The journey to Apu

Suspense · Postby **Suspense** » Fri May 17, 2013 3:00 pm

Sorry that's what I meant, weight saving for a/c and for power steering.

Apu · Postby **Apu** » Fri May 17, 2013 5:38 pm

Ah! Haven't weighed it. The stuff is still at Mania, but I understand the whole a/c unit is ~15kg. P/S probably not much I'm guessing...<5kg of container, fluid and a couple of lines.

Apu · Postby **Apu** » Wed May 22, 2013 11:44 am

Probably talking to myself here but thought I'd give some feedback on how the car feels now with the few changes of late.

Interestingly enough, I notice that Apu appears to sit a bit higher without the aircon. I didn't think ~15kg would make that difference. Someone who has seen the car prior also mentioned the same. Looks like I'll take some preload off the Teins when I get a chance. Drive wise, I honestly can't tell the difference.

Steering wise, the car feels so much better (to me at least...I know Morlock is probably having a heart attack now) with the steering de-powered. I've always felt the steering on the MX5 was too light and twitchy. The car is a little harder to park - I can't just swing it into a lot but hey...I only park the car once a day. On the road the car feels great, and around corners and bends it just gives me that bit more confidence. Can't wait for the next track day!

Regie · Postby **Regie** » Wed May 22, 2013 11:52 am

nice work

that's interesting that 15kg would make a difference to the height of the car

BadBong · Postby **BadBong** » Wed May 22, 2013 1:38 pm

Regie wrote:nice work

that's interesting that 15kg would make a difference to the height of the car

Now imagine what happens to the car when 'we' sit in it... did I hear a diet plan?

Apu · Postby **Apu** » Wed May 22, 2013 3:13 pm

Regie wrote:nice work

that's interesting that 15kg would make a difference to the height of the car

Well, you're right. I didn't expect to see a difference to be honest, but I did use to have a less than a 2 finger gap in the wheel arch. Now...I have just a bit more than that.

Postby **NitroDann** » Wed May 22, 2013 3:41 pm

If tis say, 25kg all up (dont forget fluids and a lot couple kilos of gas), that 25/500, 5% of the weight on the front axle.

If the suspension has say, 20cm of droop (which is about right) then 5% of 20cm is 1cm, thats about how much higher you would expect it to be, maybe a little less.

Dann

Apu · Postby **Apu** » Wed May 22, 2013 3:54 pm

OK that makes a lot more sense. I haven't weighed the box of stuff but I'd hazard at least 15kg.

initial D · Postby **initial D** » Wed May 22, 2013 4:17 pm

Was it hard to remove P/s and a/c, thinking about doing that for mine or did you get mechanics to do it if so how much ?

Apu · Postby **Apu** » Wed May 22, 2013 4:41 pm

I had MX5 Mania remove it for me. Best you give them a call.

Regie · Postby **Regie** » Wed May 22, 2013 4:51 pm

BadBong wrote:
Regie wrote:nice work

that's interesting that 15kg would make a difference to the height of the car

Now imagine what happens to the car when 'we' sit in it... did I hear a diet plan?

haha too right, hello quicker track times!

Apu · Postby **Apu** » Wed May 22, 2013 6:31 pm

I should add also, the Bride seats are probably saved a couple of kilos...but not much. A kg here and there...all adds up.

But Vic is right, Apu will be going on a diet. Once the renos are done and I have my garage back, I'll be taking the carpet and crap Jaycar soundproofing out. That job will be a real PITA.

Might also consider going the modern route of removing the spare and replacing it with and inflator can.

Apu · Postby **Apu** » Mon Jun 10, 2013 8:26 pm

Just got back from Circuit Club today so thought I'd give an update on how the car feels without power steering on the track. I love it!

Sure it's a bit heavier when parking but I can really feel where the car is pointing now - I've always felt power assisted MX5s were really light (lighter than my Integra too) and I was never fully confident of what the front wheels were doing.

Today was a different story, even driving in the (light) rain I'd have a good sense of when I was going into understeer / losing traction in front. I had a few sideways moments and caught all of them. In the past, chances were I'd lose it. I guess I'm just really heavy handed, whilst MX5s need a reasonably fine touch.

Anyway, happy but not so pleased that I didn't hang around for a timed session when it dried out. Looking forward to the next track day!

jtd · Postby **jtd** » Tue Aug 06, 2013 3:14 pm

Read this from front to back.

Great work and loving the way you've improved Apu

Apu · Postby **Apu** » Tue Aug 06, 2013 4:23 pm

Thanks jtd. I didn't update the last Circuit Club outing again where we had a good dry run. I ran the car back to back with my uncle driving the session after myself.

Apu ran faultlessly, but brakes did just get a little spongey in the afternoon. I also did a new PB in the 1:16s and know I can go harder as I was driving to conserve the car and tyres a bit for my uncle who was going out right after me.

I've since got new Hankook RS3 tyres from JDMYard but I probably won't fit them until I get a new set of bushes fitted, and an alignment done at the same time.