Whoa!! Where'd you find those?
It was a great first outing for the Galant. I couldn't be more happy with the results of the day. My first time out in the car, and first time at this track, the car and I managed 1st in class and I think I may have even broken the course record for the class. (I was in DSP for those who cant read the stickers).
The car was great. There were very few issues that needed sorting on the spot, in fact only one that I can recall. For some reason the fan switch decided not to work once I got on the track. Luckily I had just gotten rid of the garbage Autometer temp gauge for a much smoother, more reliable VDO water temp gauge. So I knew what was happening. With some help from Matt, (the DSG tuner and electrical genius), we managed to hard wire the fan to a fuse power source and get back on the track in a matter of minutes.
Other than that the car was stout. The motor did very well and pulled hard throughout the day. Alex was watching from the pit in between laps in his EVO and decided that she needs a 3" downpipe. I agree, I just wanted him to say it first, he's the fabricator, I'm just the wallet. Right now thats the only power change I plan on making in the immediate future.
The major work needs to be dedicated to the suspension. Whats the point of all wheel drive if you cant keep all four wheels on the ground? I'm still anxiously awaiting my new Ground Control coilovers as I have been for the past month or so. Right now I still have the AGX's with the mystery springs on the front,(I think they might be H&R's) and the MR Bilsteins with the stock EVO springs in the rear. The big sway bars help to rotate the car, but if you're not careful, it may come around on you a bit too fast. I also plan on dialing in more front camber. Right now I'm running -1.4* in the front, I plan on maybe doubling that. Also, in the future, perhaps this winter, Id like to finish the cage. Id like to stiffen the front of the chassis a bit more.
The brakes were intense. I have never felt such a sure brake pedal on any of my cars. The Hawk HT-10 pads bit decently when warm, but they bite HARD when they get hot. It allowed me to got very, very deep into turns before having to touch the pedal. I cant say how well the brake ducts were working, but I know I never experienced any brake fade.
She also needs a face lift. Paint is in the near future. She has the performance, now she needs the look.
Here are a the only pics I took at that track yesterday:
And here is the Toyo-Bishi Tow Team. I was really pushing the absolute limits of the Tacoma with that U-Haul trailer.
