10-01-2005, 11:50 AM
heh, a little late to the party, but whatever, here's my input.
Good idea on the brakes. You've got a PM on that.
For heating issues, DO NOT install an FMIC. I know you said you won't be, but that is a good enough reason. Also, how accurate is your temp guage? Maybe consider getting an aftermarket set of guages (recommending water temp, oil temp, and oil pressure). Water wetter (some people swear by it) and more water (like RJ suggested) should help with that. You might also look into a larger radiator, although I wouldn't do that until you knew you needed it.
For grip, better tires and a larger rear bar should help. If you really want to keep the utility as a people hauler, save the shocks and springs as a last resort.
You don't need more power right now
. Sounds like a bigger snail is the next move on that though.
Right now, a clear head and your brake upgrade will be your safety. You'll have several autoX sessions in now before you track, so you'll have an idea of how the car feels. That will be extremely helpful on track and the fact that you've identified a lot of the big problems will help you a lot too.
Good luck and get out there and have some fun. If you think you don't need it, take the money you would spend on that and put it toward track time/autoX events instead.
Good idea on the brakes. You've got a PM on that.
For heating issues, DO NOT install an FMIC. I know you said you won't be, but that is a good enough reason. Also, how accurate is your temp guage? Maybe consider getting an aftermarket set of guages (recommending water temp, oil temp, and oil pressure). Water wetter (some people swear by it) and more water (like RJ suggested) should help with that. You might also look into a larger radiator, although I wouldn't do that until you knew you needed it.
For grip, better tires and a larger rear bar should help. If you really want to keep the utility as a people hauler, save the shocks and springs as a last resort.
You don't need more power right now
. Sounds like a bigger snail is the next move on that though.Right now, a clear head and your brake upgrade will be your safety. You'll have several autoX sessions in now before you track, so you'll have an idea of how the car feels. That will be extremely helpful on track and the fact that you've identified a lot of the big problems will help you a lot too.
Good luck and get out there and have some fun. If you think you don't need it, take the money you would spend on that and put it toward track time/autoX events instead.