Road trip to HP Autowerks

[A2135]

A few weeks ago I decided to drive from Denver to Santa Barbara to get a few suspension goodies installed at HP Autowerks. At first I jokingly brought up the idea of driving to California for the install but it soon became reality. It was an awesome trip in itself but Harold did a fine job with the install so the drive back was even more awesome!

I took time lapse photos of most of the trip and made this video. I went through Colorado, Utah, Nevada, California, Arizona, and New Mexico. My favorite part was the Arizona mountains (begins at about 15:05).

For those curious, the following was installed:
- Ohlins Road/Track coilovers w/ Harold's recommended Swift springs
- Vorschlag camber plates
- M3 rear subframe bushings
- Quaife LSD
- Apex EC-7 w/ Michelin PSS 245/35/18 all around
- Clutch delay valve

I recommend a setup like this if you ever take the car to the track. I don't recognize the car anymore as the handling has been completely transformed. Gone is the annoying traction control light while cornering or accelerating. It will still come on once in awhile, but it doesn't seem to interfere unless I introduce a bit too much yaw I'm a track day newbie and my goal was a setup that I'd be able to grow into, and that's exactly what I got. As I've read many times on this forum, the car should've come like this from the factory!

Here is some track day footage from Grattan Raceway near Grand Rapids, MI.

The dampers are set to their recommended setup (I think 10 clicks) but I'll likely stiffen them up to account for the stiffer Swift springs. At least that's my understanding of what's going on. The car just seemed to bounce around at times as if the springs were too stiff for the dampers. I believe the springs rates are 400F/672R, but Harold can correct me if I'm wrong.

All in all, I had one hell of a month and I'd like to thank Harold for the help. He was very helpful and professional. Now go mod you car!

[ilikebmxbikes]

Sounds like an awesome trip. You got all the right stuff put in. I can only imagine the feeling of driving the car after changing that much, I gradually did my parts so the impact was not as great.

Awesome pics and videos too

[turbowolfe]

Looks like an awesome trip, great setup! Grattan is on my short list

enjoyed watching your time lapse video as well.

[Lucky1]

You mean the clutch delay valve was removed not installed right?

[A2135]

Originally Posted by ilikebmxbikes

Sounds like an awesome trip. You got all the right stuff put in. I can only imagine the feeling of driving the car after changing that much, I gradually did my parts so the impact was not as great.

Awesome pics and videos too

Thank you!

Originally Posted by turbowolfe

Looks like an awesome trip, great setup! Grattan is on my short list

enjoyed watching your time lapse video as well.

Thank you! Grattan is loads of fun. Motor City BMWCCA has a HPDE 9/28-9/29. http://motorcitybmwcca.org/index.php...943b&topic=745

Originally Posted by Lucky1

You mean the clutch delay valve was removed not installed right?

Sort of. I believe there are two ways to go about solving the clutch delay valve issue. You can either remove it or install a modified one. I went with the modified route because it's visually identical to the factory valve.

[AlBinVA]

I assume the porsche that passed you at :34 was a turbo? Cuz it pulled away like a mofo in the straights.

Keep it between the lines.

[HP Autosport]

Spring rates are 392 front and 672 rear.

Nice video!

[A2135]

Originally Posted by AlBinVA

I assume the porsche that passed you at :34 was a turbo? Cuz it pulled away like a mofo in the straights.

Keep it between the lines.

The grey one is a 2008 Carrera S. The one at the end is a flame-shooting 964 turbo

[meng4n1to]

Thanks for the share! Epic journey!