Hi, After reading some threads here, I decided to post my story... I started my racing in 95' with go-karts managing to work my way up to become 2nd in the Israeli Nationals. My go-kart racing "career" ended in 2002 when I flipped over with a kart going 60 miles landing on my shoulder… :weaksauce - dislocated my collar bone and got introduced to the lovely profession of physiotherapy. In 2005 I joined a Rally driver and began to co-drive, learning how to read notes while shaking hard. I found it very satisfying – soon it became obvious that our times were heavily dependant on the quality of the notes and their timing. My job was to create a clear picture of what was coming after the next corner at exactly the right time – the short time frame in which when he had the attention to grasp what I was reading (or shouting). My driver was one of the best drivers I ever drove with – a natural. He could do anything he wanted with the car, feeling it and moving it like he was dancing… He used to say that he is “driving using his ass…" (this is where he gets the feedback from). We got to be very good together and won some races. We drove a rally-prepared 98’ Subaru GT. Here are some pictures: Then this happened: 2 days before I relocated to GA, I drove with him on an early morning sprint race and on the 3rd turn after a long straight the back wheels touched the wet grass. 2 mSec later we were flying. We landed on the roof and started rolling down the slope. The roll cage did its job and we got out with minor scratches. I actually did a rally course my self getting the hang of how a car works on gravel. Here is a short clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZrVneb5QSQ When I relocated here (working for a software company) I decided to finally buy a WRX or STi. I first met Milo and the guys in the Petit le Mans race in RA. I thought that WRXatl was some kind of a Beer & Subarus club :beer: … Here is a short clip with Milo saying hi to the Israeli Subaru Club (holding a beer of course…) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSx7PO_Fx2c (Milo - tell me if you want it off youtube...) I found a 2004 STi for sale on eBay. The guy posted the car and put his phone number for “serious buyers”. I called, made a deposit, printed the mods, posted some questions here, drove to SOG and met Scott. Everybody said it is a good buy as long as the engine was ok. I drove to NC on a Saturday, checked the compression on the car and bought it. Here it AXing: Here is what I have on it: • Perrin Front Mount Intercooler • Perrin Fuel Rail • Perrin GT35R Rotated Mount Turbo Kit (Modified Turbo) • Perrin Stainless Uppipe with Tial Wastegate dumping to downpipe • Perrin Stainless Downpipe • Perrin GT35R Turbo inlet • APS 3.5" Exhaust (with adjustable and removable silencer) – which was removed… • The engine was professionally built with: o CP Pistons o Pauter Connecting Rods o All Arp fasteners • Perrin Air Filter • Perrin Crank Pulley • PE 800cc Injectors • Walbro Fuel Pump • Greddy Blow Off Valve • Greddy Fuel Pressure Gauge • Greddy Boost Gauge • KartBoy Short Shifter • Megan Coilovers w/Camber Plates(Ride height, compression and rebound adjustable) • Fidanza Flywheel • Act clutch (Custom) • Group N engine tranny and diff mounts • Upgraded brake pads up front • Recaro Front Seats The car is awesome – and it keeps surprising me every time I push it (me and the GT35R...). Currently I am doing some AX and some track days. I am in Barber AL this weekend (Can't wait...) Here is a clip from Road Atlanta (3 weeks ago with Panoz racing school) – The Corvette guys had to come and ask what was the “small blue car” that managed to pass them… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kh5ZBE4b2Zk Other than this – I am driving on a go-kart league in Andretti’s and I am spending too much time on this site writing long stories… Hope to continue and have so much fun with you guys!
thanks guys Andy - I should have taked a video of your run... next time. Here is a video from Sunday - It was a good run, but unfortunately they stopped my as the guy before me spilled coolant. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLhIn-tZflk
Hay Tal, didja ever get an air filter put on your car yet? The screen on the turbo isn't good to run for daily driving.
This car is amazing...I was lucky enough to get a ride along with him at Turner Field for a SCCA event. It was my first ride in an STi and it left a lasting memory
Haha, I really wouldn't believe you if you told me you even saw the track that day. Nice journal Tal! And nice car. And lol
thanks guys - As for the RA track day - it was something else, I already registered for the next one in May. I was amazed of how the car can turn and exit the turns. I heard so much about its handling and how "forgiving" it is - but I couldn't believe how balanced it is. If you throw it into a corner too fast, the only thing it will do is widen the radius and go into a slight understeer - thats it, no Drama! I was driving after a Lotus Exaige on Sunday (the day you can drive REALLY fast), and we were diving into the corners at the same speed but you could see he had to fight the car all the way through the turn - in one of the laps he spun between 10A and 10B trying to keep up with me I was shooting out of the corners - that was the part I loved most - correcting a small oversteer coming out of corners with some steering input and a lot of gas One more thing - I dont know who designed the STi scoop but this thing is shaking bad @ 145 miles an hour... I could not get myself to push the car all the way in 6th gear - the thought of a brake failure did not let me. The down side of this is the fact that I was pushing the car too much (1.6-1.7 bar) and now I have a leak down problem. I am starting to put some money aside for some new rings (hopefully won't need new pistons)
Haha, stock scoop shakes at 145mph, at least I know you're saying that with track experience. I know the stock spoiler wobbles around at much less than that. If you're running a front mount you could just take it off the car, I dont see how it would be anyway functional at cooling the engine being that far back along the hood. Probably just causing unnecessary drag at those speeds.
yo i thought i would say whats up to you it is Bob, we met at the Year One Experience Track Day a few weeks ago.