Project Trackday

The weather is finally starting to improve here and the car was pulled out of storage on 3/17/10 (special thanks to Tom W. for letting me keep the car in his garage over the winter!).  A fresh oil change (Mobil1 5W-30 Full Synthetic, M1-110 oil filter) today is the first step in preparations for the 2010 season.  I will flush the brake fluid next week (weather permitting) and check the brake pads/rotors for wear.

Koni Sport (Single adjustable) shocks to replace OEM shocks

The plan is to also get the newly acquired Koni Sport shocks on the car and a new alignment before the auto-x season opener on 4/11/10.  Currently it looks like I will be sticking with the stock springs for at least the first half of the season, though upgrades to the sway bars may be in order.

A quick summary of the first season: The goal was to buy and prep a car for the track in under $4000, and I’m glad to say mission accomplished. The final total was $3,822! To top it off I received the 1st place trophy in E-Stock from the Indianapolis Region SCCA:

Now to look forward to 2010!

For this second season (2010) I’m setting myself a budget of $1,000 for upgrades/maintenance and repairs. The shocks will need to be replaced as the front right was starting to show signs of leakage. I am also going to need a new set of tires and brakes at some point during the season, and if there are sufficient funds remaining I would like to do something about the large body roll on the track (sway bar or stiffer springs).  I will also be keeping track of entry fees, membership fees and registration fees to events this season to give an idea of how much it costs to run a car per season.

Just a recap of what has been going on since the last post of 2009…  The broken rear finish panel was replaced and the broken taillight was replaced with a set of OEM taillights (never did like the Altezzas anyways).  A generous friend (Tom) provided some garage space to stow the car away in winter and it has been sitting there since late November.  Once the weather warms up a bit the car will be brought back out and the frantic work on it will begin.  New parts to go on and fresh fluids (brakes, engine, etc) will be the first things on the menu.  The condition of the tires will be determined at the first auto-x of the season, though the plan is to upgrade to the Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star Spec which is now offered in a 14″ size for the first time.

Bring on 2010!