1998 Formula Firebird LS1/T56 - ESP build Options

[ESP125]

Hello all,

Just picked up a 1998 Formula that I will be prepping for ESP class in SCCA Autocross. It's Blurple, but I don't care too much about my cars look (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I have some other things to take care of first, but wheels (17x9 or 10+) and suspension should come soon. I plan on Koni yellows and GC coilovers.

(IMG:http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh81/flatblack280/CYMERA_20140226_175210.jpg)

(IMG:http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh81/flatblack280/CYMERA_20140226_175226.jpg)

I noticed you said you were looking to get some Koni coil overs. Would you be interested in a complete set from my 94 Camaro? They are Koni Sports (yellow), they were rebuilt/dynoed in 2013 (only have 30 events on them) Front part number is 8242 1005SP1 and rear part number is 8242 1006SP1. The car is set up for ESP as well and took 1st at Nationals (ladies class) and 8th (mens) in 2010.

[dailydriver]

No complaints with mine, I actually had the inside rear chirp pulling out of a parking space the other day, so it's still working for sure. It has probably 1000+ miles and 80+ autocross runs on it by now.

Are you using any limited slip friction modifier in yours (whether added in via 4 ounce bottle, or already in the gear oil)?

Also what type of gear oil (synthetic or mineral based)?

[FlatBlack]

I noticed you said you were looking to get some Koni coil overs. Would you be interested in a complete set from my 94 Camaro? They are Koni Sports (yellow), they were rebuilt/dynoed in 2013 (only have 30 events on them) Front part number is 8242 1005SP1 and rear part number is 8242 1006SP1. The car is set up for ESP as well and took 1st at Nationals (ladies class) and 8th (mens) in 2010.

I've already got Koni yellows, but thanks for the offer. I was mostly referencing the coilover sleeves/springs, not the shocks.

No complaints with mine, I actually had the inside rear chirp pulling out of a parking space the other day, so it's still working for sure. It has probably 1000+ miles and 80+ autocross runs on it by now.

Are you using any limited slip friction modifier in yours (whether added in via 4 ounce bottle, or already in the gear oil)?

Also what type of gear oil (synthetic or mineral based)?

IIRC the Eaton comes with a paper slip that says not to use LSD friction modifiers? Pretty sure I'm using synthetic gear oil. Honestly I'm not too sure, I've had about a million beers since then.

[dailydriver]

IIRC the Eaton comes with a paper slip that says not to use LSD friction modifiers? Pretty sure I'm using synthetic gear oil. Honestly I'm not too sure, I've had about a million beers since then.

Actually, they tell you to use the friction modifier (even though some who ONLY race the car do not, and live with the carbon clutch pack wear for the sake of better lockup/launch off of apexes), and NOT to use synthetic fluid in their Posi (and Truetracs for that matter) gear oils, even though most do with no ill effects.

Their Posi unit's carbon clutch packs would not last very long in daily street driving without the L.S. friction modifier, sadly. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

[FlatBlack]

Actually, they tell you to use the friction modifier (even though some who ONLY race the car do not, and live with the carbon clutch pack wear for the sake of better lockup/launch off of apexes), and NOT to use synthetic fluid in their Posi (and Truetracs for that matter) gear oils, even though most do with no ill effects.

Their Posi unit's carbon clutch packs would not last very long in daily street driving without the L.S. friction modifier, sadly. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

I've put ~2,000 miles on the car since I bought it February 2014. Most of that is highway mileage (i.e. not using the diff) to and from races.

It'll still chirp my street tires on tight turns (parking lot situations), so if it gives me better lockup, I'm all about it. Seems to be working just fine, the car was pretty miserable to race on the blown stock LSD.

[Jimbow]

When I first bought my case it would also chirp and sometimes bind up in tight parking spots or turning around.

I changed the fluid to Mobil 1 fluid and added about 2oz of ford lsd additive.

The ford stuff seems to work a little better than the other off the shelf additives, maybe because fords need some miracle additive??? Lol

[dailydriver]

^^^Yes, I also ONLY use the Motorcraft XL-3, or the Ford Racing labelled stuff.

I have been told that the Ford Racing stuff is actually a little better than the XL-3, and that it is NOT the same exact stuff, just in a differently labelled bottle with .20 of an ounce less content, but who knows? (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/gr_confused.gif)

I actually pay less for the FR stuff, so I don't care. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

This post has been edited by dailydriver: Mar 28 2015, 01:49 AM

[Racer X]

You *want* the diff to be tight for what we do. As tight as possible IMO.

The spare I rebuilt and have on the shelf will either work really, really well or it will self destruct on its first run. I shimmed that sucker as tight as I could get it and still be able to reinstall the spiders. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

And yes, Eaton specifies the LSD additive. The diff oil is the only place on the car where I DON'T use synthetic.

This post has been edited by Racer X: Mar 28 2015, 07:49 PM

[dailydriver]

^^^^But the 800# springs (in an Eaton Posi) would be too much for the street, and act like a locker on the track/a-x, correct??

This post has been edited by dailydriver: Mar 29 2015, 12:38 AM

[Racer X]

^^^^But the 800# springs (in an Eaton Posi) would be too much for the street, and act like a locker on the track/a-x, correct??

I've thought about trying heavier springs but after taking the diff apart and holding them in my hands, I seriously doubt the retainer plates would be up to the task.

I don't like wrenching on the car enough to be an R&D guinea pig. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

This post has been edited by Racer X: Mar 29 2015, 05:14 PM