GRM Exclusive Reveal: Exocet Spec-A

gl21133 wrote: As I am fairly new to track time, can anyone clue me in to what I wouldn't be able to do if I didn't go with the Race version?

Short answer: walk home the day you roll over.

gl21133 wrote: As I am fairly new to track time, can anyone clue me in to what I wouldn't be able to do if I didn't go with the Race version? I currently have the Sport on order but it's certainly early enough to alter that.

Safety is just an item I never skimp on and confirm it's in good working order and at least as good as the industry standards. It's one of those items that when you "need" it, it was worth it's weight in gold.

The sport is definitely safe to drive (good rollover protection) in an HPDE / time trail setting. However the Race will give more protection both on street and at the track. Also if racing is ever an eventual goal then it will need a front bars added anyway - but a local race shop could do that easily enough too. FYI all bars where the occupant can have head or limbs hit must have padding.

Since you are new to the track thing - here's some good food for thought:

Harness: Get a good 5 or 6 point harness (and make sure it is FIA certified as the belts last much longer when going through tech). OG Racing has very affordable FIA belts.

Seat: There are a lot of good seats out there and you'll want something that is comfortable. I usually get an 1 piece all metal seat and not fiberglass (kirkey / ultrashield) and they are pretty affordable. CF is too expensive for my blood. The XP-4 is running a Kirkey Int Pro (in pri 2014 photos from Exomotive also photos in facebook exocet owners group). I run a Kirkey 71 series Halo which has much better containment and head protection but racing is my car's intended purpose.

Helmet: most are good helmets but think of weight as your head now has to hold it up and handle turning which the Exocet cornering speeds will be much higher and more lateral force. I tend to get a cheaper carbon fiber style to cut down weight (I do endurance racing and after 2 1/2 hours in the car it's worth the extra). Since you are starting out the Bell Sport ~$300 (og racing) is a good entry level safe & proven helmet or you can get a pyrotect (license an older Bell design) pro airflow carbon fiber for < $600 (soloracer.com)

Head & Neck Restraint: Next get a head and neck restraint system since you'll have proper belts - there are many kinds out there and if you have a local shop they'll have different kinds to try on.

Arm Tethers: You must run these with an open top car - and if you'd ever rollover you'll likely keep your arms in tact (google images of rollover and severed arms - not pretty).

Good reading on your first track day: https://www.nasaproracing.com/hpde/

In reply to jjkarns:

I appreciate the thorough response, thanks for typing that up.

I'm sure I missed it somewhere, what's the sport to race weight difference?

In reply to gl21133:

44lbs for the cage alone, 17 lbs for the steel floors compared to the aluminum.

Google says a standard wheelchair weighs just north of 37 lbs.

I was on the fence full cage or not. On a beautiful 2 lane road i'm glad i didnt go full cage. On a busy road with SUV drifting lanes (usually on phone texting or taking my photo) i wish i had full cage. I did go with steel floors after having an 85 GTI run over a semi strap that lodged in back seat. Anything can happen. Plus the floors take a lot of abuses stepping in & out. I also went double diagonals it looks better & makes passenger feel loved. I moved both seats dramatically inboard (3.5" driver dide 2.5" passenger) making my view more centered on the hood & adding side impact area. I also added a strap on passenger crotch harness so nobody has an elbow out on track or hand by my gear shift. Both of my seats are on rails and ive had people 6'4" and 5'0" drive and as passengers.

I plan on going with the race version. The weight difference isn't horrible and since the front cage weight is still behind the engine and the steel floors are also behind the engine and as low as can be it shouldn't be the worst weight gain. I worry about driving on the highway with the cable barriers and when on track going into a tire barrier straight on or rear ending another car that is hard braking and the rear is lifting. These things with no front A pillar like structure in such a low car concerns me enough to want the extra protection.

I imagine that this has already been asked, but if one goes with the full cage, how short do you have to be to avoid accidental head injury if you aren't wearing a helmet?

kreb wrote: I imagine that this has already been asked, but if one goes with the full cage, how short do you have to be to avoid accidental head injury if you aren't wearing a helmet?

If you have a full cage, you should be wearing a helmet. Period.

I'm going to install a fuel cell mounted more forward with a protective structure behind it (that may have integrated hitch).

What fuel cell are you planning on?

havent decided. I have 2 friends with shops who have extras or i might tig a custom fit one with built in acumulator.

Warren, are the top hat spacers available to purchase now?

Greg_E wrote: Warren, are the top hat spacers available to purchase now?

I also would like to know the answer to this question.

That question is so last year...

HAPPY NEW YEARS spend it building or driving & enjoy.

Happy new year all! I had the honor of spending it with Hong Norrth at the 24h ChumpCar race in Miami. Marking the new year with a checkered flag is a great experience! Getting top 5 is even better. Congrats to the team!

As for the tophat spacers; I can't really speak for their availability or price. Sorry. Best you can do is call or email Exomotive.

Congrats and Happy New years!!

Its going to be cold & sunny tomorrow in Portland. Me & my naked exocet will be at the Tigard Cars & Coffee exit 291 Carman drive about 8:30 or 9:00

I LIED, IT RAINED & I BAILED. Mounted my body instead. Maybe next week.

Hah, imitation, flattery, and all that. (Or: "I went on the internet, and I found THIS")

JDM donor? And what's that silver gas cylinder in front of the passenger's seat?

Looks like an oil catch can/separator to me.

Incorrectly plumbed as well.

Warren:

I have wondered from the start about how the copy-cat world was going to influence your project.

The one-off guys are not a big deal...the reality is that without your volume manufacturing processes, they are not rally going to be a concern.

Take it as flattery.

I would be more worried about the Chinese. I know from experience that they would copy their own mothers and sisters if they saw a market to sell them into, and they DO have access to the manufacturing processes that you are using. Their only real weakness is that they can not provide any customer support; they tend to not understand the client or the nature of what they clone. Customer support based on serial numbers has also been a big help; we wont sell accessories or repair parts without a serial #.

Warren, chassis 98 has a modified trans tunnel. This is awesome, do you have any measurements on how much more room there is for the seats? I will most likely have my chassis coated from the factory if it has added a few inches. It's always nice to see a product evolve quickly and make the build process that much easier for the end user.