So, this past Monday, I went to the track for the first time in 5 months. (Pacific Raceways in Seattle). I was a bit rusty at first, but by the end of the day, I was pretty quick as it all came back to me, I've been driving in that track for 3 years now.

I realized that the ITR is very competitive, as it's always been, but I am about 20HP short of challenging the big boys in M3s and 911s. This is very,very evident, as I always keep up with them in the corners, but lose a bit more on the straights, and if I had 15-20 more whp, and could keep up on the straights also, then I'd be in great shape.

The car is stock now, and I've contemplated getting the Mugen H/E to start, but I'm guessing that won't be giving me much gains? Do you think I could actually lose power, after spending $2500 (parts + labor) I don't want to install an intake or cams, so, does that mean I've pretty much topped out whatever power comes out of that car? Also, if I do get 10-15 more HP, should I consider upgrading the brakes, or do the stock brakes (with Porterfield pads) still be sufficient?

I've decided to keep the ITR for track use, no plans to get an E36 M3 or used NSX, so I feel that 168whp that I have now is somewhat weak sauce and I need a bit more power to really enjoy the car.


[Modified by fso_BamBam, 12:52 AM 3/27/2003]

 

If you simply want more power and money is no option then let me reccomend the SMS header and his Magnaflow 2.5 inch exhaust. That will give you great gains up top for the track. I know George Knighton on this board made 182 at the wheels with this exhaust and i forget which header if he even had one.

Depending upon rules/club you are racing with you can also purchase a VAFC which can fine tune your RPM points for fuel since you are upgrading the H/E combo. There are a # of things you can do to get more hp. I am sure others will tell you to search for getting more power out of your C5 motor.

 

Quickest and easiest mod is a JDM final drive - that way your car will accelerate faster and use the rev's to keep up with the torquier cars.

I/H/E are good mods to consider as they free up engine breathing and don't require any modification of the fuel system or ECU. You can get up to 180+ whp with those mods.

Good tires will also make you faster now that you have track experience. The stock RE010s are poor track tires because they overheat and chunk at fast tracks like PR(SIR). Getting into R compounds like Yoko A032Rs or Toyo Proxes RA-1s will improve your lap times too.

Keep the brakes stock - just use good fluid and pads. The LHT MC brace is another awesome and cheap upgrade for the R.

BPR - who is going to PR this Saturday

 

Hey BPR, yes, I've been using A32Rs for the last 2 years. Very nice tire. For my first day on Monday, I went with my street combo, the S03s, which did a fine job.

Now, regarding the JDM final drive, a couple of questions:

1. Is the accelaration really noticable? This could definitely be what I am looking for.

2. Would this compromise reliability in any way? Put more stress on the tranny, for example? It may/may not void the warranty, but I am not super concerned about that.

Heck, for only $450, this could be the only thing I need. My main issue is the lack of torque, which means I can't accelerate fast enough out of corner 9 and corner 3b (I know you're familiar) heading to the front and back straight-aways, respectively.

 

1. yes it is really noticeable because i switched to it from the stock 4.40 FD. Some will say go with the ATS but i still drive my car on the street and that is pushing it.

2. it will not put more stress on the tranny. make sure you have someone install it who knows what they are doing. it probably will void the warranty but it used all Honda parts in the JDM FD kit so it really doesn't make sense why they would void it.

Oh yeah get the LHT MC brace. It helped out so much for modulating brakes under heavy braking

 

i'd have to recomend the JDM FD as well and if anything else put a JDM 4-1 header on it and call it a day.

edit: one last thing... spend the money left over from what you would have spent on the m00gen stuff for more track events while it's fresh in your system!!


[Modified by ITR764, 8:42 PM 3/26/2003]

 

My thoughts...

Working from a modest budget and a stock R this is the roadmap I would take:

1) Brake pads and fluid.
2) Coilovers (Zeal B2s, Tien HAs, Mugen lowdowns, etc...)
3) JDM FD + FW
4) Tires

With that down your car will be capable of handling the big boys... You will NEVER beat the big boys with power, it takes finesse.