500+bhp Impreza P1 and how I got here.
Discussion
Thanks for the kind comments guys 
Been out yesterday for a little meet up / photoshoot for a friends business. He organises track days, sprint events and socials amongst other things.Today was so he could do a little feature for 90s- early 2000 Jap stuff. It was essentially a bit like a Gran Turismo garage lol
Inside of mine. Ideally I wouldn't have the extra gauges but a clever digital dash costs a fortune.
Tidy Supra and Celica GT4
Have not seen a Pulsar GTI-R for ages! I knew my car had some Nissan parts but its funny seeing the same stuff in another car. Same interior door handles, locks, window switches and same dash display as my old STI
Arty farty shot of my mates R34 GTR
everyone lined up
At the Britannia again
They have a few days a year where volunteers open it up and let you look around, its pretty cool.
Cheeky antiroll bar shot
Another spirited drive home, figured out when filling up that I have been averaging 15mpg. Thats quite a chunky drop from when it was 400bhp I used to get 20-24mpg in that on road driving.
As long as I'm still able bodied (nearly broke my neck today, not car related) and the weather holds out I'm hoping to get to RWYB at Santa Pod next weekend to see what she can do.
Plan will be to just do a reasonable launch just to get a baseline pass in then a fairly hard launch and if all still going well then go for a full on launch control run, eek!
Hopefully beat the 13.9 from last time. Wish me luck!
Been out yesterday for a little meet up / photoshoot for a friends business. He organises track days, sprint events and socials amongst other things.Today was so he could do a little feature for 90s- early 2000 Jap stuff. It was essentially a bit like a Gran Turismo garage lol
Inside of mine. Ideally I wouldn't have the extra gauges but a clever digital dash costs a fortune.
Tidy Supra and Celica GT4
Have not seen a Pulsar GTI-R for ages! I knew my car had some Nissan parts but its funny seeing the same stuff in another car. Same interior door handles, locks, window switches and same dash display as my old STI
Arty farty shot of my mates R34 GTR
everyone lined up
At the Britannia again
They have a few days a year where volunteers open it up and let you look around, its pretty cool.
Cheeky antiroll bar shot
Another spirited drive home, figured out when filling up that I have been averaging 15mpg. Thats quite a chunky drop from when it was 400bhp I used to get 20-24mpg in that on road driving.
As long as I'm still able bodied (nearly broke my neck today, not car related) and the weather holds out I'm hoping to get to RWYB at Santa Pod next weekend to see what she can do.
Plan will be to just do a reasonable launch just to get a baseline pass in then a fairly hard launch and if all still going well then go for a full on launch control run, eek!
Hopefully beat the 13.9 from last time. Wish me luck!
Early morning start to Santa Pod. Had a fun drive down there with my mate in his lightly tuned Challenger
Started with a gentle launch just to make sure I got at least one run in. Massively bogged down so pretty slow run of 13.2 @ 112mph still a substantial improvement over standard.
So then I got a bit more brave and used launch control, caught me off guard a bit how well it went off the line but was jumping a lot. Managed a 12.3 @ 115mph. Tried again but changed how I went from 1st-2nd but still the same 12.3 @ 115 so at least consistent.
Then thought maybe I was losing a bit of time in the initial launch as I had been feeding the clutch in rather than dumping it so decided to try a slightly harder launch holding the car on the handbrake with the drivetrain loaded to avoid shocking it too much. definitely jumped off the line better but 5 ft later snapped the front right driveshaft, arsebiscuits!
So trip home was a bit slower on the back of a truck but at least it saved me filling up with fuel lol, every cloud and all that
Moral of the story is stick to the plan you had before the day #shouldhavegonehomeatlunch
vid of the runs and breakage for your amusement
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjQO2W0DNbA&t=...
(I don't have a terrible reaction time, I wasnt racing the guy in the other lane, just trying to get my best launch)
Shame I didnt get to run against my mate as with sticky drag cut slicks on the rear he was running 12.3-4. @110mph so would have been some close races.
Started with a gentle launch just to make sure I got at least one run in. Massively bogged down so pretty slow run of 13.2 @ 112mph still a substantial improvement over standard.
So then I got a bit more brave and used launch control, caught me off guard a bit how well it went off the line but was jumping a lot. Managed a 12.3 @ 115mph. Tried again but changed how I went from 1st-2nd but still the same 12.3 @ 115 so at least consistent.
Then thought maybe I was losing a bit of time in the initial launch as I had been feeding the clutch in rather than dumping it so decided to try a slightly harder launch holding the car on the handbrake with the drivetrain loaded to avoid shocking it too much. definitely jumped off the line better but 5 ft later snapped the front right driveshaft, arsebiscuits!
So trip home was a bit slower on the back of a truck but at least it saved me filling up with fuel lol, every cloud and all that
Moral of the story is stick to the plan you had before the day #shouldhavegonehomeatlunch
vid of the runs and breakage for your amusement
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjQO2W0DNbA&t=...
(I don't have a terrible reaction time, I wasnt racing the guy in the other lane, just trying to get my best launch)
Shame I didnt get to run against my mate as with sticky drag cut slicks on the rear he was running 12.3-4. @110mph so would have been some close races.
I remember you stopping to see what was up when I was stuck in Wickes car park as I couldn't get the immobiliser to turn off.
Turns out I had just parked too near the doors and the signal from them was blocking my fob! Shoved the car to the far end of the car park and it worked fine. Of course worked that out after walking all the way home to get the spare key and it still not working
Been nervous about parking near anything electric ever since!
Turns out I had just parked too near the doors and the signal from them was blocking my fob! Shoved the car to the far end of the car park and it worked fine. Of course worked that out after walking all the way home to get the spare key and it still not working
Been nervous about parking near anything electric ever since!
Its been ages since the last one so time for a bulk update!
After getting 2 new driveshafts, and a new steering rack as the old one was leaking. Normal service was resumed.
About here we bought Mrs Will a new daily. Nothing exciting but its pretty practical and much easier for the dog.
This meant the Mini was sat around getting s
t on by condors or something ☹
So it was moved into the P1s bedroom for shelter. Note the start of decorating the garage. My god those bricks were awful to paint!
Many hours later garage is a nicer place to be 😊
Quick spot of wheel alignment. I was a bit disorganised and didn’t do my research before taking it in so it got set on standard geometry.
My brother asked if I would take my niece to her prom. Had to laugh at one of the dads at the venue trying to show off. Driving a Vantage, nearly binned it into the scenery trying to exit the car park sideways then came back round for a second lap of the car park and promptly drove into a massive pothole and smashed the front end into the floor
She got me the Scooby cushion as a thanks, doggo seems to like it
Treated myself to a short shift kit. Actually makes a huge difference. One thing I do have now though is at a quick glance or in the peripheral vision its hard to tell if you are in an odd or even gear as the stick does not come back anywhere near as far.
Off to another local meet. Someone took some good pics so thanks whoever that was!
So with the Mini not doing much else I thought it might make a fun track car so semi stripped it and took it and the P1 to Castle Combe for a bit of a shakedown day.
Started the day in the Mini, it was a bit moist
Mini did fine, not the best track car in the world but fun enough at 8/10ths. Only “problem” it had was the wheels got so hot it popped out the centre caps, which in all my years of track work is a new one to me!
Brought the P1 out after lunch when it had dried a bit, thought I had better not start my track experience with it in this spec in the rain as it’s a bit spikey at the best of times.
Was going really well. Started on low boost for a couple of sessions then turned up the boost. Very entertaining….
….until physics happened. The front splitter decided it didn’t want to be at the party anymore and left, at 130+mph coming up to Quarry Luckily didn’t harm anything else.
Also noticed the car had filled its oil catch can at this point so called it a day.
Here is a little vid of the day, note the last 30 secs or so where the splitter comes off and the comment from my passenger git.
https://youtu.be/uslEXRfM1G4
Went home thinking “well it could have been worse” it was only the splitter and I remember that only cost me about £250 so I’ll just get another.
Got home and went to order a new splitter. Apparently inflation has happened in since I bought my last one and now they cost about £780!! st. I dug out my original invoice £295 
So hunt was on for a slightly cheaper replacement. I Actually wouldn’t mind having a standard one back on there but 1 they cost a fortune and 2 they are like rocking horse poop.
Replaced the runflats and brake pads on the Mini and since Rockingham was closing at the end of the year booked on a day there.
Hilarious day. It was super quiet, probably only 15-20 cars there and it rained all day. Those of you that have been will know that Rockingham is like blummin glass when wet so spent the day sideways According to my GoPro I spent over 3.5 hours on track!
https://youtu.be/XlkdPg585AY
Bought a new splitter for the P1. It was awful so sent it back. The seller tracked me down on Facebook and sent a stty message but hey ho.
Decided to take Mrs Will’s car for a trip to Cornwall. Was actually amazed at the fuel economy near 50mpg considering it’s a non turbo petrol and not a diesel and a 5 speed manual.
Took the P1 to the opening of Caffeine and Machine. Had to park out the back with the other rubbish cars
Typically for Mid October it snowed for the journey home in the Cotswolds! Though I did end up following a double ended Rover for a bit lol
New replacement splitter fitted and painted by moi on the car, a quick bit of prep, followed by tipping my toolbox up the wrong way FFS
And off to Brands with a few friends for the next trackday. Our little group was my P1, a Clio 182, E90 M3 and an ESS supercharged (600+bhp) E92 M3.
Obviously because I was involved it was wet all day
P1 performed faultlessly and was great. It was today I learned the importance of tyres. In the P1 I was very much up there as one of if not the quickest things on track, quicker than the supercharged M3 but nowhere bloody near my best mate in the E90 M3! Unlike everyone else who was on road or track tyres he was on a set of lightly used full race wets from Porsche Cup cars. The grip he had was insane.
Possible candidate for the wky plates thread lol. (Boss, Autoworks Services)
Little clip of me and a standardish scoob at Brands. You can really hear the difference in mine between low and high boost.
https://youtu.be/NOyGi7boWdE
I gave it a go doing my last couple of laps at Brands with the antilag on and instantly got told off by the organiser lol.
Saw this meme and it perfectly depicts me with the Corolla at the Ring
Next up was the trackday at Silverstone. Been looking forward to this one as I have wanted to do Silverstone for years. Obviously it rained, I swear I’m cursed!
Same group of mates again only change this time being the guy with the supercharged E92 brought his even more rapid Time Attack Astra instead. Unfortunately he had a steering failure heading into Copse which meant his day ended early in the wall
Best mate was on the race wets again running rings around everyone. I had the legs on him on the straights but he was so much faster round every corner and so much later on the brakes.
I was a div and forgot to take the GoPro so no in car vid from this one. Just a quick clip from a mate on the pitwall.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BrdlMEagbE-/?utm_sourc...
She does get a bit filthy
At the start of 2019 the Mini got booted out into the cold to make a cosy space for my Dads car while he is off in NZ for 5 months. Which gives me a 1000+bhp garage 😊 and something else to play with for a bit.
Apparently I’m not to do any track days or Ring trips in this one
Snow came down. First chance to properly try out the Audi 😊 It was brilliant, didn’t have a hint of struggle anywhere and went places the Skoda definitely wouldn’t. Even did a few donuts in the work car park since I was the only one there. Also impressed that contrary to what I hear from everyone about Audis understeering all over the place mine was quite happy to power oversteer through bends.
Vitara is full of useful info Car is under 6 inches of snow and it gives me an ice warning
Came to the conclusion that to make the Mini a proper track car was going to cost more than I wanted to spend on it, suspension, brakes and a couple of engine mods so we made the decision to let it go. The Mrs was particularly upset. It was a special car to her, the one she had always wanted and waited years to get.
Mrs Will left me a note that makes us look like a couple of serial killers
Managed to sell it to a guy who was going to turn it into a track car so I’ll keep an eye out for it at future events.
Next up was another group trackday, back at Castle Combe again, same lot as normal but switched out one E92 for another.
Day started damp obviously
Importance of tyres lesson 2. My best mate who had been running the M3 on the race wets had his normal track tyres on for this one. Me still on the same set of road tyres that I have done all the trackdays on so far and I had no problem leaving him behind this time.
Things were getting closer and closer as the track dried and we were ready for a good play after lunch. Unfortunately it was not to be as my coolant temp sensor decided it wanted to die, making the car think it was overheating off the scale despite being sat in the paddock for over an hour. No helping it on site so yet another trip on a big yellow fun bus at least it was a short trip this time.
Quick clip from the day, unfortunately no high boost and dryish lap as the Mrs put the GoPro in settings rather than record mode, she is now fired from camera duty! Overtaking M3 mate from 2.05 in
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zib9HC9uDsc
I’m starting to think I am cursed at Castle Combe with this car.
First time I used it there I spun off at the Esses and was nearly killed by another driver in another session, next time it dropped the bottom end after 1 lap, the next time I lost the splitter and now broken sensor! In between times it has done 2-3 Ring trips, Spa, Silverstone, Brands, airfields with no bloody problems lol
So obviously I have booked back on to a day at Combe in a few weeks. We shall see if the curse strikes again!
In more sedate activities, took Dad’s other car, Disco 4 for a spot of light off roading. Not been off road since I sold the Ram!
Had people telling me that the P1 spits flames, never seen it myself always being in the car so had a quick play with the antilag at home. Happy with those results
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt8mUxegNF5/?utm_sourc...
Couple of mods to do before the trackday at Combe.
Castor mod and a new fast road / track alignment with a bit more camber.
Changing out my oil catch tank for the Roger Clark Track Attack version which lets the collected oil drain back into the sump which should hopefully cure the problem of me forgetting to empty mine and it spilling over.
Choices choices, worse ones to have to make
Nice drive out in the E63, proper bruiser this thing
After getting 2 new driveshafts, and a new steering rack as the old one was leaking. Normal service was resumed.
About here we bought Mrs Will a new daily. Nothing exciting but its pretty practical and much easier for the dog.
This meant the Mini was sat around getting s
t on by condors or something ☹So it was moved into the P1s bedroom for shelter. Note the start of decorating the garage. My god those bricks were awful to paint!
Many hours later garage is a nicer place to be 😊
Quick spot of wheel alignment. I was a bit disorganised and didn’t do my research before taking it in so it got set on standard geometry.
My brother asked if I would take my niece to her prom. Had to laugh at one of the dads at the venue trying to show off. Driving a Vantage, nearly binned it into the scenery trying to exit the car park sideways then came back round for a second lap of the car park and promptly drove into a massive pothole and smashed the front end into the floor
She got me the Scooby cushion as a thanks, doggo seems to like it
Treated myself to a short shift kit. Actually makes a huge difference. One thing I do have now though is at a quick glance or in the peripheral vision its hard to tell if you are in an odd or even gear as the stick does not come back anywhere near as far.
Off to another local meet. Someone took some good pics so thanks whoever that was!
So with the Mini not doing much else I thought it might make a fun track car so semi stripped it and took it and the P1 to Castle Combe for a bit of a shakedown day.
Started the day in the Mini, it was a bit moist
Mini did fine, not the best track car in the world but fun enough at 8/10ths. Only “problem” it had was the wheels got so hot it popped out the centre caps, which in all my years of track work is a new one to me!
Brought the P1 out after lunch when it had dried a bit, thought I had better not start my track experience with it in this spec in the rain as it’s a bit spikey at the best of times.
Was going really well. Started on low boost for a couple of sessions then turned up the boost. Very entertaining….
….until physics happened. The front splitter decided it didn’t want to be at the party anymore and left, at 130+mph coming up to Quarry
Luckily didn’t harm anything else.Also noticed the car had filled its oil catch can at this point so called it a day.
Here is a little vid of the day, note the last 30 secs or so where the splitter comes off and the comment from my passenger
git.https://youtu.be/uslEXRfM1G4
Went home thinking “well it could have been worse” it was only the splitter and I remember that only cost me about £250 so I’ll just get another.
Got home and went to order a new splitter. Apparently inflation has happened in since I bought my last one and now they cost about £780!! s
t. I dug out my original invoice £295 So hunt was on for a slightly cheaper replacement. I Actually wouldn’t mind having a standard one back on there but 1 they cost a fortune and 2 they are like rocking horse poop.
Replaced the runflats and brake pads on the Mini and since Rockingham was closing at the end of the year booked on a day there.
Hilarious day. It was super quiet, probably only 15-20 cars there and it rained all day. Those of you that have been will know that Rockingham is like blummin glass when wet so spent the day sideways
According to my GoPro I spent over 3.5 hours on track!https://youtu.be/XlkdPg585AY
Bought a new splitter for the P1. It was awful so sent it back. The seller tracked me down on Facebook and sent a s
tty message but hey ho.Decided to take Mrs Will’s car for a trip to Cornwall. Was actually amazed at the fuel economy near 50mpg considering it’s a non turbo petrol and not a diesel and a 5 speed manual.
Took the P1 to the opening of Caffeine and Machine. Had to park out the back with the other rubbish cars
Typically for Mid October it snowed for the journey home in the Cotswolds! Though I did end up following a double ended Rover for a bit lol
New replacement splitter fitted and painted by moi on the car, a quick bit of prep, followed by tipping my toolbox up the wrong way FFS
And off to Brands with a few friends for the next trackday. Our little group was my P1, a Clio 182, E90 M3 and an ESS supercharged (600+bhp) E92 M3.
Obviously because I was involved it was wet all day
P1 performed faultlessly and was great. It was today I learned the importance of tyres. In the P1 I was very much up there as one of if not the quickest things on track, quicker than the supercharged M3 but nowhere bloody near my best mate in the E90 M3! Unlike everyone else who was on road or track tyres he was on a set of lightly used full race wets from Porsche Cup cars. The grip he had was insane.
Possible candidate for the w
ky plates thread lol. (Boss, Autoworks Services)Little clip of me and a standardish scoob at Brands. You can really hear the difference in mine between low and high boost.
https://youtu.be/NOyGi7boWdE
I gave it a go doing my last couple of laps at Brands with the antilag on and instantly got told off by the organiser lol.
Saw this meme and it perfectly depicts me with the Corolla at the Ring
Next up was the trackday at Silverstone. Been looking forward to this one as I have wanted to do Silverstone for years. Obviously it rained, I swear I’m cursed!
Same group of mates again only change this time being the guy with the supercharged E92 brought his even more rapid Time Attack Astra instead. Unfortunately he had a steering failure heading into Copse which meant his day ended early in the wall
Best mate was on the race wets again running rings around everyone. I had the legs on him on the straights but he was so much faster round every corner and so much later on the brakes.
I was a div and forgot to take the GoPro so no in car vid from this one. Just a quick clip from a mate on the pitwall.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BrdlMEagbE-/?utm_sourc...
She does get a bit filthy
At the start of 2019 the Mini got booted out into the cold
to make a cosy space for my Dads car while he is off in NZ for 5 months. Which gives me a 1000+bhp garage 😊 and something else to play with for a bit.Apparently I’m not to do any track days or Ring trips in this one
Snow came down. First chance to properly try out the Audi 😊 It was brilliant, didn’t have a hint of struggle anywhere and went places the Skoda definitely wouldn’t. Even did a few donuts in the work car park since I was the only one there. Also impressed that contrary to what I hear from everyone about Audis understeering all over the place mine was quite happy to power oversteer through bends.
Vitara is full of useful info
Car is under 6 inches of snow and it gives me an ice warningCame to the conclusion that to make the Mini a proper track car was going to cost more than I wanted to spend on it, suspension, brakes and a couple of engine mods so we made the decision to let it go. The Mrs was particularly upset. It was a special car to her, the one she had always wanted and waited years to get.
Mrs Will left me a note that makes us look like a couple of serial killers
Managed to sell it to a guy who was going to turn it into a track car so I’ll keep an eye out for it at future events.
Next up was another group trackday, back at Castle Combe again, same lot as normal but switched out one E92 for another.
Day started damp obviously
Importance of tyres lesson 2. My best mate who had been running the M3 on the race wets had his normal track tyres on for this one. Me still on the same set of road tyres that I have done all the trackdays on so far and I had no problem leaving him behind this time.
Things were getting closer and closer as the track dried and we were ready for a good play after lunch. Unfortunately it was not to be as my coolant temp sensor decided it wanted to die, making the car think it was overheating off the scale despite being sat in the paddock for over an hour. No helping it on site so yet another trip on a big yellow fun bus
at least it was a short trip this time.Quick clip from the day, unfortunately no high boost and dryish lap as the Mrs put the GoPro in settings rather than record mode, she is now fired from camera duty! Overtaking M3 mate from 2.05 in
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zib9HC9uDsc
I’m starting to think I am cursed at Castle Combe with this car.
First time I used it there I spun off at the Esses and was nearly killed by another driver in another session, next time it dropped the bottom end after 1 lap, the next time I lost the splitter and now broken sensor! In between times it has done 2-3 Ring trips, Spa, Silverstone, Brands, airfields with no bloody problems lol
So obviously I have booked back on to a day at Combe in a few weeks. We shall see if the curse strikes again!
In more sedate activities, took Dad’s other car, Disco 4 for a spot of light off roading. Not been off road since I sold the Ram!
Had people telling me that the P1 spits flames, never seen it myself always being in the car so had a quick play with the antilag at home. Happy with those results
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt8mUxegNF5/?utm_sourc...
Couple of mods to do before the trackday at Combe.
Castor mod and a new fast road / track alignment with a bit more camber.
Changing out my oil catch tank for the Roger Clark Track Attack version which lets the collected oil drain back into the sump which should hopefully cure the problem of me forgetting to empty mine and it spilling over.
Choices choices, worse ones to have to make
Nice drive out in the E63, proper bruiser this thing
Afraid not! I had to replace a lot of the front end some years back after a badger committed harikiri by running in front of me so I know just how expensive the bits are (when you can still get them).
I've had the P1 from new and have been through the 2.1 CBD / 500 BHP stage already which is now in another member's car (yep I'm in the FB group), so beware there's plenty of room for project creep!
I've had the RCM reverse scoop since around 2003/4 - which is why it's lost its black colour although I like the patina- partly in honour of the Gobstopper and partly to try to get rid of some of the heat.
I've had the P1 from new and have been through the 2.1 CBD / 500 BHP stage already which is now in another member's car (yep I'm in the FB group), so beware there's plenty of room for project creep!
I've had the RCM reverse scoop since around 2003/4 - which is why it's lost its black colour although I like the patina- partly in honour of the Gobstopper and partly to try to get rid of some of the heat.
FBP1 said:
Afraid not! I had to replace a lot of the front end some years back after a badger committed harikiri by running in front of me so I know just how expensive the bits are (when you can still get them).
I've had the P1 from new and have been through the 2.1 CBD / 500 BHP stage already which is now in another member's car (yep I'm in the FB group), so beware there's plenty of room for project creep!
I've had the RCM reverse scoop since around 2003/4 - which is why it's lost its black colour although I like the patina- partly in honour of the Gobstopper and partly to try to get rid of some of the heat.
My scoop is going a bit pale these days too, pretty sure it’s over 10 years old now. I've had the P1 from new and have been through the 2.1 CBD / 500 BHP stage already which is now in another member's car (yep I'm in the FB group), so beware there's plenty of room for project creep!
I've had the RCM reverse scoop since around 2003/4 - which is why it's lost its black colour although I like the patina- partly in honour of the Gobstopper and partly to try to get rid of some of the heat.
I’ve tried to account for a bit of project creep
the drivetrain and majority of the engine are over specced for where the car is now so any further should just be easy bolt on stuff. I go through phases with it regarding going for more power sometimes after trackdays I think it could do with some more but then I take for a drive on a day like today when it’s nice and cool and with the type of roads I go to play on I’m not sure I could cope with much more!
What is yours running with the 2.35 and GT35?
ICallCustard said:
Brilliant thread. Enjoyed reading that, seems like a really enjoyable car history.
On a side note I now own the exige pictured with your Skoda
That’s cool you have Colin now. My mate that had it now has a nice S2000 (and a house lol) He does miss the Exige and still has a big canvas print of it on his wall. It is a cracking car.On a side note I now own the exige pictured with your Skoda
RB Will said:
My scoop is going a bit pale these days too, pretty sure it’s over 10 years old now.
I’ve tried to account for a bit of project creep the drivetrain and majority of the engine are over specced for where the car is now so any further should just be easy bolt on stuff.
I go through phases with it regarding going for more power sometimes after trackdays I think it could do with some more but then I take for a drive on a day like today when it’s nice and cool and with the type of roads I go to play on I’m not sure I could cope with much more!
What is yours running with the 2.35 and GT35?
I did the same - fitted the 6 speed dccd and Type R R180 plated rear diff, carbon prop, front 6 pot alcons, rear 4 pot APs, new bushes everywhere etc etc ahead or alongside the power increase(s).I’ve tried to account for a bit of project creep
the drivetrain and majority of the engine are over specced for where the car is now so any further should just be easy bolt on stuff. I go through phases with it regarding going for more power sometimes after trackdays I think it could do with some more but then I take for a drive on a day like today when it’s nice and cool and with the type of roads I go to play on I’m not sure I could cope with much more!
What is yours running with the 2.35 and GT35?
My 2.1 was also around 500bhp and, to be honest, i think it was enough, but the opportunity to get a burstproof EJ22T blocked fully built engine came up at the right price and i couldnt help myself. My 2.1 had only done about 8 thousand miles at that point, but is still going strong years on in a mate's car. With the car having been weighed at 1293kg wet (including the removable Safety Devices rollcage at a track day) it was quick enough for nearly everything.
Tyres make a massive difference- as you've seen with your mate - in the early 2000s the slick front tyres of the 911 Cup racecars were perfect sizes for the 17" P1 wheels, and were very cheap second hand after often just a couple of laps use by the 911 boys. I had a set of full slicks and full wets on spare wheels (if you take out the backs seat you can get a set of 4 in covers strapped in plus 2 in the boot). I still have 3 sets of 17" wheels (OZ P1wrcs/OZ superleggera/ Raceline GT1) somewhere in the shed as I'm now on 18s due to brake size. Haven't been on track for a few years now.
The 2.35 just widens the power band a little more to compensate for the big GT35r billet spool and gives a wider deeper torque band- but not by that much. I'm running a twinplate cerametallic clutch to handle the torque.
Bob R is amongst those who have mapped this car over the years, but the last map by Paul Blamire / Zen Performance who built the engine from RCM bits. The RCM dyno showed circa 566bhp / 500+ft lb at 1.8 bar just after it was run in, although it also has a 1.4 bar "valet" setting which is probably around 450bhp
RB Will said:
That’s cool you have Colin now. My mate that had it now has a nice S2000 (and a house lol) He does miss the Exige and still has a big canvas print of it on his wall. It is a cracking car.
Ha, good to knows it’s name. Please tell your friend it is in safe hands and well looked after. If you ever get a chance to post a pic of the canvas I would love to see it. An S2000 is a great choice too !
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