A couple weeks ago I took part in the 10th annual Survive x Spirit running event at Nikko Circuit. It was my first time ever driving this short, technical course, despite having been here many times. It’s a tight layout that really rewards precision, so having friends there who know the track well made a huge difference.
I met up with Hara and Tenshin from Car Shop Glow, as well as Yasuda-san in his HKS single turbo RE FD3S. I spent most of the day learning the nuances of the track and discovering new things on the FD that need tending to. On one of the sessions, Hara drove my car to help give feedback on setting up the new suspension. His input helped me make some adjustments to the Glow-spec Spirit dampers, and he was also able to confirm worn rear tow arm bushings that I had suspected was screwing up the alignment. After 30 laps or so, and working out what temps the R31 tires were happy at, I started gaining a lot more confidence. Hoping that I can get a chance to drive a full event at Tsukuba Circuit again once I get everything buttoned up.
My best lap was a 41.52, compared to Hara’s 40.9 in the 117 FD. Hara also set a 39.2 in the Glow demo RX8 on R50s, Shiba Tires cheaper alternative to Advan A050. Considering it’s running a full normal engine setup, that time is rather impressive.
Current 117 specification:
Normal port 13B
Apexi PFC
GReddy TD-06 25G
GReddy FMIC and Radiator
GReddy Airinx filter
Super Now pulley kit
Glow x Spirit Dampers
16k/16k Swift Springs
Dixcel Rotors w/ Project Mu HC+ Pads
Endless Stainless Brake Lines
Enkei GTC01RR 18×9.5j
265/35/18 Shiba R31 200T
FEED Afflux Widebody
Ganador Side Mirrors
GLOW Carbon Underpanel
Origin 1600mm GT Wing (Removed and sold)
For my own record keeping, I currently have on order:
Super Now Spherical Front Tie Rod ends
Super Now Spherical Rear Tow Arm
Super Now Spherical Rear Camber Arm
Pending mechanical issues that need addressing sooner than later, because the non-mechanical list is too long:
Steering rack may need to be replaced
Front Main Seal replacement – currently leaking
Front wheel bearings may need to be replaced
Overall this has been a fun project to fill in my free days while I’m in Japan. Admittedly it was in rougher shape than I anticipated, which hurts the wallet a little bit, but at least this way I’ll that when I’ve tended to everything I’ll have a solid car to enjoy.
I took some photos of Yasupi’s car at Nikko because I don’t see it often and it’s really clean. Enjoy the gallery and let me know what you think about the event video!
