Have you ever wondered what it’s like to own a race car? In a recent video, Tony takes viewers through the process of owning and prepping a race car, specifically an EK4 body. Here’s a breakdown of what it entails.
The Lightweight EK4 Body
Tony starts by showcasing the EK4 body, emphasizing its lightweight nature despite being dirty and having windows made of plexiglass. He highlights a significant modification – a large hole cut in the door to reduce weight, a task he was busy with the day before.
Stripping Down for Weight Reduction
A significant part of race car preparation involves weight reduction. Tony details his efforts to strip down the car, including cutting wires and removing unnecessary components. He managed to remove about six to eight kilos, primarily from the car’s interior. This includes removing vents and other non-essential items.
Essential Modifications
- Electrical Adjustments: Tony mentions the need to get the killswitch, fan, and fuel pump working while also trimming down the wiring to minimize weight.
- Braking System: The car is equipped with Type R brakes from an FN2, special EBC pads, brake ducts, and an oil cooler to maintain optimal temperatures during races.
- Engine and Transmission: The vehicle boasts ITBs (Individual Throttle Bodies) for improved air intake, a custom airbox, a short-ratio gearbox, and a B20 engine with VTEC head. Key enhancements include a Gates racing belt, Skunk2 vernier pulleys, and 560cc injectors running on an E50 mix.
- Suspension and Handling: ISC coilovers, solid mounts, and an ultra-racing strut brace are some of the modifications aimed at improving the car’s handling. Additionally, braided lines ensure a firm brake pedal feel, while a battery relocated to the rear helps in weight distribution.
More Weight Reduction
Tony’s dedication to weight reduction is apparent. He’s removed various brackets and stripped down the doors, making them flimsy but lighter. Despite extensive modifications, he continues to look for more components to eliminate, emphasizing that every gram counts.
Interior and Safety
The car’s interior is minimalistic, with a quick-release hub, a compact steering wheel, and two custom gauges for oil pressure and water temperature. Everything has been stripped down to the essentials to save weight.
Performance and Maintenance
Tony mentions having hit a tire wall once, necessitating some repairs, but this is part and parcel of owning a race car. He’s preparing for an upcoming race at Kyle Lamy next weekend, indicating the ongoing nature of race car maintenance and preparation.
Owning a race car involves meticulous attention to detail, constant modifications, and a relentless pursuit of weight reduction. Tony’s video provides an insightful glimpse into this world, highlighting the various technical and practical aspects of race car ownership.