I posted a thread with some info here.

I can't guaranty that I'll be able to work with you at your first track event, as I've got a few folks I've been working with, so sometimes it's hard to find space for a new student, but I'd be happy to at least do one ride along with you across your first day. And, if I don't already have a student, I'd be happy to work with you.

But asking to be "shown a few things" really misses the point that these are really scaled down driving "schools", so you'll be paired with an instructor in any case, whether that's me or someone else. You'll get lots of instruction about how the event is run, what the flags mean, what to do (and not do), etc. But if you really want to get something out of it, you'll need to do some homework first. It's truly a thinking-person's sport, and the more you know, the faster you'll build skills.

In any case, don't be intimidated! Just network a bit beforehand so you'll have some folks to meet and hang out with across the day (it's not much fun if you're hanging out all by yourself in between sessions), and come on out. You'll have a great time. Provided you listen to your instructor, exercise prudence and judgment, there isn't that much risk to you or your car. Think of it as having a coach and its your coach's job to keep you out of trouble. I've never had a student suffer any damage to his/her car. Ever.

CB

 

Good choice for a kit. I have one of the first Ultimate Racing 3" exhausts and wouldn't have any other. It sounds and flows great. If you haven't purchased the turbo yet, get the ball bearing version (GT35R) for it's quicker spool-up. As far as running 285's in the rear, good luck. Depending on which tire brand you go with, I think you're going to have a lot of rubbing problems. I'm running HRE wheels and 275 is the widest I could go with.

I bought my car new in May, 2002 and almost imediately put an UR turbo kit on it. I think the first in the USA. I ran with that setup for two years without any problems on a stock engine - 9 psi and about 310whp. Never raced it but did autocross once. After 310 whp became booring, I installed a built engine and a custom turbo kit using Full Race's manifold. That's been in the car for over 2 years now, and I haven't had any problems. My third project is just starting now. I'm pulling that engine out and installing the original block which was built by Laskey Racing (R.I.P. Earl). This turbo setup will have an ITB intake system which Hayward Performance is currently building for me. Should be an interesting project. And I may switch from the AEM EMS to the HKS F-CON V Pro. If I do, RRev in Portland will do the tuning.

If you need and help with your install let me know. I occasionally get down to Portland.

 

fperra, I want a ride in your car!! Don't you live in Lakewood?

 

Yep.

 

I did get the R version of the 35.

Sounds like you've had some good experiences w/FI, the ITB/turbo sounds pretty incredible, s/b interesting to say the least! Looks like you've done a lot of "experimenting" with the F20 and sunk some $$ into it. That is really too bad about Earl but the motor s/b sweet!

I have a +73 offset on a 10x18 rim (custom iForged), 285's will work w/out rolling or rubbing. Glad you like the UR exhaust, I've read good things about it, just hoping it's not TOO loud though it shouldn't be.

 

While FPerra's had good luck with his turbo (and I know, from past exchanges that he's done many of the right things in terms of setup/tuning), I think the operative phrase is, "never raced it but did autocross once." If your objectives are similar, as I've argued before, then the odds are good that you'll have a similarly satisfying experience. Just don't think you can go out and track the car hard and regularly without things breaking. In autox, the runs take all of a minute or two, and because of the twisty, short, slow nature of autox courses, you'll be lucky to be in boost for 20 seconds of the run. On the track, I was often in boost for more than half of each lap, at WOT/fullboost for for 25-30% of the time, with sessions running as long as 30 minutes. The demands on the turbo, engine, cooling system, oil, etc. are several orders of magnitude more extreme. Just my two cents, fyi.

 

Chris, you will get no argument from me on the stresses put on a turbo'd F20c under racing conditions. If I was to track my car I would put in a huge oil cooler, a radiator with twice the core size of my current C&R, a transmission and differential oil cooler, and limit my boost to about 9 psi. A larger oil pan to hold about 3 more quarts wouldn't be a bad idea either, and a dry sump would be even better.

 

I'm not sure my list is quite the same. FWIW, here's my take:

Upgraded cooling system: yes, but the C&R radiator I had was certainly more than adequate for the car under the worst conditions. Maybe you've got a smaller capacity one?
Oil cooler: yes, absolutely. Mine was built into the C&R radiator, and it worked great.
Tranny/differential: for endurance racing, yes, but for tracking/lapping or shorter 30 race session, I don't think it's necessary
Oil management: Dry sumping's great in theory, but it's non-trivial to design/install, so I'd likely simply install a 3 quart accusump and a larger pan and call it done. The problem really lies with getting oil back to the pan (it tends to linger in the head), so a larger capacity and baffled pan is a good idea.
Limited boost: yep.

In addition, I'd probably lower compression with custom pistons, custom cams and cam gears, and spend a huge amount of time on tuning.

All of which explains why I sold my car... ;-)

CB

 

I couldn't agree more on lower compression and custom pistons; I already have those. Also recommended is a sleeved block. Tuning goes without saying.

 

At some point, if you're ever down this way (Portland), give a call. I'd love to have a look at your car. And, if you want to try tracking it, PM me, and I'll offer some advice. I teach for all the clubs that run at PIR and run the instruction program for Lotus of Portland.

CB