1998 Formula Firebird LS1/T56 - ESP build Options

[trackbird]

Got the rear bar/end links and panhard rod on last night.

I was wondering - can I just pop the ABS fuse out to get rid of it, or will that give me serious issues like putting the ECU into limp mode?

No issues with pulling the fuse. I do it when racing then pop it in for the street.

The LS cars use the ABS module for rear proportioning. You may find that you have way too much rear brake after you pull the fuse. I always autocrossed with the ABS in place and working. You have to learn to drive "with" the ABS instead of "against" it, but it works ok once you do.

[79T/A]

It may have been because of a loose hub, but my abs seemed to activate prematurely, and like flat black said the pedal feels terrible, and it recovers slowly. I was able to brake harder without ABS on track. I always put the fuse back in for the street, nice having it there for emergencies.

[trackbird]

Usually it just aggrivates brake hop. Or that was what I remember. It's been a while.

[Racer X]

I've been able to engage it on street tires, it makes the pedal feel terrible.

That won't happen (or it will at least happen a lot less) on better tires.

Did you install the pads I gave you?

The LS cars use the ABS module for rear proportioning.

This.

[FlatBlack]

I've been able to engage it on street tires, it makes the pedal feel terrible.

That won't happen (or it will at least happen a lot less) on better tires.

Did you install the pads I gave you?

I haven't yet. I will have them on before the next autocross (well... after the Tour).

[FlatBlack]

The good thing about ugly/unpopular wheels is that they are cheap.

Found these on CL, had to snatch them up.

I always said that if I bought a C5 with wagon wheels, I'd get rid of the wheels first thing. After putting them on the Formula, I don't really hate them. I think they might look pretty bitchin in white. They'll be my street wheels.

(IMG:http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh81/flatblack280/CYMERA_20140405_222602.jpg)

This post has been edited by FlatBlack: Apr 6 2014, 05:50 PM

[Racer X]

Does that gas station attendant give you odd looks?

I mean you keep taking pictures of his pumps. He probably thinks you have some odd fetish or something.


And ummmm.... FYI

This post has been edited by Racer X: Apr 7 2014, 12:28 AM

[landstuhltaylor]

The good thing about ugly/unpopular wheels is that they are cheap.

Found these on CL, had to snatch them up.

I always said that if I bought a C5 with wagon wheels, I'd get rid of the wheels first thing. After putting them on the Formula, I don't really hate them. I think they might look pretty bitchin in white. They'll be my street wheels.

If you ever decide to get rid of them just find the local VW/Audi guys. They would love to buy them.

[FlatBlack]

If you ever decide to get rid of them just find the local VW/Audi guys. They would love to buy them.

The C5 Wagon Wheels?

VW/Audis are 5x112 or 5x100, and these are pretty low offset for FWDs

Does that gas station attendant give you odd looks?

And ummmm.... FYI

A: No

B: You're a bad listener. No 11s this year.

This post has been edited by FlatBlack: Apr 7 2014, 08:17 PM

[dailydriver]

The good thing about ugly/unpopular wheels is that they are cheap.

Found these on CL, had to snatch them up.

I always said that if I bought a C5 with wagon wheels, I'd get rid of the wheels first thing. After putting them on the Formula, I don't really hate them. I think they might look pretty bitchin in white. They'll be my street wheels.

(IMG:http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh81/flatblack280/CYMERA_20140405_222602.jpg)

They actually look much better on our rides than on the C5s they were stock on from the factory! (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/2thumbs.gif)

[landstuhltaylor]

The C5 Wagon Wheels?

VW/Audis are 5x112 or 5x100, and these are pretty low offset for FWDs

That's never stopped them from putting Corvette wheels on anything. Why do you think anyone buys hub adapters?

(IMG:http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x7/pbplaya426/DSCF1428.jpg)

[ReEntryRacer]

The good thing about ugly/unpopular wheels is that they are cheap.

Found these on CL, had to snatch them up.

I always said that if I bought a C5 with wagon wheels, I'd get rid of the wheels first thing. After putting them on the Formula, I don't really hate them. I think they might look pretty bitchin in white. They'll be my street wheels.

If you want a set of center caps for those, I have multiple sets. I think I have a set of chrome ones too.

Just pay the postage from BC!

[FlatBlack]

If you want a set of center caps for those, I have multiple sets. I think I have a set of chrome ones too.

Just pay the postage from BC!

I appreciate the offer! I have the center caps, but I think part of the reason I hated the wheels on the C5 is that the nut covers look really cheap/cheesy. I'm leaving mine off, plus the keyed nut is too long for the covers anyways.

Got my offset bushing upper arms and ST 32mm solid bar, hopefully getting those on tonight.

[FlatBlack]

Had my first race in the Firebird on Sunday, I was very pleased with it minus the damn diff. Need to get that fixed ASAP.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5yaCzDnH08

[FlatBlack]

Finally got pictures back from the Autocross. If anyone thought I was just making 'racer excuses' about my diff, just check out this picture:

(IMG:http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh81/flatblack280/20140426_1251.jpg)

(IMG:http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh81/flatblack280/20140426_1244.jpg)

(IMG:http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh81/flatblack280/20140426_1246.jpg)

(IMG:http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh81/flatblack280/20140426_1247.jpg)

[2MCHPWR]

what diff you going with? I think I want one too.
auburn
easton
tru trac
torsen T-2R

[FlatBlack]

what diff you going with? I think I want one too.
auburn
easton
tru trac
torsen T-2R

Oh, wow! Thought I had updated this thread...

I did the Eaton Clutch diff (Part #: ETN-19599-010 http://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/etn-...9-010/overview/ )

Night and day difference. I was blowing through rear tires, the new diff has reduced my tire wear significantly, and now I can put power down reliably and predictably.

Here's a video from my runs at Circuit of the Americas (Parking lot, not track)

http://youtu.be/BVeDphoJJrk

I got a pair of OEM C5Z Speedlines, hoping to get another pair for a matching set soon

(IMG:https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3835/14518475708_336f80d788_c.jpg)

Also, found out that my rear LCA bushings were shot and my torque arm was loose.

Replaced them with the upgraded Moog bushing that doesn't have voids.

(IMG:https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t1.0-9/10563113_10103543921320295_840459820431649785_n.jpg)

This post has been edited by FlatBlack: Aug 5 2014, 04:16 PM

[2MCHPWR]

that is awesome. good to know. why did you choose the eaton over the other options?
did you have an auburn in there stock? i have 98 formula too (slicktop as you called it) so I think we'd both have auburns.
You still on stock LCA's and TA?

Can you run 315's on all 4 corners under stock fenders using 10.5 c5z06 rear wheels?

I'm jelly of your lowering springs. I'm on stock 1LE springs and its like a 4x4.

[79T/A]

Yes you can use the 315's on z06 wheels all 4 corners. Mark (camarokid91) has been running that set up this year. Had some of those sweet Pirelli world challenge rollers on it. Think you need a small spacer though when running a full set of rears on an f-body.

[FlatBlack]

that is awesome. good to know. why did you choose the eaton over the other options?
did you have an auburn in there stock? i have 98 formula too (slicktop as you called it) so I think we'd both have auburns.
You still on stock LCA's and TA?

Can you run 315's on all 4 corners under stock fenders using 10.5 c5z06 rear wheels?

I'm jelly of your lowering springs. I'm on stock 1LE springs and its like a 4x4.

A local C5 guy here is running 315s front (17x9.5) and 335s rear (18x10.5) on his car... but they have double wishbone rear and I'm told they have a better camber curve?I'll eventually move to an 11, but I'm not going to pay 315 $$$ to run it super stretched on a 9.5.

*edit* That's not what you were asking (sorry). Yeah, All of the ESP guys I know of run 315 A6s, but they are on 17" rims. I see no problem with running them on a 10.5, but you might need spacers. My 18x9.5 Wagon Wheels rub on the back, I have ARP studs and run a 1/2" spacer. They are 56mm offset

My previous region's ESP group went through most of the diffs, and the Eaton clutch diff is the one that holds up to 315 A6s on all 4 corners. The helicals and Auburn Racer's diff didn't last long. My car came with the "Zexel-Torsen" diff. It didn't work after 120,000 miles.

The Strano Springs/Konis/bars and rear diff made this car go from a floaty boat to a heavy-set athletic girl (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) All the new people that walk up to me at Autocrosses seem amazed that the thing can turn corners, and I'm a midpack driver. I would really suggest getting the suspension kit if you can, it's worth it.

This post has been edited by FlatBlack: Aug 5 2014, 06:50 PM