Nissan S15 — Mitch Gibbs (Pro-Sport)
Arguably one of the most serious cars in the ProSport field, Mitch’s S15 uses TDP everything up front, with some Parts Shop Max pieces down the back. Switching over from a Cefiro running Parts Shop Max units, he has noticed a lot more lock in the new chassis, especially with the TDP equivalents.
“There’s so much more adjustment and it’s simpler to set up. TDP supply a whole guide of what they recommend for what you’re trying to achieve, and it’s also better at self-centring, with more Ackermann adjustment.”
With a recommendation of starting at 10mm Ackermann and finding what suits, Mitch’s testing has led to the current set-up with 6mm of Ackermann.
Following a big hit in Dunedin, in which the Fortune Auto front coilovers were damaged, BC Reds have been installed as placeholders while new Fortune Auto units are on their way. The original Fortune Auto rears remain in place, but have been raised slightly. Mitch raised the rear to help get it on the trailer, but discovered that it actually helped generate a bit of grip on the [class maximum] 235 tyres — helpful when you’re pumping out 521kW (700hp).
The rear has been softened as much as possible, running 6kg springs and no sway bar. The rear traction arms have been pulled right forward for more forward bite, and there is a lot of positive camber dialled in to compensate for power load — when it’s tipped in and power is put down, the rear returns to square. Although there is nothing specific he would like to change in terms of components, he would like to jump to Pro to run a bigger tyre in pursuit of more grip.