Option — Shōwa Car Tuning & Buyers Guide (2000 Edition)
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About this issue
180 available scans from Option — Shōwa Car Tuning & Buyers Guide (2000 Edition), in right-to-left reading order. Japanese OCR and English translation drafts are available throughout. Drafts have not received exhaustive image proofreading; unreadable source remains recorded in the archival data.
Page 107 — English draft translation
After five FCs, Ono is still pursuing his ideal quarter-mile car. Its defining feature is extreme weight reduction, led by homemade FRP doors. A stock door weighs about 30 kg, while his weighs only 4 kg; both doors save about 50 kg. To avoid uneven weight distribution, he always carries a passenger during a quarter-mile run. He even keeps glass only in the rear window to improve traction. This is a carefully considered philosophy of using the right material in the right place...
Captions and page details
...and it shows.
...made from FRP...
An ultra-lightweight work...
The broad fender lines catch your eye, but the real secret is in the doors. His homemade FRP units dramatically reduce weight.
...with outstanding power-to-weight...
...quarter-mile machine.
Ono's quarter-mile FC3S
Ono is committed to quarter-mile competition. He finds fast opponents and sharpens his driving skills through battle. His dedication to weight reduction is remarkable.
A homemade door weighs only 4 kg compared with roughly 30 kg for stock. The pair saves about 50 kg—a truly personal solution.
The engine pulls without letup to 8,000 rpm. With a side-port setup and twin TD06-17 turbos, it makes an impressive 470 PS at 1.0 kg/cm² boost.
FC3S trouble buster!
A weak point: troubleshooting and tuning
If the idle is rough, suspect the throttle-position sensor first. A failed throttle sensor is a common FC problem that causes poor idle. If the revs fluctuate or the engine responds poorly when starting, check it first; it is a frequent culprit. Check-clamp parts are also sold, so keep one on hand...
The sensor is above the air cleaner shown in the photo.
If vibration concerns you, check the engine mounts.
If high-rpm power falls off, suspect the airflow meter. A failing airflow meter is a characteristic FC problem. At high rpm, a worn internal spring may prevent accurate measurement of intake air. Replacement is the only fix. If it struggles to rev around 4,500 rpm, it is worth checking.
...without strain.
It should rev freely to high rpm...
Rotary engines put heavy loads on their mounts. If the engine rocks excessively with throttle input, inspect the mounts. Replacing them may also help if high-rpm shifts are difficult.
It is better to cancel the rear toe-control system.
The four-wheel-steering system used by the FC...
This old mechanism uses bushing deflection to change toe. Despite its promise of stability, near the limit the bushing can collapse and trigger unsettling behavior. If you want direct steering feel, install a canceler right away.
...there is also one.
A double-pulley setup also affects muffler choice.
A collector tank can affect how the car drives; from an OPT perspective, it may be better not to use one unless needed.
If fuel surge through corners is a concern, install a collector tank.
Two alternator belts...
A roll cage is essential for body rigidity.
A double pulley uses two alternator belts and greatly improves reliability at high rpm. It works with a sports muffler without a catalytic converter, but on a road-legal muffler it may overheat the catalyst depending on conditions. Choose compatible parts carefully.
...use every last drop of gasoline...
A collector tank lets you use nearly every last drop of fuel. Even under cornering G-forces, fuel starvation is avoided, which is kinder to the engine. A rotary is delicate and can be damaged if fuel delivery falters.
Because of the large opening of the rear hatch...
Rear body rigidity can gradually decline. If the chassis feels tired from drifting, a roll cage can restore a crisp, connected feel.
Direct...
Option
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