Mitsubishi
Eclipse GSX
1997 Eclipse GSX Ross.Fortini@Hewitt.com
Classed in G-Stock. Our Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX is
a dedicated autocrosser, so we have tried to go
as far as financially possible within the rules
of the SCCA's Stock category.
The first step was to get the engine breathing
better--unlike normally aspirated engines,
turbocharged engines perform best with as little
backpressure as possible. This was accomplished
with a K&N Filtercharger drop-in on the
intake side, and a 3" cat-back exhaust
manufactured by Buschur Racing on the exhaust
side. The improvement in throttle response was
immediately apparent (and it *sounds* faster,
too). (NOTE: The downside to these modifications
was a *significant* drop in fuel economy--from
mid-20's down to the high teens (19 or so)! Since
this is not a daily driver, this isn't too hard
on the wallet. However, those of you who drive
your autocrosser every day should be aware of the
adverse effect of this modification on fuel
consumption)
Next we focused on the suspension. G.A.B.
4-way adjustable dampers (purchased from Archer
Brothers Racing) were installed on all four
corners (8-ways were available, but required a
custom spring perch to be fabricated, which was
cost-prohibitive). Depending on the surface of
the course, we set the G.A.B.'s on either setting
#1 (full-soft) or #2 up front, and either #3 or
#4 (full-hard) in the rear. 1/8" of total
toe-out was added in front to help with initial
turn-in, with the stock setting in the rear.
The final mod was the most important--wheels
and tires. After an exhaustive search for the
lightest wheels available, we chose Speed Star
Racing's Inlet Icing model, 17x7, imported from
Japan. In terms of race rubber there was only one
choice--BFGoodrich Comp T/A R1's. No better blend
of grip, tunability and longevity, IMHO.
Initially, we thought the only size tire that
would fit the car were 205/50ZR17's--which is
10mm narrower than stock. However, we have since
tried the next size wider, 235/45ZR17's, which
fit *perfectly*. We experience a small amount of
tire rub on very hard corners, on the inside of
the rear tires against the upper control arm.
However, it is not significant enough to warrant
spacers or changes to the wheel offset. Even with
the heavier R1's, the wheel/tire combination
saved over 12 pounds per corner over the stock
wheel/ tires combination. Less rotating mass
means quicker throttle response, which is
critical when autocrossing a turbocharged car
(they are easier to lift onto the trailer, too!).
As for the interior of the car, we have
installed a 6-point harness and in-car video
camera. By the way, the video camera is *easily*
the most useful tool we take to the track.
Watching runs from a different perspective makes
even the smallest mistakes obvious. After race
rubber, I would recommend purchasing a video
camera and mount--especially for novices!
1995
Eclipse GS
Marc Johnson indyspat@flash.net runs his car in the CSP class using
KYB AGX shocks set on 1/7 f/r or 1/8 f/r
H&R springs
Kumho tires on 3KGT 16x8 rims.
This takes out all understeer. It makes the car a
little stiff on a bumpy course and can make wheel
chatter under acceleration. I also have front and
rear strut tower braces. Front makes a
difference, rear not so much, at least not in
feel. Feel free to email me with any questions or
suggestions as I am new to this awesome sport
too.
Gallant GSX (AWD, no
turbo)
1990
Gallant GSX (AWD, no turbo) rantini@tsisoft.com
Classed in E-stock. I just started a-xing last
year and I'm not much of a gear head, so I've
done nothing to the car; still busy working on
the driver. I did get a belt type harness from
racers warehouse ($12.95) and I think it helps
keep me from sliding around in the seat. This
year I put on a used set of BFG R1's 205-50-15;
on stock steel wheels from a Nissan 200sx ( I'm
real cheap, I guess) been playing with the
pressures, but 38 front and back seems to work
best. Traction is better at 34-36 psi but they
roll over too much, and the"' groove of
doom" really began to show.
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