tsingson (10-01-2020)
I did not know that. Well there you go, even better.
zco (10-03-2020)
I bought my Xidas around 2015 or 2016. I had them on my NA then transferred them over to my NB.
I have the softer spring rates (550/350 with tender springs) and they see track and daily usage. These have been perfect for my needs and far better than the JIC FLT-A2s I previously had.
My car came with Fox’s and currently have XIDA XL’s. This car is primarily street driven so went with the confirm spring rates and ride quality is OEM++. Previous NB had the XIDA Race (back then it was the only option). You can’t go wrong with XIDA’s...
Thanks for the feedback guys, really appreciate it. I don’t think I’ve seen any negative reviews about them even after a few years.. Really good to hear!
One local guy had some leaking xidas and when he sent them away for servicing they found he had a small knick in the centre shaft. How is now the question lol might have to look into dust boots for them for added protection.
Over the last few months, I've been wrenchin' with my mate Thanh. His car is unregistered so it only gets driven at the track. He recently installed an OSGiken 1.5way SuperLock LSD into a 4.1FD and we've used my street car as test mule to wear it in. If we had any issues with it, at least we could pick it up and address it at home rather than waste a day at the track.
After driving for a month without any issues, we decided to install my own OSGiken 1.5 way into my current diff. I've got a 4.3FD Torsen 2 diff thats on it's way from Japan, and was going to install it into that diff instead, but have decided to stick to the 4.1FD with my 6 speed gearbox.
The diff was rebuilt with all new OEM bearings, OEM seals, Crush washer, diff breather valve, and some polyurethane diff bushings. Contact pattern & Gear meshing set/checked. Here are a few photos..
I still have his diff in my car, so we still need to swap it back out for mine. Both differentials are the same, but he has set backlash a tiny bit different to mine. I probably wont even notice the difference. Impressions on his diff in my car are quite positive. The car feels quite planted in the rear end when accelerating hard from a standing start. Turning from a stand still can get a little clunky if I'm a little heavy footed, but you can definitely minimise / eliminate the clunkiness by controlling your accelerator pedal. This differential is definitely streetable, however, it would be quite an expensive mod if you would have to pay a workshop to install it. A cheaper / maintenance free option would just be to get a OEM Torsen diff and swap it in yourself. We chose OSGiken LSD because racecar haha.
Will give another review after my trackdays. Ran into a few issues with the car that have put me out for the October 6th, so will be waiting for the 19th October trackday now
Last edited by zco; 10-03-2020 at 06:39 PM.
Agent☣Orange (10-03-2020),Greasemonkey2000 (10-03-2020),HarryB (10-05-2020),kung fu jesus (10-03-2020),MiataQuest (10-04-2020),MikeA (10-08-2020)
This arrived today, Arai GP6-S + Arai Gold Iridium visor, SNELL and FIA8859. Also bolted on some Hans device posts cos I didn't like exposed holes on the sides. Now to speedily break it in before Monday's trackday..
dnaha (10-15-2020),MiataQuest (10-18-2020),tsingson (10-13-2020)
I dont believe AUS uses SA ratings, only FIA.
Agent☣Orange (10-18-2020),MaRcOp01o (10-14-2020),tsingson (10-13-2020)
SA2015, I don’t know if we use SA ratings here, I don’t compete so i haven’t really looked into it.
I figured any FIA approved helmet would be safe enough for the occasional trackday!
tsingson (10-19-2020)
I have to replace my helmet before next season. One or two events left this year.
MaRcOp01o (10-19-2020)
Can I second and third the Xidas? The pair on the Mariner transformed the car so brilliantly I added a set to the BRG as well. Haven't yet convinced Mrs. R that the Sunburst needs them as she prefers the bouncy ride it gives.
zco (10-20-2020)
Thanks Pete! I'm holding off buying the XIDA's for a few more weeks, hopefully i can score something as part of Cyber Monday/Black Friday specials. If they dont go on sale then so be it.. I'm not in a rush for them so a few weeks wait isnt so bad
I also attended a track day 2 days ago. Compared to my last day out, several changes have been made.
-Sold Tein MonoRacing 12/8kg for Ohlins DFV 10/7kg
-Pinch weld heights changed from 4.5" to 5.5" (raised it so that the rear would have some form of shock travel).
-Alignment: F/R Camber changed from -2.5/2.0 to -1.8/-1.5 (Toe settings remained at zero all around, Castor 3.8degrees)
-Installed Frame rails
-Changed tyres from AD08R to A052.
-OSGiken 1.5way LSD.
My previous PB was 1:16.26, and I was aiming for a 1:14.XX this time out. The car felt relatively easy to drive, albeit, a little soft and had some body roll. I did run 2/3rds of a tank of fuel so maybe that contributed to it, however, didnt notice much difference throughout the day. The LSD allowed me to get on the power much earlier!
First session I managed a 1:15, and followed by a 1:13 for sessions 2 and 3. Managed to squeeze in a 1:12.94 for session 4, but couldn't improve on it after.
I asked one of the instructors to sit in with me and he observed my driving for about 3 laps. Being a novice, I've always been taught to brake in a straight line before approaching a corner. He explained trail braking to me, and told me thats what I needed to learn next if I wanted to shave a little more time. He also gave me a few pointers regarding positioning/placement of my car as well, but overall, I had most of the lines down pat.
He took my car for a drive, with me as passenger, and it felt as if there was an aura surrounding the car when he drove haha He was much more relaxed and composed than I was, shifts were slower and more gentle than mine, he was talking to me whilst driving, giving me pointers and tips, and still managed to lap a 1:13! The car felt so much more balanced and rotated easier, I was gobsmacked! His own dedicated track NB1 does 1:11's (with ECU/tune and semi's, but still utilising 5spd + 4.1), so I think I'm doing ok so far!
Will update this post shortly with professional photos from the photographer on the day.
Car #95. Here's how I finished up on the day, compared with some other cars that were on track.
Last edited by zco; 10-21-2020 at 01:17 AM.
Agent☣Orange (10-21-2020),dnaha (10-25-2020),HarryB (10-22-2020),kung fu jesus (10-21-2020),MiataQuest (10-24-2020),Slampen (10-22-2020),tsingson (10-21-2020)
Great update! I always take lessons at track when its offered since we theres always so much to learn. My favourite was at Laguna Seca with a larger Australian gentleman that couldnt quite fit IN my seats so sat ON them and said no biggie. Ill never forget him shouting keep your foot down! The brakes will sort you out when you need em.
Thanks for taking the time to keep posting updates! These make for a fantastic read.
zco (10-21-2020)
Nice work!
Rotating and directional changes using the brakes takes a little practice and technique. Driving is about energy and motion management (to me), pushing the limits of adhesion. It all comes with a bit of time, then things start to slow down where you start anticipating and reacting more naturally. Thats when the fun starts. ;)