iDrive

Christmas Came Early

2011-12-20T22:51:00.000-08:00

After coordinating repairs on the 93 Miata T-Car it was turned over to me for a few hours to do my worst on the home course. It felt great to get back in the car and even better to take it up into the red zone on 35. The road has been repaired in patches since my last excursion up here(April) and the road surface is a mixture of bumpy new asphalt, pitted old concrete, and slippery terafirma pushed onto the road by the wind. To say a horrible job was done is an understatement.

The car felt solid, planted in a way that only a Miata can. It gave confidence in every corner and the straights were managed without issue. The brakes were spot on every time and showed no signs of fade, shifting was direct and precise(if not a little notchy from 2nd to 3rd at high rev). The tires did what the could and didn't give me any grief, nor did they make much noise. I think this is combination of the cold weather and the run being done around 60%. Even with the lighter course speed I could feel the difference in the early 4.3 gearing and the 4.1 I had in my car. The T-Car has proven once again to be a great control for any tests I run, and while the motor is down 20 Horsepower the revs are in the same place they always were, albeit a bit slower in speed. This confirmed that the gearing of the 4.1 car does indeed slow it down, as the 4.3 car could navigate the uphill return section in 3rd gear at the same speed the 4.1 car would be while going back and forth between 2nd and 3rd in each corner. Top speed was not affected, but the car lacked umph(no surprise with a tired 1.6) and I think a good compromise would be a 4.44 in a stock 1.8.

The only complaints were with the driver. Traffic was light and the night was clear bringing the conditions to about as perfect as they were ever going to be at 8PM on a Tuesday. The line was still there, just faintly visible and the braking markers were about the same, though my judge of speed is way off and my feel of the car is just at a basic level. I was braking way too early, turning in way too late at times, and I missed a few apexes. Having been out of the game for a quite a while, this doesn't discourage me, it only makes me want to get back to it even more.

Tuesday

2011-12-20T22:49:00.000-08:00

Temp: 57 Deg. F
Weather: Clear
Road Condition: Dry
Traffic: Yes, Light
Heat: No
Inhabitants: No
Time in: 12:33.1
Time out: 12:01.8
Average Speed: 65/50 MPH
Top Speed: 87 MPH

Back in the Saddle

2011-04-04T05:50:00.000-07:00

Took a quick run on 35 during the heat wave over the weekend. Construction on the initial 5 mi., all the way to Bella Vista's door step. Road still felt great even with the extra debris, car still felt planted. Braking markers are still there. Over ran a WRX on the way out, and got surprised by a manual converted 7.40i on the way in. Only disappointment was the BMW at Alice's, first time I've had a bad one there.

Monday

2011-01-10T06:11:00.000-08:00

Temp: 34 Deg. F
Weather: Clear
Road Condition: Dry, Icy
Traffic: No
Heat: No
Inhabitants: No
Time in: N/A
Time out: N/A
Average Speed: 70/60 MPH
Top Speed: 85 MPH

First Run of the Year

2011-01-07T06:53:00.000-08:00

The current setting feels much more precise than the last. The car stays planted where I want it while remaining responsive to any slight input. Heavier wheels are slowing initial acceleration some, but nothing that affects over all performance. Stock suspension is working harder and most likely won't hold up to the abuse of the larger tires. Attempted a short skid pad on Canada after the run, and track temps in the low 40s are not being kind to the summer tires.

Friday

2011-01-07T06:52:00.001-08:00

Temp: 41 Deg. F
Weather: Clear/Foggy
Road Condition: Wet, Debris
Traffic: Yes, Light
Heat: No
Inhabitants: No
Time in: N/A
Time out: N/A
Average Speed: 75/60 MPH
Top Speed: 90 MPH

Settings Update

2010-12-31T12:59:00.000-08:00

Engine: N/A
Transmission: Stock 4.10 Rear no LSD
Suspension: Stock Springs and Shocks, Beatrush Front, Flying Miata Butterfly Brace and Frame Rails
Wheels and Tires: Volk Racing TE37v 15x8 Ft 15x8.5 Rr, Bridgestone RE-11 205/50 Ft, Kumho ECSTA XS 205/50 Rr
Tire Pressure: 29PSi Front, 26PSi Rear
Exterior: Garage Vary Front lip
Additions: Bride Stradia Seat, Momo Monte Carlo Steering wheel, Works Bell Quick Release Hub, Braille Carbon Fibre 6.5lb Battery
Current Goal: 10:00 Min.
Overall Goal: 8:30 Min.
Current Best: 9:58 Min

Tuesday

2010-10-26T06:29:00.000-07:00

Temp: 57 Deg. F
Weather: Clear
Road Condition: Dry, Debris
Traffic: Yes, Light
Heat: No
Inhabitants: Yes
Time in: 11.00.0
Time out: 10.50.5
Average Speed: 75/60 MPH
Top Speed: 95 MPH

First Rain

2010-10-26T06:24:00.001-07:00

The first rain of the season came and went this past weekend. It was a small storm with relative low wind speeds and Temperatures that stayed in the 50s. The real beauty of the storm was the timing and the duration, lasting only two and half days. It cleared the roads of congestion and as it departed, left a surreal beauty. With the moon high in the sky Sunday evening, a test run was in order to calculate the distance between a dry run and wet run. Results were discouraging at best, even with light traffic times were too high to even be mentioned on the scale, but the run was not in vain. It confirmed a few small pieces of the strategy to run 35, as well as put the final nail in the coffin for the Sumitomo HTR 200s. I'm looking forward to the next wet run.

Tuesday

2010-10-13T11:48:00.000-07:00

Temp: 84 Deg. F
Weather: Clear
Road Condition: Dry
Traffic: Yes, Light
Heat: No
Inhabitants: No
Time in: 11.29.6
Time out: 10.58.7
Average Speed: 80/60 MPH
Top Speed: 93 MPH
(night run)

Thursday

2010-09-30T22:27:00.000-07:00

Temp: 58 Deg. F
Weather: Clear
Road Condition: Dry
Traffic: Yes
Heat: No
Inhabitants: No
Time in: N/A
Time out: N/A
Average Speed: 77/60 MPH
Top Speed: 89 MPH
(night run)

Thursday

2010-09-30T06:55:00.000-07:00

Temp: 56 Deg. F
Weather: Clear
Road Condition: Dry
Traffic: Yes
Heat: No
Inhabitants: No
Time in: N/A
Time out: N/A
Average Speed: 75/55 MPH
Top Speed: 91 MPH

Friday

2010-09-10T06:09:00.000-07:00

Temp: 56 Deg. F
Weather: Clear
Road Condition: Dry
Traffic: Yes
Heat: No
Inhabitants: No
Time in: 11.05.7
Time out: 11.17.6
Average Speed: 75/55 MPH
Top Speed: 89 MPH

Thursday

2010-09-09T22:50:00.000-07:00

Temp: 60 Deg. F
Weather: Clear
Road Condition: Mixed, mostly
Traffic: Yes
Heat: No
Inhabitants: Yes
Time in: 11.29.4
Time out: 11.44.1
Average Speed: 75/55 MPH
Top Speed: 85 MPH
(night run)

Thursday

2010-09-02T23:01:00.000-07:00

Temp: 78 Deg. F
Weather: Clear
Road Condition: Dry
Traffic: Yes, Heavy
Heat: Yes
Inhabitants: no
Time in: 13.51.3
Time out: N/A
Average Speed: 65/50 MPH
Top Speed: 73 MPH
(night run)

Wednesday

2010-09-01T06:16:00.000-07:00

Temp: 59 Deg. F
Weather: Clear
Road Condition: Dry
Traffic: Yes
Heat: No
Inhabitants: Yes
Time in: 11.38.7
Time out: 11.34.4
Average Speed: 75/60 MPH
Top Speed: 89 MPH

Settings Update

2010-08-19T19:38:00.000-07:00

Engine: N/A
Transmission: N/A
Suspension: Stock Springs and Shocks, Beatrush Front and Rear strut Bar, Flying Miata Butterfly Brace and Frame Rails
Wheels and Tires: Enkei RPF1 14x7 +28, Tires Sumitomo HTR 200 195 FT, 205 RR
Tire Pressure: 24PSi Front, 20PSi Rear
Exterior: Garage Vary Front lip
Additions: Bride Stradia Seat, Momo Monte Carlo Steering wheel, Works Bell Quick Release Hub, Braille Carbon Fibre 6.5 Battery
Current Goal: 10:00 Min.
Overall Goal: 8:30 Min.
Current Best: 9:58 Min

...

2010-08-16T06:14:00.001-07:00

Will the summer of fog ever end?

Monday

2010-08-16T06:13:00.000-07:00

Temp: 55 Deg. F
Weather: Foggy
Road Condition: Wet
Traffic: Yes
Heat: No
Inhabitants: No
Time in: 11.22.6
Time out: 12.35.2
Average Speed: 70/50 MPH*
Top Speed: 77 MPH*

Back in the Saddle

2010-08-11T06:34:00.000-07:00

After whoring out the car and getting the attention of those needed it was time to return to the core of the project, live data. The first objective was reached easily, almost too easily, and many contact were made based solely on assumptions made about the car. Now its time to prove the car can do what everyone thinks it can. I designed another setup, this one closer to the original Manufacturers design and executed it on Tuesday, August 10th. The goal was simple, something that would give the driver a bit of familiarity to boost confidence and comfort while increasing the factory performance levels. The first run out was an easy ride, the car hardly being pushed at all, just a quick run to get used to the new setup. Noticeable differences were Hard Understeer at speed, slower tire response, and a slightly numb feeling in the rear. The tires were performing fine in the dry, but in the wet they had no traction, even with the tire pressure decreased to near spartan levels. The second run, started with an improvised skid pad up to 60MPH to get a feel for the tires and confirm that will squeal at the limit. The run then consisted of the same route with the driver instructed to rely solely on the suspension, and ignore the feeling of the tires, unless the road conditions were wet. The same course was run and more consistent feel was noted and a slightly faster time recorded. It feels good to be actually working again, the long wait for the end of the second and third setups is finally over and the real training can begin.

Wednesday

2010-08-11T06:32:00.000-07:00

Temp: 55 Deg. F
Weather: Foggy
Road Condition: Wet
Traffic: Yes
Heat: No
Inhabitants: No
Time in: 11.44.?
Time out: 12.01.?
Average Speed: 70/50 MPH
Top Speed: 77 MPH

Settings Update

2010-08-11T06:31:00.001-07:00

Engine: N/A
Transmission: N/A
Suspension: Stock Springs and Shocks, Beatrush Front and Rear strut Bar, Flying Miata Butterfly Brace and Frame Rails
Wheels and Tires: Enkei RPF1 14x7 +28, Tires Sumitomo HTR 200 195 FT, 205 RR
Tire Pressure: 29PSi Front, 25PSi Rear
Exterior: Garage Vary Front lip
Additions: Bride Stradia Seat, Momo Monte Carlo Steering wheel, Works Bell Quick Release Hub
Current Goal: 10:00 Min.
Overall Goal: 8:30 Min.
Current Best: 9:58 Min

T-Car Practice

2010-07-09T20:49:00.000-07:00

I had the chance to take a completely stock version of my car for a drive around the same course while my car sits awaiting new rear shocks. The car was a bit different from mine, with a lot more chassis flex, and more of an oversteer tendency, but the overall feeling was the same and I was able to recapture the raw essence of the MX-5 chassis once again. The course never changes, just the surface feeling and the people on it and today it was rather empty, an nice surprise that prompted the pace to be quicker than normal. Soon I found myself near the limit of the stock 18/60/14 tires and enjoying every minute of it. The car felt planted, it leaned when I wanted to, and it also has an LSD, something my current car lacks. All this coupled with my experience on the course helped me go through and learn a few more things about that 13 mile stretch of road, a few things I may have overlooked in my well put together car. The run was ended quickly, I popped something in the cooling system and was forced to return home early due to overheating issues. But the lesson learned today was one I will take with me and carry on, and I wont ever forget the significance of stepping backward in time.

Trial Run

2010-06-22T22:48:00.000-07:00

After setting the tire pressure and ensuring all bolts on the brace were tight, I ran the course at normal speed(speed limit) to get a feel for the car in its new setting. The FM brace ties the car together well and prevents more flex than any other piece I've owned. The wheels are stellar, but the tires are what really make the package. Just a hint of understeer that can easily be brought back into line with modulation, no push at speed, no plow at speed, and the rear stays firmly planted. The rear tires do rub quite a bit with the rear suspension coming up inadequate to deal with the extra rubber, and at times it feels as if all four shocks are obsolete in regards to keeping the car on the ground. In hard turns the car is really using only the tires and nothing else. Once I can rectify the tire fitment, I think this setup will be the best street and track combo.

Settings Update

2010-06-20T14:32:00.000-07:00

Engine: N/A
Transmission: N/A
Suspension: Stock Springs and Shocks, Beatrush Front and Rear strut Bar, Flying Miata Butterfly Brace and Frame Rails
Wheels and Tires: Work XSA 15x8 +10, 205/50 Front, 225/50 Rear.
Tire Pressure: 29PSi Front, 25PSi Rear
Exterior: Garage Vary Front lip
Additions: Bride Stradia Seat, Momo Monte Carlo Steering wheel, Works Bell Quick Release Hub
Current Goal: 10:00 Min.
Overall Goal: 8:30 Min.
Current Best: 9:58 Min

Settings Update

2010-06-15T22:03:00.000-07:00

Engine: N/A
Transmission: N/A
Suspension: Stock Springs and Shocks, Beatrush Front and Rear strut Bar
Wheels and Tires: Work XSA 15x8 +10, 205/50 Front, 225/50 Rear.
Tire Pressure: 29PSi Front, 25PSi Rear
Exterior: Garage Vary Front lip
Additions: Bride Stradia Seat, Momo Monte Carlo Steering wheel, Works Bell Quick Release Hub
Current Goal: 10:00 Min.
Overall Goal: 8:30 Min.
Current Best: 9:58 Min

Tuesday

2010-06-15T06:07:00.000-07:00

Temp: 53 Deg. F
Weather: Foggy
Road Condition: Wet
Traffic: Yes
Heat: No
Inhabitants: No
Time in: 11.34.4
Time out: 11.48.9
Average Speed: 75/55 MPH
Top Speed: 87 MPH

Monday

2010-06-14T06:02:00.000-07:00

Temp: 54 Deg. F
Weather: Foggy
Road Condition: Wet
Traffic: Yes
Heat: No
Inhabitants: Yes
Time in: 11.45.9
Time out: 11.11.6
Average Speed: 70/50 MPH
Top Speed: 81 MPH

Current Settings

2010-06-13T21:32:00.000-07:00

Engine: N/A
Transmission: N/A
Suspension: Stock Springs and Shocks, Beatrush Front strut Bar
Wheels and Tires: Stock 14" with 185/60 All Season tires
Exterior: N/A
Additions: Bride Stradia Seat, Momo Monte Carlo Steering wheel
Current Goal: 10:00 Min.
Overall Goal: 8:30 Min.
Current Best: 9:58 Min.