Fit with track ready trim...anyone?

[simons2k]

I plan on doing a few track runs with my Fit. I just wanted to know if anyone else plan on doing this and what kind of mods were performed to make this happen. I want to keep it all motor and focus on suspension, wheels, and tires. My thinking so far:

-16 inch lightweight wheels
-R compound tires
-lowering springs for now, then coilovers
-strut bars, front and rear. (these make a huge diff in these cars?) Asking
because it sits on a monocoque chasis similiar to the S2000. Strut/Shock braces do NOTHING for the s2k.
-intake/exhaust (cat-back)

Thank you in advance for your input

-Simon

[whitefitsport]

Originally Posted by simons2k

it sits on a monocoque chasis similiar to the S2000. Strut/Shock braces do NOTHING for the s2k

oh really? that's interesting! I want to know if the struts will make a significant difference too. I think 15 inch wheels would be better though. just my opinion.

[cheffyjay]

Huh? Puzzled by the use of "Monocoque", I looked it up to find:
"Monocoque (French for "single shell") or unibody is a construction technique that uses the external skin of an object to support some or most of the load on the structure. This stands in contrast with using an internal framework (or truss) that is then covered with a non-load-bearing skin. Monocoque construction was first widely used in aircraft, starting in the 1930s, and is the predominant automobile construction technology today."
Just about every car out there is a unibody. Lots benefit from added bracing. How are the s2000 and Fit different from any other unibody car (other than the Fit's use of:
"High Tensile Strength Steel
High tensile strength steel is used in large portions of the
frame, forming a solid cage around the engine bay and interior cabin and is a major factor in what engineers expect to be class-leading impact safety measures. The frame incorporates high tensile strength steel along the front side arched frame, rocker panel, A-pillar and B-pillar to provide a highly rigid foundation. In total, 36% of Fit's total unibody weight is from high-tensile strength steel"
I have heard that the Fit is extrordinarly stiff due to the center placement of the fuel tank. Clue me in!

Other than that, there have been some good discussions elsewhere on fitfreak about what modifications will place you in what class and in competition with what sorts of vehicles. I would modify carefully based on class regulations. If you are planning on just building a track day fun car then go to town and have fun! I'd take a look at Ben's Fit from AJ Racing:
http://www.fitfreak.net/forums/aj-racing-com/
He's been running on the track!

[simons2k]

Thanks for the input guys. As far as the monocoque chassis, I learned of this from the Spoon Sports owner/founder. He mentioned it on a Best Motoring DVD which featured the Spoon Sports Fit doing some hot laps on a course in Japan. They did mention all the other features such as "high tensile steel" and the fuel tank location being very optimum. The word "monocoque" was used to describe the framework/chassis of the Fit. That got me excited! All I remember when I here "monocoque" is this design was also used in the S2k as well as F1 race cars. Sorry that I can't define that more clearly.

From the original S2000 brochure: ...The high X-bone chassis approach is a modified monocoque design, and provides the S2000 with incredible torsional and structural strength."

Maybe this is a rather simple description of a car chassis that I'm getting too excited about.

We'll, after I saw the DVD I went from buying a Civic to buying the Fit

[simons2k]

Originally Posted by whitefitsport

oh really? that's interesting! I want to know if the struts will make a significant difference too. I think 15 inch wheels would be better though. just my opinion.

For clarity, It's the strut/shock BRACES that are widely sold in the aftermarket which are insignificant in the S2000.

[jits14]

Well from what I heard is that is also a closed frame design which greatly increases ridgity, not sure exactly how it is "closed", but I would almost think it is boxed to ensure minimal flexing.
I really want to find those gtspec braces that pull the strut tower and tire well together in a tie bar. Preatty much all the rear bracing found on AJ racing's website for suspension on the Fit. I am not sure which fit the USDM but I sure would like to know.

[carlosalicea]

Originally Posted by simons2k

I plan on doing a few track runs with my Fit. I just wanted to know if anyone else plan on doing this and what kind of mods were performed to make this happen. I want to keep it all motor and focus on suspension, wheels, and tires. My thinking so far:

-16 inch lightweight wheels
-R compound tires
-lowering springs for now, then coilovers
-strut bars, front and rear. (these make a huge diff in these cars?) Asking
because it sits on a monocoque chasis similiar to the S2000. Strut/Shock braces do NOTHING for the s2k.
-intake/exhaust (cat-back)

Thank you in advance for your input

-Simon

I plan to do it too.

1. The rims, I prefer to stay 15 (in fact I think that depending on the category you are, you can change the wheels, but have to be the stock diameter). look for ultra light wheels, they shall give you an instant performance upgrade.
2. r compound tires. DEFINITIVELY. Try to find toyo A1R at a good price ( or a sponsor) there are other exelent ones i.e khumo ecsta mx, or go with full race tires ( check rules).
3.lowering springs.... I 'll say YES!!
4.STRUT BARS. yES c pillar and strut bars (F & R) and the T1R lower bar will make a huge improvement. Again you'll need really good tires to use this improvements, if not, You'll worsen ther cars handling.
5. Intake and exhaust are permited, as they are bolt on items.
6.Of course, and is what I lack the most: The league join fee (inscription or whatever ( sorry for my english))
7.helmet and by-by to the fuel economy.
7.HAVE FUN. I mean, don't go to beat anybody, go to have fun and the first will come alone.

PD: FORGOT THE MOST IMPORTANT THING....... BRAKES WITHOUT BRAKES, YOU HAVE NOTHING. IF YOU EVER RIDE IN A POWERFUL TRACK CAR YOU'LL KNOW
Buy the SS break lines or whatever you can to keep the brakes working.

[simons2k]

I've got most of the necessary safety gear, helmet, suit, gloves. I took my S2k to the track (Streets of Willow) in SoCal. Finished 2nd in the stock class I had a blast!

I'm not trying to beat anyone on the track. Just want to learn, have fun, and become a better driver.

It's been a while since I've owned a fwd car. I want to learn how to drive it well.

[michaelfit84]

what would u guys reccommend*sp as a good track tire....im lookin into doin autoX and the stock tires wont do....i was thinkin falken azenis? anyone with me on that? let me know

[AJ PwR Jr.]

As for street tires, the Falken RT615 works pretty well. I will try the Nittos NT01 next year and I hope to shave off atleast another 2 secs at the track.