|
I
started out as an apprentice Fitter Machinest working for an engine
reconditioning workshop. I spent a lot of time building Chev & Holden
engines for racing purposes, along with all my own cars, an XU1 Torana,
a VL Walkinshaw Commodore and a Holden VL turbo while I was there
for all of 10yrs. I also obtained a trade certificate as an Engine
Reconditioner/Engineer.
Engines that I built were winning combos for sprintcars,Modified Rods,
HQ racing, Grp E, formula Ford, Rally Cars and many quick street &
drag cars. |
%20(WinCE).jpg) |
 |
The
Conversion to Subaru
I was a Holden man through and through, the idea of a turbo was
always good, easy to obtain power and torque while keeping the car
as a good road/street car. One day I drove a friends MY94 WRX wagon
and was blown away with the traction in the wet, it truly was amazing!
|
I
soon bought my first Subaru MY97 Club Spec, At the time I was
working 1 hrs drive away and I was reluctant to do to much to
it. After a while boost
was increased and a rear muffler was put on, it kept me happy
as most of my driving was freeway work.
On the release of the Aust Spec 2 door STI I new that it was the
car to have, so I bought one and joined the NSW WRX club, this
was the start of my wrx testing. I bought a full exhaust and didn't
think it made to much difference to torque, sure it revved but
I love torque, the push in the seat.
I then set about testing and playing with dump pipes, after 2
years and 30 variations I believe I have come up with the best
system for power, torque and off boost drive-ability. I had also
played with small other tricks like cold air, tilting the rear
of the STD intercooler (IC)up, IC air splitters, larger scoops
and water spray.
|
In
the WRX club I started at Super sprinting, and while I love to
tinker it was a great way to improve the car's handling and power,
after the first year, while I missed the first 4 events, I was
still in with a chance of winning my class. I had tried all types
of suspensions settings with camber, toe and ride height, and
all while developing my exhaust and cold air duct to get the most
from the std turbo and IC. As it happened I won the class and
was more than happy with that result. The following year I ran
the class above and set about learning how to set up the car for
dirt as well. I had won all 7 tar events and broke all lap records
on the way. The NSW club also held an event with the Vic WRX club
in Victoria, I won my class there as well. I had also won 2 from
3 dirt events (2nd in the other) this was more than enough to
win the club championship. I have always tried to help others
with what I have learnt in regards to set up and where to make
the most gains in power with minimal outlay .
|
.jpg) |
I
now have people asking for the parts that I make, to fit their
cars. I hope these improvements help others to enjoy their cars
as much as I enjoy mine. I now plan to move to rallying, it will
be a lot of fun and the next step in motor racing for me .
Michael South
RETURN
TO TOP
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
