Kgolf's Official STX Build

[3002 tii]

Just curious, why do you mount the GoPro on the outside like that? Is it not more preferable to have it inside the car, centered?

[Kgolf31]

Originally Posted by 3002 tii

Just curious, why do you mount the GoPro on the outside like that? Is it not more preferable to have it inside the car, centered?

The only place I could really mount it inside center would be my rear window. That that point the course wouldn't be able to be seen that well.

I really like the outside window because it shows where I'm looking, steering inputs and I can still easily see the whole course (whether it be through the windshield or outside the car).

As well I can see how close I'm getting to the cones. Obviously I have no clue what passenger side is doing, but inside the car I wouldn't know either

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by Kgolf31

The only place I could really mount it inside center would be my rear window. That that point the course wouldn't be able to be seen that well.

I really like the outside window because it shows where I'm looking, steering inputs and I can still easily see the whole course (whether it be through the windshield or outside the car).

As well I can see how close I'm getting to the cones. Obviously I have no clue what passenger side is doing, but inside the car I wouldn't know either

Maybe a headrest mount?

[Kgolf31]

Originally Posted by 3002 tii

Maybe a headrest mount?

Perhaps, but that costs time and money. 2 Things I don't have

[Kgolf31]

Ran yesterday in preparation for Toledo ProSolo.

I placed 3rd out of 109!!!!



Starting to finally learn how the drive the car and shock tuning. But I think we have a winner here and a potential STX underdog, IMO.

[02rsxpilot]

Nice run! I think the new helmet made the difference.

[Kgolf31]

Originally Posted by 02rsxpilot

Nice run! I think the new helmet made the difference.

The helmet does!

It is actually way lighter...and that makes a huge difference.

[Kgolf31]

And finally a picture of the car on 3 wheels!

[fcman]

How are you liking the suspension setup? Also is it terrible on the road? I'm debating making the jump to STU as F street is about as thin as can be (usually me and a '14 Mustang GT which was about 5 seconds off pace last weekend, so no fun). The car is actually pretty decent out there even on stock suspension and 225/255 PSS, I would just like a little more bite on braking and better turn-in (especially under braking).

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by Kgolf31

Ran yesterday in preparation for Toledo ProSolo.

I placed 3rd out of 109!!!!



Starting to finally learn how the drive the car and shock tuning. But I think we have a winner here and a potential STX underdog, IMO.

Big congrats!

[Kgolf31]

Originally Posted by fcman

How are you liking the suspension setup? Also is it terrible on the road? I'm debating making the jump to STU as F street is about as thin as can be (usually me and a '14 Mustang GT which was about 5 seconds off pace last weekend, so no fun). The car is actually pretty decent out there even on stock suspension and 225/255 PSS, I would just like a little more bite on braking and better turn-in (especially under braking).

I'm absolutely in love with my suspension. TC recommended going with a lower spring rate (IIRC about #100 less on front and rear) so by me going with #400 fronts, #700 rears I'm kinda at the limit of street-ability...if that makes even any sense.

It is a hard thing to describe on how the car rides...you look at the spring rates and you'll see that I'm basically around twice to stiffness of the car, which you would directly correlate that to twice as harsh...and this is completely far from the case.

The shocks, and the valving within them makes the ride. Money is all in the dampers, I cannot stress that enough. If you buy a $800 coilover kit with fixed dampers it will never ride like DAs that I have.

The valving within the shock basically allows a smoother damping curve on any bumps or hits. So when you think of OEM (or M Sport) Suspension, when you hit a bump the car kind of compresses and then you hit a harsh threshold within the shock and you get jolted.

In TCKlines DA Shocks, this never happens. If you think of a bump that rides on a shock curve for 1 second, TCKline DA Dampers on full soft can smooth out that curve for 1.5 seconds. It makes a huge difference, because really the difference in ride quality isn't noticeable.

If at all, I'll say that the ride is around 10% stiffer than M Sport on full soft.

Now, when you adjust the dampers up to an autox event or similar, you can start to get to spine compressing type stiff suspension

Does this make sense? It is difficult to explain unless you ride in the car.

[fcman]

Originally Posted by Kgolf31

I'm absolutely in love with my suspension. TC recommended going with a lower spring rate (IIRC about #100 less on front and rear) so by me going with #400 fronts, #700 rears I'm kinda at the limit of street-ability...if that makes even any sense.

It is a hard thing to describe on how the car rides...you look at the spring rates and you'll see that I'm basically around twice to stiffness of the car, which you would directly correlate that to twice as harsh...and this is completely far from the case.

The shocks, and the valving within them makes the ride. Money is all in the dampers, I cannot stress that enough. If you buy a $800 coilover kit with fixed dampers it will never ride like DAs that I have.

The valving within the shock basically allows a smoother damping curve on any bumps or hits. So when you think of OEM (or M Sport) Suspension, when you hit a bump the car kind of compresses and then you hit a harsh threshold within the shock and you get jolted.

In TCKlines DA Shocks, this never happens. If you think of a bump that rides on a shock curve for 1 second, TCKline DA Dampers on full soft can smooth out that curve for 1.5 seconds. It makes a huge difference, because really the difference in ride quality isn't noticeable.

If at all, I'll say that the ride is around 10% stiffer than M Sport on full soft.

Now, when you adjust the dampers up to an autox event or similar, you can start to get to spine compressing type stiff suspension

Does this make sense? It is difficult to explain unless you ride in the car.

Yeah some of that makes sense, I am fairly comfortable with how suspensions work in terms of dynamics but I've never really bought a suspension before so I don't really know the specifics and how to determine whats best for a street/track car. Like how do you determine what spring rate you want?

This is how I ran Sunday (58/111 overall Raw), I'm hoping STU-legal mods would allow me to compete with the STU scoobies but I'm not sure, keep in mind they were both running Z2s and I'm on 225/255 PSS with -.7 degrees up front. PAX wise I was right in the middle of the two STU STIs, 41st overall out of 111. Not great, but only my 4th event.

[Kgolf31]

Originally Posted by fcman

Yeah some of that makes sense, I am fairly comfortable with how suspensions work in terms of dynamics but I've never really bought a suspension before so I don't really know the specifics and how to determine whats best for a street/track car. Like how do you determine what spring rate you want?

This is how I ran Sunday (58/111 overall Raw), I'm hoping STU-legal mods would allow me to compete with the STU scoobies but I'm not sure, keep in mind they were both running Z2s and I'm on 225/255 PSS with -.7 degrees up front. PAX wise I was right in the middle of the two STU STIs, 41st overall out of 111. Not great, but only my 4th event.

Spring rates are dependent on the car, and how much roll you want to control. Very basics here, but it can get much more complex.

IMO, the 135i simply cannot compete in STU. Mostly because the fact that you cannot fit enough tire underneath the car. A STU M3, for example, can fit 285s on all 4 corners.

As well, you're very nice to the game here. 4 events is literally nothing and IMO you shouldn't start throwing money at it. Considering you're PAXing mid-pack, there is still room for improvement (especially since you'r +7 seconds off). Not trying to be rude, but if you throw money at the car and you don't understand the dynamics of the car...then ultimately you will just get slower and these modifications will hide your mistakes.

If you're not finding competition at your region, try traveling to another region. I've been all across Ohio and into PA to find some top notch drivers...when you get your ass kicked, you'll see where you need to improve. Another good idea is to get a Top-Pax/National Caliber driver in your car. He/She will show the potential of the car.

Just my thoughts. I'm into my 4th year and this is my first year when I'm doing a full, dedicated build.

[fcman]

Originally Posted by Kgolf31

Spring rates are dependent on the car, and how much roll you want to control. Very basics here, but it can get much more complex.

IMO, the 135i simply cannot compete in STU. Mostly because the fact that you cannot fit enough tire underneath the car. A STU M3, for example, can fit 285s on all 4 corners.

As well, you're very nice to the game here. 4 events is literally nothing and IMO you shouldn't start throwing money at it. Considering you're PAXing mid-pack, there is still room for improvement (especially since you'r +7 seconds off). Not trying to be rude, but if you throw money at the car and you don't understand the dynamics of the car...then ultimately you will just get slower and these modifications will hide your mistakes.

If you're not finding competition at your region, try traveling to another region. I've been all across Ohio and into PA to find some top notch drivers...when you get your ass kicked, you'll see where you need to improve. Another good idea is to get a Top-Pax/National Caliber driver in your car. He/She will show the potential of the car.

Just my thoughts. I'm into my 4th year and this is my first year when I'm doing a full, dedicated build.

Yeah I hear you, I'm not trying to build a region-winning STU car really, I just want to start modding my car and want to make sure I won't be severely outclassing myself if the mods bump me to STU. I just want to be close, don't need to win.

[Hops128i]

Last weekend i ran in STU just because i didn't want to run in the afternoon, and actually placed realtively higher in STU than STX!

But didn't really do that well overall, stx paxed: 148/248, oh well, it was fun.

[fcman]

Originally Posted by Hops128i

Last weekend i ran in STU just because i didn't want to run in the afternoon, and actually placed realtively higher in STU than STX!

But didn't really do that well overall, stx paxed: 148/248, oh well, it was fun.

Yeah STX is crazy competitive in Atlanta. As is SSR, so many Corvettes come out and just wipe the floor, it's crazy how quick those things can navigate cones.

[Bimmer-Bob]

Originally Posted by Kgolf31

Ran yesterday in preparation for Toledo ProSolo.

I placed 3rd out of 109!!!!



Starting to finally learn how the drive the car and shock tuning. But I think we have a winner here and a potential STX underdog, IMO.

Unfortunately I haven't been following this thread, as I've been busy with work, and a cross country move. I'm also gonna end up missing out on about a season and a half of AX, which is a bummer, but oh well.

However, an SCCA buddy of mine from San Diego shared this vide with me on Facebook. Small world! And congratulations - great driving!

[Kgolf31]

Originally Posted by Bimmer-Bob

Unfortunately I haven't been following this thread, as I've been busy with work, and a cross country move. I'm also gonna end up missing out on about a season and a half of AX, which is a bummer, but oh well.

However, an SCCA buddy of mine from San Diego shared this vide with me on Facebook. Small world! And congratulations - great driving!

I probably know who that certain person is too (Drive a Green E36 M3)

[Kgolf31]

What an absolute crazy weekend!

As I've mentioned a couple times in this thread. I was just at the Toledo ProSolo this past weekend.

AND....took home 1st place for STX

Absolutely unbelievable. Words cannot describe how happy I am to finish in my first ProSolo National Event!



Besides the countless shout outs on multiple facebook pages, forums and in person this is crazy.

Here is the video of my final two runs. I went into Sunday morning runs in 2nd place by 0.197 seconds. I'll let the video play out the final results...the commentary is just cool because of the constant updating/changing positions as cars cross the line.

1st Place!



I was automatically entered into the Super Shootout (Bracket type challenge to determine overall winner) But I coned away my right side run and lost my matchup even by beating my heads up opponent by 0.031 seconds. Oh well!

[z3papa]

Big props are due you for this weekend. There are many folks who are paying attention to this and your car after this weekend. Great meeting you down there.

[jsublime]

Congrats! Keep up the good work

[gap]

Congrats and you are on the cover of Solomatters.

http://solomatters.com/recap_toledo_prosolo_2014