Adaptronic enters World Time Attack Challenge 2011
Although four wheel drive turbos traditionally rule the Time Attack scene, we’ve chosen a rear wheel drive platform more traditionally known for its circuit record and nimbleness. etc etc, some background about Mazda MX5s / Mazda Miata in the US – we’re using a 1990 model, originally a 1.6L.
This car started life as a 1.6L 1990 model NA MX5, and was purchased with significant body damage at an auction as an ECU test platform in 2006. Later on, the engine was upgraded to the 1.8L BP engine.
Engine Conversion
One downside of the MX5 as a platform is that their lack of power. Even a turbocharged 1.8 litre engine is low in power by Time Attack standards. So, instead we chose an engine platform that has been proven to produce copious amounts of power, and one which has been transplated into the MX5 several times before; the 13BREW engine.
The engine conversion itself was performed by Tully Spry from Aztex; Turbo, Wastegate and Intercooler were provided by BoostBitz.
Engine Control
Obviously as a test platform for Adaptronic, it is important that this car gives us the opportunity to develop and test our new products. The factory engine loom for the RX7 has been installed with the engine, allowing a test platform for our new plug-in Series 6 Select ECU. In addition however, an e1280s ECU will be wired in parallel to allow either ECU to be run. This car will also run a full Race Technology data acquistion system, with a DL1 datalogger and a Dash 3 display and GPS receiver as well as the required video interfacing hardware and interfacing hardware to the ECU.
Car Preparation at Boost Bitz
Boost Bitz is helping us install the sensors and making the brackets for the World Time Attack Challenge 2011.
They are also assisting greatly by preparing the car for the track by fabricating heat shields, a surge tank and providing and fitting a blow off valve.
Read more here
Suspension, brakes, wheels, tyres
A main consideration, perhaps the main consideration, in building a circuit car is how well the car can stick to the road. To best work out how to achieve this, we asked the gurus at MX5Mania what they recommend, and they told us, so that’s what we did!
Read more here
Safety equipment
This section is still under development, however we are very grateful to our sponsor RaceCarParts for providing a Cobra seat and RPW harness. These should keep Ric Shaw comfortable and safe! I never realised how many different race car parts were available until I looked at the racecarparts.com.au website; if they don’t have it it probably shouldn’t be on a race car!
The car is also booked in with Bond Roll Bars to have a 6 point cage fitted, partially for chassis rigidity but mostly to keep Ric safe if the unthinkable happens!
Car Preparation and Driving
Ric Shaw has decades experience in race driving, as well as preparing his own cars for various events such as Bathurst production sports, Targa Tasmania, and the ADAC 24 hour at the Nurburgring (check spelling please). Well known for his work in building circuit turbo rotaries as well as his ability to set up the cars well, we are very grateful to have him on board to drive for Adaptronic at WTAC.
Read more here
Final Week before WTAC
As you all know, there’s only a week left before the World Time Attack Challenge that’s happening on Eastern Creek, Sydney. We are very much looking forward on seeing how Cathy will go as we enter her on the Open Class.
Right now, we are up to those last few touches painting her with matte black finish – thanks to Dan Meyers from D&D Designs and Mark Boxer from Hoon Media. She will look even more like a serious race car after the carbon (finish) roof, carbon wings, and stickers!
Read more here
Special thanks to all our sponsors!
Tully Spry from Aztex Equipment
Aztex Equipment is an established supplier of a wide range of equipment to the building and construction industry in Australia. Their tightly-knit team of specialists offer a wide range of capabilities that covers sales, hire, service, repair, spare parts and manufacturing.
Boost Bitz JDM Parts Specialist
They are specialists in JDM performance parts and tuning to suit JDM model vehicles such as Nissan Silvia & Skyline, Honda, Toyota, Subaru WRX & Mitsubishi EVO. They have a new a NEW Mainline AWD dyno now tuning Silvia, WRX, Evo, GTR, RX7, AE86 and R33; and Specializing in Power Fc, Adaptronic, Haltech, NIStune and Microtech.
MRC Dyno Services and Performance
MRC specializes in Dyno tuning motor vehicles for power, torque, economy or race and provide many options for performance modifications. Founded by Mark Chapman in 2003, he is a qualified Motor Mechanic, LPG Installer, Auto Electrician and a Dyno Dynamics accredited operator and has 18 years experience within the mechanical industry.
MX5Mania
MX5 Mania specialises in the performance and enhancement of MX5 – Miata. Founded in 2002 by Simone and David Raddatz, David has built and races 2 MX5′s a Black Turbocharged SP Replica aka ‘The Black Car’ and a Gold Naturally Aspirated NB8A aka ‘Goldy’. They offer many in store services from Dyno Tuning, Log Book Servicing, Custom Exhaust Systems, Turbo/Supercharger conversions, Custom Built Race Engines, and many more!
RaceCarParts.com.au
Australia’s largest online store dedicated to auto parts that cater every race car. With over 14,000 quality products in store, RaceCarParts.com.au delivers anywhere in Australia!
Ric Shaw Racing
Ric Shaw Racing is a motorsport and street automotive technician in Five Dock, NSW Australia and has been specialising in rotaries for over 20 years. Ric himself has been racing cars all over Australia in multiple categories for a similar period of time and continues the rotary obsession by preparing and servicing street cars, particularly late model RX7’s and RX8’s, including an extensive range of proven products.
Watch out for more updates soon!
