The Darkside

[TaNuKi]

As a AE86 enthusiast, I swore I would never buy one of these.  To me they were for those who had left the light.

Well, I bought one and even stock and slow, it is pretty awesome.  Now to decide how I want to finish out this season/ prep for next year.  All MINI in 11 or start learning about my 240 now?

[Matt Guiver]

How did I miss this? 

That is an awesome car.  Im pretty jealous, Im looking forward to watching this car progress.

[TaNuKi]

^First post means that you didnt miss it

So what do you think?  Should I finish the year in this or my MINI?  I wish I could move my season points over.

I plan to keep it in the street class for a while though.  Don't think I have the money or seat time to compete with the RRWD class in it.

I wish this forum was a bit more active.  I think it is the most interesting one I am on.

[Vic Cardenas]

I wish this forum was a bit more active.

+1, I like this forum alot but it's too dead. Somebody do some talking.
BTW- nice car! I said that on utahpace already haha.

[TaNuKi]

^Hey thanks.  tell all your friends

Can't wait to get my cf panel from you btw.  I have a really cool plan for it.

[TaNuKi]

Mostly Gutted it tonight in about an hour.  Already sold almost all the interior too, so no turning back now.

I still need to rip out the 20lbs of sound deadening, Door Cards, and get some race seats.

[TaNuKi]

I had some bondo spots showing through, so I cut them all out today.  Started by sanding the areas down to find the bondo, and started to chizel it out, but then I realized I am going to be smoothing it out anyway, so I took a die-grinder to the bondo and just cut it all out.  There were a couple of deep spots, but most of the bondo in the areas was just finishing/ filler.  I also ground out the couple of rust spots on the roof.  Luckily not deep at all, but I will smooth it all out next week.





Once all the metal was exposed, I went over it with etching primer.  I hope that the bondo will stick to the etching primer. 





I have never worked in bondo or body work other than a couple of paint jobs and a moto rebuild, so I hope that I make it all good in the end.

[Vic Cardenas]

Damn! You're going to town on that thing.

I still need you to get me a measurement for that panel before I can start on it.

[TaNuKi]

Ha well i can't let it be an ugly race car. plus I'm doing the work so the outcome is up in the air.

I'll text u the measurements today.

[Matt Guiver]

Yah I actually enjoy screwing around with body work.  I figure if someone is gonna screw it up it may as well be me, and I have really high expectations so anybody else will screw it up.  Keep up the hard work.

And in regards to finishing out the season in any particular car...  Do what ever you feel like, championships really mean little at our level of racing.  Its all about track time, and gathering experience, and if you ask me...  going faster then anyone else

[TaNuKi]

Thanks. Yeah I just ordered coilovers so I'll just drive this for the season and start learning.

[TaNuKi]

Ordered my Coilovers and some SPL Subframe Bushings!

I went with the Tein Flex Coilovers because they are a fully adjustable coilover with multiple settings, and they also have camber plates.

I was surprised to see that the Flex was the top of the line Tein coilover for the S14, but it is still a good coilover and it may be years before I can say that I really got to the limit of the coilover.

[Matt Guiver]

I have plenty of opinions regarding suspension equipment and their applications.  But essentially your statement regarding the performance level of reasonably priced coilovers vs. your ability and the return on investment for the first few driving years is 100% accurate.  And if your driving ability level quickly outpaces your coilover setup, a good problem to have, then simply offload the coils, and buy something else.

As always my advice during your build process... keep it simple.  I would think your car would yield satisfying results with a set of cup tires and an approx. weight of 2500-2600 lbs.

[TaNuKi]

Thanks for the input. I plan to about Everything to the car saving the powertrain changes for last. I want to learn to be fluid in the car maintaining momentum and learning to drive well. Once I am competitive with a stock ka, I will start thinking about changing the powerplant.

[TaNuKi]

OK he is signed up for the May event!