Recent content by Eric Parham

Could anyone give me a short list of required tech/safety updates since 2006? I'm thinking of dusting off my old car and coming out for some fun. I'm sure it'll need new belts, but can anyone think of any other *required* updates that it might need? Thanks!

Okay, I just read through the IT specs, and most of the GCR, for the first time in about 4 years. I see that we can now completely replace computers, add MAF and/or MAP sensors, and some other key bits. Unfortunately, I didn't see any provision to swap out mechanical injectors for electronic...

I'm trying to minimize costs by getting the right R&P the first time. Anyone know top speeds for ITS cars at Road Atlanta, Mid-Ohio, Watkins Glen, NHIS and/or Lime Rock? The project is an ITS GTI VR6, but speed data for any/all ITS cars would be greatly appreciated.

I'm gradually getting my GTI VR6 going, and trying to hit the right R&P the first time. My number crunching tells me a 3.94 without accounting for part of the aero. A fudge to 4.23 to account for the missing aero seems about right, but I wouldn't want to run out of gear at WGI. Anyone have...

Anyone know if a bolt-in A2 (85-92) cage would fit an A3 (93-99.5) well enough? Any opinions on A3 bolt-in cage choices? This is for a low-cost mule that would probably just see W2W ice racing, but might lend components to a fresher shell for IT.

Is it okay to run a lower door bar inside of (within) a rocker panel as long as it doesn't add an extra cage mounting point?

Is internal friction really much less for 4th gear versus 5th (or lower versus higher) gears? What effect on friction if the R&P is adjusted so that the overall ratio stays the same?

Is it possible to use a ring gear from one set with a pinion from another set to achieve an otherwise unavailable ratio, and have any chance of it actually surviving a few races? This is for a transverse FWD application (parallel axis orientation) in case that makes a difference.

Well, I've been thinking about this on and off for a few years. There's already a place to drag race electric cars : http://www.nedra.com/ Battery tech is gradually increasing range, and almost any conversion or purpose-built vehicle can make it 50 miles on a charge these days. Seems like it...

9.1.3.D.1.h: "Engine oil and oil additives are unrestricted." 9.1.3.D.1.q: "The application and/or use of any painting, coating, plating, or impregnating substance (i.e. anti-friction, thermal barrier, oil shedding coatings, chrome, anodizing, etc.) to any internal engine surface, including...

A topic came up in another forum that's piqued my curiosity (see http://itforum.improvedtouring.com/forums/...showtopic=8912). If the race clock continues to run during a black or red flag situation (due to Supps that permit it, for example), is the resumption of racing still a Restart in...

I read something a few weeks ago about DOT requiring an actual treadwear test for all tires, and that some minimum acceptable score would be required in order to receive a DOT rating. The implication was that most or all of the current crop of "R" compound tires would not be able to receive the...

I'm thinking custom bladder using stock steel tank as the metal enclosure. I guess the filler could be either at the stock point or where the level-sensor mounts. I'd probably use a low-pressure transfer pump inside the cell. Has anyone done it this way? Do any of the fuel cell manufacturers...

Does anyone know what's going on with the 95-99.5 GTI VR6 weight in ITS? I recall that last year it was reduced to 2680, but this year's ITCS lists it back up at 2880 (although the Jetta is still at 2680). Is that just a typo on the GTI or did it get hit with 200lbs extra weight on purpose --...

Can anyone relatively local (CT/NY/MA) offer revalving of Bilstein struts or walk me through it? I waited too long and don't have time to mail them in to Bilstein for service before NHIS on the 17th. FWD VW application.