As for management, Project RSX began in 2005. At that time, Hondata had not yet cracked the 2005 Type S ECU. That was simply not an option when we began. We worked with AEM, whose engineers figured out how to use an EMS for the 2002 to '04 cars on our 2005. Was it pretty? No. Did it get the job done and let us move forward at a time when there were really no other options? Yes. Because of the support AEM provided, it wouldn't have been right to change without seeing how far we could take the EMS.
Earl's Performance Plumbing got a bum deal as well, contributing a pile of hoses and fittings for a planned return fuel system that was never necessary at the lower power levels we achieved. We'll try to figure out how to make that right down the road and hopefully help readers learn more about how to do proper plumbing safely.
Another example of the deadline effect was our choice of tires for the final test. We wanted to try Hankook's streetable R-compound tire, but although it was still listed on the website, it had been discontinued. With a booked track date and empty magazine pages to fill, we went with Hankook's street product. At that point, we hadn't had any experience with the tire, so it made sense to see what it was all about. Unfortunately, it also meant Project RSX didn't get to whup a Ferrari F430 in the Figure Eight test the way it should have
The Hondata and Full Race products appear to be great choices and, applied correctly with the correct supporting systems, could probably hand our Project RSX its arse. You could also achieve great results with, for example, a Jackson Racing supercharger and supporting modifications, or a good all-motor build. The most important thing for a car being driven every day is reliability. The second-most important thing is balance. Just remember, no matter how good the products or the reputation of their manufacturer, you are ultimately responsible for making your chosen package work well. Nobody will do that for you without being paid Ferrari money. Hopefully, by reading SCC, you've learned, if not actual application information, at least how to think about that job in ways that will help you be successful. -Peter Gibbons
Rock handlingI completely agree with Ed's article ('Ed@Large', October 2007) on how we should learn how to handle the rock. I'm a starving college student getting into car culture and decided the best upgrade I could do is to upgrade the driver. I saved up and sent myself to the Fast Lane Driving School at The Streets of Willow in Rosamond, California.
I learned all about car control and taking the vehicle to its limits, particularly the tires' limits. Correct throttle, brake and steering inputs, combined with the right line and hitting the apex at the right point, made me feel like nothing less than The Stig. When my friends come and tell me they have a new cold-air intake and some lowering springs, I say, "I could take that 30mph turn at 60 without losing control, what now?"
Thanks, Ed, for speaking your mind, even though you probably lost a third of your advertising (wait a minute, what? -JL) by saying we don't need their products at first. That takes balls. Like the broke college student I am, I got no money, but I do have an empty parking lot at one in the morning. Any tips and things to know?Derrick MartinSan Fernando, CA
I have a rock for you: a 2003 base-model Toyota Matrix. No bling and no body kit, just a humble 130hp Corolla engine and a five-speed manual. I bought the rock for college and I'm still driving it in grad school. I love my rock and here's why.