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| IMAGE / LINK | MODIFICATION | PURPOSE | ||||||||||||||
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Engine Performance Calibration MultiAir Tuning & Development Stage 1 2019/08/01 @ 16,500 mi. |
With more supporting mods done and even more to come, it's time to improve the engine's performance with a calibration, or "tune." We chose MTD because their focus is on FCA's MultiAir engines like those in the Dart and 124, unlike some other tuning shops that hop from one platform to the next, abandoning customers along the way. MTD's work is proven on the street, dyno, and track, and they have multiple Stages available depending on the vehicle's level of modification. We're currently running their Stage 1, and will upgrade to Stage 2 as more mods allow. | ||||||||||||||
AFE4936901
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Intake & Exhaust Axle-Back (Muffler Delete) Pipe Advanced Flow Engineering MACH Force-Xp 2.5" SS 2019/07/06 @ 16,000 mi. |
Since our Classica has a secondary mid-mount muffler (aka resonator), removing the rear mount muffler doesn't make the exhaust note very loud, raspy, or droning. This allowed us to choose the lightest, most free-flowing axle-back on the market, which is AFE's MACH Force-Xp. Really nothing more than a muffler delete, it has a thick mounting flange, high quality hangers, gentle mandrel bends, and stainless steel construction. It also exits on only the passenger side, rather than trying to be a "dual exhaust" that it really isn't. No frills, all thrills. The sound is great, we lost over twelve pounds, and and a few extra ponies are freed up! | ||||||||||||||
AFE4620352
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Air & Fuel Intercooler & Piping Advanced Flow Engineering BladeRunner GT 2019/06/01 @ 15,500 mi. |
There's lots of room behind the 124's fascia for a larger intercooler to improve intake air cooling, and the BladeRunner intercooler by aFe POWER is a great fit. It uses a 5" thick bar and plate core that is extremely durable and allows for about 45% greater airflow over stock. Inlet / outlet are billet aluminum 2.25" diameter, and are turned back toward the engine, not side-exit like some universal ICs. The IC kit came with aluminum and silicone tubes for a somewhat cumbersome but customizable install. Since we'll need to change couplers at the turbo and throttle body later, those one-piece silicone IC tubes won't work in our application. While we don't expect the IC to make power by itself, its improved airflow and cooling supports making quite a bit more power. | ||||||||||||||
rotors:ST12645092S,ST12645087S
pads:HWKHB898W572,HWKHB523W539 |
Brake & Wheel Hub Slotted Rotors StopTech Race Pads Hawk Performance 2019/04/12 @ 15,000 mi. |
With over two years of street and autocross use behind us, and running sticky, aggressive race tires on course, it was time to turn our attention to the braking system for the first time since our brake vents. We opted for StopTech's slotted rotors for excellent wet braking and superior degassing, and Hawk's DTC-30 compound high performance pads to get the bite necessary to bring down the speed in any conditions. | ||||||||||||||
AGBRS30
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Electrical LiFePo Battery AntiGravity Batteries RS-30 2019/01/01 @ 14,000 mi. |
The OE battery in the 124 is very heavy at over 40 lb, so finding a suitable replacement was paramount. Until recently, though, there just wasn't one available that was large enough to deal with the post-op coolant pump that runs to cool the turbo after engine shut-down. An additional issue is the ECU in the 124 doesn't hold 14.1v like the voltage regulator in most cars. These challenges were met by the team at AntiGravity Batteries, who supplied us with their 30AH model RS-30 with a modified controller, capable of being cycled down further than their normal model without going into emergency shutdown mode. Weight is substantially reduced over stock, at just 14.2 lb including a custom battery tray insert, and it performs flawlessly! | ||||||||||||||
FLM18111
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Engine Performance Tuner Dinan / Flowmaster Delta Boost Controller 2018/11/01 @ 13,000 mi. |
To bridge the gap between the OFP Stage 1 tune and the next calibration after installing supporting mods such as an intercooler and larger throttle body, we've decided to add the Delta Boost Controller from Flowmaster. It increases performance by mildly re-scaling the MAP and boost signals fed to the ECU for a smooth increase in boost over stock. Moreover, it's adjustable via Smartphone App, which means we can tune on-the-fly to compensate for weather, fuel, or other conditions, or to take advantage of other new mods while we build up a need for a more advanced calibration. | ||||||||||||||
BA1AEROSPLTF
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Body & Frame Front Aero Splitter Deyeme Racing 2018/09/02 @ 12,000 mi. |
Every vehicle has an imaginary line where it "splits" between air going over and air going under the car. At speed, if you can increase air going over and around, and reduce air going underneath, you can generate downforce and decreases undercarriage turbulence. This translates into more traction for high speed turns, greater high-speed stability, and better engine cooling, especially when coupled with topside ventilation (as with our hood heat extractors)! Ours extends nearly 5" forward in the middle of the front, and tips up slightly at its trailing edges for a slight ground effect tunnel. It's machined from ABS plastic for good rigidity, impact resistance, and light weight. Attachment is by nuts pressed into polycarbonate plates inside the bottom of the fascia, and a pair of support rods that bolt to the metal bumper. | ||||||||||||||
BA1FUELPUMP
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Air & Fuel Fuel Pump Module, 68psi High-Flow Deyeme Racing 2018/07/15 @ 11,500 mi. |
Installing our fuel pump module is a great supporting modification for future fuel needs, as well as allowing us to run higher percentage ethanol blends, which require more fuel for the same amount of air. We replaced the original equipment pump with a high-flow Deatchwerks model, and topped it off with a 68psi regulator (stock is 59). The pump adds greater overall flow potential, while the regulator boosts fuel flow about 15%. The change is less drastic than the hugely oversized injectors available elsewhere, and has the added advantage of flowing more in resistance to increased boost. | ||||||||||||||
BA1HOODVENT
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Body & Frame Hood Heat Extractor Vents Deyeme Racing 2018/06/15 @ 11,000 mi. |
As the summer heat bears down, we start looking for ways to keep Mamba running cool. Searching for something that is reasonably attractive yet fully functional, we sourced some original equipment vents from a different application, and placed them in the ideal location on the 124, using laser-cut polycarbonate backing plates. They're as close to the corners of the firewall as practical for blending with the body lines and pulling hot air from the engine bay. This helps reduce heat soak when idling, and moves out the hot air at speed. And since some air from inside the engine bay is no longer forced to travel underneath, downforce is improved as well. | ||||||||||||||
CUS42963SCN
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Suspension & Steering Coilover Spring and Damper Set Cusco Sport Zero-3S 2018/05/01 @ 10500 mi. |
We turned back to the Suspension & Steering department to finish what we started with the Cusco front and rear sway bars, by adding their coilover spring and damper set. With adjustable ride height and dampening, this will give us extra clearance and the ability to tune Mamba's suspension for adding race wheels and slicks later. Front springs are 450 lb/in and the rears are 225. Handling seems fairly well balanced, with minor understeer. | ||||||||||||||
KNN335040
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Air & Fuel Drop-In Performance Air Filter K & N 2018/04/15 @ 10000 mi. |
Now that the drivetrain is shored up from unwanted movement and traction is maximized, we take a mild turn toward engine performance with a K&N drop-in air filter. The OE airbox and fresh air intake is very effective for an original equipment design, and was well thought out. The only improvement that could be made short of a complete aftermarket intake would be a smoothe-bore elbow leading from the airbox to the turbo which is something to consider for later. | ||||||||||||||
BA1EMMR, BA1EMML
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Engine & Transmission Solid Polyurethane Engine Mounts Deyeme Racing 2018/04/01 @ 9500 mi. |
Not wanting to wait until missed shifts and engine rocking were an issue, we installed these solid engine mounts. The polyurethane reinforcement keeps down unwanted driveline movement and they'll last a very long time! The 124 doesn't have a transmission mount - the entire driveline is held up by the two engine mounts and the rear differential mount. Now that all are stronger, we can add power with one less thing to worry about. | ||||||||||||||
BA1RDFLSD
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Diff & Driveline Limited Slip Differential FCA OEM 2018/03/15 @ 9000 mi. |
A limited slip differential is key to being able to launch and push out of turns with power. Without it, the tire with the least traction gets the most power, and you're losing time. Aftermarket options are just now becoming available, but since we aren't on slicks or making serious power yet, an extreme solution would create street drivability issues and at unnecessary cost. Instead, we swapped in a complete OE LSD diff from the Abarth trim. Starts from a stop, especially around turns, are much improved, and the throttle is now far more effective at helping to point the car in the right direction exiting high speed corners! We topped it off with Mopar 75W85 synthetic GL5 for LSD. | ||||||||||||||
NMAWT40826
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Interior WeatherTech Trunk Liner & gutted trunk 2018/02/20 @ 8500 mi. |
As race season gets closer, we took a look at where to start for an afforable first mod of the year. To maximize trunk space and shed a little weight, we stripped the interior out of the trunk, and added a durable WeatherTech trunk liner. The liner lifts out easily and keeps the stuff from the trunk organized during a race day, and removing the fabric liner exposes more precious space for putting race gear for local events. | ||||||||||||||
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BA1ANTSWHIP
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Body & Frame Short Whip Antenna Deyeme Racing 2017/12/01 @ 8000 mi. |
With winter fast approaching, it's time to start keeping a cover on the car when not in use. Getting the cover on and off is a chore enough, and made worse with the OE 16" whip antenna. To make it easier, we installed an antenna that's almost half the length (9"), but lighter weight and better reception than the billet aluminum "stubby" style ones. | ||||||||||||||
BA1RDM
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Engine & Transmission Rear Differential Mount Deyeme Racing Firm (75A) solid polyurethane 2017/10/24 @ 7000 mi. |
For the last performance mod of the year, we opted to change the weak rear differential mount with our solid "firm" polyurethane version. Our solid mounts may be what we're known best for, so we were eager to get these installed before the end of race season. As expected, wheel hop is down and grip accelerating out of corners is up! | ||||||||||||||
TQSTSFDBOVS
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Engine & Transmission Turbo Blow-Off Valve Torque Solution 2017/09/15 @ 6000 mi. |
In autocross racing, there is a lot of oscillating between gas and brake. Modern turbos often have a recirculating valve, which releases pressure back into the intake stream, right in front of the turbo. This means the next time the gas pedal goes down, pre-heated air goes right back in. To solve this, we installed a TS BOV. Sandwiched bewteen the turbo and diverter valve, it causes the unused boost to be vented to atmo, keeping intake flow going and the intake air cooler. And, it adds that cool turbo sound! | ||||||||||||||
TISUMP1412M
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Engine & Transmission Titanium Oil Plug w/ integral magnet 2017/08/15 @ 5000 mi. |
Time for Lil Mamba's first oil change! Good oil and a good filter are paramount in keeping an engine running its best, but even the best filter misses some metal particles. We installed a titanium oil plug to shave a few grams and add a little extra insurance with its integrated magnet. Cross-drilled holes in the hex allow for safety wire installation, too, for the added security of knowing it can't come loose on its own. | ||||||||||||||
CUS429311A24
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Suspension & Steering Front Sway Bar Cusco 24mm hollow 2017/08/01 @ 4500 mi. |
After getting a race behind us with just the rear bar and being happy with the results, the front was also installed. Cornering is improveed even more over stock, and because the front and rear bars are a designed match, the car's handling balance is back, too. Installation was much more tedious, requiring lowering the front subframe to swap out the bars. The result so far seems well worth it. We're far from done with the suspension, but this puts us well on the way to a competitive track car, while maintaining streetable manners for now. | ||||||||||||||
CUS429311B14
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Suspension & Steering Rear Sway Bar Cusco 14mm solid 2017/07/15 @ 4000 mi. |
We decided to take a chance on a brand we don't have much experience with, and picked up Cusco's front and rear sway bars. The rear bar got installed first, since it was a simpler install, and more easily reversed if testing showed no advantage. Despite Japanese instructions and heavy, but thin-footprint bushing brackets, installation went well and the bar actually performed quite a bit better than the stock bar of the same diameter. A combination of improved geometry, better steel, and thinner, stiffer bushings make for flatter cornering and improved control. | ||||||||||||||
ENK37967049, LugNutC1215
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Wheel & Tire Enkei 16x7 Wheels Bridgestone Potenza RE040 215/45R16 Tires Bimecc 19mm Hex Chrome Lug Nuts 2017/07/15 @ 3000 mi. |
This wheel and tire combination serves as summer street and track for 2017. When we get slicks in 2018, they will have more street duty and only be used for racing in wet or cooler conditions where slicks wouldn't be advantageous. This setup is considerably lighter than the OE 16" wheels and tires, which were also thinner in both wheel and tire width. Those wheels will get some good winter tires for cool weather street use. While these 16x7 wheels and 215mm wide tires are fairly conservative, handling is much improved. | ||||||||||||||
BA1EMJACK
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Wheel & Tire Jack & Tool Kit Deyeme Racing 2017/07/01 @ 2500 mi. |
FCA may have left the jack and tools out of the 124, but there are parts that can fill the gap left by this oversight. Using OE Mazda parts for the jack and tools, along with a stainless steel screw and rosette handle, we can now get a tire off the ground should the need arise while the car is being driven on the street. | ||||||||||||||
BA1FBRAKVENT
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Brakes & Wheel Hub Front Brake Vents Deyeme Racing 2017/06/15 @ 2000 mi. |
High-end performance cars vent air to the front brakes to reduce brake fade and reduce the need for bigger brakes. Since Mamba was purchased without fog lamps, we used the OE fog bezels, special flex duct, and 3" vents to get cool air directly to the wheel well. Real-time testing confirmed that cool-down to ambient after hard braking is much faster with fresh air getting into the wheel well. This will keep the brakes performing the same fromt the first turn to the last on the track, prolong brake life on the street, and eliminate the need for a "big brake kit", which will allow us to run smaller, lighter wheels with slicks. | ||||||||||||||
BA1HOODLFTX
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Body & Frame Hood Spring Kit, Executive Deyeme Racing SS Springs, Aluminum Brackets 2017/06/01 @ 1500 mi. |
The "sister" mod to the trunk spring kit, our hood springs eliminate the prop rod and only add in slightly more weight than is removed with the rod. The swapped mass is closer to the center of the vehicle and off the nose, and the big advantage is that it's now much easier to work in the engine bay without the prop rod getting in the way. | ||||||||||||||
BA1TRNKLFTX
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Body & Frame Trunk Spring Kit, Executive Deyeme Racing Brushed Stainless Springs 2017/05/15 @ 1000 mi. |
To shed a few grams, add a little bling, and replace things that get rusty with things that don't, we replaced the original equipment trunk springs with a pair of stainless steel springs and end links. The stainless construction looks great and will for a long time, and the springs are heavy duty but smaller diameter than stock, so they save weight and add durability. | ||||||||||||||
BA1TAGBKT4
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Body & Frame License Plate Bracket Deyeme Racing brushed aluminum w/ anodized button-head screws 2017/05/01 @ 500 mi. |
To keep the front-end looking as designed, keep the license plate affecting aerodynamics as little as possible, and keep weight addition to a minimum, we installed our sub-height tag bracket. Aluminum bracket and fastenrs are light weight and won't rust. Matching screws are installed for the rear plate, too! | ||||||||||||||