Simms
Enthusiast
I know how everyone likes to see pictures, so I thought I would show a few pictures of some recent changes to my car. I have had my car back for a month or so, and just got the opportunity to get some decent shots. I am far from a photographer, so I apologize for some of the quality. It was around 7:30pm and a storm was about to roll in, so the grey skies did not provide the best lighting.
While my car was at my tuners shop, I decided to sell my 18” HRE’s and go with 19” CCW SP600s with Pilot PS2’s. First, I have to say that I am VERY happy with the quality and finish of these wheels. If anyone is thinking of buying CCW’s, John Purner has an awesome product with top notch customer service. I also have his drag package, and I am very happy with them as well. I really like the look of these new wheels over my previous 546 HRE’s with the standard lip.
As far as the rubber, the PS2’s seem great so far. I am currently breaking in a new clutch, so I can’t give a 100% opinion on the grip, but so far they do seem a lot better than the previous Pilots on the street. I have read that some people were experiencing some occasional rubbing with the 345-30-19 rear (combined with Eibachs), but I have not had any YET. I would think if I do get some rubbing, it would be minor at this point.
As I previously mentioned, I decided to go with a SPEC Stage 3+ clutch. A few of you on the boards recommended it, so I decided to try it out. I have between 250-300 miles on it so far. It does have a little chatter to it, but nothing major. A lot less than I expected. It seems to only happen when I am trying to pull out VERY slowly/gently, like when you are stuck in traffic. If I pull out normally, it doesn’t chatter at all. It’s actually getting better the more miles I put on it. Other than that, it is very smooth with a stock pedal feel. If anything, it seems easier than stock. However, the real test will be at the track.
Last weekend I decided to put new plug wires on the car. I had MSD wires for about 3 years with no issues, but I just decided I wanted to change them (I get bored and just like changing things). After reading all the good reviews about AB’s Quality Wires, I decided to try them out. You can’t see in these pictures, but the quality and fit of these wires is top notch. I am very happy with them and would recommend them to anyone. The length of wire and angle of the boot appears to be identical to stock, and there is no radio interference. AB is great to deal with and gets the wires out to you ASAP!
Now for you Roe blower guys. I’ll be honest and say that at some point I am planning on changing to a TT setup (not saying the Roe is a bad setup…it has been great). Rather than fork out the entire bill for a TT, I decided to take some baby steps and go ahead and upgrade my fuel system and EMS while I am still running the Roe (saving me some upgrades down the road). So I had Macedo Motorsports upgrade my entire fuel system and replace my VEC2 with the AEM. Since the car was going to be retuned, I also told Larry I wanted to run the DW lower crank pulley. The changed put me at 753 rwhp and 794 rwtq on 93 octane with ONLY 26* of total timing (factory being 32*) and a conservative a/f. That is an approximate 72rwhp and 88rwtq increase from my VEC2 tune with stock timing. I know these are not earth shattering numbers, but I am VERY happy with them for a little Roe car. The increase in power is great, but the best part is the drivability. With the AEM the car is extremely smooth through the transition of vacuum and boost, idles great, and has absolutely NO idle hang. I would like to add that I am not saying everyone should go upgrade their VEC2 to an AEM right away. The VEC2 can certainly get the job done with most Roe setups, mine included. My car ran great with the VEC2, but I would get some idle hang now and then. But if you are thinking about upgrading to the AEM, the switch has been nothing but positive for me.
Hats off to Larry and Scott at M2 for an awesome tune and quality job. This is the second time my car has gone to M2 for upgrades and I could not be happier with the entire process. I look forward to future builds.
Sorry for all the thanks but I also have to thank one more person, Gary Almond. Gary had an important flight to catch and his schedule was extremely tight. Gary busted is a** and drove some insane hours just so he could get me my car before he left the country for a few weeks. The man is dedicated.
While my car was at my tuners shop, I decided to sell my 18” HRE’s and go with 19” CCW SP600s with Pilot PS2’s. First, I have to say that I am VERY happy with the quality and finish of these wheels. If anyone is thinking of buying CCW’s, John Purner has an awesome product with top notch customer service. I also have his drag package, and I am very happy with them as well. I really like the look of these new wheels over my previous 546 HRE’s with the standard lip.
As far as the rubber, the PS2’s seem great so far. I am currently breaking in a new clutch, so I can’t give a 100% opinion on the grip, but so far they do seem a lot better than the previous Pilots on the street. I have read that some people were experiencing some occasional rubbing with the 345-30-19 rear (combined with Eibachs), but I have not had any YET. I would think if I do get some rubbing, it would be minor at this point.
As I previously mentioned, I decided to go with a SPEC Stage 3+ clutch. A few of you on the boards recommended it, so I decided to try it out. I have between 250-300 miles on it so far. It does have a little chatter to it, but nothing major. A lot less than I expected. It seems to only happen when I am trying to pull out VERY slowly/gently, like when you are stuck in traffic. If I pull out normally, it doesn’t chatter at all. It’s actually getting better the more miles I put on it. Other than that, it is very smooth with a stock pedal feel. If anything, it seems easier than stock. However, the real test will be at the track.
Last weekend I decided to put new plug wires on the car. I had MSD wires for about 3 years with no issues, but I just decided I wanted to change them (I get bored and just like changing things). After reading all the good reviews about AB’s Quality Wires, I decided to try them out. You can’t see in these pictures, but the quality and fit of these wires is top notch. I am very happy with them and would recommend them to anyone. The length of wire and angle of the boot appears to be identical to stock, and there is no radio interference. AB is great to deal with and gets the wires out to you ASAP!
Now for you Roe blower guys. I’ll be honest and say that at some point I am planning on changing to a TT setup (not saying the Roe is a bad setup…it has been great). Rather than fork out the entire bill for a TT, I decided to take some baby steps and go ahead and upgrade my fuel system and EMS while I am still running the Roe (saving me some upgrades down the road). So I had Macedo Motorsports upgrade my entire fuel system and replace my VEC2 with the AEM. Since the car was going to be retuned, I also told Larry I wanted to run the DW lower crank pulley. The changed put me at 753 rwhp and 794 rwtq on 93 octane with ONLY 26* of total timing (factory being 32*) and a conservative a/f. That is an approximate 72rwhp and 88rwtq increase from my VEC2 tune with stock timing. I know these are not earth shattering numbers, but I am VERY happy with them for a little Roe car. The increase in power is great, but the best part is the drivability. With the AEM the car is extremely smooth through the transition of vacuum and boost, idles great, and has absolutely NO idle hang. I would like to add that I am not saying everyone should go upgrade their VEC2 to an AEM right away. The VEC2 can certainly get the job done with most Roe setups, mine included. My car ran great with the VEC2, but I would get some idle hang now and then. But if you are thinking about upgrading to the AEM, the switch has been nothing but positive for me.
Hats off to Larry and Scott at M2 for an awesome tune and quality job. This is the second time my car has gone to M2 for upgrades and I could not be happier with the entire process. I look forward to future builds.
Sorry for all the thanks but I also have to thank one more person, Gary Almond. Gary had an important flight to catch and his schedule was extremely tight. Gary busted is a** and drove some insane hours just so he could get me my car before he left the country for a few weeks. The man is dedicated.
Are you going to go to the Dec. race in Bradenton?
