rushy_23 - 1998 EK9 Racebase


rushy_23

Member
Joined
Aug 24, 2009
Messages
123
Hi there,

Have been a member of this forum for a long time but not owned an EK9 until December just gone. I purchased a 1998 Racebase model from Matt whom has a thread of this car on here. I believe it was imported by Dunx some time ago now.

Before I unveil all, a quick run through of my rather bland car history.

My first car was a completely standard 2000 Saxo VTR. Not quite sure what led to me buying one, I remember loving the look of them and the pace (the VTS (16v) was a little too expensive insurance wise for my first car. A few modifications during ownership and it was rather chav'ed up looking back...

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After the Saxo was eventually written off, I then started to look out for a Saxo VTS as a replacement. Had no luck finding one, but managed to spot an extremely low mileage / standard 2002 106 GTi.
I quickly became addicted to the thrills of the track, so the modifications once again began, completely transforming the car:

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The car was eventually sold as my "stint" working overseas became a full time relocation. Im afraid to say the GTi was passed from owner to owner eventually being also written off. I saw the pictures on FB, upsetting to see after the many hours of hands on work and cash pumped into it.

On my return from the UK me and my missus both needed cars as we sold up pretty much everything we owned whilst away. Naturally she had the more respectful of cars whilst I ended up with a 1991 106 1.1 with only 17000 on the clock:

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Not the most flattering picture, but its one hell of a car. Nice to drive, comfy and never has let me down. Sweet as a nut considering its age.

And finally, the EK9:

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Its an interesting car to say the least. 99% standard, in fantastic condition considering the number on KM's on it. The best way to describe the car is its like a heavier version of what my 106 GTi "after" the various modifications it went through.

The 9 feels balanced, responsive and aggresive. The much high revving nature of the b16b will take some getting used to, I often feel bad having the engine up at so high revs but thats what it was built for right?

My plans always were to keep the car ascetically standard, but focus on making the car as light as possible.

The only "visual" modification would be a new set of wheels to replace steelies. I managed to get my hands on a set of Spoon SW388's. Still trying to decide if I should go 195/55/15 or 195/50/15 when I buy a set of RE002's. Because I dont want to change the suspension, or at least dont want to change it much from standard, I am thinking the 195/55/15's will be best (thanks to everyone on their advice so far).

Let me know what you think! And sorry for the long post. I love cars, could talk about them all day long.

Rush
 
Wow! Gorgeous race spec, rare to see them still in their factory form.
Do yours justice and take it o the track too! :)
 
Such a nice car. Always liked it, even with the steels on it looks cool.

Have you considered spoon springs and 195 50's? The spoon springs only lower ever so slightly
 
that little 106 will always be one of my favourites - always loved it!
I've always said the 9 felt like a side step to my saxo, like a better made version.
I run 195/50 re002s on my 9 daily and absolutely love them, last forever even with 390hp :)
 
After the Saxo was eventually written off

This line made me chuckle, sounds like you were trying to write it off! :D

That 106 looks mean, always fancied one, never owned one.

Racebase looks clean! Nice to see one so original! :)
 
Decent purchase, this will look properly good on a set SW388s. I'd personally go with 195/55 as 195/50 tends to look a bit lost on OEM(ish) suspension.
 
Thank you all, the EK9 will predominantly be used on the track.

In regards to suspension and sidewall widths, I'm being extremely cautious,researching purchases before I hand over any cash.
In regards to the Spoon springs, I'd be interested to know how they alter the car, the slight drop sounds perfect but I'd be interested to see how they work with stock dampers.
Ive been reading a lot in the suspension section to find out what may suit my requirements. It is looking though that the suspension will be tweaked down the line from standard, just want to be sure what option I choose doesnt make any less good than it is now.

As much as I love the 9, that 106 will always be up there. Such a special car, and so many trick modifications not obvious to the untrained eye. My fav would be extreme removal of the sunroof, ended up having a complete reskin done, the mirror paint finish on the inner skin looked amazing from the cabin when you looked up. Hard to find a tiny 106 GTi or Rallye now, but I suspect I will go back to one at some point. Maybe as an upgrade from my current daily driver (the (faded) red bullet).

Im hearing great things about the RE002's look forward to ordering them shortly.

Lol my bad, what I was trying to imply in regards to my Saxo smash was; its so common for young males to end up smashing their first car. My crash was a little unlucky, hit some ice and brakes locked up, but still put it down to inexperience. :s

I a little hesitant in regards to fitting the wheels just yet, as sometimes a single modification on a standard car can look rubbish. So may hold off fitting them for now until I decide what to do with suspension.

Again thanks guys, than plan for now will be to get the car fully checked over and book a bit of track time to see how the car really feels. Regardless I plan to fit:

Baffled sump
Oil cooler
Oil catch tank

Stay tuned!
 
Spoon springs are specifically designed for use with either OEM or Spoon dampers. With either damper, you're assured of a well matched damper/spring relationship.
 
what size are the tyres on the steels?. I really think it looks great as it is. The spoons wheels and springs would be a nice touch though
 
Standard size 195/55/15. Personally don't think they look too off roadish.

I hear the spoon springs are progressive? Reading the suspension guide progressive springs tend to lead to unpredictable cornering characteristics?
From past experience on my GTi I didn't spot any issues.
 
After a lot of research, decided to stick to the standard suspension. Ordered the RE002's in 195/50/15's, they are to go onto the SW338's soon enough.

Will get some snaps once all done. Then look at booking some tracktime.
 
Minor update guys.

As mentioned I invested in some Spoon forged wheels, I did a lot of research into the right wheel nuts for the wheels. Because the car will be primarily tracked, I was put of by these lightweight wheel nuts. Ended up going for a steel nut but with a more modern design:


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Bridgestone RE002 tyres also arrived, went for a lower profile based on other EK9 owner advice, apparently more stable and less "wobble" under pressure:

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I have a feeling with the stock EK9 suspension its going to sit horribly. But end of the day I feel the stock suspension is perfect for now so nothing will be changed.
Function over form its definitely more of a factor with this car.
 
and what a great fun car it seems to be. nice one!
 
Thank you, cant wait to try it on on the track. I feel it will be a lot more challenging to keep it in the ideal rev range over my old 106.

One thing that slightly worries me about the wheel nuts and the rims, the nuts are tapered at 60 degrees. I was advised to use these for the SW388's. However they dont seem to sit "perfectly" in the wheel bolt recesses in the wheel. Is this normal, am I just being overly fussy.
Hope I havent got the wrong info, and I should have got 45 degree tapers...
 
Sorry for the lack of updates guys. The wheels are on. What a transformation. Steering is so much lighter, car feels much better, previously the wheels pulled white a lot left and right. Nothing like that now, maybe they weren't balanced. Not sure..

What do you think?

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I'm happy with the way it sits on the standard suspension. Also the fact I have 50 profile tyres, doesn't look too 4x4-ish.
 
Thank you Pete.

Next on the list is to get a full service and the gearbox oil changed. Then get a sneaky trackday booked before the weather turns for the worst.

Improvements I will decide upon after that outing. Main focus though is to make it as light as possible without removing all the interior. Any suggestions are welcome. Carbon Fibre panels have been considered, need to make sure the cost vs weight reduced is worth the investment. As sensible target I say is 900kg, I'd be realistic and happy with that.
 
Hey Rushy,

Remember the days of being on Sax-p and seeing your 106. I was sim69er on there haha.

For removing weight you can go for a light weight battery, Carbon bonnet and boot however I didn't notice much difference with my bonnet over OEM

You could remove the glass and go for Perspex, however given that you don't want to strip the interior I take it you don't want to go too mad??

Remove the wing mirrors and fit some spoon style ones?
Lighter exhaust if it still has the OEM B Pipe and Manifold?

Before the track day what brake pads do you have?

If your planning on tracking it regular fit a baffled sump or get the weld in plates. If its a stock sump and you don't have time before the track day make sure the oil is topped right up. I would even suggest a slight overfill.
 
Love the gti, Had a white one myself and several sundance yellow ones

Look forward to the updates on the 9, See the wheel purchase has already been done, excellent choice :)
 
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