Going all-the-way... FSP here we come!

After setting the Hot Bits Echo up for STS (which would have it competing against '89 civic SI's, Neons and 240 SX's... I've made the leap to go full tilt into the SP (Street Prepared) prep level.

There were 2 primary drivers for this decision.

Firstly, Gearing. The Hot Bits Echo's tall 2nd gear, was just too tall even when on the short 22.5" 205/40/16 Falkens and the local courses that were being used were just too small / slow to get any meaningful test data.

Secondly, even if I did prep it for FSP, the car would NEED an LSD which this prep level allows... but are damn near impossible to acquire for this car.

FSP allows me to use the SHORT Hoosier 225/45/13 20.9" tall tire - so there's the gearing issue dealt with!

I have recently found a discontinued TRD LSD that will fit the North America spec tranny for the Echo... in Guam! Unused and sitting in original packaging and still oiled. The guy sold his car that he was going to use it in... and I have bought it off of him!

GUAM!

The final reason to go to FSP is because this is where the car's "natural home is" as all of it's deficiencies can be addressed here. Also - keep in mind that the Civic moves up to CSP, while the Neon and 240 are both DSP cars... so the fact that the Echo can compete in FSP, whereas is would be in the same STS class as these other cars, with poorer gearing and wheelspin issues bodes REAL well for it's competitiveness in the SCCA Nationals at Topeka in late September!

Now I can go about locating the best clutch and flywheel available for this motor, put in a light race seat and make this car REALLY handle, now that I can use a decent front bar with the new LSD without massive concern over inside wheel spin!

AWESOME.

Above is a pic of the car on some 13" lenso wheels that I've had for a while for this car. The car worked really well, great gearing and lots of people commenting on how well the car looked out there on course!

GAME ON!