[S1MPSONS]

I am toying around with the idea of competing with NASA TT. I discovered this reading a suspension related thread. You can read up on the basics here: NASA Time Trial - Home

I'd like to start by discussing classing. Specifically, keeping the STi within it's stock class limit (cost saving approach). Stock, the STi falls in TTB or "B" class for short. Like Motorsports Northeast (for you Northeasterners like me), for every 20 modification points acquired, you go up one class. See section 6.4 here http://www.nasaproracing.com/rules/Time-Trial-Rules.pdf for modification points structure.

So, as is I ran through the numbers and my car has a conservative 27 points, bumping it to TTA or "A" class. A quick solution to this would be Tune my COBB AP to stock for the events, putting my total mod point count at 17 keeping me in B class. Here the conservative count of my mod points totaling 27 with notes on the iffy items:

Engine/Drivetrain 13. +10 Reprogrammed ECU
Engine/Drivetrain 16. +1 Modified Pre-Air-box Intake (Maybe)
Engine/Drivetrain 29. +2 Exhaust Downstream from Header
Engine/Drivetrain 31. +1 High-Flow Cat
Susp/Brake/Chas 5. +2 Springs
Susp/Brake/Chas 6. +2 Sways
Aerodynamics 1. +2 Facia Modification / Ground Effects
Aerodynamics 2. +2 Front Splitter Removal (Maybe: Should I Get Double Charged For My Front Lip)
Aerodynamics 4. +2 Removal of Spoiler (Maybe)
Aerodynamics 10. +2 Modified Sideskirts

Some free mods I was able to get away with according to the rules is my lightweight battery, group-n motor mounts, steering rack bushings, 245 Azenis RT615's, and my camber plates!

If I can clear up the 3 maybe's and throw on my OEM sideskirts, I can drop myself down to 19 mod points and stay in "B" class with the ECU tuned!

[Lutfy]

Engine/Drivetrain 13. +10 Reprogrammed ECU
Engine/Drivetrain 16. +1 Modified Pre-Air-box Intake (Maybe)
Engine/Drivetrain 29. +2 Exhaust Downstream from Header
Engine/Drivetrain 31. +1 High-Flow Cat
Susp/Brake/Chas 5. +2 Springs
Susp/Brake/Chas 6. +2 Sways
Aerodynamics 1. +2 Facia Modification / Ground Effects
Aerodynamics 2. +2 Front Splitter Removal (Maybe: Should I Get Double Charged For My Front Lip)
Aerodynamics 4. +2 Removal of Spoiler (Maybe)
Aerodynamics 10. +2 Modified Sideskirts



The aero points you have listed above adds marginal performance ben at the cost of POINTS. How come you havent added points for the shocks or you are running stock shocks?

I am running TTB and this includes SHOCKS and running 235 R comp tires. BTW you get credit if you if you run skinnier than the listed tire. Since you are running 245 instead of 265 listed for TTB, you get 4 points credit (which you forgot to deduct

[S1MPSONS]

Originally Posted by Lutfy

The aero points you have listed above adds marginal performance ben at the cost of POINTS. How come you havent added points for the shocks or you are running stock shocks?

I am running TTB and this includes SHOCKS and running 235 R comp tires. BTW you get credit if you if you run skinnier than the listed tire. Since you are running 245 instead of 265 listed for TTB, you get 4 points credit (which you forgot to deduct

Stock struts, yes. Awesome that I can get back those points for tires. However, I guess it's unlikely to be competitive here without running r-comps.

I know the aero is stupid and doesn't do anything, but to don't want to change it retroactively. I just have WRX sideskirts and a JDM front lip. Doesn't do anything for performance.

What do you think about the wingless trunk?

-Jake

[spazegun2213]

Aerodynamics 10. +2 Modified Sideskirts

how are yours modified? if they are WRX, I'd just ask your TT director to dismiss them as they come on a subaru, and most times if they come on the make of car you have and provide "little" use, then you can have them dismissed.

also, put your wing back on, you are going to need it and IIRC its no a problem if its stock. As for the front lip, I'd just say +2 for Facia Modification, since you added something and not removed it (like the wing).

[S1MPSONS]

I can swap before the TT. As for the sideskirt, even OEM options are supposed to be added to your point count. For example, if you have a 02 WRX with a wing, the wing was an optional item from the factory (not standard) and is supposed to be counted. I don't know if it would matter that it's OEM equipment. I might just have to deal with the sideskirt points. I don't have a problem swapping before the TT to my winged trunk. It'll make a difference in traction after all. So this puts me at:

Engine/Drivetrain 13. +10 Reprogrammed ECU
Engine/Drivetrain 16. +1 Modified Pre-Air-box Intake (Maybe)
Engine/Drivetrain 29. +2 Exhaust Downstream from Header
Engine/Drivetrain 31. +1 High-Flow Cat
Susp/Brake/Chas 5... +2 Springs
Susp/Brake/Chas 6... +2 Sways
Aerodynamics 1....... +2 Facia Modification / Ground Effects
Aerodynamics 2....... +2 Front Splitter Removal
Aerodynamics 10...... +2 Modified Sideskirts
Tires...................... -4 245/45/17 Street Tires
__________________________________________
Total..................... 19 Points ----> TTB

[Lutfy]

If I had to do it again (my car was a track car first before a built to the hilt TTB car) I would do:

1) 255 R Comps (preferably RA1s) +4
2) Camber front and back (no points there)
3) Shocks/springs/bars
4) TBE

the 10 points for the flash is QUITE steep. If you had to spend your 10 points first, you are better off on tires and then suspension (in that order) before you go for more power. An Sti on R Comps and non piggy back res coilover will be MUCH quicker than an STi on just an ECU flashed car (and everything else stock).

Hence you will not be as competitive in TTB with NON R comp tires. Infact a set of 225 Mich PS C will be faster than your 245 Azenis (greater grip, better heat tolerance, slip angle etc etc.)

[1LapSTI]

NASA is a great organization to run with! You are on the right track, do whatever you need to to stay in TTB! You will get murdered in TTA by the Vette's.

I built my 06 up for TTB and learned to take full advantage of the "free" mods such as camber plates, brake pads, and most importantly, reduction of weight. Most people forget about weight reduction and it is one of the easiest ways to pick up speed. Read that section of the rules carefully as you can take quite a bit of weight out of your car for free.

Good luck with NASA!

[Lutfy]

Originally Posted by 1LapSTI

NASA is a great organization to run with! You are on the right track, do whatever you need to to stay in TTB! You will get murdered in TTA by the Vette's.

I built my 06 up for TTB and learned to take full advantage of the "free" mods such as camber plates, brake pads, and most importantly, reduction of weight. Most people forget about weight reduction and it is one of the easiest ways to pick up speed. Read that section of the rules carefully as you can take quite a bit of weight out of your car for free.

Good luck with NASA!

1LapSti, mind sharing your setup/points with us? Just curious how you are taking advantage of the 19 points. THANKS in advance.

Regards,

Lutfy

[S1MPSONS]

Originally Posted by Lutfy

1LapSti, mind sharing your setup/points with us? Just curious how you are taking advantage of the 19 points. THANKS in advance.

Regards,

Lutfy

+1...........

[2slow2curious]

Great thread.One more season of HPDE and i might try this out.
Do you need a roll cage/bar for TT

[tsarte]

IMHO the two biggest changes to make your car competitive (aside from skill) are R-compounds and brake upgrade (track pads, fluid & SS lines). Don't even bother to do HPDE3 and above without the track pads. You probably have it already but just did not list it down. No points for those upgrades either. As far as Azenis 615 they are crap for TT. I agree with Lutfy on the Michelins.

I don't recall anybody in Socal TT using street tires. I have seen others try it just to test it out but would not compete with it unless it was raining. If I were to do it again I would have 255/40-17 mounted on 17x9. RA1 for lower budget and Hankook, Kumho and hoosier slicks for a lot more cash. With the STi you really need to be diligent rotating the tires after the first day and remount tires inside out if running the same config for next event. This will prolong the life of the RA1. Let me know if you have questions about this...

The stock rear wing helps out in TT so it would be good to have it back and credit some points. I read your explanation about the aero mods but i got to say they are really worthless extra points. These points could have been used for weight loss. I don't think there are too many free weight loss options though.

Also the modified airbox will not help out either. I also have reservations on the AP. I ran TTA for 2007 with an off-the-shelf COBB stg2 and was overheating during hot summer days. 10 points is a lot!

[S1MPSONS]

<--- HP+ pads, ss lines, and ATE Blue

[S1MPSONS]

I am considering a set of r-comps for this upcoming season.I have to look up and see what is a well priced all around r-comp (autox and TT). Especially if I want to be competitive in TT. Too bad there is not Street Tire class here.

[tsarte]

Originally Posted by S1MPSONS

I am considering a set of r-comps for this upcoming season.I have to look up and see what is a well priced all around r-comp (autox and TT). Especially if I want to be competitive in TT. Too bad there is not Street Tire class here.

HP+ is good for street tires, you will be served better by more aggressive pads when you switch to R-comps.

Toyo ra1 or newer r888 is the best compromise. AX and TT have different requirements on tires - Hoosiers have different compounds for them. Hankook also offer different compounds.

[S1MPSONS]

Thanks. I think I'll keep my eye out for a set of RA1s.