Stuff Works: Autos. The site contains loads of information on all things mechanical.

Posted by ryans at 10:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The GT3 destined for North America doesn't have many of the options that the Rest of World (ROW) versions do. I wanted to order the Club Sport edition, but apparently this isn't approved for US use. The US seats are the standard sports seats vs the non-adjustable carbon fiber GT3 seats sold elsewhere (saving 40lbs *EACH*). 80lbs savings is a fairly large performance increase on any car.

Eric Bosco has details on GT3 seat installation which should make the process easier. For more info also see instructions and photos of the full GT3 installation process, along with gotchas to avoid.

Posted by ryans at 02:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Some basic research into the various Spec Miata classes...

RENTALS:

http://www.motorsports-exchange.com/rentalinfo.htm
SCCA or Midwest Council Regional Race (SM or ITA):
(a) $750 Arrive and Drive; second day is $500 - save $250; "Tow it yourself" and save another 12%.
(b) run both SM and ITA (two races, same day, schedule permitting) for an additional $300/day and save !!!
(c) Want to share a car with a friend? Second driver surcharge 250/day;

A small refundable deposit (25%) is required to keep your date reserved. No penalties if the cancellation is received up to three (3) weeks prior to the date of the event.

BUILDERS:
http://www.advanced-autosports.com/
http://www.phillipsraceprep.com/sm.html
http://www.okmiata.com/r_solutions.html
http://www.sandimasauto.com/ [CARS FOR SALE]

USED:
$10k - 1990 1.6 @ http://www.motorsportexchange.com/Dave%20Wheeler's%20SM%20for%20sale.htm

PARTS:
Pro Race Wheels - $99 each @ motorsports-exchange.com

NOTES:

---
'90 is good. '91 also. You want a 1.6l, unless you weigh more than ~220# and want to make min. weight easier--then get a '94-'97 1.8l. Don't know exactly why the 1.6 is considered better, it just is. A car with hardtop is a BIG plus. Hardtops are scarce and fetch $900-$1200 on the open market.

Your dream donor car is a high-miles '90 with a messed-up interior (and hardtop) that blew its engine in '99 and now has a well-broken-in crate motor with 20-30K miles on it. Your dream price is $2000. You'll be replacing most of the suspension, bushings, and brakes anyway. Failing the dream donor, high-mileage older cars should be about $2500-$3500. Remember a hardtop is worth a grand.
---
The viscous LSD diff on 90-93 cars should likely be replaced with Mazdaspeed Comp version.
---
Some 90 and 91 cars have crankshaft problems, but this isn't really an issue since you'll liekly replace it immediately with a crate motor: http://www.miata.net/garage/crankshaft.html
---

Posted by ryans at 12:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

At the Pacific Historics this weekend I saw a beautiful custom race transporter by Concept Trailers and ended up talking to the owner (Mad Pup racing). The trialer was 44 3/4 ft. mobile home (just under the 45 maximum). Mobile homes require no special license and are allowed to travel in any lane, no stopping at truck scales, etc. Must have lounge, bathroom, running water, shower, etc. to qualify as mobile home. His was custom built in 95 with a Kenworth cab (attached). Concept is owned by Bruce Canepa (of Canepa Design or Specialized Equipment in Fresno, CA), well known in the automotive circles and noted for recently federalizing dozens of Porsche 959s.

• Concept Trailers
• Renegade
• Gold Rush Sales
• Competition Trailers

Used Transporters:
http://www.racingjunk.com/
http://www.racecarsdirect.com/cars/list.asp?t=forSale&p=Transporter
http://www.racer-net.com/hauler.htm
http://www.racingwest.com/classifieds/index.php/6/index.html
http://www.goldrushsales.com/Used%20Trailers.htm
http://www.usarprocup.com/classifieds/
http://www.autoracingtrader.com/car_haulers_trailers.htm
http://www.pitstop.com/Classified/index.cfm?category=Car%20Haulers
http://www.dealsonwheels.com/category/index.cfm/cat/12/repairable/0/sort/entrydate
http://www.race-cars.com/trasales/traindex.htm
http://www.midsouthracing.com/haulersclassifieds.htm
http://www.wheelsofspeed.com/class/clhauler.html
http://www.dallasmotorsports.com/ (SERIOUS transporters)

Not as nice "Toter Home" trailer (40' from 95) listed at $114k
Lift gate trailer only (new) ~ $60k

Transporters I'd be interested in:

NICE 3-CAR EDGE STACKER
http://www.racingjunk.com/vc/83424/36_Haulmark_3_Car_Stacker_Dealer_Demo.html

http://www.racecarsdirect.com/cars/details.asp?id=5953&cat=0
http://www.racecarsdirect.com/cars/details.asp?id=6037&cat=0
http://www.racer-net.com/haul001.htm
http://www.racer-net.com/haul006.htm (...trailer only...)

Great sold listing:
http://www.becksmarine.com/Archives/ArchiveIndex-Trailers.htm
http://drag.race-cars.com/trasold/traindex.htm

Comparitive sold prices:

Estimate for 3/4 ton pickup (recent model, < 100k miles) + nice, prepped 2 car trailer in ~ $35-40k ballpark w/ 5-th wheel setup! Makes a transporter not seem so outrageous.

GREAT LINKS:
http://www.roadsters.com/trailers/

SIZING:
GT3: 174.61 in=~14.5' (L), 50in=~4.1' (H)
E46 M3: 176.8 in=~14.5' (L), 54 in=~4.5' (H)
E36 M3: 174.5 in=~14.5' (L), 52.6 in=~4.5' (H)
E30: 171.1 in=~14.5' (L), 53.9 in=~4.5' (H)
Miata: 155.4=~13.5' (L), 48.2in+hardtop=~4.25' (H)

Liability issues and advice:
http://www.improvedtouring.com/chat2/

Posted by ryans at 05:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Apparently GTD is no longer developing the GT40 kit and CAV is pushing hard with many distributors in US. Rave reviews on the fit and finish of the car.

CAV offers 6-speed ZF direct at a good discount (www.gt40s.com, Mar 21 '03 post by Dan Dinverno). ZF is *EXTREMELY* expensive ($16k brand new 6-speed...rebuilt ones for about half that), Audi Getrag is $2k new but only handles max of 400hp! NOTE: The engine sits 2 inches lower with the ZF vs Getrag and the ZF was one of the original trannies used in GT40s.

351W engine stroked to 396 preferred by many over 302, plus 48 IDA carbs are available. The standard 351W is ~385HP, $5200 @ 2gmotorsports.com and recommended that only ZF is used.

Dealers:
Virgina - http://www.2gmotorsports.com/

Options:
Gulf fender flares and deck vents $2000
Gurney bubble $800
Roll cage $3000
Twin nostril panel ?
4 x 48IDF $2995 (what about IDA?)

Detailed review of the CAV GT40
http://www.pistonheads.com/doc.asp?c=112&i=7318

Good used source is the Club Cobra forums...several have been forsale recently there:
http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=8258d462cb6120d1e9f1695cf1293200&forumid=24

Posted by ryans at 11:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Since my BMW muffler has rusted out and fails to pass inspection it's time to find a suitable _performance_ replacement. I like the throaty sound of my rusted out muffler (aka a "hood-rich" performance muffler).

TC Kline sells Supersprint and Stromung but really recommends Stromung as slightly improved throughput on their dyno tests. Only downside is that they are custom built at time of order and take 4-6+ weeks to arrive.

http://www.tcklineracing.com/OPC/exhaust.html

As a side note, also ran across a site that debunks many of the BMW snake oil upgrades...
http://www.bmwe34.net/e34main/upgrade/Recipe.htm

Posted by ryans at 01:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

From funcarsonline:
Pretty easy installation. I have mine just to the left of the mirror using the supplied suction cups. Power cord: from where you want to hang the V-1, push the power cord behind the windshield molding with a plastic putty knife. Once you get to the dash, its easy to run the cord across the underside of the dash using existing wires and accessories to hide the cord. Gently pull off the small LH side leather panel and the carpeted panel on the console. Also remove the batwing panel on the front. You can then remove the CD holder and storage tray by pulling them gently toward you. In the console you will find either a green and black or green and brown wire. That is a "switched" wire. Tap into that wire using the V-1 supplied clamp. It is difficult to find a suitable ground but there is a console mounting screw that attaches to metal on the LH side of the console. I used that screw for the ground. Once you get it hooked up, turn on the ignition. Hopefully, you'll hear the V-1 power up. If it works, replace all panels and trays and you're done. Took me less than 30 min.
---
http://www.geocities.com/porschecarrera996/v1Install_files/v3_document.htm
http://www.industryfigure.com/berkeley/Porsche/Accessories/valentine.htm
http://www.986faq.com/7-0/v1.asp

Mobile Scanner & Detector Laws:
http://www.afn.org/~afn09444/scanlaws/

Posted by ryans at 12:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Green Guages provides a service to those who like to customize that allows you to design your own automotive gauges, custom templates for existing cars. Interesting article cover a 911 re-done top to bottom and really nice 50s style nice custom gauges were installed.

Posted by ryans at 12:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)