S14 track setup

[turtl631]

I'd like to get an S14 when I get back in the country and set it up for track days. Based on reading a ton, owning another s14, and some correspondence with others who have tracked s14s, I think I've got a basic idea of what I want to start with. Wheels/tires will likely be 17x8 and 17x9 with 235/45 and 255/40 Kumho MXs (chosen for low cost, heat tolerance, and learning...don't need R comps to begin). From what others have said, running no stagger results in a really tail happy car at high speed, even after adjusting other components. For suspension stuff, I'd like to get some softer coilovers...maybe KTS with 7/5 rates (kuah said they'll ship them with +/- 1, but not revalve...based on how most jdm coilovers are underdamped and how that's not ahuge change in rates, i think that shoudl be okay). I really don't want an overly stiff car, and 8/6 is higher than I'd like. Its hard to find cheaper coilovers that aren't 8/6 or higher. To start out I'd also like some SPL tension rods and subframe spacers...the other arms can wait (I'll just not lower the car much to avoid running out of adjustment). If I want to tweak out some roll and adjust balance, I'll probably get some progress sways. Any parts of the setup sound totally off base? The coilover thing really gets me..I'd love some 6/5 or 5/4 coilovers of KTS quality/cost. 8/6 shoudl be okay for smooth tracks, but I really feel that's just overkill, especially on street tires. I also don't want to run like...AGX with springs. Not having height or front camber adjustment would be kind of annoying, and I'm not too confident in the damping on the AGX. Any suggestions?

[naed240sx]

Sounds like you have a pretty good idea of what you want. As far as coilovers, I have the 8/6 kts for my daily and love them. They suck for driving on rough roads, but everything else is great. 8/6 is gonna be perfect for the track. They are very well dampened, and easily adjustable.

[Dano]

The dampening on the agx sucks for a track car. As said above it seems you have a good idea of the direction you want to go in, and the KTS' are a nice coilover setup!

-Dan

[turtl631]

Any input from nismo freak or exar kun? I know nismo freak had a s14 track car pretty much put together, and chet's car was close to being a track car ( and used much softer rates than most coilovers).

[nismofly]

Chet was running agx with rs*r down springs, same setup i plan on getting and running auto-x and hpde's next summer...if youre still looking in 9 months ill be able to help

[97ka-t]

Threadjack--I was looking at your past posts and saw you did a bunch of nice custom fiberglass work for your S14. I am in the process of building a fiberglass box for my 8" polk, and a wheel well enclosure for two JL 8w7's.. I was wondering if you could give me a few pointers, I have 1 1/2oz chop mat fiberglass right now.

[turtl631]

Use painters tape as a backing...I used duct tape and the box wouldn't release, i eventually had to cut it in half with a grinder to get it out. I still have that box and don't want it..if you're interested i could sell it to you. I hate to have it sitting around unused, but not many people want a glass box for 1 10 in an s14. Just expect the box building process to take quite a while if you want to get it right. Email me [email protected] if you have any more questions or anything.