Courtshark

9/19 update - harnesses installed. After much research about how to do this (there are a remarkable number of different "standards") I ended up a) using the factory seat belt mount for one lap belt, and b) drilling holes in the tunnel for the other lap belt. The tunnel hole bolts are reinforced under the car with 4" steel plates and huge fender washers. Same goes for the substrap. Drilling the holes for those was exciting and you have no choice but to get close to the fuel lines on the passenger side, and the brake lines on the drivers side (less tight on the drivers side).

In any event, they're all in and as tightened down as humanly possible.

I also picked up a 928 MS ultimate sway bar today (GT3 model). This kit comes with drop links, which I already have. I'll be selling those if anyone wants them.

Lastly, PFC 08s should go in, likely the same day as the sway bar. Just about all set for both Frenzy and the Glen.

Hai gebissen

Looks nice. Now you should remove your entire stereo system and save another 50 pounds...I can store it in my 928 for you

Courtshark

10/2 update

Installed Carl's GT3 sway bar (lowest stiffness of the bars he offers). I already had the drop links that came with this "ultimate sway bar kit" so if anyone is interested in those please let me know. I'll give you a deal. Also will be selling the stock S4 sway bar.

Install was pretty easy though Carl's instructions were not 100% clear. Shocker! Where the drop link attaches to the body the pics in the instructions appear to show only 1, but later 2 (one on either side of the link) of the thick washers that come with the kit. I used 2 and I think it looks right. Otherwise it was basically bolt-on for me given that I already have the mini starter. Took about 5 hours with a few breaks and tweaks/reinstalls. Drilling through the lower control arm for the new drop link mounts was the hardest part.

I'd say this is a good but not great handling improvement to the car. It's stiffer, but my car was already pretty stiff. I think I'll end up with a bigger bar before too long. I did notice an improvement, and didn't really get to give it an honest test. Next week at the Glen should be revealing.

I also installed PFC 08 brake pads on all four corners. All I can say is wow. Oh, and SQUEAAAAAAAAAK. Man these things squeak in traffic (of course, hit bumper to bumper traffic on the ride home). But they do stop like the "hand of God" as I think Ken Rudd said. Amazing braking grip. Highly recommended as a track pad. Hoping the squealing abates.

Courtshark

I should add that I'm swapping out the Forza seats for Corbeau LG1s. They recline, sit higher, and are much easier to get in and out of. I installed the drivers seat over the weekend and I'm doing the passenger side tomorrow. Plenty of free time these days, being an unemployed G man.

I also replaced the drivers door stop. Life changing!

fbarnhill

Sounds awesome. I totally agree on the seats. LOL. Will the new ones accommodate my 40+ rear Was great meeting you at frenzy and I just hate I didn't get a chance to meet your brother. I tell you man, you have an awesome brother. It looks like you guys have a great relationship and enjoy working together.

Courtshark

Frank, these will definitely be accommodating at next year's Feenzy. And yes I have caused a lot of brother envy here. He's handy, and handy. I'm very fortunate. Other than being a federal employee at the moment.

Courtshark

10/3 update: Day 2 of my furlough. Installed sub strap hole and adapter in both Corbeau LG1 seats, reinstalled seats, adjusted harnesses (easier said than done for the sub straps), tested seat positions with helmet on (LG1s sit too high at my preferred recline angle and my helmet hits the headliner).

Installing the sub strap hole wasn't all that bad. Using my Forzas for reference as to the ideal spot for the crotch hole location, I eventually sucked it up and took a razor to the pretty suede seats. Once I did that, it was on. It carefully sliced through the foam, all the while trying not to cut out any foam. I wanted to retain as much foam as possible, and cut the smallest hole possible in the suede. Eventually the adapter slid in from either side and it's super tight. Very happy with this effort.

Also installed Jim Doerr's quick release fire extinguisher but attached to my roll bar. Also easier said than done. Ended up customizing things a bit, using a metal bracket I happened to have with two new screws and an exhaust bracket/strap I had to go buy. Both brackets required a little customizing, too, to be able to turn the nuts and to let the bracket sit flush against the bar. But it's very secure. Jim should be pleased. Maybe?

Also got hosed on a deal with another rennlister, and labelled a "dirtbag." Feels nice. But that's his problem. Not going to name names. I'm dirt, but not ****. Shinola maybe.

Courtshark

More pics. Seat pre-hole

Courtshark

Seats post hole

Courtshark

Jim's fire extinguisher mount

Courtshark

Bracket used.

Hai gebissen

Very nice job on the seats.

Jadz928

Holy moly! 3/8" bolts...... that'll do it. Make my QR's hardware look teenie-tiny.

Nice seats! So will the headliner be coming out... or neck reduction surgery?

Courtshark

I can get used to a bit of a gangsta lean. They're actually reclined to about where I had my stock seats. Just not nearly as upright as the Forzas. Not as "up on the wheel" as I normally am when I drive at high speed on tracks.

I will likely end up modifying the headliner. Or changing seats. Maybe going back to a true racing seat. Helmet clearance has long been an issue with racing 928s. Especially sunroof models.

Courtshark

So much for trailering to the track... Went to load the car and discovered that my 10" rears, with their particular offset, are too wide by 1/2" for my trailer. Argh. I know a 928 fits since my brother's was on this trailer when I bought it. But his was sporting manholes at the time. So, fortunately my dad was already planning to join me on this voyage. He drove the SUV full of gear while I drove the Kraken. Of course, it would have to be near record heat on the east coast today, and me with no AC and psycho loud brakes. That was a tough ride. But we made it in one piece. Check in is tomorrow evening so we'll be finding something fun to do tomorrow during the day.