So my weekend went like this…
Saturday – I went to Chris’ to pick up my R-compounds and decided to change my rear rotors since I got new pads (PBR Axixs Ultimate). After changing the rear rotors (with the help of Chris), I figured I might as well lower the rear to increase the camber by a couple degrees. I used my plastic mallet and long 3/8 extension to break the torque on the locking collar on my Teins and <POP!>, I ended up breaking collar making a ‘C’ instead. Argh! I quickly call Clark to borrow his rear suspension since he sold the Prelude and swapped struts/springs.
Sunday – This would be the first time the Prelude has been back on track since the timing belt skipped 9-10 months in August 06 at GIR. I promised myself I would ‘take it easy’ and drive at a maximum of 70%. I set the air pressures on the RA1s to 27 front and 29 rear while setting the suspension to 10 clicks front, 14 rear (16 way adjustable). My first session was ‘ok’, but I was still worried about something mechanically happening to the car, so I still restrained myself the entire time. I felt like I had a moment on the oval where the rear end stepped out a bit. When I got back to the pits, the tires were 34 psi across the board but I didn’t push it at all. I bumped down the PSI by on pound in the front and head out for a second session… this time with my student. Braking into turn 2, the rear end felt ‘floaty’ and wanted to step out (kind of what I experienced in Billy’s race car). I noticed it even more on my third session with no passenger while braking before turn 5, especially if I wasn’t braking 100% straight. I took out 2 clicks on the rear dampers and the car felt more stable on the next session but I had a passenger which probably added 150 lbs.
The rebuilt head + Mugen exhaust felt pretty good with plenty of power coming out of turn 2 and 6. I was surprised that I didn’t hear much back firing like I have in the past… but the Mugen exhaust left a permanent mark on my rear OEM lip, melting a nice ¼ ‘C’ since it was touching against it. The car + tires felt better when it was a little cooler with the track under the clouds. I know I was getting faster on the front straightaway since I would keep hitting the rev limiter before braking before turn 1.
Overall, I had mixed emotions about the whole day… I was really laid back the entire day, I didn’t mind missing a session if needed or packing up and leaving early (since my student’s car sprung a coolant leak). I even fell asleep for a bit in the paddock while waiting to go back on track after lunch! :P Now this weekend, I’m on track for THREE days so I’ll really have to pace myself and conserve car.
Couple of ending notes:
- This was the second SCCA PDX day at GIR and it was much more organized than last year. It wasn’t perfect but it was definitely better.
- I was surprised to see that they allowed lap timers. I was kicking myself for not having my set up in my car. Grrrrr….
- There were plenty of cars having off track incidents and BIG accident with an instructor hitting the wall before turn 1. He’s fine but his car is pretty much done.
- My Teins are due for complete overall with the amount of rust they have. I called Tein USA during lunch and I’m going have them rebuilt, shorten the piston stroke, revalved for higher spring rates and get new springs (16KG front/20KG rear). They’ll grind down the rust and repaint the struts (thank god). Turn around time is 7-10 days… not bad.
Keith
I have 3 sets, 15x7, +38mm, white, all brand new!
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