Nice times for a completely stock car!

My recipe for tracking on a budget (on a stockish car):
Whiteline bushings (as many as you can get!)
Whiteline 26mm rear sway on full stiff
Front camber set at -2, rear at -1.2
Swift Springs
Panel filter + decatted ehxaust
Uprated pads (Ferodo DS2500s are OK - not too grabby, decent heat resilience)
stainless steel brake lines
Motul RBF600 brake fluid
Keep the tire pressures under control - just need to make sure to adjust the hot temp on the fronts down so they're even with, or slightly less than, the rear.

Really though, the biggest and most effective changes for me when stock were brake pads + fluid (stock brakes aren't so good on track) and a good alignment - plus watching the tire pressures. You can start to really feel the car start to come alive with just those very simple changes. After that, mod-itis sets in

When you have more cash - brake ducting, wider wheels & tires, coilovers, 2 piece rotors etc. (9 inch wide wheels and 255 width tires should be no problem to fit) etc etc etc.

 

not sure what the availability of US DOT approved race tires are but a set of Toyo R888 or Nitto NT01 tires will make your experience better than all of the other proposed mods combined.

close 2nd would be better brake pads (raybestoes ST43 is my personal preference) and ducting (ams or forge).

tie for 2nd is that alignment, I was not able to get -2 all around on my USDM 03 EVO, got -1.8 f -1 r 0 toe on my stock suspension

3rd would be that front diff, I personally bought an 03 JDM LSD from an RS, without case, try to find these used, brand new is way too expensive and you might as well get a Quaife or cusco.

BTW nice pics, the zoom and pan'd pic is really nicely done.

best,
-heeltoer

 

looking good.!

 

My car has done about 10 k. track miles with minimal mods. Alignement spec is the same as you have planned, track wheels are 9x17 Wedsport (only 8,4 kg), 255/40-17 R888, steel braided brake lines and Performance Friction 2 piece front rotors. On tighter tracks, outside of the tyres do wear quickly as there is not enough camber, but on faster tracks like Nurburgring, it's not a problem - I did 200 laps there this summer.

I advise to invest into 2 piece brake rotors, because I haven't managed to find 1 piece rotors, which last more than 500 miles on the track and once I managed to destroy standard brembo rotors in only one day. Set of 2 piece rotors have lasted for 2 k. track miles and they still look as good as new. Best mod that far.

I don't like Ferodo pads, 2500 don't stand the heat, 3000 performs very well, but wears too quickly. My favourite pad is Performance Friction 01, wear is better than Ferodo and works well under heavy braking. Negative side is, that they don't suit for street driving. Not a problem for me, as I don't drive much on the street.

I was in Chile few years ago, didn't know you have racetrack there - would liked to take a look.

 

Definitely good rotor choice
I love mine. I would suggest sticking to 1 brake pad compound, will save a lot of life for the rotors

 

No i loved Chile, it's very beautiful. I lived in the south, Patagonia, from Osorno to Coyhaique. Very cold in the winter.