Archive for June, 2009

AMS GT30r and GT35r Turbo Kits for 2008+ STI – Getting Closer to Production!

AMS has recently been lent a beautiful 2008 STI to test fit new products on by a great customer of ours, Russ Picket. In our most recent round of upgrades we have started to finalize design of our rotated turbo kit.   Russ has opted for a GT30r, and requested a full 4″ cold air intake option. The 4″ intake pipe looks mammoth in the engine bay!

In the next few weeks we should have updated pictures and information on our 08+ FMIC.

Gates311 / AMS Sponsored Evo X – Willow Springs Race Report

Event: Redline Time Attack! Willow Springs – May 30th-31st, 2009

A Tough Weekend

After weeks of preparation, I made the solo trek from the AMS Performance headquarters in West Chicago, IL to Willow Springs Intl. Raceway in Rosamond, CA for Round Two of the 2009 Redline Time Attack! Series.

Upon arriving to the track late Friday afternoon, I set out to run a few test laps with the new setup on the car, that included a prototype AMS Turbo kit, an AMS built rollbar, AMS Carbon headlights, a Carbonetic Triple Carbon clutch and a new Voltex front lip. The car ran beautifully for a total of 3 laps, until the test day was shut down. Heading into the Saturday practice day with Redline, things were looking positive.

Saturday morning arrived, and the track was green at 9:00 a.m. for the first practice session of the day. I was one of the first on track, but after two short laps the car’s ABS system and S-AWC system randomly failed. Entering Turn 3, unaware of the issue, I was hard on the brakes and spun the car while locking up the brakes. No damage occurred, but I immediately headed into the pits to check the issue.

After looking over the car, no solution was found, but the check ABS/S-AWC lights were gone. I headed out for the 2nd practice session with a positive attitude. Unfortunately, the car still wasn’t running correctly. After completing a warm up lap, I resumed full speed. That same lap, while running hard thru Turn 9 the car lost all power causing the steering to lock up along with the engine shutting off. Luckily, I was pointed straight and was able to coast off track.

After being towed into the pits, I searched for the cause of the problem. Over the next 7 hours, I tried everything possible to get the car to start to no avail. With the track was closing, I headed back to the hotel confused and hoping for a solution before the Time Attack sessions on Sunday morning.

Back at the track early Sunday morning, I was on the phone with AMS President, Martin Musial, desperately trying to figure out the problem. Unfortunately, the cause of the problem (electrical?) couldn’t be found in time to compete in Sunday’s Time Attack sessions. Trying to salvage something out of the weekend, I was able to get the car moved into the front of the spectator area so the car was still in front of the public eye all day.

So after a 30 hour drive, I was only able to complete a total of 5.8 laps on track, none of which counted for any points in the Time Attack. Looking forward, the main focus is to get the car back up and running before the next Redline Time Attack! at Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, IL on June 20th-21st, 2009. We’re confident the car will be back to 100% and will be in even better condition than ever before the Autobahn event. Look for plenty of very strong finishes in the near future.

I would like to thank the following sponsors for their incredible support in 2009:

  • AMS Performance
  • Nitto Tires
  • K&N Engineering
  • JRZ Suspension
  • etnies
  • Carbonetic
  • Girodisc
  • Seibon Carbon
  • Forced Performance
  • Double Down Motorsports
  • Evasive Motorsports
  • Voltex

AMS High Performance Driving Events

AMS High Performance Driving Events

AMS High Performance Driving Events

•EVENTS•

AMS Track Day Schedule and Registration For 2009

“Spend $1500 in AMS product and receive
a free 2009 AMS track day of your choice!!

: Please contact AMS for more details. Offer expires 07/05/09″

Monday June 22nd 2009

Blackhawk Farms Raceway, South Beloit, IL $195

8:30-5:00p

Sunday July 5th 2009

Autobahn, Joliet IL. $245

South Course 9:00-5:00p

Full Course 5:30-8:30p

*AMS TRACK DAYS ARE OPEN FOR ALL CARS

The 4 most important things you need to know about a Track Day:

1. THIS IS NOT A RACE! There are no prizes and no one is timing you. If you want to turn this into a race the track officials will kick you out immediately. No warnings will be given.

2. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE GOOD BRAKES!

3. THIS IS NOT A RACE! (can’t stress this enough)

4. You will be put in a run group based on your experience. This is a fun track day,
getting put in a class that is too high for you will
only slow down the other drivers in that class or worse…push
you beyond your limits. Please trust in our decision on what
run group to put you in.

To sign up for the event please call Frank here at the
shop. He will place you in your run group and take your track day
payment. He can be reached at 847 709-0530 Extension 2017

AMS TRACK DAY AT Blackhawk Farms Raceway

Schedule

Start

End

Exercise

Group

7:30

8:30

Registration

All

8:15

8:25

Drivers Meeting

All

8:30

9:00

On Track

Green

8:30

9:15

Classroom

Purple

9:00

9:30

On Track

Blue

9:30

10:00

On Track

Purple

10:00

10:30

On Track

Green

10:00

10:30

Classroom

Purple

10:30

11:00

On Track

Blue

10:30

11:00

Spec Miata Meeting

11:00

11:30

On Track

Purple

11:00

12:30

Lunch

Blue

11:30

12:00

On Track

Spec Miata

11:30

12:30

Lunch

Green

11:30

1:00

Lunch

Purple

12:00

12:30

Lunch

Workers

12:30

1:00

On Track

Green

1:00

1:30

On Track

Blue

1:30

2:00

On Track

Purple

2:00

2:30

On Track

Green

2:00

2:45

Classroom

Purple

2:30

3:00

On Track

Blue

3:00

3:30

On Track

Purple

3:30

4:00

On Track

Green

4:00

4:30

On Track

Blue

4:30

5:00

On Track

Purple

LAPS Incorporated – Tips and Information

CLOTHING

LAPS INC. Requires that you wear, at minimum, 100% cotton clothing. Long sleeve shirt, jeans or Docker type pants. It is also a good idea to wear sneaker type non-slip shoes that lace tight. Boots or any open toe or heal shoes are not allowed. The typical driver is dressed in jeans or Dockers, long sleeved t-shirt or pullover, cotton socks and tennis shoes.
LAPS INC. recommends that you always wear and use the proper safety gear. Such as, Nomex lined race suits, shoes, gloves and the best helmet you can afford. Nomex clothing can be found at many auto sports Internet sites. Nomex is a fire resistant material that is generally worn by racers and by drivers of highly modified cars.

HELMETS

All helmets must Snell rated and SA95 or newer.

All drivers and passengers must have SA rated helmets. The helmet rating can be found underneath the inside padding of the helmet. The most important tool inside of a car is your brain it should it be well protected. The standard recommendation is buy the best helmet you can afford! You will not be allowed to drive without meeting the helmet requirements.

FLAGS

Flags are the only way corner workers can communicate with you while you are on the track. Pay attention to the location of the corner workers during your warm-up laps… in an emergency they are your best allies. Failure to heed the flags will result in expulsion from the event.

Green – the track is open and cars are running at speed. Passing is allowed in the passing zones.

Stationary Yellow – Proceed with caution, no passing, be prepared to alter your line if necessary

.

Waving Yellow – Warns of an immediate hazard on the course, you may need to stop or slow down significantly. This flag is often used when a spin occurs and there is a stalled car partially on the track or just off the track… do not slam on the brakes without checking your mirrors… the car immediately behind you will end up in your trunk!

Blue with Yellow Diagonal Stripe – The passing flag. A faster car is behind you… check your mirrors and prepare to signal cars behind you to pass at the next opportunity…. remember to stay on-line and lift off the throttle slightly to allow the pass to be complete… failure to heed this warning will result in a black flag.

White – Indicates an emergency vehicle or slow moving car is on the track

Red – This flags indicates an emergency situation. Check your mirrors and bring your car to a controlled and complete stop on the right side of the track. We may need to get emergency vehicles on the track quickly, and they will use the left side of the track. Stay on the track… your hot muffler may start a grass fire. Once stopped, release the brakes and do not engage the parking brake to avoid warping your rotors.

Black with Red Circle – The meat ball flag indicates there is a mechanical problem with your car… something hanging, a leak, etc. Drive your car to the pits as soon as possible or pull off the track near the next corner worker station (if there is a fire).

Black Flag – You have been identified as breaking the rules or endangering others. Drive your car to the pits and be prepared to talk with an event official.

Checkered Flag – the session is over… you should begin your cool-down lap and be prepared to exit from the track at the next pit entrance.

LAPS Incorporated – Rules

LAPS INC. was formed to give the motorsports enthusiast a place to learn about and enjoy driving their high performance sport cars and sport sedans to their full potential. The benefits of having a venue to explore the ability of oneself and their machine in a safe environment are unquestionable. Even though we have safe and friendly environments to test are skill level and abilities, we must maintain that safety is the most important element of our events. Therefore we have rules. These are our basic guidelines as to what we should come to expect from one another on and off the track.

1. Be kind and courteous.

2. No racing is allowed period. There are no awards or trophies for the quickest time.

3. Passing of a slower car cannot occur until the driver of the slower car gives the “passing signal”. Extending the left arm out the driver’s window and pointing toward the passing side shall give the passing signal. Passing allowed only in designated straights. No passing in the turns.

4. No drag racing is allowed. There will be no drag racing to see who reaches the corner first. If there is a faster (lap time) car trying to pass the slower (lap time) car should stay on-line and “lift” so that the pass can be completed.

5. Track étiquette. Pay attention to your mirrors. If a car is consistently on your rear bumper he IS faster than you. Give him a point by to pass as you enter the next passing zone.

6. Before you enter the hot pit area your helmet should be secure and your seat belts fastened. Both the driver and passenger windows must be down when your designated run group is ready to drive. Display your wristband to the starter and wait for the starter to signal you onto the track. Once the signal is given, accelerate briskly onto the track. Stay within the blend line. (Do not cross the blend or you will receive a black flag). Check your mirrors before moving on line.

7. The first lap of each session should be used to warm tires, brakes, and brain (driver). This lap should be run at a reduced speed. Pay attention to the location of the corner workers.

8. Always follow and know the definitions of the flags as described in the drivers meeting. Flags and their definitions are available on this site.

9. When exiting the track the driver should extend his left arm out the window straight up when entering the corner before the pit entrance. Speed limit in the pit area is 15mph.

10. When you are notified that the session is over, complete the remainder of the lap at a slower pace to allow your brakes to cool before entering the pit area.

11. Passengers will only be permitted to ride with instructors and qualified experienced drivers as determined by the event organizers.

12. Any spin or loss of control when a passenger is in the car will result in termination of passenger privileges and possible expulsion from the event.

13. Three off rule. First off- visit the black flag station and talk with track control. You may resume driving. Second off- visit black flag station and talk with track control. You will be asked to sit out for the rest of the session. Third off- You will be done driving for the day.

Ryan Gates' EVO X makes the cover of Modified Magazine.

AMS Sponsored Driver Ryan Gates Modified Magazine

AMS would like to congratulate Ryan Gates on making the cover of the latest issue of Modified Magazine. I am sure most of you are familiar with Ryan, his blue EVO X and his success in the Time Attack scene. Pick up the July issue of Modified Magazine to find out more about Ryan and how it all came to be.

The AMS Time Attack EVO X build update

Dedication and personal sacrifice. These two words best describe the efforts of the TA-X build team this past week. Many of you have been following the build up of our new AMS/ NOS Energy Drink TA-X Time Attack car. Our first scheduled race was to be this past weekend at Willow Springs Raceway in California. As the build threads have depicted this was a HUGE undertaking. The car was literally built up from a stripped shell of a car. Just about every inch of this car was modified in house in some way shape or form. A build up of this magnitude should take no less than a year…we however were determined to do it in months!

These last two weeks have been trying to say the least. We have been plagued with delays mainly stemming from waiting on parts to arrive. Key components that literally put the brakes on doing anything to the car. Ss of Friday the 22nd we finally got what pieces we needed to so the car could be brought to race condition. At this point the car was still just a caged shell. No engine, no custom wiring harness, no suspension….simply a shell. The challenge was to put this car together and get it in race ready form in just 6 days. The team was to leave early AM Thursday and drive 40 hours straight through to Willow springs for practice on Saturday. The TA-X build team worked around the clock starting on Friday. Literally working all day, through the night and into the following day. Working on just a few hours of sleep at a time trying to make things happen. The individual effort put in by the staff was awe inspiring to say the least. There was no complaining about being tired or beat down, everyone just had their minds focused on the task at hand. As of Wednesday morning things were looking good. Ivan, Eric and Martin had the custom wiring loom done, engine installed, stand alone wired up and even test fired up the engine. Justin had spent countless hours installing suspension, working on last minute ducting and aero work and even had the car ready for its track suspension setup session.

It was D-day, Wednesday night. The team had less than 12 hours to finish the car, tune it, set the suspension and load up. We were not about to give up! Working in shifts the TA-X build team got the chassis to a condition where it was ready to compete. All that remained was the final tune and lastly suspension setup by Justin in the very early AM on Thursday. Martin, Eric Jones, Ivan and Chris black geared the car up for the dyno while everyone else on the team tied up as many loose bits as possible. As the tuning session began problems arose. First the initial turbo on the car was giving us problems so it had to be swapped rather than attempt to diagnose the issue…we simply didn’t have the time. Power was coming on STRONG. The AMS TA-X power plant was showing signs of making unprecedented power on the 4B11. The power curve was unlike anything we’ve seen in the 4G63. The tuning session continued though the power curve was not showing the same gains. Something wasn’t right… digging into the problem further we sourced it to a valvetrain/head issue. With the clock rounding 4AM and the need to swap the cylinder head and still align the car our worst fears slowly came to light. If the rig didn’t make it on the road by 9AM there was simply no way we could make the Saturday practice session. With only 5 hours of time left and roughly 10 hours of work ahead of us…it was time to cut it off. The AMS / NOS Energy Drink Time attack car would not make it to the Redline time attack at willow springs.

A silver lining in every cloud. Although the staggering effort put in did not meet our goal it was not for nothing. Not making this particular race actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise. With the extra time we are now able to take the car to the next redline event in the exact condition we wanted to…100%! The information we gained from the dyno will not only help us fix the issue with the head but also add even MORE POWER! The AMS / NOS TA-X will now be faster and handle better than it could have at the willow springs event. If that isn’t enough we get to unveil the car at our home track, Autobahn Country Club! So if you are local you will get to see the TA-X Debut on June 20th and 21st! You can rest assured we will be bringing our “A” game!

I would like to take a moment to personally recognize all those involved in the staggering effort of TA-X over this past week. The amount of personal sacrifice was amazing! At the core of the team people individuals were putting in over 80 hours on the car in only 5 days! Sacrificing sleep, personal responsibilities and well…..a LIFE! The most inspiring thing about this past week is that even knowing we might not of been able to make it…NOBODY ever gave up. Even into the last hours people were still doing everything they can. Even now that the Willow race is out of the question guys are still busting their tails to make the car even better for the Autobahn event. Every day is a new day to be thankful for working at AMS but this past week went above and beyond.

Thank you to everyone that has been following us and this build. We are very sorry for not making good on this race but rest assured we will be at full force come June 20th! Stay tuned today for more pictures and later on even some video of the INSANE effort that went into this past weeks build!

Here are some pics from the progress we’ve made:

masking the esterior before the interior paint

masking the exterior before the interior paint

the EVO X chassis back from the paint shop

the ams built 4B11 back in the car

the ams built 4B11 back in the car

AMS Time Attack EVO X

more parts making their way onto the car

Martin working on the Engine Management System and wiring

Martin working on the Engine Management System and wiring

1st tuning session

1st tuning session

a shot of the undercarriage

Underbody aero work

flat floor

Visit our official AMS Time Attack EVO X build gallery to view more detailed images of of the build.

NOS Energy Mitsubishi and Team ACP finish second overall in challenging Rocky Mountain Rally, now head to US for next round

ACP Rally Mitsubishi Evolution X powered by AMS built 4b11 engine

ACP Rally Mitsubishi Evolution X powered by an AMS built 4b11 engine

ACP Rally Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

ACP Rally Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

Rally driver Andrew “ACP” Comrie-Picard took a second-place finish at Round 2 of the Canadian Rally Championship over the weekend and is now set to return to U.S. competition in Pennsylvania in a few days.

Comrie-Picard and co-driver Robbie Durant took their new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X to the Rocky Mountain Rally, based in Calgary, Alberta, for the high-speed May 29-30 event.

“It was an intense two days of competition, especially with the gravel debut of the new car” said Comrie-Picard. “The 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is a strong platform and we’re working to improve its performance with every event. The Evo X will be more and more competitive through the year.”

The new car is under development this season in Canada, while the team continues its aggressive campaign in their 2007 NOS Energy Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX south of the border.

In addition to the rally, the team welcomed key partners, including a number of local Yokohama Tire dealers, for ride-along sessions the day before the event – giving their supporters the ride of a lifetime on a gravel course east of Calgary.

Special thanks to Calgary’s Platinum Mitsubishi for hosting the team at the dealership during the contest.

The result brings the team into third overall in the Canadian championship. Subaru Rally Team Canada driver Pat Richard and Rockstar Energy’s Antoine L’Estage are tied for the lead – with one win and one DNF apiece after the opening two rounds.

“We had some luck on our side this weekend that allowed us to podium despite some inevitable teething trouble with the new car,” said Comrie-Picard. “It was an excellent learning event for us and now we know what we’ll be working on before the next Canadian round.”

Meanwhile, Comrie-Picard is narrowly in third-place overall after five rounds in the Rally America championship, behind Subaru Rally Team USA driver Travis Pastrana and Rockstar Energy’s Tanner Foust.

“The Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally is close to home for us and we know it well,” said Comrie-Picard. “We’re looking forward to resuming our US championship campaign – as well as facing off against some series newcomers.”

The event is expected to feature the American rally debut of Swedish World Rally competitors Patrik Sandell and Emil Axelsson, and Freestyle motocross champion Brian Deegan — winner of 11 X Games medals.

The Susquehannock Trail event has long been known as one of the most demanding events on the U.S. calendar. The 2009 running of the contest features a return to the popular two-day format, with a spectator-friendly daylight schedule and super special stages on each day.

Teams will take on over 100 miles of competitive stages this coming weekend (June 5-6) on a tricky course that’s fast-paced, yet technical. Narrow but very fast roads, with the potential for slick mud if wet, translate to plenty of challenges for competitors.

The ACP Rally program is made possible by:

  • NOS Energy (www.drinknos.com)
  • K&N (www.knfilters.com)
  • Mitsubishi Canada (www.mitsubishi-motors.ca)
  • Yokohama Canada (www.yokohama.ca)
  • Motul (www.motulusa.com)
  • AMS (www.amsperformance.com)
  • Works (www.worksevo.com)
  • Brian Crower (www.briancrower.com)
  • JE (www.jepistons.com)
  • Exedy (www.exedyusa.com)
  • Öhlins (www.ohlinsusa.com)
  • Pfitzner Performance Gearbox (www.ppgearbox.com.au)
  • Mishimoto (www.mishimoto.com)
  • Oakley (www.oakley.com)
  • Innovate Motorsports (www.tuneyourengine.com)
  • Team Dynamics (www.teamdynamicsracing.com)
  • Endless (www.endlessusa.com)
  • NBB (www.nbblights.ca)
  • Sparco (www.sparcousa.com)
  • NGK (www.ngksparkplugs.com)
  • Seibon Carbon (www.seiboncarbon.com)
  • Piloti (www.piloti.com)
  • Skull Candy (www.skullcandy.com)


For more information and video highlights, visit: http://www.acprally.com