THSCC Forums

Hi all, I've just acquired a race prepped E30... full cage, adjustable suspension, etc. And am looking forward to joining everyone at the next track event. The only things I need to get it ready (I think) are seats and a fire bottle.
My questions... Seats- What's recommended?
Is there any place to try them on? I know I need a FIA approved seat, as I plan to race this thing as my skills improve.

Next ? Transponder- I know I missed the group buy... is there any other way to get a discount? Is this thing good for any other events besides Tarheel's?

Last question. Is there anything I'm leaving out?

Thanks,
Keith

Keith
Looks like the car is ready to run our HPDE now. Fire bottle, transponder and seats can come later.

First, you need to get the car inspected for THSCC (or any other club's) events. We have one coming up in Greensboro soon (see HPDE thread). It may turn up some potential problems with the car, so get it done early enough to make repairs if necessary.

Things you can check right away:
1.) If you intend using the restraint system in the car, check the dates and be sure the attachment system conforms to our rules. 5 or 6-point belts only, properly installed. If they don't meet the requirements, you can always use the stock 3-point system.

2.) Since you have a cage in the car, you'll need to verify that the tubing meets SCCA GCR specs., and padding is SFI-rated. If it's the cheap soft stuff, you'll need to replace it in all areas that could contact your helmet and the instructor's helmet. No compromise on this one.

3.) We have a second group buy going on for transponders. Contact Stacy King to get one ordered before the deal closes.

_________________
Brad

Keith -

I have a pair of Corbeau FX-1 fiberglass seats, basically a knock-off of Sparco EVO2, which came out of my E30 when I sold it. I have been meaning to take some pics and put them up for sale. I also have some custom E30 mounts which use factory sliders for seat adjustment.

Give me a call if you'd like to hear more. These would NOT be good for much if any street driving but I LOVED them on track. I'm not planning on prepping my M3 any time soon so I might as well sell 'em.

I'll see if I can dig up a picture.

Mike

_________________
Mike Whitney
whit32@gmail.com, 919-454-5445
V10, V8, V8t, I6, I6, V6, F4t, I4, I4, I4, I4, I2, 1, 1

you can get into the next group buy for the transponders at www.motorsportreg.com

Thanks for the info guys.
The cage padding is something that I never thought about... it looks to me like that insulation that goes around water pipes. Will that do or do I need something specific?
I'll be contacting you Mike, about those seats. Right now there is not a passenger seat, so I need to get something soon.

The car has been sitting for the last 4 years, but starts up and runs fine. It was recommended to get the timing belt changed and I need to get a few other things sorted out, like tires and brakes and maybe a few cosmetic things. Some not too used 6 pt. harnesses are on their way.

I don't know if I'll be able to participate in the time trial... It looks like it is full and my experience is only @ 4 weekend events with only 1 documented (Log book) all in the MINI. Not sure how different this car will be, but I think this event should be all learning curve for me.
Having said that I would like in on the group buy for transponders, but I can't find anything about it @ that link... or anything from the Triangle Z page. I'll do some more hunting.
Thanks,
Keith

Keith,

ditto what Brad said about the car- it sounds like it's pretty much ready to do HPDE events now. I would look into changing the timing belt ASAP, especially if you have no documentation on the last change. I've bought a couple of E30's over the years at greatly reduced prices because the owner let the t-belt break!

You do not need a fire bottle or a transponder to do driver's schools (HPDE's). In fact, some groups specifically prohibit timing devices at their HPDE's. Just make sure the car is up to snuff mechanically (did I mention the timing belt...??), and you're ready to roll.

As for the roll bar padding- it sounds like you've got the cheap stuff- which is not approved for racing, or by THSCC time trial rules, but should be OK until you can get some of the approved high density stuff. The padding you have USED to be OK for most forms of racing, but recently got called into question, so now it's not allowed.

Don't hesitate to contact me if you need any E30 advice, or parts- I've got a fair collection of the latter, and can come up with the former...


Bret.

Keith:
Bret's right. That water pipe padding won't do. Not even for Tarheel/ZClub HPDE's. I believe you can pick some up from Tom Bishop (one of our Club Supporters and Advertisers) at Auto Sport Gallery in N. Ral. 919-872-2002. The stuff's about $20 or so for a 3-foot stick. With that cage, you'll probably need 3 sticks. Don't trust the adhesive on the back. Use plenty of tie-wraps to secure it in position.

The cushy stuff's OK on the door bars, but any part that might remotely contact the driver's or the instructor's helmet needs to be padded with the SFI-rated stuff. We really like to take care of our intructors

_________________
Brad

I cant beleive noone has mentioned this:

Download the tech guide, it will answer all question.

_________________
02 Focus SVT
STF 9

Keith:

Shoot me an email. I'm getting ready to do another AMB order for
Transponders.

Get a few HPDE events in first and consider Time Trials when you
feel you are VERY confortable in traffic. We are using a qualifing
session format this year. I can't think of a better way to transistion
into club racing.

Sounds like you got the car prep issues sorted out. A passanger
seat would be perferable for HPDE but if you could not get one
now you would have to do lead/follow sessions with an instructor.
Not as good as in-car but an acceptable alternative.

Our next tech day is this sat. See the schedule on the www.timetrials.net
or click on track

MV

_________________
Mark Vitacco
THSCC TT Chairman
mvitacco@bellsouth.net