Back from Florida

["Storhok, Eric (E.M.)" <estorhok@domain.elided>]

First, the results- I don't know where we finished overall, but not in the top 10...  We did finish 8th in the Concour, thanks to hard work from Ines.

But we had a great time at the GRM $2002 challenge, even if it rained both days in sunny Florida.  Before I get too far, I'll thank my team: Ines Storhok, Matt Gerhart, Jeff Koncsol, Ed Argalis, Charles Hailey (all went to Florida), and Nathan Fogg.   Then the support team: Tim Lentz (thanks for showing up at the event!!!), Brian Shorey, and Russ Neeley.  Jim Steck gets special mention, as he really helped technically on the conversion to the turbo.  Next up- parts donators- Rob Perry at International, Alfa Bill, Joe Cantrell, Diane Flynn....  We could have bought the parts, but its nice to have people so interested in making this work.

If you didn't know, the Grassroots Motorsports $2002 challenge was a competition to build a car for less than $2002, and compete in a drag race, autocross, and concours.  Starting with the drag race- it was canceled due to rain, rescheduled for no points on Sunday.  No idea where we would have finished here- the car was barely developed, and we were limiting to 7psi of boost.  After a late Thursday trial, we planned on dialing the boost up a little during the event, but in the end, it was a mute point.  So, we went to Kennedy Space Center instead....

On a VERY wet Saturday, they held both the concours and the autocross.  Finishing 8th was kind of disappointing, unless you consider- 1) everyone in front of us had a completely detailed engine compartment, and 2) we finished ahead of last year's concours champion.  We know what to do for next year!  Engine compartment gets a new paint job, and we do more fabricating to make it look cool.

While trying to drive out of the judging, no start...  so after an hour of work changing the plugs, we finally get in the autocross line, and its time for a lunch break.  Oh well.  My first 3 runs were ok, I managed to go from 41.5 or so to 38 even, which I was happy with since it was wet, and it was also the first time we raced the car.  After some mix up, I got back in line, for what turned out to be my last run, and I don't think it was counted, as I never found the time.  I don't know how good it really was, but it felt fast (from previous autocrossing, this may mean that it was slow...).  FTD was a 36.3, and top ten was in the mid 37's.  Scores have not been posted, yet.

But, we have decided to go next year as well!  We have a summer to tune, go to the drag strip, autocross, and just beat the living daylights out of the car to make it better.  Our hope is to reach 15-18 psi of boost, and get the handling down to close to my GTV.  And make it look even better.

So, if you want to "help" we would like to find a parts car.  Any Spider, most years, any condition.  All rust is ok, but I want spare drivetrain parts- if you know of one, please contact me, especially if its in the Michigan, Ohio, or Indiana areas.  Cheap is important.

Thanks for your support, having the digest is a wonderful thing!!!

Eric Storhok
Core Emissions and Fuel Economy Team
Advanced Powertrain Engineering
(313)33x75011
MD 35, FPC-B
Ford Motor Company

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