UnsafeAtAnySpd's NASA Performance Touring Build

[UnsafeAtAnySpd]

Intro: I'm currently in the middle of building my track car (does a build really ever end?) and thought I would post it up here. The build is different than most cars on here as I'm building the car for road racing in NASA's Performance Touring (PT) division. Basically, how classing works is that every car is assigned a base class and points are assigned for every mod. Every 20 points moves the car up a class. Complete rules/description can be found here:
http://www.performancetouring.com//

Car: '97 Talon TSi AWD 5 Speed

Goal: To be competitive in PTD. The car is assigned a base class of PTE*. The asterisk and turbo cost 12 points off the bat. Therefore I have 27 'points' to work with. Furthermore, I also need to conform to about an adjusted 13.75/1 weight to power ratio (this will depend on my actual competition weight).

[UnsafeAtAnySpd]

I initially had picked up the car last March to build as a drag/fun car with about 96,000 miles for $3600:
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/041.jpg
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/043.jpg

Mods included: Greddy LICP, UICP, FMIC, BOV, 18" Enkei EVO 5s, VIS CF hood, not-so-great Maaco paint job, and it was lowered on stock shocks.

First on the agenda was removing the huge ass sub box that took up the whole rear-seat/hatch area. I think it was built to hold 2 15s and a 13. It had to weigh close to 200 pounds.

In the car:
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/002.jpg
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/003.jpg
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/004.jpg

I needed help to get it out:
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/013.jpg

My friend Lacey is only 5'2" but it's still a huge subbox. Out of the car:
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/014.jpg

After:
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/055.jpg
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/053.jpg
(The strut tower bar is just sitting there in this picture. Not attached.)
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/054.jpg

I went ahead and threw some clear sidemarkers I already had on it as well:
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/052.jpg

[UnsafeAtAnySpd]

The shocks on this car were blown. I've never rode in a bouncier car in my life (drove the car from LA up to Santa Maria, CA). It was kind of scary. So I went ahead and bought some Tokico Illuminas eBay as well as a camber kit. They arrived, I went out into the garage and realized I didn't have a key for the lug nuts. I ended up managing to get one that worked a few days later from a local wheel shop.

I get the car up on jackstands and due to rust, it takes me a couple days of afterwork garage time to finally get the damn shocks off. The rears are completely blown. So I have them off and am looking at the springs on there and decide I should get new ones. Ordered some Eibach Sportlines. Another few days...
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/partsandstuff018.jpg

The rust in the wheel wells on the suspension peices was a pain. I finally managed to get the shocks and springs and try to switch over the old hardware. Of course, the upper shock mount is rusted out and breaks. So I ordered new ones for all four corners. Went ahead and ordered poly control arm, shock, and trans bushings too. As rusted as everything in there is, the actual strut towers still look good, which I'm not sure if there's a bandaid fix there...

Here are a few random pictures of what I was dealing with...
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/058.jpg
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/060-1.jpg
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/061-1.jpg

Eventually, some new parts showed up:
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/022.jpg

Apparently this:
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/063-1.jpg
is supposed to look like this:
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/017.jpg :o

Obviously in hindsight after my build plans changed, I would've gone a different route on the suspension. That said, this set-up will soon be pulled in favor of a full coilover. Not to mention, by the time I replaced all those stock parts it probably would've been a better way to go initially...

[UnsafeAtAnySpd]

The brakes also needed replacing. Again, originally brakes weren't a very high priority being that it wasn't meant to be a road course car. So I went with some cross-drilled rotors. Also, painted the calipers and installed SS lines while I had them off. Sorry for the crappy pictures here:
Before:
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/0507081805.jpg

New Rotors:
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/0520082231.jpg

Painting:
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/0524081910.jpg

Mounted back up:
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/0525081749.jpg

I've since decided to go with the Evo Brembo swap. I have the same front calipers on my V with Hawk HP+ pads and love them. I can only imagine on a lighter car with race pads and R-comp tires. Plus, non-stock calipers are only a 2 point mod in my series which I think is definitely worth it.

I've already picked up all four calipers. Supposedly I have all four 2-piece Baer rotors on the way as well (haven't heard from the seller recently so we'll see). That said, I still need to get the Galant knuckles, throw in the Motul RBF 600 I have in the garage, figure out my pad choice and get some titanium brake shims. Then I should be just about set as far as brakes go. :)

Could use a little cleaning up, but I'll just go ahead and repaint before the install. No pics of the rears, but I'm sure everyone knows what they look like:
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/100_1854.jpg
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/100_1855.jpg

[UnsafeAtAnySpd]

I've Seafoamed my V a couple of times now and being that I was about to replace my oil with some Amsoil (have trans and diff fluid waiting to go in as well, I went ahead and Seafoamed the Talon. No good smoke show pictures as it was windy. :)
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/100_1858.jpg
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/100_1859.jpg
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/th_100_1856.jpg (http://s247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/?action=view&current=100_1856.flv)

[UnsafeAtAnySpd]

I've also gutted most of the inside of the car including removing the HVAC stuff under the dash.

Dash out of the car:
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/100_1899.jpg
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/100_1902.jpg
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/100_1900.jpg

Thirty pounds of HVAC goodness:
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/100_1903.jpg
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/100_1907.jpg
(what was Pontiac thinking with that wheel design...)

Everything removed:
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/100_1904.jpg

And the dash back in:
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/100_1910.jpg

Here's the airbags and some more insulation:
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/100_1909.jpg

The rest of the interior:
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/034.jpg
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/100_1892.jpg
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/100_1890.jpg
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/100_1861.jpg

Obviously I still need to throw a cage in. I've been looking at the Autopower one available for our cars. Ideally I would like to have one built but that will cost over double. Also, I need the remove the sunroof glass anyway as per the rules, so I would like to get a CF insert. Seems to be a lot of talk about making these, but no follow through. Oh yeah, I need the manual window junk too. :)

These are waiting on the cage and harnesses to go in:
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/100_1894.jpg

[reddsmhatch]

Sick build will DEFINITELY be following this!

[swade]

Looks like a great start, Im sure it will be a fun car to drive when your done! What are your plans for the under the hood?

swade

[UnsafeAtAnySpd]

Sick build will DEFINITELY be following this!

Thanks! :)

Looks like a great start, Im sure it will be a fun car to drive when your done! What are your plans for the under the hood?

swade

As for power, I'm not allowed to make a whole lot as there is a maximum weight to power ratio to stay in this class. I also need to use the T25. I need to go my car weighed as to have a good idea where I sit right now. Just for math simplicity, say I could somehow get the car down to 3000 lbs raceweight (me and safety equipment included) I would only be able to have about 210 awhp. Not to mention mods cost points. :)

[UnsafeAtAnySpd]

I figured I should put together a list to keep track of my mods and classing for NASA's Performance Touring. Where I sit now:

Base Class: Eagle Talon Turbo AWD ('95-'98) PTE* 3153 lbs

* +7 points (that one hurts)
Forced Induction +5
+12 Total

Tires:
+0 Total (this will obviously change. Good tires cost huge points.)

Weight Reduction:
I'll have to get my car weighed. Points are assessed based on the difference between the base classing weight (the 3153 lbs above) and competition weight WITH driver and safety gear.
+? Total

Engine/Drivetrain:
13) Modification of the OEM air intake/box, air filter location, air piping to the turbo/
supercharger/intercooler/throttle body/carburetor, or hood/fascia/fender air inlet(s) +1
18) Non-OEM or modified intercooler +4
27) Non-OEM or modified exhaust piping, resonators, or mufflers downstream from the OEM
catalytic converter(s) locations(s) +1
+6 Total

Suspension/Brakes/Chassis:
3) Non-OEM or modified/re-valved shocks/struts/dampers +3
4) Non-OEM or modified coil springs, leaf springs/spacers/brackets, or torsion bars +2
+5 Total

Aerodynamics:
+0 Total

Roll Cages:
+0 Total

No Points Modifications:
6) Jack and spare tire removal (required)
7) Floor mat removal (required)
10) Simple camber, caster, and toe adjustment by any method that does not alter suspension
mounting points (unless the modification used is otherwise assessed points above). Bolt on
camber/caster plates are not assessed points.
11) Ride height adjustment (must still take points for springs and torsion bars above)
12) Air filter upgrade (without modification of the air filter housing or air intake system)
21) Turbo blow-off valve upgrade, modification, or addition
26) Non OEM brake pads and rotors
27) Brake lines, brake boosters, and master cylinder modification or replacement.
29) Non-metallic replacement suspension bushings
47) Add rear strut tower bar (two attachment points—bolted in or as a component of the cage)
57) Headlamps, headlight covers, and fog lights may all be removed, and the holes may be
covered with material that replicates the shape of the OEM light/cover, leaving the shape of
the OEM fascia intact. Uncovered holes may be used for brake ducts. Any hole providing
improved intake air to the engine will be assessed one (1) point under Engine 13).

+23 Grand Total
20 thru 39 points - Up ONE Class

[UnsafeAtAnySpd]

Right now, I'm mainly focusing on four main areas: Cooling, Maintenance, Brakes and Safety.

For cooling I picked up a Mishimoto radiator, fans, shroud and hoses. I will also replace the thermostat and run distilled water and Water Wetter. I'd also like to pick up an Evo OFH and good sized external oil cooler.
Here's the Mishimoto radiator, shroud and fans mounted up waiting to go into the car:
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/100_1916.jpg
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/100_1917.jpg

Also along the lines of 'cooling' I picked up a stock SMIC to replace my FMIC. I've asked a couple times and searched around a bit and it seems that it should suffice for my power goals correct? This I'm not sure on, but I'm going to try it. For one thing it will free up all that air flow for the radiator (plan on shrouding and all that). Another is that by going back to stock it frees up 4 points which will most definitely be nice. Here's the two side by side:
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/100_1919.jpg
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/100_1920.jpg
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/100_1921.jpg

[UnsafeAtAnySpd]

Another addition was finally getting hood pins. PO didn't have them obviously and I haven't driven the car much anyway, but it was about time. I just picked up some basic Sparco hood pins. I removed the two center rubber stoppers and used those holes for the pins. I masked off the underside of the hood, put some paint on the pins and marked the hood that way. Then I went to work drilling holes into a $400ish hood. I also removed the stock latch. This way I can cover the big hole where it was to help airflow through the radiator.
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/100_1885.jpg
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/100_1884.jpg
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/100_1883.jpg

Also, since I had the sway bar out anyway, I decided to rice it up a bit:
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/100_1913.jpg

Here's one of the new poly bushings:
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/100_1914.jpg

Some other random things I have for the car that have yet to be installed: Prosport boost, oil pressure, oil temp, water temp and volt gauges; misc gaskets and replacement bolts; DSMLink v2; and a ported Evo III O2 Housing (I'm already taking points for the exhaust from the turbo back anyway).

[UnsafeAtAnySpd]

Well, I just got back from the truck scales. I'm not sure if this slip is right or not. For one, it has three weights where I was only on two 'parts' of the scale: 260, 1800, and 1100 lbs. Could the 2900 lbs be my weight? This is with full tank of gas and nobody in the car.

[hawaiifiveoh]

Could you try to do a really really clean Supra side mount and say it's stock, lol.

[UnsafeAtAnySpd]

LOL. I'm sure I could. It would be pretty easy to cheat I would think on a lot of things, but that's not my style. :)

[hawaiifiveoh]

Yea, lol just asking. Props for being straight up though.

[frankozz]

Well, I just got back from the truck scales. I'm not sure if this slip is right or not. For one, it has three weights where I was only on two 'parts' of the scale: 260, 1800, and 1100 lbs. Could the 2900 lbs be my weight? This is with full tank of gas and nobody in the car.

I work at a truck stop with a CAT scale. Maybe the scale wasn't zeroed out... Sometimes even when there is no one on the scale it shows some weight on it...

[UnsafeAtAnySpd]

Yeah, I believe you're the one who told me to put my front wheels on the second pad and rears on the third. :)

I drove by a scrap metal yard on the way back near my house. I might check there next week and see if I can get weighed.

[frankozz]

Yup. That's the way it's supposed to be done with cars. Most likely the scale wasn't zeroed out...

[UnsafeAtAnySpd]

So my two piece slotted rotors finally came in. They're used and have a little surface rust, but they supposedly only have 3000 miles on them. Other than the rust, they look to be in good shape. I'll try to get some pictures comparing them to the stock sized rotors.