So the basic premise, before I ramble incoherently, is that I haven't tracked my NSX in anger (not literally Ken) for the better part of nine months and I'm getting antsy. So I have to share if only to get it off my chest.

In Sept of last year during an OT event, I suffered a cut tire that blew out entirely while in a 85mph corner. Ouch. Fortunately, I just ended up with a bent wheel. Took about 2 months to get the wheel fixed and repowdercoated. Fun times.

So while that was being done, I decided to upgrade a few parts. Basically suspension, brakes, and engine. After discussing supension goodies with a famed tuner, but evidently extremely busy, of a famed NSX racer and then getting no where ... I decide to turn to Comptech for their Pro Suspendo. Turns out to be very good so far even with 1000lb front springs. Now I just have to tune the thing w/o access to a proper skidpad or testing tools. No worries.

Before the suspension was installed, I decided to upgrade the brakes. The best value, I decided, was the Stoptech kit for the front. So a buddy and I installed those on a weekend afternoon which was promptly taken the next day to my mechanic to correct a soft brake pedal. Turns out the calipers have TWO bleedvalves, one on each side. No one said I was the most mechanically inclined. During these two modifications, winter takes a depressing four months to start and finish. No track time. I'm limited to high speed passes on country roads and moderate speeds on highway entrances and exits. Gotta practice heel and toe, 3rd to 2nd over and over.

Once winter surrenders to the next season, I wait in line to get the suspendo properly cornerbalanced and an alignment done. I'm still waiting. Partly my fault though - I went on vacation. Knowing that I was going to go on vacation and how ideal it would be to have my mechanic work on the car while I was gone, I call a famed NSX vendor and get a order their Stage 1 engine mods. Those were supposed to be sent while I was gone, installed, and the car made ready by my arrival back in the good ole' US of A. They weren't. Man, I was really looking forward to driving my car just around town! Now, it turns out the parts still haven't been sent and won't be until middle of next week - though for good reason - and a proper cornerbalance and alignment still has to be done.

Figure in a OT event on the 21st and it looks like I'll be missing another track day. FRICK!! Still, it's my own fault for adding to the list of automotive "To Do's." But I wonder if they're worth it now or if my impatience is getting the better of me. Do I really need to brake better after 20 minutes of session time? Do I really need a few extra ponies under the hatch? Do I need a super stiff suspendo that makes the car all but undrivable on Tulsa roads? Did I mention that I also messed with the tranny, clutch, and gears during this time? Is that all part of the journey and joy that'll make the ends justify the means? Will I be honest with myself if it's not? All this time, money, and frustration is giving "stock" performance more meaning ...

 

Sorry to hear about your jonesing. Tracking is fun, but not when you can't do it.

I've found that it's nice to have a second car that you can track as your backup car. It doesn't have to be really quick, only trackworthy enough that you don't feel unsafe or worry about frying the brakes etc. It can even be a family car or a beater.

 

I feel your pain bro.

 

Haha...just want my wife wants to hear, "Honey, I think I need another sports car."

Jeez, I've even been thinking about getting a motorcycle.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ponyboy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Haha...just want my wife wants to hear, "Honey, I think I need another sports car."</TD></TR></TABLE>

No, that's not what I meant.

I was thinking more along the lines of, "Honey, since my NSX is in the shop, can I borrow your car for that track weekend I have coming up?" If she's smart about it, she might be able to wangle a nicer car for herself as part of the deal. Look for the "win win".

 

Well, that's going to be a difficult one...she doesn't know how to drive a stick. Our next new car will be for her and she has her eyes on the new RL or the new Odessey.

I like the way you're thinking though.

 

Breaking stuff is good fun! Although I would hate to do so in such a car like the NSX....

 

Well, the car is almost ready. Pony has gone all high horsepower on you foolios! Sportin' a new intake, ECU, throttle body - courtesy of Science of Speed, and recal'd-cleaned-balanced injectors. Tomorrow I'm picking it up after the alignment. Hopefully, I can schedule a corner balance for tomorrow night.Saturday afternoon is a dyno session. I can already tell a difference in throttle response by playing with the throttle cable. Yee haw!

I'll keep you guys posted with dyno numbers.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ponyboy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">winter takes a depressing four months to start and finish. No track time.</TD></TR></TABLE>

No winter track events in Texas?

 

There are but the weather can take such unpredictable twists (ie present whether situation down there but factor in snow or wind) that many times the events get cancelled. Now Cali is a different story.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ponyboy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">There are but the weather can take such unpredictable twists (ie present whether situation down there but factor in snow or wind) that many times the events get cancelled. Now Cali is a different story. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Wus. You should do this for the winter! mAd DrIfT yO!

 

BS, everytime I tell you about an event at MSR, you are "busy."

I think you're scared of me.

Am I going to have to come to Hallet to school you?

 

Bleh, on the both of you. There ARE some merits to driftin and I AM busy and you've never even been to Hallett. FWIW, I'm going to MSR August 6th-8. So take that, foolios!

Oh and the car is friggin' fast. Maybe a loss down low, like under 4000K, but the mid and hi end is "WHOA!"