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So I spent last weekend doing a track day with the new "Race" version of the GMS Rear A-Arms. It was a mixed weekend, but did have some good runs and was able to test out the the most recent modifications. In addition to the GMS A-Arms, I was working with a new set of tires and rims. The tires were Falken Azenis RT615K+ with 215/45R17 and 265/35R18 on Advan rims.
As I have noted before, the GMS A-Arms are extremely well made with top notch welds. They are fairly easily installed and now that GMS offers two different versions you can get the stiffer "Race" version that requires a small modification to the undertray, or the "Sport" version that is slightly less stiff but doesn't require modification of the undertray.
So how were they on track? Well, simply marvelous. Previously, I had the Uniballs which I have noted is simply THE single biggest upgrade to handling and feel that you can do for the 4C. When I installed the Uniballs I could instantly tell on the first corner and confidence level increased substantially. When you lean on the back end, it just feels "solid" and no more mushy feeling. The new GMS A-Arms provide that same level of feeling and confidence without the sloppy manufacturing of Alfa Romeo. We had some challenge when installing the original Uniballs since the tolerances of the OEM A-Arms are poor. You won't have this issue with the GMS A-Arms, solid, stiff, no vibration, and top notch build quality. Sliding around the corners with the wider rear tires produced no noticeable flex or bad feeling with the A-Arms. You just lean on them and go.
So which version should I get? Well, I think it is a fairly simple choice...
1) Fast Street or Canyon Runs - Get the Standard Uniballs. I don't see a need for the "Sport" version of the A-Arms, unless you have issue with your A-Arm build quality or want a complete DIY solution.
2) Occasional Track days with standard width DOT Semi-Slicks (even with increased power) - For improved long-term durability and reliability, I'd recommend the "Sport" version.
3) Serious Track User with increased width rears, increased power, and/or Slicks - I'd recommend the "Race" version.
What you will notice from my recommendations, it has very little to do with a performance advantage once you go past the UniBalls, but much more to do with build quality, reliability, and stiffness at the very limits. The reason I kept the "Race" version is because I have increased width rear tires and do my very best to push the limits as much as possible. In the future, I do plan on running Slicks so it made sense to keep the "Race" version and modify the pan.
As I have noted before, the GMS A-Arms are extremely well made with top notch welds. They are fairly easily installed and now that GMS offers two different versions you can get the stiffer "Race" version that requires a small modification to the undertray, or the "Sport" version that is slightly less stiff but doesn't require modification of the undertray.
So how were they on track? Well, simply marvelous. Previously, I had the Uniballs which I have noted is simply THE single biggest upgrade to handling and feel that you can do for the 4C. When I installed the Uniballs I could instantly tell on the first corner and confidence level increased substantially. When you lean on the back end, it just feels "solid" and no more mushy feeling. The new GMS A-Arms provide that same level of feeling and confidence without the sloppy manufacturing of Alfa Romeo. We had some challenge when installing the original Uniballs since the tolerances of the OEM A-Arms are poor. You won't have this issue with the GMS A-Arms, solid, stiff, no vibration, and top notch build quality. Sliding around the corners with the wider rear tires produced no noticeable flex or bad feeling with the A-Arms. You just lean on them and go.
So which version should I get? Well, I think it is a fairly simple choice...
1) Fast Street or Canyon Runs - Get the Standard Uniballs. I don't see a need for the "Sport" version of the A-Arms, unless you have issue with your A-Arm build quality or want a complete DIY solution.
2) Occasional Track days with standard width DOT Semi-Slicks (even with increased power) - For improved long-term durability and reliability, I'd recommend the "Sport" version.
3) Serious Track User with increased width rears, increased power, and/or Slicks - I'd recommend the "Race" version.
What you will notice from my recommendations, it has very little to do with a performance advantage once you go past the UniBalls, but much more to do with build quality, reliability, and stiffness at the very limits. The reason I kept the "Race" version is because I have increased width rear tires and do my very best to push the limits as much as possible. In the future, I do plan on running Slicks so it made sense to keep the "Race" version and modify the pan.
