I absolutely agree that it is near entry-level when it comes to true "performance vehicles" (especially in regards to drag racing) but it is a great car to have; a reliable daily commuter, even in inclement weather, with some pep for fun on the weekends (which is how many of us are using our cars). Not to mention, price point is a large factor for many of us purchasing the Ralliart. Sure, we could go buy used Corollas, Galants, etc. for daily use and also build a fox body Mustang or LT/LS F-body for drag racing for about the same overall cost, but many of us don't have the room for 2 cars, and some people just like having a nicer dual-purpose vehicle that may not be the best, but still puts a smile on our faces and may surprise a few unsuspecting gearheads along the way.

As far as your S-Sport comment, though, I have to disagree. While it most certainly offers improved performance, response, and character for road and autox courses, I don't feel that it is necessary in a drag race until you are going with a much larger turbo and much higher power levels. Again, my efforts speak for themselves. No, I am not the fastest Ralliart around, but I haven't even begun to push the limits of the SST, and honestly have yet to even max out the stock turbocharger at this point.

Like Rahtid said, this car and it's stock turbo are excellent contenders for 1/8 mile drag racing, the issue comes up top where it sort of peters out. There are plenty of times during 1/4 mile drag races where I surprise much faster cars off the line, only to have them catch up shortly after the halfway mark and zoom on by. I'm constantly reminded that if I only had the power to keep up my original pace off the line, I'd be a force to reckon' with; but then on the drive home, I'm reminded that my underperforming sports car also averages nearly 25mpg per tank, and I can certainly live with that compromise

 

very well said. Maybe some nitrous for when the turbo runs out of breath would work nicely?

 

Would the RAD Lite upgrade help to solve this problem with the fading of power at the top end? I'm thinking about doing the RAD upgrade for that very reason if it will help.

 

yes, but it may be just enough to get you on the slippery slope of "need more power" ...

 

Personally never have been, nor do I expect I will ever be a fan of NO. From what I have seen on street cars (unless specifically/purposely built to handle nitrous) it tends to do far more damage than it helps. To build a car suitable to safely run decent amounts of spray on a regular basis, you'd usually be better off (financially) just doing a turbo swap and/or e85 conversion.

So much of this. I am actually very happy with what I have done with the stock turbo so far and I have always said that I am still not done with it. Eventually the RAD will likely be my final upgrade because I really don't expect to ever want or need any more out of this car because it IS my daily driver. For others, this is not the case, and the desire for more may soon take hold. I just feel like if I ever need to go faster, I will spend more wisely and choose a stronger starting platform with less expensive means to go fast.

 

I have upgraded to fp red and power on the top end is great,i can keep up with a carrera gt and z06 at 145 mph, but i miss the low end of the stock turbo,when in rush hour traffic

 

Open Test and Tune days are always like this, 3 runs is about what you are gonna get, if you get 4 you are lucky!

 

Is there anyway that limp mode on the tranny can be tuned to not come on?

 

No it can't be, it's a safety feature. If the trans continue to heat up because ur car has no limp mode it can lead to warped clutches. Again fan and temp at 70C and u won't get limp mode.