Track issues?

Discussion of LEGAL Vibe & Matrix racing events, autocross, drag racing, closed track road racing, and technical racing aspects. [Disclaimer]
Post Reply
iflyadesk
Posts: 2
Joined: Fri Sep 21, 2007 9:57 am

Track issues?

Post by iflyadesk »

Hello. Does anyone here seriously track their Vibe GT (20+ track days a year)? Has anyone competed in Time Trials or Time Attacks on a regular basis? I'm asking because I'm thinking about fielding a Vibe GT race car in the NASA Time Trials class F this year and I heard rumors from people who wouldn't really know, that the VVTi engine's big cam transition involves some sort of spinning rod that starts to shear over time and ultimately fails after hard use. Is this true? What other issues does the car have? Power steering pump spinning too fast, etc?Here's a pic from this year's National Championships. I raced my DD Boxster in TTC and took 2nd with a 1:40.8 My best friend races a MR2 in TTF also placing second in his class with a 1:48.9 and was talking smack, and I told him I bet my rental vibe could kick his (removed) (it's a really fun car!). I also think think the Vibe GT would make a great track car because it could transport its own tires and tools (major bonus).
Mavrik
Posts: 8072
Joined: Sat Jan 03, 2004 6:41 am

Re: Track issues? (iflyadesk)

Post by Mavrik »

Well I think the Vibe GT would be a fun car to track but it certainly wasn't designed for it. If your allowed to modify the car pretty heavily then I'd say go for it. But if you have to keep it for the most part stock... I wouldn't race one. Suspension and clutch are two weak points that come to mind.After racing a porche... how could you consider a Vibe? lol
2007 stage 2 Satin White Pearl Subaru STi 2008 stage 2 Subaru STi hatch See my car at: Mavrik's car page
iflyadesk
Posts: 2
Joined: Fri Sep 21, 2007 9:57 am

Re: Track issues? (Mavrik)

Post by iflyadesk »

A race car is a race car. Honestly, I've raced Miatas, BMWs, Ford Focuses, Dodge Neons, tube-frame formula cars, Porsches, etc. All that matters is being competitive in your class. Also, street cars are pathetic compared to race cars. For track duty, I'd take a Spec Miata over a 911 any day. On spirited drive in the mountains? Different story.Yeah, I'm allowed modifications based on a points system. I could do coilover sleeves/springs, shocks, swaybars, pull probably 200-300lbs out and then put in a cage and lead ballast to lower the center of gravity, racing brake pads and fluid are points free, as is drop in filter, and GPS data acquisition and telemetry equipment. The fattest Hoosier R6s or Khumo 710s I could stuff in the wheel wells, and some stupid-light wheels, of course. Even still, I'd have a few points left to spend on other modifications. What would you recommend? What are the car's weak points? It'd just be awesome to not need a support vehicle (throw all the tools tires and spares in the cavernous rear). What breaks in the clutch? Is a stronger aftermarket piece available (that's a points-free modification). It seems the aftermarket is pretty thin on suspension options. Also, what is a torsion bar?Thanks!Sam
Mavrik
Posts: 8072
Joined: Sat Jan 03, 2004 6:41 am

Re: Track issues? (iflyadesk)

Post by Mavrik »

the stock clutch has been known to burn up pretty quick on the Vibe GT and its sister the Matrix. I know there are aftermarket ones available but I do not know any brands off the top of my head that would be better.Definatly do some coil overs and rear sway bar for good rotation. Also a strut bar for the front. I believe you can stuff a pretty wide tire under the car. Someone had a P255 I think. For engine work I'd add a cold air intake and unichip, probably some headers and a good cat back exhaust system. You could build up a pretty neat little Vibe race car and I demand pics LOLThats the thing and about the only thing though I miss about the Vibe that my STi doesn't have... thats the space. Though I can fit one of those large tents, 4 slicks, two chairs, sand backs for tent and cooler in my STi.
2007 stage 2 Satin White Pearl Subaru STi 2008 stage 2 Subaru STi hatch See my car at: Mavrik's car page
AKLGT
Posts: 11694
Joined: Thu Apr 24, 2003 2:57 pm

Post by AKLGT »

i had an 03 vibe GT. great little car, but after much heavy abuse and beating (from my driving) the clutch was going out about 32K miles when i traded her in. as Mavrik has already stated, the Vibe's stock suspension is lacking, so you'd definitely want to upgrade that, clutch, and brake pads at the very least. otherwise, i'm willing to bet, the older GT models (03 year) would make a GREAT track car. after watching some of the Elises at autox, having the same engine, the car moves! and in its class, i'm sure it would do quite well, especially since it can turn on a dime! something we cannot say is true for either our subies.
AKLGT1998 Subaru 2.5RS
MRCN RCE
Posts: 1727
Joined: Thu May 04, 2006 1:14 pm

Post by MRCN RCE »

welcome to the site, and yeah i'd love to take my VGT to the track, but i don't think there are anything but dragstrips within 1.5 hours of here. i'll get it out there soon tho, and these people won't know what hit em i replaced the clutch in my GT with an exedy clutch n fidanza 7.5 lb flywheel a couple weeks ago. i love it, it grips a LOT better, but i need to get a short shifter to keep my revs from droppin so low during shifts. so i'd definitely add the shifter to the list. the stock one is crappy anyway, i'd recommend it even if you weren't gonna take it to the track.
GENVIBE: THE PLACE WHERE ALL THE COOL KIDS HANG OUT05 GTK&N SRI, exedy clutch, fidanza flywheel, Neo-GensLIFT: the equivalent of viagra for your tach n speedomy garagehttp://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=24931
duck3
Posts: 21
Joined: Wed Aug 22, 2007 5:07 am

Re: (MRCN RCE)

Post by duck3 »

I have literally beaten the CRAP out of my Vibe GT and can't say that I've had major problems at all. Yes the clutch is weak, but I used that up until about 80-85,000 miles. I now have a Stage 3 that simply LURCHES(as in HAULS!!!) and has about 1/2 to an inch of play between fully engaged and fully out. You said you could modify the suspension, so you shouldn't have any problem owning that class....Since you're racing, I assume you were already planning on upgrading the suspension and brakes. The stock brakes had some major brake fade when I was in a RoadRace this year. Other than that, hell yeah I think it'd be a fun little track car and you could haul your own tires and tools just like ya said!http://www.cornballrun.com/?page=results This would be where I went 130-135 for about 15 minutes!

Attached files
Post Reply