car balance

[TMY_DUB]

I know this is a common topic but I haven't been able to find a very definite answer. I'm getting ready for an engine build in for my S14. I am aiming for more a grip oriented build. I'm trying to decide what engine choice to go with with balance and weight in mind. I know SR is the lightest but then I've been contemplating something bigger such as a 1JZ or an LS1. Does anyone have any experience tracking and any input on balancing and handling of the car with different powertrain chioces?

[theboy]

you need to decide what type of motorsports your going to use the car for. Then go by the rules on what you can actually use. Or go by what conditions it will be going through (i.e. drift==> redline rpms all day long, autocross==> quick nimble light and rpms not in the redline all day, time attack==> broad range of rpm's and weight ='s slow lap times) Then come back with another question thats vague as fuck and see how many people beat you up.

[fckillerbee]

yeah, you build a car to what you want to do. If you aren't serious...build it for budget. But if you are serious...you build it exactly to win. Anyone can make a car competitive. Shops that build cars only to that sport, and those specific rules, WIN.

your question...is as vague as saying whats a good drift car for formula D. The answer would be.... .......cause tanner won in a tc, vaugn won in a mustang, forseberg won in a z, and aasbo is killing it in a supra....tells you absolutely nothing.

[TMY_DUB]

Ok let me make the question more to the point. How much of a negative impact on handling does using a bigger engine such as a 1JZ or LS1 have on an s chassis in a time attack style application? I'm wonder what engines people think are the best for time attack style racing. I'm hoping toget input from people who have first hand experience with this.

[GSXRJJordan]

You keep saying 1JZ or LS1 like they're the same thing ~ there's a HUGE weight/balance difference between an iron block, turbo'd/intercooled inline 6 (with 3 cylinders sticking out forward of the strut towers) and a normally aspirated aluminum block LSx.

Hammy put it well ~ build the car for the series that you're trying to compete in. Generally the increase in power from a RB25/26 or 1JZ/2JZ justifies any weight or balance negatives, but with the availability of LSx stuff nowdays there is no better choice for performance-per-pound. Usually people build race cars to live within certain constants, like cost, weight, overall power, etc - cost being the most popular one.

Figure out what type of racing you're looking to do and build the most competitive car you can for the money you'd like to spend.

[TMY_DUB]

I don't mean to sound like I think an LS is the the same as a 1JZ or RB motor at all. I know very well the differences between them and understand that they are completely different motors

[Silverbullet]

All those engines work but obviously, the lighter the better no matter what. Inline 6s will change its center of gravity location the most (JZ, and RB) due to its length. It will have additional over hang over the front axles compared to an engine that is 3 (v6) or 4 (v8 or i4) cylinders long. Considering many race cars use all those engines mentioned, its not too big of a deal. You can tune out any steady state understeer by changing roll stiffness with antisway bars. If you really have your heart set on having even weight distribution, SR is probably your best bet.

[feyd_w]

well look at it this way, more weight to the front will cause more over steer, less weight in the front will cause under steer. i like in the range of 50-55/45-50 f/b

[PoorMans180SX]

well look at it this way, more weight to the front will cause more over steer, less weight in the front will cause under steer. i like in the range of 50-55/45-50 f/b

You have no idea what you're talking about. Please stop posting such nonsense.

[rb25_s13*CHUKI]

Dude your on zilvia, everyone Is gonna say go ls1 or ls2. This isn't a Import car place anymore. Its a v8 loving forum. nissan makes It and American crap v8's shake it

[GSXRJJordan]

well look at it this way, more weight to the front will cause more over steer, less weight in the front will cause under steer. i like in the range of 50-55/45-50 f/b

You have no idea what you're talking about. Please stop posting such nonsense.

I almost posted this exact same thing earlier today. Less weight is preferable to 50/50 balance, but there's no way I'd ever ADD WEIGHT to change the understeer/oversteer dynamic of a car. That's what your suspension is for.

Additionally, 50/50 weight distribution makes the car rotate in the center, rather than forward of the firewall. In drifting/racing this is especially advantageous because it makes the car easier to 'point' when rotating.

[mmdb]

ls motors are great for track days. fr balance is bout 54/46. low end torque helps a lot wit corner exit speed. ls has more support here in the states so I'd say go LSx.

[word sux]

sr or ls


my opinion

[Chrisw]

Just thought I'd add my two cents. And that's all it's worth as I am currently doing time attack for the first time this year in my S14 (although I have tracked other cars such as my 335i). Run what you have. Jet some tires and get some seat time. A few days at the track and you will start to learn how you like to drive, and what you want.

Remember, when you get out there you will be slow. No it's and's or but's you will simply be slow. So who cares about a power plant... Just go to learn.

[theboy]

Im just going to end this thread here. If your asking this question then you cant afford to actually race your s14. Nor do you have the knowledge to get your feet wet. Just go back to being a fan boy with your JDM tight Hella Flush looks and leave the racing to everyone else. Because so far you havent given us anything to help you with (still).

Go to a local track get your feet wet and your d*** hard. Then come back on here and ask questions that we can help you on. Especially since it sounds like your just starting off and you have no experience yet. And the last thing you should be thinking about is "what will a different motor do to my car if i race it?"

P.S. Do some research and grab a rule book because you might not even be able to run one of the motors youve posted in a class you can afford.

[mmdb]

^ why so angry?

Spend more money on track days and you'll learn a lot with what you need and don't. More power isn't always the answer. A lot of time could be made up by being a better driver, and it doesn't even cost anything! Also, suspension is always fun to tweak and setup; and it doesn't nearly cost as much as doing a full on motorswap... sometimes.

[SKINNY D]

throw an sr in your car and drive it... then when you think you are ready for serious competition you will know what you want to do.