Blog Post for testing

As an experiment, I have been trying new things with camshaft timing. On my Corolla, I have a 3SGE 2.0L with variable valve timing on intake camshaft, I've moved the exhaust camshaft from the factory position to 16 degrees retarded. What this has done is increase overlap of the exhaust with the intake valves. This allows the exhaust to effect the intake filling cycle. The engine gained torque throughout the mid range as well as a bit above 6000rpm. I decided to try a version

NOTE: This is not a drop in modification and will require tuning of the Engine Control Unit (ECU). This mod is not exclusive to E85 usage. I have been tuning my 2007 Mazda Miata MX5 (NC) with an open source software for a while. I enjoy tuning as it gives me another level of depth that I can add to my vehicle. I can control and manipulate values to make the vehicle behave any way I want. I decided to experiment with E85 fuel. E85 is readily available near me and is relatively

Performance driving has always been a passion of mine. Whenever I modify any of my vehicles, the intent is to drive them in some sort of competition. I have been a member of the Sports Car Club of America since 2006 and have autocrossed many many times during my tenure. One of the biggest considerations for my vehicles has been which tires to choose, whether it be for any type of competition or just street driving. If you have ever looked, you know there are a great deal of

For the past year, I have been thinking of ways to improve the handling of my 1987 Corolla FX16. I regularly use the car for autocross. I have been to national events and found that I need to improve by at least 2 seconds on average to compete with the fastest car in my class. When I compete in the FX16, I have to turn the steering wheel quite a ways to perform rapid maneuvers. It takes extra time to generate the rotation which can be reduced by quickening the steering. I wa

The Mazda MX5 Miata is a competent vehicle for track duty. With a well designed suspension, and numerous well known upgrades it is very easy and relatively cheap to get started as a track-day vehicle. Many professionals and amateurs alike use the MX5 Miata to race. I purchased and have been using my 2007 MX5 for track days. Of all the components of the car, the front brakes have been the most interesting and yet untouched components on the car. At first, I had no issues with

There is no question I’m a sweaty guy. I work hard and play even harder. My favorite choice of play, of course, is motor sports. Under the helmet and in my car, it can get hot and very uncomfortable in the Texas heat, whether it's April or September. Between the heat and humidity, not even the best air conditioning can keep up. If you ask any competitive driver, we don't use air conditioning while we are running. My 1987 Toyota Corolla FX16 has no a/c. Chassis has just the

Originally, I was looking for a Mazda 323 on Craigslist, looking specifically for a car I could use for Autocross. I found a 1987 Toyota Corolla FX16 in Spring, Texas in May of 2016. No more than a 45 minute drive from my current location in Houston, Texas. I purchased the FX16 for $500, body, no engine with an automatic transmission. I purchased an engine in July of 2016 on eBay for $950 shipped. 3SGE, generation 3. Rated at 180 brake horsepower. Non-turbo, came with a 5

To start with, I bought my Miata in order to attend track days. During track days, oil temperatures are more important than coolant temperatures. Just like coolant temperatures, oil can reach critical temperature. This can cause catastrophic engine failure if left to happen too long or too often. For this reason, I have chosen to install the water to oil oil cooler setup. In order to ensure engine reliability without introducing excessive complexity. The oil cooler on the NC

The reason for this modification is simply: Acceleration. Any old-school hot rodder you talk to will say that the cheapest way to make a car move out of its own way a bit faster, is with a shorter final drive. Those that are familiar with the third generation MX5 (chassis code: NCEC) will tell you that it shares quite a bit with the first and second generation RX8 (chassis code: SE3P). Suspension, brakes, some electronics, and some drivetrain pieces. Originally I found that t

Watch us prep the 1987 Toyota Corolla FX16 for the 2020 Tire Rack SCCA Texas Champ Tour at Grandsport Speedway October 16-18, 2020 My Car: 1987 Toyota Corolla FX16 Engine: 3SGE VVTI 200hp Transmission: S54 Limited Slip Differential Wheels/Tires: Advanti Storm S1 Wheels Front Tires Nankang AR1 225/45R15 Rear Tires 15X7 Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R 195/50R15 Tune: Megasquirt MS3 Other Mods: Custom coilovers Song by order in video: Subway Dreams by Dan Henig Don't

Day 2 Last Run in my 1987 Toyota Corolla FX16 2019 Tire Rack SCCA Mineral Wells Champ Tour. 03/29-03/31/2019 in Mineral Wells, Texas. I ran in Street Modified FWD class. My best run was day 1 with 91.812. My Car: 1987 Toyota Corolla FX16 Engine: 3SGE VVTI 200hp Transmission: S54 Open differential Wheels/Tires: Front & Rear 15X7 Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R 205/50R15 Tune: Megasquirt MS3 Other Mods: Custom coilovers All results posted here: https://www.scca.com/pages/2019-t