Paul SM

A very interesting link but it prompts some questions: Does all of the above apply to R33 GTS-T's, which have a different version of the HICAS to that of the R32's? If the kit is suitable for R33's, where can it be sourced? As I run my R33 in supersprints I have at this stage just pulled the fuse on the HICAS system to de-activate it. I did this after installing a full Whiteline suspension kit and it seems to have eliminated most of the feedback I was getting through the steering wheel on fast sweepers - but not all of it. My next move was going to be to take the rack off and simply fit a rigid but adjustable bar in its place. Any thoughts on this?

I've never really thought about this and can see why soft suspension might seem the best for getting off the line but consider this: If the car sits right down at the back under heavy accelleration, weight transfer may also cause considerable negative camber and therefore less contact area between the tyre and the road. Camber kits, after all, are designed to minimise negative camber on lowered cars and avoid reducing tyre contact area. Also, I've never seen a serious drag car with soft suspension...

In two paragraphs you talked me into and out of RE 55's! Given that my 540's are only a bit over half worn after a Wakefield, a Winton, another Wakefield, an O Park GP and an EC, I don't think I would fancy coughing up for new rubber after 3 track days. The diff, however, sounds like a must have. Like you I was doing 1.55's at EC two weeks ago and since I'm not planning to do much with my engine (no intercooler), getting better traction with a tricky diff sounds like a great idea. Now to find one... BTW, recently I got some advice on disconnecting the rear wheel steer operation, on which so far I have just pulled out the fuse! It was to have a bar fabricated to replace the rack, with brackets using the existing chassis mounts for the rack and threaded rods to pick up the tie rod ends, allowing rear wheel alignment as before.

Way to go is a full Whiteline kit. You might find it a little firm on day one but it is so controlled that the ride soon feels fine, even over bumpy surfaces. I opted for the full version with the nylon bushes and adjustable bars because I use the car for supersprints. It cost around $2200 installed and has been a great investment.

Your post provides some interesting info. I wondered about the RE 55's you mentioned as race tyres - are these slicks or street legal competition rubber like the Bridgestone 540 Potenza's and the Dunlop DR01's? What tyre and wheel combination do you use? In terms of motor sport I now just do supersprints but they're just like a race practice session anyway, even though I happen to be driving a road registered car. You've probably seen the thread on slotted rotors so I won't repeat any of what I already posted on that except to agree that the slotted DBA's work really well. I recently had a Whiteline suspension kit fitted, with Bilsteins all round and while the firmness of the ride was a bit of a surprise when I drove it out of the workshop I'm now quite used to it and it feels really good. Paul SM

I recently ran out rotor thickness with my R33 GTST and, as I do club supersprints, opted to get slotted rotors. The only ones I was able to secure at short notice were DBA, which Race Brakes Australia happened to have on the shelf. In my case I needed the larger 296 mm diam. (DBA sent out the 268 mm ones before we realised there were 2 sizes and had to start again). I have to say I am very impressed with them; they're 32 mm thick and have great cooling properties thanks to the large ventilation latticework the core and the sheer mass of the rotor. Under heavy braking at Oran Park GP and Eastern Creek they did not exceed 550 degrees. It's possible to tell this by means of colour coded stripes on the rotor which change colour according to the maximum temperature reached. The stopping power is, needless to say, also very impressive. I'm told the slots help to dissipate the gases which build up between the pad and the disc, as well as helping to clean the surface of the pad. Worth every penny of the $490 I paid for the pair.

Thanks Roy, I have already been pointed in the Whiteline direction by two other members and have acted immediately. I had the full kit - springs, shocks, bushes with caster camber adjustment and adjustable bars installed by Selby South Coast. July 20 and 21 at Winton will be the acid test. Paul SM P.S. you're right about the ride - it's very firm but I guess I'll get used to it.

Thanks, Duncan. Being a newbie I must ask: how do I get onto 2Rismos through this site?

Can anyone recommend suspension modifications for an R33 GTS25T for track days, ie., Supersprints? Better still can anyone recommend a Skyline specialist to do the work? I live near Nowra but I guess I would have to go to Sydney to get same. I have fitted 17x8's with 235x45x17 street legal competition tyres but the car has stock springs, shocks and ride height.