T-Car Practice

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.