1985 S3 Track Car Project

[chrisj]

Following up from my introduction on the who are ya page. Thought it was time to bring you up to date with progress with my Series 3 FB road legal track car.

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Having bought the shell. The plan was to replace the original 12a with a race spec 12a half Bridgeport, complemented with a 51 IDA and beefed up rad and oil cooler. (This work is being completed by Dwayne at Silver Fern Performance on Deeside.) Then put her through the MOT so I can bring her home for additional cosmetic mods.
As with all projects, there has been a number of unexpected turns along the way. Being of large build, I found I needed to replace the driver’s race seat for something I could actually fit in. Dwayne has spent a lot of frustrating hours trying to shoehorn a XL seat into a tiny FB space. Happy to say he has succeeded and I fit! Next up, the wheels needed to be replaced. Luckily Mark from the Mazda Rotary Club came to the rescue with a full set of original S3 wheels.



So the plan has progressed to the point where I was allowed to start her up this morning. Talk about loud!





Next Steps – Put her through the MOT then take her to the dyno for tuning. So I’m expecting the car to be on the road some time in November. Just in time for the winter…………..

Chris

[kenwhiteside]

Looking good!

I will be interested to see what tyres you go for on the standard S3 14 inch wheels. Choices are limited as I am sure you are aware and none of the options seem that useful for track day purposes.

Tim

[chrisj]

With you there Tim. I am thinking of a set of Falken ZE912s while I run the engine in on the road. Then probably buy a set of 15" rims in the spring then look for a track specific tyre to match. Any advise would be very much appreciated

Chris

[TOOL]

Falken's are good. I've had 912s and now 914s on the BMW. Budget choice but not ditch finders.

I've got a set of Toyo Proxes R1R ready to go on my 15 inch rims.

I've got a spare set of SSR 15 inch mesh wheels in 4x114.3 if you're interested.

http://rx7fb.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=2777&hilit=+ssr

[chrisj]

Interested in the SSRs. Will they fit straight on without spacers or adjustment? any pictures?

Thanks

Chris

[chrisj]

Just spotted the link. Are they the ones for sale?

[TOOL]

Will PM you later today.

[chrisj]

Cheers

[kenwhiteside]

I think you can get r888s in 225/55r14. They are a bit lower profile than the standard tyres so would gear the car down a bit but I think it is not too much. Thinking about giving them a go but they are well expensive if they don't fit / ride well.

[TOOL]

They'll be far too wide for standard S3 alloys.

Didn't R888s lose their roadgoing status recently as well? I think the insurance companies don't like them.

There's very few sizes in 14 inch. Much better options in 15 inch and much cheaper. R1Rs come in 225/45R15 for about £70 a corner.

15s also means clearance for brake upgrades.